Driving You Crazy

http://threelogyvideo.com/bday-teaser.mp4

Abet is my Bet campaign launch
Later this Week
Somewhere in San Juan

Kung pagiging makabayan lang din naman ang pag-uusapan
Wala nang hihihigit pa sa kanyang kakayanan
Kung kaya't kahit sa kanyang kaarawan
Kabutihan ng Inang Bansa ang inaasam asam

Simpleng iskuterista ang kanyang tanan
Subalit sabi ng asawa nyang si Benz, pogi din naman
Kayat pag nakita nyo, sya ay angkasan
Hinding hindi ka nya pababayaan!!!

Abet is my Bet! Tagalog o Ingles man, Maligayang Kaarawan :) You're the Man!

Three questions and a Lady ( A Tribute to Mrs. Corazon Aquino )

After our high school graduation, I received an invitation to take up the challenge and become one of the pilot scholars of the Benigno Aquino Foundation.

I was 16, just graduated from High school with nothing than the courage that i get from my daily visit to the blessed sacrament and the will to succeed, I gave it a try. It was an early afternoon in March, I found myself taking the exams with 1,900+ other candidates at the Center for Research and Communication in Ortigas. It was funny as I remembered, during the exams, my mind was filled with the thought that we might be able to meet her - Mrs Corazaon Aquino. Not until the facilitator announced that out of the 2000, just 200 will be asked to come back for an initial interview. Now, that gave a the goosebumps. Miraculously, I made it and after 2 major interviews, 20 of us were called for a final interview ---- and she will be there.

I was the fourth to be called and there she was- in her famous yellow dress and her infallible sweet smile. Soon as I took my seat, she browsed through my portfolio and the ball came rolling. One ambassador got to ask me a question. After which, she asked me three. Three major ones that I will remember for my entire life.

1. "Wow your dad died very young, how did you get by?"
2. "What is your mom doing now?"
3. "What have you been doing to prepare for this final process?"

After I answered the third, she told the rest of the board. " Ok we'll get her. She's good, we'll get her. Don't ask her questions na. We will get her."

The rest of the board sent out their congratulations, and she mentioned to me " You are ok now. I can see that more than that pretty face, that very courageous heart, the intelligence, your secret weapon will make you surpass any challenge. Continue what you have been doing"

I became one of the first 8 Benigno Aquino Foundation scholars. And she remained the most hardworking, gracious, affectionate and prayerful person I have ever encountered.

16 years after, God finally gave her time to rest.

Today, for nine days, I am painting this blog black - in honor of a great person.

As for the secret weapon? It's not just mine to keep. PRAYER - she told me to continue praying. For it is in prayer that we can be nothing yet feel complete after. It is in prayer where we pour our hearts out. Where we find our weaknesses, our joy, our peace.

Ma'am, you're more than a yellow figure to me. Im sure I'm just one of the many people whose lives you have touched and forever I will be grateful. Rest well.

When a DOG gets in the middle

The wedding of Ryan Macam and Carol Quiroga

July 9, 2009 Preps: Makati Shangrila

Church: Santuario De San Antonio

Reception: Blue Leaf, Banyan Pavillon

GOD is so powerful that He definitely can turn things arounds if He desires to. There may be times that He'll use his humor to make things lighter and easier. He can mediate and give an opportunity for an individual called for marriage to find his perfect match.

In the case of Ryan and Carol, He used a DOG ( way of turning things around right?)

They accidentally bumped unto each other in a famous Thai restaurant in Dapitan ( been a very known hangout of Thomasians ). Carol decided to dine in Sr cuisine with her dog Pam. Ryan, who during that time works for Nextel in Espana happened to be in the same place. After buying a pcak of cigar, Ryan got in the restaurant and found a dog. He played with Pam and that's when Carol found him. Might be love at first sight but Ryan was able to make up a story that he also has a dog and he does stud service. Carol that time was looking for one for Pam. They exchanged numbers and the rest was history.

What's so funny about it?

Ryan did not have a dog :). On the first visit to Carol's house, he brought a cake. Next visit, he brought a dog ( which was not even his ).

And funnier? They got together in 2005. But the first kiss happened in 2003.

Ryan was smart and fast huh. But God was even smarter. They both did not realize that God was cooking things up for them. Several years after, without the dog ( since Santuario would not allow dogs to be part of the entourage :) ), they tied the knot.

On to their wedding. Just like any other couple, they prayed hard for a good weather. Ryan even went to Sta Clara to pray for about 20 minutes. His exact prayers were " Please Lord, kahit umulan na lang after ng cocktails". The rain poured hard...... immediately after cocktails :)

Here's a glimpse of that beautiful wedding

The bridal gown and shoes of Carol together with the rest of the bridal entourage ensemble were designed by her very good friend Eddie Badeo. Eddie even took the extra effort to gift Carol the assistance of the famous fashion Director Raymond Villanueva who helped with the aesthetics and ensured that her bridal walk would have the drama that she deserves. Both the arrhae and the cord were choices of the couple. They asked a friend to have them plated and personalised for the wedding.

The bouquets arrived on time as expected and they were beautiful. April and Karen Yu did a great job on them. Here, Carol was able to open up the cover of her bridal bouquet with much surprize. It is always great to remind the brides not to forget breakfast on your wedding day. You may have it serviced to your room instead and take your time until your make up startsSound salad did a great job with the couple's repertoire. Here's a shot of their pianist during the ceremonies at Santuario.

The red jaguar bridal car became a fashion statement during the photoshoot.

When you are with the team of Mangored and Phoeben Teocson on your wedding day, you should be up for a marvelous documentary.

A photo at Mckinley hills. We just learned that day that you will have to secure a permit before having a photoshoot there. We never had one and we had to do it fast.How I wish I could give justice to Kaye Cunanan's set-up. It was simply awesome. The ambiant lighting oif sensistivity was also perfect.This is their huge cake. Simple, geometric and accented with flowers

A message tree made of wrought iron was placed in the cocktail area.A photograph taken by Pose and Print photobooth was the guests souvenir for the eventThe couple having fun on the shoe game :)The married couples had the time of their lives with the Roman Hands russian fingers game.What a better way to end this blog than to show that certain "look of love". No amount of external beauty can even match that certain lingering feeling. And the dog Pam? .... She will always be their first baby.

Here's their same day edit done by Phoeben Teocson. Impeccable. :)

http://phoebenteocson.com/?p=121

Match Made in Heaven

The wedding of Jong and Monique

July 2, 2009
Seawind Resort, Boracay
Jong and Monique are two very good friends from the wedding industry. The moment Jong texted whether we could attend his wedding in Boracay, we never thought twice. This event is just too blessed to be missed.

True enough, God has been very faithful to His promise. After a llllooooonnnnnggg wait, in the island of Boracay one sunny July afternoon, they exchanged their wedding vows.

I remembered asking Jong during the opening of the makeup studio, " What if it rains?" He then answered " It's ok, God will give me the wedding that I deserve. If it rains well then I deserve it" " We do not want a perfect wedding anyway".

But that fine day, perfect could not even be enough to describe it. It was heavenly. :) Their love for God and each other were seen during the details of the entire event. No wonder, He made sure that the couple will cherish the day they finally vowed to continuously make Him the center of their relationship.
Here are some photos taken by David of the said event.

At 430 PM, the sun is still up. Bright and shiny ( the way everyone prayed for) The reception area was still bare as the ceremony is just about to start

The team of Imagenation ( which Jong spearheads ) while preparing for the actual ceremony. The guests didn't mind the heat as they wait for the newlyweds.

This is it for Jong :) He even cracked a joke during his walk but went on teary eyed the momenet his bride walked in. His suit done by Veluz made him the ultimate groom :)

He was then followed by his very cute son. If there is someone else who totally stole the limelight from Jong, it would be this very smart yet cute kid. Very well applauded. His parents must really be proud. :)

Jong and Monique's daughter carried a really dainty flower bag as she walked.

Jayson, one of Imagenation's premier photographers, was one of entourage. He also got married in Boracay 2 days after Jong's.

The lovely prelude dance made praising God a lot more fun.

Monique looked very ethereal in her Cecilio Abad gown. Madge and her team from the make up studio made her natural beauty stand out. I even told David, no one can ever pull off that look better than Monique. More than that, she looked at peace, composed, yet very very happy.

The cameras clicked non-stopped during the bridal walk.

The couple had a very meaningful exchange of vows with Jong saying that he will lead their family to a Christ centered life and Monique promising to be of service to Jong, their family and God.

After the vows, God blessed them with another surprize. Just how many times would you ever see a rainbow on an actual wedding? :) The entourage prepared with the couple for the wedding. The lilac and silver ensemble done by Cecilio Abad was beautifully executed. The whole entourage performed a great dance number in the reception program which opened up the party.

It's also great to see familiar faces. Former clients Anna and Jem, with their first son. :) They happen to be part of Monique's D group.

This is what makes Boracay weddings unique. Kids can still be kids. In suit or in gowns.

Now this, is simply beautiful.

Some shots with Veluz, Cecilio Abad and the other Cecilio Angels, Christine and Jesy. He did our dresses for the said event.

Wedding suppliers group. I was totally drowned with the crowd. Andami namin. :) So happy to become guests- it seldom happens believe me.

This is how the reception looked at night

Even the buffet stations were beautifully arranged

And this.... is the wedding cake with worth. The topper signifies Jong and Monique's love of God and each other.

Beyond the miles... Over the Years

The Wedding of Bojie Yamson and Leah Javalla
June 20, 2009

Preps : Astoria Plaza
Church :Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Reception : Oasis Manila


It was heartfelt, personalized and fun. To wait for almost 14 years and get something like this is definitely a dream come true for Bojie and Leah.

Several days before the event, everyone witnessed a stormy Metro Manila. Two trays of egg, an ardent prayer and a strong belief led them to Sta Clara a day before the actual wedding. Come June 20, they got something more than sunshine. :)

I will always remember the great love that made them survive several years of being away from each other. Both having a career in different countries, they only took hold of a certain commitment which started out during their teenage years. Then Leah took the leap to be with Bojie in Singapore and embraced her felicity. A big thanks to their very supportive parents, the puppy love ended at the altar.

Here are some photos taken by David on the actual event.

Some wedding items were prepared morning of the wedding while waiting for the main photographers.

The identical rings were a gift from their parents done by Goldenhills.

A personalized rosary cord made of crystals was done by Dugtong.

The bride wore a masterpiece by Jun Pimentel

Teddy Manuel created the bouquets. He usually gives the bouquet to the bride and all of a sudden,everything became more radiant.

Peonies, peonies, peonies. Just love them....

A golden pail of flowers with a little bear also served as a small gift to the very cute flowergirls

The team up of Angie Cruz and Ogie Rayel never fails to enhance the natural beauty of the wedding party

By 11 AM, everyone was busy with their own craft. Two great photographers, Choy Javelosa of Ariel Javelosa served as the events main photographer while the famous Atty Raymond Fortun served as back up for the event.

Leah had her hair down during the first few shots. Later on Ogie had it fixed in an updo for a classic look

Choy giving the bride some tips on how to go about with a great pose. :)

Beautiful bride....beautiful mom

Cool dad ( Apparently he said that during his daughter's walk, he can't help but cry a bucket of tears)

This shirt fits Bojie well :)

what does groom do while waiting for his turn to be photographed?

The groom had his own share of touch up as well

Bojie had the time to fix papayings suit.

A sweet Mamaying and son moment

Does he look nervous at all?

These very nice glass stained windows gives Mount Carmel a very pristine interior

These are Bojie's niece and nephew. That's how they look when they behave. :)

Now one starts to turn the active mode on. During the time of his walk, he walked slowly then threw the pillow and called for his mama. Then walked slowly again. ( after changing his mind). Kids will always be cute no matter what. ")

Jun giving instructions to Leah shortly before her bridal march.

The bridal ensemble was a combination of fuchsia and champagne done by Jun Pimentel

After the reception program, everyone still gets to party

And get drunk ( Including the groom !!!!!) :) That was after lots of laughter and a teary moment during the end of the reception program when the parents and the couple gave their messages for one another.

The photographers Choy and Raymond being photographed. :) Honestly, atty Fortun got tired of having his photo taken by the guests as well ( starstrucked I guess haha). But this man is focused on his work for the day and humble enough not to steal the limelight from the couple. Not to count the presence of Vice Mayor of Manila Isko Moreno who was one of the principal sponsors.

Tired, drunk, happy and overwhelmed. We all had our share of fun.

Check out other photos of this wedding from Atty Raymond Fortun's photography site.

http://raymond42n.multiply.com/photos/album/208/BojieLeah

What is Love?

Wedding of Manny and Tonel

March 12, 2009

Preps: Fraser Place

Church: Santuario De San Antonio

Reception: Blue Leaf Silk Pavillon

The title became the main focus for Manny and Tonel's Onsite Video Presentation. It was the focus of the whole event as well. The moment you step in the four bedroom suite at Fraser, you would feel that love is in the air yet a certain mystery still lingers.

Maybe because Tonel and Manny are both pleasant people to begin with. When I first met Tonel, she has a certain aura same as that of an innocent child. She giggled on simple laughable stories, she blushed everytime she mentioned Manny. One would realize that if all doctors are like her, every patient would be cured the moment she speaks :)

She had a dream wedding in mind. She wanted it flawless, awesome and unforgettable. She got the wedding that she deserved that day of March 12. And I guess suppliers would agree, that they are a very considerate and generous couple. They actually made sure that all suppliers were treated well, fed well and relaxed. ( It is seldom that you find a couple treat their suppliers Starbucks drinks after lunch -kasi daw mainit -thanks guys. It's a small gesture that meant a lot to your team)

Here are some shots of their wedding taken by Mangored grabbed from Tonel's multiply site. :)

We bought these accesory together during our final meeting. Actually the final meeting was more of a supposedly bonding moment for us. Unfortunately, my dad in law was having a hard time in the hospital that same day and time. Tonel was very kind to let me go back there instead. After buying these stuff ( I actually thought of her the moment I saw these . :)

Tonel was never the typical bride. Colored shoes and purse for brides? They suited her very well. Thanks to Niko of Veluz, it was executed in a very tasteful manner.

Tina Lirag of Newyorker created the fabulous entourage dresses in fuchsia.

A detailed bride deserves a detailed designer. This opulent back detail design was a Veluz creation.

While the bride is busy preparing in the morning, his groom and the guys had their own photo session at the suite's own pocket garden

True beauty was brought out by Madge Lejano, Xeng Zulueta of Make up Studio and their team

As Tonel said, this was her La Greta Moment :)

This was a big secret....... Which one? ( the veil ). It will remain one. I can't divulge the mystery :)

The bridal walk?... Simply perfect

A glimpse of the post ceremony activity which David spearheads.

At the reception, guests were welcomed by beautiful flowers done by April and Karen Yu

The dessert bar by Bizu

Now this one is a main secret of the bride and me. :) The moment their car arrived in Blue Leaf, we asked the guests to welcome them and have Tonel's gift for Manny unveiled

And now, what is Love? Afterall, that's the title of this post right? Find out as you watch this onsite AVP by Mayad Studios ( First time I worked with them, I was impressed- so young yet so gifted).. and learn why Tonel still watches the same Onsite over and over.

http://www.mayadstudios.com/blog/?p=235

JLO goes to Laiya

Around March, Queen wrote a story about the saddest period in my life. During this period, our group had a wedding to coordinate. It was a wedding of Manny and Tonel. Queen and I decided for me to drop by at the church to do the special post-church ceremony activity that we normally conduct since as they say, the show must go on no matter what. Too bad that I was not able to take even one picture from this wedding. I'm glad to know though that the wedding went really well. More to that on Queen's post.


Few weeks after, while Queen and I were thinking of a place to treat our team, we thought of calling Tonel as the family of Manny owns Llamar Beach resort in Laiya, Batangas. And so we went to the said place.

The team left Manila at around 11pm and reached the place at around 2am. We were very thankful to the mom of Manny who tookt he effort to check if we're ok .

The get-away was a blast...especially the snorkeling trip. The long drive was really worth it.


Here are our pix...


Following pictures were taken around 5:30AM, right before sunrise.

Business as usual for most of the local residents.

Shots of the place...Rooms...They've a room for 16pax...with everyone having comfortable bed to use.
Much deserved break ! :)