Last September 26 2009, Manila has gone through probably one of the worst typhoons in the Philippine history. Ondoy is now gone but the damage has been done. Hundreds of people have lost their homes, some have even lost their loved ones.
These people need our help and every single effort, no matter how small, would definitely go a long way. For those stuck at home with an internet connection and for those who cannot physically go and volunteer, here's what we can do:
1. try and help the Typhoon Ondoy Mapping Team. They are a " group of volunteers who are marking affected areas via Google Maps. The form is very easy to use. It provides very good context on the location and situation of affected areas and victims. "
2. Donate through online banking, paypal, or via SMS. please go to: OndoyManila for the complete list.
3. Help repost calls for help using our twitter accounts, facebook, etc.
4. PRAY. prayers go a long, long way.
One thing I have always held on to in times of hardship is the thought that God does not give us a challenge that we cannot conquer. I know the damage is immense and a lot of work is needed, but if every Filipino would do their part, I have no doubt that we can go past this. At this point, every single thing helps.
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I am a witness to the suffering of my people.
I am a chronicler of truth and a catalyst of change.
-The Scholastican-
sharing a few of the knickknacks we’ve accumulated for the wedding:
our bible: (I purposely did not choose white. i’m not really a big fan of the color..)
my mom’s shoes: (side kwento: I was supposed to get these for myself but my mom said it was too simple for the bride. turns out she wanted them for herself. hahaha.:D great find, it was on sale..)
a possible bracelet: ( was thinking of getting the 10-strand one, but it was too much bling for me. this one is definitely more my style. still on the lookout for a nice cuff bracelet, though. )
arrhae cage: ( didnt really have a special preference for this. another Divi find. still waiting for the Japanese coins from James.) 
my earrings: ( was supposed to get danglings but they didnt feel right. good thing I stumbled on these in Glorietta. still looking for reception earrings, though. this pair is a bit heavy. I’m not sure my ears can take the torture. hahaha.)
that’s about it. we’re still lacking a few more items. James will be coming home in two weeks and with him around, it will be easier going around the metro to complete the items we would be needing. I’ll share them once we’ve added a few more stuff to our wedding arsenal. :)
source: Wedding Chick
source: Wedding Bee
source: Romona KevezaAug. !7
the girls and I had our first fitting yesterday. admittedly I was super nervous two weeks ago, what with everything that happened in Aklan plus the stress of wedding planning, I was an emotional wreck.
but something happened this week. I can't pinpoint what exactly but I felt more calm and less obsessive about the details. no, everything didnt go my way. if it did, my mom would have been there, kriselle would have been there. but I dont know, I guess I unconsciously cut myself some slack, I decided to let things slide and it was actually okay. :)
the fitting went really well. everybody looked awesome, no major alterations needed. the lining of my gown was absolutely perfect. the minute I put it on, it felt really, really good. and though I was there with just my dad, everything fell into place. afterwards we all went out to eat, bonding time with the girls, which was super fun, moreso cause it was my dad's treat. hahaha. :)
sigh. I know I still have more challenges ahead of me, and I would have to let go of everything eventually but right now I just want to revel in my happiness. everything's "perfect", period. big thanks to the girls, I know it wasn't easy juggling your schedules for me, but seriously thank you. having you guys there yesterday really meant a lot to me, especially cause my mom wasnt able to go and I really, really wanted her to.
what's next for this crazy bride? well, I'm taking a break. seriously. well at least until September 5 and 6 where I have to go to yet another bridal fair to book the last of our major suppliers (invites and cake). james will be home in about two months time and for sure it's gonna be hella crazy, so I'm taking my big break now, a big breather before my world turns upside down.
sharing some pics:
Tin is still missing her one shoulder strap, and no the red straps are not part of her gown. hahahaha. :) (but it actually looks good with the gown ha, in fairness.. hehe.)
here's what it's supposed to look like when it's done:
Reggie is still pinning Tim's gown at the back, it was a bit loose on her. (naks, pumayat. hehehe.. )
here's her sketch:
sol, as always, was as fit as ever. the gown looked great on her. :) that's Badang with Sol, she'll be doing the beading with Reggie.. :)
here's her gown naman:
Mara didnt want her picture taken, but Chay made her do it. hahaha. :) the gown was actually a bit more conservative than what I expected her to pick, but it looked great on her. :) (again white straps not included..)
here's Mara's gown sketch:
our Red Ribbon bonding moments with one singit (hehe..):
sorry no pics of my fitting, wouldnt want to spoil the suprise. hehe. :) i'll share my gown sketch though. besides baka makita ni james, no grooms allowed sa fittings! hehe. :)
it's gonna be a french lace top (which I personally handpicked), with a duchess silk bottom. the back will a bit seethrough to exhibit the beauty of the lace. the train will be long cause St. James the Great's aisle is long as well, but it will be bustled up during the reception so I can move more freely (thus the ribbons at the back). :)
sigh, I'm so happy. :) Thank you Lord!
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a tiny reminder for the girls before my short vacay: 2nd fitting is on Sept. 12. word of the month: maintain. wala ng papayat ha. hehehe. :)
