Our Wedding Diary 41: Facing the Storm

The last three months of our wedding preps was the most challenging months in our entire wedding preparation. Everything is smooth and sailing until a strong typhoon hits Isabela. My fiancée’s family business is based in Isabela and almost 100% of their crops where destroy by the storm. Sadly, our wedding budget depends on their crops. I really can’t help but cry because I have to adjust everything. I have to start again from scratch with only 3 months remaining. We try to keep some of our suppliers and we also let go a lot of them. Until now, we haven’t recovered yet.

I have to change our caterer, venue, florist, entourage dress makers, I have to drop my chocolate covered cake, and some other things. 16 days to go before our big day and I don’t really want to stress myself that much. I just have to let go of all my worries and be happy that I am going to marry the man that was destined for me.

Our Wedding Diary 40: Prenup photos

I already have the prenup photos from Jayson Arquiza and I really love the final results. He capture 580++ photos and we're having a hard time selecting the pictures for our signature album. Until now, we're still scanning the pictures. I'm going to post some prenup pictures here everyday so you can have a sneak peak of our prenup session. One month to go!!!!Yippeee!!!

Now, I can feel the excitement!!!!

Time to Celebrate 8: October Birthday Celebrants

Happy birthday to the 2 most important MEN in my life!!!

To my, tatay



and to my fiancee, Roj



Thank you so much for giving me love and support all these years. The first one will be shedding tears as he give my hand to my groom on my wedding day. While the last one will be wearing a big smile while he accepts my hand on my wedding day.

To tatay, I will alway be a tatay's girl no matter what happen!!! I'm pretty sure that I will cry a lot on my big day. I also know that your assured that I'm in good hands.

To Roj, we made it this far and I know that we can still make it till we both shall live.

Love you both!!!

Our Wedding Diary 39: We finally booked our Invites Maker

Last weekend, I headed towards Wedding Expo in order to book our Invite Maker. I really want a passport and boarding pass ticket for our invites because we will be having a travel theme. I was really very OC when it comes to the inclusion, package and the discount because as much as possible I really want a good invitation without hurting our pockets and without sacrificing the quality of the items.

After and 1 hour and 45 minutes of checking all the invite maker in the fair and haggling, I finally paid the down payment and start filling in the form for Paper Flair by Adworks.



The package that I choose will include a main invite (8 pages passport invite), boarding pass, coordinated jacket, sticker seal and thank you tag. It will look similar to this:



We will be visiting their office next week when Roj arrive. We will choose the fonts and the shade in order for them to start the draft. The draft will be send to us after 3 weeks and a mock invite will be process after the approval of the draft. As soon as the mock invite is approved we will have to wait for 2 weeks to pick up the invitations.

Wow, the next thing that I have to schedule is our prenuptial shoot. Guess, I really need to spend more time in the gym to look good in pictures. Wheeewwwww. We’re almost there, 2 more months and we will be saying good bye to wedding preps. I will surely miss this.

ABC's of Beauty and Wellness 8:Color Therapy

Color Therapy



Color Therapy can change your mood and outlooks on things. Feeling sad? Wear something Blue and Violet. Tired? Use red or Orange. Angry? Try green or white. Lonely? Pink will help.

Khim’s thoughts: There’s no harm in trying right? Hmmmm, I better wear red or orange when I go to the gym because according to the Color Therapy it will help when you’re tired. Let’s see if this will work. ? I’ll give you a feedback after trying it.

Treat Yourself to Some Personal Time 8: Write a Journal or Start Blogging

The last time that I posted an entry about "Treat yourself to some Personal time" is on December 6, 2009 and just got a this text this morning from one of my followers "Khim, please continue the "Treat yourself to some personal time" sa blog mo. I miss it na. I know I can buy it in papelmerotti but mas encouraging pag galing sayo saka pag nababasa ko sa blog mo". After reading it, I turn on my laptop and pick a card from the box. I know that I'm just amateur when it comes to blogging, put it really put a smile on my face when one of my follower or friend text me or leave a message in my blog to check on my entries. So for my avid follower, this post is for you. Don't worry, I'll try to post this every week for you to enjoy it regularly too. Thanks, for the message.

So here's my share for this week.

Write in your Journal. If you don’t have one, start now. Putting one’s life into words somehow places it in proper perspective. Major disappointments get to become manageable irritations.

My Blog's Banner



Khim’s thoughts: I started blogging on 2008 and until now I really enjoy doing it. It’s my stress reliever because I can voice out my opinion, put my thoughts on certain things and also put all my observations into writing. When I try to read my past entries it brings back memories of that certain scenarios and it really remind me to be good and better every day. I also bring a small notebook me because just in case I find interesting topics or find a relaxing place I started grabbing my pen and notebook and starting jotting down things. As soon as I face my laptop, I’ll check my journal and start making an entry. I really love blogging and I guess I’ll never get tired of loving and doing this activity.

Our Wedding Diary 38: My First Gown Fitting

Last Friday, I had my first gown fitting and I must say that it really put a smile on my face. I arrive 30 minutes early from my confirmed schedule at Tito Cecil’s shop and I’m a bit nervous because I really don’t know what will happen during my first fitting.

I went there alone because “body form or lining lang naman”, I never pay importance on that detail but as soon as Cathy help me fit the body form/lining I felt the excitement. After fitting the body form/lining, Tito Cecil checked on me and said “Oh Di ba, may curve,panalo”. I can’t hide my excitement anymore and I gave Tito Cecil a big smile. He explained that my gown will be having a second look during the reception and that makes me more excited.

I’m looking forward for my second gown fitting by the end of this month and this time I’ll be bringing along a relative or a friend to take pictures of my gown fitting. I just hope that I can be able to maintain my waistline or it will be smaller by the end of the months. LOL.

TiTo Cecil, now I know why they tagged you as “THE MAGICIAN”. You put a lot of magic techniques in each gown to fully fit the personality of every bride. I really, love the outcome of the first fitting; I’m looking forward for my next fitting. See you soon!!!!

On Health and Wellness 1: Fitness First Routine

I’m having a great time at Fitness First because there’s a lot of group exercises available. You just have to find the group exercises that will really fit your mood and your needs. As for me, I found Body combat, Body balance, Body pump, Body attack, Cycling and Les Mills RPM really helpful in my weight loss program. Aside from the 1:1 Personal Training, I always made it a point to attend all of those group exercises every week. It can be addictive at times, especially the Les Mills RPM.

In order for you to know what those group exercises can do for you, here’s a brief description taken from the Fitness First Group Exercises Timetable.

Beginner Level


Body Balance
A fantastic mind and body class that integrates tai-chi, yoga, Pilates, flexibility and core training set to uplifting and inspirational music. This class will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed with a sense of well-being calmness.




Intermediate Level

Les Mills RPM
The ultimate calorie killer. Start pedaling and let go as the music takes you on the ride of your life along various terrains, speeds and intensities.




Body Combat
Raise your fitness levels with this knockout workout incorporating moves and stances from a range of disciplines, including karate, muay Thai, kick boxing and tae kwon do.




Body Attack
The sports-inspired cardio workout for building strength and stamina. This high-energy interval training class combines athletic aerobic movements with strength and stabilization exercises.




Advance Level


Cycling
A vigorous and thrilling indoor cycling class with upbeat, high energy music.




Body Pump
A revolutionary weight training program workout that strengthens, tones and defines every muscles in your body. All the benefits of working with weights in one action-packed, highly physical class. It’s the world’s fastest way to get in shape!



So far those are my favorites because I really sweat a lot in those group exercises. There’s also a challenge every time I attend those classes. I must admit that it’d not easy to lose weight but as the saying goes “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”. So I must attend those group exercises regularly together with my 1:1 Personal training 3x a week and a balance and healthy diet to attain my goal. Oh, and don’t forget PATIENCE and DISCIPLINE is a must when you’re doing lose weight lose activities.

I’ve never been this motivated in my whole life when it comes to losing weight, Thanks to Fitness First. It’s never too late to make Fitness First a habit and include it in your lifestyle. I encourage you to try it now!!!

Our Wedding Diary 37: Our Wedding Monograms

I tried to make a monogram by myself but I can't really make friends with photo shop and adobe. LOL. Good thing, I have a talented co-w@wie that has a good heart to create one for our wedding.

I am only expecting a simple monogram because I know that she's also busy with her wedding preps but when I open my email I was so happy to see five different monograms attached to it. We can't just ignore a single monogram because all of them are a work of art so we will be using all of these.

We will be using the first monogram for our inivitation



<>The second one is my favorite, I think we're going to use this one for our table numbers or might as well on our programme



The third monogram is definitely for our wedding tags or souvenir



The fourth monogram is suited for our photo booth passes



And the last one, it will serve as our barcode. It will be printed at the back of every materials



Love all of these!!! Sis Aleng, thanks for these monograms. It really made my day!!!

Monograms created by: Marielaine dela Rosa aka Aleng ni Topher

Our Wedding Diary 36: Veluz for my Wedding Shoes and Bags

Shoes and bags are part of my vanities. Whenever I go to the mall and shop, I always end up buying 2 or more shoes and fit flops, a bags and buying only 1 shirt or pants. For my wedding day, I pay extra attention on choosing the right supplier for my shoes and bag.

I decided to book Veluz because I heard a lot of good reviews regarding the quality of their bridal shoes and bags.



For my gown, I can’t really decide on the design that I want not until Tito Cecil sketch it for me but for the shoes and bag it's a different agenda. For a shoe and bag fanatic like me, I know what I want since from the start. I always want to wear sexy shoes for my wedding day with a different hue from my gown. Some bride wants it to be “terno” with their gown but for me I always wanted my shoes and bag to follow my color motif. I also want to be practical; I want to wear those shoes on other occasion as well.

I picked a half moon heeled pump for extra support. Of course, I’m heavy so I also have to consider the type of heels for my shoes, right? As for the details, I just entrusted it to Gercel. She already knows the details that I want and the perfect appliqués for it. As for the bag, it’s just a simple and elegant bag with a brooch as a detail. The shoes will be ready as early as October and I am very excited to fit them!

I will post pictures here at the end of October so be the first to visit this blog by the end of October 2010. See You!!!

Our Wedding Diary 35:And here comes the GOWN

We’ve been preparing for our wedding for two years now and I can say that it’s really a big challenge to look for quality and affordability at the same time. We’re lucky enough because we booked some of our suppliers on 2008 and it is stated on the contract that we’re going to follow their 2008 rates. For the past two years, I never pay attention to my gown details and design. Maybe because I don’t really know what I want or it’s because I can’t really decide on a particular detail that I want.

After two years of looking for a couturier, I finally find my match. Its official, I’ll be wearing a Cecilio Abad creation.



I never thought that I will be wearing one of his creations, not even in my dream. When I visited his office this afternoon, I feel a little bit excited not because of the gown design but because I will meet him personally. As soon as I enter his office, he greeted me with a big smile and from there I suddenly feel the “IT FACTOR”. He suddenly asked, “Anung gusto mong design?” and I answered back, “I don’t really know what I want. There’s a lot of good gowns and cute details but I can’t say kung ano talaga ang gusto ko. I always wear simple dresses and gowns when I attend parties and formal functions”. I also told him about my insights and fiancée’s expectations on the gown. He asked me to wear a piece of cloth/material to analyze and to check my body figure. He explained that this will help him pick the clothing materials for the gown as well as the design that will suit my body.

The first design was so elegant and sophisticated. There’s a bit of conservative drama and I liked it maybe because I’m really conservative when it comes to dressing up. But there’s a little voice inside me that says “get out of the conservative aura, kahit ngayon lang”, so I asked Tito Cecil if we can change some details and he said, “Pwedeng pede. Akala ko kasi hindi Ok sa church niyo, kasi di ba Adventist”. I smile upon hearing those words, kasi he gives importance dun sa mga ganung details. I answered back “Ok lang po”. He suddenly grabs the sketch pad/notebook and started asking me about my photographer, videographer, makeup artist and etc. He also gives me some advice for the flower arrangement for the church and I before I knew it the sketch was done. Upon seeing the sketch, mas naging excited ako. I really feel in love with the design and it also gives me a lot of determination to focus on my gym routine. I also requested for a long veil, a second veil for my reception, an additional pillow and to put some of my wedding theme concept on the gown design and he agreed. When I asked the additional cost for those last minute request, he said “Ok na yun, mga simpleng request lang naman yun. Ibinabalik ko lang ang mga blessings na natatanggap ko sa ganyang paraan”. As soon as I heard that I know that I can never go wrong if I’m going to book him and I admire him even more for the last thing that he said. It’s not every day that you came across a well known supplier that have a kind hearted and humbleness act as Tito Cecil is. I know that God will bless him more because he is a good man.

At the end of the day, I find myself signing the contract and paying for the down payment. I’m going to visit his office for the first fitting at the end of the month, and that makes me more excited!!! I’ve never been this excited in my entire wedding preparation. Thanks to Tito Cecil! Now I’m starting to feel the “BRIDE AURA”.

Khim's Thoughts 25: BPO WORLD

After I resigned from my previous job last March, I never thought that I’ll find myself working in the BPO industry again. As far as I can remember I had a mind setting that time that I’ll apply in a company wherein I can utilize my skills as a Chemical Engineer; a Laboratory Analyst or Quality Control Engineer perhaps. Well, I tried to apply as a Laboratory Analyst in one of the biggest beverage company here in the Philippines and I was even given the chance to pick my startup date. I was even given a good compensation and good schedule but I really can feel the excitement and the belongingness in that field. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful because I was given the chance to be recognized by the company and it’s actually a big opportunity to work for them but I really can’t see myself working there for good. I might get bored and resign in less than 6 months. I decided to turn the offer down without any hesitation and before I knew it I was applying for a job in the BPO industry again.

The BPO industry has been my comfort zone for four years now and I must say that I’m really enjoying my job. Some people might think that working in this kind of industry is as easy as ABC but sorry guys; I think this is one of the toughest jobs nowadays. Ever wonder why? Because we also have metrics to maintain, everyday is a learning process, you’ll experience a lot of challenges and the updates it happens daily. It’s not easy to maintain our position here because we all know that there’s a lot of applicant every day and any moment they might replace us if we’ll not perform well.

I’m working in a new company now and I’m having a good time here. Even though our position is a challenging one, we don’t even care to bother because we know that we can surpass all the difficulties as a team and we can do better each day. I’m happy here; it seems that everything is perfect. From the route that I have to take every day, the location of our building, the company, my compensation pay, and my teammates and of course my team manager, I must say that I couldn’t ask for more.
Here are some pictures that I managed to save in my mobile for 3 months now. Take a peek at my new route, building and new friends as well.

The Route

One of the reason why I love my new job is because of the route. It will just take me 20 - 30 minutes to go to my workplace and I really enjoy walking in this street. I mean it's so peaceful not unlike in Makati wherein all you can see are buildings. Here, in my new route you'll enjoy the walking on this route at any time of the day. I like walking in this street during dawn/early in the morning, mahangin kasi.





Amenities

Friday Fill Inns 8:#192 for September 9, 2010

I miss doing this activity a lot. I'll start the Friday Fill inn habit again!!! For this week, here's my share....

Happy Labor Day weekend to all who celebrate it. And...here we go!

1. Family _____ "comes first".

2."I always go" _____ back and forth.

3. I love a _____ "simple life".

4. "My mom"_____ makes a good meal.

5. I've got the _____ "fairest skin tone"...LOL

6. _"What's wrong with you? Check your attitude"_____: wth!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to ___"have a good sleep", tomorrow my plans include _____ "going to church" and Sunday, I want to _____"do the things that I missed doing today!

Khim's Thoughts 24: Been Busy Lately

I know, I haven't update my blog for 3 months and a lot of my barkada and followers are asking me to update this. Well, starting today my blogging activity is back to normal. You can read the latest happenings and my stories daily!!! I know there's a lot of stories that I missed but no worries because I'm going to publish all the drafts as soon as possible!

There's a lot of changes during those months and I'm so excited to share them here. For now, allow me to sleep because I haven't take a nap yet. After logging out from work, I went home and open my laptop without even taking a rest. Blame it on the fast connection of Sun Broadband, I'm just having a 5 - 6 hours sleep daily!!! hehehe. This is the fastest broadband connection that I have!!! That means there's no excuses when it comes in posting my entries!!!

I'm so excited to post all of the entries that I missed!!!Just give me 3-4 days to finish every thing!!! Promise, after 4 days I'll publish the 15 pending entries/drafts!!!

Toodles for now!!! Be sure to visit this blog after 4 days for updates!!!

Our Wedding Diary 34:Last Minute Changes!!!

Done with the last minute changes!!! And here goes our wedding motiff!!! Love the changes!!! Thanks, Patricia for the wonderful idea!!! Roj, agreed and love the new color motiff!!!

Blue and Yellow in Harmony by khim_ni_roj featuring floral jewelry

Blogging Activity 10: ORGANIZING MY BLOG

I’m organizing the tittles of my entries and my blog labels. The organized version of “A WONDERFUL JOURNEY” will be back on June 7, 2010!!!
See You!!!