mY bEsTfRiEnD's WeDdiNg

My bestfriend, Jolet (since gradeschool days) and her fiancee Nick, decided to spent their wedding here in the Philippines, where else but on the most popular white sand beach in Boracay! Let me take you to the places, lets go!

Day 1
We stayed at Milflores de Boracay. Affordable, cozy, neat place almost like 5 minutes to the beach front in Station 1. The accomodation includes buffet breakfast for two, the usual welcome drinks, free Wifi, friendly staff.

The first day we were not able to fully explore the beach because our flight then was a lil late then and at night we practice the wedding ceremony the following day. I was glad to be back on Bora, not just to spend weekend getaway there but to attend the precious celebration for my bestfriend. Bonding with girlfriends is a bonus, too! Not to forget I'm with my Marlon as well, its our first out of trip as a hubby and wifey!

With girlfriends, Jolet, Calen and Ems

Day 2

We started the day early for the wedding preps. I know Jolet was not able to sleep because of excitement haha!! Such a busy day but it's all worth it. The weather shows a bit of weird but knowing Bora you just cannot predict the weather. All is well that ends well.

Mr and Mrs. Dulin with their vows. Jolet's father, Tito Jennys, was the Pastor.

Day 3

Mushroom Burger Steak recipe

Mushroom Burger Steak spells Y U M M Y.

Soooo easy to use cook. My friend taught me this delicious recipe and I first cooked it after being married for less than a week. My hubby loves it so much. :)

1 Campbells Cream of Mushroom
For burger patty, you can buy CDO ulam burger 6 or 9 pcs
1 small can Evap milk
1 small can button mushroom(sliced)
1 Maggi Magic Sarap to taste
1 cup water

Stir and combine Campbells Cream of Mushroom with the cup of water, evap milk and sliced mushrooms in a low medium heat pan. Pour in amount of the Magic Sarap (not all contents). Fry the burger patties and serve hot :)

Just keep on mixing!

Serves 2-3 persons. Less than 200 pesos recipe. Bon Appetit!

Truly Rich Club and Seminar

Last November 13, 2010, hubby and I attended Bo Sanchez' How To Become Truly Rich Seminar on St. Francis Theatre, Mandaluyong City. I made my reservations online by emailing Ms. Becky at http://us.mc769.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=beaconlightevents+seminar@gmail.com, deposited the amount in their BDO savings account, emailed my deposit receipt and voila! We are now starting our first step towards financial freedom and abundance.   The Seminar focuses on the book, "8 Secrets of Truly Rich" written by Bo Sanchez himself. I bought the book two years ago and was educated about simple living, wise spending, savings and investment, mutual funds and stock markets. One of the main reasons I really want to attend this seminar is to encourage and brain wash my husband. Well you see, he is not really a voracious reader and a big follower of Bo's blogs and books. Of course since he's my better half, I want to share with him what I am learning through reading online. For example, one aspect that I want to influence him is allocating a small portion of our savings for emergency fund, from the ebook, "My Maid Invest in the Stock Martket". I also shared with him that I just joined the "Truly Rich Club" membership for stocks update and advices. I am planning to open an account through CitiSeconline and put the monetary gifts we received on our wedding (half of which we almost spent already :<).   Going back, the seminar exceeded our expectations. I was glad we both enjoyed the seminar and planning to attend the Truly Rich Financial Coaching (hopefully next year).   Mutual Funds   Late 2008, I started investing in Mutual Funds and entered the investment during the recession. It was the low season and it was good because the trend now is going up. I was glad to see my hard earned income profit as I only leave the money there and do nothing. It was the time when everybody else is thinking what gadget to buy with the coming 13th month pay; while I was reading this stuff ( http://financial-planning.gigabyteshosting.com/index.php/2008/10/the-truth-about-13th-month-pay-and-other-bonuses/ ) and I was busy allocating and thinking how much I will invest in my Mutual Fund.   Stock Market   Last summer of 2009, I attended one of Citiseconline's free seminar about "Investing in the Stock Market Today".  You read it right, its free! (https://www.citiseconline.com/final2/Seminars/home_seminars.asp%29%C2%A0  We were taught the basics and how to open an account with CitisecOnline brokerage. For as low as 5,000 you start opening an account and buy stocks. I still have the forms with me until now, collecting dust in my room. I was really hesitant as I think I need to be focused on online trading, how the stuff works and I do not know how! How I was wrong at that time and through the Truly Rich Seminar and Club I learned about long term in stock investment. How I wish I did not procrastinate that time.   I am planning to open an account this coming December with my friend. We will attend the free seminar on how to open Citiseconline account. I also want to encourage friends and colleagues to invest and I will be more than happy share what I know. However, I want to be careful as I can. It is not easy to advise to invest your hard earned money in something that you do not understand. As for now, I am still seeking learning too. That is all for now and I will give you my own stock updates next time. Ciao!

My Wedding Expenses

This is a confidential topic for me. Yet, I am willing to share this with you to give you an IDEA on how expensive it is to get married! (^___^) Honestly, it does not have to be always expensive. There are hundreds of ways on how you can save for your wedding and still make it beautiful and memorable.


Church                                         Dambana ng Birhen ng Fatima                        2,500
Reception Venue                          Museo ng Valenzuela                                      7,000
Catering                                       http://balanlaycatering.com/                             91,000
Flowers for Entourage and Church
(discounted from florist which is cousin)                                                               5,500
Wedding ring (disc by ninang)                                                                             10,000
Entourage gowns from Divisoria (others paid by Entourage)                                  5,500
Barong Tagalog from Divisoria                                                                              2,000
Accessories and shoes of Bride                                                                             600
Hair and Make up ni bride                                                                                    2,000
Photobooth 3 hours (backdrop free)                                                                     7,500
Photography and videography with AVP and projector (and other freebies)                                                                                                                                           30,000
Souvenir sa ninong/ninang (Food luto by Mom)                                                      6,000
Invitation c/o NBS & internet (personalized by sis)                                                 4,500
Cake one for us 3 layer royal icing (1 layer edible)                                                  4,000
and one for Mader in law's 50th bday (cupcake)                                                    1,500
Wedding singer sa church for the mass                                                                    1,000


Free:
Bridal Car (free c/o from cousin)
Lechon (2 maliit ranging 4K up by my mom)
Sound system free from CFC c/o mader in law
Bridal gown (gift from cousin)
2 tent for sponsors 3K kasi ng uulanan nun but was discounted/free by our caterer
MC by my sis, pero dapat ngbayad/ kumuha na lng ako hahaha

total: 173,600

Why Women Live Longer

I want to quote this wonderful story from one of the blogs I have visited two years ago. I was so sorry, I'm unable to give proper credit to the publisher of this article because I forgot what site it was! I just realized this is sooo true. Women are amazing :)

"Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, “I’m tired, and it’s getting late. I think I’ll go to bed.”

She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day’s lunches. Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.

She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button. She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry. She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse.

Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails. Dad called out, “I thought you were going to bed.”

“I’m on my way,” she said.

She put some water into the dog’s dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on. She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and TV’s, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.

In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her “6 “most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.

About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular. “I’m going to bed.”

And he did…without another thought.

Anything extraordinary here? Wonder why women live longer…?

CAUSE WE ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL….. (and we can’t die sooner, we still have things to do!!!!)"

Now that I'm already married, I appreciate my mom more. How she always cooks sumptous meals for us, how organize and proper things are always in the house, how she do all these household chores with all smile and attitude. I know that she loves what she is doing and I salute her very much. I wish when I have my own family, I'll be like her as well. 

And it was funny how my husband is similar to the 'Dad' above when he says 'ang tagal mo naman diyan, kala ko matutulog ka na', when I'm still doing some stuff in the kitchen before hitting the bed :)

BUDGET is a six letter word

When you're finally married, one of the greatest challenge that comes is budgeting your finances. So I wrote down our monthly (or bi weekly) income, our savings and the expenses that comes with it. I was surprised that only little is left for our savings! I thought that the POWER of TWO means double savings and more money for us.. well NO. This does not generally apply to everyone. But since we are just starting out, I figured that budgeting is a must for survival before the next pay out comes! Welcome me to the club! In some cases, I also realized it is easy to save when you're single compared when you're married. So to single ladies and gentlemen out there, the best time to save is NOW!

Budgeting also requires strict discipline meaning sticking to your allowance and avoid buying unnecessary stuffs. For example, it has been one month since I used my credit card for our groceries. I love my credit card. I would say I'm a responsible credit card holder who never has late fees; nor was billed with interest charges for late and delinquent payments. I faithfully pay it every single month, before my due date. I also help and let my friends swipe to my credit card. In return, I earned points and freebies. I was able to consolidate the credit cards that I owned and the bank increases my credit limit. However, with my new challenged role as a prudent wife, I do not use my credit card anymore for buying groceries. I realized that using credit card enlarges my psychological wallet to think that I have a lot to spend for, therefore, tempting me to go over my realistic budget. Forget about the credit card points now.

Here are some tips I learned below to stick to my budget when shopping or buying for something.

1. It is important that I list down on a piece of paper all the things that I need to buy before going inside the mall or super market. If I know the price, I add them all up too, so I can estimate your budget.

If I found something that I forgot to list down and needs to be bought asap, then I buy it. If not and I think it can wait, I allot money for it and buy it next time. I learned not to be an impulsive buyer.

2. Some fruits, vegetables and poultry products are cheaper and fresher when bought in the wet and dry market instead of buying them in the malls.

3. It is wise to buy items in bulk. Not only it last longer but it is also cheaper.

4. I always check sale items in the groceries. Some has free and added product but still in good shape.

5. You can always experiment with your meals. If you have left over foods, you can have them as an added ingredient to your new dish.

6. I try not to use credit cards when buying or purchasing items. It pays off eventually.

 What other useful tips can you give to budget and save money? Please leave a comment and share it below.

The Greatest Weather Ever

I am now Mrs. Gadia (Missy's Gadia)

Nice sound.. 
 

Today is our first monthsary as being husband and wife. Yesterday, November 15, 2010 was our 8th anniversarry as GF/BF. One month of a blissfull marriage, of cooking and learning new dishes, washing plates, managing time to go home (as early as I could to prepare food for my hubby) and to rise up early morning to do the same thing for our lunch, praying before meals and be always thankful to God for giving me very loving significant other who always appreciate my passion for cooking (YAY)!

Our wedding one month ago was a very memorable one for me. It is still vivid as I go on with the details of that fateful day. I woke up early morning by the sound of my mom telling me that our photographer was already outside the house to deliver the mannequin that we will use for the video session later on. I slept late that night composing my all in one power speech for my hubby, for my mother in law's 50th birthday day (to be celebrated together with our wedding), to our special guests and thanksgiving to God. Thank goodness, I was not so emotional that moment and did not have puffy eyes to begin the day with. I went to take a peek outside and expecting a sunny day that morning.

My relatives were almost up that 6AM. I saw my cousins washing their cars and my mom is already preparing the ‘souvenirs’ we have for our primary sponsors. I was frustrated to see it is so cloudy outside and ask my tita, “uulan kaya mamaya?”, (do you think it will rain?) to which she responded confidently, “hindi yan, pinagdasal natin yan eh”, (no it wont, we have prayed for that already)…

Moving forward, 1:30PM.. My Hair and Make Up Artist (HMUA) is almost done with me. It was time for my photoshoot and video which I felt was uneasy and uncomfortable. I am not really comfy smiling in the camera (especially solo ones duhhh!! or  if the one who takes the pic is not Marlon or a friend of mine). I feel like I am doing a fake smile or a smirk. But my photographer and videographer were really nice and professional and it was not that hard after all!

Time was running fast. While taking the shots on the stairs, I heard thunder growling up in the sky to my dismay. But you need to still look beautiful and not look worried!

We were ready to leave the house now and the sky was covered with.. guess what?? Darkness. It folds the sky, a sure sign a rain is coming on its way to my very own wedding (sad face). I wish I had taken a pic of this cumulus clouds all over Valenzuela. The video captured this scenery on our way to the church. My cousin, who was at the reception with the catering, texted me to inform that they fix up the tables and chairs that was set up already because it was so dark that any moment, heavy rain can pour. By the way, our venue for reception was an open field, like a garden set up and was surrounded by few trees. Our venue is just near the church. We have chosen this for the convenience of our relatives, friends and guests – just perfect for our occasion. Our catering told us to rent a tent for the venue, each tent per table. But for a budgeted wedding like ours, I think having tent is an extra expense plus you will not see the beauty of the place if its covered by tents. But I we did rent one, only for the primary sponsors who were seated in front of the reception. I kinda think twice if it helped if I visited Santa Clara to offer prayers and eggs for a good weather. 

The wedding is at 3PM – sharp. I now feel butterflies flying in my stomach. I was a bit surprise to see that our officemates and friends were already at the doors of the church. I saw close relatives of ours, our flower girls with their beautiful gowns, my gorgeous and macho entourage (haha) and of course, stands out among all of them was my soon-to-be husband, Marlon. He was wearing a pina barong Tagalong, (I think that’s what they call it), and he stands out among all of them. I felt my heart is leaping with joy and excitement, but the weather still bothers me. The sky is still dark at that moment. I did not know that Marlon was also worried – as we did not rent tents for our reception and was already thinking to have it set up immediately. Almost teary eyed me, I whispered to my cousin who was my driver, “Kuya, uulan na ata..?”, with reassurance he answered, “Don’t worry di yan uulan”. But it did, just before I walked out of my bridal car towards the aisle. God extended me his blessings and best wishes that beautiful afternoon through a brief rainshower. It rained on other parts of Metro Manila, Tondo, Quezon City, Malabon and in Bulacan, but not in Valenzuela. And that is forever, I will thank God.

 

Dambana ng Birhen ng Fatima



                                                                 Museo ng Valenzuela