My First Fitting

Yesterday, I had my first fitting with Hana. At first, I was not so ecstatic. I just recovered from a physical sickness and I’ve been thinking a lot of things causing emotional sickness. Oh well, I’ll have a separate post on that. While I was at Mcdo Megamall waiting for the mall to open, I am thinking of going home so I could rest. My appointment with Hana is at 3pm. So I have to wait 6 more hours. By the way, if you’re wondering why I am that early is I went straight from the office. Anyway, it is in my itinerary to buy clothes for our prenup on Monday so that will kill time.

Going forward, we arrived there at exactly 3pm. I was greeted by Hana. Natuto na ako from our previous meeting so mababa lang ang energy ko. But this time she is more energetic.

She said I would be fitting the test garment and the petticoat. I gave her the final silhouette I want. Buti na lang daw binigay ko yun.

I was directed to their kitchen where the bathroom is and she said wag daw akong mahiya “bahay nila yun”. Lol

So here goes my muslin fitting.

hindi naman obvious na masaya ako

Hana and Ate Aida making adjustments

the train, yan na lang muna for now

Me and Hana

Aayaw ayaw pa ako nung una but when I saw myself wearing even the test garment and petticoat pa lang, grabe ang tuwa ko. Feeling ko pwede ko nang maging gown eto pa lang. haha…

Many adjustments were done because Hana said pumayat daw ako. Even the silhouette changed.

While I was changing clothes I didn’t know that my mother is talking already to Hana regarding her gown. Wow! Si mommy mag-HST na rin! haha

I’ll see Hana again on June 8 for the corset and adjusted petticoat fitting naman. 🙂

the happy haggard me and Rey

What will happen in May?

Just now I received a message. I am expecting it was Johan, my w@wie friend, she was asking me a favor and I thought she was following up. From afar, a very long name appeared in my phone screen.

Guess who? It’s Hana,my designer.

She said that we’ll have our first fitting this May and she will send me the schedule later. I felt nervous and excited! Nakabalik na pala siya from her U.S. vacation. I’m starting to admire her more – from a long vacation, now, she’s back to work.

Hmmmm she must be really good because she can pull up our fitting that fast.

Wedding Preps Marathon: Designer, Hotel, Venue, Food tasting, Bridal Fair

Gown measurement with Hana Saab Tomacruz

Originally this is not part of the plan but since we’ll be going out and Hana has set this day for our measurement I set a meeting with her.

Side kwento: I’ve been trying to avoid this day every time she mentions it for the reason that I want to gain more weight. Also, I’ll be completing my 50% down payment with her, in short, ayaw ko pa magbayad. Haha!

We arrived almost 30 minutes late to our call time. Hana’s husband greeted us and it’s like they are expecting me because he knew my name. We were escorted to Hana’s shop and at the door there she was welcoming us. Todo ang pag-greet ko sa kanya, high pitch pa nga ata. I was expecting a lively welcome something like she is excited to see me. Nakalimutan ko Hana is so mahinhin at soft spoken nga pala.

There were already people inside and I hinted they are customers too. Well, Hana confirmed my guess but she said they are early pa so it’s still my time. We proceeded immediately. She asked if I brought with me all her requests – good fitting bra and high heels shoes. I even wore a sleeveless because I remember in her notes that sleeveless shirt is better. She verified if the sketch is final but being the undecided me, I said no. I showed her more new pegs and told her some revisions and asked her if she can do another sketch for me. She haven’t done any but said that we could finalize it on our first fitting. Maybe she noticed that I’m still confused with what I want not to mention there are other people waiting. Then the actual measurement began.

my ever supportive family

we’re done

By the way, below is one of the pegs I showed her (at the middle). Very bare back huh? Of course, my mom resisted with conviction. Ikakasal daw kasi ako. And Hana seconded that it is impossible kasi wala raw pagkakapitan ng tela. Then I showed it to Rey and he violently reacted too. Ok ok kinombo ako! Erase! Erase! Erase!

inspiration from Sherri Hill prom dresses

I asked Hana to sketch a gown for my mom baka lang ma-convince si mommy na sa kanya magpagawa. Hana did. But my mom didn’t give any answer yet.

The measurement happened in less than an hour I thought it would last for two or more. It was literally a measurement lang pala. I didn’t take my time because there are other customer next in line. I think there are two more brides or entourage?

Hana scheduled our Muslin fitting sometime in May because she won’t be around in April. Magbabakasyon daw siya sa in laws niya sa States. Wow!

It was past 2 and we’re too early for the Park Metro ocular so I asked daddy if we could do an ocular to hotels. Of course, he can’t say no to me.

Hotel Ocular

1. Diamond Hotel

Wedding package (bridal package)

– overnight stay with complimentary breakfast for two

– use of hotel lobby, grand staircase, guest floor hallway,hotel driveway and pool area for photo shoot

– 20% off on couple’s body massage

– 20% off in all restaurants

Check in: 2pm; Check out: 12noon

Parking: 1 car per room; P90/3hours, 50/hour in excess

Contact person: Kelly

Rates:

Superior room: P8,000nett

Deluxe room: P9,000.00nett

Diamond Club: P12,000.00nett

Executive Suite: P15,000.00nett

SPArty: P14,900.00nett*

*massage for two, use of spa suite for 4 hours, spa menu and drinks

The Superior Room

The Superior Room

Sorry, Rey forgot to take a picture of the Executive Suite but I tell you it’s spacious enough and it’s facing the bay. We pencil booked on the spot.

The rates above are for bridal package which includes fees for the pictorial in lobby, pool, staircase etc. But if you’re planning to get another room, local resident rate will apply which is lower. They are not strict on number of persons in a room.

Anyway,I would like to commend Kelly and all the staff of this hotel for being so accommodating and friendly.

For reservation please call (632) 528-3000 or email reservations@diamondhotel.com

2. Hyatt Hotel

Check in: 12noon; Check out: 2pm

Parking: not limited

Rates:

Executive Suite: P16,000.00nett for 2 pax

P17,500.00nett for 3 pax

Hyatt’s Suite

Suite’s bedroom

Hyatt’s Suite

Hyatt is in our list for ocular and good thing it’s just at the back Diamond Hotel. Their executive suite is P1,000 more than Diamond’s. We find the hotel like a ghost town because few people come in and out unlike in Diamond. Well, I think it’s a good thing also because your stay would surely be quiet and relaxing.

The concierge said that they can give the presidential suite as a free upgrade if it still available on the day of our stay. Did i mention that it is 4 times larger? Well, it will still depend if our booking will be affected. Not strict on numbers of persons in a room. No lobby staircase.

For reservation please call (632) 245-1234 or email concierge.mn@hyatt.com

3. Bayview Park Hotel

Check in: 12noon; Check out: 2pm

Rate:

Executive Suite: P9,728.00 nett

– with free 2 ticket entrance with their partner theme park (we guessed it’s Ocean Park)

Executive Suite

the room

pool

staircase

I have been eyeing Bayview Park Hotel for our wedding preps since we discovered it from a bridal fair. They offer the lowest rate and gives promo. So I insisted that we pay it a visit too.

As we entered their lobby my expectations went low. But what if the rooms are okay? So we still gave it a try.

Well, based on the images above the rooms are not that bad. It’s big enough but I don’t like the ambience. Also, the bay is not visible in the hotel as I thought of. They are strict on the numbers of persons in a room. More affordable rates than the other two hotels we went.

For reservation please call 247-9000 / 526-1555 or email bookings@bayviewparkhotel.com

Park Metro (now Le Parc) Ocular

We were just in time at the venue. I think they have just finished their setup. The venue looked good and classy even without the drapes. We were surprised to know that Swan is the caterer. I think the venue would look more beautiful at night with lights setup. We concluded that tall centerpieces will match the high ceiling of the venue.

wedding setup by Swan

wedding setup by Swan

Themes & Motif Bridal Fair @ SMX

Last stop is at the bridal fair for our food tasting (again and again) with Richgold. Aside from food tasting we also have other agenda with Jed that is to negotiate (again) with freebies. I can’t remember how many times we’ve made some negotiations with their freebies. Buti na lang di sila nakukulitan sakin. lol

Anyway, Rey and I are decided not to get their mobile bar freebie. I don’t know if they are just kind to me or is it because of my charm (ahem! :p) that I can always convince them changing this and that. Ako na ang demanding! Freebie na nga lang magdedemand pa ako. haha… So, Jed allowed us to use their budget for the mobile bar to cover up the upgrade for the Photobooth and Emcee. By the way, from their list of photobooth suppliers, we chose Click D’ Fun. And because I wanted a male host we requested if they could contact Norly Dizon or Richard Agtarap. But as per Jed, male hosts have higher rates than a female so they’ll just try to negotiate but cannot guarantee me that they can get either of those hosts. *crossed fingers*

Haven’t taken a picture of the food because we are so damn hungry that time. Food served were Lumpia in fried wrapper, Pan seared fish in tomato salsa, Pork belly (something), Korean beef stew (my favorite), Fettuccine in roasted bar & mushroom sauce, and the new to my palate, Chicken Parmigiana (recommended). Desserts were also served.

Since we’re at the bridal fair we searched for GQ Mobile Bar. Based on the flyers I’ve collected, they offer the lowest rate. Aside from that I’ve tasted their cocktails, although it’s not as bold as Elation’s or Flair Up’s, it’s acceptable. We booked them on the spot then sampled their best sellers then for our package.

Oh I almost forgot, we won from the fair’s hourly raffle.

silver pendant from La Real Jewelry

We stayed until the grand raffle hoping we could win with our ONE raffle entry. Talk about fighting spirit. Lol. Boo! Pang-minor prizes lang talaga kami. :p

Gown fitting at RTW Gown Boutique

“What you see is what you get”. This is the edge of RTW gowns. Even though I already have a designer I decided to fit RTW gowns to know what type of gown best fits me.

Instead of going to Divisoria, which has a vast choices of RTW gowns, I decided to go to classy and imported (with less hassle) gown boutiques who offers this type of gowns.

Mi Sueno Bridal Boutique

Penthouse. The Athenaeum Building.160 LP Leviste Street, Salcedo Village  Makati City

What I like about their gowns is that it hid my flabby stomach without having a hard time breathing. I must promote that hindi basta-basta magagaya ang mga gowns nila. The fit is really different.Their gowns don’t have corset but have what they call a band, sorry can’t explain what it’s like but it doesn’t cover up your whole torso. Amazing noh?

Sorry I forgot the names of the gowns I tried on except for my top two choices which, later, I will show below. I wanted to post the pictures of sis Johan, who tried on some gowns too, but I think I need to ask her permission first.

So here are my top two choices.

First gown I fit, Onice by Ateller (left) P60,000.00 (this is discounted already); Third gown I fit, Pineda by Pronovias (right) P75,000.00 (discounted)

Freebies include secondary veil, cord and 2 pillows.

Anyway, here is the interior of Mi Sueno.

lots of choices!

The other side of the rack; That’s Pepper, one of the owners.

the fitting room

We finished off the day by having brunch at the Salcedo Market. Thanks Joed for joining us with the fitting.

Ivory and White Bridal Store

G/F Eaglestar condominium, 25 Fabian de la rosa st., Loyola heights, Quezon City

Excellent service for this bridal boutique. They have a Bathrobe ready (para hindi ka makitang hubo’t hubad) whenever you change gowns, a shoes that you can wear to complete your outfit, and a uniformed assitant. Also, their fitting room is large too. Plus their gowns are affordable.

Cerise P24,000.00

Jalene P24,000.00

Loraine P23,000.00

Regine P37,000.00 (one of my Mom’s and Rey’s fave)

Genevieve P20,000.00; best for Beach wedding

F

Felice P32,000.00 (Mom’s super fave); That’s Miles, the contact person

Dominique P22,000.00 (Mom’s super fave 2)

Pardon that some of the gowns are not photogenic coz it’s not my size. Their gowns are tempting because of the affordabilty. But as I have said I already have a designer.

They also sell bridal accessories like pouches, belts for accent, tiaras, headbands etc. Anyway, here’s their interior.

Most gowns are sold kaya kokonti ang nasa rack, but new stocks are coming the following week daw.

Finished off the day with a Mongolian Buffet at Sweet Inspirations.

P.S. I have to say this, customer service at this resto is VERY POOR.

Dreaming of Cecilio Abad

Just a thought…

If I have known that I’ll be shooting up my budget for my wedding gown I should have taken Cecilio Abad or CA Design Team seriously  in the w@w auction. And if I have won, maybe I won’t be having this dilemma choosing in my shortlisted designers.

For the meantime, here are some of my favorite gowns made by CA (grabbed from his page)

oh details details details

isn’t a perfect fit?

simplicity with the oomph!

classic elegance

And here’s from CAD Team, talents mentored by CA himself. (grabbed)

w@wies very own, April

another w@wie, Sha

beads!

No! I’m not drooling! =P~

Am I the lucky bride-to-be?

“jenel!!!! baka ito ang para sayo!!!

http://www.rebelliousbrides.com/2012/12/the-sisterhood-of-traveling-wedding-gown.html”

A facebook message from a w@wie friend, Joed.

I just read the message and ignored it ‘coz it’s a link and I can’t open it through my phone.

The moment I got home, I immediately turned on my netbook and opened the link.

I have been bugging Joed for days regarding gown and budget issues and it’s so sweet that she remembered me. I said that I’m interested and I’ll compose an email then show to her for proofreading (para hindi naman magmukhang hayok na hayok ako sa gown na yun. ehehe)

Here is the exact email I sent.

======================================================

Hi Christia,

I was never aware of a post in RB regarding the wedding gown you’re gifting until a good friend sent me the link. I have been bugging her for days regarding gown issues and she thought that this might be the answer to my problems.

No budget for a wedding gown? – This line immediately activated my senses and as I read on I got so excited then I saw the gown. It was exactly what one of my pegs for a gown. And what excites me most is it’s a gift.

Now, I’m trying my luck if I could be the lucky inheritor of this beautiful gown.

Hoping,
Jenel

======================================================

Christia replied fast and I was shaky reading the message. Do you think I’m the lucky bride-to-be?

Unfortunately, I’m the second b2b who emailed her and she said for the sake of fairness she’s been in contact with the first one. She assured me that if there would be any problem with their transaction she’ll contact me.

Well, the gown isn’t meant for me. That’s life! 🙂

photo courtesy of Rebellious Brides