Hello, everyone!
Oh no, NO NO. You are not seeing a ghost.
This blog fell in deep slumber for a couple of months but it is still ALIVE. You've probably wondered and asked yourselves, "wear is mela?" out of sheer curiosity or in a prankster kind of way (like what I used to always get in school). To the ones concerned, my friends, I am SORRY. I have a long list of reasons for my absence and if anyone (as if anyone cares, LOL), warrants an explanation, I will gladly forward that sacred list to you.
To somehow make it up, here's a photodiary of my parents' silver anniversary celebration and renewal of vows last January 11. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you the reason for my below-mediocrity-line (Good Lord, please let me pass) Nephrology exam results and my current state of HOPEFUL romanticism (being "hopeless romantic" is sooo 2006. So, makiuso na!). This is our little family project--my parents at 25 years!
All photos are by Ian Laserna Photography but I put most in a collage to make this entry less photo-heavy. :)
We did not want to spend much so we aimed for a simple yet solemn and meaningful celebration to share with our closest friends and loved ones. With a little help from artsy-fartsy friends, we were our own wedding planners, stylists and designers. Since it's their 25th year, my folks decided to have silver and pink as the main color scheme. Silver for 25 years and pink because it was the same color that they used 25 years ago when they first got married. We had our dresses done by Magarita (c/o Tita Beb Magallanes). The suits were from them as well.
Us, kids, composed the main characters in the entourage.
I was the maid of honor. Ralph was best man and Jeph, the ring and array bearer.
We loved our hair and makeup!
It was our first time to try Lee Uvas' services and we did not regret it.
In fact, we've been recommending him to everyone we meet! What do you think?
It was already two weeks before the event when Mama decided to incorporate the cherry blossoms theme in the church design and reception. I honestly had no idea how to make everything come to life but "angels" came to help us! The guys from Hercor College did the church and reception decors. They presented two dance numbers after dinner as well. Superkids!
A violin and piano duet of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" played as the entourage marched down the aisle. It was a very magical moment. My parents chose "Lovely" by Michelle Tumes when they walked arm-in-arm together in the aisle. I finally knew why my girl friends in med school were buzzing about it days before. The tune and vocals were incredibly dreamy. I get goosebumps whenever I listen to it, even now.
A male quartet headed by Mr. Ross Bolano consisted the choir--just as my mom wanted.
A male quartet headed by Mr. Ross Bolano consisted the choir--just as my mom wanted.
Four of our closest priest friends officiated the mass at the St. Francis Chapel-- the very same church where I want to get married in someday. I spent most of my summer breaks teaching catechism there. Being just a block away from our house, it is where we attend Sunday masses. It's like my second home.
The reception was a mix of all happy and grateful emotions.
It wasn't just a celebration of my parents' love for each other but most importantly, a thanksgiving of our life as a family. Happy tears and hugs and kisses were all over the place.
I got to sing (sorry, but I'm so proud of myself!) for my parents and the crowd as well.
The mob dance wasn't part of the plan.
It's an ill tradition in Capiz that guests leave after they eat.
But when the program ended, there was no sign of anyone wanting to leave. So I pulled two of our "angels" to lead us the infamous "Gentleman" dance. It turned out to be really fun and all the groovy guests, including our Lola, joined in!
I can say that it was one of the happiest days of my life.
Just as everyone kept repeating to my parents that day--GO FOR GOLD!
Twenty-five years from now, on their golden anniversary, we will be a bigger family with kids and grandkids and of course, spouses. The mere thought of it makes my HOPEFUL romantic self itch to say something about happy singleness and patiently waiting for true love but I guess I'll reserve that for another post or just keep it to myself in the meantime. There's a very thin line between hopeless and hopeful romanticism, you know. ;)
