Honeymoon at Pearl Farm, Davao

It's been a while since I last wrote. A little over one year..geez, what happened?

Anyhow, let me keep you in the loop on what had happened after my last post. Yes, after the wedding, Karl and I went on a honeymoon. We were blessed by his parents a honeymoon package to Pearl Farm in Davao. Flight was early and we arrived the airport on time. A driver was waiting for us and took us to the port. We waited for a little while since boat transfer has schedule. The boat ride though long, I personally have not felt any boredom. Karl and I just enjoyed the scenery. As we docked, waiving staff awaits our arrival. We alighted the boat and were led to the pagoda where staff gave us welcome drinks and a brief info on the island resort. Afterwards, we were accompanied to our room. We rode a cart (which looks like a golf cart), that serves as their transportation to and fro since the property is quite big. Our room's big enough for a family.

I think I have gained about 5 pounds from our 4-day stay just because our daily meals were buffet. But I didn't mind much for I was just enjoying my time with my husband.

On the 1st day, we went to the other area of the resort. Spent about an hour there, taking pictures, lounging, swimming, laughing and just talking, appreciating every blessing we have had received from the Lord. We also met a family of 3. They were spending their 2nd year anniversary with their son, Migo. Oh yea, I can still remember. :)

On the second day, we went to the city proper to meet with one of Victory Christian Fellowship #vcf pastors, Pastor Jun Supan. We met at SM and had lunch. We shared our story and he shared how he left everything, sold his house here in Manila to start a life in Davao with his family, and start leading a church. Karl and I were both amazed how big of a decision he's made and more amazed how he made that decision because of his love for Christ. (We were not able to take a picture though).We went back to Pearl Farm with so much joy for Pastor Jun has inspired us.

On the third day, we moved to another room, just so we can experience how it is to stay on stilts on water.
It was fun because I was able to feed the fish from our balcony.

My husband appreciates my so-called skills and I am very thankful. That's why without my prior approval, he has volunteered me to teach Zumba. He only informed me after he has set the schedule with the staff. Really nice! ahahah

It was fun though, I got to work out while on vacation. :D

I did yoga too!

We were able to have a good massage as well with the sound of the waters as our background and that gave us a good night sleep thereafter.

We will surely go back to Davao to see the place more. Oh and as we left, we were hoping I get pregnant. :D

We Tied the Knot

After more than a year of preparation, we finally tied the knot. Contrary to what others claim that wedding itself is so tiresome, I never felt any of it. In fact, I felt energetic and just happy.  For me, it felt like a fairy tale. That after having been through good and bad times, finally happy ending is happening.

Inception:

I woke up at 7am, went to have breakfast with my sister and her kids. I tried to do my vow by starting with the verse I read on the Bible. But nothing followed. I was nervous. At this time, I was still waiting for my bridal gown to arrive, but I was not worried. I’m confident with my designer Hallie Vy.

I took a bath and then everyone came; my family, the wedding coordinator team, followed by the make- up artist and hair stylist. After few minutes, Ryan Ortega my photographer came with his team. They started taking pictures. Jo, my make-up artist started my make up after my sister had finished. And then Bob Nicolas, my videographer came with his team. I sat on one corner, read my bible. I tried to write again my vow, but to no avail. Thus, I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to just don on me and let me say the things from my heart for I know that there is no way I can write my vow. 

Photo and Video Shoot

The photo shoot in the hotel was fun! There was not any pressure or uneasiness because I was already comfortable with my suppliers. They're so easy to work with. Not to mention so hilarious. Shoot there pose there, I enjoyed it. I felt special.

All flowers are from Vatel Manila!

Ride to the Venue

My sister, one of the coordinators and Ryan rode with me. Laughter filled the car with Ryan’s joke. I was a little bit nervous; nah, really nervous. I stayed in the car for a good 40 minutes I guess. Though it felt like an hour or 2. 

While I was waiting, Donn took this shot

The moment

Waaahh! There goes the butterfly in my stomach. Walking down the aisle was nerve wracking. My palms were sweating and even my armpit. Hahaha! But I could not explain how blessed I am to be celebrating one of God’s gift to me and Karl, the holy matrimony. Truly the Holy Spirit made me speak my thoughts while saying my vow. For me, our wedding ceremony was simple yet brought so much great words and lessons to all of us. Special mention to our officiating pastor, Pastor Tito Almadin, we feel family in him.

At the party

Now here I agree when they say that during weddings, couples are far from getting full from the food, it’s really true. Karl and I ate so little, we did not get to enjoy the sumptuous food catered by K by Cunanan. But it’s ok. We took home food from the party and ate it in the hotel.

I love weddings and I fell in love twice in my own wedding. Surrounded by family and friends, made it extra special.

First dance

With Kristie

 I love our photos! hihi

  

http://vimeo.com/56429978 

Click to see our wedding highlights!

We are SAVED!

We have received and accepted the Good News or should I say the Very Best News ever! We are SAVED, Christ SAVED us from our sins.

John 3:16

For this the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

We are finally baptized and accepted God in our lives. This by far is the most important decision we have made. This alone made us feel royalty, because we are now part of His Kingdom.

GRACE is a simple word but in its truest essence in relation to God's love, it is vast/unfathomable. And because of that Love, He's given us Grace. We are all unworthy but His Grace enabled us to experience His Love for us.

Our Water Baptism with Pastor Dennis and Karl's Victory Group Leader Jerry

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit,

We are blessed to have spiritual leaders, mentors, friends who supported us and continuously supporting and helping us in our spiritual walk with God. Water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism are only the beginning. Everyday is a learning ground as we read His Word, which is the Bible. Everyday is a test of how faithful we are to Him, to His everyday faithfulness. Everyday is a process of getting closer to Him. And everyday is a battle to defy the worldly desires. Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires,

But again, God's grace is unending which make us more wiling to follow Him. Romans 6:14 For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace.

Run through post hibernation

It's been few months since I last posted. Whew.. A lot had happened, wonderful things happened actually. Let me share few of these;

I am now a Zumba Instructor. It's very evident that I am a Zumba junkie (as you can see on my posts) if I may say. I have been doing Zumba for almost a year. But it was just last April that I finally took the leap and did the training under Loretta Bates who by the way is so good and so funny. I am so blessed because in just a short time I have experienced teaching and dancing in front of a big crowd with the help of Kristie and Madelle. I now have regular classes which came very unexpectedly. God really blesses me everyday! 

First Boracay trip with Karl. Karl and I are so fond of the beach. We love to laze around by the shore and just eat incessantly. We've visited a couple and last April we went to Boracay with his sibs and cousins. We had the opportunity of purchasing a voucher where our accommodation is truly lovely. This beach trip's different from our other ones. I really felt that he took care of me especially when I got feverish one day. He made sure I drink medicine even if he has to wake up in the wee hours. I am truly blessed with a wonderful man.

 

   

I finally have a small group. I have been praying to God that he blesses me with a small group that can really help me with my walk with Him. God indeed gave it at the right time. It's not just me who He blessed with a small group but Karl as well. We do it and we enjoy it so much. We are learning a lot and are trying our best to live it.

Wedding gown measurement taken. When Elizabeth Hallie Vy told me that I can have my measurement taken anytime, I specifically told her that I would do that in June so I'll have time to lose weight. But came July and I still haven't reached the weight lost I was aiming for so I went for it nonetheless. Oh well, it's okay. I still have few months before the wedding.  

Mama Mia!

I dug through my closet, looked for a CCP-appropriate outfit for a musical which at the same time conceals my marks from a previous chicken pox infliction. And as soon as I picked one, I hurriedly went for a bath while trying to sing the songs in my mind. Excitement is doubled and all I can say is MAMA MIA! I was on hiatus for a week from the outside world and spent each day in the 4 corners of my room. And this invitation from Karl to watch the musical got me so thrilled. Aside from being able to go out, I can also see a great musical. 

I got to see MAMA MIA! first as a film and I liked it. But after seeing the musical, I fancy it more. It was heart-warming, seeing a mother-daughter relationship, a daughter longing for a father, and a budding father-daughter union. It was also really hilarious. The 2 aunts played their roles so well, audience laughed their hearts out, including me. And of course, hearing the songs made us all giddy. I am certain everyone hummed or sang quietly. And towards the end, everyone stood. Some danced, other sang, and mostly gave the cast a round of applause.

MAMA MIA! was really fun! I enjoyed a lot. Thank you to Karl for inviting me and thank you to his mom for giving us free tickets. :D

At the CCP

During the break

Karl and I had dinner afterwards. We went to Urameshi-ya at Little Tokyo and had some Jap grilling.

Our yellows are so matching :D

We just love to eat

The night's full of goodness.. good musical, good laugh, good food, and good company.

Take me to the beach, love

One thing Karl and I both love is the beach. In three (3)  years that we 're together, we've gone to a number of beaches and I can't wait to go more. 

The first time we visited was in San Narciso, Zambales. It's more of a surf spot. But it doesn't matter. We're after the sand , sun, and fun! (Well, I couldn't find a picture with us in it.)

And then we went to Pico de Loro in Batangas. Blair, Karl's brother's girlfriend who is a member of the said country beach club invited us. Not only does the place look relaxing, food was amazing too.

 

Since Karl's family often go to Canyon Woods and Canyon Cove. I got the chance to join them. 

We also went to Punta Fuego with friends.

Visited Anawangin with Karl's friends. We camped, cooked the old style way, bathe using pump, slept in a tent, and only had the moon and stars as our light at night.

Experienced being sun kissed in Abu Dhabi as well. As I mentioned in my previous blog, it wasn't a good time to hit the beach when we did for the temperature was playing between 55-60 degree Celsius. We endured it  though and had fun.

And just last year, we went to Coron, Palawan. Tour was excellent. I really enjoyed our quiet and relaxing vacay.

 

And this April, we are going to hit Boracay! I'm excited already!