Since we were not able to look for a hotel for the wedding preps yesterday (explained here), we decided to do it today.

So again, our day started really early. By 7 am, Tonio and I were already on our way to our dentist for our regular cleaning and check up. Grabe, recession is EVERYWHERE na talaga... Because even our gums are in recession daw... AHAHAHA!!! (Tonio didn't want me to post this picture.. nyahaha!!)

Then , we went straight to Fernwood Gardens for our food tasting with Josiah's Catering. At first we were disappointed to learn that they were expecting around 25 clients to come. But Maui (our AE) never left our side until we were done with all our discussions:

• menu - the food were great (I did a separate post for this, read it here)!
  
• linens
• centerpieces - for the couple's, presidetial and guest tables
  
• back drops
• buffet table set up
• floor plan - informed Maui that we'll need space for our "stage"
  
• cake - We picked one from Judy Uson's cake selections, but we also we showed Maui the design we want and asked if they can "add" it in... I also have a (baptismal) godfather who's giving us a cake for our wedding, so I asked if maybe Judy and the other cake supplier could talk and dicuss how they can make the 2 cakes look like just 1 cake..:)
• other freebies and package inclusions - chocolate fondue, bird cage, emcee, program, DJ, lights...
  

Unfortunately, I just got word from Maui the other day, and she said that Judy (cake) can not do our request..:( So maybe we'll just ask the other supplier for that..;) ehehe!! I'm almost 100% sure they can do it...;) Maybe this coming August, when we go home again, we'll schedule a meeting with the 2 cake suppliers...;)

For the linens and centerpieces... *sigh* We were able to pick something out then, but when we got back here in Singapore, I saw pictures of centerpieces from wedding sites that I really liked and inquired with Maui if they can do it... but so far, the feedback from their stylist is that it's not possible, unless we were willing to pay additional (which we were NOT!)..:( so now both sides are still working on it... checking our options.. to be honest, we're even entertaining the thought of getting a stylist... but then again, I really don't wanna spend more $$$ just for a stylist...*sigh* Maybe someone could give it to us as a gift??......;) ahaha!!

Anyway, after our food tasting, we went to see Sharon (our AE for Fernwood) to pay for my bridal car and 6 panels of dance floors. She gave us freebies and discounts for that, which we're somehow happy with..:) We're still praying for a good breezy weather on our wedding day, so we still haven't reserved an A/C for the reception..:) But Sharon assured us that she'll try to have an A/C on standby just in case..:)

After that, we visited Tita Juliet again to finalize our prices and pay for the DP..:) Also, another one of our flower girls (Julia) was with us, so she had her measurements taken. I also asked Tita Juliet to make me a dress too, for the wedding(s) we might attend in December, so she took my measurements as well..:)

Then, we went to Ortigas to look for our preps venue. The first we checked was Crowne Plaza. Personally, I liked the interior of their suites. It's very spacious, and comfy-looking. Plus the prices were w/in the range of our budget. But of course, since we were only "canvassing", we didn't confirm anything yet.

Next we checked was Edsa Shangri La Hotel. When we asked people for suggestions, we heard this hotel a lot! But obviously, the prices are way more expensive. I think my dad knows someone with coupons we could use, so if we did get it, then most probably Edsa Shang it is!;) Otherwise.... Not sure yet... ahaha!!

Since we were more or less happy with the 1st 2 hotels already, we decided to just have an early dinner. Tonio and I (for the first time) ate at Red Crab in Greenbelt 3. We just LOVED the food, that we promised to eat there again (and try their buffet) the next time we're back in PH!!:)


After that very satisfying dinner, we went to Landmark to check out prices of RTW suits for our male entourage. Prices of coats ranged from Php2,600 - 8,000 a piece! Waah, really expensive!:( We'll probably buy the suits the next time we're back also..

And then we went to buy some groceries to bring back to SG, like laundry soap (my sister likes the smell of l.soap in PH), corned beef, etc. We're scheduled to fly back early the next day (May 3).

So that's about the whole of my report on our 4-day wedding preps in PH..;) Overall rating: a SUCCESS (more or less)!;)

Now I'm dreading making our August Itinerary...:-S Ahahaha!! Soooo much more to do!!

xoxo,