Needless to say, everything was a blur from the moment we set foot back in Manila. You can even say we encountered a lot of “resistance”.

Having the wedding out of town meant not being able to invite everyone in the family. My older sister’s comment actually struck me at first — If you have your wedding in the Philippines, that means you are obliged to invite a lot of people, and if it’s out of town, it has to be immediate family only. My attitude towards this was pwede bang in between? In the end, we came up with an initial list of 60, which somehow ballooned to as much as 120. So much for keeping it small.

Aside from the guest count, we had to find out if our suppliers would be available out of town. Fortunately, our esteemed photographer was, as well as our designer who actually lived in Cebu (how convenient!). Mariel’s makeup artist was not however because of a previous engagement the same night. But no problem, we were able to find another suitable and able replacement. You can say that having built a few years worth of contacts in the magazine industry did have its perks. One thing we had to do though was let go of P30,000 worth of reservation fees and down payments. Oh well…

The next challenge we encountered was one of the most time sensitive of all — the flights. If you’ve booked any flights online (be it Cebu Pacific, PAL, or Zest), you would know how frustrating it is to see a good price one minute, and see it immediately increase a significant amount the next. Imagine the urgency to disseminate all the wedding details to our invited guests even though details of the wedding were not yet final. The plan of action? I had to send out a “sort of” invite (The actual ones weren’t printed until the 3rd week of January!). In a span of 3 weeks, we were able to coerce our friends and family to purchase tickets.  I hope this can also serve as our “sort of” apology to everyone (specially those who live abroad) for not being able to give out the invites and details sooner.

Since we were coordinating everything in Manila, someone had to take care of our business in Cebu. Fortunately, we found someone who frequented Manila once or twice a month. Bong Abella of Koncepts and More was our first and last choice actually (because we were able to meet with him personally right away). We had already decided on the Archbishop’s Palace and made a reservation when he informed us that they did not allow Sunday weddings there. Stress! After scouring the interwebs and looking for an alternate venue, we had settled on the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. You’ll find out later why this turned out to be one of the most pleasant accidents in our planning.

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After months of preparing for my wedding, I am very relieved to say that the stressful few months leading up to February is finally over. I got married to Mariel, my fiancee’ on February 21st, and now I can finally talk about it.

For those who don’t know, Mariel and I were supposed to get married at Shrine of Jesus near SM Mall of Asia. When we found out our desired date was still available, we immediately shelled out 50% of the required payment then and there just to block off the date (Upon reserving, people were given a week to come up with the initial payment just in case we changed our mind). The place back then felt perfect. The church wasn’t too old, and it wasn’t too big either.

The next thing we decided to take care of was the reception venue. We had gone around and visited a number of places, but I personally found it too expensive to rent a venue and still have to worry about the caterer. While looking for a possible food supplier, we chanced upon then newly opened Oceana Events Place. The establishment allowed us to remove the venue rental from our costing, and was under the CCA umbrella (we had little doubt that the food would be great). Since it was also a few minutes away from the Church, it would be convenient for the friends and family as well.

By June of 2009, we were almost done with the planning stages of our wedding. Since Mariel and I once belonged to the magazine industry, our main suppliers were some of her close friends. The deeply talented Kate Torralba was going to take care of the gowns for the bridal entourage (including my suit). Barbi Chan was going to do her makeup (if you get to read this Barbi, it was too bad our schedules didn’t work out), but Peddy Acebo was perfect. Pat “”Worth every penny” Dy (you’ll find out later why Kate coined this nickname for him) was going to be our photographer. We decided to do away with the video since there was no more room for it in the budget. Also, we weren’t the type to make guests sit through a video of our wedding.

It was in November of 2009 when all these plans suddenly changed.

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Alvin's 2009October 25 to November 29 – Running, running, and more running. I had to write it down thrice because in a span of 30 days, I was able to “run-walk” my way through three 10K marathons, and decide to move my wedding from Manila to Cebu.

November 30 to December 18 – Work. Traffic. Work. Traffic. Traffic. Last minute gift shopping. I think that applies to everyone during the Christmas season.

December 19 to January 7 – Four words — God of War Collection. I’ve played through both God of War 1 and 2, but just didn’t mind playing through both games all over again. Believe me, playing through both felt like going through them for the first time. The 720p treatment did this game a lot of good. Besides, you’re probably going to need a refresh before God of War 3 comes out in March.

And oh, this blog turned two, and yours truly turned 30 this year.

Here’s a virtual cheer for 2009!

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Oh my Zeus!

In: Gaming

3 Nov 2009

Platinum edition. Game of the year edition. Ultimate edition. Anniversary edition. Leave it to a few labels and some well thought out premiums to make an avid gamer spend a few more bucks on that a game that will kick ass anyway, even without the superlatives.

God of War Ultimate Edition

The Ultimate Edition will include the following:

Exclusive Collectibles
• High-End Sculpted Replica of Pandora’s Box
• Limited-Edition God of War Art Book featuring exclusive art, content and interviews

Exclusive Digital Content (Available via PlayStation Network voucher codes on day of launch)
• God of War Combat Arena containing an exclusive environment and seven challenges
• Premium Kratos Skin – Dominus
• God of War: Unearthing the Legend Franchise Documentary – a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise
• God of War Trilogy Soundtrack – God of War, II, and III scores from the game (mp3 digital download).
• God of War: Blood and Metal EP – a heavy metal homage featuring original music inspired by God of War (mp3 digital download).

With a wedding coming up, I think I’ll just settle for the “normal edition”, and just as I did for NBA 2K10. My only gripe? It’s a very big one.

Why didn’t they include the remastered  versions of God of War 1 and 2 in this package? I’d give up Pandora’s box for those instead.

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One look at Dwight Howard’s frame can tell you he can easily bang with anyone inside the paint.  Japeth Aguilar? The first time I saw the guy, and even without seeing him play, I knew that he’s more athletic than most Filipino basketball players. Is it safe to say that an athlete’s physique is always a good indication of how capable and effective they can be?

Not in running, buddy.

adidas-king-of-the-road-alvinIn my recent attempts to understand this sport more clearly, I’ve encountered guys who look like fat bastard. I’ve run into douchebag types on the track oval near my workplace as well. I’ve met guys who don’t look the least bit like they’re fit. But the moment they lace on those running shoes… Oh man, it’s on.

Sunday’s Adidas King of the Road marathon was no different. Though my gameplan was to just keep my eyes on the ground in front of me and let my music set the pace, I just couldn’t.

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  • Adidas King of the Road 2009: Race Kit claiming FAIL http://ping.fm/ErwHB #
  • #trafficmanil julia vargas still clear. stay away from cmwealth n balara #
  • To those who haven't picked up your Adidas KOTR kits, wala pang tao dito. Parking is a pain though. #
  • So there are carolers outside. Isn't it too early? #
  • Now I know why it was hard to come by Century corned tuna at groceries. It is made of WIN. #
  • Wouldn't mind having this in case the rains hit #Ondoy http://bit.ly/1cgabA #
  • From Mighty to Magic. $69! Expected Apple's new mouse to be more expensive, but who's complaining? http://ping.fm/wesnf #
  • Ran a 5k today in 35 minutes. In other words, I'm not prepared for #KingoftheRoad on Sunday (lol) #
  • So who's responsible for clogging the toilet in the managers' area? Si __________ yung last na nakita kong lumabas dun… :P #
  • Didn't finish last season's House, and now he's in a mental hospital? I know I only missed a few EP's, so wow, what a surprise. #
  • @MaiaNuguid hindi pa ako nakakabili ulit! hehe #
  • KFC drive-in fail. I think I lined up before 2 cars that ordered 10 bucket meals each. #
  • Surfing the net, eating dinner, watching basketball, and playing videogames… and people still wonder why I have a short attention span. #
  • I have my doubts whether #windows7 will be able to make people forget about the mess that is #windowsvista. #
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  • Adidas King of the Road 2009: Race Kit claiming FAIL http://ping.fm/ErwHB #
  • #trafficmanil julia vargas still clear. stay away from cmwealth n balara #
  • To those who haven't picked up your Adidas KOTR kits, wala pang tao dito. Parking is a pain though. #
  • So there are carolers outside. Isn't it too early? #
  • Now I know why it was hard to come by Century corned tuna at groceries. It is made of WIN. #
  • Wouldn't mind having this in case the rains hit #Ondoy http://bit.ly/1cgabA #
  • From Mighty to Magic. $69! Expected Apple's new mouse to be more expensive, but who's complaining? http://ping.fm/wesnf #
  • Ran a 5k today in 35 minutes. In other words, I'm not prepared for #KingoftheRoad on Sunday (lol) #
  • So who's responsible for clogging the toilet in the managers' area? Si __________ yung last na nakita kong lumabas dun… :P #
  • Didn't finish last season's House, and now he's in a mental hospital? I know I only missed a few EP's, so wow, what a surprise. #
  • @MaiaNuguid hindi pa ako nakakabili ulit! hehe #
  • KFC drive-in fail. I think I lined up before 2 cars that ordered 10 bucket meals each. #
  • Surfing the net, eating dinner, watching basketball, and playing videogames… and people still wonder why I have a short attention span. #
  • I have my doubts whether #windows7 will be able to make people forget about the mess that is #windowsvista. #
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So today is Thursday, and the Adidas King of the Road 2009 race is two days away. Any runner out there will tell you — there’s just no friggin’ way anyone can cram their training for any marathon. Well, here’s what I managed to squeeze into my schedule over the past month or so since I acquired my Nike+ sensor.

nike-plus-runsIn case you’re curious, the graph above represents the distances I’ve done, segregated by km per day. And what category did I join for Sunday’s marathon? I joined the 10k. So yes, based on estimates alone, I’ll probably cross the finish line in at least an hour and thirty. In runners’ terms, that’d hella slow.

King-of-the-road-singlet

Oh well, I do know that the P500 I paid to register netted me a cool Adidas singlet which was such a pain to claim (see previous post). In any case, goodluck to everyone joining the Adidas King of the Road 2009. See everyone at The Fort!

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Adidas-KOTR-Race-2009
No, this isn’t mine, but I wish it was.

I was supposed to pick my race kit for the Adidas King of the Road marathon on October 25. It just so happens that today is also the 2nd day of their usual 3-day sales. I was informed that Adidas had alloted specific times for race kit pick ups, and having joined the 10k, I ended up going to the mall shortly before 1230. I had a quick meal at Sbarros, and was on my way to Megatrade Hall 2 when I saw a small crowd forming outside. So I said to myself, they’re probably just taking long because of the stubs that have to be submitted.

Well, I was wrong.

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Ipod-armbandOn my last trip to Las Vegas around this time last year, my fiancee surprised me with a 2nd generation Ipod Touch. I’ve never owned an Ipod until that time because I always thought I would only end up breaking it because of my rugged lifestyle. I refrained from using it in the gym, and only used it in the office. I subscribed to a few podcasts here and there, but the novelty quickly wore off. It was around May of this year when I got another surprise from her. After repeatedly telling Mariel not to get me those Senheissers, she got em anyway.

I know what you’re going to say — that I probably look like a douche when I bring, wear, or use the thing during my runs.

My answer to that, is that I really don’t care.

  • My Ipod Touch helps me fend off boredom when I run. I am incapable of running long distances at a uniform pace. This is Mr. Short Attention Span you’re talking to here.
  • Believe it or not, those Nike + sensor thingies actually work. I know a heart rate monitor is more useful, but I can’t afford the thing (besides I’m not a hardcore runner). Though far from being 100% accurate, hearing the automated voice say “Workout complete” is actually rewarding.

The moral of this story? There’s no need to worry about perceptions when it comes to your health. If you need that Ipod, dri-fit shirt,  or new pair of running shoes (No, I’m not trying to justify a potential purchase) to keep you motivated, then go for it as long as you can afford it. A few years down the line, you’ll realize that you’d rather be a fit douchebag than an overweight, unfit, tub of lard.

And oh, Mariel, thank you again for my Ipod Touch and kickass earphones.

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What does Alvin do?

Alvin JimenezIf he isn't watching, playing, or reading about basketball, he's probably on his PS3 playing it, using a created character patterned after himself.

Everything else you find on these pages is what he does in between.

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