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.

The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral (Beautiful isn’t it?)

The last and most time consuming task for the wedding was of course, taking note of the flight details, room bookings, and reception. As the wedding was approaching, I was still following up on flight details and room bookings. Just to give you an idea of how tedious it was, I had an excel sheet with the guest complete guest list (with matching attending or not attending opposite each name). I also had to ask each guest if they wanted to book the rooms through our party so we could get them the bulk discount. On another sheet, were the room reservations, detailed with whether the guest was booking a standard, premium, or suite room. And on another sheet (whew), each reservation name had beside it the names of the people who would be staying in the same room (The hotel required this list, but I wanted to do it anyway just so we knew where everyone was staying). I did this every single day after Christmas, leading up to the wedding.

If you think about it, we could have moved the wedding to a later date to ensure that everyone would have ample time to take care of their arrangements. This could have spared us the unnecessary stress too. This however, was a non negotiable, as Mariel’s lola happened to have her 85th birthday on the very same day. We had made arrangements for her to fly from Angeles to Cebu, and there was no way we were moving the date a day early or later.

]]> http://justanothergame.com/2010/03/04/planning-an-out-of-town-wedding-the-nitty-gritty/feed/ 1 http://justanothergame.com/2010/02/28/from-manila-to-cebu-a-wedding/ http://justanothergame.com/2010/02/28/from-manila-to-cebu-a-wedding/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:21:54 +0000 Alvin Jimenez http://justanothergame.com/?p=1224 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.

Be Resorts Mactan

Mariel had just arrived from the US, and we had decided to have part of my birthday celebration in Cebu. The place was special to us because our only two domestic trips outside Subic and Baguio had been spent in Moal boal and Sumilon. It was because of a friend’s recommendation that we decided to try out Microtel (now called Be Resorts Mactan).

The place had a botique hotel-esque feel to it, and wasn’t as busy or activity driven as Hilton or Shangri-la. It only had one restaurant in the lobby, which had a good range of reasonably priced (think P200-300) big enough for two dishes (you should try out the Hainanese chicken). The rooms in Be Resorts Mactan also have simple, very cool, and modern atmospheres which set it apart from the other hotels in the area. If you’re all about relaxation, you can either take a dip in the infinity pool or sip on a drink in the jacuzzi near the man made beach front. There’s also a newly opened recreational area with a billiard table and a few table top games. If you know your furniture designers, creations by Kenneth Cobonpue are also littered all over the hotel.

Be Resorts Mactan Suite

We stayed at Be Resorts Mactan for a total of 3 nights and 4 days. On our first night, our gracious hosts (Ms. Em Ravina and Janice Jacaban) even brought us with them to “tourism night” during the town fiesta in Mactan. We went out for drinks on our 3rd night there with a good friend, Leanne Florendo of All Flip Flops Cebu. It was on the 4th and last day of our stay in Be Resorts Mactan, while sipping on a few drinks by the pool area, that we came up with the crazy idea of moving the wedding to Cebu.

*More photos can be viewed of Be Resorts Mactan at Grand Benedicto’s Flickr page.

Next: Planning an Out of Town Wedding: The Nitty Gritty

October 25 to November 29

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!

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.

Not in running, buddy.

In 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.

It mattered more that someone I knew who frequented Aysee’s sisig had joined the 21k marathon. My confidence also took a hit whenever throngs of women who looked nothing like runners were passing me left and right. Kulang nalang talaga eh yayain ko sila lahat sa nagbabasketball, badminton, or any other sport I knew I could beat them in (just to make myself feel better). Lol. I guess this is what Adidas meant when they said that every runner is different.

The thing about the sport, is that it can strip you of all preconceived expectations regarding a person’s performance. As I continue to discover how fast and how long I can go with this training routine I’ve started, I have to keep in mind is that though I’m running with (not against) thousands, the most important thing is everyone finishes.

See everyone at the Men’s Health Urbanathlon on November 22nd, and New Balance Power Race on November 29th!

]]> http://justanothergame.com/2009/10/26/image-is-nothing-pacing-is-everything/feed/ 1 http://justanothergame.com/2009/10/23/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2009-10-23-2/ http://justanothergame.com/2009/10/23/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2009-10-23-2/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000 Alvin Jimenez http://justanothergame.com/2009/10/23/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2009-10-23-2/

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… #

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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In 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.

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!

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.

Apparently, they were regulating the number of people that went into the place. Fine, there were lines inside, and it depended on what distance category you joined as to where you should lineup. What I don’t understand is why they had to regulate the number of people going in when the place wasn’t even packed. The lines were long yeah, but the place was empty. It didn’t even help that those who weren’t even there to claim their race kits could freely walk in and out of the place. Booboo number one.

Booboo number two is worse. Earlier in the day, a friend of mine registered for the 5k, so I asked him to find out if I could come in early to get my race kit. The organizers said no, and that I had to follow the time that was designated on my registration form. While waiting in line for the 10k race kits, there was a group of people on the side, opening some boxes on the floor. Guess what, they had just started putting the singlets in the race envelopes. How could they have started just then when people were already claiming their race kits?

This brings me to booboo number three. I had already been standing in line for around 30 minutes (by then, I think I had only managed to move a few feet forward, with around 150 more people in front of me) when I heard one of the announcers say that those whose race kits are missing need not worry, and that Adidas will be delivering them within the week. So in other words, if I had gone ahead and waited for my turn, and they didn’t have my race kit there, they were going to deliver it. What if I had stood in line for 2 hours, or even more? Needless to say, I gave up my position in the line because I had to go back to the office.

Booboo number four. I asked some of the organizers what would happen if I decided to come in early the next day to pick up my race kit. The obviously unsure fellow informed me that a lot of 10k racers actually came in as soon as they opened to claim their race kits. What kind of a circus were they running there? Multiple people were saying different things.

I’m at the office right now, still contemplating if I should go back to Megamall and try to claim my race kit. I am after all in Shaw boulevard already. It may be better so I won’t have to return tomorrow. Who knows what mess I’ll find if I go there tomorrow.

I just had to post this because I think this is one of the most poorly organized pre-race functions I have ever seen here in the Philippines. Anytime you try and expect thousands to join your race, and try cramming them into a few hours, that’s a obviously a lapse in expectations right there. I won’t remember the race for what it was. Instead, I’ll remember the race for how difficult it was to secure the damn race kit.

Calling Adidas Philippines? You should have just made your more accessible stores the race kit redemption centers.

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.