Tuesday, May 12, 2009

our lensmen...

when we were drafting our wedding budget, i lobbied very hard for us to invest on the photo and video. other than the obvious fact that i really like to be photographed (i think candidate ako sa batch namen sa law school as most photographed), after a very tiring and toxic day of the wedding, what will remain with us is the photo and video of the event. the wedding album and the video will remind us na for just one day, we spent an "X" amount. hehehe.
i considered to have separate photo and videographers, kya lang ive read some posts na its hard to coordinate or there are some problems in the teamwork kung hindi mag-jive yn ideas/styles of different photographer and videographer.
then i remembered i attended a wedding in tagaytay na very moving yn avp-on-site nila. the on-site was a video presentation and not just a simple slideshow of photos. from then on, i said to myself that id like to have the same in my own wedding. at the end of the presentation, the name Wally Gonzales Photography was sprawled on the LCD Projector,hhhmmm, i did my research and i emailed him to ask for the rates.
whoa! photo + video + on site editing + pre nup + 1 additional cam = almost 150K
nyark! we don't have that much budget for the photo + video....
i emailed her again, this time, im dealing with ms. arlene, and i told her frankly how much lang yn budget namen for the p/v.
after days of waiting, no reply, so i started looking for other suppliers. and then finally, she replied explaining na their pc was having problems kya delayed in replies to em queries, she said, she can work on the budget and asked me to visit the bridal fair at rockwell.
so come bridal fair at rockwell, i texted her muna if they can accomodate our budget and she said yes but the payment terms will be 50% down and 50% before the wedding. oh no, not again. we couldnt possibly have that big downpayment, so series of txt messages again and finally she agreed to my own payment terms.
30% down
30% payable in 2 mos.
30% wedding day
10% upon pick up of album and cds
yehey! so just to make it in our budget she gave us the following as freebies:
canvassed and framed photo 16 x 20;
pre nup shoot within metro manila;
additional video cam;
AVP presentation of photos; and
on-site editing.
on the day that i booked wally G. i was also considering erron ocampo of imagenation. they quoted me something like 80-90K for photo/video but the onsite editing will be pure slideshow presentation of photos and even if i book them during a bridal fair, they dont give discounts, which really turned me off. kz why would couples-to-be waste their time in visiting bridal fairs kung di rin sila makakuha ng discounts, i mean, that's the advantage of joining a fair di ba, to get discounts and yet, they would not give one. so, i decided to book wally G because very flexible yn payment terms, on site editing is video presentation and i believe in the quality of their final outputs.
i believe that i really got a very good deal from wally, and some would even be surprise na i booked them for that amount only. some friends kz who are also getting married had the same budget but they were afraid to canvass his rate kz he looks pricey tlga based on his published internet rates. good for me, bargaining is really in my genes, hehehe and ms. arlene is very accomodating.
we'll have our prenup sometime in november and we are considering the grounds of tivoli gardens as our pre nup location.

FAQs on Air-Brush Make up

Airbrush Makeup
Mar 1, '09 5:12 AMfor everyone
YES, I do Airbrush Makeup! A lot of people have been asking me about Airbrush Makeup.

This is one of the subjects I took up in L.A. last year. So after I got my machine and materials, I started offering this service to Brides, Debutantes, and just about anyone who wants to look extra special.

WHAT IS AIRBRUSH MAKEUP?
Airbrush Makeup is a form of makeup that is expelled through a machine. The makeup comes out as a fine mist, giving the skin a flawless, "airbrushed" finish.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGULAR AND AIRBRUSH MAKEUP?
Aside from providing a smooth finish, the airbrush makeup I use is waterproof and long-lasting, that's why it's ideal for Brides. Airbrush makeup is widely used in movie sets because it stays on longer than regular makeup, minimizing the need for touch-ups. Airbrush makeup also provides full coverage, without looking heavy.

IS AIRBRUSH MAKEUP BETTER THAN REGULAR MAKEUP?
Overall, for Brides, I would say yes. Which is not to say that regular makeup is not good enough. The regular makeup I use is also waterproof, but I find that the Airbrush makeup still lasts longer.

IS AIRBRUSH MAKEUP FOR EVERYONE?
Yes it is. I would recommend this to Brides, Debutantes, and especially those with problematic or oily skin. Those with normal skin usually find the makeup to last 'til the party is over; while those with oily skin experience only minimal shine towards the end of the day.

source: http://cherrythemanicshoppr.multiply.com/photos/album/74/Airbrush_Makeup#

for samples of before and after photos applying air brush make up, visit cherry's mutliply site.

da who will be my HMUA

HMUA - hair and make up artist
most of my friends who are also getting married (actually, i wil be attending 4 weddings before our my wedding. 1 in june, 2 in december and last one in january) were discussing their choices for HMUA.
so i started to scout, er, more like canvass for the rates. i emailed jacq laurente, chi chi sotomil and cherry pacheco uy. i looked up on their multiply sites as well.
i was trying to look for eddie bruan samples sa web, but i could not find one so di na lang ako nag-email. i heard reviews abt bambi fuentes and val villarin. but i only emailed the first 3 i mentioned.
the first to reply was ms. jacq laurente, her reply goes:
"My basic package is Php12,500 which includes bride and 3 others,
unlimited retouch until start of the reception.
( other option Php 10,000 no retouch).
Free groom prep if he's in the same venue, free hair and make up for 2 flower girls. "
the next to reply naman is chichi sotomil:
Chichi sotomil
Bridal makeup
0922.810.0120
02.801.3605
Bridal Package - P12,000Hair and makeup for BrideHair and makeup for two other person
Touch up before the start of the reception
Additional person - P1,500
Trial options:
House call within Manila - P3,000
Makeup studio in JP Rizal, Makati near Rockwell - 2,500
Makeup studio in Pilar Village, Las Pinas - P1,500
ms. cherry pacheco uy was out of the country so after 2 days i got a reply from her:
Below are my current rates for Metro Manila.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Bridal Hair & Makeup for 3 persons (Bride plus 2): P17,000
Includes:>>False lashes, if desired>>Eyebrow Trimming>>
free grooming/makeup for the Groom>>free styling/fashion advice
Hair & Makeup for Bride Only: P12,000(same inclusions as above)
**Optional Services:
Airbrush (for the Bride): plus P2,000
Touch-up after church: plus P3,000
**Additional persons:
Adults: P3,000/person
Flower Girls: P1,500/person
Trial Hair & Makeup: P2,500* (regular makeup)*For airbrush Trial HMU: P3.500
By appointment please, at my studio in Oritgas Center
Includes:>>One-on-one consultation>>False lashes, if desired>>Eyebrow Trimming
CHERRY PACHECO
Chief ArtistPAUL & JOE
i really wanted ms. cherry to be my HMUA, i don't know why, but im guessing na woman's instinct.hehehe. although its a tad early for me to book my HMUA, i booked her already via email. deposited the 50% downpayment sa bank and faxed the deposit slip to her landline number.
when i inquired about the rates, i already told them na morning cermenoy kme and since the wedding is at 9am, the preps would usually start at 4 am. as in, 4am pa lang, nsa hotel na sila to do my make up kz in 2 hours, andun na daw yn photo/video naman. hay, im thinking of the eyebugs, the dark circles, i hope ms cherry could do something about it.
also, i asked for discounts kz i read somewhere sa w@w that she was given a free upgrade from regular to airbrush makeup. when i asked ms. cherry, she told me na the price she quoted is for regular hours meaning since 9am wedding kme, she would have to charge for overtime rates. actually, i heard about this issue before with an officemate that HMUA will usually charge an extra fee for morning weddings. but since it was her fault that she quoted me the regular rate, she waived the overtime fee of P3K. so that goes my discount...
in one of my emails to ms. cherry, i mentioned also na we will also have a dinner reception in Batangas so i inquired about airbrush makeup. i have very limited knowledge about make-up and i have not tried or seen air brush make up. she suggested that i use the air brush makeup kz mas long lasting yn effect nya. and as a wedding gift, she will give me the powder and lipstick so i can retouch later on sa dinner reception. ok, so i guess, paul and joe make up yn ibibigay nya sa kin. hehehe. im thrilled, im excited...
i will have my trial make up in one of the weddings of my friend in january kz weekday yn wedding nya and i dont want to deprive her naman of a business opportunity on december considering na peak season sya for weddings.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

church search part 2 (manila area)


Since we transferred to a different reception venue which is now in Manila area, we also had to do another run-about of the churches in Manila.
First on our list is St. Peter the Apostle Church at Quirino Extension:



http://blissful-weddings.com/saint-peter-the-apostle-parish/


Peso power: 18K with aircon, priest and simple flower arrangement. It has the 3 criterion for my church (air-conditioned, wooden doors, loft).

Down side: parking is inside St. Peter College which is just beside the church. As you can see from the photo above, wlang gates yn church, along the highway tlga yn main entrance nya. Medyo nakaktakot din yn neighborhood nya kz thickly populated yn area and marami beggars. Just the same, nag pa pencil book na rin kme.

Next is Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life beside Mall of Asia:






Peso Power: 25K with priest and simple flower arrangment.

Downside: no aircon. Malayo na sya sa reception venue namen. Actually, mainit nun nagvisit kme which is around 10am of a Saturday. Hassle naman sa guests who still have to pay for parking sa may MOA. Also, we had our pencil booking for this church.


Last that we visited is the Our Lady of Remedies Parish, more popularly known as the Malate Church, just in front of Rajah Sulayman Park in Roxas Blvd:


http://blissful-weddings.com/malate-church/

Peso Power: 12K for morning weddings during weekends, includes priest and simple flower arrangment.

Downside: no aircon.

After inspecting the church, the altar, the parking, we decided to book this church for the following reasons:

1. Future groom wanted an old church, mahilig kz sya sa mga war history and na-amaze tlga sya sa facade ng church kz napreserve pa nila.

2. Cheapest for a big church. According to Ms. Dang, clerk ng parish office, sila yn pinakamura na old church sa Manila, which is true kz mas mahal nga naman yn Nuestra Senora which has almost the same facade.

3. Ample and convenient parking.

4. The morning slot of 9am is perfect for us, not too early, not too late for a lunch reception.

5. Very near sa Hyatt hotel, we estimated the travel time to be at most at 10 minutes.

We made our deposit of P6K, no more pencil booking.

So after 4 pencil bookings (Nuestra Senora, St. Michael, St. Peter the Apostle and Shrine of Jesus), we finally booked our church - Our Lady of Remedies Parish!

real deal with hotel

Why a hotel reception?

I always dreamed of a hotel reception. When I was younger, I passed off celebrating my debut or passing the bar kz sbe ko, Im saving it for my wedding. I really wanted a hotel reception.

Pero dahil sa prices, natakot yta si future groom and he suggested that we also check out the rates for a separate venue reception plus caterer. So we did an ocular of Blue Leaf, One Esplanade and the Loft. Ohmy! we were surprised na yn rates which are almost similar are at least 100K. Grabe naman, venue pa lang 100K to 120K na.

So finally, pumayag na rin si future groom for a hotel reception. I emailed different hotels in Makati and Manila for their wedding packages.
After collating their wedding packages, I observed the following:
1.The package cost do not usually include 12% VAT, 10% service charge and local government tax.
2. Packages quoted are good only for 2009weddings. They have an additional 10% increase on th cost for weddings the following year.
3. Some packages are good for 100 pax while some are good for 150 pax.
4. Some packages will include flower centerpiece for all the tables while others will charge additional fee for flower centerpiece in excess of 15 tables.

I even prepared a comparative table of the different packages of different hotels. Please pm me with your email address if you want a copy.

With the comparative table, mas easier to zero-in the best wedding reception hotels. We ended up choosing Renaissance Hotel for the following reasons:
1. Cheapest yn package, even if net with taxs, which already includes a carving station.
2. Flower arrangement in their grand staircase.
3. Convenient location which is very near sa mall so kung mern emergency na nakalimutan, madali lang bilhin.
4. They extended to us the 2009 rates.

On Holy Wednesday, we met with Ms. Bonnie Detuelo of Renaissance Hotel. She was very accomodating. She showed us the ballroom area. Since we have 250 expected guests, the whole ballroom area which are divided in three portions (each portion is good for 12o pax), will be given to us. Take note that we are reserving for a lunch reception so ok pa rin yn slots nila for january 2010, although yn evening reception was already booked. Di muna kme nagdeposit but we already signed the reservation form.

After the Holy Week and after attending a hearing in a Manila court, I decided to inquire sa Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila. Malapit lang sya sa Manila cityhall so naisip ko try ko lang inquire since they did not replied on my inquiry abt the rates for wedding packages.

When I arrived in Hyatt, I was made to wait in the Events Lounge for almost 25 minutes. I was already harboring thoughts that visiting this hotel is really not a good idea and that I should be satisfied na with Renaissance. And then dumating na rin yn personnel nila, JC Cabrera. He gave me the packages and I was really surprised. Their packages are already net of taxes so mas madali magcompute and magcompare with other hotels. Although the cheapest did not include a carving station but it included a pasta station instead. We also checked the ballroom area. I told him that we already signed a reservation form with Renaissance but Hyatt's package is very attractive that I might consider backing off from Renaissance if it is still possible. I promised to email him na lang.

When I came to the office, compute-compute na naman... Ohmy! mas mura tlga and the inclusions and freebies are very tempting to let it pass.

So, I emailed Ms. Bonnie of Renaissance kung pwd pa kme back out sa reservation on 2 grounds:
1. We couldn't find a church near Renaissance (which is half-true kz the nearest that we got was Nuestra and St. Michael)
2. We are considering Hyatt which is owned by a similar group owning Renaissance.

After 2 days, we got a reply from Ms. Bonnie that they are releasing us from our 30 January 2010 reservation. Yahoo!! I immediately emailed JC to set a meeting with future groom on Saturday.

Come Saturday, we were again met with JC. He showed us the Bridal Suite, standard room room and ballroom. We paid the reservation fee of P50K. And we were given free buffet lunch at the Market Cafe. The food was great and talking to JC is very entertaining. I even asked him if he can be the host of our wedding reception. hahaha.

Reasons why we finally decided on booking Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila:
1. It has cheaper wedding package or at least almost similar rate with Renaissance Hotel;
2. We were extended 2009 package rate;
3. Hotel accomodation for bridal suite is 3d/2n;
4. Free hotel accomodation for a standard room on the eve of the wedding which can be used by the groom for his preps;
5. No additional charge for Multimedia projector with screen;
6. Relatively new compared to other Makati hotels;
7. Bride and groom were once booked in Hyatt, although in different years, for the bar operations - at least mrn kme connection sa Hyatt. ahahaha, pinilit ba.

Finally booked - hotel reception venue @ Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila!