Weddings

Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, or two weeks ago, I attended 2 weddings. One would be the wedding of Martin and Marou and the other would be Kenneth and Rachel. I cannot believe I was able to be a superwoman to attend both! Anyway, here are some insights.

First, I attended the Church Ceremony and early part of the Reception of Martin and Marou. The place was at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Parish in New Manila. I can say that the wedding was awesome - from the very unique invitation - with emphasis on the Filipiniana motif; to the majestic church; to the very sophisticated bride and happy groom; to the talented choir; and the scrumptious selection of food. That wedding also gave the opportunity for me to be reunited to some friends. I met Martin in C3 as we belong to the Clallam Team. I can say that our friendship was built on solid ground and so our closeness remained even if we now belong to different companies. Best wishes to Martin and Marou!!!

Then, I'm off to the 2nd wedding. It's a good thing that my friend Jaymee and her husband Ogie allowed me to hitch up to a certain place that's near the reception of Kenneth and Rachel, two of my friends back in UP Diliman. They were married in the UP Chapel and their reception was held at Fernwood Gardens. Special mention to the very clear map that helped me find the "Enchanted" garden. If the 1st wedding was sacred and grandeur, Kenneth and Rachel's wedding was artistic with mystique. First, the color motif was Red. Then, the reception had an air of mystery and there seemed to be magic and charm in the atmosphere. It made me connect to nature - probably due to the presence of ferns and swans and birds. My timing was good because they haven't started the program. I witnessed traditional ceremonies like Cake Cutting, Wine Toast and Releasing of Doves. I was even part of the Bouquet Toss which by the way, had a certain twist. The bride picked 8 single ladies and had 7 roses to toss. The one who will not be able to catch a rose will be the lucky lady who will wear the garter. I was able to catch a rose (with pose and style)! In fairness, that was actually the first time that I enjoyed catching the "bouquet".

Another unique event that I witnessed would be some Dance Presentation that were not really common during Weddings. Kenneth and Rachel didn't have the traditional money dance but the couple, their parents, relatives and friends had a rehearsed dance number. You can just say that they truly prepared something special for their guests. They even hired a band to entertain us with their awesome selection of songs. It's like their wedding is a movie for everyone to see. I am very much honored to be invited to their wedding. Congratulations to you, Kenneth and Rachel!!!

Now, I'm just wondering, when will I have my own wedding? I hope it will be soon and I'm going to make sure that it will be something worth experiencing and worth sharing to the people I value in my life...

Me with my C3 (Customer Contact Center) friends during Martin and Marou's wedding. The wedding ceremony was finished and we are about to go to the reception area found at the back of the church. From left to right: Jaymee, Me, Jing, Jon, Myers and Dan.

Clallam Team plus Tanpoco brothers Jon and Dan during Martin and Marou's Wedding last February 5, 2005. This picture was taken at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine Parish. From left to right: Jaymee, Jing, Jon, Paul, Myers and Dan.

Weddings are occasions that help reunite people. Rachel and Kenneth's wedding last February 5, 2005 paved the way for me to see my college friends. From left to right (standing): Ian Fuentez & wife Christine, Bel, baby Amaya, Alvin Cabiling, Marc Zara, Randy Traballo, (sitting) Me, Ginger Reyes and Lily Boral.

Thoughts on Valentine's Day

It’s the season of love. I'm an eccentric person who loves the concept of being in love.

I like to express my love to people - to family, to friends, to a special someone. I'm thrilled with the fact that for this year, and this special day, I was able to extract that in me.

Some people say that they can't imagine doing the things I'm doing - all in the name of love. They were amazed on how much time and resources I consume in preparing special things for them. This Valentine's day, I gave each trainee and their supervisors some tokens. I gave Pencils with a ribbon bearing their printed name, with a special card explaining why I'm giving out pencils. This was the message on that card:

FIVE LESSONS ON HOW TO
BECOME A GREAT PENCIL

1. You will be able to do many great things,
but only if you allow yourself to be held in
someone's hand.

2. You will experience a painful sharpening
from time to time, but this is required if
you are to become a better pencil.

3. You have the ability to correct any
mistake you might make.

4. The most important part of you
will be the inside.

5. No matter what the condition, you must
continue to write. You must always leave a
clear, legible mark no matter how difficult
the situation.

For this season of love, let's become a
great pencil that will leave a wonderful
mark in people's lives.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Trainer Mandy

A lot of people were touched, because not only did I remember them all, but it was personalized. Yes, it may be a generic, inexpensive gift, but the tag bearing their name, printed in color made the difference. They knew that the tag was very specific - very special. I printed roughly 200 names. And I'm glad they felt special and that they've thanked me. I didn't expect such appreciation. You see, I believe in the saying "you can always give without loving but you can never love without giving." It's easy for me to spend time and resources for people because I genuinely love them - because in one way or another, they have touched my heart and it's just but a normal instinct to share that love.

I'm a Training Coordinator in a call center. My greatest frustration is that I can never keep my trainees. Once training is over, I endorse them to their respective supervisors. I missed the concept of being in a team, and the thought of nurturing one. Mothering instincts has always been there. Sure, I'm part of the training team, but I'm deeply sad that we never get to really meet and have fun and simply enjoy each other's company. We are too busy doing our work - too busy developing knowledgeable, competent people. We don't get to spend so much quality time together. But that doesn't mean that we don't care and love each other. We still do.

One thing special that wiped out all the tiredness in me was when my Pakistani cyber boyfriend sent me 7 ecards - complete with background music. It was a collection of very romantic poems that expressed his true feelings and love for me... I would have to admit, it knocked me off my feet. I felt so much love. And for an IT guy who's so busy at work, I was surprised that he spent time to pick out the best ecards for me...(sigh...)

Love... Love... Love... What will the world be like without Lalaine... I mean... without LOVE...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!