Cutty

Ever since the pandemic started, I haven't really attended any big gathering.  When I say big, I mean more than 20 people in a small enclosed space.  But, yesterday, I had to be present at such a gathering.  It was my cousin's wedding and I was asked to sing a few songs. I was surprised at how some people have such confidence in themselves that they are Covid-free and that they are not going to get the virus.  It was so alarming to see so many people in the wedding industry who have their masks improperly worn.  Photographers, musicians, sound technicians.  Some are completely without them in spite of constant reminders and big posters.  I was so nervous for myself and my family, most importantly for the newlyweds.  I couldn't bear staying in there that I had to step out.  That was when I realized I was weak and nearly shaking.  I was already regretting my decision to go to the reception.   Before settling down at the reception...

After 10 years, I was able to go back to  witness this light up and sparkle before my eyes. On the first day, I reacquainted myself with the tourist attractions, the Metro and the language.  We got to try out new stuff and to window-shop for a bit.  I can't help it.  We arrived at the tail-end of sale season. I happened to pass by Rue de Cambon and Rue de Saint Honore on our way from the Louvre.  It was a good long walk and all the aching muscles went away when I entered my wonderland.  I am looking forward to knowing this city more intimately. I'm now in the middle of Provence, the land of lush lavender fields for the main excuse of our trip.... It is Day 4 of traveling with friends.   We're still getting used to each person's quirks.  Hopefully, we're still friends by the end of this trip =D *photos grabbed from jonelski and pkf.

Over rehearsal last weekend, I cornered those who said they'll come to Mimi's wedding. Sorry na lang, the planner in me strikes again. With just five months away, we have to figure out our itinerary and pocket money, at the very least. Sayang naman kasi, promo fares are coming out already. We met over dinner and decided that we will leave on the 3rd week of July, preferably on a weekday so it is cheaper. This way, they can already file their vacation leaves. We've decided to ask our respective agents for quotes for our supposed itinerary. We'll most likely get our visas from The Netherlands since it will easier due to the DH situation in France, Italy or Spain. Kinikilig na kami sa excitement. Anda na lang =P

We got back from Tagaytay late last Saturday. The wedding started late due to the fog and the rain that swept all-over Splendido. They had to transfer the initial wedding set-up indoors. As predicted, we were on the road back to Manila by 6PM. I brought home with me one of the most memorable vows I heard in my life. "I will pursue you everyday. I will make you fall in love with me everyday." I am sure kinikilig si bride. Even the guests were tearful upon hearing those words.

Until this morning, I thought I will finally have this coming weekend for myself. I thought that I can finally shop for the remaining people on my list, get my kids their Christmas clothes and spend some time with my family. I was hoping to sneak in a few hours at the Christmas bazaar. This morning, I found out that one of my high school friends is getting married this Saturday. After which, I need to carol for the Archbishop's family. The following day, I have another rehearsal in the evening, and possibly, another TATLO meeting before that. Hay, there goes my weekend.

Di naman ako kinilig sa kanila . But, I'm glad that they've decided to settle down after all these years. I admit, I do find their timing dubious. Vic even said that it was like a marriage of convenience, for both of them. I understand that it is very difficult to organize a wedding as large scale as theirs, considering that they're both public figures. I also understand that they have to welcome the public to their gathering. From an outsider, it looked like a circus. At a time like this, one would want this most special event to be solemn and perfect. I'd imagine that one would want to focus on her groom and not be distracted by the number of people who attended the wedding. About canceling the reception, I think it is a convenient way of limiting the reception to the closest family and friends. After everything that has happened, I wish them well.

This afternoon, I sang for a friend's cousin's wedding. It also happened to be the couple's ninth year anniversary. Yes, they've been together for 9 years, seven of which was spent raising a child. The ceremony was short and simple. Highlight of the rite were the priest's lack of "ch" (like church as tsurts) and his signal for the groom to kiss the bride (You may now give eats other the sign of peace). It was a wedding reception like no other I've attended. First and foremost, the oldies were separated from the 40 and below crowd. They were seated at the Jade Hall while the younger ones were situated in the Banyan Hall. They were given plated dinners, while we feasted on cocktails. The connecting room was used by the couple for cake-cutting, toasting and speeches. Secondly, they didn't have the usual entertainment like a string quartet or a wedding singer. Instead, they had several performers to entertain their guests. When we first came ...

We drove from Vegas to Vallejo. The trip would normally take 8 hours. It took us 12 hours. Since we had senior citizens with us in the car, we had wee-wee breaks every two hours. It was a looooong drive but it was scenic also. We passed through the orchards of Waslo and the cattle ranch beside the freeway. I've never seen an orchard or ranch that spans as far as the eyes can see. Vallejo, like most cities in the Bay Area, has a very pleasant climate. It looks so lush compared to the dryness and heat of Vegas. I can see that there are lot of Pinoys in the area. One said that this is like the Daly City in SanFo. I agree! Even the servers in the restaurants speak Tagalog. We're staying at the hotel fronting the Six Flags Theme Park. We can hear the screams of the people in the roller-coaster as we got out of the car. Exciting! I want to try it out too but no one would go with me. Vic would have a heart-attack if he rode with me. That afternoon we found some time to ...

I came home from our rehearsal last night really excited. It seems that we were invited to go sing in Finland. Exciting! Our target travel date is the third week of August. If this pushes through, it will be my first Scandinavian visit. We still have to determine if we can afford this trip because the ACS has another major project taking place early next year. There is a slight complication though. Vic and I are scheduled to go to the States on the second week of August. One of his cousins is getting married, so the event will be a reunion of sorts. This would also be my chance to see the houses in Vegas and Florida. I hope I don't have to choose between the two. I like to go to both! It seems that I'm making up for all the travel opportunities I passed up on last year. I am not complaining.

I was glad to have this singing engagement amidst all the domestic chaos. I was fun to break away and see faces I haven't seen in weeks. They all remarked how my tummy had grown. The wedding was, once again, a high-profile one. The bride wore a gown that looked like it was by Monique L. The entourage came in pewter dresses. It was a very elegant and classy as gathering. I felt like an Indio (a derogatory word meaning uneducated, dark-skinned, second-class citizen) in a sea of fair-skinned people. Notable guests were Doris Ho, Washington Sycip, Tina and Rico Ocampo. Tina, though trying not to draw attention to herself, was a head-turner. She was statuesque in her long, black, haltered evening dress. I didn't notice if she was carrying one of her Celestina minaudieres. The ceremony itself was very quick and simple. Even the songs they requested were uncomplicated. It ended on a sweet note, with the groom hugging and whispering to his bride. It was a definite celebrat...

Friday, Aug 15, was when most of our guests arrived. This was also one of our busiest days. We met the new arrivals, composed of Vic's relatives on his father's side, at a luncheon organized by FIL's staff. It was nice to see familiar faces. We had lots of stories to catch up on, specially about what transpired after Tito Lerm's death. We can feel the tension between the wives as they chose to sit in different tables. Unfortunately, the food wasn't enough to distract us. However, the crispy lechon skin was distracting enough. As usual, the dessert selection wasn't much of a big deal. Rice cakes and an overly-sweet chocolate cake simply won't do. --------------- As we were preparing for our evening affair, we received news that Tita Ellen couldn't be woken up from her sleep. She was previously complaining of a stomach ache. We were afraid that it was caused by something we ate the previous day. Worse, we were thinking about more serious ailm...

This date is considered lucky by the Chinese. Even non-Chinese individuals grabbed this date for their special occasions. Weddings - Heard over the radio that hundreds of people are getting married in China today. I'm sure that there are more than several who are getting married in Manila also. Photographers, Videographers, Event Venues and Planners are having a field day today. I have a ex-colleague who also getting hitched on this famous day. I wonder if he got a more expensive rate knowing that this date is so in demand, even if it fell on a Friday. Delivery dates - In the year 1988, my mother was pregnant with my youngest brother. Her due date was in the first two weeks of August. She often said that wanted to give birth on the 8th. However, she can't hold it anymore. She gave birth on the 4th instead. Nowadays, a lot of pregnant women took advantage of this day too. Mothers want nothing else but good fortune for their kids. I wanted to give birth on the date al...