My Brother's Wedding

In their 10th anniversary, my eldest brother, Kuya Marty and his girlfriend, Ate Mija, finally tied the knot. This love story is where we can find what true love means: the persistence, fidelity, fighting against all odds and just making things happen.

It was during their 3rd grade when my brother, for the first time, heard Ate Mija call his name at the stairway of their school and told him Marty, nagdugyot kan (Marty, you're so dirty already), that my brother was caught in awe to discover that this young lady knows his name. From then on, my kuya grew his admiration for Ate Mija, sent her letters, took stolen photos of her, and persistently expressed his enchantment from the day he saw her up to the day he finally heard her yes, that was only after graduating in college. And one sweet thing I will always remember is that during one of their anniversaries, my brother made a scrapbook containing all the letters and photos he had of Ate Mija since the 3rd grade. This goes to show that my kuya has been loving my ate since they were kids and that love never faltered. And now, dearie and sweetie are happily wedded. 

But beyond this story of their fairy tale is something more than what people could ever think of what true love is. Hers is selfless. His is endless. To him she submits. To her he commits. I have been able to witness their love story from the happy moments down to the low points, through their mind-screwing arguments up to their sweet show of affection, from the point of losing hope and giving up to the moment of going strong, theirs is a roller coaster, but is the best roller coaster ride of love.

When I was listening to my other brother's speech as the best man in the wedding while he practiced, I tried to add up some points in his speech, for which he did not include, but which message, he said, is meaningful. These words reflect my contemplation of what true love is: 

Up to the last minute, challenges have tried their patience and love. They have questioned themselves “kaya ko pa ba?”, “itutuloy ko pa ba?”But I have seen from their relationship that love is also about staying when everything goes wrong, love is about staying despite all the pain and the difficulties. That they choose to cry in each others’ arms than to enjoy life away from each other. Because true love means staying when all else fails.

You can watch this video of their love story made by Jason Magbanua and here is the link :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhWgSIgBF9c

Gowns by Francis Libiran, Barong by Kingsmen

It was happy tears of love

And we were all crying from what we have witnessed

One big happy family <3

Ninong Bong! :D

Ates :)

The Paoay Church

The Lawyer-Ambassador and Dina Bonevie - Ninangs

The beautiful Bride :)

Paoay Church - A world heritage site and one of the best baroque churches in the Philippines

We were emotional with all that was happening during that day

At the reception

The surprise dance number 

And of course, I would never forget this moment when I joined them in singing "What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction". I was supposed to play the piano but I wasn't prepared, so I ended up singing instead. I used the mic of the host, and unfortunately the volume of the microphones of my companions were really low while mine was loud. So yes, you know what happened. HAHA! What a shame.

Forgot the name of this group of outstanding singers :/ They sang together with the Philharmonic Orchestra which created a great ambience in the reception

My two brothers who gave their share of their own solemn speeches

The hosts

My brothers! I get so sad when I see this because I'm not in the photo! It could have been so nice but I  went to the restroom

Together we welcome our newest member in the family, our dear Ate Mija :)

The major sponsors' table

M for Marty & Mija

Hello there baby! 

The cutest videographer in town! :">

Flowers by Jing Tanada

Special thanks to the kind and handsome Mr. Francis Libiran for the beautiful gowns

Flowers by Jing Tanada

Timeless beauty, yes. This man is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Gabby Concepcion

The lovely cake

Bat may SanMig? LOL

Fireworks display

Heart-shaped

God bless you Kuya Marty and Ate Mija! May you be happy always and may your love for each other grow fonder each day. For now, we await for the baby. :)

Francis Libiran Fashion Gala

The Manila Hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary with the leading fashion designer in the Philippine Industry as of today. The fashion gala is a tribute to the 100 years of Philippine Fashion, and the hotel hand-picked Francis Libiran to feature his signature designs for the fashion gala. For the first time ever, the grand lobby of the Manila Hotel was transformed to accommodate the glamorous event. It was a showcase of the world-class creations of Francis Libiran and the designs were oozing with elegance and sophistication. Francis is believed to be the premier designer of the Philippine Fashion today and the most famous designer in the Philippine Society and Showbiz Entertainment Industry. His creations were featured in America's Next Top Model: The British Invasion wherein he was asked to create Hello-Kitty inspired couture dresses for the photoshoot of the remaining models in the 8th episode of the ANTM, and another video was also featured in the same series to showcase his other creations modeled by actress Anne Curtis. He also designed a gown for Tyra Banks for the annual Blossom Ball and the dress was chosen as one of the best dresses list in that event. It goes to show that this very handsome looking man is a genius and the pride of Philippine Fashion.

Whatever it is, it is magic I see from his creations. His concept is a deviation from the standard depiction of fashion. His imagination is very strange but it is the most genius idea ever. He amazes me the way I am absolutely amazed with his precious face. He is one of the most handsome men I've seen. With all these things, therefore I conclude, he is AWESOME. 

XIAN LIM. Why wasn't I able to have a picture with you? Why did you leave so early? Why ? Whyyyyyyyyy?!

One amazing dress. WOW.

Enzo Pineda

Megan Young

The event was star studded. A lot of local celebrities came by to watch and support Francis in his gala show. The place and the setting really proved that five-star hotel feel, and you can see people so refined and classy. But the most awaited of all, is the picture-taking with celebrities. Well excuse me for my "troll face" which I unknowingly and unintentionally display when I get overly excited and starstruck. I swear I look so "ewan" with the big smile and the inexplicable oddness, but I couldn't care less because these are the only pictures I have and I have no other choice. :D

Regine Tolentino who was so kind and sexy

Anton from Azkals. He's handsome huh :">

Raymond Gutierrez

Bianca Gonzales. She's so much prettier in person.

G Toengi is very humble and kind. She's so approachable and friendly pa. She's a proud Batanguena! :)

Enzo Pineda. He was so handsome in person!

The doll-faced model

Rocco Nacinio was very mabait :">

 Francis Libiran, the most handsome and the best fashion designer. He is also very kind and humble. With this personality, no doubt he is as successful as he is right now. God Bless you!

 The beautiful Kelly Misa

Regine Tolentino with her fierce gown

 Rajo Laurel

 Anton with his girlfriend

 Liz Uy.

 Francis so gwapo :">

 Mama Rene

 The shoes!

 Them models.

Bianca Gonzales

I had so much fun during the fashion show. I saw so many fashionable and good-looking gays, bizarre shoes and outfits and gorgeous dresses. Thank you so much Francis Libiran for inviting us in your gala show. This is an experience I shall forever look back to with pleasure and joy. May God bless you abundantly. :)