On Weddings Part 2 | Church vs Civil Wedding

I told you, guys. I am kinda obsessed with weddings these days. This topic just came into my mind while I'm on my way home. When I searched Google for some comparisons about these two ceremonies, I also found out that these are a common debate to netizens. I believe this is, indeed, a hot topic. Hah!


I believe that every girl have their dream wedding. Some dream of a magnificent church wedding while others are planning to have a fairy tale garden wedding. I've seen barn weddings and beach weddings as I search blogs through Blogger and WordPress. Others love to have an intimate ceremony, where their immediate families are the ones who are present. Others dream of a televised and crowded wedding in the future.


These remind me of the my friends who are already married. Some had a church wedding while most of them are civilly married. I wonder what happened to their wildest dreams and fabulous fantasies. What's the exact difference between church and civil ceremonies?


As far as I know, the requirements of these weddings are just the same: marriage license, birth certificates of the couple, parental consent/advice according if necessary, and pre-marriage counseling certificate. The ceremonies are both valid and legal, too. Let me indicate some of the differences that I noticed in my friend's weddings. I might include family member's weddings too. :)


I was once a bride's maid in my church-mate's wedding. It was one of the funniest weddings I've ever seen! I've witnessed weddings wherein everyone is really serious and won't even say a word as the ceremony progresses. But it's the other way around during theirs. Even the preacher was cracking a few jokes for the congregation.


I attended my aunt's church wedding, too. I never saw all the preparations, but I was amazed by the beauty of the church during the ceremony. Lots of flowers were in the aisle. The gowns are great! I believe they spent a lot on their wedding.


I witnessed my cousin's wedding in Camarines Sur, too. It was just a small church, and the witnesses are just close friends and families.


I haven't attended any civil wedding, but I saw the photos of my friends in their FB accounts. The wedding is held at the mayor's office, with their parents, principal sponsors, and very few witnesses. It's as simple as what you think of it. It's as solemn, I guess, as what everyone's expecting it.


I believe it's a matter of preparation and budget whether to organize a church or a civil wedding. Church weddings require lots of flowers, confetti, and ribbons. You still need to find a decorator for best results. You need to provide for gowns and tuxedos for your bride's maids and groom's men. Lots and lots of expenditures are needed for your dream church wedding, right?


On the other hand, you just have to think of your reception if you're getting a civil wedding. You can even use your own house as the venue. Budget-wise, this ceremony is recommended.


There's no harm in dreaming for an expensive wedding, since it'll just happen once in your lifetime. What's important is that you'll have legal documents and complete requirements so that your wedding won't be declared void. The Family Code of the Philippines states all the conditions of marriages that should be considered before a ceremony.


Well, whether you're getting a church or a civil wedding, don't ever forget to marry the man/woman who is willing to spend the rest of your life with you. The one who'll be with you in sickness or in health. The one who'll stay for richer or for poorer. And the one who will love you honestly and truly from that day forward.


Best wishes!



Follow me on Twitter: @huntressAyin447

On Weddings

Believe it or not, I have two obsessions at the moment: reading the House of Night series and stalking about weddings! Let me give you a hint of my thoughts about weddings in this post. About the House of Night series, I'll post a book review soon.


My cousin will get married this coming May, and as far as I knew, my sister will be one of her bride's maids. I believe my sister is really excited since she already told me to take good care of the sandals that she'll be wearing. Oh my! She still have the chance to buy a new one before the wedding, right? Hehe!


I also asked my parents to come here in NCR for the wedding. It's the rarest chance for our family to have a reunion. My mom told me that my uncle working abroad will come home for the wedding. I guess our relatives will be here too, and I don't want my family members to be absent in the said occasion.


I believe this is the main reason why I have this sudden obsession in wedding ideas again. My followers and readers might remember how I cursed weddings due to my previous breakup. And now, I'm back in this magical world of nuptials.


To start off, I already have tickets for the wedding expo organized by Themes N Motifs and the Wedding Library. The first event will happen on March 8-9, 2014 and the other is this coming weekend. I'm seriously excited for the fair, though I'm not really sure on stuff that I might get there. A souvenir photo might be? Haha!

I've started overloading my Pinterest page with photos about weddings. Those amazing wedding dresses, cakes, designs, themes, and many more. If you have some suggestions there, don't hesitate to email me and attach those photos.


I already have a wedding blog. Haha! Well, it's 'cause of that themesNmotifs.com registration, and I might post some of my dream wedding dilemma and fantasies over there. Or, if I am darn lucky, I can post the details of my real wedding next time. I just want to know who my groom is!


Though I can see lots of separating couples these days, I still believe in the sanctity of marriage. I still hope that there'll be a time when broken families are already mended. I will always wish that concubinage and adultery won't ever happen again. Someday, when everyone understands the importance of marriage and commitment, we will have a happier and lovelier world.


And that will start with me and my beloved, wedded husband.


In time.

Follow me on Twitter: @xiehabiyer

When You Least Expect

I used to spend Valentine’s Day alone – hanging out somewhere, buying myself anything that I want, and drinking my favorite milk tea. This year made me realize that everything, indeed, changes when you least expect it.


He’s my classmate from my elementary years, and my dear friend ever since. He’s one of those people who knew me very well, someone who’s always there when I need someone to listen. Our lives have been separated for some years due to busy schedules.

I can still remember the first time I got a message from him after 5 years. Honestly, it was the first time I thanked Facebook and their search option. It was the first time I loved my totally unsecured account.

He asked me if I can still remember him. Hell, yeah! Who wouldn’t remember somebody who made me laugh when I’m about to cry? Who wouldn’t remember the guy who accommodated me during my first day in LWCES (B)? He’s one of those first friends and acquaintances that I had in Bicol.

We started sending text messages to each other, trying to cope up with the years that we’ve lost. We had the chance to reminisce how happy we were before, when our age and responsibilities don’t complicate our schedules. It’s nice to hang out with a long lots friend. What I didn’t expect is a love story that has been long overdue.

I don’t think if I ever told him before, but I really admire him since we’re young. Well, I guess that’s what they call puppy love. Young love. He’s really special, and he’s one of those friends who can complete my day.

While others think that I’m just using him to move on, like a rebound or something, I certainly believe that I’m just giving a rare chance to someone whom I loved before and comes back to my life for another chapter of our story. After five years of being separated, I can’t explain the joy that I felt when I received the first message from him. Time and situations might have changed us in some ways, but I believe my appreciation and affection for him haven’t changed for years.

I gave US a shot. It’s a decision that was REALLY hard to make since I’m afraid to lose the friendship. I was afraid to take a risk. He made me realize that it’s worth a try.

So, for a change..

I spent Valentine’s Day with somebody! Yay!

He traveled 9 long hours just to be with me here in NCR. I’m really thankful to his family, especially his parents, for allowing him to spend a week with me.

Our Valentine’s Day didn’t start as expected. We planned to go to Tagaytay, but all those plans were ruined since he fell asleep. I walked out of the house, roam around the city, and came back with a frown. I didn’t even bother to wake him up. I think he readily noticed that I don’t talk to him, that’s why he said sorry.

His friends have been texting him to meet them at SM Mall of Asia. I told him to go since I’ll just sleep with my bad mood. He hesitated to come until I agreed to come. If only I can stay mad with this guy. Tsk.

He reminded me to choose the restaurant where I want to eat. My first choice was Tokyo Tokyo, but I remembered my discount coupon at TGI Fridays. I asked him if it’s OK with him, and he said yes. I was the one in-charge with the food and drinks too, since his two friends doesn’t want to get anything to eat. Hah!

It’s really fun to be with the three of them. I never felt aloof or alone or out of place. They might be shocked of the prices of the food, but they’re fascinated by the beauty of the place. The displays are pretty awesome, I must say. Well, I might post another restaurant review later. :)

We planned to try Cruise by the Bay. However, we passed by a car show, organized by car clubs in the Philippines. It’s really nice to see all those personalized/modified cars and their fantastic speakers. As in WOW!

We both loved the orange, yellow, and blue car. At the same time, I’ve seen two Hello Kitty Cars. Haha! I’ll post one of the photos next time. I promise. :)

He helped me look for the books of the House of Night series, but eventually, we failed. We searched at all the bookstores inside the mall, but we didn’t find any volume of the series. Sigh.

If only you could notice, our celebration isn’t that perfect, but we’re happy to be together. I should say, I’m happy we’re together. He told my best friend that he’ll do everything to make me happy, and he really did. I can imagine how hard it is to please me, yet he amazingly hit his goal.

I guess this is just the time that I can sincerely say, Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. It is, indeed, one of the happiest celebrations that I’ve ever had.

Thanks to his parents, once again.
Thanks to Mommy Yana.. she knows why.
Thanks to Macky and Jane for their hilarious and fun presence.
And most importantly, thanks to Glen Mark Relleve for a job well done.

‘Til I see you again on your birthday sweetie.




Follow me on Twitter: @xiehabiyer

Weekly Writing Challenge: My Funny Valentine?

Write the Valentine’s card you’ll never have the courage to actually send.

I have the desperate need to send multiple cards this Valentines, but I don't have the courage to do so. I'm glad I was given the chance to, at least, write those messages here in my blog as a part of a challenge. Well, I'll name lots of people here. Don't be shocked when you saw your name.


Ready? (Oh! I was asking myself. Hah!) Here we go!


A Letter to:

My parents

I don't know if you celebrate Valentines on your own, but you remind me of what love means. You never gave up on me amidst all those failures that I habitually made. You never stop caring for me, showing how important I am, and asking if I can still make it on my own.

It is so hard to talk about my love life to you since you always say negative things about the man I really love. You always discourage me. You always say it's not yet time for a serious relationship. But, you know what? After this dreadful breakup that I just experienced, I always wished I heed to your advise. I feel sorry for myself and disappointed that I failed your expectations about us. I tried all the possible ways to make you see how good he is, how responsible he is, how loving he is. But I failed to let you see the pain that I've suffered all this time, the pang of guilt that I felt as we sleep at night in the same bed. I never had the chance to run to you and cry when I'm really, badly hurt, 'cause I don't want you to blame me and I don't want you to blame him.

Sincerely, I'm sorry. You were right. I wasted the past years of my life trying to defend someone who's been deceiving me. I thought I already succeeded in letting you accept himfor who he is, but again, I was wrong. I know I am wasted, and I am so thankful that you are still there for me. You're still there to support my crazy idea to go back in Manila.

Just a few months, Mama, Papa.. I promise I'll go back to your side, and I'll always listen to whatever you say.

Happy heart's day to you! I always wish you'll stop arguing, yet I know it's inevitable. Married life should always have petty fights, right? But please, listen to us when we say stop. You're scaring us, don't you notice that?

I love you so much. I will never love anyone else aside from you. Aside from my siblings. I am not afraid to remain single forever, as long as I know you'll always be there for me, even after you body came back to ashes.


My Friends

Seriously guys, Valentines? Way back then, you never believed that being in love is a nice things. Here you are now, deeply in love with somebody. You're lucky you have them at your side.. Oh yeah. Don't look at me like I'm a lost girl in a crowded street. I can manage the pain, though. I believe..

To Ate Ann,
You've known almost everything about me and Luis. You've been the very first person to know if we kissed, if we fight, or if we had a good time. You're like my diary as I say everything to you. Even the details of our breakup.

Remember that afternoon when I first saw him? I never asked any questions about him, yet I am intently listening to the details you say about that mysterious guy. You told me he was cute. You told me he was nice. And through this compliments, I fell in love with him. See? You must be blamed for all of this. Haha! Just kidding.

On the other hand, I've been a passenger in your roller coaster of love stories, too. I might not have the exact stories, but I have the glimpse of every happy and painful memories that you've had. You're, indeed, luckier than me. You have Mia at your side. You have your parents whom you can count on. You have the freedom to talk to them, yah know, while I can't even mention Luis' name in front of them again.

I know you're in love with another man again, and I just wish you can consider Mia's benefit first before your own pleasures. Haha! Did I just say PLEASURES? Eh..sorry? Hmm.. I'm not. hahaha!

Happy heart's day bhestie.. You're one of the best friends in the whole wide world. I's rather stay single, than lose you in my life. I love you, cousin! ?


To Mommy Yana,
From Joel, to Bham, to Kevin, to Luis, to Ryan, and now, for Glen. We might be miles apart, your support is always there for me. It's also funny that we had a conclusion before that we have the same luck in love. Haha! I never cared to observe that. You just told me so. ^_^

I'm sorry to bother you when the cut was so fresh. Sorry for disturbing you, when in fact you have to deal with your mother's condition. Thank you for texting Luis when I ask you to do so. Though some of our plans didn't work out, it was an eye-opener that he didn't really care. So I believe it's time to let go of him, and wait for another bitch who's gonna steal him from that 15-year old home wrecker. It will always be like that, isn't it?

Don't forget to invite me in your wedding, ok? I'll be there. I promise. I can be your bride's maid, but never expect me to be a bride. Haha! That's the new rule. :)

Happy heart's day! I know you're still grieving 'cause of your mother's death, but I'm sure love will heal all those wounds. While she waits for us beside God's throne, I believe she wants us to learn how to love again after our heartbreaks. Thanks for the friendship, and thanks for being a mother to me. I love you Mommy! ?


To Moimoi,
You know what? Every time I call you by the name, moimoi, you immediately transform into a 5-year-old kid. Haha!

Another thing. You don't ever realize that I must hate you, am I right? You're part of the class that I hated. You're one of them, isn't it? But well, you're here, considering me as your best friend.

I won't ever forget that day when we met at Mandaluyong. June 9, 2012. You really pissed him off, remember? I'll never forget how annoyed and mad his face was as he approach us. I didn't had the chance to see what Liza's reaction was, but I'm sure she's also shocked on how rude, Luis could be. I should've taken that as a sign, right?

You're literally miles and miles away, but I'm thankful that you still answer my messages. You still read those dramatic lines that I send, though I can imagine your not interested at all. You're crazy, and you know that. Your secrets are darn safe with me. I'm at your side for now. But if that comes to worst, you'll remember that somebody broke my heart too. I won't let that happen to your lady. alright?

Take care always, bhestie. I'll be looking forward to catching up with you on July. My FB is always online. Just send me a message, ayt? Happy valentines.. to bad you won't be with Liza this year. I know you'll schedule a time for your online date.. just be on time, ok? ?

To Phine,
I believe this season is much painful for you. It's three long years, I know, and you've celebrated this special ocassion every year. Honestly, being alone in Valentines isn't new to me. He always leaves me alone, yah know.

If only I was there, we can invite our friends, singles only, and have a gathering like we used to do. I can't remember if you're able to attend a Valentine's camp, but we can make something like that again. We can organize another event like that, even if it's outside the church's vicinity. Just to make things easier for you.

Don't forget that I love you so much. You're like my little sister. You're part of my family. I was devastated when I heard about your shocking news, and my heart breaks as I see your tears falling as you speak. I'm just a text away, and you can always count on me. :)


To Ryan,
I am thankful that you've been exerting effort on things between us. But you see, we're never getting back together. I thought I can make it possible to be together again, but I'm really sorry. It's never the same.

You have your obligation now. Please focus on your child. If you really don't want to pursue marriage with the girl, don't do it to me. You just prove to me that you aren't ready for a commitment. Just let me go, for the last time.


My Crush-es

Haha! I know; it's indeed in plural form. I just admire them, so what? So, here's my Valentines message for them.


To Factory Worker,
I don't know if I'll still consider you as my "crush" since you always make ways to turn the feeling off. You know me by my name. You know be my face. But you don't know the why I think you're worth any attention.

Remember the first time that we rode on the same Jeep? You're wearing white shirt with the print "Wanted Girlfriend". I am trying to read the next word on your shirt when you looked at me. I have to look away immediately. You ignored me, I guess, and continued to talk to your friend. I tried do hard not to look at you again, but I failed. When it's time to go down, we're waiting for each other. I hesitated to drop off first, as you do the same. We stood up at the same time, and it's kinda funny 'cause you still allow me to go down first. Haha!

Then I saw you're also working at the same company, only that you're on the other team. But, I'm really happy to see you always. Most of the time, in your white shirt. ?

It's been a while now, and I haven't seen that shirt again. The thing is, you started wearing pink. It's kinda distracting actually, and annoying at the same time. I don't know why, but I always wish you never have to wear that again.

Happy heart's day to you. Whoever among them will be you date this special day, I hope you'll be happy.


To Popoy,
Why do I have to call you 'popoy'? 'Cause you look so young.

You're cute. I like the way you walk. I like the way you wear your clothes. I like the way you fix your hair.

What more can I say to you? I'm really speechless, yah know.

My new workstation is torturing me. Every time I hear your voice is a distraction.

Well, you just attract me like you're my favorite anime character. Hmm.. Who's that? SECRET!


To Drummer Boy,
Why do I like you? 'Cause you play drums; that's all.

Well, you're cute also.

Photogenic.

Hmm. I believe you're kind.

You don't have many updates in your FB profile. (Oh yeah. I used to stalk you from time to time)

I like the way you smile.

I almost melted when we're together in the elevator during your birthday. Remember that? :)



-------------------------

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, there you have it!

Isn't it too much for one week?

Haha!


HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!


Follow me on Twitter: @xiehabiyer

Monologues

It’s not like I wanted to be here, but I have no choice. Miles and miles away from home. Struggling and fighting depression. I wanted to be as close to the people who loves and cares for me. However, it’s forbidden.


I am a teen. I am noisy, unorganized, and moody. I am emotional. I provoke wars not only deep in myself, but within my colleagues as well. I have lots of questions left unanswered. I have answers that are considered silly and unimportant. All that I am completes the makeup of my personality, my character, and my whole damn world.


With the advanced technologies around me, I admit that I was programmed to be lazy. I drop my clothes at the laundry shop and pick them up after a day or two. If I a new dress or a new pump, I’ll just browse online shops, order those that I want, and wait until somebody knock on my door for the delivery. If I want to talk to my parents, I won’t have to travel for 12 long hours before I can see them and enjoy their presence. Just few clicks on my phone and viola! I can already start a 15-minute conversation with my family. If I want to get a new job, I’ll just browse online applications and send my resume. Then, I’ll wait for their calls on when my examination is, ask them about their location, and just visit them during my schedule.


You might tell me that my life is fucking easy. I admit, living comfortably with these new technologies ignites your desire to wake up again each morning. I have ways to communicate without going out of my bed. I wear clean clothes without soaking my hands. Most of the time, I just go out and find a restaurant for my daily meals. Easy? Hell, yeah! However, the thought that we’re helping each other to be lazy is a different thing to think about.


I imagined myself with my kid. I imagine him looking at me the whole day, thinking whatever I do is right and must be done. I can see him slouching on his bed all day; waiting for his meals, his clothes, and his needs to be delivered. He’s going to spend the whole day at the living room, watching Phineas and Ferb, Pokemon, The Adventures of Finn and Jake, and NBA. We’ll be using intercom buttons and enjoy our petty conversation through it. He’s doing what I am doing now. He’s also trying to enjoy his cozy life.


The truth is, I find this high-tech life kinda boring. There are times that I miss the best job opportunity since it wasn’t posted online. I need to visit their office and apply as a walk-in applicant. I can feel my body weakens every day since I lack exercise and sunlight. I become isolated to my virtual friends and forget my old acquaintances who are just staying at the next street, waiting for me to visit them.


I seldom forget that my family’s presence makes me courageous and strong enough. I know they make me feel better when they talk to me through the phone, but it’s better when they can hug me and tell me it’s going to be alright. Talking to them and seeing their reaction assures me that somebody is willing to accept me for who I am and for who I wanted to be.


Uh? What have I said? Wordy post, eh? Well, this is just a reminder for myself, and for my readers about the importance of presence and physical activities. We are thankful to modern technology, but we must remember the old culture; snail mails, visiting relatives and friends, and playing with your kids. Doing household chores might be tiring, but it’s one way to keep our body fit and fab. You don’t have to run to the fitness center to  be fit since your home can be a tool for your exercise routines.


Did I forget to include something?


I guess I never missed anything.


Hehe!


Mental block is hitting me again. ♥



Gonna go for now.




Toodles!




#Huntress


Follow me on Twitter: @xiehabiyer

Picture Quote of the Day - 02.05.2014

source: quotesberry.com

#HappyLoveMonth guys! ♥



We always have the ideal woman and man in our minds. However, we must remember that we'll have to accept the real one who'll catch our falling heart :)




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The Year-Long Story

You might skip this post and think that it's a wordy one. But please, it isn't what you think. Hehe!


Today marks the first year anniversary off my stay here at this SEO company.


A year ago, I was desperately looking for a job. I need to win the deal with my parents. I'm happy I was able to stay here in NCR after getting this job. ^_^


A year ago, I was hopeless. I was terrified of going back to the province. I was terrified of staying so far away from an important person.


Today, it doesn't matter where I stay. It doesn't matter whether I'm here alone or with my parents. What matters is that I'm happy with my profession. I'm happy with where I am.


It'll be hard to step out of your comfort zone, yet it's the best way to strengthen yourself. It's the best journey you'll have to take as early as possible to grow up. :)


Happy Anniversary to me! ♥

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Photo Quote of the Day - 02.03.2014

Happy anniversary!


Yeah. One year, and counting, here at EndlessRise Inc.


I won't forget the first day that I step inside this office for my first day of work. I can't believe it's a year ago. Haha!



Good luck to my next days at this place! :p




Follow me on Twitter: @xiehabiyer

Picture Quote of the Day - 02.02.2014

#LoveMonth


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To Begin with February..

It might be waste of time, but that's all I have.


HOPE.


January passed already and it's love month again. Hello, February! However, I don't have the chance to welcome this month with enthusiasm and excitement. This month means grieving, mourning, and remembering the love that I used to have.


I've done my usual routine - look back at the past and treasure OUR happy moments. As expected, this gesture sent fear, pain, and depression to my heart. I wish he was here to hug me and to tell me that everything will be fine. But, reality hits me, he'll never be present to fulfill my needs. He's a new person now, able to live his happy and cozy life without me.


I've read all my promises to him. The promise of never letting him go. The promise of holding on to the relationship. But now, he's gone. I'm left all alone, with no one to hold my words. However, another oath had been revealed to me at those articles. My promise to let him go when he found another woman to please him.


"I'll watch him smile with the new person who make him feel complete."


It's one of the lines that's been lingering my mind. I don't know how I can manage to do it, yet I believe I'll find the right time to do so.


For now, allow me to welcome February, the love month, with the hope that I'll still be with the man I truly love.


And the slightest hope is all I have...




Follow me on Twitter: @xiehabiyer