Cebu

The Red Eye Flight

Early morning flight... two kids, a pregnant pretty mom and a pogi daddy :)  (sorry guys, this is my blog and I'm entitled to my own opinion)...

Horror... It's already 3 am and we haven't packed half of our things yet... too late for a 6am flight.  I think it wouldn't be much of a big deal if we're just packing for the two kids and us... but, we also have our photobooth and camera stuff to pack. With God's grace and our penchant love for grace under pressure (in short not so prepared:)), we're able to pack our things, drive to the airport, check in the over-the-limit baggage and make our flight on time.

Cassandra praying she won't be left behind as we sort out our excess baggage :)

...but we made it, yey!  For the single people who are backpackers, preparing your luggage and making your flight may not be a big deal... but if you are a parent with two kids these things may not be as easy as it looks. 

Sigh of relief after checking in seven huge baggage.

​We've been to Cebu a couple of times but this weekend was extra special. It's Tito Kevin and Tita Tei's wedding. I could still remember the first time we saw them together in Manila on Champee's birthday.  That same night, armed with a shotgun, we tried to interrogate Kevin about his intentions (just kidding ;) Well he's still lucky as Mama was not as tough on him unlike when I was courting Cali.

Amanda pondering about life... or just plainly looking at her booboo while waiting for the take off.

Cassandra studying the rich heritage of Cebu

Mabuhay Cebu!

Finally we're on Cebu after an hour of flight. But before we left the airport, our little Cassandra strutted her way to the conveyor belt fashion runway.

When we were able to settle in our free accommodation, thanks to Boss Jerry of Sta. Lucia Cebu (a cousin of my cousin... so is he my cousin then?) it was time to meet the Thompsons over to Kristel and Kevin's place.

I wasn't there since I dropped by at our Cebu office on that day. But it was nice to have the Calingasans see all of Kevin's family.

And that same night, we went to the dinner to formally meet them. It was actually what we call the pamamanhikan. It was in TGI Fridays where the love team KeTel was formed (lol)

It was cool to meet an American family with close family ties. And I think Kevin oriented his family well as they brought us "pasalubongs" from the States. 

The following day we went to Taboan (the best smelling market in town).  Then off we go to the rehearsals.  It was a good time to teach some Filipino games to the kids.We played luksong baka and patintero.

Surprise
​That same night Cali and the rest of the girls had a surprise bridal shower for Kristel.

And the boys, as expected, didn't prepare any for Kevin. But it's ok since we had a good time just hanging around at a bar nearby.

The Day That Didn't End
​We slept about 3 am but woke up at 4 to fetch some of the family's guests at the airport. Fortunately the flight was delayed.  Unfortunately, we knew about it when we're already at the airport.  So we went home, get some half an hour sleep more before going back to the airport, then to the hotel, then back to the airport to fetch our video crew.

The day ended, with everyone settling at the hotel to finally relax before the big day.  We also took this short time to get some shots that will be used in the video.

The Big Day
Everyone was in a happy, excited and anxious mode at the same time as we all want to have a perfect wedding day.

What's up Cassandra?

The preps were both fun and tiring as some guests weren't used to the cameras.  Fortunately, the kids are natural models... hmmm, maybe they got it from their parents... ahem.

Rookie mom Cali seem to be enjoying being in front of the camera this time.

Mr. and Mrs. Calingasan

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson

...well maybe the kids got it from their grandparents.

The Flower Girls
Ever since Amanda became a flower girl from a friend's wedding, she's always looking forward to wearing gowns and makeup to all the weddings she's attending.

Amanda practiced this walk with her hills for the last three months

Cassandra after dressing up. Still poker-faced in front of the camera.

Amanda after her makeup. She's super excited for this.

The Entourage
​It was an intimate wedding where all the guests are Kevin and Kristel's family and closest friends. Here's a picture of my girls with the entourage.

Cassandra?

A Great Wedding!
What makes an event successful? It's not the dress, the makeup, the flowers, the bridal car, the picture perfect beach nor the barongs. It's all about the celebration of love. It's the essence of why we're celebrating in the first place. The wedding was a big success because everyone felt the love in the air. The love of the couple. The love for the family. The awesome love from their friends. And most of all, God... the giver of Love.