Prepping the Wedding: Jarvik the planner and the excited "Bride-to-be"

I am sure all young girls love to watch fairy tale movies and so have their own share of favorite Disney Princess. Like me, I love Belle in Beauty and the Beast, not because she married the most handsome "beast" but because I found in the story the perfect portrayal of "live happily ever after". Back in reality, my friend Grace will soon start her own "fairy tale" as she will walk down the aisle to meet her future prince charming;)

Marvin and Grace

The whole barkada is excited BUT take note, the major wedding planner Jarvik Toledo is the most excited than anybody else YES even the bride to be hahaha...I know she has all the reasons in the world to be excited and she just can't simply hide it, well, after all its the first wedding in our barkada! 

Jessica and Mabee are absent

Just as Grace asked for a rescue, we hurriedly meet up and organize everything. Obviously, Jarvik can't contain her high spirit. She keep fiddling on the paper every single details EVERYTHING about weddings! From the church to reception to honeymoon! and to my amazement, she knows how much per dime it costs for EVERYTHING! not able to hold my piece, I asked her how did she know all about this? and proudly she said that she's been into wedding expo and another YES, she already planning her FUTURE WEDDING!!!hahahaha lucky for her, when wedding bells finally arrive into her doorstep, she will no longer going gaga on organizing it. I know and 100% sure that EVERYTHING will be exactly the way she plan it!

Jarvik is the most thrilled among all of us including the bride:)

comparing notes

designating tasks

knowing own tasks

For now, I will leave you hanging there folks 'coz sooner, together, we all walk down the aisle to witness how this lovely couple would start the life of living happily together. Gotta hold that excitement for a moment!:)

MY FRIEND MICHELLE'S JOURNEY INTO HER FIRST EVER PHOTO-SHOOT

When I was studying in an exclusive school back in college, I was wondering what a simple probinsyana is doing in such environment. Going to St. Paul College is quiet a journey for me. At first I was too shy to express myself and yes how to make friends. The once known "madaldal" in high school days was so tamed and behaved. But God is really good 'coz my adventure in college was so colorful for He gave me the best kinds of friends. One of them is Michelle Angela Quintos, she's definitely one who is close to my heart;)

When I transferred from my original Block, I was sad because I left my first barkada. I was afraid I will end up being a loner who will just wander around the campus, eating all by myself in the cafeteria or just lock myself up in the library during lull hours. I noticed one particular girl. She is truly beautiful, her look-alike? oh well, the famous Hollywood star and absolutely one of the prettiest, Anne Hathaway!  

Michelle's look-a-like Anne Hathaway

Michelle's face is so angelic. When we joined theatre productions, she always gets the role of Mama Mary. She has this alabaster skin, deep round black eyes, 5 feet 4 inches tall, skinny. Her flaw, oh well she get "mustache" that's why we call her "bigots":) 

With simple greetings that ended up with constant chatting, voila! we became friends and was my college buddy! We sit together during classes, do home works, and "gala" partners. One thing that I missed until these days is their former home in Mandaluyong. I still remember my first sleep over there, we had a job on Haribon Foundation event. Her mom is also as sweet as her constantly reminding us to always stay good in school. From there on, we learned so much about each other. Shared our own ambitions and dreaming our future. She's one of the funniest people I've known who is fond of cracking jokes, yes even the corniest jokes.  When we are in good vibe, we just simply goof around and laugh all day long:)

Michelle and I back in college:)

Our fave hang-out place, their first house in Mandaluyong:)

one of the best memory ever!

with our other sistah MG!

with her Milky and my Snickers:)

with the rest of our 'kada, MG, KC, GABE, MICHELLE, and ME:)

the complete us during college days! how I miss it:)

When our quest in college finally ended and started to realize our dreams, Michelle immediately landed to her dream career, that is to become flight attendant in Cebu Pacific. She stayed there for years until she finally made her way to the international scene soaring with the official carrier of United Arab Emirates, the luxurious Etihad Airways. I still remember telling me that it's really her dream to travel around the globe, going into different landmark places, meeting new people and experiencing peculiar cultures. I would love to hear stories whenever she comes home. I feel like travelling too as she shares with me her excitement and enjoyment. 

her quest in Chicago

her former boyfriend:)

her visit to Korea:)

she can definitely rocks in this outfit:)

after her years of travelling she finally landed to Hongkong:)

Michelle's Xmas Experience in Toronto

And just recently, in addition to her vivid sequel of adventure, she was chosen to model for her make up artist friend. She would have done this long time before (which I thought modelling is best suited for her). Well, obviously without any make up on and wearing fancy dresses, Michelle is simply beautiful (inside out). Look at the result, its like you are flipping the glossy pages of Vogue Magazine:)

beautiful bride, who doesn't like to be her groom?

laid back bride:)

working on every angle is just a breeze:)

One of her best photo..make up is superb:)

give me that fierce look!:)

gazing up with class:)

chains on;)

America's Next Top Model:)

behind the wall:)

thinking deeply with poise

What more can I say? She poses like a pro and the camera simply loves her back:) She can't believe she has done her first professional photo shoot. It was an amazing experience she will forever treasure. I urged her to pursue her modelling career and she jokingly said that one of her far fetched dream is to have a giant Billboard along Edsa. This dream of her is not far away to pursue, with her beauty, talent, and humility, that dream will eventually come true. I am sure, her future Billboard will be spared by the MMDA authorities who takes down billboards along Edsa. It would be just a waste to be taken down. 

Her precious Milky..how I miss that dog:)

the prettiest flight attendant ever:)

classy and classic beauty:)

Keep it up friend! God Bless..I miss you

Meidolls Cafe Experience:)

Every magazines, TV Shows, or any media outfits always wants to produce segments that are unique, inspiring, and creative features. That is why we are always on the look out from out-of-the-box concepts that truly tickles the curiosity of our viewers. In our case, we have numerous segments for the lifestyle part of our show Business and Leisure (which airs every Tuesday 10pm over the Home Shopping Network, ch13 Sky and Home Cable), and one of our weekly segment that continues to gain popularity among our viewers is our weekly segment titled Food Trip (which I consider one of my personal favorite). In this segment, we make sure to spot new dining destinations particularly in key areas where most good restaurants are located for the discriminating tastes. But nowadays, we can also find impeccable and affordable restaurants outside of the metro. One of which is the newly and the only Cosmic restaurant, Meidolls Cafe located in Cainta Rizal.

Meidolls Cafe

The location is noticeable for it is just in the highway

When I chance upon Meidolls Cafe, I thought I am seeing "Sailormoons" and watching live anime characters, but I wasn't wrong, after all, the Master behind this one-of-a-kind Cafe is a true confess anime fan. She is the very lovely and youthful Meidoll herself, Ms. Reia Ayuna.

The very pretty Meidoll and the brain behind Meidoll Cafe, Ms. Reia Ayunan

Just as we came in this 6 month old cafe, I know exactly the things that I wanted to discover here. The place is quite enough for intimate hang-out for your family and friends. The interior is simple yet homey. It is encased with clear glass, with Japanese lanterns hanging freely at the ceiling, dwarf size table and chairs (which is really coordinated with the Japanese concept of the cafe), and the Meidolls? All prep up from costumes to make up, ready to serve their Master!

Meidoll Tenshin, ready to serve her Master!

As we started our one-on-one interview with Meidoll Reia, she gave us a spoonful background on how the Meidoll Cafe popped up in her mind. Reia divulged that she doesn't want to be a mere employee through out her life, and it’s always been her dream to manage and man her own business. To be able to save money for this endeavor, she went to Saudi and work there for years. She happily shared with us that when she worked in the Middle East, she can't freely express her kikay side especially her anime-ish spirit for us we all know that Middle East countries are conservative. But that doesn't what Reia is concern about; she just cares of earning money so she could finally invest her long plan business. After some years, she went back home along with her ample investment. First, she was actually thinking of putting up a salon for she also learned cosmetology, but with the sprouting of different salons and spas in town, she opted to deviate from that idea, then suddenly, the cosmic concept came in. As a risk taker, she didn't entertain hesitations and doubts from the people around her afraid that it will not hit the market. She witnessed how popular cosmic restaurants or cafe in Japan, so she decided why not spearhead the same concept here in the Philippines where she found out that no one else has established the same business yet. With the modest capital of 300,000 she was able to acquire a space in Saunterfield Bldg in Cainta Rizal. Her graphic artist/architect boyfriend, who from the very start is supportive to her, helped her out on the design of the Cafe. She also have a chef who offered her expertise in creating the Cafe's menu and so her 6 original Meidolls. So in January of 2011, Meidolls Cafe started to roll and attracted initial followers.

Reia taking orders from customers

Meidolls Bar Area

True to its Japanese theme, the menu is also Japanese but with a twist. Not like in any other Japanese restaurant that offers authentic Japanese cuisine, Meidolls Café incorporated new cooking style to each of their designer food. One for instance is the teriyaki pasta that is definitely a sure hit. It is cooked with real teriyaki sauce that tastes the real teriyaki juice. Our show is indeed lucky to actually have tried two of their best sellers, the bread rolls and their signature Meidoll Omurice. If your are a fan of sushi, you must try the bread rolls for it is stuffed and deeply fried.  

Meidolls sweet offerings!

Budget meal for everyone!

The best-seller bread rolls stuffed with sushi:)

Another best-seller the Omurice specially made for me;)

In keeping a homey and fun atmosphere among their customers, Meidolls prepared numerous fun games and gimmicks. One of which is their Ramen Challenge, wherein a customer must finish a bowl of Ramen in a certain minute. Another one which I find it amusing, is the traditional Pinoy game Jack en Poy where you will be competing one of the best Meidolls. It is a race up to 5 points and every points you lose you will add condiments (which are salt, soy sauce, ketchup, etc.) to a glass of water that eventually the "prize" of the "loser". 


So, next time you plan your next dining get-away, try Meidolls Cafe to experience your ultimate Ramen Challenge, who knows, you might beat their ultimate Meidoll Challenger!

my friend ackis -arcel wedding:)

I love attending weddings especially those who are close in my heart. I always end up teary-eyed when the couple exchanges vows with the famous, "for better and for poorer, in sickness and in health, 'till death to us part". Just like any woman, we someday wants to be the bride and embrace the "live happily ever after" life.

Lucky to this woman, my friend Maricris Perez who, last July 5, 2011, has started to build her new chapter of her life with her husband Arcel Laroya. But before we reached her wedding, where we arrived very late, (the wedding was over and done with, we just came there to eat and have photo op with her) me and my best friend Arnie Sampaga had a share of "lost in space" adventure.

The simple yet solemn wedding was held at North Susana Village Clubhouse in Quezon City. Since I have work until 6pm and Arnie has a class until 4pm our other friend Helen is just right on time at the wedding. Me and Arnie decided to meet up in Trinoma at around 7:30 pm, which on that time the ceremony has just started . We began our "lost in space" but rather call it "lost in Quezon City" at around 8pm. The landmark that was given to us by our friend Helen is the famous tire brand YOKOHAMA, other than that nada. First we entered the narrow roads of Old Balara inside UP Diliman, obviously it wasn't the right place. We head back to Commonwealth Ave but before we know it, we approached the vicinity of Far-view (the moniker of Fairview). Our cellphones heated up with calls to our reliable source our friend Helen, who on the other line gave us all the instructions and directions she knew, but still we're at LOST. We took our U-Turn and headed back again in Commonwealth Ave and finally decided to ask directions from the MMDA enforcers (we should have did it earlier on). After another U-Turn we finally succeeded, and officially, we are at lost to about 2 and a half hours. The verdict? WE STARVED

Since we are  left with ample time to wish the newly weds and made some catch ups, we took every opportunity to talk while eating, picture taking, and played with my new playmate the bibo and gwaping kid Hero Reagan (son of Helen), and yes we met a new friend Franco, who by the way gave us a lift after.

Helen, the new bride Ackis, Arnie, our new friend  Franco and my new playmate Hero Reagan

the lovely girls, Arnie Me and Helen

bff Arnie, "lost in Quezon City"

At the end of this special evening, I am just glad first, to my friend Ackis for she'll be in a place where her dream of having a family with Arcel is already beginning. Second, so happy to reunite again with our friend Helen, who that night was escorted by her smart and adorable son Hero and lastly, came home with a hope of becoming a bride someday and to live happily ever after;)