Our Love Story

His Story: First time I met Anna was at church Last June 2011. When I saw her, I fell in love in an instant. I realized  God really loves me and He is always on perfect timing...Nope...that actually wasn't it, we didn't talk when we first met , haha! Never imagined at first that she will be the one. I was actually interested on having church friends in my age level and hooking up my friend Cy to church. I went to hanging out with JLH Church (Jesus Lifehouse Church) Filipino group from then on. Never really felt awkward because some of them I know personally already. Then during those hangout moments I had the chance to talk to Anna and have gotten to know her more. I remembered one time we were at the Harajuku station on our way to another friend`s house to hang out, Anna was trying to buy a new personal train card at the ticket machine. While she was there and trying to input her personal details, I noticed she put May 15 as her birthday,  I then said,"Michelle, we have the same birthday?" Thinking it was Michelle (our other friend).  When she heard me , looked behind and told me it was her and not Michelle. That time I realized "Is this a sign?" At first I never entertained the thought of pursuing her, I said to myself," If will be , it will be" and I don't need to rush  (and I thought she is already dating somebody), until one day I found out she was moving to Singapore in a month`s time. Knowing I don't have much time, I decided to go all out! There's no harm in trying. We can plant the seeds but its still God who makes everything grow. To make the long story short, I asked her out , then the magic happened :) Now the hard part came, she is leaving for Singapore. I never really liked the Long distance relationship thing but I know God gave me Anna and I trusted the Lord to provide for our relationship. True enough, I got some promotion at work , we had skype which also allowed me to call her cellphone for a low flat monthly rate (i think one few of the 4 countries which allows that service) and had the opportunity to fly to Singapore for official business trips, all company paid! If that's not God's provision, then I don't know what to call it! Three months into our relationship, God gave me the confidence to buy an engagement ring for Anna. I know it sounds crazy but that's how I'm sure I have found the girl of my dreams. Thanks to our friends Alvin and Michelle Dy who helped me buy the ring in the States and have saved me some cash :). Fast forward 3 month's , it was December 2011 and Anna's family will be coming to Singapore for the holidays. This is also the first time I will then...dun dun dun dun (queue in the sinister tune). Time to man up! At first I was nervous to meet Anna's parents but after some time, everything went at ease thanks to Anna's Mom and Dad being so nice! They made me feel like their own son. It was an awesome holiday, so awesome I had the chance to ask permission from Anna's parents and eventually mustered the courage to pop the question. Nothing too dramatic, no effects, no fireworks just a simple kneel down in front of her family, muttering some words from the heart which till now I can't remember because of nervousness, and the best part of it is she said , well, Yes!


Her Story: I met Jeff through a common friend when he and his friend visited my church while I was working in Tokyo. My first impression of him was mayabang (arrogant) and snobbish. Nevertheless, I started seeing more of him as I found him joining our get togethers with our common friends. Even then, Jeff played the "quiet, mysterious (snobbish) type". I never thought even in my wildest dreams will I end up marrying him. Not a spark nor butterflies in my tummy effect did I feel when I first saw him. I remember posting an invite on fb or perhaps it was just a comment I had about extreme sports or some adventure trip, Jeff replied and posted a comment after comment after comment. Since then, he seemed very enthusiastic in all that I have to say. Anna to all: Rafting guys? Jeff replies: Why not! Lets go. Anna to all: I'm baking! Jeff: Looks good! I think it was that time that I realized he might actually be friendly or perhaps just a Facebooker (later did I know that he was both). After a few times of hanging out with our friends and exchanging comments here and there, Jeff finally asked me out. Not clearly implied though... Jeff: I'd like to give you a farewell dinner since you're moving to Sg soon. It was a surprise actually since we never really talked whenever we were hanging out with our friends. The only thing we had in common, in my knowledge, was our birthday and that was it. Anyway, I said yes to that "farewell dinner" even though it seemed way too early for "farewell dinners". I was very hesitant but I'm glad I said yes. The dinner allowed me to see a different Jeff. We talked about almost everything but most importantly, I felt like he shared his genuine self. To be honest, I came because of the experience (of having dinner with a kind of stranger) and the free meal (lol)! This unpretentious, friendly dinner date was followed by another one and another one and the rest was history! I remember asking myself, What will happen with this fun, romantic twist of events when I leave Japan?? It was a bold leap of faith when I allowed all this to happen so I gave it all to God. After a month in SG, Jeff showed up and we officially committed to the long distance relationship. Though distance apart, we got to listen and cherish each other more. I felt God's peace and love through him in our relationship. It's crazy that I found in Jeff the best life buddy I could travel, eat, laugh, cry and love with. Few months in the relationship, I knew he was the one I want to have kids with. He proposed literally few months after we started the LDR, with some help from our good friends in Japan (Schela and Alvin), Christmas day of 2011 in SG. He knelt down and asked me to marry him in front of my family. I was speechless and shocked (can't even remember what his speech was but all I could recall was he did ask me to spend the rest of our lives together). He asked me again (and actually threatened to push me into the pool which we were standing next to if I don't answer back lol) of course I said YES with all my heart! Now I get to smile as I write this wedding blog to this date :)

Ceremony and Reception details

Ceremony

Time: Three thirty in the afternoon

Place: Seawall side garden, Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Attire: Formal 

Gentlemen- Barong or Suit and Tie 

Ladies- Elegant, Long Gown

Cocktails and Reception immediately following the ceremony at the Mindanao Ballroom

How to get to the Venue

FOR VENUE ACCESS INFORMATION
Please Click HERE to go to Sofitel Website



From South Luzon Express Way
(please zoom in  to see details)

View Larger Map

From North Via North Luzon Expressway and EDSA

(please zoom in to see details)

View Larger Map

Hotels Around the Venue

View Larger Map

Please Click/Zoom Out and Click Markers for Details.
Alternatively, you can check Tripadvisor for more details.

Our Wedding Gift Registry - Our Honeymoon

We would appreciate monetary gifts to help us start our new lives in Japan... 

or help take us to our honeymoon paradise!

 

Amorita Resort- Panglao Island

 

With its enchanting views of the Bohol Sea, old-world charm and stellar five-star service, Amorita Resort creates the perfect backdrop for a magical vacation with your beloved. The resort offers endless romantic possibilities. After a long day of touring and island-hopping, head over to The Deck and taste enjoy wines paired with a delicious, candlelit dinner while you regard the glorious Alona Beach sunset. As you settle in for the night, enjoy a relaxing couple massage from our licensed therapists in the comfort of your room, or take a relaxing dip in the privacy of your luxurious villa’s private plunge pool overlooking the sea.

Help us pay for the Flights :)

Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP Share P2,500.00 PHP

Or our Resort Accommodation :)

Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP Share P3,500.00 PHP

How about our Massage or Spa Treatments? :)

Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP

Or BnB and Candelight Dinners :)

Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP Share P1,500.00 PHP

The Venue: Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Jeff and I agreed that Sofitel is the perfect place for our wedding. We wanted a garden, sunset wedding usually seen in Batangas or Tagaytay but we also want our guests to be comfortable in their journey. Sofitel was the end to our dilemma. It offered the garden, tropical feel that is also conveniently accessible to all.

We will exchange vows at half past three in the afternoon at the Seawall side garden and head towards the Mindanao ballroom to celebrate our new life together. Exciting!