The Promise

Wedding Belle.

Late last year two of my daughters got married, one was in Boracay and the other in Tagaytay.  The Boracay wedding came first while the Tagaytay came the day after.  A day before the beach wedding we were informed that my flight back to Manila was canceled and this would mean I won't be able to attend the wedding in the highlands.  The thought was quite upsetting so I tried my best to find an earlier flight and scrambled for numbers to make the necessary changes.  Luckily, there was an early flight that day (leaving the beach was quite saddening) so we were initially wait listed.  By early evening I received a confirmation call from SEAIR and everything just fell into place.  After all, I wouldn't want to miss my daughter's wedding.  Besides, I made a promise.

All made up.  Makeup and hairstyling by Lourd Ramos.

Arriving in Manila on the day of the wedding made me, frantic.  After traveling an hour and a half from the airport to Tagaytay I felt relieved.  We finally made it(with me were Reg and Rudolph--two of my other kids).  We realized we didn't have a place to dress up so Reg and Rudolph went to Starbucks while I changed inside the ever dependable van.  Time flew quickly and we rushed to Taal Vista Hotel (prepping up venue) to get a glimpse of the bride before she walks down the aisle.  The sight of my little girl in her beautiful vintage inspired gown holding a bouquet of blush pink peonies almost brought tears to my eyes.  I was overjoyed to see her and witness her one moment in time about to happen.  All the stress we went through just to get to this wedding vanished into the cold mountain breeze.  I was more than grateful to the universe and couldn't even ask for more.  There was an unforgettable glorious sunset at Caleruega (church) that day.  Wonderful hues filled the skies and unconditional love was all around us to celebrate the union of both Donna and Carlito.  As the church doors opened and the wedding march was about to start, a realization came to mind.  This is a day when two become one and promises are made not for the moment but to last a lifetime.

Picture Perfect. Wedding gown by Francis Libiran.  Photos by Pat Dy.

Family Ties(From left to right):  The author wearing an ivory dinner jacket, black bow, white long sleeved polo and tuxedo pants all by Joey Samson and sunglasses by Balmain; the bride in Francis Libiran; Reg in a white pleated dress by Blanc et Noir from SM, black shrug from Willow and sunglasses by Ray Ban; Rudolph in dark long sleeve polo and  trousers by Topman, checkered blazer by Mondo and sunglasses by Ray Ban.

Check out Donna's wedding at missdonata.blogspot.com

City Escape

Away from the almost maddening city trappings, nothing beats the fresh breeze of the countryside and having quality time with friends.  Decided to head out of town last minute with fashion designer's Joey Samson, Ivar Aseron and stylist Corine Alegre to have lunch at Antonio's Grill in Tagaytay.  After what you can call a pig-out lunch, we attempted to have dessert and coffee at Bag of Beans(but surprise surprise all seats were taken) but ended up at the newly renovated Taal Vista.  It was no surprise that Tagaytay was packed with so many people since its one of the most convenient places to go to outside Manila.  The weather was super cold and the thick fog reminded me of Baguio weather (thank God i brought something to keep me warm).  All we did was eat, chat, eat again and the chat never ended.

From left to right:  Joey wearing striped top by Muji, black pants by Topman, scarf (his own),  white sneakers by Raf Simons and bag by Balenciaga.  Corine in a top by Dries Van Noten, cardigan by Fate @ Chocolate, denim skirt by Zara, shoes by Melissa, heirloom emerald cut diamond earrings, bespoke gold scapular, green leather bag and watch by Frankie Minotti.  Ivar in a top by Fred Perry, pants by Topman, cap from Vegas, shoes by Balenciaga bag by Comme de Garcon and watch by Cartier.

modern neutrals

a closer look at the mix of polka dots and stripes

The author wearing printed tee by Marc by Marc Jacobs, white denim pants by Zara, blue laced up
shoes by Melissa for Men, braided red leather wrist band by Arnel Papa, wrap by Massimo Dutti
and convertible tote by Celine.