My Little World by Mommy Rackell

I won! ♥

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Ever since I got engaged, I love to share how Ian popped up the magic question at Boracay. I’m an avid fan of wedding sites some of them are W@W, Kasal.com, Philippine WeddingScenes, Bridal Book.ph, Themes and Motifs, etc.. While browsing at my Facebook, I found out that Kasal.com has another contest called “The Proposal” Contest 2^nd Edition, out of curiosity I open their website and saw this article.

“A romantic candlelit dinner-for-two – wonderful food, perfect ambiance, a smile playing on his lips. Tonight, there seems to be something different in the air, and you wonder. Finally, the love of your life takes your hand, gets down on one knee, and holding out the most beautiful ring, asks,“Will you marry me?”

Aaaww…Isn’t it wonderful remembering the day you said “I WILL” to saying “I DO”? If you think his or her proposal was the sweetest, most unique, most romantic ever, write to us this unforgettable moment and you might just win 3-days/2-nights for two in Stotsenberg Hotel and Leisure Park!

Send your Proposal story to kasal.comteam@gmail.com until June 12, 2012 . It may be in English, Filipino or even Tag-lish, funny or dramatic, sweetly traditional or crazy creative. We’d love to hear them all! We don’t expect masterpieces. Just write clearly and in proper sequence for your readers’ benefit. The more unique the story, the better.” (Article from their website)

As soon as I read this, I had no doubt to join in this contest. I like to share Ian’s proposal! And since I already wrote about this event, I easily copy and paste our story from my personal website. By the way, here is the contest Mechanics from their website.

Who Can Join:

Contest is open to all engaged and married couples getting married/married from January 2011 onwards.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Contestant must be of Filipino nationality or will be married to a Filipino/Filipina.

How to Join:

Couples should e-mail their Proposal story through kasal.comteam@gmail.com, together with the ff. details and materials:

complete name of the engaged couple
contact details, landline or mobile and email address
wedding date or target year and month (if no definite date has been reserved yet)
when and where the Proposal was held
photo/s or video/s captured during or after the proposal

Couples are also required to create a My Kasal Account at www.kasal.com to be qualified. If you don’t have one yet, please sign up here. Don’t worry, it’s for FREE.

Entry Requirements:

The Proposal story can be written in English, Filipino or combination of both. No minimum or maximum number of words is required.
Entries must be original and may not have been previously published or have joined other contests.
Entries should not infringe on the rights of any third party, and should not promote any activities that may appear illegal or dangerous. They should also not contain anything obscene, offensive, libelous or defamatory.

Entry Posting and Promotion:

Kasal.com team will be the one to post all entries in Kasal.com's Facebook Fanpage (Note tab). Entries submitted during regular business days (i.e. Monday-Friday) will be posted at 5:00pm, Philippine Time (GMT+08:00 Manila). The stories submitted beyond 5:00pm will be posted the next day at 10:00am. Entries submitted during weekends and holidays will be posted on the next business day at 10:00am.
Contestants are encouraged to promote their entry in any way they can. They may tag their friends on their entry, post announcements on their Wall, share the link of the contest page, suggest Kasal.com to their friends, or insert the contest badge on their blogs. (copy and paste the code below into the html body of your blogs or websites).

Contest Period

Entries can be submitted from April 20 to June 12, 2012. Submission of entries and online voting will be closed on June 12, 2012, 3:00pm, Philippine Time (GMT+08:00 Manila). Announcement of winners is on June 15, 2012, 3:00 pm.

Winner Selection

The five (5) entries that receive the highest no. of votes, together with five (5) Kasal.com team choice entries, will make up the top 10 finalists.
Criteria for judging:

40% - 'kilig' factor
50% - uniqueness of the story
10% - writing composition

A panel of wedding suppliers will choose the best story among the top ten (10) entries based on the above criteria. The judges' decision will be considered final and binding.

Prizes

Grand Prize: The winning entry will have 3-days/2-nights for two in Stotsenberg Hotel and Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga.
Consolation prizes of PhP1, 000.00-worth of beauty gift packs will be given to the four runners up of the contest.
Prizes are not transferable to cash.

Winner Notification

Winners will be notified by Kasal.com through email. The contest sponsors reserve the right to examine additional identification and may choose to accept or deny awarding the prize based on the identification presented.
By participating in the contest, each participant and winner waives any and all claims of liability against the contest sponsors, and their employees and agents, their respective employees and agents, for any personal injury or loss that may occur from the conduct of, or participation in, the contest, or from the use of any prize.
By claiming the prize, the winners authorize the use, without additional compensation, of their entries for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including, without limitation, radio broadcasts; newspapers and other publications; television or film releases; slides; distribution over the Internet; and picture date storage) the contest sponsors may deem appropriate.

I’m so overwhelmed and a bit shy when I noticed that I was the 1^st one to submit in the said story contest (masyado ata akong excited sa pag susubmit.. Haha. Mabuti ng mauna kesa mahuli.. :p) Actually they have a total of 14 entries and more than 3,000 votes gathered, Wow! Look, kami pa ang no. 1 sa list.. Haha..

1. Rhoderick and Rackell's BoracayProposal
2. Rowell and Michelle's Mt. Pulag Proposal
3. Carl and My's Reality Show Proposal
4. Tristan and Annalyn's Airport Proposal
5. Nino and Rechel's Extreme Proposal
6. Hiro and Angela's Cebu Pac Proposal
7. Ryan and Jane's Quezon Circle Proposal
8. Dennis and Mary Ann's Movie Proposal
9. Royce and Aisha's Underwater Proposal
10. Bert and Dhes' Wish Ko Lang Proposal
11. Bryan and Nuelymae's Treasure Hunt Proposal
12. Cush and Rica's "Fight of my Life"Proposal
13. Raffy and Ces' Salcedo Park Proposal
14. Roger and Krishna's "Cloud 9"Proposal

Actually, I don’t expect to win since my only intention is to share Ian’s proposal, that’s it! But still expect the unexpected; I was surprised when I received a special token from Kasal.com. Waahhh.. Consolation prizes of PhP1, 000.00-worth of beauty gift packs, WOW! I thought it will be given to the four runners up of the contest, does it mean we are in the top 4? Well, very overwhelming!

As soon as I open this gift from Kasal.com, my officemates and I tries it. We put some make-ups, and be kikay just for a day. Haha. Sorry no photos, ayaw kasi namin magpapicture eh.. Haha. Anyway, Super thank you to Kasal.com for the gifts, I really love it! Btw, gagamitin daw ng mga officemates ko yung makeup kits on our wedding day. Haha.

Congratulations to ROYCE & AISHA for having the most "kilig" proposal story and BERT & DHES for having the most "liked entry! Enjoy your 3-days/2-nights for two in Stotsenberg Hotel and Leisure Park! :)

P.S
Will upload the whole video and uncut of Ian's proposal after our wedding.. ^__^

Father's Day Celebration

Rackell

Monday, June 18, 2012 1

One of the things that I really love to do is hanging out with my family. This is the day when we can talk about anything and just a simple bonding session, so last Sunday which is also Father’s Day my mom decided to do shopping. Together with the whole family, we went to Landmark and bought some stuffs for my wedding, slacks for my dad, shoes for my younger sister, clutch bag for my mom and earing for me. J

After that, we had our dinner at Mann Yann. Our 1^st plan was North Park in Glorietta 5 but since the rain started to fall, my sister decided to try Mann Yann instead. We already tried this restaurant many times and I can say that we really love their food. My ate decided what to order since all of us are tired from shopping. For the main dish she chose Fried Squid Head with Bagoong sauce.

Fried Squid Head Php 300.00

She also added Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet which my mom’s favorite.

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet Php 260.00

My mom was craving for Lumpiang Shanghai so she ordered one for us.

Lumpiang Shanghai Php 180.00

We love pancit, that’s why we chose to try their best seller, Chami.

Chami Php 220.00

My Dad ordered for ½ Fried Chicken (Happy Father’s Day Dad!)

1/2 Fried Chicken Php 280.00

Of course, dining at Chinese Restaurant will not be complete without Yang Chow Fried Rice.

Yang Chow Fried Rice Php 200.00

We had a very wonderful date last night; we talked about our upcoming wedding but what most important is that we celebrate Father’s day together.

My Family ♥

Again, Happy Father’s Day to my very loving and supportive daddy! Loveyou!

P.S

Sorry for the poor pictures, cellphone camera lang po gamit ko.. Hehe..

family , Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Rackell

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Daddy,

When I was born, you were there to catch me when i fall, whenever and wherever.
When I said my first words, you were there for me to teach me the whole dictionary if need be.
When I took my first steps, you were there to encourage me on.
When I had my first day at school, you were there to give me advice and help me with my homework.
One month to go before I walked down the aisle with you and I know you will be the happiest dad in the whole world seeing me with the right man that I will love for the rest of my life..
Thank you for being there for me through all these times and more, the good and bad.

I LOVE YOU DAD!!!' Happy Father's Day!

celebration , Daddy's Treat , Father's Day

Cheers to our Awesome Dads!

Rackell

Friday, June 15, 2012 2

Every 3^rd Sunday of June marks a special day for all Father’s all over the world. For this year, we will celebrate Father’s Day on June 17. If you don’t have any ideas where are you going to treat your Daddy, Papa, Tatay or Ama this Sunday, let me just share you this photos from the Bistro Group that they offer.

Remember we only celebrate this special day once a year, a piece of advice just give your father a whole day treats so that we can express how much we appreciate and love them.

You have 10 restaurants to choose from:

1. T.G.I. Friday's

2. Itallianis

3. Fish & Co,

4. FlapJacks

5. Krazy Garlik

6. Bulgogi Brothers

7. Pig Out

8. Ma Maison

9. Stock Market Cafe

10. Village Tavern

So to all Father’s in the whole world, especially to my Dad - Happy Father’s Day! Cheers!

Wedding , wedding preparation

Superstitious Beliefs (Bride and Groom)

Rackell

Thursday, June 14, 2012

When I was a kind and growing up, I always wanted to be a “JUNE” Bride, I really don’t know the reason why June is the best month in getting married. I told myself that when I found the right man to marry, I’ll suggest him that I want to be a June Bride too. But here I am, getting married not June but July! Because it’s our anniversary month as boyfriend and girlfriend. Haha. All of us know that months of June – September here in our country usually marks the raining season, well, we’re still praying that our wedding day be “rain free” but if God’s will shower us rain, it’s okay since we believe that it brings bountiful blessings to a marrying couple.

Time flies so fast, I can still remember how Ian proposed and how he asked for my parents’ permission, how we plan our big day and now we’re down to 39 days before our wedding day! It’s now easy to plan our dream wedding, there are times that I almost give up and say “ayoko na! wag na tayong magpakasal!” but still we handle our petty quarrels.

As a bride, there’s a lot of superstition or pamahiin that we need to consider when we talk about wedding cultures in the Philippines. Even though there have no scientific or logical basis but maybe backed-up by some of past experiences of our grand grand parents.

Let me share you some of my mom’s superstitions and belief before getting married which she applies to me. Some are still practiced to this day primarily because of there’s nothing to lose if we comply, right? while others are totally ignored fore it seemed downright ridiculous. Sometimes, I got mad because of this pamahiin, but there’s nothing wrong if I follow this since it’s for my own good anyway.

1. As engaged couple we should avoid travelling before our wedding day to avoid accidents.

2. I (bride) should not try on my wedding dress before the wedding. If I do it, the wedding will not push through.

3. On the wedding day, the groom should arrive at the church before the bride, in order to avoid bad luck.

4. Dropping the wedding ring, or the couple's veil, or arrhae during the wedding ceremony means that the couple will not be happy in their marriage.

5. During the wedding ceremony a bride must step on her husband's foot in order to that both of them will agree on things that they will undertake, and so that her husband will not be cruel to her. (so dapat unahan ko sya, baka matapakan nya ko eh.. haha)

6. Throwing rice confetti at the newly-wed couple will bring them prosperity in life. I guess all of newly wed do this.

7. Knives and other sharp and pointed objects are said to be a bad choice for wedding gifts for this will lead to a broken marriage.

8. Giving arinola (chamberpot) as wedding gift is believed to bring good luck to newlyweds. (Kaya pala yung 1 officemate ko yun daw ang bibigay samin gift…Haha..)

9. If it rains during the wedding, it means prosperity and happiness for the newlyweds. (Waahh.. pwede bang ambon lang para di naman hassle sa amin.. Hihi)

10. A flame extinguished on one of the wedding candles means the one on which side has the unlit candle, will die ahead of the other.

11. It is considered bad luck for two siblings to marry on the same year. (sukob)

12. Breaking something during the reception brings good luck to the newlyweds. (so dapat magbasag kami ng mga pingan?)

13. A bride who wears pearls on her wedding will be an unhappy wife experiencing many heartaches and tears. (eto talaga ang mahigpit na bilin ng nanay ko sakin kaya sya na daw bibili ng earings ko.. Haha)

14. An unmarried woman who follows the footsteps (literally) of the newlyweds will marry soon.

15. We should offer egg to Saint Claire and pray that our wedding day be “rain-free”

16. Something “New”, Something “Old”, Something “Blue” and Something “Borrowed”

Explanation:

Something New – says new hope and positivity. (My wedding gown, wedding shoes, head piece)

Something Old – represents the life you are leaving behind. It has something to do with maintaining the connection from the past to your new life. (Oh my, wala pa kong maisip ditto, pwede bang old underwear?” haha)

Something Borrowed – should borrow something from someone who is happy because it’s like borrowing happiness so that their happiness will carry over to the couple. (How would I know if that person is really happy? Pano kung pretending to be happy lang sya?! Waahhh)

Something Blue- Color blue is a sign of fidelity, purity, loyalty and good luck. (For this one, maybe yung garter nalang ang something blue ko, fushia and purple motif namin eh.. hehe)

Well, if you are going to ask me kung sinusunod ko sya or susunod ba ko sa mga pamahiin I would simply say, "yung iba ginagawa ko and gagawin pero yung iba hindi (especially no. 5) haha."

Love2love2love , Wedding , wedding preparation

Our Wedding Workbook

Rackell

Monday, June 04, 2012

49 days to go before our BIG Day!

Weeeee.... I'm a couple of weeks away from my wedding and the jitters are setting in. We have finally completed most of the tasks listed on our wedding workbook and we're now busy delivering invitations and entourage gowns.

I really love and at the same time enjoy planning our wedding, so here are some advises that I want to share with you..

1. Always communicate with your groom, find out what he wants. Give him a chance to participate in the planning.. (Syempre kasal rin nya yun.. Hehe)

2. Set priorities and set a budget. (Make sure you have enough budget para sa mga miscellaneous expenses)

last and most important is

3. Enjoy planning. Don't STRESS and just have FUN! (Para naman di magmukhang losyang sa araw ng kasal..^_^)

Food trip , FTF , Love2love2love , monthsary

Bulgogi Brothers

Rackell

Friday, June 01, 2012 5

Every 24^th of the month, we celebrate our monthsary together either out of town or food trip. But since in less than 2 months we will get married, we decided to put out of town out of our list (tipid mode ba!). So Ian opted to do our usual dinner date, he asked me where I want to eat but I replied that anywhere is okay with me as long as I’m with him. (cheezzy). Well, as all of you know one thing that makes Ian and I so compatible is our similar taste with restaurants!

Ian has been waiting to have a chance to eat at Bulgogi Brothers in Greenbelt (may nag tsismis sa kanya na masarap daw dito! haha), as Ian texted me that we are going to eat here my first impression was “ang bastos naman ng restaurant name.. haha”. So right after my window shopping, Ian fetch me at The Landmark and so our feet ended up making our dinner choice for us, leading us to Bulgogi Brothers. I don’t have any idea about this restaurant; this was my first time to hear this place so I am so excited to try their specialty.

Before we enter the restaurant, we borrowed their menu and review it. A very nice waitress approaches us and helps us to understand better what they offered until finally she convinced us to try their foods. We were ushered in, settled into one of the booths, and went through the menu, looking for the familiar must haves and not-so-familiar must tries Seeing the interior design of the place makes me feel comfortable. I love the light brick and dark wood interiors plus a very eye catching Asian painting on the wall. (Sorry, I wasn’t able to take pictures, busy kc sa pagbabasa ng menu.. Haha)

Pose muna bago pumasok.. :p

While reviewing the menu, the waitress set down the Tea of the day – Kyul Myungja Cha “ Cassia Seed Tea”. It stated that this tea is good for eyesight, eases headache and improves liver function.

Complimentary Tea

As soon as we placed our orders, we were also served the appetizer which I found yummy; A complimentary plate of boiled sweet potatoes, corn and quail eggs. Unfortunately, we didn’t know that all the appetizers are refillable. Gggrr.. Sana nakahingi pa ko ng quail eggs. Haha..

It wouldn't be a real Korean restaurant without the vegetable side dishes now, right? We had around three servings of the Korean salad with the spicy "magic sauce". Well, it is also their free appetizer and side dishes. Free Salad, Kimchi, kangkong and eggplant, I guess. Wow!

I give Ian the authority to choose our orders (since napakapili nya sa food!) Haha. Ian opted to try Dubu Steak, fried crispy dubu (tofu) with teriyaki sauce and bean sprout. Best ordered with Bokbunja Bohae.

Dubu Steak (6pcs) Php 245.00

I simply loved the crispy tofu with sweetish teriyaki sauce and topped with beef and bland bean sprouts. The best way to eat is to take a piece of tofu and top it with a little beef and bean sprouts. The combination of textures and flavors was just divine. The veggie steak had a nice crisp bite on the outside, which gave way to the soft, silken tofu on the inside. We were both really pleased with this appetizer.

Next in line is the Unyang Style. A famous royal cuisine Best ordered with Maechousun. Actually, Ian chose this is simply because it is heart-shaped! Haha. (Na attract ang fiancé ko sa design!)

Unyang Style (6 pcs) Php 595.00

And as part of the restaurant service, the attendant cooks the beef in front of you. O kita mo sosyal! This minimizes your chances of smelling like barbecue. It can get a bit smoky though; but no worries, the place do have good ventilation somehow plus a very nice and accommodating staff.