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Category: Personal

  • 5 Ways You Can Get a Better Sleep as a Busy Mother

    5 Ways You Can Get a Better Sleep as a Busy Mother

    Most moms find it difficult to balance between taking care of their kids and caring for themselves. Being a mom isn’t as easy as it seems. It requires you to care for your kids and ensure they are okay 24/7. Don’t forget you still have other responsibilities in life, including work and social life. Being able to manage all that every single day can be very challenging, leaving you with minimal sleeping time. Sleep isn’t a luxury; everyone needs at least 7 hours of sleep every night to ensure proper brain function and to avoid both mental and physical problems caused by lack of sleep. Luckily, there are several ways to help busy moms get better sleep.

    5 Ways You Can Get a Better Sleep as a Busy Mother

    Keep Screens out the Bedroom

    Too much light in your bedroom coming from television, phone, or computer screens can affect your sleep. Darkness causes the brain to secrete melatonin, which is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy. The blue light emitted by electronic gadgets does just the opposite; thereby communicating to your brain that it’s still daytime and causing insomnia. Keeping screens out of the bedroom also ensures you avoid spending your bedtime catching up on the latest TV shows or checking emails.

    Nap Whenever You Can

    It’s always advisable to follow your children’s lead, meaning when they sleep you also sleep. Being a working mom can seem overwhelming at times. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and when someone trustworthy offers to take care of the kids, accept the offer and use that time to get some sleep. Daytime naps can help restore the sleeping hours you might have lost at night. Even a 20-minute nap can help you stay alert more and reduce fatigue during the day.

    Get a Mattress That Suits Your Sleeping Position

    For you to get a night of better sleep, you need to create the right environment in your bedroom. This means turning down the lights, minimizing noise, as well as investing in the right mattress and a comfortable bed. Technology has made everything better, and mattresses are no exception. Now you can find different types of mattresses that suit different sleeping positions, so get one that suits yours.

    Try and Stick To Your Own Bedtime

    It’s important to create good sleeping habits, not just for the kids but yourself as well. Start by getting to bed at the same time every night. Any disruptions to your bedtime routine might cause difficulty in falling asleep. If you still have a hard time falling sleeping try some relaxation techniques to help clear your mind and keep whatever worries that are affecting your sleep away.

    Don’t Eat Too Late At Night

    A late-night meal leads to disrupted digestion, which might affect your sleep. Eating heavy meals late at night can cause stomach discomfort hence affecting your sleep. Ideally, you should eat a few hours before bedtime and allow time for digestion to occur. This prevents problems like insomnia and heartburn at night, which can be uncomfortable.

  • Recent Milestones and Development of Our 4-Month-Old Baby

    Recent Milestones and Development of Our 4-Month-Old Baby

    Well, it’s already March! One quarter of the year is almost done in a blink of an eye. I feel like I live in a time-warp these days. Life became so busy that I haven’t had a chance to collect my thoughts. I know I have to document them asap before I forget, so here goes a reflective post about the recent milestones and developments of my baby, Lance. 🙂

    March 9, 2019

    Recent Milestones

    • Lance is turning five months in a week and he’s technically out of the newborn stage. The spitting and drooling phase has started. It’s been going on for a month or so. Because of this, bibs and baby towels in his room are all the rage! He also changes outfits several times during the day. We just rotate his clothes and utilize his undershirts until he can fit into his bigger clothes.
    • Speaking of clothes, he’s in size 6-9 months for sleepers and rompers and just barely hanging onto size 3-6 months for bodysuits. My mom has purchased clothes for one year old just to be prepared. It’s surprising how fast little ones can grow, sometimes literally overnight! At 4 months, he measures 69 cm and weighs 7.3 kg (16 lbs).
    • Since he was 3 months old, he no longer cries when taking a bath. I think he started to appreciate the warmth of the water and learned that he’s not in danger but only outside the womb—in his bath tub. 😀
    • He can sleep through the night rather than waking up by himself to feed every few hours. Sure, he has a few fussy days and times, but in general, he’s pretty easy-going. We have a solid bedtime routine. I arrive home at around 6:30 pm and he falls asleep at around 8:30 pm to 9 pm, and the nighttime rest will stretch until daytime.
    • His naps are also starting to improve! He takes 30-40 minutes naps most mornings and late afternoons, but he already started extending his midday nap to 1-3 hours. He smiles so big whenever he sees me after a nap or even just a few minutes spent looking at something else. That smile lights up my soul!
    • Lance nurses like a champ, but he’s still a slow eater and prefers to take his time looking at the bottle and holding it with his own hands. He feeds from the bottle ever since I went back to work, but we still do chat and spend our sweet moments together at night.
    • Lance is extremely observant about his surroundings and quite sensitive to new sights and sounds.
    • That lower lip pout to warn me when he’s about to start crying is too precious! His voice is so loud that my ears hurt sometimes, especially when I’m carrying him and his mouth is just beside my ears. 🙂
    • He’s slowly getting more tolerant of tummy time, although he still only lasts in it for a few minutes at a time at best. He’s pushing up with his arms a lot more. His neck strength and head control are awesome!
    • He’s able to reach for and grasp objects with intention and bring them to his mouth. He especially enjoys touching and gumming on fabrics. This is when I’ll tell him, “those are not your food!”
    • I love how he captures my finger with his hands whenever we’re playing. I also introduced him to soft cuddly things = dolls that are about his height. 🙂
    November 7, 2018, Photo by The Story Company
    December 28, 2018
    December 31, 2018
    February 10, 2019

    Likes and Dislikes

    • He likes sleeping on the bed and dislikes being in his crib. Maybe the feeling of a warm body beside him is comforting. Even when he’s sleeping, he knows it when he’s transferred to the crib or to the stroller.
    • He likes kicking his socks and finds some way to take them off. He does the same thing with his blanket. Maybe he just likes pushing everything with his legs, like practicing to be a kung fu master or a soccer player. 🙂
    • He dislikes changing clothes. He’d always cry whenever we have to change his clothes!
    • We get a completely different reaction when we change his diapers. He likes having his diapers changed.
    • He likes watching himself or others in the mirror. He also likes having his picture taken. I take his photos every day and it has become integrated into our routine.
    • He likes interacting with hanging toys and playing peek-a-boo.
    • He likes watching TV with us and looking at lights.
    • He’s not convenient when we clean his ears or wipe his nose.
    • He doesn’t like using a pacifier, because we didn’t make him use it when he was a newborn.
    • He’s a huge fan of his hands! He stares at them so intensely, entwining them, chewing on them, and sometimes even his whole fist.
    • He laughs whenever Louie makes goofy faces and says funny made-up words in a high-pitched tone.
    February 4, 2019
    February 8, 2019
    February 10, 2019
    February 14, 2019

    Little Things I Always Want to Remember

    • When he opens his mouth in a wide toothless grin – I know I’m going to miss seeing this in the next few months! 🙁
    • Seeing his curious eyes when he looks at the different colorful things outside from our balcony and whenever we’re in the car on the way to the hospital for our bi-monthly checkups – There’s nothing quite like reliving the wonder of life through your child’s eyes. 🙂
    • Our snuggles during nap and sleep time in a kangaroo position
    • When he talks with his own language – He would repeat some series of vowel sounds after me when he’s in a good mood.
    • The noises and facial expressions he makes when sleeping – Awwww… ❀
    • The way his hands holds onto my shoulder when I carry him upright – It feels like a hug!
    • The way he raises both legs when he farts – This means “run!” for us, a warning sign we all have to prepare for. 😂
    • His scent – a blissful mix of milk and a baby
    • His thighs, his feet, his little fingers semi-grasping small things
    • His sneezes, and his reactions to his own sneeze 🙂

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BtpPgH-lIrT/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BubTo7Nl9Y9/

     

    February 23, 2019

    I hope you enjoyed this personal life update. If you couldn’t already tell, I am completely smitten with our baby. Though I don’t want him to grow up too fast, I also can’t wait for him to walk. 😛 I always daydream holding hands with him while we’re walking…somewhere out there, beneath the pale moonlight. 😛😍 I love him, so much!

    March 14, 2019
    March 14, 2019
  • 3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery

    3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery

    Bringing your baby home is one of the most exciting experiences you will have in your life. While you want everything to be perfect, it can be difficult to manage your budget to accommodate for your new bundle of joy while making sure the baby’s bedroom has everything you want and need.

    Did you know the average bedroom renovation costs between $2,500 and $9,000? From college to a family vacation, think of all the other things you could spend that money in the future. You want your new baby’s nursery to be comfortable, beautiful and well-organized, but you don’t want to spend excessively on your baby’s room when you have so many other expenses to worry about during this amazing time in your life.

    After upgrading from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom apartment, you will want to make sure your baby’s room is all set before the baby arrives. But don’t get overwhelmed, there are ways to create an amazing space and keep to your budget.

    3 Budget-Friendly Tips for Decorating Your Baby’s Nursery

    1. Bring Your Memories into Your Baby’s Room

    More and more parents are looking for a sophisticated bedroom design for their little ones. One way you can achieve this on a budget is to use some of your existing furniture in the baby’s room. If you have a great leather ottoman, repurpose as a footrest with your rocking chair. Or bring in the recliner instead of a glider.

    Instead of buying baby art or generic baby decor, use photos you already have to decorate the baby’s room. This will give the nursery a more personalized feeling and bring some of your stories into the space.

    Your baby will wake up several times throughout the night: crying, screaming, and restless. You’re going to spend time rocking the baby back to sleep and nursing the baby. If you fill your baby’s room with memories from your life, you will feel more relaxed during these stressful times. As your baby grows, you can replace some photos with pictures of your baby and keep some, so you can share stories of your experiences with your baby as they grow.

    You can even design an art wall that you can update from time to time as you create more memories with your new baby.

    2. Purchase Convertible Furniture and Other Items

    It can be difficult to know what you’ll need for your baby in the future. But there are a few things you’ll only need for the first year or two. For your baby’s crib and changing table, think about how you can adapt them to work as your baby grows and ditch the classic diaper bag. Here’s a good resource on how to choose a diaper: Diapers guide by mybabiesplanet.com.

    When it comes to a crib, your newborn will only sleep in it for about a year and a half to two years before scaling the side and wandering about your home. Instead of investing in a crib and a kid’s bed, find a crib that will convert into a bed when the time comes. You can even find cribs that will go from a crib to a twin bed to a full or queen size.

    You will also want to find a crib with a changing table attachment that converts into a dresser or wardrobe. Then you can slowly replace diapers and rash cream with your baby’s clothes and toys.

    Another thing you will want to consider is your diaper bag. These can be quite cumbersome and look very ‘new mom.’ Instead of getting the powder pink diaper bag, (which might look silly if you have a second child and it’s a boy), purchase a backpack or tote that will work as your child grows. Backpacks are great because they won’t slip off your shoulder and they free up your hands.

    3. Create Your Own Decor

    While you’re waiting for the baby to arrive, spend your time creating some of those amazing baby wall decorations or bedroom designs yourself.

    Create a pennant wall-hanging with crafting or scrapbook paper, ribbon, and dowels. This is pretty straightforward: choose paper that has a color scheme that matches your theme. Then cut out your baby’s name or a word that will inspire the rest of your baby room decor. Some cute ideas include “girls rule” or “hello honey” with a bumblebee.  You can even do a one letter per pennant design and hang it over the crib.

    A D.I.Y. chalkboard is a great craft project that will last. You can paint a rectangular area over your baby’s crib, dresser, or toy box with chalkboard paint. Put an old picture frame around the painted area for a little more elegance, then having some fun with chalk. Draw a sailboat or flowers. Even a bunny rabbit is an adorable idea for a kid’s room. Include your child’s name or an inspirational quote. You can even write the first thing you thought when you saw your bundle of joy for the first time.

    Another way to bring in the with chalk paint is to paint the top of an old trunk and use it as a toy box. Update that old bulking furniture for some fun flair.

    When it comes to creating an inviting baby space that will grow with your little one, incorporate your past and think about the future. Repurpose what you have and purchase items that will grow with your little one.

    Congratulations on becoming a parent! And remember to save where you can so you can keep traveling and creating memories with your little one. 🙂

  • Top 50 Reasons Why I Love My Sister

    Top 50 Reasons Why I Love My Sister

    Today is my sister’s 25th birthday. It’s a big milestone as it marks the first quarter of her life. Leigh (or Nicole, as we call her in our family) has been my best friend for the last 25 years (officially now) and I don’t think my life would be the same without her. In this post, I’m listing the top 50 reasons why I love her. 🙂

    Top 50 Reasons Why I Love My Sister

    1. I love you because I know I can count on you through thick and thin.


    2. I love you because I never have to explain memories from our childhood since it’s your childhood, too. When I reach into the deepest corners of my brain and find these memories or funny stories, I know I’d have someone to share them with. It’s like half of the recollections from my youth are stored in my mind and half in yours.


    3. I love you because we get to share friends; my friends are yours and your friends are mine.


    4. I love you because we’re so different but so much alike.

    5. I love you because you always attempt to make me laugh more than almost anyone I know.


    6. I love you because you always do funny things and tell jokes.


    7. I love you because you ALWAYS have my back.


    8. I love you because you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside.


    9. I love you because you are brave, braver than you think.


    10. I love you because you are caring.


    11. I love you because you are smart, smarter than you think.


    12. I love you because you can make me smile with one look.


    13. I love you because you can spend hours watching Korean series and laugh like no one is watching.


    14. I love you because you comply with our travel itineraries.


    15. I love you because you help me find gift ideas—and never run out of quirky ones.


    16. I love you because you help me find shoes and choose clothes of my style and preference.


    17. I love you because you helped a lot in organizing my bridal shower—and I didn’t expect that at all.


    18. I love you because you know how to carve out your own space even when surrounded by chaos.


    19. I love you because you look comfortable and classy in anything, from a slinky formal dress to a matching baggy t-shirt and pajamas.


    20. I love you because you promote my blog to your friends—and you’re almost always the first one to like my posts.


    21. I love you because you remember all the things I like, so I don’t have to.


    22. I love you because you test me and help me review for our News Digest exams.


    23. I love you because you trust me and seek my advice especially ones related to career.


    24. I love you because you will always be truthful as far as you are concerned. You’re genuine.


    25. I love you because you’re a calming influence.


    26. I love you because you’re a foodie and you share the love of food.


    27. I love you because you’re a wardrobe sharer and generous with your stuff.


    28. I love you because you’re adventurous.


    29. I love you because you’re a sweetheart and a nice daughter who makes our parents proud.


    30. I love you because you’re always game to pose candid and funny shots.


    31. I love you because you’re always there to lend me a hand, especially when I need it the most.


    32. I love you because you’re constantly pushing the envelope, learning new things, striving for improvement.


    33. I love you because you’re Daddy’s nurse/assistant/helper/care taker. You’re a hero.


    34. I love you because you’re not afraid of challenges. In fact, you go out and look for them.


    35. I love you because you’re one of my biggest support network.


    36. I love you because you’re one of the most positive people I know. You find silver linings where most people would just gripe.


    37. I love you because you’re patient enough to wait until I get all my food shots done for us to start our meal.


    38. I love you because you go along with my crazy ideas.


    39. I love you because you’re good with arts. You’re awesome about thinking of creative and different things and making something amazing.


    40. I love you because you’re playful.


    41. I love you because you’re still truly a kid at heart.


    42. I love you because you’re telepathic. We can communicate without words. It baffles the hell out of everyone around us, and we love it!


    43. I love you because you’re way fun to hang out with. We can talk for hours and never run out of things to say.


    44. I love you because you’re willing to be my “model” when shooting products I have to blog about.


    45. I love you because you’re willing to be my “model” when testing makeup products in stores.


    46. I love you because you’re willing to drive for me in times when I feel really tired and sleepy.


    47. I love you because you’re willing to subject yourself to my cooking experiments.


    48. I love you because you’re willing to take my photos, even at unlimited number of times just to get the right one.


    49. I love you because you’re my “partner in crime” and know me better than almost anyone.


    50. I love you because you give meaning to my life. You’re one of my greatest inspirations.

    Happy birthday, Achi Yellow, from all the cuties of Apple Street who miss playing with you.

    Happy birthday, Nicole, from your dear sister who loves you the most! ♄

  • Review and Ratings of Our Wedding Suppliers (Manila, Philippines)

    Review and Ratings of Our Wedding Suppliers (Manila, Philippines)

    Choosing your wedding suppliers can be tricky. Discerning the excellent ones from the mediocre can be frustrating, but once done right, it’s another step closer to a memorable wedding day. With proper planning, research, and a solid plan, getting the right supplier or vendor can be a fun and exciting experience. We’ve done our research well and interacted with them enough by phone, email, and personal meetups to make sure we would be comfortable working with them and know their style months leading up to the big day.

    Here are their names, contact information, and what we have to say about their services. If you’re planning a wedding, these might serve as a good reference.

    Review and Ratings of Our Wedding Suppliers

    1. Church

    Vendor Name San Agustin Church
    Contact Name  Ms. Belen / Ms. Nora
    Contact Number (02) 527 2746
    Address General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila
    Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pg/Church.SanAgustin/about/?ref=page_internal
    Description San Agustin Church is the Philippine’s oldest church, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. It was built in 1571 and was destroyed by a fire twice (in 1574 and 1583). In 1993, San Agustin Church was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
    Review and Remarks

    San Agustin Church is our first and best option since it’s near our reception venue and hotel and it’s one of the most beautiful churches in Manila. Fortunately, the slot was available for our auspicious wedding date and time. Transactions and guidelines were smooth and efficient.

    The wedding package at San Agustin Church is one of the most expensive in Manila but it offers a good value for money. It included the wedding mass and marriage ceremony, flower decorations, royal red carpet, organist and singer, usher and usherettes, altar servers, industrial fans, parking lot for 40 cars, documentation and registration of marriage contract, and stipend for the priest officiating the ceremony. In addition, we also availed of the opening of the doors.

    The priest in our wedding ceremony had a clear voice and the homily was not boring. However, he could not pronounce my name right the many names he attempted. It was one of the things that injected some humor during the event.

    It was just sad that the church office staff told us prior that rental of Iwata coolers from external suppliers was allowed. On the wedding day, the fans were delivered but were prohibited to be used without a generator which wasn’t mentioned to us before. We already spent thousands for six units and those were only put to waste.

    The church coordinators are strict with the photo taking and also strict with time allotted. If you think you need more time for the ceremonial mass and photo-ops, try booking for two slots (two hours) instead but that would entail paying twice the cost.

    There were too many tourists outside and people going in and out of the church can’t be controlled. We visited yesterday to attend the wedding of our friend and they already have a large sign stating that tourists could not enter while a wedding is ongoing.
    Rating 4/5

    2. Reception Venue and Food

    Vendor Name Century Park Hotel & Century Seafood Restaurant
    Contact Person Reagan See / Ervin See
    Contact Number Reagan – 09178081010, Ervin – 0917-8918773
    Email Address seereagan@gmail.com, ervin_see@yahoo.com
    Website/Facebook Page http://www.centuryseafood.com/index.php/welcome/contact

    https://www.facebook.com/centuryparkhotelmanila.officialpage/
    Description Century Seafood Restaurant has been operating for more than 30 years now alongside with their loyal employees and Hong Kong chefs.
    Review and Remarks

    There’s no doubt about it. Century Seafood Restaurant is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Manila. We did not have food tasting; we’re sure that they’d provide authentic high quality Chinese-Cantonese food. Our guests were happy and satisfied with the food selection and tastes. We selected a pre-made set menu for their events and occasions and suggested to change only one of the items.

    We requested for the food to be served at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom where the reception was held, at no additional charge. Everything turned out fine and without hassle. The venue layout was sent to us early so communication with our event stylist and on-the-day wedding coordinator was also clear.
    Rating 5/5

    3. Hotel

    Contact Person Century Park Hotel
    Contact Number (02) 528-8888
    Email Address reservation@centurypark.com.ph
    Website/Facebook Page http://www.centurypark.com/rooms/
    Review and Remarks

    We booked two rooms in Century Park Hotel for two nights. One room is a suite where my family and I stayed the night before the wedding. It was also where the hair and makeup and pictorial sessions were held in the morning, and the place where some of our relatives and some friends were staged while they’re waiting for the reception to commence. The suite was equipped with the essentials we needed for a flawless stay. The area was spacious to accommodate more than 30 people to sit and chat around.

    The other room was where the groom stayed the night before the wedding. It was designed with a touch of simplicity with practical amenities and modern furnishing as well.

    It’s convenient for us to stay in the same hotel as the reception venue, so we would not have to travel far and drive long after the celebration.
    Rating 5/5

    4. Photographer

    Vendor Name East Digital Studio
    Contact Person Anthony Magana
    Contact Number 0977 821 5301
    Email Address eastdigital@gmail.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/eastdigitalstudio/

    http://eastdigitalstudio.org/wedding/index.html
     Address Unit 178F NDH Energy Gas/7-11, Sandoval Ave., Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
    Review and Remarks

    Everything agreed in the contract was followed and we were constantly in contact with East Digital Studio team from our prenup photoshoot in Bali, Indonesia to the actual wedding day. We had vital pre-wedding warm-up sessions to practice our poses and facial expressions, and we appreciated that our main photographer’s friendly disposition, seemingly infinite supply of energy and undeniable sense of fun allowed us to relax in his company and be our true selves in front of the lens.

    Anthony Magana’s effort in photo editing is tremendous especially for printed photo formats. However, turnaround time may be longer. I thought the quality of photos was okay but lacked the real “wow” factor that we expected. What’s commendable was that their team arrived early on the day and was really careful about giving us all the space without missing any important moments.
    Rating 4/5

    5. Videographer

    Vendor Name Photogenics
    Contact Person Tony Lee
    Contact Number 0917 868 0506, 0925 888 7848
    Email Address tony_lee4478@yahoo.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/PhotogenicsStudios

    http://www.photogenicsstudios.com/
    Review and Remarks Photogenics was able to capture the true essence and feeling of our wedding day, and we could not rate them any higher. From the pre-wedding teaser, full prenup video, and same-day edit (SDE) video, the quality of their output was outstanding. I love their journalism style plus special effects. Their team also has great enthusiasm and passion to shine. They’re a pleasure to work with.
    Rating 5/5

    6. Wedding Coordinator

    Vendor Name SMA Weddings and Beyond
    Contact Person Sheena Lopez
    Contact Number 0915 772 7590
    Email Address director_smaweddings@yahoo.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/smaweddingsandbeyond/

    https://smaweddingsandbeyond.com/
    Review and Remarks

    We’re very happy with how SMA Weddings and Beyond showcased their professionalism. Sheena and her staff were all friendly, approachable, and helpful. They covered the entire wedding without any big hiccups. We had over 700 guests and we were not at all stressed out about anything.

    Sheena is a top-notch coordinator and we’re incredibly lucky to have had her. She made us feel like everything was 100% under control. She also respected our inputs and provided advice based on experience. She managed to collect all the wedding passes for our suppliers and coordinated with them before and after the wedding proper for the disbursement of our final payment as well. Can’t recommend her enough!

    There was one helper each assigned to be with the groom and bride in case we needed them to attend to anything. One of the staff helped iron my wedding dress and made some last-minute improvisation to the dress (sewed up the long-back tail) for me to be able to dance well. My eyes were getting dried up because I was wearing contact lenses longer than usual, and he immediately came to the rescue and gave me soft contact lens drops. He’s like godsend.
    Rating 5/5

    7. Host/Emcee

    Vendor Name Sherine Ann Koa
    Contact Person Sherine Ann Koa
    Contact Number 0917 949 9096
    Email Address e.sherinekoa@gmail.com
    Review and Remarks

    Sherine did an awesome job hosting our wedding reception. We’re confident we made the right choice! She kept the party flowing and followed the sequence as planned. She has great communication skills as she was able to host in English, Chinese-Mandarin, and Chinese-Fookien naturally. She’s also a good singer and sang three Chinese songs as we requested.

    We met her only twice before the wedding to discuss and finalize the order of activities. We strung together a timeline and she contributed good ideas for the games.
    Rating 5/5

    8. Florist and Styling

    Vendor Name Dangwa Florist
    Contact Person Arleen Manlangit
    Contact Number (02) 7089318, (02) 9846480, 0920 606 5775
    Email Address dangwaflorist@yahoo.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dangwaflorist/

    http://www.dangwaflorist.com/
    Review and Remarks

    From the moment we met Arleen in the wedding expo, she was a like a breath of fresh air buzzing with energy and fantastic ideas about styling and flowers. She gave us a really good rate for the package and their team delivered more than what we expected.

    We just chose pegs from pictures of their past events, and the colors and output perfectly matched our ideas. The flowers were freshly delivered to our hotel in the morning and were properly labelled (for the church, for the entourage, the bridal car, the bridal bouquet, etc.).

    The team began to set up in the reception venue just in time (60 round tables, long presidential table, partial ceiling draping, stage table, stage backdrop, cake table, arch in the entrance, reception table). Dangwa Florist’s expertise and experience in handling big events is exceptional. Money well spent!

    Tip: Remind them of their deliverables as they have the tendency to forget some details prior the actual day. They’re quite responsive to calls and they make the necessary adjustments quickly.
    Rating  4.5/5

    9. Music and Entertainment 

    Vendor Name Velvet Mood
    Contact Person Edwin Silangcruz
    Contact Number 09179218062 / 09266204633 / 09179201620
    Email Address velvetmusicale@yahoo.com, velvetmusicale@gmail.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/edwin.silangcruz
    Review and Remarks

    Louie found Velvet Mood in forums as it received praises from other wedding couples as well. We were provided with links of their performances on YouTube videos and we liked them. Their jazz sextet was great. The vocalists received a lot of compliments from guests. This shortly explains how they managed to create the perfect mood with tunes people recognize and enjoy.

    The best thing was that we did not have to worry about the number of songs and song choices. They performed unlimited songs throughout the party and we just gave them a short list of songs we preferred.

    Velvet Mood also participated during a “Singing Bee” contest which we held as games during the reception.
    Rating 5/5

    10. Lights and Sounds

    Vendor Name JL Sound System
    Contact Person James and Melvin Lim
    Contact Number 0917 897 8684, 0917 537 4600, 0922 896 8988
    Email Address msylim88@yahoo.com.ph
    Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/JL-Mobile-SOUND-lights-and-audio-rentals-767780473337313/
    Review and Remarks

    When it comes to Chinese weddings, JL Lights & Sounds is one the most prominent lights & sounds supplier. It’s the dad’s of Michael Lim (fashionpulis). They’re considered the expert in the service and they’re able to give out reasonable packages to clients.

    James and Melvin are easy to talk to but they’re quite hard to reach through mobile phone (maybe because they’re too busy).

    I didn’t have working knowledge on the specifications of a sound and light system that’s required in events. We just trusted that the rented units (plus laptops and LED walls) would suffice and we would be assisted as necessary. We didn’t encounter any booboos with JL, and the price we paid already included the hotel electricity fee.
    Rating 5/5

    11. Hair and Makeup

    Vendor Name JAD Makeup Atelier
    Contact Person Joy Antillon Dayag
    Contact Number 0927 715 6643
    Email Address joyantillon30@yahoo.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/jadmakeupatelier/
    Review and Remarks

    We got their promo package which included airbrush makeup for the bride and moms, grooming for the groom, traditional makeup for four people and one flower girl. They also styled our hair (free hair accessory for the bride) and did unlimited makeup retouch plus a second look for hair and makeup on the reception.

    My mom was very particular with the kind of hairstyle they’d do for me and they were able to execute well according to the peg provided. I liked the simple and natural look of bridal makeup. The products used were of good quality and my skin did not break out afterwards.

    However, the eyeliner wasn’t budge-proof. My eyes were blackened even before the wedding ceremony started. Joy’s assistant helped to get rid of the smudges but it took a while to enhance the look and bring it back to perfection.

    The mascara and false eyelashes smeared and flaked off after the wedding. Since they weren’t the most reliable, I opted to remove them before the reception. Else, it was difficult to see things clearly with something that was like blocking my vision.

    JAD Makeup Atelier was responsive and worked on comments and suggestions from the other members of my entourage who had their makeup on.
    Rating 4/5

    12. Dance Choreographers

    Contact Person John and Aimee Sicat
    Contact Number 0927 313 3398
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Di.johnsicat/
    Review and Remarks

    My mom found John Sicat through OLX and chose him because he’s staying Binondo just near our home. John is an experienced professional dancer and he’s also teaching dance choreography in a TV network. He teaches jazz, hiphop, modern, retro, contemporary, Zumba, swing, tango, ballroom, cotillion, and first dance in weddings.

    We met for three practice sessions and completed a four-minute dance. They also did the song remix for the father and daughter dance and the bride and groom’s first dance. They chose the songs for our approval and edited some parts of the music to fit the choreography as well. Total is four songs.

    The husband-and-wife team of John Sicat was great. They’re friendly and nice, and they showed a strong sense of professionalism. They’re creative with variations of dance moves which would be suitable for us.
    Rating 5/5

    13. Wedding Bands

    Vendor Name Diamond with Love
    Contact Person Ali Eclipse
    Contact Number (02) 404 5348 / 0939 926 7345 / 0908 812 1099
    Address UG49 Cityland Dela Rosa Condominium, Dela Rosa St., Brgy. Pio Del Pilar, Makati City
    Email Address diamondwithlove@yahoo.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/DiamondWithLove/
    Review and Remarks

    Diamond with Love Jewelry Shop is a dream project of husband and wife Ali and Joan Eclipse. They customize engagement rings, wedding rings, and jewelry with diamond setting. They have a lot of design options and also suggested ones that fit us. Our wedding rings were made with premium look and simple but elegant design.

    Diamond with Love Jewelry Shop offers lifetime cleaning service with convenience. They also provided us with diamond certificate and lifetime warranty with one free ring resize to ensure quality ring for life with care.
    Rating 5/5

    14. Invitation Cards

    Vendor Name Global Invitations
    Contact Person Che
    Contact Number (02) 353-9757, (02) 666-5883, 0932 728 3597, 0918 403 3939, 0939 920 4299
    Email Address global_ventures@ymail.com
    Address 9 Kaliraya Street, Quezon City, Philippines
     Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/globalinvitations/
    Review and Remarks

    Our wedding invitation has several pages for English and Chinese. I gave out all the details and also typed the Chinese characters for them to copy. The layout came out nice and simple as we wanted. There were a few mistakes on the draft but overall, they did a good job.

    We sent over 500 wedding invitation cards and all were produced and delivered in time. The quality of paper and envelopes used was also crisp, thick, and presentable.
    Rating 5/5

    15. Garments

    Suits

    Vendor Name King’s Albert
    Review and Remarks We arranged two days for King’s Albert to take note of the body measurements and sizes of the groom, groomsmen and secondary sponsors. After less than two weeks, the suits and pants were done and they fitted perfectly.
    Rating 5/5

    Gowns

    Vendor Name Kryzet Bridal Collection in 168 Mall
    Contact Person Agnes
    Contact Number 0926 553 6166
    Review and Remarks

    There are several bridal gown stalls in 168 Mall but what made me choose Kryzet Bridal Collection was that Agnes, the attendant/consultant, explained to us on how they produce tailor-made couture-style gowns from boning to hems and bustles. The owner used to work for popular Filipino wedding gown designer Francis Libiran, so we could expect almost the same quality and nice design without having to break the bank.

    I printed pages of design pegs from online sites and was impressed with their craftsmanship. There were a few alterations with the size since I gained a few pounds three months after the time they noted my body measurements. My wedding dress arrived cleanly packaged with the accessories and double petticoats for a fuller effect. The stitching was very clean. The interior had great boning and the corset and crinoline were well done.

    For my bridesmaids, maid of honor, and secondary sponsors, I was also happy that their dresses were custom-fitted. The designs were based on Yesstyle.com. The custom elements including hand-stitched lacework, straps, and sequins used to complete the dresses were all pretty good.
     Rating  4.5/5

    16. Bridal Car

    Vendor Name Royal Carriages
    Contact Person Michael De Castro
    Contact Number (02) 890-3252
    Email Address royalcarriagesph@gmail.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/RoyalCarriagesPH/

    http://royalcarriagesph.com
     Review and Remarks

    Royal Carriages Auto Restoration was founded in the 1980s as one of the three companies owned by the late Architect CC de Castro. It’s a vintage car service provider for weddings, commercials, movies and photoshoots. We rented a vintage white car with a driver for six hours. We exceeded the time (because of traffic going to reception), and they did not charge us extra fees.
    Rating  5/5

    17. Photo Booth

    Vendor Name Photoman
    Contact Person  Geronimo
    Contact Number  (02) 355 2739
    Email Address  support@photoman.ph
    Website/Facebook Page http://photoman.ph/

    https://www.facebook.com/photomanph/
    Review and Remarks

    Instead of the usual photo booth, we acquired the service of roving photo men to capture best moments during the wedding reception. We had over 700 guests, and it would be a waste of time for them to queue up to get their photos taken. The photo men went table to table and also took pictures of us on the stage and on the dance floor.

    The PhotoMan is a photographer with two printers mounted on his back. We had two photo men who instantly printed the photos and gave them to the guests. We then could physically see and hold the memories in our hands and also view them on Facebook a few days later. What’s also very unique with their offering was that they allowed unlimited printing of pictures just as we requested for them even after the event—for free.

    The design of the photo pages was customized for us in line with the theme of the event. They produced a combination of real time captures layered with artwork which set the mood which was distinctively ours. Excellent service! Our guests were very satisfied.
    Rating 5/5

    Here’s the link to the photo album on Facebook.

    18. Cake

    Vendor Name Hearts and Bells
    Contact Person Donna Caleja
    Contact Number (02) 938-4046, (02) 242-0599, 0917 537 9388, 0922 866 9777
    Email Address inquiry.heartsnbells@gmail.com
    Website/Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/heartsnbells/

    http://www.heartsnbells.com/
    Review and Remarks

    Hearts and Bells specializes in custom-made wedding and birthday cakes that have been received with much delight by discriminating couples and celebrants. Since they’re located in Binondo (near our home), it’s easy to communicate with them and reach their showroom and store.

    We chose the design based on a booklet of the cakes they designed. Our wedding cake was made with red velvet and chocolate chiffon that was delicious. Other flavor choices available were banana, carrot, and vanilla. The cake tasted the same as we first tried it, without being too sugary or oily. It turned out moist, fluffy, and an absolute delight. We definitely recommend!
    Rating 5/5

    Wrap Up

    Choosing the best wedding supplier requires time. Don’t feel pressured and just book the first supplier you stumble upon that you like the look of. Do check out as many websites as possible and ask friends who are already married for recommendations and referrals. Make a shortlist of all the suppliers that really stand out and meet potential ones face to face. Check out samples of their work and when there’s time, get a trial run of hair and makeup, cake, printouts of invitation, etc. It’s your special day! You want the best suppliers that will go the extra mile.

    If you have questions on the supplier information and budgetary costs, comment down below and let me know. 🙂

  • 3 Lessons Learned While Wedding Planning

    3 Lessons Learned While Wedding Planning

    I’m not one of those brides who almost hold an honorary degree in hot mess while planning their wedding. In contrast, I was just calm about the whole process and we managed to knock out the entire wedding plan to the last detail in just a few months. Being a complete perfectionist is a recipe for insanity, so we didn’t completely go that route but had fun deciding priorities and working them out.

    In this post, I’ll be sharing the things I learned while we were planning our wedding as a reference to brides and grooms-to-be and as a way of documenting my reflection. Today marks 1 year 6 months and 18 days since we got started with our DIY wedding planning. I look back on our wedding day with amazing memories. There were a few misses, but these were heavily outweighed by the good and were nothing in comparison to the overall success of our celebration with friends and family.

    3 Lessons Learned While Wedding Planning

    1. Know what you want and get your plans executed right.

    Planning a wedding is not as easy as pie, but it’s doable even if you’re still working full-time in your respective day jobs or businesses, if you have a plan and keep at it. Both Louie and I are wired with an achiever mentality and a desire for efficiency. Even while planning our wedding, this was very apparent.

    On our first two months of preparation, we went to at least three bridal fairs to book services at a discount and met with our suppliers during the weekends. All the major details were done and decided for on the third month, so we had the time to slow down and take off our “superman/superwoman” cape in all the days remaining before our wedding day.

    The key is to have a solid plan, a checklist of items, thoroughly agree on the specifications of requirements with suppliers, and exchange approval signatures in the contract to secure deals. Giving constant reminders and follow-ups are also important.

    2. Get support from family and friends when needed.

    Balancing wedding preparations with work and my personal life did not tire us out. This was not only because of our fast head-start and diligence in taking notes down, but also because we had a great support system. Doing it on my own would have been nearly impossible.

    I can’t express enough how thankful I was to have my mom step in and help me address the gowns for the entourage and garments for the primary sponsors. She had to go to the stall in 168 where we had the dresses made several times to check up on progress and accommodate the fitting of the entourage. She also managed to do the paperwork (documents needed for marriage) and guided us through the steps and actions we needed to take.

    3. Simplify wherever you can.

    I love working on details, especially those that demand attention. However, right from the start, I also learned from others not to get lost too much in the details and lose sight of the spirit you want to create. Hence, in every idea, ask if there’s any way it can be made simpler.

    Napkins on the reception table, wedding favors and souvenirs, cake decorations, types of flowers, menu cards, and guestbook designs—are some examples of things that won’t be remembered too long after the event. Let these things fall to the wayside and just focus on those that have greater value. What guests will care about for the most part would be the food, ambiance, entertainment, the ways you make them feel welcome and the very spirit of the wedding day. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

    In our case, we spent the most time choosing the best wedding vendors who would make all our plans come to life and bring our dream wedding to reality. And they did. 🙂 The second part of this post covers my review and rating of the suppliers we worked with. Click here.

    I hope you’ve found this post helpful! If you have any questions, please do let us know in the comments. Have you got any more advice or tips when planning a wedding or choosing or working with wedding vendors? I’d also love to hear from you.

  • Our Experience at Bangkok Float Center (Thailand’s Largest & Most Advanced Float Center)

    Our Experience at Bangkok Float Center (Thailand’s Largest & Most Advanced Float Center)

    My husband Louie has been mentioning about floating for several months now. He was very psyched when he discovered that there’s a float center in Manila. Unfortunately, after contacting them, we learned that it’s temporarily closed as it will be moving to another location from Makati. Since we were going to Bangkok to attend a friend’s wedding, we looked for available float centers online and actually found Bangkok Float Center in Show DC Mall.

    We booked via Gowabi and were lucky to even had scored a good discount. Bangkok Float Center is in the heart of Bangkok at SHOW DC Entertainment Mall. Bangkok’s first retail and entertainment mega-complex. In this post, I’ll talk about what floating is, the benefits of floating, what to expect, some tips, and all about our unique experience. So, what is it really like to float in a sensory-deprivation tank?

    Our Experience at Bangkok Float Center (Thailand’s Largest & Most Advanced Float Center)

    We went to Bangkok Float Center on our first day in Thailand. The experience was smooth and we had a good interaction with the friendly and eloquent staff. With a serene spa-like reception, the ambiance of the float center was really nice and zen-like. Its facilities were easily accessible and convenient for use throughout our stay. Outside the treatment rooms, there’s a nice sitting area with water and tea for refreshments and hydration.

    What is floating?

    The way I see it, floating is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from devices, detach from both the physical and digital worlds, and just connect with yourself. It is a water therapy product originating from Dr. John Lilly from the USA in the 1950’s that’s designed to aid total relaxation of body and mind by taking the effort out of floating on water. I think you’ll get a similar experience by floating in the sea, as salt water is denser than freshwater. However, floating mindlessly in the sea carries the risk of being taken away from shore by an outgoing tide. Whoops! As float is designed to be used in a swimming pool, it’s likely to be a safer alternative.

    Floating weightlessly is such a cool experience because it lets the mind drift into the deepest state of relaxation possible. The ultra-deep relaxation of floating “resets” the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance, strengthening resistance to and accelerating recovery from the effects of stress, illness, injury or strenuous exercise. It allows you to be free from all sensation of gravity, temperature, touch, sight and sound.

    Inside the tank, there’s 600 kilograms of Epsom salt added to 1000 liters of water, creating a 30-cm deep solution heated to 35.5 degrees Celsius. The skin-temperature liquid is just good enough for the body to be “in peace” with the water. This means that once you’re settled inside, it will be virtually impossible to distinguish between parts of the body that are in contact with the water and those that aren’t.

    What are the physical benefits of floating?

    Since we’re first timers, we had a guided orientation about floating. All our questions were answered before we entered our private Dreampod rooms. The staff of Bangkok Float Center explained the floating process and mentioned that there are several good health benefits of floating primarily because of the magnesium content from the Epsom salt that’s absorbed by the skin. Magnesium is a mineral that helps relieve constipation, relax muscle tension, and promote calmness and peaceful relaxation in the body.

    Unlike lying on a mattress, lying in water allows blood to flow freely all throughout the body. There’s no need to readjust your position to get comfortable. Floating also helps improve circulation, increase distribution of oxygen and nutrients, reduce blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption, and many more. If you have a difficulty falling into deep sleep, this may be the answer to your problem.

    What feeling to expect?

    In the first 10-15 minutes, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable and have a hard time finding a good position for the body and head. It’s also normal to feel strain in the neck. The key is to relax your head and let the water support it, focus on breathing, forget you’re in a float pod, let go of control, and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness. Many floaters report a feeling of total relaxation comparable to an intense yoga or meditation session. Some people fall into sleep, and it’s totally safe.

    Contained in a totally private room for maximum comfort, the Dreampod can be left open for those who are claustrophobic, and the lights can stay on for those who are afraid or feel uneasy in the dark. There are buttons inside to adjust the light and sound/music. I preferred complete darkness (even when eyes were opened) so I turned the lights off and closed the tank. There was no visual input and no audible input. I heard nothing inside but my own stomach growling a few times and my heartbeat. I thought my brain slowed down and took a break. Time meant nothing; the hour didn’t feel too long or short. For a moment, there’s nothing to worry about.

    The water in the tank felt slippery, but after a while, it couldn’t be felt at all. We floated for an hour and a half gravity-free. After emerging from the tank, my back felt lighter and more pain-free than it had in months. I also felt clear-headed and somehow tired, as if I had just swam tens of laps in a pool. We took a shower to wash off the salt, and our skin felt soft like silk.

    Wrap Up

    Floating at Bangkok Float Center is one of the most surreal yet relaxing experiences I’ve ever had. The sensation of being completely weightless was hard to grapple at first. I tried about three times to forcefully touch the bottom of the tank but I kept bobbing back up. It took me less than five minutes to find my most comfortable position and lie motionless.

    Floating gives an overall feeling of freedom and it eliminates toxins and stress. It’s soothing and we came out feeling refreshed and content. I recommend this to anyone looking to put health and well-being on the forefront. It’s definitely worth a try! 😉 Price for four of us for 90 minutes is 7,704 baht.

    Things to bring:

    • Guests do not need to bring anything. Swim wear is NOT necessary; we were advised to be naked so we would feel free and in tune with the body and mind.
    • Towels, shampoo, soap, earplugs, and other toiletries (and even foundation, powder, and makeup remover) are all provided. Each of us had our own personal spa suite with Dreampod, private shower, and dressing area. We also had full access to a chill out lounge directly outside the float room.

    Things to avoid:

    • Avoid floating after a big meal or when you haven’t eaten at all.
    • Avoid drinking anything for at least two hours before floating. You don’t want a full bladder ripping you away from “the zone,” so make sure to go in empty.
    • Avoid shaving prior to floating. When you have cuts, you may use Vaseline or waterproof bandaids to cover.
    • Avoid drifting in the tank. Drifting will cause you to ping off the walls and in some cases will give you a sense of spinning. Simply touch the sides of the tank with your hands and feet until your body is centered. This can take up to a minute or two depending on how much you disturbed the water.
    • Avoid putting your hands on your eyes when in the tank because it’s saltwater. It will sting a lot.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/bangkokfloatcenter/” name=”Bangkok Float Center” description=”Show Dc Entertainment Mall, 99/9-99/6 Rama 9, (next to RCA), Rachada, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +66 98 628 9599″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-08-12″ user_review=”4.9″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Prenup in Bali: Top Beautiful Photoshoot Locations and Tips to Consider

    Prenup in Bali: Top Beautiful Photoshoot Locations and Tips to Consider

    We chose to shoot in Bali, Indonesia for our pre-wedding photos. All garments, styling, and hair and makeup were provided and done by ourselves, and we brought East Digital Studio (our professional photo team) from the Philippines with us. While doing research, we found many beautiful and romantic places in Bali for pre-wedding photography. Beaches, forests, and public areas including temples have magnificent views that make our three-day trip more enjoyable.

    If you’re searching for the best attractions in Bali that are ideal for a photoshoot, I’m sharing our suggestions, some of our pictures, and tips below. 🙂

    Prenup in Bali: Top Beautiful Photoshoot Locations

    1. Mangrove Forest

    Our first stop was the Mangrove Forest in Southern Bali. This mangrove forest area is hidden from the hustle city life although only a few hundred meters from the busiest intersection. We had a hard time getting to the entrance where there’s a long wooden walking path we have seen from pictures because there are four different entrances and trails that are far away from one another. We spent a total of about two hours driving to the correct place.

    Bali’s largest mangrove forest is 1,000 hectares big and has a 1.4 km wooden path within it. I’m glad I brought flats or else, I could have injured my feet badly while walking in heels throughout the photoshoot. There’s also the 11-meter-high bird watching tower, relaxation huts, and a floating deck that served as good backdrops.

    In the Mangrove Forest, we witnessed how mangroves contribute to the local ecosystem. The mangrove roots filter the water at low tide and high tide, causing sediments to be removed before they enter again the open sea. This forest reserve has been proven to act as a natural barrier against tsunamis.

    2. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Beratan Lake Ulun Danu

    Every photoshoot has its theme. Looking for something more dramatic? Having the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the background may be right up your alley. It is both a famous picturesque landmark and a significant temple complex located on the western side of the Beratan Lake in Bedugul, central Bali. Adding a mysterious feel to pre-wedding photos, the temple complex occupies a rather low lying side of the lake.

    Ulun Danu Beratan translates literally to “the source temple of Lake Beratan.” It’s the island’s most iconic sanctuary sharing the scenic qualities with the seaside temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple’s base creates a unique floating impression, especially when the lake’s water levels rise. We hoped to rent a boat out into the lake. Unfortunately, it was raining and the lake water was not stable enough for us to produce great photos.

    3. Monumen Mumbul-Nusa Dua

    Monumen Mumbul-Nusa Dua is one of the historical monuments in Bali. Located at Taman Mumbul, Nusa Dua Bali, this monument exists to commemorate the struggles of Balinese people in escaping from the colonialism in the past. Nowadays, it is often used as a pre-wedding photoshoot venue. True enough, there were two other couples (one from Taiwan and one from Thailand) who were also having their pre-nuptial shoots during our visit.

    4. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK Cultural Park)

    A view of a breathtaking monument, attractions, fantasy experience, and modern technology blend in and transpire as we explored the GWK cultural park. Some parts were still undergoing construction. The completed part of the statue is of the upper part of Vishnu’s body, the head of the “garuda” (a supernatural eagle-like being) and Vishnu’s hands.

    GWK, once completed at 145 metres with Vishnu riding on the back of the garuda, will be one of the world’s tallest statues and erected on the top of the hill, with a panorama of Bali. Facilities here also include an amphitheater, an exhibition gallery, open-air venues, two restaurants, a souvenir shop, an art market, a massage centre, ATV and Segway rentals, as well as adventurous activities.

    5. Tanah Lot Temple

    If you are tired of mainstream themes for your wedding photo shoot, you can try something exotic or unusual. One of the most unique destinations we had in mind was the Tanah Lot Temple. It’s a Hindu temple built on top of a rock formation surrounded by a beach with magnificent cliffs. Tanah Lot is an icon of tourism in Bali that’s also one of the best photo spots in the area. The offshore rock has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

    Tanah Lot is extremely crowded with people. It’s impossible to reserve the entire place for our photoshoot or stop people from walking in different directions. It’s a challenge finding angles and spots where there’s not much people present in the background. We took photos mostly on the cliff and rocky surfaces near the temple.

    6. Melasti Beach

    The beach is a typical venue for pre-wedding photoshoots. We chose to go to Melasti Beach, a remote area and a quiet place in Ungasan, Bali that’s nice and clean. We strolled on the slope overseeing the sea and high cliff. Rocks are natural and are big in size.

    Tips When Traveling to Bali, Indonesia for Vacation or Photoshoot

    Did you know that Bali has always been ranked as the top 3 destination to visit in many websites and travel books? Bali, Indonesia is so blessed with natural resources and picturesque sceneries. It’s also regarded as the number one destination for prenup photography in Asia in recent years. No wonder, this island is a popular tourist destination and a popular choice as a pre-wedding destination for many couples.

    Here are tips to consider when traveling to Bali for a vacation or a photoshoot:

    1. Weather

    There are two main seasons in Bali. The dry season is between the months of April and September, and the rainy season is between October and March. Our photoshoot was scheduled in February, and it was mostly rainy. There were really times when we had to wait for the downpour to stop before continuing with the shoot.

    We bought a decorated umbrella that served not only to protect us from rainfall and sunshine but also to “glamorize” some shots. Some areas were affected by landslides, so we did not proceed driving to them anymore but rather chose to shoot some place else that’s safer. According to our local guide, the best time to visit during the dry season is April to October. However, we could not catch on to those months because our wedding month is March.

    Bottom line? Before seriously considering traveling to Bali to do photoshoots, checking weather forecasts is important. Accuweather and similar apps or sites sometimes don’t project accurate forecasts; this is where people in social media can help. I remembered checking out Instagram with hash tags #bali, #balinese, and names of specific destinations to know the real-time condition of the weather in those areas. I went as far as asking users who posted pictures if rain was too hard and was glad to receive decent answers in return.

    bought payong from a store in Umbul

    2. Currency

    The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR/Rp.) is the local currency for Bali. It’s best to convert into their local currency while in the airport because you may not find a lot of currency exchange stations or counters while on the road. Also, the rates in the airport may be better. Indonesian banknotes come in the denominations of Rp 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 while Rp. 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 are available in coins.

    When in Bali, carrying a handful of Rp. 10,000 to Rp. 100,000 notes around instead of relying on US$ dollars or your credit cards is most advisable. Some merchants accept international credit cards, but they will charge an additional 3% service fee. In such cases, cash is the best alternative. Many hotels and some tourist attractions list their prices in US dollars, but the exchange rate will be in the favor of the vendors and not the customers.

    3. Itinerary

    Travel planning is a must. In reality, famous tourist spots are not ideal for pre-wedding photos because these locations are packed with many tourists, which makes it difficult to take nice photographs. Creating an itinerary with timing considerations and travel time and searching for off-the-beaten tracks can help solve the problem. Hiring a local tourist guide can also save time with navigation and communicating with locals and the management regarding permits.

    in the car, with our driver
    With Sut, our local tourist guide

    4. Fees

    Our entrance fees were already paid for prior the trip since we got the services of an agency. However, there were additional/surprise fees charged by the establishments to permit us to shoot for pre-wedding. Extra costs were also billed to allow us to use drones for photography and videos.

    5. Dresses and costumes

    We brought eight sets of clothes to change styles and colors. Some places have restrooms where it’s comfortable to change clothes, but there were also those that left us with no choice than to change inside the car. If you don’t have an extensive dress collection for the shoot, make sure to bring extra casual clothing and footwear because it won’t be very convenient to wear heavy pieces in long hours.

    6. Professional photographers

    If you have decided to have your pre-nuptial shoot in Bali, choosing the right professional photographers is very important. They will be the ones capturing priceless frames with precision. They should know what to do when the moment comes, given the limited resources in a foreign land. It’s highly recommended to shoot at the right time in order to achieve good lighting (and avoid the hard light).

    with Anthony and Nestor of East Digital Studio

    7. Fun factor

    Having fun and enjoying the photoshoot with your fiancĂ© wherever you may be is most important. Photos always look even better when they come across natural and stress-free. If you’re going to a foreign country to shoot for pre-wedding, I recommend getting the help of an agency like we did.

    We planned and created our itinerary with Transpipol Travel and Tours. Our aim was to get the best shots in every venue without worrying about transportation and accommodation. Getting private tour services and a car made our experience almost hassle-free. We also had a good chance to know more about the Balinese culture and try out a lot of local food! 🙂

    lunch in a restaurant

    [schema type=”review” name=”Prenup in Bali: Top Beautiful Photoshoot Locations and Tips to Consider” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-07-02″ ]