After the Proposal

I have a very strong advice to couples who have been steady dating and would like to proceed to the next level: The first thing to do immediately after the proposal, and even before announcing the engagement, is to go to a pre-marriage seminar, or pre-cana seminar. I have two very good reasons for this. First, is to avoid huge expenses go to waste in case of engagement break-up. Second, and most importantly, is to make the bond between the couple more solid after learning many things about each other.

There are so many seminars being given by parishes, but the best ones would be the stay-in weekend. Such seminars are being offered by Discovery Weekend (DW) or the Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE). Topics taken up are the sacrament of matrimony, how to deal with your partner, communication and dialogue, family planning, intimacy and spirituality.

I feel bad for the couple and their families whenever a wedding does not push thru. It's hard enough dealing with the emotional stress, but the financial strain makes it even difficult to accept.

This seminar has been taken for granted by people. Majority of the couples take this only because it is a requirement of the catholic church. And they take it after hiring most, if not all, the suppliers or almost very near the wedding date. Thus, we have seen several couples break up almost a month before the wedding. Some reasons could be because one or both found out they are not yet prepared for the married life; or that they are not really that compatible with each other.

However, I have also seen couples, and this is the majority, who are more in love with each other after taking the seminar. I found out that they are closer and more bonded to each other.

By the way, although the seminars are mostly sponsored by the catholic church, I understand that other religious affiliations are also welcome at the DW and the CEE.

So take my advice: after giving the ring and she said "YES", plan to hie off for a weekend together. After all, isn't it nice to be with each other, learn more about each other and know where you are going just after you decide to live together for the rest of your life?

Mardi Gras Debut Celebration

We had a very wonderful time at the Mardi Gras themed debut of Nicole Audri Belo held last March 6 (2009) at the Palacio de Manila. The decor and ambience was truly one of the most festive ones I've handled, very true to the spirit of a Mardi Gras. As soon as the guests arrived, masks, colorful beads of necklaces and bracelets for the ladies and masks for the gentlemen were handed out from fur-covered baskets by little girls wearing crowns on their heads. At the foyeur, guests pose for pictorial in front of a colorful backdrop and the sign "AUDRI at 18" in glittering letters.

Then guests passed the big arch to go inside the ballroom to find giant masks and balloons in various colors and sizes hanging all over with the mood lighting providing the festive ambience. The stage had pillars, masks, the sun, the moon and arches made of papier-machés.

Mardi Gras festivities are always marked by a queen and her royal court. And what a beautiful queen, or I would rather say, Princess, was Nicole Audri that night! She was radiant with her royal court of handsome gentlemen in suits and lovely ladies in formal dresses.

The program was so entertaining: songs from cousins and friends; dances upon dances also perfomed by uncles, cousins, friends and even by her grandpa! The dances were indefatigably choreographed by Pio Llenado. My ever faithful emcee, Ben Redulla provided the smooth flow of the program. Even the poignant traditional candle ceremony was not without tears flowing from the guests as each family and friend greeted and wished our debutante the best hapy birthday wishes. When the party was in full swing, the Wild cocktails bar was opened and a live band performed as everyone partied! Truly a real grand Mardi Gras celebration!

Just watch the pictures I posted here care of Mian Sta. Cruz, Audri's first cousin, and Mian's friend, Prince of Graham Photography. These 2 budding photographers should be watched as they are really very very good!