My busy Barong

What a week it was. Josephine and I attended three (3) beautiful weddings, I attended a two day seminar, we took care of our laundry and attended a family affair all in one week. Whew!!!

EVENT 1: December 4, 2005 (Sunday) - Manuel and Wendy's wedding in Tagaytay

Though a day before that, my wife and I celebrated our one year anniversary there in the beautifil city of Tagaytay. It was like a retreat of sort. Away from everybody. We had lunch at Antonio's (care of of my colleague who took care of the reservation and paid for our lunch. it was their wedding gift. What a lovely treat!) After lunch we headed toward Sonya's garden. Where we spent one wonderful night.

Ok back to the wedding. We arrived on time so we were able to choose where we could park and where to sit. The benefit of being early. Not only in the church but also in going to the reception.

Two thumbs up! Seeing people getting married and happily is a breathtaking experience. I mean, there are so many reasons why not to get married officially. So to see people spending time and money for an event that would last just for a day is something else. Though, it is not the wedding ceremony that is important but the marriage. Looks like Manuel and Wendy are perfect for each other.

Driving at first was not that easy since I was not that familiar with the road but the traffic going home was light.

EVENT 2. December 6, 2005 (Ronald and Gayle's Wedding)

Alright, for the second time we arrived at the Shrine of Jesus earlier than most of the guests. We had to because Josephine was the lector. It wouldn't be nice to the couple if she was late. Anyway, she was there and had enough time to review the missalet.

Gayle sang a song for Ronald. (Manuel sang his marriage vow to Wendy). Well, I didn't have guts to do it during our wedding last year. :). The food was great of course and Diamond hotel was cleaner compared to another friend's wedding early this year.

EVENT 3 and 4: Attended Leadership Training (Based on John Maxwell's principles).

The training was something I didn't expect. Since I was really tired I thought I will just fall asleep. You know, boring sessions, participants and facilitator would really be a deadly combination. But the training was far from being boring. Not that the topics were something knew but the facilitators did a great job in making sure that we absorb the topics, noone will doze off and everyone will participate. The participants too were not just spectators but all of us did our share.

Another thing that was great about it was that our group won. I was their leader and they trusted me. I felt like a first honor student also. :)

Event 5. Arland and Tina's nuptials

This was a very stressful event for me because of the traffic and all hoopla that surrounded this wedding. Of course, I am very very happy to see our long time friends getting married. After ten years of ups and downs they finally settled down and hopefully toward a single direction. Together. They originally planned their wedding last year but because of the moon, it was moved this year. Anyway, I prepared a speech for the couple but Jopay gave a powerful and touching wish for Arland and Tina I decided not to say anything more. I was forced also to be a cost which I regretted after the wedding. I felt so embrassed because I mispronounced a word that made everybody laugh at me. Whoa. What an experience really. There was nothing I could do then but pretend that I was ok though deep inside I felt so small. It was a nightmare came true. I hate it. Filipinos can be so cruel when someone commits a mistake especially in grammar. I've learned my lesson. I will conscisously not forget it for me to respect those who speak in front.

By the way, I used my barong three (3) times because I couldn't do anything. Job well done. Now, it is time for my barong to get a relaxing day at a laundry shop.