News – Page 5 – Weddings At Work

W@Wie hubby auditions for ‘The Biggest Loser (Asia)’

July 27, 2009/in News /by W@W Editor

Yesterday, Benz & I got a private message from Sabrina (ni P.A.), a W@Wie. Her hubby (stats: 32 | 6’1″ | 350lbs) is auditioning for the Asian edition of “The Biggest Loser” (coming soon on Hallmark Channel) — the weight-loss reality show where the ‘biggest loser’ becomes the grand prize winner bringing home a new fit body and $100,000 along the way!

Here’s what she told us:

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(photo by Mango Red)

I am Sabrina Dillera, a current member of the W@W eGroup. I got married last Dec 2008. My husband is currently auditioning for “The Biggest Loser Asia” and has an audition video uploaded at youtube.

I was wondering if you would allow me to send an email to the W@Wies to ask for support (and to have increased number of hits too!). The audition video was created by our good friend/videographer Mark Esguerra of Me Manila and was also the one who made our wedding AVP.

If this won’t be allowed, I would perfectly understand but I certainly hope that you would consider.

Cheers to W@W!

Thank you,
Sabrina

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We didn’t just give Sabrina the go signal, we’re even sharing her hubby’s audition video here for more exposure. Hope the show’s producers and casting peeps will take notice. Best of luck to P.A. and here’s wishing you to be the Philippine representative in the show. Break a leg sweat! 🙂

Divorce in the Philippines (in the Biblical context)

July 18, 2009/in News /by W@W Editor

Divorce is not legal in the Philippines. It is clearly a legal issue but it’s absence in this country has a lot to do to our being a Roman Catholic nation.

Below are snippets from an article about divorce in the Philippnes in the Christian/Bliblical context; and what makes it an interesting read is because it favors it. It’s a refreshing to see bible verses cited while divorce is given a thumbs up.

Note that we’re sharing this not to convince anyone to make a stand for or against it. We simply urge the reader to have an open mind about the issue.

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(via Doctrines Unite) The Philippines is one of only two countries in the world that I know of where divorce is not legalized, the other of course being Vatican City. The subject I am about to embark upon is usually not openly discussed around these part.

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This would surely be a shock for Filipinos who have been schooled all their lives about the sanctity of marriage, knowing it is Jesus himself who commanded us, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate“ (Matthew 19:6 ).

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The Westminster theologians recognized that God has clear guidelines in the matter of marriage, divorce and remarriage. They recognized that sinful man would abuse any gracious act of God, presuming that his grace is license to do whatever is right in their own eyes. He was gracious to the Jews in allowing divorce, but they then divorced their wives for any other cause in addition to sexual immorality and desertion (Matthew 19:3). This was not God’s intention from creation, and it was not his intention when he granted them lawful divorce due to their hardness of heart.

Lawful annulment in the Philippines is commonly granted on the grounds of psychological incapacity, minority (a party below 18 even with the consent of parents), lack of authority of the solemnizing officer, absence of a marriage license, polygamy, mistaken identity, and incestuous marriage. Incest and polygamy fall in the lawful categories of sexual immorality and desertion, but the others are questionable pretexts at best. The only reason why annulment in the Philippines has not become an epidemic like divorce in the West is that only the very rich can afford the legal process.

If divorce is legalized, how is the church going to prevent its abuse, as can be seen in many other countries? Here, the true church has a great responsibility. First, premarital and marriage counseling is a must. One of the major reasons for failed marriages is the lack or absence of Biblical counseling. Second, the church has to be careful in determining whether the divorce is based on the Biblical grounds of sexual immorality or desertion. This process has to be done when a member files for divorce or intends to marry a divorced person; both cases have to have lawful grounds for divorce. Third, a member is to be subject to the elders of the church, and if he or she disobeys the determination and advise of the elders, he or she is to be subject to church discipline. Fourth, women who become “widows” (and their young children) because of divorce must be cared for by the benevolence of the church.

Historically, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines has always been a tough nut to crack in the matter of divorce, and most of the 80 percent of Filipinos who are Catholics remain loyal to their church. But this intransigence and ignorance of the Biblical grounds for divorce has had disastrous effects on the Filipino family, particularly on women and children. It had also put many churches in various difficult situations when its wayward members see that the most viable option for them is to continue their sinful relationships. [READ FULL ARTICLE]

“Romantic Philippines” sets RP as premier wedding destination

June 22, 2009/in News /by W@W Editor

(via Phil. News Agency | by Lily O. Ramos) The Department of Tourism will project the Philippines as a truly beautiful country with multi-racial and multi-cultural people living in a mixture of the old and yet most modern, international environment fit for romance.

This is what Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said on Thursday as he discussed how DOT will promote the country in the upcoming International Travel Expo (ITE) in Hong Kong, where the Philippines expects to sustain an upward trend for its tourism market.

The Hong Kong market has continued to post encouraging number in terms of arrivals to the country for the past three years.

A total of 96,296 Hong Kong visitors in 2006; 111,948 in 2007; and 116,653 in 2008 reflect a significant 14 percent growth rate.

What’s more, the ITE on its 23rd year has chosen the Philippines as a finalist for the ‘New Travel Route’ competition, where chosen countries will be put to popular vote as the most preferred destinations for avid travelers.

Joining the Philippines among the finalists are Switzerland, Greece, Peru, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Japan.

The theme “Romantic Philippines” is set to captivate Asian couples, featuring unique getaways and exhilarating thrills.

The country’s more than 36,000 kilometers of unspoiled coastlines, breathtaking scenic landscapes, and a myriad of natural wonders, make the Philippines as a perfect spot for weddings, honeymoon, and romantic hideaways.

“Our stunning landscapes truly make it a sought-after wedding destination. Couples would choose only the best for life’s most memorable events, and we are certain they would never run out of exciting discoveries in our many islands,” Durano said.

The Philippine campaign in Hong Kong will provide a booth which promises unique performances such as costumes, native dances, rendition of favorite “kundimans” plus old and modern Filipino love songs.

Clothes designed by leading fashion designer Renee Salud will also be showcased.

Led by DOT, the Philippine delegation will be joined by renowned and respected industry leaders Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, The Manila Hotel, El Nido Resort, Boracay Grand Vista Resort and Spa, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Le Soleil de Boracay, Hotel Seraph Boracay, Waterfront Hotels and Casino, and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Trusted travel operators Shroff International Travel Care Inc., Castro Travel Solutions Agency, Le Soleil de Boracay, Happy Sun Travel and Tours, and Planet Holiday, as well as leading carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air will also be represented.

Sen. Roxas goes old school in ‘pamanhikan’

June 15, 2009/in Blog, Celebrity Wedding, News /by W@W Editor

Marry for love. Yes.
Marry for power and ambition. No.
Marry for love, power and and ambition. We don’t see why not.

The presidential elections doesn’t happen ’til May 11, 2010, but Senator Mar Roxas‘ upcoming wedding to broadcaster Korina Sanchez is creating quite a buzz among the Philippine electorate. Just because of their very public Wowowee wedding announcement (that’s a YouTube link not recommended for skeptics), some have already made up their minds if they’ll vote for him or not. And if the surveys are accurate, his “retirement from bachelorhood” seems to be doing him more good than harm. Either the senator is a true romantic or he knows what excites the poor voters. At the very least, we’re hoping it’s a combination of both. Their ‘fairytale’ is more believable that way.

Still, it amazes us that his impending wedding seems to be working to his advantage. And now there’s a full Inquirer article just about his pamanhikan. Thumbs up for promoting this time-honored pre-wedding ritual. But of course, sincerity of intentions if still foremost. We’ve yet to find out. 😉

Here’s an excerpt:

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(via inquirer.net) Senator Manuel Roxas vowed to bring not just the elders of his Araneta-Roxas clan but also a “mambabalagtas” (traditional Tagalog orator) for a traditional “pamanhikan” scheduled for Sunday night at the Parañaque home of his fianceé, broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez.

A “pamanhikan” is a Filipino pre-wedding rite in which the man formally seeks the hand of his girlfriend in marriage before his future in-laws.

Roxas told Inquirer on Sunday that everything was set for the “pamanhikan.” As custom goes, the family of the groom makes the formal proposal of marriage. Once it is accepted, they sponsor a feast. [READ MORE…]

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Cardinal Rosales stresses solemnity of marriage rite

June 3, 2009/in Blog, News /by W@W Editor

When we first came across the article below, we wondered how our friends in the industry, particularly the event organizers and wedding planners, would feel about the statement of the His Eminence. We are posting this not to stir a debate, but to share the information. 🙂

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(via CBCP News) While underscoring the sacredness of the sacrament of matrimony, a high-ranking prelate also expressed alarm on some wedding ceremonies becoming a “special event production,” thus robbing the rite of its solemnity.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales said he has been alarmed with the growing number of entrepreneurs now known as “event organizers” and “wedding planners” involved in the smallest details of weddings who sometimes turn the solemn rite into a “show” or “presentation.”

The Cardinal made the observation in an interview over Veritas Radio Monday morning.

He noted that couples now focus their attention to the minutest details of the preparations, invitations, the program and the songs to be sung during the reception instead of the meaning of the Sacrament of Matrimony.

“May kabanalan ang sakramento ng kasal at ang kabanalan ng kasal ay kung minsa’y nawawala sapagkat ang atensyon ng ikakasal ay naaagaw ng producer o planner at ‘di na nauunawaan ang ipinapayo ng pari,” the cardinal explained.

While worried that the sacrament of marriage is being robbed of its solemnity and spirituality, he said he is also concerned of the expenses such a big production will entail on the couple.

“Ang iba, sa oras na marinig ang gastos, sa halip na magpakasal sa simbahan ay sa huwes na nagpapakasal,” he added.

These wedding planners are considerably paid to attend to almost all the details involved in the ceremony turning a sacred rite into a presentation or show, the cardinal said.

Pre-Cana conference

Reminiscing on his early years as a young pastor, Rosales said one thing he misses these days is the chance to talk to young couples engaged to be married through the Pre-Cana Conference.

During these conferences couples have the opportunity to discuss honestly with each other one’s strengths and areas of growth, the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, family life, communication, finances, sexuality and one’s role in society and in the Church.

He said he finds it enjoyable talking to engaged couples as he “gains their friendship and in fulfillment of my duties as pastor.”

The prelate said these conferences are important to the engaged couple for them to realize their responsibilities in the eyes of society and the Church. (Melo M. Acuna)

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Metro Weddings Workbook: bridal planning made easy

May 20, 2009/in News /by W@W Editor

(PRESS RELEASE | Manila) 2009 started with a bang for the brand new packed-with-information Metro Weddings and it just keeps getting better and better. This summer, Metro Weddings brings you the ultimate Bridal Workbook designed to help you effortlessly plan your perfect wedding!

The special issue workbook contains carefully drafted sections dedicated to each special aspect of your dream day, from all you need to know about choosing your ceremony venue to booking the best photographer to capture all those unforgettable moments. It also contains indispensible details on how to select the perfect dress as well as a special lookbook of the top designers in the country featuring some of their favorite dresses.

In addition, the Metro Weddings Bridal Workbook also contains all your registry needs as well as tips on how to quickly and painlessly navigate the tricky world of marriage contracts, church requirements, and do’s and don’ts before you walk down the aisle, all beautifully packaged in easy to reference sections, hundreds of useful tips, checklists and gorgeous photos that are sure to take your breath away.

“We know how complex and lengthy the wedding planning process can be,” Editor-in-Chief Michelle Katigbak-Alejandro says. “We wanted to help by breaking the process down into simple chronological steps while providing brides-to-be a wide variety or references and suggestions that are perfect for every type of event. We want this workbook to be a fun companion that brides can take through the planning process.”

Indeed, you can find everything you need to know about the wedding planning including contact details of experts and the best suppliers in the industry. What’s more, the workbook is full of hundreds of gorgeous photos, taken by top wedding photographers in the industry, that are sure to inspire you every step of the way. It also features beautiful bride-to-be Valerie Bariou who shares her thoughts on love, friendship, marriage, and the fun of planning your own wonderful event.

So, if you are planning your dream day, or even just imagining your perfect wedding, the Metro Weddings Bridal Workbook is a beautiful collector’s reference that you shouldn’t be without.

A Pre-Valentine Marriage Proposal in Manila’s post-911 airport!

February 13, 2009/in News, Trends /by W@W Editor

(photo courtesy of Business Mirror)

(MANILA | excerpted from Inquirer.net) People at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were treated to an early Valentine’s Day drama on Thursday after a male nurse used the airport’s premises to propose marriage to his girlfriend of two years, a flight attendant.

Eugene Padua, 26, of Taytay, Rizal, a nurse at UST Hospital, proposed marriage to his girlfriend, Marian Ocampo, 23, of Zambales, a flight attendant of Asiana Airlines of four years, right at the NAIA Terminal 1 arrival area.

Curious passengers and airport personnel who were in the area kept their distance as they watched Padua formally ask Ocampo to marry him. The flight attendant accepted.

The airport security office gave its go-signal to the marriage proposal on the condition that it be quick and would not disrupt operations.

Tirso Serrano, MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) assistant general manager for corporate development and public affairs, said it was not the first time that someone proposed at NAIA.

“Proposals being done at the NAIA prove that we are the friendliest and most accommodating airport. Proposals done at the NAIA are starting to become a trend and we are happy to be a part of a memorable moment in their lives as a couple,” he said. [FULL STORY]

2009 ushers in a brand new Metro Weddings!

January 8, 2009/in News /by W@W Editor

[PRESS RELEASE] The country’s premiere wedding magazine, Metro Weddings, just got even better this year building on all of your favorite elements and adding so much more. Headed by the new team of Editor-in-Chief Michelle Katigbak-Alejandro and Creative Director Trisha Chua-Juico under the guidance of out-going EIC Romina Urra-Gonzalez, Metro Weddings has branched out even further to bring new, exciting, beautiful, and unlimited choices to brides-to-be for their upcoming nuptials.“This magazine has been indispensable to so many brides in planning their special day,” Michelle comments “So we wanted to take the already amazing content and just make it even bigger and better. We wanted to provide more options, more ideas, more suggestions, just more!”

In line with the new vision for the magazine, the team of Metro Weddings which includes Art Director Noel Avandano, Managing Editor Stef Juan, Fashion Editor Ana Lloren, Details Editor Georgia Schulze-del Rosario, Editorial Assistant Ani Hila and Fashion Assistant Angela Alarcon, worked hard to revamp the look of the most comprehensive local wedding magazine including a new masthead and a brighter bolder look on the inside pages.

“This first issue is our first step in including all the changes and expansions we have planned for the magazine,” Michelle says. “We are so excited to be able to explore new themes, new colors, new cuts and details for dresses. We are even looking forward to introducing new sections to the magazine. We are very dedicated to providing brides-to-be with all the choices out there.”

So this month, look out for the new Metro Weddings featuring beautiful bride Sarah Meier-Albano on the bright eye-catching cover. Sarah, who is a ubiquitous face in the modeling scene, talks about what it’s like planning her perfect wedding. Also in this issue see the most exciting new designs for beautiful wedding gowns as well as fabulous cakes, delightful floral arrangements, invitations, suits, accessories, and everything you need for your special day! You can also browse through comprehensive articles which help you navigate the tedious planning process including how to fix your seating arrangement, how to style your special event on a budget, how to book your wedding entertainment, and how to shed a few pounds before your special day. Indeed, you may even be the lucky reader to win a free South Beach diet program!

It’s jam-packed full of information and engaging photos and you can find all this and much more in the newest issue of Metro Weddings. And continue to keep an eye out for the issues to come as the magazine continues to get better and better. Let Metro Weddings help you get the perfect wedding of your dreams!

Metro Weddings is available in bookstores and news stands nationwide.

Oliver Tolentino: secret designer no more!

December 11, 2008/in News /by W@W Editor

(excerpt from philstar.com) Everyone has a favorite fashion designer. Celebrities and famous personalities are always asked whose creations they are wearing. Some names are familiar while others are slowly getting recognition. One of them is Oliver Tolentino who recently did the country proud when he won in the Bali Fashion Week and was recognized in the United States for his work as a fashion designer.

In a recent interview with Tolentino in his shop in Makati, he opened up about his experiences in Bali, dressing up a former First Lady Imelda Marcos and having Marjorie Bach (fiancée of Joe Walsh of the legendary rock band The Eagles) wore his design during a red carpet event.

Bach also wore another of his creations to a party the following day. Tolentino said that many of her friends kept asking who made the suit and when she mentioned his name, they thought he was Italian, prompting Bach to say he was her “secret designer from the Philippines.”

With the recognition he’s getting and with Filipinos like Monique Lhuillier, Rafe Totengco, Josie Natori, Bea Valdes and Tina Ocampo recognized in the international fashion scene, what can he say about Filipino designers making it in the international scene?

“Filipinos are creative. I’ve been traveling around the world, been to fashion shows abroad. I’ve seen their creations and I can see Filipinos can compete in the international market,” he says.

“I hope that Filipinos will strive more or do anything to penetrate the market. And also I hope the country will support the designers because Filipinos are very creative, very genius when it comes to designing clothes, not only clothes but furniture. Also, I think Filipinos should recognize Filipino creativity.”

Finally for those who dream of making it to the international market, here is what the designer has to say: “Aim for your goal. Don’t surrender, don’t give up and keep updating yourself to fashion. Study hard and find your style. You should be different from the rest.” [READ MORE…]

An afternoon meet & greet with Metro Weddings!

November 14, 2008/in News /by W@W Editor

Last October, Metro Weddings hosted an intimate afternoon gathering for all its close friends and supporters at Restaurant 9501 of the ELJCC Tower. It was a casual and light-hearted event to introduce the new creative team behind one of the most comprehensive wedding magazines in the country.

As suppliers, loyal advertisers, and friends filled the beautiful venue, decorated by events stylist Henry Pascual, former Editor-in-Chief Romina Urra-Gonzalez welcomed everyone and opened the event with a brief introduction on Metro Weddings Magazine and how it has grown over the years to be the indispensable planning tool for all brides-to-be. She further went on to mention that she will be stepping down from the EIC spot to pursue new career beginnings but will stay on as an active Consultant and contributor to the magazine.

She then introduced ABS-CBN Publishing Head Ernie Lopez who welcomed all visitors and friends and gave a speech outlining all the new and exciting developments in both the Publishing and Cable Print Media groups including all the developments in the different genres.

Afterwards Romina introduced the new creative team behind Metro Weddings including incoming Editor-in-Chief Michelle Katigbak-Alejandro and Creative Director Trisha Chua-Juico. The team also includes Fashion Editor Ana Lloren, Details and Associate Editor Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario, and Editorial Assistant Ani Hila.

Incoming EIC Michelle introduced herself to the loyal Metro Weddings group of friends and supporters and outlined the plans for the magazine introducing new and exciting sections to look forward to as well as several new tie-ups with leading wedding organizations in the country. In essence, she asserted that the new Metro Weddings team is looking forward to working hand-in-hand with suppliers and advertisers to put together the best mix of both local and foreign wedding trends, tips, and articles for a bigger and even better Metro Weddings.

“Romina has done such an amazing job with this magazine, we just want to take what she’s done and go even further with it,” Michelle explained. “It’s a daunting task and she’s left incredibly big shoes to fill, but as a collaborative team effort I think we can produce an incredible magazine.”

Finally everyone helped themselves to delicious snacks and spent the rest of the afternoon talking and getting to know one another as well as enjoying the delicious cupcake giveaways prepared by Frostings. The latest issue of Metro Weddings the Best Weddings of the Year Special (cover image above) is on newsstands now. Look out for the next regular issue coming out next January.

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featured weddings:

Way Out of Town

Nara Sulisto & Orange Aberin (Bali, Indonesia)
David Jacob & Amanda Griffin (Bali, Indonesia)
Leo Po & Marielle Santos (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)

Out of Town

Raymond Rufino & Anna Palabyab (Tagaytay City)
Raj Moreno & Kai Prieto (Calatagan, Batangas)
Joseph Juico & Trisha Chua (Tagaytay City)
Les Romero & Erika Alba (Baguio City)
Tonito Gonzalez & Tyra Trebol (Tagaytay City)
Paolo Morato & Marsha Guzman (Tagaytay City)
Jon Dizon & Yacuy Villanueva (Tagaytay City)
Sig Castro & Rhea Lio (Tagaytay City)
Mark Reyes & Karina Garcia (Tagaytay City)
Hans Montenegro & Marilen Faustino (Cebu City)
Migs Camacho & Criscy Bautista (Boracay)
Jojo Silverio & Jenny Serrano (Nasugbu, Batangas)
Andrew Parker & Julia Abad (Basco, Batanes)

In Town

Rob Pengzon & Sunshine Pue
Noli Legarda & Bledes Fores
James Chiongbian & Nina Ynares
RB Roa & Patricia Morato
RJ Ledesma & Vanessa Pastor
J Calma & Tricia Bermudez
Anthony Kierulf & Patty Cojuangco
Jorge Bocobo & Chi Datu
Nino Alejandro & Michelle Katigbak
Nathan Azarcon & Ina Serrano
Mark Mauricio & Aimee Murillo
Lesly Bergonia & Miselle Peñalosa
Miguel Peña & Jerianne Ejercito
Miguel Silos & Roxanne Ancheta
Dondon Gelido & Bianca Dinglasan
Leyton Lozada & Mia Cabawatan
Ben Colayco & Autumn Cho
Mike Sinco & Jamie Chun
Ed Wong & Cheryl Chan
Ace Stimeiher & Gela Laurel

When ‘Separation of Property’ has gone too far…

November 5, 2008/in News /by W@W Editor

I’ve first seen the image above in Brown Pinay’s blog. Apparently, it’s an actual house in rural Cambodia wherein a couple terminated their 18-year marriage with a divorce settlement which involved sawing their conjugal home and separated it into two equal parts.

Here’s an excerpt of the news report about this incident:

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(via Yahoo! News) “Very strange, but this is what my husband wanted,” the separated wife said by phone from a village about 62 miles east of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. She said they ended their marriage last month.

“He brought his relatives and used saws to cut the house in half,” she said, adding that she now owns the other half that is still standing. The house is made from wood with a tile roof and propped up on wooden pillars, a typical style for a Cambodian country home.

She said her estranged husband and his relatives, after ripping apart half of the house, carried all the debris to his parents’ house nearby. She said the divorce was prompted by her husband’s jealousy about her alleged relationship with a policeman in the village. She denied having an extramarital affair. [READ MORE…]

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Separation is such a downer to blog about, but this one is just too amusing to pass up. 😀

WHOA! {WE}’s Beautiful Weddings 2008 has 30 different covers!

October 14, 2008/in News /by W@W Editor

The day we had to fly to Boracay for the three-day wedding event of Karl & Mimi, was the same day as the launch of Wedding Essential’s {WE} Beautiful Weddings 2008. We regret we had to miss it, especially when we learned what the {WE} team has got up their sleeves for this latest edition. Read on….

(PRESS RELEASE) Who doesn’t like a beautiful wedding? Whether you’re planning one, or are already married, few can resist the allure of looking at photographs of lovely wedding details and reading the stories of how these lovely weddings were put together.

People read wedding magazines for inspiration, and Beautiful Weddings, from the same team that is responsible for elegant Wedding Essentials {WE}, the bestselling wedding magazine, and Wedding Essentials: Destination Weddings presents the 2008 edition of Beautiful Weddings.

Beautiful Weddings features tips on styling the wedding entourage, menus to savor, real bride makeovers, and even advice for plus-size brides using real plus-size brides to be.

But the heart of Beautiful Weddings are the wedding stories. Over 200 wonderful entries were submitted for consideration, and with difficulty, the {WE} team, headed by quintessential editor Marbee Shing-Go and talented art director Cynthia Bauzon-Arre, finally chose the 30 weddings which best embodied the spirit of Beautiful Weddings. With touching stories, inspiring ideas, and lovely details, each wedding story was unique in itself.

An additional surprise, a first in the history of Philippine publishing, were the 30 individual covers of Beautiful Weddings (in addition to the regular cover), each featuring one of the 30 weddings. Talk about a memento you can’t get anywhere else! Couples featured in Beautiful Weddings 2008 each received their own copy of their customized covers; as a special service to each couple, their relatives and friends can order these covers through the couple themselves.

As soon as we read that, we knew we wanted to display all of them here. We immediately asked Kitten Zapata (the mag’s managing editor) if she could email us a soft copy of all the 30 covers. As soon as she did, we realized that the next concern is how to display all of them all without cluttering this post.

We honestly don’t know if this would display properly in all browsers but it’s the best solution we could find. And so here they are, presenting the 30 different covers of Beautiful Weddings 2008!

(click a thumbnail for a larger view of a particular cover)

Here are the names of the newlyweds featured. (*indicates the bride is a W@Wie)

Andrew Parker & Julie Abad
Vince Rodriguez & Nina Corpuz
James Lee & Sarah Magtibay
Jiggy Manicad & Marnie Palumbarit
Nico Isberto & Ching dela Cruz
Jed Santos & Lesley Aquino
Sigfrid Castos & Rhea Lio
Wilbert Lee & Ann Cabiltes
Marco Alcantara & Katrina Kuhn
Herbie Pastoral & Michelle Dumlao
Stan Ong & Jenny Ong*
Tutti Caringal & Ria Sausa
Michael Spence & Ruth Tubon
Gary Felix & Luzel Lapid*
Pao Chikiamco & Shaps Lim*
Lloyd Tan & Christine Go
Gabby Dizon & Mench Viduya
Derek Sotto & Trina Yap*
Marc Navarro & Ruth Puno*
Ed Wong & Cheryl Chan*
Rowel Filio & Cheryl Endozo
Glenn Pamplona & Janice Benavidez*
Alex Ochoa & Jade De Leon*
Rommel Reyes & Jenny Platon*
Raymond Mendoza & Tammy Alipio*
Art Eustaquio & Mariben Tan*
Art Samaniego & Michelle Go
Archie Yabut & Marlene Sunga
Tristan Yu & Cristina Yu

Real couples, real weddings… REAL LUCKY! For how many newlyweds could get the chance to be featured in a glossy magazine; more so, have their faces landing on a limited edition cover! Truly, the ultimate payoff for all the sweat and tears in realizing the wedding of their dreams.

Our congratulations to the entire {WE} team for this milestone in Philippine publishing!

(Beautiful Weddings 2008 is packed with 224 pages for only P 200. It hit newsstands and your favorite bookstores beginning October 12, 2008.)

Secret Marriage troubles :-(

September 5, 2008/in News /by W@W Editor

(excerpt from Inquirer.net) There are couples who seal their relationship by marrying “in secret” before one party immigrates. This happens when they enter into a marriage either before a judge or any person authorized to solemnize marriage. There are those who are under the impression that this is simply “ceremonial” in nature and that the marriage contract is not registered with the civil registrar. To their surprise, most marriages are registered and these marriages are considered valid under the law.

Some applicants (Pinoys going abroad) hold on to a mistaken view of a “secret marriage” and deny its existence during the interview on applications for naturalization, work, or even during adjustment of status.

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Read here the trouble two secretly married Filipino couples went through while living/working overseas.

US-based: When a secret wedding becomes an immigration issue
Qatar-based: Court clears secret-wedding couple

MetroWeddings’ latest double cover issue!

August 4, 2008/in News /by W@W Editor

(PRESS RELEASE) The most anticipated local wedding magazine has just hit newsstands. Let MetroWeddings’ double-cover issue help you ease your burden with its thickest issue to date. Find hundreds of inspiring ideas for your reception and the most beautiful wedding gowns from today’s top designers. Plus, get an exclusive peek into National Artist Ramon Valera’s gorgeous wedding gown sketches.

Take your cue from this issue’s cover story on celebrity bride Cheska Garcia and her groom, basketball player Doug Kramer, as they reveal intimate details about their engagement, Spanish-inspired wedding plan, and honeymoon. Find out why Doug is such a helpful groom!

On the magazine’s flip side, cover girl and new bridal gown designer Patty Morato-Roa wears her own creation as she poses side by side the elegant couture cakes of Rajo Laurel and Frederick Peralta. Each special cake varies not only in look and feel but also in taste and flavor, providing the couple with affordable options to choose from.

Dreaming of a Boracay wedding? Amanda Tirol, Boracay’s top events coordinator tells you just how to pull off a memorable celebration for as low as P190,000!

Get started on your wedding plans with the magazine’s extensive list of top wedding coordinators from Manila and other famous local wedding destinations. With 30 highly-recommended coordinators, for instance, there’s sure to be a perfect one in there for you.

Grab a copy of MetroWeddings’ latest issue—now available at your favorite magazine stands nationwide. MetroWeddings is published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

Cebu Wedding Planners get together!

June 9, 2008/in News /by W@W Editor

(excerpt from Sun.Star Cebu) Time was when people got married and it was only the couple or their families and friends who were involved in the preparations for the big event.

Not anymore. Weddings seem to be more complicated, and the soon-to-weds and/or their families may be too busy to see that everything on the wedding day flows smoothly.

And so wedding planners have to come about and they have formed the Association of Sugbu’s Wedding Planners and Coordinators, Inc. (ASWPC) with: Claire Villaflor of Right Connect, as president; Bong Abela of Concepts and More (vice president); Tisha Sanchez of Bliss Unlimited (secretary).

Rounding up the list are Glia Benedicto of Rent an Angel (assistant secretary); Connie Teh of Cherished Moments (treasurer); Stanz Catalan of Grupo (PRO) and Boni Almendras of I Do Events, (assistant PRO); and Joey Alberto of Creative Freeway, Ritchie Mendoza of Cebu Events Maker, Ralyn Sevilla of Ralyn’s Design, and Lilian Dumalos, directors. [READ MORE…]

Rajo Laurel and Frederick Peralta design… cakes!

May 26, 2008/in News, Trends /by W@W Editor

(excerpt from inquirer.net) We know they can make gorgeous wedding gowns. Now, thanks to a tie-up with popular cake maker Red Ribbon, fashion designers Rajo Laurel and Frederick Peralta prove they can dish out beautiful wedding cakes as well.

The designers, who were commissioned to create a dozen cake designs each, will see six of their works included in Red Ribbon’s line of new cakes available beginning June 7, and the remaining half in the bakeshop’s roster of sweet treats in the last quarter of the year. This is a first in the industry with Red Ribbon partnering with two of the country’s top fashion designers, Rajo Laurel and Frederick Peralta, to come up with beautiful cakes inspired by the latest fashion trends in wedding gowns. [MORE…]