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| Paul & Pauline, the newlyweds |
I CAN’T do wedding stories, or will not. I promised myself I won’t because it will always be the same lines - the bride looked radiant, the groom was dashing and the room went teary-eyed as the couple exchanged their vows. Of course, it will have its “who are you wearing” section as well.
But I can do the party, which I also refuse to refer to as the wedding reception. This is where I can relate to more and the reason why I shy away from the church ceremony and head straight to the drinking venue.
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| No escaping this time LOL. |
This way, I won’t have to stress myself prepping for a formal event and don the Barong Tagalog, I can appear a little under-dressed for the occasion, and take a single taxi ride to the venue.
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| But still wore this pair with the coat & tie. WIll make this my signature look. |
However, I promised my dear friend Pauline (yes, Lena, this time Pauline is my good friend and not you and the rest of the mothers and ninangs so as not to divulge my real age. But I just did) that I will go to her special day, the day she becomes Mrs. Malilin.
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| So much love….. |
So I dutifully put on a coat and tie and took the pre-requested ride on a friend’s chauffeured auto.
Prior to the big day, I learned that many of the guests are people I know, so that gave me a reason to go. It will be easy to join anyone’s table and be relaxed.
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| Friends & table mates, at the garden & in the ballroom. |
I also heard snippets of the preparation for the party—Jamon Serrano, cheeses and lots of red wine. That’s three more reasons why I should go.
Ok, don’t get me wrong. I am very happy for the couple especially for Pauline. I wanted to see how the little girl who used to run across the hall of her mom’s ballroom dancing club in her tomboyish garb, the girl who grew up to be the beautiful young woman walking down the aisle wearing a well-fitted wedding gown accessorized by a smile beaming brighter than all the jewels in the room combined.
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| Little girl no more. |
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| And Pauline's handsome husband. |
I wanted to see how proud and happy Lena and Rommel would be when they give their daughter’s hand in marriage. I wanted to be part of the party celebrating this moment with the family I got close to through the years.
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| Rommel & Lena delivering their message to the new couple |
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| The groom's parents shared their messages as well. |
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| Dance with my father moment for Pauline |
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| And dance with my mother for Paul. |
I wanted to see how the mother’s excitement about the whole preparation and set-up translate to its tangible state. I didn’t want to miss the good company of friends. I didn’t want to miss the fun.
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| Elegant set-up mom, Lena, was excited about. |
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| It's where the ninongs & ninangs sat |
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| My classmate's wife was a ninang. |
I wouldn’t want to miss a selfie with the bride, the mother of the bride and good friends.
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| I wouldn't dare miss a selfie with these two- the mother of the bride & the bride |
Yes, I wouldn’t miss those for the world and the jamon, the cheeses and the red wine.
I’m glad I went. It was a very, very fun gathering.
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| Hands down, the best part of the party, the best men roasting the groom |
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| Oh yes, wine was pouring to no end |
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| Bridesmaids & friends |
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| Dance floor divos & divas |
Thank you for inviting me Pauline. Best wishes and congratulations to you and Paul. You guys really know how to party. On that part I can certainly relate to.
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| Mother & daughter Montemayor. |
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| Pauline's friends |
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| Family & friends. |
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| Lena's clique. |
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| Selfie with my favorite girl. |
*****
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