chinanigans

Here’s a dose of The Hunger Games movie, just to get us through 83 more days. :)

Who’s your favorite? :)

Ruth & Larry were classmates in nursery, got together in high school and at the dawn of December 27, 2011, tied the knot.

Yes, you read that right. Dawn. 5AM to be exact. I’m not a morning person, but when Ruthie invited me to the wedding and informed me of the time, I had no second thoughts about attending. I love weddings and I wouldn’t miss this one for the world. Ruthie’s one of my closest friends/batch mates in high school. Larry was a batch lower, but we became friends through our involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Here are some photos of the wedding (Pardon my non-professional skills. Twas difficult to take photos so early when it’s so dark and chilly & you’ve only had 2 hours of sleep. Sheesh, excuses.):

At 5AM, while waiting for the ceremony to start…

The lanterns

The gazebo

The bride

Upon seeing the bride, Minette (the bride’s cousin and my friend) & I started crying. She was so breathtakingly beautiful. Good thing (being the girl scout that I am) I brought tissue.

The groom serenading the bride

Props to Larry for sounding great so early in the morning, even hitting those high notes! (Ganun siguro talaga ‘pag in-love)

Exchange of rings

Larry’s appreciation speech

Ate Cuala and Larry’s twin, Emil, while listening to the speech

Ruthie sharing her appreciation

Naubos tissue ko! I was so glad I didn’t have any make-up on. 

Gracie (Ruthie’s sister) cried as well

So cute! Minette & I were crying buckets when she suddenly came up to us and without a word, grabbed a tissue.

The couple, being prayed for

The kiss!

Here’s a closer look at the radiant bride:

Gown by Philip Dizon Torres

Hair and make-up by Mariah Santos

Picture-taking time:

The newlyweds with the bride’s family

The newlyweds with the groom’s family

The cousins

Awww :’)

The bride & I

‘04 represent!

Us three

Us three, 7 years ago ;)

I still can’t believe you’re actually married. Feeling high school pa rin! :p

What I loved about this wedding is the non-pretentious feel of it. The wedding wasn’t for show, not for the audience. It was for the couple. It was lovingly organized by the couple and their families. And because of that, it was simply beautiful.

Congratulations, Ruth & Larry! I’m so happy for you both. Seeing you both so happy and so in-love is a joy. May you continue to glorify God as you journey through married life. You are in my prayers. :)

They don’t call Pampanga “The Christmas Capital” for nothing.

The Giant Lantern Fair is an annual event, showcasing the finalists for the Giant Lantern Competition. This year, it was held at the Marquee Park in Marquee Mall, Angeles City.

Several people (okay, maybe that’s an understatement) came to see the spectacle of lights, eager to extended the Christmas Spirit a little bit more.

Before the show started, I secured my place in front of the first two lanterns, just beside the dancing water fountain. While waiting, I decided to take photos of the dancing light sabers. :D

A fireworks display started off the show, much to my delight.

Four barangays, represented by one giant parol each, participated in the fair.

The first bore no label, but was a beauty nevertheless.

The second parol was from Dolores.

Sta. Lucia came in third, delighting the crowd with a kaleidoscope of colors.

And last, but definitely not the least, Brgy. San Juan Nepomuceno.

Ordinary?

Surprise!

Witnessing the dancing lights of the giant lanterns made me very proud and happy to be a Kapampangan. Congratulations to all the participants, who exhibited incredible skill and craftsmanship!

I decided to take a few more photos of the light sabers before heading home. If you decide to visit Marquee Park, don’t be surprised if these light sabers double as showers to children. ;)

Christmas really makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. :)

Mayap a Pascu!

Yakult-ish happiness!