Video did not kill the Vintage Star

I have been watching vintage hair and make up videos on you tube for a couple of nights now. There's this girl named Aja who is a Canadian American freelance make up artist who gives absolutely wonderful vintage 1950s tutorials online. For days I have been discussing with OTN if I should do my own hair and make up for our classic inspired engagement session. I thought if only I can practice and given the right materials--I think I might just be able to pull it off...I think.Haha. So I bought myself yesterday hair styling lotion, mousse (which I have not used for ages and somehow always reminds me of my 5th grade bestfriend Michelle), hair pins, prong clips and false eyelashes. Yey!

Forgive me if I will give you the fright of your life. It's my first time to experiment on my hair. I cannot even braid my hair before so this is all fairly new to me. I am still sporting my scooby doo scrubsuit turned nightsuit and obviously I just woke up. I set my hair 7 hours straight as Aja suggested so yes, I slept with my curls on. I just neatly covered it with a scarf. I looked like a 1950s grandmama last night. LOL. As for the make-up, I am really working on it. I have tried on different make up styles for nights now and I am still figuring out how it will resist the harsh photography lights. Im thinking of buying a darker shade of foundation because at least the base will make the eyeshadow, blush on and other eyeworks pop out.

So here it is. Hindi po ako kumain ng litson kaya pagpaumanhin ninyo kung yung lip gloss ay masyadong makintab.

By the way, if you're interested, I have attached the vintage tutorial done by the mega talented and uber beautiful Aja of Vintage Make up videos. As I told you, this is my first time to execute this--I have never styled my hair in this lifetime or in my previous lifetime. There was no heating or curling materials used here --only hairpins would you believe? To have a lasting look, I believe copious amount of hairspray will be able to retain the style. I would say the level of difficulty for this look is slightly difficult to moderate. But with much effort---it can be done!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lMz4CZllso
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kap_hDNNDH4&feature=fvwrel

Before and after the sabotage

DJ Laila-my good friend,idol and wedding emcee

I have known Laila since we were in 5th grade. We were classmates in elementary and high school... and good friends in our college days. I have known her forever. Our birthdates are one day apart and I remember every noche buena where I will greet her just right after she and her family has returned from midnight mass. I have seen her highs and lows...and also some parts of her failures and success. We have lost touch over the years but when we rekindled our friendship, it seems nothing has changed. She's right. We're practically relatives.

For those of you who do not know her and have not heard her voice (LOL), DJ Laila is a tv and radio personality. Her resume include being a disc jockey for DZMM, 101.9 For Life! and Games Uplate Live in ABS-CBN. She's currently in TV 5 and you can see her hosting in Aksyon and hear her distinct voice in Radyo singko.

Jec, Im so proud of what you have become and how far you have gone.

 If you want to avail of DJ Laila's hosting services, drop me an email at ophthaqueenmd@yahoo.com.

Only Jenny of Jay Feliciano Salon can give me a make-over

We're getting Jenny of Jay Feliciano Salon as my hair and make up artist on our wedding day. She's going to take care of me (like she always has) including my mom and Mommy Adora.

Jenny is the long time assistant and loyal friend of the late great Jay Feliciano. Jay has worked with many celebrities such as Pops Fernandez, Ruffa Gutierrez, Janno Gibbs and Dingdong Dantes during his stint in GMA 7's Starstruck. He has left Jenny his legacy in the hair and make-up industry.

Only Jenny can make me transform from being this.

No, Im not the dancer showing frontal nudity on your right.LOL.

To looking like this.

Heck,she can even make me look chinese. Or something to that effect.

You can call Jenny of Jay Feliciano Salon at 8725919. Or email me at: ophthaqueenmd@yahoo.com.
Salon address: G/F Tia Maria Building 103 Cv Starr Avenue Philamlife Village Las Pinas Metro Manila.

The blogger with Jenny

CBC event teaches Ema how to organize a wedding to the highest level

If there is one trait that OTN finds repulsive in me is that I can be a ‘control freak’. 

I will then reason out with “No, Im not”..I just like planning and thinking ahead. I do think I am fairly normal, odd on most days when I find things funny when they really are not. Until-----until one of my friends commented that I also harbor an obsessive compulsive personality. Once, when I tried to narrate on Facebook my differential diagnosis of her sickness and she was taken aback that the message was 3 pages long when her only question was “I feel my fingers are bloating. What’s wrong with me?” LOL.

Why am I injecting my personal musing when we should be talking about our wedding coordinator, Meann of CBC events? Because for once in my life, I never knew that people of such passion, organization and love for weddings still exist in the Philippines. Every time I go home, I am always annoyed with how things are in our country. The traffic jam,the discipline in queuing and most especially the poverty biting you right on the face. And the talent, the enormous talent and potential to rise from mediocrity---we have a lot---and they go unnoticed because we are buried in a 3^rd world mentality. Meann is proving me wrong. And I like that.

Here I am presented with a lady who comes on time, 6 pm to be exact when we met her in Starbucks, Glorietta that Tuesday evening a few days before christmas.

Meann, OTN and the blogger

Meann was wearing a black shirt with a Philippine logo. I wore the same dress a few days back and it would have looked interesting if we wore it on the same day. She was bubbly, so cute and she looks prettier up front. I was surprised that she was shorter than me. But I can feel she has a big heart.

Meann brought out her Ipad and for two hours she explained non-stop a template consisting of more than ten excel sheets from the turn over 6 months before the wedding, to the hotel preparations, ceremony itself, up to the reception venue and to the nitty gritty of things you can easily take for granted . OTN was impressed not only with the presentation but also for the enthusiasm, love for painstakingly collating all the ideas and eagerness to make the plan a reality. Only Meann can think of simple ways such as putting the menu together with a table card where the program flow will be written. This way the guests especially the ones at the back will not get confused with what is happening in front. We availed CBC’s partial coordination services because I felt we still can handle everything but we need someone to execute our objectives, give us a compass in case we are getting lost and of course to arrange the details so we will feel relax come our wedding day. After all, it’s so hard to give a good photograph when your mind is somewhere else. Ang hirap kayang ngumiti kapag nagaalala ka kung maayos na ba ang set up sa reception. Kung handa na ba ang kalabaw ni Mang Islaw na gagamitin bilang bridal car mula sa hotel papunta sa simbahan. Aba, hindi yata kaya ng powers ko na itsek kung nakasabit na ba ang ‘just married’ na karatula sa kariton ni Islaw kasama ang mga lumang bearbrand na lata na pinagkabitkabit ng maninipis na pisi…..hahaha..Joke lang..hindi ko kasi maiwasan na magkaroon ng flashback ng mga cute na kasalan sa probinsiya habang sinusulat ko eto.Haha.Ok ako lang ang natawa.

As of the moment, we are consistently keeping in touch with Meann. She has helped us book suppliers at a discounted rate, easily replies on emails, suggests vendors with reasonable prices and always first to ask about the progress of our wedding preparations. I know there’s a generous list of wedding coordinators out there but I think it is very important to feel secure with our choices. And I feel secure with what Meann is delivering. The wedding is not anytime soon but she has filled out many missing checklist on our wedding plans. Consistently remembers even the little details. This lady is not going to need Gingko Biloba with Korean Ginseng for memory enhancement anytime soon. LOL.

If you are wondering when and how CBC events was born,let me share to you a little story Meann has told me. As a certified w@w addict, Meann spent many of her waking moments reading, replying and participating in the weddings at work forum. She obtained most of her suppliers from w@w. Everything in her wedding celebration went well except for one thing. Ironically, her wedding coordinator failed to show up. It was Carol, her bestest of all bestest friend who assisted Meann in delivering the long months of planning instead.

After the wedding, Meann’s devotion and momentum for wedding preparations did not die down. Together with Carol and Susan, they decided to form their own coordination group that will help others prepare and organize their big day. Armed with their own experiences, their aim is to make sure the flaws on their wedding day will not be encountered by other brides. The offer to have a memorable wedding celebration by CBC events stands true up to this very day.

I absolutely can’t wait to see how CBC will execute the dream plan on our special day.

Passion Cooks: A Soulful Gastronomic Experience

Let me tell you something that I hope you have not read in any blogs and you are now reading for the first time. This is about how Passion Cooks started in the catering industry. 

The blogger, Maja and OTN. Maja has just recovered from dengue when this was taken.

I had the pleasure of asking Maja personally about this and in her wise words “the Martinez family is not the owner of the catering business but simply a steward of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The inspiration began five years ago when she used to jog and advertise about the business through inserting flyers on the windshield of each car that she passed by. She would travel anywhere in Manila so just she can place simple brochures on every pigeon hole that she sees. Maja even remembers a funny incident where security guards will turn her away everytime she would distribute the leaflets!

Before Passion Cooks (PC) became operational full time, Maja worked as a Bridal and Social Manager in New World Renaissance Hotel where she handled wedding functions. It was there that she was mentored by colleagues and friends who molded and inspired her to be the person she is now. She found it challenging to work for PC at night and still hold a 9-6pm job. With God’s perfect timing guided by proper discernment, Maja resigned from her work. PC is now ready to go in full speed. And the best is yet to come.

The Divine Providence not only blessed PC with numerous bookings for weddings and children’s party. Even though PC is not accredited in almost all reception venues-this will not hinder brides from booking as they are more than willing to change their venue or pay the corkage fee). The artist in Maja when she was still a child blossomed to a person with a unique eye for intricate details and designing. The team can turn a bare and old forgotten venue into a wonderland. Visit their multiply account so you will know what I am talking about---but finish reading this first because writing about Passion Cooks is like a journey to the Promised Land. Every bride and groom that I have read on the internet attested to how Passion cooks will not only nourish your palate but also nurture your spiritual thirst when you meet them personally.

I had the honor of meeting Maja’s mom briefly when we went to their house for food tasting. Ms. Laura Martinez is the executive chef of Passion cooks and she’s been cooking and studying the culinary arts for almost 20 years. Maja’s brother manages their other area of expertise which is manufacturing biscuits called Laura’s Food Products and Corporation. You can find the wide array of delicacies like puto seko, buttered toasts, egg cracklets and otap in leading supermarkets. Pakitingin nga yang masarap na tinapay na hawak mo---baka kanina mo pa dinadawdaw sa kape hindi mo alam Laura’s na pala yan. Maaaring nakatikim na din ako nito na hindi ko namalayan. Akalain mo yun, makabisita nga sa SM pag-uwi sa Pinas.

Fortunately and expectantly, I think it was the universe’ plan to relocate Maja’s residential house slash office in BF Homes Paranaque. Why? Because our family house in the Philippines is just a few blocks away. Perhaps the close proximity is a sign . . . a wonderful sign.

The first dish that we encountered that day was the Oriental Salad with crispy catfish and mango tomato salsa. 

Oriental salad with crispy catfish and mango tomato salsa

I think I was too excited because I didn’t even mix the dish containing fresh lettuce, crispy catfish, fresh green mangoes, ripe mangoes and diced tomatoes. OTN (my one true north) was already beaming in delight and I thought the first spoonful I got which was the crispy catfish tasted salty. “You have to mix it,” OTN said. “Of course!”. And then the whole idea dawned to me. It was as if the crispy catfish, mangoes and tomatoes were going to an orchestra and the greens although subtle at first, led the way.

Chicken and Ham Crepe

This starter is one of my favorite. The outside of the crepe was crunchy but one will be able to cut it beautifully with great ease if you divide it into half. And the chicken and ham filling inside were cooked perfectly and combined with cheddar cheese that melts in your mouth. I will have a second serving of this. Anytime. Anyday. 

Grilled pork with herbed cream cheese and muscovado apples

The grilled pork was seasoned perfectly enveloped in dark brown sauce. I am not an expert but it seems the muscovado was allowed to caramelize and this complemented the juiciness of the apples. The flavors were well balanced and the cream cheese surprisingly did not overpower the whole dish. Passion cooks made a harmonious recipe on this one.

Fish fillet with mango-tomato salsa and teriyaki-sesame sauce

Don’t get fooled by the look of this simple serving.The texture of the dory was fantastic . . . really crispy on the exterior and soft on the interior. You have the choice of dipping it into the fullness of teriyaki sauce or the sweet sour blend of the mango sauce.

Baked prawn thermidor

By the time we were at this leg of the adventure, OTN and I were already full. My sister thought this dish was wonderful. And yes, the prawn topped with mushrooms,ham and cheesy cream will work its way to your heart.

Beef kebabs

The beef slices were cooked tenderly. The bell pepper, mushroom, cucumber, slice of lemon and potato on a skewer supplemented well the taste of the beef. I think this serving will balance the creaminess of the prawn thermidor when taken together.

Three mushrooms pasta

This is the first time that I have encountered a pasta meal like this which consist of various mushrooms like shitake, button and black fungus blended with creamy béchamel sauce. It was very satisfying to the senses and full with the richness of the mushroom. I was pleasantly surprised with this experience.

Mango creme pie and Chocolate Lazy cake

How can I even begin with how this love affair with food ended? I would say the encounter with the desserts was gratifying. Imagine ending your stressful day with a glass of frozen mango, graham and cream. On your other hand you have a plate of biscuits dancing together with milk chocolate with just the right sweetness. I think you will just put your feet up and with each mouthful, you would say “Ah, this is the life! This is how everything should always be. I hope there are no endings.”

At this point while we are talking about how beautiful life is, we must talk about music.

OTN and I adore Kelly Clarkson. Like Highschool sweethearts we were jumping and singing our throats out when she had a concert here in Singapore. Why am I bringing up Kelly Clarkson when we are talking about food? . . . because I am reminded of that wondrous experience when we met Maja, her mom and their food. Kelly Clarkson started off really cool and slow and when she reached the middle of her repertoire—she was already belting and the energy level was high up in the sky that you would be a fool if you were not singing and dancing at that time (even if you are not a dancer, like me …. hahaha). And the energy level did not wane nor stop up to her very last song number. That was exactly how I felt when we had our food tasting. The quality of the food just keeps on getting better and better, plate after plate after plate. The flavour and the taste soulfully climbed its way to the top, escalated right there where mountaineers will pierce their flag on Mount Everest with a shout of victory. If a banquet is prepared for God---this will be it.

Now, how is it possible that people as passionate and genuine still exist in this world?

Maja of Passion Cooks reminded me that humanity still has its outliers - people who will surprise you by serving high caliber dishes at par with international cuisine. People who you know come from affluent and old rich families and yet remain down to earth and humble. Who can mingle with others coming from all walks of life and yet outshine them with their love . . . overflowing love for food. Overflowing love to serve the very best. Overflowing love for craft and family.

That is Passion cooks.

Again, I am not an expert on food. I grew up in a family of engineers and medical professionals. My sisters and I have to learn how to cook on our own. My parents have a different expertise-and that is showering true love. I love watching television shows where Gordon Ramsay will push chefs to their limits and these food lovers will scuttle from one corner to another and simply deliver the best. My gastronomic CV include dining in hawker centers in Singapore, fast food arenas in the Philippines and in fancy restaurants in Australia. Yes, I still think Jollibee yum burger is still a winner both in smell and taste. LOL. So I will boldly say that my food tasting with Passion cooks truly was a divine experience.

Footnote: The Oriental salad with crispy catfish and Mango Tomato salsa still haunt the great OTN with outmost delight up to this very day. Slurpy sound on the background.

The great OTN minus the slurpy crispy catfish salad

Magallanes Church and the Blue Leaf

I have lost faith in the Filipino people.

Until Tito Boy of Sheaths Couture, Me Ann of CBC events and Maja of Passion cooks changed my mind.

We started our wedding journey a day after our arrival in the Philippines. The first on our itinerary was a visit to Magallanes Church otherwise known as St. Alphonsus Mary de Ligouri in Magallanes Village. My parents had many questions that Sunday morning. Why not Manila Cathedral? Or San Agustin Church where my elder sister wed her now husband 5 years ago? My dad was convinced that the u-turn going to the church if you are coming from the south is practically non-existent nowadays. But we proceeded anyway with our plan.

My youngest sister was our assigned driver and it took us approximately 20 minutes to drive from Alabang to Magallanes church on a beautiful Sunday morning. One True North aka groom whose stage name is really One True Love or OTN was amazed with the artsy grandeur of the church. 

He took photos of the majestic choir loft and the immensely beautiful clean white buttresses marching down on its sides. If it were built in sandstones and not designed based on contemporary style, its unique architecture which reminds me of the Sydney opera house will surpass cathedrals old manila is known for. 

The aisle was just right, the swinging doors boast of engaging chiseled artworks and natural light was darting here and there from each sacred space.

Everything was working out as planned. Cathy Blanco of the parish office was accommodating and to me was far from the usual parishioner staffs I have encountered in the past who were stiff and stern and----old. She was young, open to modern suggestions and transactions were light and breezy like you are talking to an old friend you have not seen for awhile. So easy that she eventually gave way to our request to accept the reservation fee for the date we have chosen even if the wedding is not until 2012.

We then proceeded to Blue Leaf in McKinley Hill. This location is a good 20-30 minute drive from Magallanes church. It is secluded and celebrities are known to have graced this popular place. Honestly, I was not really impressed at first. Is this it? I asked my sister. Something more luminous must be hiding behind the garden. The exteriors looked seemingly ordinary and far from my expectations. I have attended a wedding in Fernbrook in Daanghari, Alabang and that venue which look resplendent like the Hanging gardens of Babylon literally took my breath away. Because I want our wedding to be exceptional and maybe…just maybe to try something different---I told OTN to visit Magallanes Church and the Blue Leaf. The photos will look absolutely brilliant, I believe so.

So what made me and OTN decide that Blue Leaf is the place to be? OTN armed with his camera, started snapping away pictures. He was convinced that the venue had its own charming beauty and because it is tucked away in a lovely hill called McKinley, definitely the venue will be solemn and pristine…as if we own the place for one day. Just for one day when OTN and I will joyously celebrate our official sacrament of matrimony in front of our parents dear and friends who really matter.

A wedding preparation was on its way the day we visited. 

The Silk Pavilion is enough for 250 guests.

But the Banyan Pavilion is more than enough if we want to have a dance floor, a band and a stage. Enough room and space for my knees to wobble and give way in the event that I will dance the rhumba or salsa with OTN who is a natural dancer. If only I was born one, I would give all flesh and bones to be thrown in mid-air just to entertain our guests. (Puwede din akong kumain ng buhay na manok at tumulay sa alambre hawak ang isang payong kung kinakailangan. Umuwi lang na masaya ang mga bisita bukod sa bundat at dumidighay pa.)  

As for the exteriors, it will look fantastic with all the lights turned on at night and the ceiling beautifully covered with carousel type of drapes and other bits and pieces you see in elegant weddings.

Everything was going on as planned.

Until we decided to drop by Le Pavilion in Roxas Boulevard. OTN was aghast that an event was being prepared that day and two girls from the events coordinating team did not allow us to enter the premises even if I have placed an overseas call to a staff in Le Pavilion a week earlier who said it is alright if we do an ocular visit of the place. I am absolutely concerned that I was not able to get the name of that certain team who was organizing an event on the 19^th of December because I felt it will be unfair to them as I write---but I will try to be extra nice. Because that’s what you do to 20 year old something girls who pose as professional wannabes in events coordination and try to speak in the English language as if they are sizing you up at first sight and what you are capable in doing. But then they back away when you fire them in a more coherent and understandable English language. And they realize that we are just a couple who just want to check a possible venue and measure the vastness of the space just in case we decide this is the place for us. However, no amount of pleading can make them give way to our request. It is not good to search their names anymore because firstly, they are not in the wedding business. Secondly, we are already decided in Blue Leaf because if we choose Le Pavilion, there will be higher chances of traffic jam and our guests getting lost or frustrated in Baclaran.

Everything was going on as planned. Until pedestrians started crossing and popping out from nowhere while you are in the middle of driving in the C5 highway. Until a crazy driver went pass our vehicle and splattered flood water right smack on our windshield with its screeching tires. Enough water to obscure the front lane and cause our lives. Ang damuhong drayber ay nagdahilan pa na kaya nga daw may wiper ay para punasan ang windshield kung sakaling matubigan. Hindi niya yata alam na hindi lang tubig baha ang tumama sa aming parabrisas---kungdi ang pinagsamang Hurricane Katrina at si Bagyong Ondoy. Mga sampung segundo ding nagtagal na parang nasa set kami ng Waterworld ni Bruce Willis.  Halatang natakot naman siya at nanginig hanggang buto noong bumaba ako sa sasakyan at pinagduduro siya. Pasensiya na lord, hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. Nakalimutan ko na legal ang baril sa Pilipinas noong nagpilosopo na siya sa kapatid kong babae.

Everything was going on as planned. Until my nephew, who is the son of my youngest sister was still confined in Asian hospital and not recovering as expected. Until I found myself petrified by the littlest thing like the nonsensical and hallucinatory queue in Conti’s Alabang when taking orders (good thing the mango bravo and chocolate overload cakes are to die for).

OTN thought we were on a rough start in the first leg of our wedding preparations. These are not usual things you see when you have lived in a more organized world overseas. What has happened to the Philippines? Has it really deteriorated in terms of discipline and fortitude? Have we really been eaten by poverty, thinking we can get by with just humour and resilience?

And then we met Tito Boy of Sheaths Couture, Me Ann of CBC events and Maja of Passion cooks. OTN was impressed with my choices. And I was a happy girl once more. My faith in the Filipino people and what they are capable of doing went coming back to me in full circle. Thank you Lord for people who are passionate. For people who love their work, their clients, their business and who love to laugh and pray. Who have personalities like OTN and myself. Down to earth, humorous on a very good day and who give more than expected at first meeting. More engaging stories about these remarkable people on the next blog.