Our Tagalog Wedding Invitation

I think our wedding invitation rocked. First, the artwork was done by my husband Paulo Subido; second, the content was in Filipino/ Tagalog; and third, it was simple—and this time simple was classy. 

Our invitation:

Front page:

Wedding invitation in Filipino/ Tagalog.
Artwork by Paulo Subido 

Content: 
Pag-iisang-dibdib 
Paulo at Esay
Ika-12 ng Enero, ika apat ng hapon 
sa L'Orchard Garden Venue, Antipolo City.
Agad susundan ng salu salo. 

The words in our invitation were edited by a lot of people. One of those who helped us was my friend Joel Jacob. He just launched his first collaborative book of Filipino poems entitled Gamlay and is now available in National Bookstore.

Entourage page: 

Wedding entourage page in Filipino/ Tagalog

Content (with translation in English): 
Punong Tagapangasiwa - Officiating Priest
Aming mga Magulang - Our Parents
Mga Gabay sa aming Buhay - Godparents 
Mga Piling Binibini at Ginoo - Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Munting Binibini - Flower Girl
Munting Ginoo - Ring Bearer or Bible Bearer 

For choosing our godparents, we asked those people who we look up to and consider as our inspiration. We even asked my aunt who is a nun to be one of our godparents. 

For my bridesmaids, I had to include one of my friend Joel. He marched on my side because he is someone dear to me. Since it was our wedding, then we set our own rules. 


Map page:

Wedding map and RSVP page in Filipino/ Tagalog.

Content (with translation in English): 

Naglaan kami ng ___ upuan para sa iyo. - We allotted ___ seats for you.
Kasuotan - Attire
Lalaki - Men
Babae - Women
Baro - Dress
Inaasahan namin ang inyong tugon bago ang ika-16 ng Disyembre, 2012 - Please confirm attendance by the 16th of December, 2012.

Actual photo of our invitation

Filipino Artist: Jef Cablog

One look at Jef Cablog's artwork and I immediately became a fan. His paintings are full of life; and I felt that so much energy and passion was put into each of the pieces. Jef Cablog's technique is very unique—the first time I've seen such play with colors. 

 

When I went to Jef Cablog's first one-man show, "Birthmarked", last March 7, 2012, I had a hard time maintaining a straight face. Why? His paintings successfully brought me to the place of the Cordilleras—where life is simple, people respect their elders and peers, and nature is well-kept.  So much different from Manila—where I stay most of time—magulo, makalat, maingay at mabaho. I felt sad with this realization. At the same time, seeing Jef Cablog's skillfully done and very detailed paintings made me feel overwhelmed with different kinds of emotions—my usual reaction to great creations.

I have to thank my boyfriend, Paulo, for inviting me to Jef Cablog's show. I feel so lucky that I was given an opportunity to not just shake the hand, but to have a real conversation with a very talented Filipino artist and his equally humble and down-to-earth family members.

Jeff Cablog's parents

Jef Cablog's family

 

 

More about Jef Cablog

Photos by Paulo Subido

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2012

  

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is a must-see, hear and feel for music aficionados all over the country and I was fortunate to be part of the second Malasimbo Festival last March 2-4, 2012. In one word, I had to say that my Malasimbo experience was surreal—not a word that I have been using lately.

All in all, Malasimbo 2012 had the right mix of everything—positive vibes, steady people, good music from local and foreign musicians, proudly Pinoy artists, and the magic of nature. Aside from the rain during day three, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.  

 

Nature was a big part of the festival as it was held on a mountain called Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. The stage was set at a lower ground to create a natural amphitheater.

I had to give it to the sound engineers and the bands for giving us top quality music and performances. 
 

Joey Ayala's performance was awesome

Deoro with Waway Saway

Paul Zialcita

Tao Aves was one of my top two picks during the festival. It was the first time I heard her voice and it was very powerful and distinctively Pinoy. I learned that she is the daughter of Grace Nono. My other pick was The Skarm, a  Filipino Hip-hop group. I was  surprised because I don’t usually like hip-hop and rap music, but they just got me. Unlike the usual register of Hip-hop/ rap to me, theirs was easy on the ears—very smooth, clean and captivating.

Where we got our P50 Manila Beer (the brand). Yes, we were drinking Manila Beer in Galera—sadly, it was the only brand available.

Much thanks and appreciation to the Malasimbo Festival organizers and crew; Mt. Malasimbo owner, Mr. d'Aboville; engaging and skillful host, Sarah Meier—really glad she took over even for day two only; bands and artists for creating a life-changing event for me that I will—for sure—always remember. I am eagerly looking forward to Malasimbo 2013.

Ang mga artists

Giant tutubi 

 

Photos by Peter Tom Tolibas (More of Peter's work; visit his website,  twitter, tumblr, or flickr) and Paulo Subido.

If you are contemplating if you should go to Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2013, I'll say, "Go! Fly! And enjoy!"

What to bring for Malasimbo 2013

1. Comfortable clothes and footwear - apt to wear in the mountains; no heels please
2. Jacket or sweater
3. Rain gear—in case it rains—like umbrella and raincoat   
4. Banigs or mats
5. Blankets or sarongs
6. Tissue or wet-ones
7. Lots drinking water
8. Vitamin C
9. Alcohol (not the one for drinking) and insect repellent
10. People you love. Wee! Because Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is worth sharing with the people you love. 

Pinto Art Museum

The search for the perfect wedding venue...

I like Pinto Art Museum. It is almost an hour ride from Eastwood and a bit hard to find; yet I am willing to forgo the convenience factor. If it wasn’t for the Php100,000 rental fee, my fiance and I would have chosen Pinto Art Museum as our wedding venue. There is something about the museum that we would have wanted to share with the people we love. 

The rooftop of one of the art galleries. This area can be used as a wedding venue. I can clearly see myself marching here as a bride.  

Upon entrance to the museum, I immediately felt like I was warped to a totally different place. 

Sa lugar na iyon, Filipino lang ang bida. Makikita sa mga likhang-sining sa loob museo na ang talento ng Filipino ay hindi basta-basta. Bawat likha at mga pinaglagyan nito ay may sariling kwento; lahat may dahilan; lahat pinag-isipan. Napuno ang puso ko ng iba’t ibang emosyon- saya, galit, tuwa at ngitngit. Ngunit sa halip na maguluhan, ako ay nakaramdam ng kalayaan. 

 

In that place, it is all about the Filipinos. It is evident from all the artworks that the Filipino talent is world-class. All the artworks and where they are placed have a story; everything  has a reason; everything was well thought of. I was overwhelmed with different emotions yet I felt so free.

Pinto Art Museum is called as such because of the many doors—called “pinto” in Filipino—that connect one gallery to another. And because the place is open to all forms of art and artists. 

Different art works—mostly paintings, sculptures and installations by Filipino artists are being showcased in Pinto Art Museum. These are all part of Dr. Joven Cuanang’s collection. Dr. Cuanang is a neurologist and a passionate supporter of the Philippine contemporary art.

Andy Orencio, one of the featured painters, moonlights as the museum guide. He did a good job of showing us around and sharing the stories behind some of the artworks.

I highly recommend Pinto Art Museum. If not as a wedding venue, Pinto Art Museum is a place where one can appreciate art, relax and reflect, make his own artwork, or spend time with family and friends. It is best if you can set aside one whole day when you visit the museum. 

The sunset from Pinto Art Museum. I call this photo “Ang Nag-uumapaw kong Puso” (My Overflowing Heart), which is what I felt when I was there.

Photos by  Paulo Subido