Staycation At JPark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu

To celebrate my little sister's birthday, my mom, little sister, husband, and I had a staycation at JPark Island Resort & Waterpark Cebu. It was actually our first time visiting the place, and we are grateful to Kuya Jim (my husband's cousin, who was our official photographer on our wedding day) for the opportunity. Thanks to him, we were able to take advantage of this amazing experience because the Cebu Weddings Supplier team was holding an event, and we luckily received a discount as family members. Isn’t that amazing? Yes, I know.

I don't have everything in life, but having this blessing (the gift of family,
love & to be loved, amazing people) makes me feel rich. I'm beyond grateful for it.

Flexing you all my super amazing sister
(read my blog dedicated to her: Click Here)

What Makes Jpark So Amazing?

While there are many places in Cebu for a staycation, Jpark is unequivocally amazing as it offers plenty of activities. Jpark is perfect for family getaways, providing ample space and a variety of water activities suitable for both children and adults.

1. Water Activities

Great water activities that both kids and adults would truly enjoy: Waterpark Attractions, Beach Activities, Water Sports, and even Poolside Activities.

My husband and sister are both enjoying the water
activities, including the slides and more.

Here's my sister and me enjoying the pool.

2. Recreational Area

There's an amazing thematic and recreational area for kids – their Pororo Park. If you have kids, I highly recommend including the Pororo Park entrance fee in your budget, or even staying at their Pororo Suite; your children will surely love it.

3. Restaurants

There are numerous restaurants to satisfy your cravings after a relaxing day at the beach. You can choose to dine by the beach, by the pool, or even in the hotel dining area.

Left: By the beach; Right: By the pool 
Note: There's more, but these are the only pictures I have.

4. Beautiful Place

An aesthetically beautiful place that offers a great option to enjoy both the pool and the beach.

5. Breakfast

Great breakfast options with its vast cuisine choices, including Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and more.

Note: There's more, but these are the only pictures I have.

Lastly, their rooms are so amazing, and the aesthetics remind me of the hotel we stayed at in Japan.

Book via Klook:

•  Day use: Click Here

•  Room Rates: Click Here

Focus On The Most Important Part Of Your Wedding

Focusing on the most important aspects of your wedding can be incredibly helpful for staying within your budget. By prioritizing what truly matters to you—whether it’s the venue, the food, or the guest experience—you can allocate your resources more effectively and ensure a meaningful, memorable celebration without overspending.

At our wedding reception at Casino Español de Cebu

In our case, we prioritized making sure our chosen guests felt comfortable, that the event was fun and memorable, that the solemnity of the ceremony was maintained, and that everything aligned with our personalities as a couple.

1. Church: The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

We went the extra mile to ensure the church was air-conditioned. For us as a couple, this was the most important part of the wedding since it’s where the ceremony took place.

Wedding essentials and some of the bride’s personal items

2. Shuttle Service

Even though our reception was nearby, we provided shuttles to make transportation easier and more convenient for our guests.

3. Reception: Casino Español de Cebu

We chose an excellent reception venue that wasn’t just close to the church but also had top-notch food. As a bonus, it provided an amazing holding area for our wedding team.

The groom’s curated collection

4. Hotel: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

We stayed in a wonderful hotel, booking a bridal suite for me and an additional space for dressing up.

5. Coffee Booth: Happy Barista by Kidz Joyce Darza

We hired our favorite coffee shop to bring in a coffee booth, so our guests could experience our favorite coffee.

6. Band: Momentum Cebu (full band)

Good entertainment was a priority, so we hired the best band in Cebu, and I highly recommend a full band setup.

Custom-designed table settings

7. Photography & Videography: (Video) Sir Mark of Cinematix Stills & Motion, (Photography) Sir Jim Ubalde

We were fortunate to have a veteran photographer and videographer on our team, thanks to our amazing coordinator (Wedding Prelude Event Planning & Coordination). With so many photographers and videographers available, it’s important to choose those who can deliver a story, capturing not only images and footage but also the moments from a “director’s point of view.”

8. Cake

We chose a cake that reflected our personalities as avid travelers, since our love for exploring the world is such a big part of who we are.

9. Host: Sir Jingle Saynes

There are many hosts in town. However, finding one who can deliver exceptionally well is different. Selecting a host who reflects your personality as a couple can also create an unforgettable wedding program.

10. Decorations

Decoration was lower on our list of priorities. While I love flowers, we decided it was more practical to focus on things our guests would truly enjoy, like food, a comfortable venue, and reliable transportation. Instead of spending a lot on decorations, we opted to provide treats like Johnnie Walker drinks, Starbucks gift cards for games, and more. Do we regret it? Not at all!

On a side note, I’d like to commend our decor supplier for doing an exceptional job—he (sir Lorr Aljas) truly worked magic on our venue.

Bride and Groom’s Table | We intentionally requested a
travel-themed touch, since our love for adventure and
discovering new places defines us as a couple.

At the end of the day, it’s all about priorities. To future brides and grooms: don’t pressure yourselves to follow trends or meet everyone else’s expectations. Focus on what truly matters to you as a couple—whether that’s the atmosphere, the people, or the details that reflect your personalities. By making choices that align with your budget and values, you’ll create a day that feels authentic and memorable, and you won’t miss a single meaningful moment.

Note: Our guest list is only about a hundred, including children.

The Proposal Video: Click Here
Our Wedding Video: Click Here

Top Common Wedding Guest Mistakes You Must Avoid

Weddings are joyous occasions, but as a guest, it’s essential to follow a few guidelines to ensure the day goes smoothly for everyone. 

One of our pre-nup photos, shot by
Jim Ubalde & Napoleon Bojor Jr. of Cebu.

Here are some of the most common wedding guest mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

1. Don’t Steal the Spotlight from the Bride

This is her day, not yours. Avoid doing anything that might take attention away from the bride—whether it's wearing an overly eye-catching outfit, being too loud, or causing any unnecessary drama.

2. Dress According to the Theme

Always respect the dress code or theme specified by the couple. If the invitation requests a certain style, color, or formality, do your best to follow it. It’s a simple way to show respect and celebrate alongside them.

Our pre-nup concept is a true reflection of
who we are and what we enjoy together.

3. Don’t Bring an Unannounced Plus-One

Bringing an uninvited guest isn’t just inconsiderate—it can disrupt the couple’s careful planning. Remember, seats, meals, and arrangements are made based on the RSVP list, so only bring a plus-one if it's approved in advance.

4. Avoid the 'Eat and Run'

Weddings are a full celebration, not just a meal. Don’t make a quick exit right after dining—stick around to share in the joy and festivities. Show your support for the couple by being part of the entire event.

5. Read the Invitation Carefully

Every detail on the invitation is there for a reason, so don’t skip over it. Take note of special instructions, dress codes, or specific requests. These details help you understand what’s expected and allow you to participate fully in the couple's big day.

It may not be obvious in this photo, but I absolutely love
our couple shirts that say, “To infinity and beyond.”

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be a considerate and memorable guest, helping to make the wedding day truly special for the couple.

The Proposal Video: Click Here

Our Wedding Video: Click Here

Bridal Suite At Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

I still can't believe that a week has passed since our wedding, and I couldn't help but share how lucky I feel as a bride. Yes! I'm so lucky to have stayed in the Bridal Suite at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

Yours truly at the Bridal Suite at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

Thank you so much for this dearest husband ♥

How was the room?

The room was so spacious! It had a living room, dining area, huge bedroom, bathroom with a bathtub, and two toilets (one near the living room and one near the bedroom). There were three televisions—one in the living room, one in the bedroom, and one in front of the bathtub.

The Livingroom

The dining area

The bedroom

Left side area inside the bedroom

An area inside the bedroom and the right bedside table

Shower area and the toilet near the bedroom

Left: Coffee area near the living room

Right: The first sink near the bedroom (as there's
another one in the toilet near the Livingroom).

Where to book online?

• Bridal Suite: Click Here

Book a room at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

• Klook: Click Here

• Expedia: Click Here

What’s another alternative to booking online?

Just visit the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino and ask the receptionist about booking the Bridal Suite. They’ll direct you to their sales department.

Sharing you all my picture (see the other pictures above) from
NUSTAR Resort’s Bridal & Celebrations Fair.

It’s truly an honor to be a bride with Wedding Prelude Event Planning
& Coordination, and of course, to have photography by Jim Ubalde.

Robe: White Mannequin

Photos taken: In the Bridal Suite at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

#BELOVEDFair #NUSTARWeddings #CebuEvents #BridalShow
#CelebrationsofLove #FiliHotel #UniquelyFili #jimubaldephotography
#weddingpreludeeventplanningandcoordination

For the most part, brides have the option of dining at UNO Restaurant or the Ambassador Club Lounge for breakfast. However, in my case, I just had a piece of bread and coffee while enjoying the view outside the room, as I was already dealing with my 'wedding anxiety' at that moment.

Was it worth it?

Yes, definitely! It made me feel like a Disney princess for a day. I’m beyond grateful for this blessing: the gift of love, to be loved, marriage, family, friends, and amazing in-laws.

P.S. I know I’ll look back at this post someday and tell our future kids how lucky their mama was to have such an amazing prince charming (their papa).

Our New Go-To Restaurant: Sparrow Cafe Culture, Cebu

Sparrow Cafe Culture is one of the newest restaurants in Cebu, having opened on February 1, 2024. The restaurant offers a classy atmosphere for diners and serves high-quality, deliciously cooked food.

Sparrow Cafe Culture in Skyrise 3B, Cebu IT Park

Sparrow Cafe Culture in Skyrise 3B, Cebu IT Park

Sparrow Cafe Culture in Skyrise 3B, Cebu IT Park

Additionally, this restaurant is the sister company of  Tamp Cafe & Co.. So, some food on their menu has a few similarities to Tamp.

Here is the list of food we tried so far in their restaurant.

Left: Boneless Milkfish , Right: Jack Ma Chops

• Boneless Milkfish

                 pan fried boneless marinated milkfish, sunny eggs, garlic rice

• Jack Ma Chops

                Chinese style marinated chops, soy sunny egg, ginger sauce, white rice

Pork Kawali Stew

• Pork Kawali Stew

                Pork kawali in a salty and tangy tomato onion stew, sunny egg, white rice

Left: Salmon Aburi Bowl & One of Sparrow Coffee Specials: Mexicana 
Right: White Truffle

• One of Sparrow Coffee Specials: Mexicana

                  coffee Brewed with cinnamon, sweet milk

• Salmon Aburi Bowl

                  smoked salmon aburi, tobiko, bonito, nori, togarashi, egg, Japanice rice

• White Truffle

                  truffle white cream, shitake

Left: Cold White Brew (in bottle) & Cafe Latte
Right: Pink Acai Berry Lemonade

Gruyere Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Gruyere Grilled Cheese Sandwich

             gruyere, cheddar, mozz cheese, sourdough, served with herbed tomato soup

My Verdict

All the food that we tried in their restaurant was so delicious. It's premium quality. It is all worth the penny. 

Additionally, the serving is more than enough (for me), and all their staff are very accommodating. I highly recommend everyone to dine at this beautiful restaurant.

Location

        • Ground Floor of Skyrise Building 3B in IT Park

New Store Hours

        • Sunday - Thursday: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM

        • Friday & Saturday: 7:30  AM - 12:00 PM 

Pre-Cana Is More Than Just A Marriage Requirement

As per Wikipedia, Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation course, workshop, or consultation for couples planning to marry in a Catholic church. 

"A wedding is a day. A marriage is a lifetime."
Catholic Engaged Encounter Philippines

Lots of people may think that it's just one of the requirements when you get married in a church with your future spouse (guilty of this hehe yes, because that was what I thought before too).

However, let me emphasize that it's more than just a marriage requirement from the church.. After attending the two-day seminar, at The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. I realized many things:

1. It is an assessment of the connection between the two of you as partners. 

Engaged couples may say, we've been together for too long and we know each other already. Hmm, let me tell you this, there are still things that you need to talk about and assess in your relationship be it spiritual aspect, emotional, etc.

2. It is the celebration of your togetherness as a couple.

It is written in the Bible, in John 2:1–12, that Jesus performed the miracle of changing water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana, Galilee.

It is the first miracle that Jesus shows. With this, it simply implies that marriage is sacred and a gift to be cherished.

3. It is a way of inviting God to guide your marriage.

No relationship is perfect, but I believe with God as the center of it, it will work accordingly in his ways. 

4. It is an exposure for couples, as a preparation for married life.

When I say married life, what I mean is a happy married life and a God-centered future family. 

I still have a lot of things to say, but I guess it's good if you experience it firsthand. So, I'm using my platform to encourage all the engaged couples there to have their Pre-Cana at The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

     The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Trivia: Did you know that Kryz Uy and Slater Young's
church wedding was held here as well? Absolutely, you read that right!

Why at Sacred The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus?

• It’s well organized and fun, and at the same time, engaged couples can learn a lot. I guess it’s almost the same as others, yet it feels different in some ways, according to my married friends.

• It's a two-day seminar. Probably you might wonder why, actually it's not enough for all the activities, sharing, and lessons that you will both learn that would enhance your relationship more.

• On the second day of the pre-Cana seminar, there will be a special Mass for the engaged couples, which is the most unique aspect I haven’t encountered elsewhere.

• For the inclusion of your payment: (each couple will have ) Snacks (morning & afternoon), Lunch, Water and Unlimited Coffee (amazing isn't it?)

Are couples who will not be wed at The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus welcome?

• Yes, everyone is welcome. 

• Based on our experience, in our group, there are couples who came from outside Cebu, as well as couples who will be wed in other churches in Cebu.

Special thanks to Tita Vilma & Tito Beni ♥

Note: Just a quick fact, Tita Vilma and Tito Beni are the power couple who facilitates the pre-cana seminar in The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, also they are the lovely parents of Marco Alcaraz and the parents-in-law of Precious Lara Quigaman.

Thank you so much to the whole team. ♥

(From left to right) It's Tito Dhackie & Tita Maagne, 
Tito Tim & Tita Susan (who came from Manila and traveled
to Cebu to attend April 2024 CEE SHP Cebu),
Tito Beni & Tita Vilma and Fr. Cesar..

                 

This is us (one of our engagement photos).
The future Mr. & Mrs. D at Fujikawaguchiko on our engagement shoot. ♥

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." - Mark 10:9