Things We Learned as First-Time Homeowners

Living together as husband and wife in your own house can be both overwhelming and, at the same time, require a lot of adjustments. Let me share some of the things we learned as first-time homeowners who recently got married.

"Home is the starting place of love, hope, and dreams." — Unknown

Here are the things we learned:

1. Your house is your safe space

Your house is your safe space. Make sure you and your spouse decide together on the small details of your home, such as the house color, countertops, dining table, etc.

2. House chores are divided into two

As a couple who live without any help to do the chores, it's essential to divide them. For example, if I do the cooking, my husband does the dishes. This might not apply to everyone, but communication is key. I'm lucky to have a husband who doesn't let me do all the chores.

3. Take turns in spending

Even when we were still dating, we practiced this. Now that we are married, we continue the same practice. For instance, since my husband bought our dining table, stove, etc., I’m in charge of buying the plates, spoons, etc. For us, taking turns in spending on household items is essential for a harmonious living situation. Not doing so can lead to burnout and stress.

4. Clean eating is a must

Now that we have our own house, we've set rules for balanced eating. For instance, instead of relying too much on canned goods and processed foods, we make time to buy vegetables and fruits, and we also try to exercise on the treadmill. Clean eating can be difficult when you’re living on your own, especially since the temptation to buy fast food and ready-to-eat meals is higher when both of you are busy with day-to-day work.

5. Date day is essential 

Though you live together under the same roof, a date day is still important to keep the spark alive in your relationship. Date days help you reconnect and provide an opportunity to break away from the daily routine.

Special thanks to dear Rhea for this awesome wedding gift: the coffee machine.

Lastly, we have a golden rule in our house: "Happy spouse, happy house." Our married life isn’t perfect, but we always pray to keep God at the center of our marriage.

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

Requirements For Getting Married In A Church

This blog is a step-by-step guide for future brides and grooms on obtaining the requirements for getting married in a church.

Note: It's for Filipino couples who are of legal age to marry.

This photo was taken at Fujikawaguchiko as our engagement shoot. A day
after my long-time partner, now my husband, proposed on January 30, 2024.
Time flies so fast; we got married on September 19, 2024.

Once you and your future husband have decided on your wedding date and the kind of celebration you want, I suggest setting up a meeting with your wedding coordinator (for us, that’s Wedding Prelude Event Planning & Coordination). Make sure to book the church, reception venue, and hotel as early as possible to avoid any last-minute changes.

Requirements Needed

• Baptismal Certificate

• Confirmation Certificate

• Government Marriage License

• Pre-Cana Seminar

• Canonical Interview

• Marriage Banns

At our wedding reception, featuring the band, Momentum Cebu,
along with our unique travel-themed wedding cake.

What is a Pre-Cana Seminar?

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

• Read my Pre-Cana Blog: Click Here

What is a Pre-Nuptial or Canonical Interview?

This is an interview for couples with the priest in the parish where the wedding ceremony will take place. It is meant to ensure that both parties are freely and willingly entering into the sacrament of marriage.

What are Marriage Banns?

Marriage banns are announcements made in a church or community about a couple's intention to marry. They are typically announced during church services for three weeks leading up to the wedding. This gives the community a chance to know about the marriage and raise any objections if there are legal issues.

Our Wedding Reception: At Casino Español De Cebu 

What are the requirements for obtaining a marriage license?

• PSA Issued Birth Certificates

• CENOMAR or Certificate of No Marriage from PSA  (with receipt, must be issued no more than 90 days prior to the application for a marriage license)

• Barangay Certificate for Marriage (with receipt) 

This is only for Mandaue residents; I'm not sure if it's applicable in your area. You may want to ask for clarification.

• Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar

For the most part, regarding the Pre-Marriage Counseling Seminar, if any of you (bride and groom-to-be) are nurses, there are some exemptions from the seminar. Isn’t that amazing?

The Proposal Video: Click Here

Our Wedding Video: Click Here

Leading Innovation And Sustainability In Cosmetics

Pioneering innovation and sustainability in the cosmetics industry

(L-R) CCIP's Rachel Manzano, Christine Reyes, FDA's DG Samuel Zacate,
Maria Macabeo, Mara Astrid Ambata, DENR's Gilbert Maximo, and CCIP's Shirley Cayago

With sustainability and digitalization at the heart of the global cosmetics industry, COSMETICON 2024 opened its doors at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang. This year’s theme, “Digitalization, Innovation, and Sustainability,” positioned the event as a beacon for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to thrive in an evolving market.

This is the second annual cosmetics conference organized by the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP). The day commenced with Christine Michelle P. Reyes, president of the CCIP, who underscored the importance of innovation and regulatory compliance in her opening remarks. “COSMETICON 2024 is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cosmetics while ensuring that our businesses remain compliant, sustainable, and innovative,” said Reyes.

The morning session started with Maria Lynette M. Macabeo, FDA regulatory officer, who discussed promo permit regulations, followed by Maria Astrid M. Ambata, who covered post-marketing surveillance. Gilbert Maximo from DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau gave an overview of new chemical regulations, a crucial subject in today's industry. 

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Samuel A. Zacate, director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), delivered a well-received presentation on functional cosmetics and F-Pop, stressing the role of regulatory bodies in innovation and public safety.

After the keynote, Claire Pasicolan from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented on the understanding of PDEA regulations and their impact on the cosmetics industry. The morning ended with a panel discussion featuring regulatory experts, moderated by Janina G. Tan of Jradiance Corporation, focusing on industry challenges. 

The afternoon session shifted focus to digital marketing, testing, and logistics. Terence Rene T. Iguidez III, from Sigmatech Inc., demonstrated advanced laboratory equipment for cosmetic products, while Ray Caguin, Country Director of LOCAD, discussed business sustainability amid digitalization. This was followed by Urk Acapulco of Xceler8 Technologies, who spoke on industry productivity solutions.

An insightful industry-sharing session was led by Marjorie Racines, Technical Services Head at Wipro-Splash Corporation, on substantiating cosmetic claims. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was represented by Hon. Adoracion P. Resurreccion, Chairperson of the PRC Chemistry Board, who discussed the issuance of Certificates of Authority to operate chemical laboratories.

The day concluded with networking opportunities, sponsor presentations, and closing remarks from Maricar O. Lopez, Board Secretary of Connell Bros. Co. Pilipinas, Inc., reinforcing the importance of collaboration for the industry's growth.

The conference was undoubtedly a resounding success, highlighting many learnings from speakers including the growing importance of functional cosmetics, as outlined by FDA director Dr. Samuel Zacate. He emphasized that functional cosmetics not only enhance beauty but also provide added health benefits, making regulatory compliance more crucial than ever. 

FDA officials Maria Lynette M. Macabeo and Maria Astri M. Ambata shared business compliance with detailed updated on promo permit regulations and post-marketing surveillance. Lastly, Insights into sustainable business models in the digital age, shared by LOCAD’s Ray Caguin, highlight how companies can adapt to modern market demands while remaining environmentally and economically sustainable.

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).

Japanese Bathroom: INAX Arrives In BQ Builderware Bohol

        INAX and BQ Builderware bring world-renowned Japanese style bathrooms in Bohol

INAX Now In BQ Builderware Bohol: Japanese Style Bathrooms

Many aspire to have Japanese-inspired bathrooms in their homes. Their clean and minimalist look have such a calming effect that even hotels and resorts work hard in creating such a relaxing Zen vibe in their bathrooms. But aside from their remarkable aesthetics, Japanese bathrooms abide by the “form and function” design philosophy, utilizing the latest innovation and technology while delivering outstanding quality and convenience to home or business owners.

INAX Now In BQ Builderware Bohol: Japanese Style Bathrooms

Now, it’s easier for many more households, hotels and resorts in the Visayas region to achieve the clean and minimalist Japanese aesthetic in their bathrooms, thanks to BQ Builderware and its partnership with INAX, one of the leading brands in the Japanese toilet space.

A key player in Bohol, BQ Builderware is a one-stop shop for construction materials that include quality ceramic tiles and other floor covering options, bathroom fixtures, accessories, and many more.

INAX Now In BQ Builderware: Japanese Style Bathrooms

Through this partnership, Boholanos can now achieve the Japanese bathrooms of their dreams – from clean and minimalist spaces at home to nature-inspired bathrooms perfect for resorts, and luxurious haven for hotels – as the best and the latest INAX products, such as the S200 collection, S400 collection and S600 collection are now available at the INAX showroom in BQ Builderware, located at 35 Visarra Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines.

As a leading brand in the Japanese toilet space, INAX has been pioneering toilet innovations and enhanced living environments for over 100 years, all rooted in three core pillars: creativity, technology, and design. With the brand’s “human-centric technology” approach, INAX consistently designs bathroom products that align with its mission of enabling everyone to live well.

With BQ Builderware’s partnership with INAX, the Bohol Quality Corporation further strengthens its reputation as a brand that’s an integral part of the daily lives of Boholanos, offering the best quality of products and services, to its customers.

For more updates on INAX, visit www.inax.com.ph and follow @INAXPhilippines on Facebook and @inax.philippines on Instagram.

Look: GCash Unveils Groundbreaking Innovations

GCash unveils groundbreaking innovations at FutureCast 2024:

transforming fintech for every Filipino

(L-R) G-Xchange Inc. president and CEO Oscar Reyes Jr., GCash International general manager Paul Albano, B2C product management head Fatima Javellana, wealth management market education head Mark Ilao, head of digital experience Michelle Fernandez, chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy, chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad, president and CEO Martha Sazon, VP and group head of new businesses and wealth management Winsley Bangit, sustainability head CJ Alegre, international transfers and disbursements product head Alex Dizon, lending product development manager Den Ramos and chief data officer Sarah Venturina

Highlights GCash Tourist, Tap to Pay, and New AI-Powered App Experiences, and more

GCash, the Philippines' leader in digital financial services, unveiled groundbreaking innovations at this year’s GCash Futurecast, revolutionizing the country's fintech landscape and elevating consumer experience.

Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash, shared, “Today, you can expect innovations that will “Change the Game”. But, the real game-changer is how we can make a meaningful impact on Filipino lives.”

She adds, “to innovate not only to provide access, but to be their partner towards better Financial Health and Wellness.”

State-of-the-Art Security

GCash FutureCast 2024 started with the introduction of Online PaySafe, an added security feature when you add to cart, for worry-free online transactions. With this feature, customers are directed to the GCash app during their payment process to complete their transaction using multi-factor authentication. This enhances security by reducing open windows and tabs that expose user accounts to possible takeovers, payment scam links, and website spoofing.

Getting help is now made easier with Gigi. Powered by generative AI, Gigi is now equipped to handle common queries and escalate complex issues seamlessly. Gigi can also conduct security checks, access past conversations, and connect users to live agents when needed.

To combat online fraudsters, GCash, in partnership with Chubb, introduced Send Money Protect. For as low as PHP 30, users can now opt to insure their transactions of up to PHP 15,000 for 30 days. This covers transactions from potential scammers who pretend to be someone they know or disguise themselves as a legit store.

Design Innovations

GCash also introduced three new app designs for a more intuitive experience. Dashboard 3.0 features a new look with easy navigation that allows customers to access their favorite GCash products at one glance. With its new save, borrow and grow tabs, users can now view their most-used features in the app.

The new and improved GCat & Friends, your new money smart besties, are ready to help make money management more fun and educational. Joining GCat are her friends Corey G, sniffing out all the hottest deals, and GRaf reminding customers when it’s time to start saving and investing.

Money Manager is a real time spend tracker that visualizes spending on the app to help customers spend and save wisely.

AI-Powered Experiences

GCash revealed new AI-powered innovations, starting with GScore AI, GCash’s customer trust score powered by AI, to help you borrow better. No need for forms or additional documents, this feature calculates users’ creditworthiness and loan eligibility based on their daily app behavior.

Hyper-Personalized Ads powered by AI is GCash’s ad-serving platform that learns users’ shopping preferences and matches them with personalized offers from GCash partners and merchants. It handpicks the best deals that the customers will love, much like a personal shopping assistant.

GCoach AI is your go to guide for all things money. Using generative AI, it educates users on how to effectively spend, save, and grow their money with confidence. It also provides personalized insights and links users to auto-deposit features within the app.

Green Innovations

GImpact is part of GCash's commitment to promote climate action, where users can create a greener future with every click. This new feature allows users to see how every transaction they have in the app leads to carbon reduction. These reduced emissions are converted into Green Points, which users can use to plant real trees through GForest's partner NGOs.

GFarm is a new category for planting fruit-bearing trees. This initiative helps Filipino farmers one tree at a time by supplying them with fruit tree seedlings like coffee, avocado, and jackfruit. All proceeds from these go directly to the farmers, providing them and their communities a more sustainable livelihood.

Fintech For A New Generation

To raise a future generation of better spenders and savers, GCash launched GCash jr. with Parental Controls. This allows kids between the ages of 7 to 17 to have their first e-wallet and get their first debit card with GCash jr. Visa Cards. With wallet limits set up by mom and dad, kids can now make supervised purchases and subscriptions and have access and receive their allowance anytime, anywhere.

Encouraging kids to have better saving habits, GCash also introduces GSave jr. their first savings account! Kids can now learn to manage their savings accounts, set their own money goals, and control how much money they want to save.

With unique access and a special dashboard that allows parents to see overall spending and set transaction limits for their child’s GCash jr. account, these features empower today's new generation with safe and supervised spending for better spending and saving habits.

Global Expansion

In 2024, GCash will continue to expand its reach to 16 countries including USA, Canada, Italy, UK, Australia, Japan, Spain, UAE, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Hong Kong, Qatar, Singapore, KSA, and Kuwait, making GCash available to 10M overseas Filipinos. International Bank Cash-In, allows users to cash in to GCash over 12,000 US Banks, with Europe to follow soon.

GTravel book and pay for flights and hotels, all in one app. It streamlines international travel experiences as it helps users book experiences, buy e-sims, and even plan visa requirements for their trips.. Coupled with GInsure, travelers can now apply for travel insurance powered by Standard and Malayan with coverage of up to PHP 2.5 million; OONA Insurance allows travelers instant lounge access for flight delays by an hour.

Soon, travelers to European destinations-- Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and more, can also digitize and claim travel tax refunds with GCash.

The GCash Tourist product allows foreigners visiting the Philippines to pay like locals, giving them 30-day access to GCash features like Scan to Pay and Send Money.

New Ways To Borrow and Pay

Borrow on the Spot gives more people a chance to borrow, making financial support more accessible to everyone. Powered by Fuse, GCash’s lending arm, users can now, with just one tap of a button, instantly request to reassess their creditworthiness and get a higher credit limit via GGives, allowing eligible customers to fund their needs today.

From loans to payments, GCash launches two innovations to revolutionize the way Filipinos Pay with GCash. For a faster commute, Tap To Pay, powered by NFC (Near Field Communication), makes daily commutes easier for people on the go. Once users log in to their GCash app, all they have to do is simply tap their phone on the fast lane turnstile to make a payment.

Watch Pay, in partnership with Huawei, is the first payment method via smartwatches in the country! It allows users to wear their GCash wallet on their Huawei smartwatch and make seamless payments with just a scan of their QR on their wrist.

All these innovations are designed with the financial progress of Filipinos in mind. By offering secure, accessible, and innovative financial solutions, GCash continues to empower every Filipino to manage their finances better and build a brighter future for themselves.

Experience the future of fintech today and download the GCash app, available on the Huawei App Gallery, Google Play Store, and the App Store.