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

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

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).

Is Cebu Ocean Park Worth To Visit?

Cebu Ocean Park is the first-ever ocean park in Cebu that opened last August 2019. It is just near the SM Seaside, Cebu. 

Glowing Jellyfish at Cebu Ocean Park

How much does it cost?

•  Walk-in: ₱600

•  Via Klook: ₱590

Buy a ticket via Klook: Click Here

Main Tank Feeding / Fish Feeding Show at Cebu Ocean Park
Note: This area is also the Main Tank Luncheonette (restaurant)

What's the inclusion for the ₱600 / ₱590 price?

Admission to:

•  Jungle Trek

• Creepy Critters

• Seven Seas

• Lorries Loft

• Amphitheater Bird Show

• Crocodile Lair Exhibit

• Oceanarium 

• Main Tank Gallery

Plus:

• Digital Photo

The Amphitheater Bird Show at Ocean Park Cebu

The Creepy Critters at Cebu Ocean Park

Things to be mindful

• Re-entry is not allowed once you leave the place

• Outside food and drinks are not allowed

but no need to worry as there are Food & Refreshment available in the place

Here are some of our snaps taken at Cebu Ocean Park.
It's my mom's 60th birthday celebration. ♥ 

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm

• Last admission: 1 hour before the closing time

Is it worth to visit?

Definitely! It is worth every penny. I highly recommend it.

Book a ticket online 

• Buy a ticket via Klook: Click Here

Discover Fujikawaguchiko: Japan's Little Switzerland

Did you know there's a place in Japan that looks like "not" Japan? It's like the little Switzerland of Japan — Fujikawaguchiko.

Fujikawaguchiko, Japan (Hi my fiancé ♥)  

About Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Fujikawaguchiko is a town in southern Yamanashi Prefecture. It is near Mt. Fuji, Japan.

Sooo beautiful, isn't it? It's Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Spotted my fiancé's dream car GTR R34 parked in front of our hotel. Sooo cool!
at Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

What's interesting in the place?

Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
at Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

It was about to snow at the time we visited this place.
A few days after our visit, it snowed.
So, the place is sooo cold. Temperature is from 2℃ to -3℃.

It's the Lake Kawaguchi's location. Plus, it is the perfect place to get a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.

According to Wikipedia, Lake Kawaguchi is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area and lowest elevation.

The beautiful Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
at Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Additionally, this part of Lake Kawaguchi (in the photo above) is just a few steps from the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. As per Google, the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is a European-inspired garden with an antique music box museum, vintage organs & live performances.

Best hotel — HOTORI no HOTEL BAN

This is the facade of our hotel —  HOTORI no HOTEL BAN, Fujikawaguchiko

• It's just a few steps away from the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
• Very accessible as right in front of the hotel is the bus station
• You'll get a perfect view of Mt. Fuji from your hotel room - window
• There's a FamilyMart on the first floor of the hotel building
• The room is very spacious (you get what you paid for)
• If you opt for a car rental, there's a vast parking space
• It's just a few meters from Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and a minute's drive to Fuji-Q Highland.

Book the hotel? 

• Expedia: Click Here 
• Klook: Click Here



How to go to Fujikawaguchiko?

There are two ways of going to Fujikawaguichiko. You can either take the bus or by train.

• By Train (Fujikyu Railway Line) - From Shinjuku Station (Tokyo), you may take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station. There, transfer to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station.

• By Bus - Two direct buses operate going to Kawaguchiko. It's Fujikyu and JR Kanto. From Tokyo Station, look for Yaesu South Exit. Additionally, you can buy bus tickets in advance online (even if you're still in the Philippines, as we did).

Furthermore, if you booked a hotel near Lake Kawaguchi or at HOTORI no HOTEL BAN, take the Red Line bus from Kawaguchi Station. Bus fares flashed on the screen in front. Prices may vary depending on your drop-off point. 

The most memorable place because this is the place (the same spot in the picture)
where my long-term partner proposed to me (01/30/2024).

Indeed! When God is the center of your relationship,
HE will always guide and hug you two together, forever. ♥

“And over all these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all
together in perfect unity.” - Colossians 3:14

Yours truly with Fuji-san at Lake Kawaguchiko

My gwapo fiancé at the drop-off point of the bus near our hotel

Where to book a flight?

• Check it here: Click Here 




Japan VISA Guide

• Check it here:  Click Here