Hey, Hivers! I hope you are all doing awesome.
If you read my introduction, you will know that I enrolled in TESDA Courses and returned to finish my degree in the middle of 2018. As I changed universities, I changed my home address too, and I started working part-time as an event coordinator. A relative of mine owns an event planning service and she asked me if I could join her team and learn the things to be done, organize and coordinate during an event, and I said yes, why not. I was in my fourth year in college and was doing my thesis for the whole school year. I managed the time with my studies, making a thesis, and the job. It is an extra allowance for me as well. As I joined the team, I experienced many things and went to different places I had never been to before. Assisting during a pre-wedding photoshoot, coordinating with the makeup artist, photographers, and videographers, coordinating with the host during an event, the caterer, the sound system, the clients, and the likes. I learned to be systematic and organized for the flow of the event to go as planned together with my other coordinators, decorators, and other members of the team.
One of the uniforms I wear during an event.
When 2019 came, it was summer time. The most exciting part was when my relative, the event planner, had a client that wanted their wedding to be held in the couple’s home town. And the location was in Anda, Bohol. So I got excited about it. We, everyone in the team, were all excited about it. I had never gone to Bohol, so it was really an opportunity for me.
Together with the planner, the one in the center, decors and stylists, makeup artists, other coordinators, and the one with eyeglasses is Peterson Villarin, as the wedding singer, who was a contestant on Tawag ng Tanghalan-It's Showtime.
Our travel time from Cebu to Bohol was 11:30, Pier 2. Everything was paid for by the couple, including the round-trip fare, accommodation, and food. The funny story is that the night before we were going to travel, I went to a fiesta, had some drinks with friends, and got home by 5 in the morning. I set an alarm, didn’t change clothes, and told myself that I'd wake up at 6 to bathe and prepare, and then boom, I woke at 9. So I hurriedly packed my bags, put everything that I could get, and went. I have to beat the traffic, so I won't be left behind. My friend, Carla, a coordinator too, already keeps on calling me on the phone. I haven't changed clothes yet, and I just brought water when I reached the pier terminal. She was laughing at me because I was like, hangover, sober and looking like crap with 24 hour clothing already.
We stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights. We arrived in Bohol at around mid-afternoon. The couple sent 2 vans to fetch us. We took a side trip to Baclayon Church, where everyone lit a candle and prayed.
Outside Baclayon Church. I am resting with my friend, Carla.
With one of our decorators, Mike.
I haven’t got to click pictures of the church anymore because my phone got drained. But the church was amazing, and the interior architecture was superb. The whole trip, I was just sleeping because of a headache. After that, we went to Anda. It was like hours of travel. I slept. When I woke up, it was dark and like 7 in the evening already. We had our dinner, met the couple’s family, and then got settled into the place we stayed. We rested for a few hours , met the team and planned what to do for the event the day after that. We, the coordinators, decorators, and photographers, planned to have some drinks before hitting the sack. I lost the original pictures and some of the place we went to chill. I only got some from my story on Instagram. It was at Anda de Boracay. The white sand was amazing even when we got there at the evening already you can still view its crystal white sand.
We had an early call time of 6 in the morning. So we got up at 5, took a bath, and had breakfast. We were sent to the venue, and the team was already busy doing their respective tasks. The venue was Parklane Bohol Resort and Spa. During that time, the place was just recently opened and some construction is still ongoing. But the place looks amazing already. I can't give so many detailed pictures of the preparations, the clients, and the event. First was hair and makeup of the bride and the bridesmaids; second was photoshoots here and there of the groom, groom’s men, and bride and bride’s maids. The decoration was ongoing at the venue and at the church as well. The florist and some of the team were already in the church.
We got the chance to click some selfies and pose in between. Don’t get me wrong, who wouldn't want to have a selfie with an amazing place?
The wedding was in the afternoon, so we got to the church, coordinated with the people from the church, lined up everyone for the procession, and then stood by and assisted during the flow of the wedding until the end of the mass.
Standing by for the offertory to light the candle, that explains the lighter. What were you guys thinking? Lol
When the mass was done, Everyone got to the venue, and the newly weds had their postnup at the resort. The bride had her hair and makeup retouched by the artists. Other coordinators were assigned to them, and I and my other team were assigned to the registration table at the reception area. We took some pics too while waiting for the program at the venue to start, the presentation of the newly weds.
For your interest in seeing the pictures taken during the wedding, here is a link from the official photographer during that event. It was awesome. Click here.
The wedding and the reception had ended and everyone packed up, went back to the accommodation we were staying at, and rested for a couple of hours. It was the town fiesta, so we decided to go and party and have a few drinks again for the day. The day after that was the day to go home to Cebu.
Myself, our event planner, Mike, and Carla
Together with the team
The morning came for us to go home. We woke up early, freshened up, packed our bags and went to the couple’s house and had our breakfast there. After that, our planner decided to have some side trips as our travel time going back to Cebu was in the afternoon that day.
First we stopped by to buy the one that Bohol is famous for, Kalamay. We bought some at Ching’s Calamay, which is known for its original, delicious kalamay.
The second stop was one that took place at the Loboc River. We just stopped by and took pictures, then went on to the next stop before lunch, the Bilar Man-Made Forest.
Myself, our event planner, Mike, and CarlaTogether with the team
And the last stop after lunch was the very well known tourist attraction in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills. Though it was raining at that time, nothing could stop us from climbing to the top. The view was breathtaking and so worth it.
Finally, we headed to the pier terminal and waited for the ferry to come. It got delayed, so we tried to break the boredom while waiting.
We reached Cebu at around 6 in the evening and then parted ways and went to our respective homes. Indeed, it was an amazing experience that I will forever cherish. And, if you've made it this far, thank you so much for taking the time to listen to me reminisce about those days. This is my first attempt at a lengthy post. It is greatly appreciated.
Spontaneoussober is an innate traveler, wanderer, adventurer, and free-spirited. She values independence and does what she wants when she wants. A lively and passionate woman who enjoys connecting with and empathizing with those around her.
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