Casa San Pablo Wedding Venue

Kayrine’s big day has finally arrived. My friends and I woke up so early so that we can go to Laguna for her wedding day. The weather forecasts said there’s going to be a typhoon this weekend. But we brave ourselves and still went to Laguna. Kayrine’s wedding was a very rainy day! Good thing we left Manila at an earlier time, otherwise, we will be trapped in the South Luzon Expressway, like the others guests to her wedding. It was a solemn mass, composed of family and close friends only. The reception was held at Casa San Pablo.




The food was delicious, and the hot cup of soup really soothed our bodies due to the cold weather. We were about to go home when we realized it’s too dangerous. We watched the television and saw what was happening in Manila. Text messages were also delayed, and according to my brother, they have no electricity. It’s a good thing Kayrine’s venue was a board and lodging type. It has become fully-booked for the night. Luckily I was able to borrow my friend’s laptop and started writing. I’m not sure of when I can use the internet again because, as everyone’s saying, “Manila is such a mess.” We were still lucky we’re in a safe place, with enough water to drink and a good bed to rest in.

Laguna’s Ancestral Houses and Their Capiz Windows

Whenever I go to our province in Laguna, I can’t help but feel nostalgic. My grandparent’s house was an old one. As far as I can remember, a typhoon struck the province and destroyed some of the properties of the villagers. Since our house was one of the oldest, the structures become weak and the roof was gone too. So my grandparents decided to renovate our ancestral house. Too bad I wasn’t able to say “good bye” to our dear house.

I walked around the neighborhood to adore those remaining old houses and huge Capiz windows. This house was one of my favorites. My mom told me this was the most luxurious house when she was still young.

But all I can remember about this house was their magnificent water fountain. I’m not sure if it’s still functioning now. While taking a photo of this house, I noticed the cute dog on the balcony, she’s as if looking at me too!


I really love huge Capiz windows! Our new house wasn’t made from wood anymore, that’s why we don’t have those windows anymore. Here are some of the houses with huge glass windows.




I noticed all of these houses have the same style and design, the typical wood house with huge windows. No wonder I really feel nostalgic seeing them. Maybe in the older days, these types of houses are what’s “IN” that’s why their looks are just the same. I hope we can have one of those Capiz windows again in our future house construction.

House Blessing at Luntala, Valle Verde, Pasig City

I have an uncle (he's actually a balikbayan from the US) who recently bought one townhouse unit at Luntala, Valle Verde, Pasig City (a 77-unit residential townhouse development located inside Valle Verde 6-A), so that they will have a place to stay whenever they visit the Philippines. Today is the house blessing and my family arrived just in time. The house was nice, of course, it HAS TO BE nice, considering the amount they spent on it! It has an Asian architecture, straight and simple lines, modern yet classic. There is a private entrance for cars and members of the family through the ground parking (2-car garage) below. This ground level is most likely to be a basement with a pocket garden, maid's room with T&B and laundry/service area. On the first floor, they have living and dining rooms, kitchen and a powder room for guests. On the second floor, the master’s bedroom has a walk-in closet and T&B that occupies one whole level of the unit. The third floor has 2 bedrooms and a common T&B. I observed that most of the units were still empty, but majority of them were already sold (and only few units left).


The most impressive thing here was when I learned from the developers and agents (who also attended the house blessing) that boxing champ Manny Pacquiao purchased a unit too, and his unit was just beside my uncle’s. You can see in this photo that I was standing in front of Manny’s door! The opened door to the right was my uncle’s unit. I hope to see Manny there one day and be able to shake hands with the Pambansang Kamao!