Remember December

This has to be the best month of the year. Well, not because of non-stop events and food. It's because it's our wedding month. 

#theBESforJAS - This is our hashtag. It was predestined ever since #TheWanForAnne trended. Jasmin and I got married last December 1 at Leanel's Garden in Tagaytay. It was one of the best feelings in the world and we are just thankful that we celebrated it with our loved ones. 

After the wedding, we stayed in Tagaytay to spend the night. Our friends were also in the neighborhood that's why the party continues up to the next day and here we are, enjoying each other's company. 

We also meet up with Lors, we were overwhelmed by her generosity and love, and support towards us. As a simple gift of appreciation (Let's set aside that I'm really craving for some grilled meat). We invited her over Samgyup. 

This month is getting crazier. For how many years, I had a chance to finally meet her group of friends in college. I've only heard of them through her stories. Now, they became alive. I had so much fun meeting them and they are some good and cool people. 

I'm staying at the Casauay's in the meantime. Our newly bought house is being renovated before we set our foot in this new home. In the first few days, Jasmin and I stayed there and spend the night, I even worked at the time. A picture of my setup is uploaded below:

This is Jasmin, we went back to Tagaytay to submit the requirements for our marriage license. We stopped by for some street food. We missed eating kwek-kwek. This has been our first getaway as a married couple. Yes, back in Tagaytay with some boiled egg. 

As a preparation for our new home and the upcoming party with our friends. We bought some home items like Stove but most of all, my favorite purchase is Bean Bags. I've been longing for how many years, it stated at TaskUs about 6 years ago and here we are. Dreams do come true. 

Also, we had our extended wedding celebration in Batangas. My mom has a really big family and we are not able to invite most of them. So, this plan has been settled. They set up some curtains and balloons. I melted by their love towards us. I'm forever grateful for their lives. I mean, just look at these pictures, we danced with them, eat some crazy food and have fun in general. 

The next day, we went eating a lomi somewhere in Batangas and had quick swimming. This is probably the first time since the Pandemic. 

Christmas will never be the same again. Aquino and Casauay family joined together to celebrate Christmas together. We tell our bible verses and exchange gifts. It was fun and really productive. 

Later that day, we met one of our favorite ninangs, Ate Kat. She surprised us on Christmas day while we look like trash for cleaning the house. It's always fun to have her around. For those who did not know, if anyone reads this. Ate Kat is the one who taught me to be part of the Projectionist team back in our old church. I've also worked with her during the preparation for Jasmin's 18th birthday. Look at us. Hahahha!

The next day, we signed up for the on-site Sunday Service. This is the first time in almost 2 years. It's great to be back and this is so much better than online service. It felt different, way different. We are so blessed to attend during the last service of the year.

We have new members. Our tropahan added new members. Cathy and Daryl. Cathy just received that Caution board and what a day to be alive. This is one of the most fun from our yearly party. Look at Joy's face, I'm proud to say that that's my gift. 

Other notable highlights:

- Watched Shang-Chi: The Legends of Ten Rings

- Bought Stove, canvass for other home items

- We also visited my parents at home in Bayanan to pick up some personal stuff and had a really quick catch-up with my family. 

- At the end of the month, I got attacked by Gout. Miraculously, some herbal and sprays it went out not lasting for more 2 days. 

//RememberDecember

November Rain

Last month of being single and I decided to take a break from watching anime or any other series and movies. I just read some manga, this is to prepare for the wedding, including the messages and the vows. I'll resume probably next month after the wedding hype has settled down. 

Here are the highlights of November. 

Send out invitations 

We started sending our invitations to our Family and friends. Of course, for the principal sponsors, we send out official hard copy invitations and for the rest of our friends, they got received the virtual invitation. We also created a Facebook event for the other updates. 

Meeting with Pastor Jun

We finally had our meeting with our on-the-day coordinator and with Pastor Jun. Pastor Jun guided us with the ceremony proper and some additional elements for the ceremony, like the groom's bible reading and Pastor Jun's proclamation. 

Meeting with Host 

We also had our final meeting with the host at Leanel's Garden. It was a nice and smooth day to finalize things. The photo above is from the Photo/Video team from the wedding on-site at the time. 

Food Tasting

We finalized the food, we ordered some choices so we can pick our favorites. 

Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party

Initially planned as Bridal Shower by Jasmin's bridesmaid, ended up having a Bachelorette party as well. Jasmin does not really expect of having one but to her surprise, her girls showed her love.

The event took place in Pacita, a really nice events place. There's a pool, a house with 1 large room and an outside area that can be used for parties. It was a really really nice day, we were so happy and our friends bought food and drinks. Prepare some surprise materials, like the balloons and other stuff. 

We appreciate the effort, I am surprised as well seeing the boys around. I really thought that this is just for Jas. They extended the party to me as well. 

The games are fun and exciting. There were video greetings from important people in our lives, mostly from those abroad. I really hope that they could join us at our wedding but it's okay, we felt their love and happiness for us. I never really thought that many people love us. We really appreciate their effort and all. 

I really enjoy answering questions from them. They had this different cards that they can reference in asking us questions. Some were funny, interesting, and serious. Of course, I answered many of them in a silly way. That's how I roll. But there was this one question that I'm surprised that got claps. I don't remember the exact question but it was a God-glorifying answer.

God moves in a mysterious way, it's not a cliche or a really nice quote. But it's a real thing, He is a real deal. Jassiee and I prayed for many months, even years. We asked for signs, prayed specific prayers and we do our fasting. 

I believe that many people use to forget how God answered the prayers. We get blinded by our future in wanting more. We prayed to God for a specific job and a good-paying salary. We never realized that it's getting answered as the day goes by and everything leads to our wedding. 

I personally, talked to Jas about having a home before getting married since I'm against having a grand wedding while having nowhere to lay our heads. We are lost along the way on how to set the budget and all until she convinced me to set aside the home and prepare for the wedding first. 

We initially plan on staying in one of my parents' apartments. Then, on the week that we are about to fix the house, God surprised us with a home of our own. It's nice, it's big and we know that God will provide. 

I also shared how God worked with the budget for our wedding. Just a few months ago, we were struggling on how to complete it all but yes, He is good and this is all for His glory. 

29th. 

We were too busy and excited about our wedding and I really forgot how to celebrate my birthday. Well, I don't have a plan, my eyes are already set on the wedding already. I'm just thankful for all the blessings that God showered on me over the past year. Me getting married in my 29th year is a really nice touch set by God. 

Tomorrow isn't sure and I'm just blessed to have another year to my life. 

//NovemberRain

//sebajisoka

Warm October nights

Oh! Here we are, the end of October. A lot happened this month, but let's get started with the Animes first. 

I've read this months ago in the Manga, first hand. It's sad but I can't fully absorb this fact. The anime really did a wonderful job in animating the panels of the Manga. It really hits on the spot, the animation is great, and maaan, our boy Kurama is truly gone. 

And to add to the nerfing of Naruto, Sasuke's Rinnegan, has been stabbed. Our heroes are giving way to the new MC of the Naruto Universe.  

Before you say anything, please keep in mind that I only watch 12 EP animes that were recommended to me, or high on the best anime list. That's where I found Rent-a-girlfriend, it only has 1 season, so I read the Manga. When I finished the Manga, this anime pop-up the side of the screen, tempting me to read it. It's a nice anime. 

Black Clover

Asta may be annoying at times but this anime is a top-notch new-gen anime. Fight scene? Story? And of course, a typical shonen anime. It's really good! If you like Naruto, it has similar plot points but you'll enjoy this really well. I finished the anime this month and I can't get enough of it. Apparently, the anime took a break, but the manga is still ongoing. I'm about to jump in the manga after all of this craziness. 

Domestic Girlfriend Manga

A separate post for this Manga masterpiece. The plot circled around a novelist, a teacher, and a chef. It's a complicated love story, it has a really nice hook pilot and it will give you a rollercoaster ride of emotion and excitement. I'm not into this kind of stories but I'm really surprised by this romance-drama-a-lil-comedy manga. This story made me stay a few hours late before bedtime and it made me think about writing again. It has a story of life and it will definitely give you a different perspective of the world and people around you. It highlights choices and things you do for love. An against-all-odds theme. 

Also, this manga and the anime have a little explicit content which is really interesting as it fuels emotion in the story.

Our wedding is just right around the corner and here are the things that we have accomplished for this month!

- Do the invitations. (I did very little. Lol)

- We bought a house, would you even think that? A last-minute purchase, a really nice home? Thank you, Lord! 

- Went to Batangas to give out invitations and bid our final goodbyes to Jas' grandad. 

- Prenup video has already been sent to us and it's really nice. 

- Jassie did her initial fitting for her gown. 

//sebajisoka

In the middle of September

Last month, I was just writing about how fast August slipped away. Now we're at the end of September, somebody wakes up Billie Joe.

There's a lot to unwrap this month, but let's start with my watch list first. 

After reading this in the Boruto Manga a few months ago, did not realize that it will be this quick to be animated. This is Naruto's Final form, the Baryon Mode. Boruto anime has been peaking this year, the best year so far for the fanbase. 

The My Hero Academia's last episode for this season has concluded. I always love the animation and the story. But the latter part of the season is really interesting as it tackles the origin story of the League of Villans or the Paranormal Liberation Front. Really excited for the next season.

This has been taking up my breaks and lunchtimes. Black Clover has been peaking since before the 100 episodes. The animation and battle scene have been very very good. I love the current arc and it feels like I'm in the climax of the anime. It feels like I'm watching a beautiful disaster. It's really good, didn't expect that this will be very good. 

This has been a very busy month for our wedding preparation. It's getting more real and real as the days passed by. This month magnifies that fact. 

Why? 

- Well, we already went to Manila and have our wedding rings customized, and measured my suit. 

- We also had our meeting with the food supplier about our food choices. 

- We had our seminar on Pre-Marriage, Family Planning, and Counseling conducted by the local government.

- We had a short meeting with the Photographer for our Prenup

- We do the paperwork for the marriage license 

- We had an amazing, truly amazing photoshoot in Tagaytay. I'm so pumped up on the results.

Also, this month is such a relief about our family situation from last month. We had negative results from covid and 1 in which a likely a false positive. My mom is getting better and better. Well, so much better than last month. 

//sebajisoka

21st of September

Soon enough, I'll be married to the love of my life, my first and my last. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you in everything that you do. 

One thing I love about you is whenever you have a goal in your mind, you never stop. You never give up until you reach it and if that goal does not meet up your expectation. You move on to the next. Dattebayo, your ninja way. 😂😒

You know exactly what you're doing and you keep on trying new things. I honestly don't know how you manage all these things up, sometimes I feel like it's not possible in the first place.

The day that I fell in love with you, I know that I'm reaching for something nearly impossible.

 

When I started pursuing you, I know that it's unimaginable, I like you that much so I took the chance. I'm still not sure how you fell in love with me. I'm glad that I did what I have to do.

I knew that you will say yes the day that I proposed. I mean, we've been talking about our plans and goals. And even get mad at me for not taking action yet. 

Now that we're near to getting married, I'm reminded of how awesome you really are. I felt so small. You are THAT amazing. 

I know that I already told you this a million times but you are the picture of God's grace to me. You are someone that I don't deserve. It felt like there's nothing that I've done to deserve you but I'm really glad to accept you with everything that I have.

Who I am to reject this amazing gift anyway? 

Happy Birthday, Bebs. I'm really excited about the future with you. That's all for now, saving my vocabulary for our wedding day. 🤣😂😁

//sebajisoka

August slipped away

Yup. We're all here. Just like that.. As Taylor Swift said, "August slipped away into a moment in time". 

With the much stricter lockdown and a new variant. There's nothing much happened this month. Me and Jassie just work on the things that we can work on online or at home and delay the outside stuff. 

I started posting again on my Instagram account, but this time on reels. I've never been consistent and I only posted 2 for the whole month. How's that? 

I'm also struggling to go back to reading but I'm starting to get back on track as I slowly read few chapters. 

For my monthly routine. I watched a few series. 

iCarly season 1 was just wrapped up. 

My love for black clover is really peaking up. Things are getting really interesting. 

Of course, the on-going Boruto anime.

and My Hero Academia.

I've been reading manga, aside from the one who started my liking to reading mangas, Boruto. 

I also caught up on this really fun Romantic Comedy.

Of course the action-packed and really funny Demon Slayer. 

There's nothing much that I could share for this month. But it will be very busy for me and Jassiee in the next weeks as we prepare for our December wedding. omg. 

Also, my family has been vaccinated already. Mom and my 2 little brothers just got their first shot. But it's been quite challenging for them. Apparently, they got sick. My mom got a little weaker than usual and I know that it's not from the vaccine nor the virus. 

It's kinda odd seeing mom that way. I just feel pain looking at her. I check on her from time to time if she needs anything and I'm quietly praying for her complete healing. We're all hopeful that she can get through this all. She's my mom after all. 

I don't know but it's kinda weird that I started being appreciative of what she has done to our family. I often overlooked the things that she does. Now, we have to do things ourselves and take care of her. For how many days now, my dad and I have been taking care of the household since we're the ones who are not sick. 

As I'm writing this today, my mom is in the hospital to check things up. Hopefully that it's not that serious. 

//AugustSlippedAway

//sebajisoka

Cold Day in July

We're halfway to the end of the year, would you believe it?

I've slowed down in watching anime for this month. I took a break from my Instagram page. I also tried to go back on how things are going. I've been playing a lot of games, with my new ones.

My New Games:

One of the games that I really enjoyed. This is unlike the Naruto Ninja Storm series, this has level-ups and missions. 

If you want to chill and have fun. Don't play this game. Don't let the colors and those adorable characters fool you. This is one of the frustrating games I ever played. And yes, you will never stop playing this. And yes, I never won ever in this game.

As I've said, I only watched a handful of series. 2 animes, one of which is still ongoing. 

One of the cutest and chill anime. So wholesome and spice of life anime. This is a story of Tamako, a daughter of a mochi maker and her journey with the super friendly neighborhood/market.

Another series of adventure, magic and superpowers. A story of a boy with no magic and the guts in reaching his dream. I'm still a few episodes in the anime and it has been so good. It reminded me a lot of the Naruto series, you know the typical dream reacher protagonist.

Complicated timeline? Yes. Branch reality? You bet it. This is the amazing journey through time by none other than, the variant, Loki. This series officially launch the next phase and big villain of the MCU.

MCU is on the big screen once again after being delayed for few months. The action-packed movie of Black Widow. This is good. I love the fight scenes and the flow of the story. It's fun watching an MCU movie from time to time that has no supernatural powers. 

I've also completed the full dose of my vaccine. The only side effect that I received was the swollen upper arm and that's it. So far, I don't experience anything bad in my body. 

I've also watched and listen to several podcasts, I recently enjoyed listening to several stories featured in Toni talks, Wil Dasovich's superhuman podcast, MattRuns by Matteo Guidicelli. I get inspired and they gave me a different perspective on life. Above all of them, I'm pretty impressed by Toni Gonzaga's wisdom. I enjoy listening to her in how she conducts interviews and how she gives bits of her wisdom and she also amazingly quoted book wisdom.

Lastly, we went to my Ninang in Cavite, Jassie's Ninang and relatives in Novaliches, and talked to our Ninong and Ninang in Davao to complete our sponsor's list. We're getting there but it has been a very tiring and very exciting journey to our wedding.

//ColdDayinJuly

//sebajisoka