JUNE 24, 2017 Photo Source: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Hawaii Bridal Expo
Wedding Expos Provide Couples An Array of Resources and Interactive Planning Services WHAT’S INSIDE
■ Wedding Thoughts To Live By: Speech by Pope Francis ■ Wedding Traditions: The Bride Wore Black ■ Cover Story: Wedding Expos, Wedding Week HI and Wedding Cafe Provide Couples With Resources and Interactive Planning Services ■ "Guinto Girls" Get Creative for Weddings and Special Events ■ Celebrity Dishes On Her "Amazing" Life, Wedding and Marriage ■ Longtime Married Couples Share Secrets to Their Success ■ Filipino Wedding Myths and Superstitions ■ Two Experts Share Tips on Wedding Makeup and Hairstyles
S2 S3 S4 S6 S7 S9 S11 S12
C
hurch bells ringing, roses clothe a stunning white reception room where all your loved ones will gather to celebrate your lifetime commitment. You and your fiancé are finally ready to get married and usher in a new life as husband and wife. Just thinking about your wedding brings pure excitement. Now the next step is planning the event. Where do I begin? Who can help me? Just turn the page and let our wedding and bridal supplement help you with valuable tips and resources to turn your dream wedding into a reality.
S2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT
Wedding ThoughTs To Live By
“Y Speech by Pope Francis
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
ou can have flaws, be anxious, and even angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a storm, a road without accidents, work without fatigue, relationships without disappointments.To be happy is to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, security in the stage of fear, love in discord. It is not only to enjoy the smile, but also to reflect on the sadness.It is not only to celebrate the successes, but to learn lessons from the failures.It is not only to feel happy with the applause, but to be happy in anonymity. Being happy is not a fatality of destiny, but an achievement for those who can travel within themselves. To be happy is to stop feeling like a victim and become your destiny's author. It is to cross deserts, yet to be able to find an oasis in the depths of our soul. It is to thank God for every morning, for the miracle of life. Being happy is not being afraid of your own feelings. It's to be able to talk about you. It is having the courage to hear a "no". It is confidence in the face of criticism, even when unjustified. It is to kiss your children, pamper your parents, to live poetic moments with friends, even when they hurt us. To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each of us, free, joyful and simple. It is to have maturity to be able to say: "I made mistakes." It is to have the courage to say "I am sorry." It is to have the sensitivity to say, "I need you." It is to have the ability to say "I love you." May your life become a garden of opportunities for happiness... That in spring may it be a lover of joy. In winter a lover of wisdom. And when you make a mistake, start all over again. For only then will you be in love with life. You will find that to be happy is not to have a perfect life. But use the tears to irrigate tolerance. Use your losses to train patience. Use your mistakes to sculpter serenity. Use pain to plaster pleasure. Use obstacles to open windows of intelligence. Never give up.... Never give up on people who love you. Never give up on happiness, for life is an incredible show."
SUPPLEMENT HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE S3
ediToRiAL
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
What’s in A Successful Marriage
T
here is no one secret to a successful marriage; rather it is more like a stew of ingredients that make a marriage work. Love, trust, respect, fidelity, healthy communication, a good attitude -- the list goes on and on of what should be inside of that stew of success. From a scientific perspective, the University of Washington researchers came up with an interesting 5:1 ratio principle to a successful marriage. It says that for every negative experience, there should be at least five times more positive ones to negate that one. Researchers found that when the ratio starts to drop, the marriage is at a higher risk for divorce. In other words, every
marriage goes through rough patches, but the general feeling, tenor, of a marriage ought to be more positive than negative. There is no such thing as a perfect marriage or person, so the goal, at least, would be to improve the ratio of positive to negative. A less scientific but significant aspect of making a marriage work involve two popular sayings: “The grass is greener on the other side;” and “The grass is greenest where you water it.” Successful married couples do not constantly look outside of their relationship and compare it to other couples’ relationships. Wishing for more of what other people have in their relationship, or worse yet, wishing your husband or
Wedding TRAdiTions
wife was more like someone else is damaging to a marriage. Rather, successful couples look to their own relationship and try to nurture areas in it that need care. Expectations are another critical area that affects marriages. Often people go into a marriage with a long list of expectations. Then suddenly, they find their spouse falls short of those expectations which eventually lead to blame, dissatisfaction, even anger. Sometimes if a spouse can by miracle meet the entire laundry list of expectations, an unhappy spouse will just dream up more impossible expectations and never be satisfied. The most damaging of all expectations is when we expect our spouse to make us
happy. We are all responsible for our own happiness. Placing that expectation on anyone is unrealistic and unfair. When we focus more on fulfilling our own expectations, we become a better partner to our spouse. As for happiness, couples must realize that it comes and goes. When happiness sours, that should never be the start of casting doubt on a relationship. Cycles of happiness and unhappiness are natural in any marriage. Lastly, crisis management is perhaps the most vital part that can make or break a relationship. It’s often said that a crisis is like a storm. We can get through it only if we learn to fight fair, maintain respect, and have patience. Crisis in a relationship happens to every-
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
The Bride Wore Black By Renelaine Bontol-Pfister
D
uning Bonifacio Ira noted in ‘Guidebook to the Filipino Wedding’ that the Anglo-Saxon word “wed” meant “to wager.” You wager to share your life with someone and that it will last forever. Indeed, couples who get married are risk-takers. Daring couples all over the world have their own wedding traditions that have survived centuries of change. I attended a wedding in Germany once, for my husband’s best friend. Some of their wedding traditions include things like setting a miniature house on fire and putting the fire out using a real fire hose from an actual fire truck, and cleaning up a pile of wood that someone with a dump truck dumped on the ground. I thought it strange. It’s a wedding. Why would they give the newlyweds chores to do? And a dangerous one, too (in the case of the fire.) My husband said these tasks were meant to unite the couple and make them work together.
This idea of unity and working together encompasses the wedding of all cultures. Weddings here in the U.S. have a lot of similarities to ours in the Philippines. But I like our unique Filipino wedding traditions. The pamanhikan, for example. The pamanhikan allows the families of both parties to meet, some for the first time, so the couple can formally ask for their parents’ blessing for their union. The Roman Catholic Wedding, which is the majority of Filipino weddings, adheres to a long list of requirements before the big day. The couple is required to submit documents such as baptismal certificates, a marriage license, a Canonical interview, and attend a premarriage counseling seminar. And then there’s another list to attend to: wedding clothes, church, reception, invitations, sponsors and attendants, flowers, rings, wedding cake, honeymoon plans, contract for video and photo,
one. Usually when couples get divorced, it is preceded by some crisis. Couples who can survive a crisis realize that a crisis doesn’t necessarily mean that a marriage is over. Sometimes it takes a crisis in order for a relationship to reboot, to have a new beginning in a direction that is healthier. A crisis can be a signal that a relationship must change. Maybe that change means more laughter, more exchanges of saying “I love you,” more intimacy in a relationship, or more listening. Whoever believes marriage is easy is already on the road to divorce. It is both messy and beautiful; both painful and joyous. The secret to its success is a real commitment to making it work.
music, transportation, souvenirs, hair and make-up…and so on. This list overwhelms me. This is when I’m glad I didn’t have a big wedding. But I get wistful sometimes, when I attend these beautiful weddings and witness the rituals. Each part of a Catholic wedding has meaning. The candle represents the light of Christ. The cord and veil placed around the couple mean that they are bound together. The arras signify the material wealth that the two will now share; the groom carefully passes the golddipped coins onto the bride’s hands. The wedding rings, a circle, is a symbol of eternity. The Sacrament of Matrimony
seals the couple’s union--when they agree to take each other forever. White is the traditional color for a wedding, symbolizing purity and innocence (though let’s face it: nowadays we are not so pure and innocent once we’re of marrying age). However, we Filipinos were apparently once practical-minded: we used to wear our “Sunday’s best” to our weddings because we deemed it excessive to buy an expensive dress that is worn only once. There was also a time when it was considered fashionable for the bride to wear black on her wedding day. A Muslim wedding, on the other hand, is officiated by the
Imam (priest), who refers to the Quran and recites passages from it. The couple performs a purification ritual called ablution before the ceremony. The groom, guided by the Imam, places his hand on his bride’s forehead, signifying their union. Traditional dances are performed for the guests. In pre-colonial times, weddings lasted for days. The babaylan (priest) officiated the wedding, and included a blood compact between the couple. The couple ate rice from the same plate and drank from the same cup of water mixed with their blood. The babaylan bound their hands and necks with a cord. Instead of rings, the couple gave each other jewels. Centuries later, similar practices are observed, though we’ve eliminated the blood compact (someone figured out there was no need to draw blood on a wedding.) A priest still officiates at the ceremony. The newlyweds share cake, not rice, and are bound together by a cord. They still exchange jewels. It’s nice to know that time hasn’t killed our traditions. Reference: Guidebook to the Filipino Wedding, by Luning Bonifacio Ira, 1990
S4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE
CoveR sToRy
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
Wedding expos, Wedding Week Hawaii and Wedding Café provide couples with resources and interactive planning experiences By Edna Bautista, Ed.D., C.W.S.
B
efore brides walk down the aisle on their wedding day, they can walk up and down many more at Hawaii’s bridal expositions, fairs and shows. At these interactive events, there are aisles and aisles of vendor booths and displays conveniently located all in one place to help busy brides—and grooms—plan and look for ideas, products and services for their wedding. There are also live fashion shows, free food samples, contests and giveaways, making the event a fun-filled and exciting experience for those who attend. There are two semi-annual wedding expos on Oahu and annual ones on Hawaii Island, Kauai and Maui. Moreover, the new yearly Wedding Week Hawaii events and weekly workshops hosted by the Wedding Café provide couples with even more resources for planning their wedding.
Hawaii Bridal Expo The Hawaii Bridal Expo is the oldest and largest wedding event of its kind on Oahu (and the fourth largest nationally). Established in 1988, it takes place at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center every January and July. Nearly 200 vendors participate at the expo and an estimated 1,400 brides attend the threeday event with their fiancés and members of their entourage. Brad Buckles, who produces the expo and is the president of BridesClub.com, strives for his group to be the #1 resource for wedding shows and professionals in Hawaii. Last year, he won the Bridal Show Producers International Directors Cup, the highest honor given in the bridal show industry for professionalism, character, integrity and performance. TravelMag also listed the Hawaii Bridal Expo as one of the best festivals and fairs in Hawaii in 2017. The expo is an event that engaged couples should not miss, as it allows them to see several wedding professionals in one place, gather ideas for
their wedding, pick up literature, book services and spend a few minutes talking with the wedding professionals who will ultimately make their wedding day a success, according to the Brides Club website. Buckles emphasized that “the Hawaii Bridal Expo is truly an expo, not just an open house that showcases at a certain venue or store. Every wedding professional in the state, not just a select few, has an equal opportunity to come to a neutral facility—the Blaisdell—and talk directly with Hawaii brides and grooms about their wedding services.” He also said that the Hawaii Bridal Expo is like a convention with a true representation and cross-section of what wedding vendors are available in the state, which appeals to brides and grooms with varying wedding sizes, budgets and styles. At the expo, couples are also given a copy of Wedding Spotlight, the official program by Brides Club semi-annually. If couples missed attending the event, they can still read the emagazine version for free, which “spotlights” local wedding service providers that participated at the bridal expo. Additionally, Brides Club offers a free wedding planning guide, which has charts, tables, worksheets and advice. Both publications may be downloaded from the Brides Club website at www.bridesclub.com.
Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo Another semi-annual wedding expo on Oahu—the Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo—is produced by Dun Uchimura of Dun Productions as Bride’s Choice Hawaii. The expo is typically scheduled during April and October at the Hawaii Convention Center. A representative from Bride’s Choice Hawaii was not readily available to comment more about the expo, but other information may be obtained from the website at www.brideschoicehawaii.com. To coincide with the expo, Uchimura also publishes Hawaii Weddings & Honeymoon Escapes Magazine, which features advertorials (indepth vendor profiles) and advertisements. This affiliate magazine gives Hawaii’s wedding professionals another option of promoting their business to brides and grooms. Vendors may also be listed as an advertiser in the website directory. Couples are welcome to attend the expo, read the magazine and search the website for more wedding planning ideas and resources. Hawaii Island Bridal Fair and Wedding Expo Although the state’s larger wedding expos take place on Oahu seasonally, the neighbor islands also have annual events that connect couples with local vendors.
“Hawaii has a unique situation where it is not always possible for people to afford trips to Oahu to seek help for their wedding. We are delighted to provide such an opportunity and fill the gap in helping our local community and vendors to promote their business,” said Greg Arianoff, food and beverage manager at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, which has presented the Hawaii Island Bridal Fair and Wedding Expo at the Moku’ola Ballroom free of charge each May since 2006. “For many people, their wedding day will be one of their most important days. Guests need to be informed of trends, availability and local vendors,” he said. An estimated 250 guests with up to 90 registered couples attended the recent threehour “paniolo” (Hawaiian cowboy) themed expo on May 26 to interact with around 30 vendors. Included among the many creative vendor displays was Ke Ola magazine, which publishes the annual Hawai‘i Island Weddings, Honeymoons, and Special Occasions Edition. This complimentary publica-
tion is the official magazine of the Hawaii Island Wedding Association and contains a resource directory focusing solely on wedding planning and vendors from Hawaii Island. Current and past wedding editions may be viewed online at https://keolamagazine.com. More photos of last month’s Hawaii Island Bridal Fair and Wedding Expo can be viewed at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HiloHawaiianHotel/.
Kauai Wedding Expo Enoch A’ana of Pele’s Wedding & Events had coordinated two wedding expos on Hawaii Island at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort in 2013 and 2014 before he moved to Kauai three years ago. This past April, he and his team coordinated the island’s first annual wedding expo at the new Koloa Landing Resort in Poipu. Tickets to the event were $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The price reflected the luxurious experience that attendees received at the expo, from the glass of champagne (continued on S5)
SUPPLEMENT HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE S5
CoveR sToRy
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2016
WEDDING EXPOS, WEDDING WEEK... (from page S4)
they were offered upon entry to the ballroom to the one-on-one personal appointments with the couple’s potential vendors at the reception tables. Vendor participation was limited to around 30 Kauaibased bridal businesses to ensure the highest quality customer service. “Every single vendor that participated in our very first expo successfully booked at least two events,” A’ana said. “We were selective of the many vendors that applied to participate in the event because we wanted first-class representation from the local wedding industry and only the best that Kauai has to offer to brides and grooms.” A’ana envisioned keeping the Kauai Wedding Expo relatively small so couples would not feel so overwhelmed with large crowds and information overload. Those who attended also got an exclusive wedding planning booklet to help them stay organized after the expo. His advice for anyone attending an expo, no matter what size, is to have a game plan. “Have a list ready for what you are looking for,” he said. “If you need a deejay, linen company or coordinator, then be strategic of what type of vendor you want to meet.” This helps with time management at the expo. “Also, keep an open mind. There are different vendors with different styles,” A’ana advised. “They sincerely want to help by sharing ideas so you can plan the wedding of your dreams!”
Maui Wedding Expo The island of Maui has had a wedding expo since 1995. Presented by the Maui Wedding Association, the Maui Wedding Expo takes place in the late summer or early fall at different locations. On Aug. 26, the expo will be at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa on Ka’anapali Beach. The fivehour event is free and the association anticipates up to 1,000 attendees throughout the day. The expo is a group effort, since one of the goals of the Maui Wedding Association’s
mission is to bring together businesses to promote the advancement of the Maui wedding industry. “By creating the Maui Wedding Expo, now in its 22nd year, the association is able to promote Maui as a premier wedding destination to visitors. The event also allows kama'aina (locals) to meet multiple vendors in one day in a beautiful and fun setting,” said Tambara Garrick, the association’s president. “From coordinators and photographers to venues and caterers, [brides and grooms] will find everything they need to plan their dream wedding at the Maui Wedding Expo,” Garrick said. All of the 50 vendors that showcase their talents at the expo are members of the association. Being invited to participate at the expo is one of the many benefits of membership so they can network with each other and connect with the community and clients. Any wedding-related business is welcome to join the association at any time. “For more than 20 years, the Maui Wedding Association has been committed to helping brides and grooms plan their dream wedding on the island of Maui,” Garrick said. Therefore, in addition to presenting an expo, the association also publishes an annual magazine, The Maui Wedding Planner, as another resource for brides and grooms. This free publication is available at the expo and may be downloaded from http://www.mauiweddingassociation.com/mwa-wedding-planner. Moreover, The Maui Wedding Planner is distributed locally and nationally to help promote the island as a premier wedding destination to visitors. In 2016-2017, the Maui Wedding Planner was distributed through several wedding expos in the state as well as in California, Oregon, Washington, Georgia, Mississippi, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota and Washington D.C. Garrick encourages couples to register to attend the Aug. 26 Maui Wedding Expo
event took place at The Modern Honolulu hotel in Waikiki, appropriately called “The Experience”, which featured vendors, fashion shows, pop-up shops, design and decoration demonstrations, live entertainment and mini power-workshops organized by the Wedding Café.
Photo by ARIA-STUDIOS
www.weddingexpomaui.com. Every couple that registers has an opportunity to win one of many generous door prizes as a wedding gift!
Wedding Week Hawaii Besides wedding expos, there are other opportunities that bring brides, grooms and wedding professionals together. On Oahu, Wedding Week Hawaii had a successful debut in February this year and will become an annual event with plans to expand to the other islands in 2018. “Wedding Week Hawaii is week-long platform designed to unite the wedding industry in Hawaii as well as to gain not only local but national and international exposure to our islands,” said Julie Aragaki, founder of Wedding Week Hawaii and also the publisher and executive editor of Hawaii Bride and Groom Wedding Style Magazine. “The wedding industry is a $220 billion worldwide industry and the goal is to bring more of that $220 billion to Hawaii. Many people don't realize that the wedding industry also touches the hotels, retail, dining and activities in our state.” According to the vendor sponsorship prospectus,
Hawaii Wedding Week features something for all couples, regardless of where they are in the planning process. For those at the very beginning part of the planning, the venue showcases will be particularly appealing. Currently, a number of wedding venues throughout the state welcome couples to their site for an annually or semi-annually planned open house, but by encouraging them to plan the dates of their showcases to coincide with Wedding Week, they all benefit from the additional marketing power and attention brought by Wedding Week. For those further into their planning, couples would find other vendor options attractive, such as the dinearound events and receptions, which allow retailers to showcase their wedding-related products and services. By the end of Wedding Week, couples come away with great information, leads on venue and vendor options and a fresh excitement about tying the knot. “Wedding Week Hawaii is designed for anyone planning a wedding to be able to do so in a week,” Aragaki said. “It’s designed to create an ‘experience’ for anyone planning a wedding or special event.” As part of Wedding Week Hawaii, a two-day interactive
The Wedding Café The Wedding Café organizes more in-depth weekly workshops at their location (as of press time, they are in the process of relocating from Ward Warehouse to Kaka’ako on Oahu) or at different venues (such as hotels, restaurants, fitness centers and even online). Workshops are generally $5 per person and usually last around 90 minutes. When scheduled, their workshops fulfill engaged couples’ needs for planning information more frequently than the annual Wedding Week Hawaii events and seasonal bridal expos. “Wedding planning can be super stressful and totally overwhelming so we hold our weekly workshops to take planning one step at a time,” said Lauren Williams, the “dreamsmith” who co-owns the Wedding Café with her husband Luke, the “ideatect”. “We'll focus on just one category of wedding professionals (photographers, coordinators, hair and makeup or even officiants), or a detail of the planning process like ‘The Entourage’! It's a simple, fun and stress-free way to do a little planning each week with the top pros on the island,” she said. Williams added that the Wedding Café is always available to “help with personalized recommendations, educational workshops and seminars and provide answers to all your burning wedding planning questions!” She invites engaged couples to come check out their new Kaka’ako location; take advantage of the wedding resource center/library; browse the displays of vendor portfolios, cards and brochures; and a relax with a beverage from the in-house Brue Bar while planning their wedding.
S6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT
FeATuRe
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
“Guinto Girls” get creative for weddings and special events
By Edna Bautista, Ed.D., C.W.S.
W
eddings are definitely a family affair. For the “ G u i n t o Girls”—Rosario Guinto Cruz of Waipahu, Maria Concepcion Guinto Bohe of Waianae and Cristina Guinto Cruz Hanzawa of Kapolei—sometimes weddings just seem like a family business. Each of them individually and independently does their own kind of work for different weddings and other special events. But when they are able to combine their creative talents together they can make any occasion a superlative celebration!
Rosario Guinto Cruz Many in the Filipino community already know “Cherrie” Cruz for her multi-award winning ternos, Filipiniana fashions, formalwear couture (pageants and proms) and ballroom dance dresses. But she has also designed numerous wedding gowns and custom clothing for the entire entourage. “I especially like designing for weddings because it is such a special time and I am very honored to be a part of the
planning and creative process. I can design a gown that is oneof-a-kind with the right fit and the perfect style that no other bride has. It’s very exclusive just for her,” Cruz said. “I can also help the bride realize her vision for her special day by designing coordinating dresses for her whole wedding party.” Cruz has been a professional designer for 40+ years. She learned how to sew back in Bataan, Philippines. As a child, she was inspired by her mother who made dresses and began to sew clothes for her own dolls. At 17, she graduated from the prestigious Slim’s Fashion and Art School in Manila within only six months, although it was supposed to be a two-year course. Her creativity expanded into floral accessories when she started to design headpieces and bouquets for the bride and her entourage to coordinate, complement and complete the style of the wedding wear. “I also make pillows for the rings, church veils, bride’s bible covers…everything they need and want for their wedding,” she added. But lately her passion has been for petals. When creating floral ac-
▲Cakes by sisters Connie Bohe and Cherrie Cruz
▲Talented Trio: Rosario Guinto Cruz, Cristina Cruz Hanzawa and Maria Concepcion Guinto Bohe.
▲The Guintos gathered together in Hawaii in 2015 when Cherrie Cruz’s and Connie Bohe’s brother, Freddie Guinto, celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary. Other family members came from the Philippines, Canada and both coasts of the United States. ◄ Cherrie Cruz poses by a tiered fondant cake baked and iced by her sister, Connie Bohe.
cessories for weddings, Cruz had used real and silk flowers and foliage before. But ever since she discovered DECO© Clay (www.decoclay.com) in 2007 at a bridal expo, it became her passion to learn and master the art of crafting clay flowers for special events as well. ClayCraftTM by DECO© is a type of lightweight, air-dry clay developed in Japan. Cruz’s clay creations are intricately handmade petal-by-petal using the product, realistically detailed and surprisingly strong and durable, which make for a long lasting, one-of-a-kind keepsake of the wedding. Cruz is also the only Filipino certified instructor for the DECO© ClayCraftTM Academy in the United States. She is among a select few instructors worldwide whose work has been included in both the 30th and 35th DECO© Anniversary Clay Art Gallery Collection, a Japanese pictorial book compilation published in 2011 and 2016, respectively. She expertly handcrafts custom clay pieces for weddings, whether it is a bouquet, boutonniere, corsage, haku lei
(head wreath), centerpiece, favor or other decorations, which have been requested by clients all over North America, the Philippines and Australia. Some of her clay flowers also adorn the cakes that her sister bakes and ices for family and friends’ weddings, so everything matches and unifies the entire event style and theme.
Maria Concepcion Bohe Cruz’s sister, “Connie” Bohe, is another creative member of the Guinto family, especially in the kitchen. Working full time at a military childcare center in Pearl Harbor, tending to her garden and caring for family members has limited her time to do more baking and decorating projects, so she only makes cakes for family and friends on special occasions. “When I retire in a few more years, I'd like to go back to making more sugar flowers,” Bohe said. “There are so many new decorating techniques that I’d like to try on cakes.” Her formal culinary training began after high school in Bataan, Philippines, when she
took food and nutrition courses. Although she did help decorate cakes for weddings and other events, she did not fully get into the sugar arts until the early 1980s, before her daughter turned a year old. “I wanted the mamon (sponge cake) for her birthday cake but nobody was selling it [in San Diego, California, at the time] so I enrolled in the Wilton decorating classes and learned how to make and decorate cakes,” she recalled. She excelled in the sugar arts, personally challenging herself to improve each creation, and went on to decorate numerous birthday, special occasion and wedding cakes for family and friends. “Today cakes are no longer limited to chocolate and vanilla flavors,” she noted. “Some request more health-infused flavors like green tea.” Tropical flavors are also popular in Hawaii and the Philippines, like coconut, pineapple, banana, guava, lilikoi (passion fruit) and ube (purple yam). Bohe also makes red velvet, mocha, lemon, spice and many other flavors, fillings, frostings and fondant from scratch in her modest home kitchen to ensure that everything tastes fresh and delicious. She also has made anywhere from simple small cakes for intimate events to elaborate multi-tiered confections for large wedding parties. She used to construct cakes with pillars and plates with fountains and bridges. But lately she has been making stacked cakes and cupcake displays, as they are on trend. Bohe noted other trends in wedding cakes: “White cakes are a classic, but nowadays brides and grooms want colorful cakes to express their pers o n a l i t i e s . M e t a l l i c accents—gold and silver—are also trendy. Textured, painted, brush embroidery and monochromatic-ombré cakes are popular. But flowers are always a favorite on cakes.” As a gardener, Bohe loves flowers and especially likes to (continued on page S8)
SUPPLEMENT HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE S7
FeATuRe
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
Recipe for Success
TV host and newlywed Brandi Milloy-Simon dishes on her “amazing” life, wedding and marriage By Edna Bautista, Ed.D., C.W.S.
I
t has been a busy but blissful whirlwind year for newlywed Brandi Lea MilloySimon. The television host, producer and lifestyle expert got married to Christiaan Simon last August and is expecting their first child next month. “It has been an absolute whirlwind but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am very grateful for this past year of my life. Timing is everything,” Milloy-Simon said. “It's crazy to think that I met my husband less than 2.5 years ago, and to think that we are homeowners now with a baby on the way is surreal!” She and Simon are very happy yet humbled about the bounty of blessings they have received so far. “We are both so thrilled. You realize very quickly how much of a miracle it is to create life together and it's something we aren't taking for granted,” she said. “I can't imagine living this life with anyone else. My husband has been the best partner, friend and companion. He's going to be an amazing dad!” Milloy-Simon hopes that their children grow up in a loving home environment like she has.
Fil-Irish/Iri-Pino Family Born in 1983 at Ft. Hood, Texas, Milloy-Simon is the daughter of a Filipina mother and Irish father. She has a younger sister and brother. The family lived in Hawaii for a short time when MilloySimon’s dad was stationed at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. Milloy-Simon fondly recalled, “My memories of Hawaii are filled with happiness and joy. Our family loved exploring the island and going
to the beach all of the time. It is where I learned Tahitian dance—the talent I later chose when I competed in pageants in college. Hawaii is where my love for different foods and cultures began. It's where I learned to love and respect the ocean.” She added, “Even now, living by the beach in Los Angeles makes me so happy every time I see the water. It is a huge part of my life. My husband and I enjoy playing on a beach volleyball team and all of our travels together have been to beach destinations.” Milloy-Simon has traveled around the world her whole life. As a child, she and her family moved frequently when her father served in the U.S. Army. They finally settled in Arizona. At age 13, she was diagnosed with scoliosis and underwent three back surgeries. Despite Milloy-Simon’s health condition, she maintained a positive outlook on life and went on to excel in several activities. She played sports (soccer and basketball), volunteered in numerous community causes and won four titles in the Miss America organization (Miss Sierra Vista, Miss Southeast Arizona, Miss Will County and Miss Tarzana). Milloy-Simon was editorin-chief of the Cochise College newspaper. She transferred to the University of Arizona and graduated with a
B'ellagance Bridal and Gown Shop in Aiea
Congratulations to Brandi Milloy and Chris Simon who were married on Aug. 13, 2016. See more wedding photos on her website at www.brandimilloy.com. (Photo by Brandon Kidd Photography)
Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism in 2006.
Community Contributor After college, MilloySimon moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she continued to pursue her philanthropic passions. She was a finalist in Oprah Winfrey’s primetime reality show, “Oprah’s Big Give”, back in 2008. Moreover, she was involved in numerous organizations, such as Palliative Care Association of Uganda, youth mentorship programs and church ministries, to name just a few. She continues to be a strong advocate for volunteerism and encourages others to give back to the community. She explained, “For me, volunteering comes naturally. Both of my parents instilled those values in my siblings and me at a very young age. I remember volunteering with my parents as young as 4years old. I believe each of us has unique talents, skills and gifts. We have a responsibility to give back those gifts to oth-
ers. Isn't the goal to be a contributing citizen to the success of our community?” Milloy-Simon said that she has “always felt called to working with youth and helping young people realize their full potential. I worked as a Youth of the Year Advisor for the Boys & Girls Club. It feels so good to know that especially during adolescent and the teenage years, you can make an impact on a young person that can ultimately change the course of their life.”
Pinay @ PopSugar She certainly has a lot of energy to volunteer in many projects, even though she works full time in Los Angeles, California, at PopSugar (www.popsugar.com), a pop culture blog and thriving media and technology company. Milloy-Simon is also a regular contributor and cohost on the Today Show on NBC, Guy's Grocery Games on Food Network and Unique Sweets and Chopped Junior on the Cooking Channel. And
she guest stars on several television programs and stations. At PopSugar, she is the host and producer for “Eat the Trend” and “Get the Dish” for the site’s food series (www.popsugar.com/food). There are a few Filipino recipes archived on PopSugar, such as chicken adobo, lumpia (spring rolls) and poqui poqui (egg and eggplant dish). She said, “I'd love to do more Filipino dishes! I think our readers are coming around to new flavors but it will still take time. Adobo is my favorite Filipino dish. I also love lugaw (chicken rice porridge). I still haven't mastered the way my mom and aunts make those dishes. I'm always perfecting my recipe but they are still SO good!”
Brandi The Bride By the age of 30, MilloySimon was already successful in her career. Then she met Chris Simon through friends at the end of 2014 and said her life became even more “amazing” (she refers to Simon as “Mr. Amazing”). During their 11-month courtship, they traveled the world together, even visiting her ancestral lands— the Philippines. “Going to the Philippines was amazing,” she said. “I'm actually the first person in my immediate family to go there. My mom was born and raised in Texas so she's never been. I was especially interested to visit and honor my grandpa, Capt. Eulalio Arzaga Sr., who survived the Bataan Death March. I felt like I had an obligation to learn about my heritage and to see where my grandparents and ancestors came from. It was an incredible experience I will cherish forever.” In October 2015, she and Simon got engaged in Mexico. Then they quickly started plan(continued on page S8)
S8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT
FeATuRe Tv HOST... (from page S7)
ning for their wedding and marriage on Aug. 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. She stresses that it is very important and beneficial that every engaged couple go to marriage counseling before the wedding because it helps save them from attending couples therapy later. “In a lot of ways, we spent more time planning our marriage than we did our wedding. Over the course of nine months we made it our mission to prepare for our sacred union. This included writing and creating our family mission statement, sharing our goals and expectations and going on a weekend engaged couples retreat through our church,” Milloy-Simon stated on her website (www.brandimilloy.com). They married at St. Brendan Catholic Church, where Milloy-Simon served as a confirmation teacher for eight years. “I have some of the best memories serving there… “GUINTO... (from page S6)
re-create them out of sugar (whether buttercream, royal icing or gum paste). “With royal icing and gum paste, I would have to make each petal one at a time and wait for them to dry on a rack before adding the next set of petals,” she explained. “Making and assembling sugar flowers is a long process but it is relaxing to me. My sister uses similar techniques to craft her clay flowers.” While Bohe does the baking and frosting/icing, Cruz helps her put the finishing touches on the cakes with clay flowers, ribbons, rhinestones or edible lace. The two sisters appreciate each other’s creative contributions in completing a custom cake. Cristina Guinto Cruz Hanzawa Cruz’s daughter, Cristina Hanzawa, inherited her creative talents, too. Having grown up on Oahu helping her mother prepare items for special events, it is not surprising that Hanzawa became a wedding planner. Her former bridal business, Bliss Design Studio, offered event coordination
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017 [T]hat parish holds such a special place in my heart. However, after getting married and moving to the South Bay, I passed the torch on to my team members,” she said. On their wedding day, they had a distinctive Filipino flavor at their ceremony. She described, “We had a large wedding party with eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen, two junior groomsmen, two ring bearers and two flower girls. And after we exchanged vows, the priest bound us with a lasso rosary.” Their reception followed at Duke’s Malibu, a beachfront restaurant with a Hawaii connection. It was named after Duke Kahanamoku the legendary surfer, Olympic champion and Hollywood movie star. As a foodie and former coowner of Sweet Party Stix, a boutique candy shop specializing in custom sweet creations, it comes as no surprise that Milloy-Simon wanted to have a unique dessert station at her reception. The sweets services as well as customized stationery ensembles (invitations and announcements), printed programs, party favors and linen rentals (chair covers, colored sashes, tablecloths, runners, etc.). Although Hanzawa enjoyed planning weddings and special events, she also works full time as an accountant for a local insulation company and is the mother of two young children, Chloe (7) and Carter (4). “I wanted to have a better balance in life with my husband, family and main job,” she said. So in 2014 she switched from planning weddings to running a photo booth company, Instapics Hawaii, which still keeps her involved and active in special events locally as well as allows her to express and showcase her creativity. “Hawaii has so many celebrations—from birthdays, graduations to weddings— year- round that photo booths have become a staple,” she explained. “It’s a fun way for everyone to capture memories.” Hawaii also has many
Photo by Brandon Kidd Photography
seem to represent how her life is, and she and her new husband wanted to share those symbolisms of love, joy and blessings with their guests.
Marriage and Mommy-to-Be As the whirlwind continues, just a few months after the wedding, Milloy-Simon became pregnant with their first child. To celebrate before their baby is born in July, she returned to Hawaii in April with photo booth companies. But “Instapics is more than just an ordinary photo booth company. We are dedicated to making your event a memorable one by incorporating all of our different design elements with your vision,” she stated on her website, www.instapicshawaii.com. Instapics offers an open air photo booth that is a twist on traditional enclosed photo booths. Hanzawa stated, “In a completely open space, we can easily accommodate 10 or more people in a photo, although 20 people is our current record!” Furthermore, she still designs custom graphics to “brand” the event with invitations, favors, centerpieces, labels, banners, tags and signs. “Every event I do has its own unique ‘brand’ and graphic design,” Hanzawa emphasized. “No cookie cutter looks!” Speaking of cookies and sweet treats, her company also sets up dessert display and buffet tables with graphic decorations and coordinating elements and backdrops to
her husband for their last getaway as a couple and took a “babymoon” vacation together in Maui. In preparation for parenthood, she credits her mom and dad for being her role models. “My parents always taught us the importance of faith. God was the pillar of our home. Church was important but they also led by example in the way they treated others,” Milloy-Simon said. “My match the motif, color schemes and theme of the entire event. Sometimes, even some of her mother’s clay flowers and aunt’s cakes and cupcakes grace these tables, which is evident of the family supporting each other in making a mutual event the most creative and unique it can be.
Family Ties Even though Cruz, Bohe and Hanzawa have their own busy lives, jobs and households around the island, they still keep close family ties. Cruz often babysits her grandchildren, Chloe and Carter. Naturally, Chloe is already beginning to exhibit her creative traits when playing with her lola’s clay and observing her mother prepare photographic elements for weddings and special events. “Chloe sometimes asks me, ‘Mommy, when are we going to make some goodie bags for my classmates’ [for the various holidays during the school year]?” Hanzawa said, noting that her young daughter is very keen with colors. “She’s getting really good at helping
parents are always the first to lend a helping hand and to go out of their way for others. I hope I can pass this on to my children so that they always see the good in people, are grateful and humble and kind.” She continued, “In regards to success, I plan to raise my children the same way I was raised and that was on the philosophy to always work hard, you are never too good for any fair work and attitude is everything. My children will definitely have chores, rules and discipline and not always get what they want. I think one of the best lessons my parents ever taught me was the importance of accomplishing a goal and earning the reward on your own. They were and are my greatest fans and supporters but they also let me learn from my own mistakes.” With a blend of faith, family, friends, food and fun in Milloy-Simon’s life, she definitely has the ingredients of a recipe for success! put together some creative favors.” Cruz is very proud of her grandchildren, children and siblings for their God-given gifts and faith. “Family is very important to us. We want to share our gifts and creativity by helping to make people’s weddings and special events as perfect as possible,” she said. Bohe said, “I’m very blessed to be part of a talented and creative family. We inspire each other and are amazed at everyone’s ideas.”
Wedding Resources Cherrie’s Clay Creations (808) 688-2199 https://www.facebook.com/Ch erries-Clay-Creations157345207644206/ Rosario Cruz creates clay flowers and designs custom clothing for weddings and special occasions. Instapics Hawaii (808) 391-4269 www.instapicshawaii.com Cristina Hanzawa provides photo booth and graphic design services as well as sets up sweet treat displays.
SUPPLEMENT HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE S9
MARRiAge highLighTs
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
LoNgTIME MArrIED CoupLES SHArE SECrETS To THEIr SuCCESS By Carlota Ader
H
aving a loving, emotionally healthy, long-lasting marriage is one of the greatest achievements in life. It is a dream come true like in the movies, say some couples who are lucky enough to have this kind of marriage. Unlike in the movies, however, marriage is not always rosy and takes hard work and a solid commitment. Three married couples share their secrets to having a successful marriage. Each couple has been presented with unique challenges based on their life situations: the Tamayos triumphantly kept a long-distance marriage alive for many years; the Garcias are that rare childhood-sweetheart married couple; and the Ilars managed to have both a dream marriage and dream company together.
Sam and Acela Garcia, Honolulu
Paul and Perseveranda "Percy" Tamayo, Pearl City Paul and Percy met at Bonuan, Boquig Elementary School, in Pangasinan, Philippines, where Percy was teaching. Paul is an enlisted serviceman in the Unites States Armed Forces. He saw a press release of Percy at the school bulletin as being the top examinee of the Education Board Exam. He fell in love with her picture first, Paul confesses. He asked his friend to accompany him to where she was teaching. When they laid eyes on each other, it was "love at first sight," like how singers write about in love songs. Actually, love songs played a part in their early romance. Paul remembers singing two songs to Percy: "Forever My Darling" and “Right Here Waiting." The lyrics had great meaning in the couple’s relationship. After a week of courtship and getting to know each other, Paul and Percy got married. They lived together for a short period of time in the Philippines. Paul went back to the United States and Percy stayed home pregnant with their first child. Percy eventually followed her husband to the U.S., but mostly stayed in Hawaii as Paul traveled to other places that the military sent him. They are blessed with 3 children: Apollo, a CPA; Venus, a medical assistant; and Mars, a registered nurse. They have 9 grandchildren. While Paul would leave for his military job, Percy recalls playing the role of both mother and father to their children. In 1995 after 35 years in service, Paul retired and it was then that they were able to spend all the time they dreamed of having together, finally. Paul and Percy believe marriage as a being a “forever” commitment. Percy recalls all those years raising the children
Sam and Acela Garcia
Paul and Percy Tamayo
while her husband was away, a sacrifice she made because of true love and commitment. They talked daily over the telephone and say communication is one of the keys to a successful, long lasting relationship. It was understanding, patience, unconditional love, trust, prayers, and always having faith in the Lord Almighty that kept their long-distance marriage strong. There was not a problem that they did not have a solution, the couple claims. Today, Paul and Percy travel a lot, go out as much as they can, join friends and relatives on functions. They renewed their vows and commitment at their 50th wedding anniversary. Paul dedicated the same song to Percy "Forever My Darling." Paul is currently working at the Department of Agriculture at the Honolulu Airport; Percy was just crowed Queen Grandma Hawaii International 2017.
"Love thy Neighbor" -- for Acela Garcia, this famous quote would prove to be prophetic. Little did she know while growing up that her neighbor and childhood friend, Sam, would end up being her husband. Acela and Sam are from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. They grew up together, attended the same elementary and high schools. They played, laughed at school, and did their assignments and projects together. After college, they decided to get married. Their loving relationship is no secret in the community. They are always together most of the time at Filipino functions. Acela expressed her strong relationship with God and the happiness she and Sam share as the secrets to their successful marriage. Understanding each other's needs are also important, Acela says, and getting through problems, solving them in a respectful and quiet manner. Marriage to them means loving each other with true love, forever, in sickness and in health and for richer or poorer, until death do them part, as says the marriage vows that most people take. True love to Acela and Sam means getting through obstacles together. Believing in each other, having trust and respect are important for the couple. They claim having faith in God has helped because without His guidance and blessings they could not have lasted this long. Having close family ties play an important role also in the success of a long relationship, they say. Together they are blessed with four children: Antonio, Shirley, Sam Jr. and Allan. They have 10 grandchildren. Acela is a Foster Home Operator while Sam has his construction business specializing in tiles and marbles. Acela and Sam are very active in the Filipino community and they believe in sharing by helping in the scholarship pageants like the Mrs. Hawaii Filipina pageant. Acela was the first queen of that pageant to start the scholarship project in all islands. Acela and Sam are hopeful where destiny will take them next. The couple believes they just need to do their part, remain faithful and enjoy each other’s company. (continued on page S10
S10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT
MARRiAge highLighTs
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
LONG-LASTING... (from page S9)
Jerry and Mona Ilar, Waipahu Jerry comes from Sinait, Ilocos Sur, his wife Mona is from Ilagan Isabela. When the happy couple met in the 1960s, Jerry was a Farm Management Technician and Mona a House Management Commissioner in the Department of Agriculture. They both were employed by the Philippine government. They got married on October 27, 1963. They are blessed with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. They believe having faith in God played a big Jerry and Mona Ilar role in their marriage and lives. True love, to them, is having understanding and patience. Marriage is also about always sharing, they say. If you have something special, it is something that we both own together. For them, this holds true in business. The happily married couple owned and managed their company, Jerry Ilar Realty, for 30 years, and is still going. When a married couple is in business together, good communication becomes even more important. If a couple can manage that and solve problems together, given all the responsibilities of both personal and business matters, that is success, they believe.
Marriage to them also means friendship. Marriage and friendship require embracing times of hardship because such occasions are not only impossible to avoid, but a part of life. Having strong values such as honesty, integrity, as well as a willingness to work hard and make sacrifices all contribute to a healthy, long-lasting relationship. Jerry and Mona want to continue to live a healthy lifestyle, continue to guide their children and grandchildren, provide them with unconditional love and support. The happily married couple instills in their children the value of prayer. After all the years together, Jerry and Mona are still romantic. Each night before going to bed, they exchange “I love you” and recommit to spending life together, forever.
SUPPLEMENT HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE S11
FeATuRe
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
Filipino Wedding Myths and Superstitions By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
on’t sweep the floor at night because you will drive out prosperity!” “When three people pose for a picture, the one in the middle will be the first to die.” Filipinos adhere to a lot of myths and superstitious beliefs that have been passed on from one generation to another. I remember growing up hearing from elders to do or avoid doing certain things to have good luck or to prevent bad things from happening. Many Filipino couples plan their wedding around traditions and superstitions. Their deep-rooted beliefs cause them to follow these traditions, outrageous and crazy them may seem, to ensure a fruitful and happy married life. Here are some of the myths and superstitions Filipinos believe when it comes to weddings – from the planning to the reception.
Wedding Planning/ BBefore the Big Day One of the most popular and adhered to myths when it comes to wedding planning is the vernacular word, “Sukob.” Two siblings getting married on the same year is not a good idea because it will bring bad luck. It is said that one gets all the good luck while the other one gets all the bad. Brides are also advised not to try their gowns and grooms can’t see their brides before the big day. Some also believe that it is forbidden for couples to be photographed together before the big day but with the popularity of prenuptial and engagement shoots these days, this is already being ignored. According to the elders, doing these can bring bad luck to the couple like the wedding not pushing through.
The soon-to-be husband and wife are also said to be accident-prone before their wedding so they have to be extra careful when travelling.
Wedding Day The bride is discouraged to wear pearls on her wedding day as they represent tears. Wearing such can bring unhappiness because pearls are referred to as “tears of oysters.” The groom must arrive at the wedding venue ahead of the bride to diminish dire fate. During the ceremony, if any of the two candles lit is extinguished on its own, it is said that the person on whose side the candle dies out will pass away first before the other. The groom must also let the bride sit first or he will become “under the saya” (hen-pecked husband). Dropping the ring, the veil, cord or arrhae will mean unhappiness for the couple so they say that this should be avoided. It is also believed that when the bride accidentally steps on the foot of the groom, he would be agreeable to her throughout their married life. An unmarried person who stands as a principal sponsor (ninong or ninang) is believed to remain single for the rest of his or her life. And oh, have you heard of the old saying, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe?” This is a long withstanding tradition that not only Filipino brides follow but even brides all over the world. Something old symbolizes the bride’s family, her
past and tradition. The bride may wear a relative’s dress or jewelry, or a lace of the bride’s mom’s wedding dress wrapped around the bouquet or sewn on her wedding dress. Something new is a symbol of the bride’s new life ahead of her. The bride may wear anything new like a new perfume, new lingerie or even new haircut. Something borrowed, on the other hand, is something that is loaned from a happily married friend so the bride can also have a happy life ahead. This can be a friend’s veil from her wedding, cake knife or cake topper. Something blue is a symbol of fidelity, purity and love so the bride can wear anything blue like sapphire jewelry or blue nail polish. They say that this tradition brings good luck as this represents the rites of passage.
Wedding Reception During the reception, breaking of plates brings good luck so don’t be shocked if you hear the sound of crashing plates. Doves are also flown during traditional Filipino wedding receptions. The doves should be able to fly freely and they should be together as this signifies that the couple will be happy together. Showering the married couple with uncooked rice is also done as this brings them prosperity. Brides are also advised to take the first bite during the cake cutting as this symbolizes fertility. If she failed to take the first bite, she might have a hard time conceiving. There are also myths when it comes to giving gifts
to the newlyweds. Sharp objects as gifts are not advisable as they could lead to broken marriage. On the other hand, giving chamberpot or “arinola” is believed to bring them good luck. These myths and superstitions may sound illogical, outrageous and non-scientific. To some, they seem ridiculous. In fact, some beliefs are even in conflict with each other. However, they still persist and are followed even in the modern age because they have been deeply ingrained in our people’s mindsets. Those who believe have the attitude that there is nothing to lose anyway if they follow these practices. My husband and I defied many of these superstitious beliefs when we got married. I tried my gown on before the wedding, we travelled together to the wedding venue
the day before, and on the same year I got married, my youngest brother got married too. We didn’t follow all these practices that have been advised to us. Despite all these, our marriage is imperfect but definitely blissful. Love and trust are what will make marriage work. We believe that the firm foundation that will make a husband a wife endure all seasons and pass the test of time is God alone. This is the reason couples tie the knot on the altar, to acknowledge that He is the third stand that will bind them and make their union unbreakable. With Him who is Love at the center of it all, even if all these superstitious beliefs have not been followed, marriages are bound to succeed.
S12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SUPPLEMENT
Q & A
Wedding & BRidAL suPPLeMenT 2017
Two Experts Share Tips on Wedding Makeup and Hairstyles
Makeup artist /hairstylist Maica Rubia show off her own personal makeup and hairstyle ▼
by Carlota Ader
H
aving the right h a i r d o a n d makeup are essential to compliment any wedding dress -- stylists say. It is one of the most important steps to looking your best on a wedding. For hair style and makeup tips, two experts share their opinions in our Q &A. Lawrence Gantala Patricio is a hairstylist, makeup artist, and event coordinator. He can be reached at Classic Beauty by Amy. Maica Rubia is a makeup artist and hairstylist at Arnel Lagasca’s Salon.
HFC: What services do you offer to the bride and her entourage? PATRICIO: I offer hair and makeup to the mothers of both the bride and groom, primary sponsors, secondary sponsors, bridesmaids, or flower girls. RUBIA: We offer services to all the wedding entourage because most of the time the cost is cheaper, depending on the number of people. Most of the time, the rest of the wedding entourage pay for their own makeup and hair do's. For the bride, I do facial, makeup and hair styles. We don't do nails at the salon. HFC: What services do you offer to the groom and his ushers? PATRICIO: For the groom and groomsmen, it's their option if they want to do a light makeup for their face. I also offer and help them with a hairstyle of their choice. RUBIA: For the groom and the other ushers, I normally just use light powder for their face and do a haircut to their taste. Most of the guys have their own haircut that just needs trimming. A good facial is highly recommended to the
groom to give him a relaxed and fresh look. HFC: What are the latest hair styles for veils and hair pieces? Updo vs long hair? PATRICIO: Wedding hairstyles are something that my clients and I can discuss. Picking up the perfect hairstyle are usually based on ideas a client might have, tips she might have heard about, photos of hairstyles she might have seen, or simply the client’s personal choice. For example, if the bride has long hair, she can do a partial or a full updo, depending if the hairstyle will match with her bridal gown. For me, if you're planning to do a June wedding in Hawaii, then the bride might want to try loose curls side updo with a bohemian bridal head piece clip of lace pearls and rhinestones. But hair pieces tend to be heavy, so it's best to put them in hairstyles that have at least some bobby pins. RUBIA: One of the latest hair styles today is braids, combination of updo's and curls. Sometimes, the hair style goes with the style of their gowns and the veil. It is important that the bride brings in her veil to match her hair style and make-up. For long hair, a soft big fluppy hair style is good and a little height for the veil to match it. I will always recommend a trial make-up or hairdo at least a week before the wedding to see how comfortable the client is with it. People will give comments during the trial. This way I could alter whatever recommendations the client might have later to adjust to her looks. HFC: What do you suggest for brides with short hair? PATRICIO: The only
▲ Bride Sheena Moreno's make-up done by Mr. Patricio on her wedding in Kauai. (Photo inset) Makeup artist/hairstylist Lawrence Patricio doing a makeover makeup on his client, Leilani.
thing more important than the wedding dress is her hair. When it comes to wedding hairstyle for short hair, it’s an option for the bride to wear hair extensions for partial or full up-do. If the bride doesn’t want to rely on hair extensions, then I can do the following: for hair with shoulder length, I can do wavy curls with flowers; for pixie hair, a messy hairstyle plus headband is an option; and or a teased up-do, Bob hairstyle with a hair piece and vintage hairstyle. RUBIA: For a pixie or short hair, I would suggest an extension or a braid on each side to give a fuller look, accented with tiny, white flowers, glitters or jewels. HFC: What do you suggest if a client is allergic to make up? What are some make-up styles? PATRICIO: if you want to look your best on your wedding day, I suggest to the bride doing a trial makeup, and to wear a white dress on the trial day. This will help her to get an idea of what her makeup will really look like on the wedding day. And on the trial day, there will be proper consultation if a client is allergic to any specific brand of makeup. The bride should choose an eye makeup or tones that will make her feel
comfortable so that she can be comfortable on her big day. Contouring is a huge trend right now. Bronzer and highlighter bring out your cheekbones and accentuates your natural beauty. It’s also important to choose the right lipstick and lashes. RUBIA: Some bride likes the nude look because they have natural beauty and charm. In order not to appear bare, I normally suggest a light makeup to enhance a brighter look during picture taking. A soft pink lipstick and a light brown color around the eyes will give the bride a warm subtle look. And eyelashes with full hair, not too long, will enhance the brightness of the eye. Just a shade of pink on top of the eyelid is good. This is appropriate for fair complexioned bride. For brown complexions, a natural beige foundation is good to lighten their skin tone. Avoid heavy make-up because it will throw away their glowing beauty. If by any chance the bride has pimples, the use of concealers always helps hide pimples before putting on the foundation. Again, a natural look concealer is best so that after the foundation, it will not appear to be cake-like on the face. It will blend nicely and top it with a shade of light pink or brown blush, depending on the overall skin tone.
HFC: What beauty tips can you give for brides? PATRICIO: In order to have peace of mind and if you want to look the most beautiful on your wedding day, I recommend the following: visit your hairstylist, go for a manicure, get a facial, do a makeup test run, be physically fit, eat healthy foods, visit your church, be acquainted with your immediate family and friends, visit your fashion designer and or ready your wedding dress at least one month before the wedding day. RUBIA: A. Prepare your wedding plans as to what dress, makeup or hair style you'll be putting on at least one or two months before the wedding date. b. Start eating healthier and exercise before you finally choose your gown so this way you will look better. Do not eat too much because you don't want to look puffy or dull on your wedding day. c. The week before your wedding is critical because you want to look your best. Have a good sleep every night so you look fresh not haggard during the day. Have at least 6 to 8 hrs. sleep and this will also keep you relaxed during the day. d. Do not use strong perfume. Sometimes, the smell of your lotion or body wash is enough or a little spray of fragrance will do on your wedding day. e. Always consult a good cosmetologist to do your makeup, make over and hair style before the big day. The color of your eye shadows, lipstick, foundation, also makes a big difference. That's why the trial method is highly recommended and most beauty salons do that for free or have a minimal fee. f. Always carry tissue blotters to help absorb oil and perspiration rather than a regular tissue to dab your face. Look in the mirror and see which smile, full or halfway, looks better. g. Bring your veil and show it to your cosmetologist so he or she can match the height of the veil to your face and make up.