Lopez wedding: The youngest son of GALS

Most of my friends know who Tito Jim is. He is my mom’s younger brother and my youngest brother who is 5 years older than me. We basically grew up together with my cousins. We call that older child we used to play with our Tito. From Hip-Hop music to Rock music, riding the bicycle and skateboard, crossline, kalokohan & all.

New Year 2005

And then there's Paraiso ni Tito Jim. We felt like hanging out with him is like discovering a new paradise; paradise of reality. Paraiso! is something my cousins and I made up. It may sound as an excuse, but for us, it’s like seeing what’s ahead of us while being in tune with the current moment and having fun.

A glimpse of Paraiso in 2005

The elders used to ask, "Ano ba yang Paraiso na yan?"
We simply answer, "Ang realidad!" 

...And then Tito Jim told us that he'll be marrying his last girlfriend, April.
She's a few years older than me but I don't really call her Ate. I just got used to calling that; a name is a name anyway. Through the years, she was like one of us already. Pag kasali si Tito Jim, kasama dapat si April. Pag kasama si April, bahala si Tito Jim kung gusto niya man sumali or hindi. Ok lang kahit ano choice niya. LOL!

LOPEZ Christmas Party — December 2014

April was already a part of the LOPEZ family, though it ain't official..yet. So when they announced the date of the wedding, we teasingly called her "soon-to-be-tita" Excited ang peg.

January 10, 2014

Now that she's already married to Tito Jim, we teasingly call her "tita" April. They say that most jokes are half meant and so is this. Calling her “tita” may only be a joke but it’s also our way of letting her know that "you officially belong now".

Malate Church

When they asked me to be one of the bridesmaids, I immediately agreed knowing that I’ll need to walk through the long aisle of Malate Church. Thanks to my ever supportive bestfriend, Michelle, I was able to practice from when I learned about the news in May.

Syempre naka-costume din ang tungkod ko

Since Malate Church has a long aisle, they just told me to start walking from the middle instead.  I know I can walk through that long aisle but it will take up a lot of time, so I agreed with starting on the half part. Baka maubusan ng tugtog si bride. LOL May brother, Maro, was one of the groomsmen and escorted me.

He also escorted me when I joined the entourage during my besfriend Daisy’s wedding. This time, we were able to practice walking together and I was able to walk flawlessly without getting tired or feeling like I’m about to fall. I didn’t just doll up, wore a beautiful gown and joined the entourage, but everything I did for the wedding was my sincerity. I know they don’t really need it, but it’s my way of showing my approval of their marriage. I was a witness of how strong their love is and I’m sure that most of the people around them can attest to it!

Everyone took park in putting up this wedding, from April’s family to Tito Jim’s and even their closest friends. My cousin, Paula act as the wedding planner, Tita Angie, being a dressmaker created the bridesmaid’s gowns, Cathy and Mark of Timmy’s Oven brought their yummy cupcakes and giant photobooth camera and most of my cousins acted as the ushers and usherettes of the event. As for me, I was the cheerleader who brings in the positive vibes during the stressful wedding planning – those were only from the Lopez’ side. Of course the Policarpio clan contributed as well. In times like this, family is the best!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

Congrats & best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Lopez!