The Wedding - Part 1 (Groom Preps)

Last July 5, 2014, I married the love of my life. 

These are the written chronicles of that beautiful day.

* On July 4, 2014, I checked in to my suite at the Raffles Hotel in Makati. After dinner with my parents and a late night visit from my cousins, I proceeded to write my vows on the huge desk in my room. At first I couldn't get my mind to settle down, so I went down to the Raffles Long Bar to get a drink (or three) and watch the World Cup match. The ideas flowed freely after. 

* Wedding essentials all laid out to look Instagram-ready.

* I had gotten around 5 hours of sleep, but with the adrenaline continuously pumping through my veins, I was excited and ready.

* Dad bequeathing me with the ultimate father-son heirloom, a swanky, new watch!

* Accessories for the wedding boutonnieres of my Best men and Groomsmen. Being an avid comic reader and toy collector, I personally picked the LEGO figure to suit the role the specific gentleman played and continues to serve in my life. 

* My college roommate, groomsman and one of my closest friends, Ken, rocking the suit and corsage.

* For travelling, long walks, and standing for hours on end, while still looking fancy, nothing beats the comfort and reliability of Rockport Shoes. Perfect for the long day ahead.

* It was a very relaxed and laughter-filled morning as I was flanked by my cousins, college roommates and closest friends from both Cebu and Manila, all of them my brothers-in-arms, my groomsmen.

* As the jokes were getting raunchy (as they always do), some of the stunning bridesmaids delivered a gift from my soon-to-be-wife.

* And it's the HUGE Lego Simpson House! She knows me all too well.

* Topping off the morning was glass-after-glass of Scotch. At this point, everyone was buzzed.

* Some more shots taken by our brilliant photographer, Oly Ruiz. 

Mr. Metrophoto himself! 

* Exactly a year before the wedding, I made a Bachelor Bucket List. I was proud to have ticked off the final item on that list that morning:

"Share one more toast as a bachelor with my father, best men, and groomsmen." 

* No regrets, baby! What a bachelor life, that life.

* Ready to rock!