I Will Sing Forever

music by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ

I will sing forever of Your love o Lord
I will celebrate the wonder of Your name
For the word that You speak is a song of forgiveness
And a song of gentle mercy and of peace

Let us wake at the morning and be filled with Your love
And sing songs of praise all our days
For Your love is as high at the heavens above us
And Your faithfulness as certain as the dawn (repeat verse 1)

I will sing forever of Your love o Lord
For You are my refuge and my strength
You fill the world with your life giving spirit
Who speaks your word Your word of mercy and of peace
And I will sing forever of Your love, O Lord,
Yes, I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.

Lyrics courtesy of DAYS WITH THE LORD

Songs for the Ceremony

Pondering over my wedding. I decided to search in the web for the lyrics of my favorite church songs that will be sang during the wedding ceremony. I need to choose a song for the following: Bridal March, Offertory, Communion, and Exit Procession.

The bridal march and the exit procession is easy, since I already know what the songs will be even before I got engaged. Its gonna be On this Day for the Bridal March and The Promise for the Exit Procession.What my problem is that, I have so many favorite offertory and communion songs. And I don't know what to choose.All of them are beautiful songs but I just need one for each part.

Hope you can help me choose the songs. Here are the choices:

Offertory:
[a] Take and Receive (prayer by Saint Ignatius of Loyola)
[b] One Bread, One Body (John Foley,SJ)



Communion:
[a] Lead me, Lord (Words and Music by Arnel de Pano)
[b] Here I Am, Lord (Words and Music by Daniel L Schutte)
[c] Anima Christi (Melody by J. Arboleda)


I'll be posting the lyrics of the songs so I hope you'll share some of your thoughts and recommendations. Thanks a lot!

Take and Receive

(prayer by Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Music by Manoling Francisco, SJ )

Take and receive oh Lord,
My liberty.
Take all my will, my mind, and memory.
All things i hold, and all i own are thine
Thine was the gift to Thee,
I all resign.

To Thou direct
And govern all and sway.
Do what Thou wilt command and I obey.
Only Thy grace,
Thy love on me bestow,
These make me rich,
All else will I forgo. (repeat 2)

Anima Christi

(Melody by J. Arboleda)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, give me strength.

Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds,
That I may never leave Thy side.
From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me.
And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee,
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints, forever.

One Bread, One Body

(John Foley,SJ)

Antiphon:
One bread, one body, One Lord of all,
One cup of blessing which we bless.
And we, though many, throughout the earth,
We are one body in this one Lord.

Gentile or Jew, Servant or free,
Woman or man, No more.
(ant.)
Many the gifts, Many the works,
One in the Lord, Of all.
(ant.)
Grain for the fields, Scattered and grown,
Gathered to one, For all.
(ant.)

Here I Am, Lord

(Words and Music by Daniel L Schutte)

"I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save."

Refrain:

Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)
"I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
(Refrain)
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My words to them,
Whom shall I send?"
(Refrain)
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, My hand will save.
(Refrain)
Finest bread I will provide,
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)

Lead me, Lord

(Words and Music by Arnel de Pano)

Lead me Lord, lead me by the hand
And make me face the rising sun
Comfort me through all the pain
That life may bring
There's no other hope
That I can lean upon
Lead me Lord, Lead me all my life

Walk by me, walk by me across
The lonely road that I may face
Take my arms and let your hadn
Show me the way
Show the way to live inside your heart
All my days, all my life

Refrain:

You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light
I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
Lead me Lord

Lead me Lord
Even though at times
I'd rather go alone my way
Help me take the right direction
Take Your road
Lead me Lord
And never leave my side
All my days, All my life
(Refrain)
You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light
I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
(Refrain)
All through my days
Lead me, O Lord
Lead me Lord .. All my life

On This Day

(David Pomeranz)

Here we stand today
Like we always dreamed
Starting out our life together
Light is in your eyes
Love is in our hearts
I can't believe you're really mine forever


Been rehearsing for this moment all my life
So don’t act surprised
If the feelings starts to carry me away
On this day I promise forever


On this day
I surrendered my heart
Here I stand, take my hand
And I will honor every word that I say
On this day


Not so long ago
This earth is just a field of cold and lonely space
Without you
Now everything's all right
Now everything's refill
And the story of my life
Is all about YOU


For if you feel the cool winds blowing
Through your nights
I will shelter you
I’m forever here to chase
Your fears away


On this day
I promise forever
On this day
I surrendered my heart
Here I stand, take my hand
And I will honor every word I say
On this day


Ohh, I’ve been rehearsing for this moment all my life
So don’t act surprised
If the feeling start to carry me away


On this day
I promise forever
On this day
I surrendered my heart
Here we stand, like a thread
Please say you’ll always look at me this way
Like on this day.


On this day.

This is my Bridal March Song

The Promise

(Martin Nievera)

Say goodbye, when I can hardly say goodnight.
And I can hardly take my eyes from yours,
How far could I go?

Walk away? The thought would never cross my mind.
I couldn't turn my back from spring or fall,
your smile least of all.

Refrain:

When I say always, I mean forever.
I trust tomorrow, as much as today.
I'm not afraid to say "I love you."
And I promise you, I'll never say goodbye.

We're Dancers on a crowded floor
When other dancers live from song to song,
our music goes on.

On and on. And if I ever leave your arms
I really would have travelled everywhere,
for my world is there. (refrain)

Fin: How could I ever say goodbye?

This is my Exit Procession Song

Pictures from our Ocular Visit

I'm so guilty for not writing in this blog for awhile. Preparation for the big day have slowed down since the two most important things (Church and Reception Reservation) have already been done. Anyway, I just want to share with you some shots that we took during our ocular visit in Caleruega and Chateau Royale Country Club.

A vintage fountain greeted us as we enter Caleruega

making our way to the Transfiguration Chapel, its located at the top of the hill.

A transfiguration statue of Jesus at the center of the garden.

The chapel’s front view. It can only accommodate up to150 guests.

This is how it looks inside. So serene, so simple yet very beautiful.

The entrance and the balcony, where the musicians and singers will take their place.

there are only 7 benches on each side of this chapel.

view from the entrance of the chapel. A picturesque view of God’s work, Nature.

a blooming blue and purple hydrangeas.

with my wedding coordinator, Ezra on our way back to the admin office of the chapel.

the entrance gate to Chateau Royal Country Club. This is where our reception will be held.

Chateau Royale is just a 5-10 minutes drive from the chapel.

This is the entrance to the main lobby of the club house.

This is the lobby of the club house.. adjacent to the very inviting swimming pool.

The pool has its on Jacuzzi on the side.

The Ballroom of Chateau Royale. Can accommodate up to 1,200 people.. that’s a Grand!

Reception Reserved

Yesterday, we went back to Chateau Royale to make our reservation. Now I have peace of mind and won't be worrying anymore about the reception. We toured the cabin lounge, which we plan to reserve for my family and entourage. Its a small 4 beds room with bath and A/C.. not bad at all. We also went to check out the orchidarium where they sell the orchids to their guests and visitors (I know my mom will love it there). Also we bought some lettuce from their organic farm which is located at the back of the Country Club.

Now, its time to scout for the wedding gown. I know what style and material I want for my dress, but who’s going to make it? I know its still a year from now ..but I've read somewhere, "It's never too early to look for a dress" or in my case "Never too early to look for a couture who'll make my gown". Good luck to me!

Chateau Royale Country Club

Now that were done with the church, its time to scout for the reception. We planned to go to Chateau Royale (a Sports & Country Club) after Caleruega but since its already past 12 noon, we decided to eat at ViewSite Seafoods Restaurant in Tagaytay and visit Chateau Royal the next time we get together. Since Ezra is an avid fan of the place, she guaranteed that the food is delicious and true enough it was very palatable. We ordered buttered garlic prawns, bulalo, echaladang manga, crispy tawilis and a salad, yummy!! And while we’re there, we also spoke to the F&B Manager about their wedding packages while we wait to be served. The place is an open restaurant with a very nice view of Taal Volcano. The cool breeze of Tagaytay is so calming and refreshing. It’s nice to have the reception here and we like the place. After having our hearty lunch, Ezra unfortunately had an allergic reaction to prawns even though she only ate 2 servings. Instead of going to another restaurant to survey in the area, we went to a drug store to buy some medicine for her. Since we are already near Batangas, we then decided to go and visit Chateau Royale instead of waiting for our next ocular visit.

View of Taal Volcano


When we arrived, Adrian and I marveled on the how the place looked like and saw all the outdoor activity that they provide (wall climbing, horseback riding, fishing, warzone). The last time I saw this place was it’s still under construction. We were excited to enter the gate. When we reach the lobby, Ezra was surprised that there were furniture and sofas already.The last time she was there, it was empty. She asked for their wedding packages that they offer and a sales person showed us the main ballroom.. We were in awe when we saw the huge room. With chandelier hanging in the center of the ceiling, an elevated presidential table and with tables and chairs around, it was a perfect hotel reception setting. I was holding Adrian’s hand, I looked at him and smiled up to my ears hoping and searching in his eyes some clues whether he like the place or not. I on the other hand definitely love it...As I scan though their package, it was a better deal than the other one and much cheaper. Then we walked out of the room and took a seat in their café over looking a great pool. Adrian was busy taking some pictures of the place as Ezra and I discussed the package...how near this place is to Caleruega, less than 10 minutes drive. She pointed a specific detail in the package..”A 3 layered fondant cake!” she said all smiles.. and I said “Yes I know” (I wanted a fondant cake with fresh flowers) giggling with her about other things that we saw in the quotation like the free room accommodation, the bridal car, even a bridal shower and most important – food tasting.. we are both excited and as Adrian walked towards us, I asked him if he likes the place and he said he did with a smile on his face..and I said..”me too”.. and so there, we decided that Chateau Royale Country Club it is...where the celebration of our union is going to take place.

I’d like to think that Ezra’s allergies was a blessing in disguise, because if it was not because of our need to buy her medicine, we would not have gone to Chateau Royale and may have chosen a different venue. God really works in mysterious ways.


Chateau Royale

The Transfiguration Chapel at Caleruega

The most important decision has already been made. The Church or should I say the Chapel.

Though we have already decided that Caleruega is where our wedding vows will take place, it was a different feeling and affirmation that it is indeed the place for us when we arrived in Caleruega for an ocular visit. As we (Adrian, I, Ezra, Butch and their son Angelo) enter the lovely and serene place, a vintage fountain caught my eyes, just like what I saw in some pictures online. We then went to the office, spoke to the caretakers and went on to tour the beautiful sanctuary. We passed by some rooms where a seminar/retreat were being held. We stop to take some pictures of the scenery below the hill.. Nature is so beautiful..God is truly an amazing artist. We then took the stairway to get to the roof deck that you can rent for the venue of your reception. And we went down to go to the other side where the beautiful chapel is located. It’s surrounded with pine trees, trimmed bermuda grass, healthy plants and sweet smelling flowers. Shots were taken here and there.. Adrian can’t get enough of the chapel, he took 8 different shots of it from the outside and 8 shots of different angel of it from the inside. It’s very small and very compact (it only has 7 benches on each side) and I’m imagining our family and friends seated side by side to witness our union… I was more excited than ever! Adrian said after taking his last shot of the Chapel, “I’m falling inlove with this Chapel” and I knew right there and then that this is our chapel, this is where my big day will take place. Pictures were again taken as we walk through the steps back to the admin office. And there, we reserved our Wedding Date: September 3,2005 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

First step...My Wedding Coordinator

I envisage my wedding to be simple yet elegant, small and private with nature’s natural beauty surrounds my groom, our guests and me. And that is why we’ve decided to have our wedding vows in The Chapel of the Transfiguration, Caleruega, Batulao, Batangas. And the reception will be somewhere in Tagaytay (most probably).

I didn’t exactly plan to have my wedding outside the metropolis but as Ezra have carefully conveyed her plan for my wedding; I was so excited that I’ve decided right there and then that Caleruega it is! We talked about almost everything, from the motif to the centerpieces, to the flower and plants for the chapel, the cake, the gown, the entourage, the flower girls, the place to stay, the giveaways for principal sponsors and guests, the reception…Gosh, there are so many things to do! And may I not forget the church’s requirements (birth certificate, confirmation, counseling) Thank God for Wedding Coordinators!

Though we have not visited the place yet, and have not made any deposit or reservations, I’d say this would definitely be it…we’re schedule to make an ocular visit on Aug 14 (hope it pushes through). I won’t be sharing in detail what the plans will be for the big day ( so that there will be an element of surprise)… just as a teaser, I’d say my wedding will have a Nature Spring Theme. :)

wedding coordinator

To get this wedding preparation on the roll, Adrian and I will be going to Imus, Cavite this weekend to meet with Ezra who offered to be my wedding coordinator, for free :) I’m so excited on what’s gonna happened with this visit. Drop by here next week, I’m sure to have updates for you guys..

He said, She said

Let's start with the engagement, shall we?  This is what happend last July 18,2004, Sunday (Manila Time)  He said and She said :)

I'd like to thank all of our friends who kept this secret from me, without you guys.. I woundn't be surprised. Special mention to Maya, who all along knew Adrian already got the ring from the jeweler and never made any signals not even via mental telepathy. To Eric, whom I always ask about what he knew everytime I get the chance to grill him about it. To Erwin, who is 7443 nautical miles away from us ( that's according to the link Erwin sent to me) and still kept his silence after Adrian sent him the picture of the ring and didn't mention a word when we chat online. And to all the others who knew about it but I was not able to interrogate... (you lucky you!)

Prologue

I have created this blog to share with you the blow by blow accounts on our upcoming wedding. From the engagement to the preparation  to the day itself  even until the honeymoon. That is why I named this The True Wedding Story - inspired by the show E! The True Hollywood Story. I hope you get to enjoy the ride with us. Wish us Luck!
 
Feel free to give your comments or suggestions.. we need all that we can get.