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Sunday, December 28, 2003
Yule say I do
By Jude A. Bacalso
First, the facts: flowers are 50% more expensive during December, venues are booked solid for Christmas parties, peak rates apply for most about everything. Is December still the weddingest month of the year?
“Yes,” chorus both Gil “Bong” Abela, Jr. and Jasmin Iris “Ai-Ai” Castillo. The two have, in a very short time, become among the most sought after wedding coordinators in the city. Between them, they have 10 weddings this month alone. Doesn’t sound like a big number, but look at it this way: that’s a wedding a week for each. Imagine going through that pomp on a weekly basis. Now imagine being hired to do the dirty work week after week for a whole month.
Unfazed, Bong’s Koncepts & More sells just that—concepts. “This is all about my passion for creativity. And I’m proud to say we’re very hands-on,” beams the marketing and operations honcho turned professional event coordinator. A single venue becomes unrecognizable each time he does a wedding there, depending on the theme.
Clients flock to him for his signature intricate detailing—from the flowers to the centerpieces—that place the couple’s personal mark on each occasion. “Cebuanos should know that what counts is what is left on the video—the styling that includes flowers, the makeup, the clothes.”
“But it is very Filipino to prioritize food. Couples often agree that it is most important that the guests are well-fed. Para walay masulti ang mga bisita inig ka human,” adds Ai-Ai, former Ms. Cebu Tourism and the city’s premier plus-sized model. “I would spend more on flowers though, it sets the mood. Plus, I’ve always been a flower person. And my gown.” Ai-Ai began as a professional wedding host five years ago until she learned the ropes enough to become a coordinator herself.
Now, her outfit runs like a well-oiled machine that even in the face of unforeseen circumstances, the show does go on. A couple of weeks ago, on her way to a 3 o’ clock wedding, she figured in a freak car accident which left her bloodied and badly bruised. “I began doing the ABC’s and counting up to 80 in the ambulance. Nahadlok ko nga mu-malfunction akong utok!”
Fortunately, weeks of advance planning had prepared her staff enough for the event to proceed without a hitch.
Mother Nature is the biggest variable for December weddings, though. “Especially when we have outdoor set-ups,” offers Bong. “December is a very rainy month, so you have to be prepared for that.” Still, the pros far outweigh the cons. “Basing it on fact, cash flow for this month is better…there are bonuses that the couple can depend on to pay for the wedding.
And family can be expected to come home during this month, so it is perfect timing for a get-together,” says Bong. “And since it’s at the end of the year, one feels like getting it done and over with…replenishing funds will be next year’s worries.”
“The month is already very festive. People are naturally lighthearted, and are…,” Ai-Ai smiles, “…willing to give.” As for the December-weds, the cold Siberian winds make for cozy cots, with couple’s eyes all aglow…finding it hard to sleep tonight. And it ain’t because they know Santa’s on his way.
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