We would like to thank all of those people who came to our wedding and made the 3rd of October the happiest day of our lives.
We have had so much positive feedback from the guests saying that they have never been to such a fun wedding. Indeed the Gazebo and the Casuarina Suit looked nearly as beautiful as the bride.
Thank you too to those who sent the heartfelt messages they made the day complete. We understand the cost and effort involved in attending a wedding especially when you are from oversees.
There were so many highlights of the day with of course the main one being the stunning bride, the pictures of myself the groom almost captured the joyful raptures that I felt in my heart. I know that my father was looking down from above and I could hear him say, “well done boy, she is quite a catch and make sure that you spend your life ensuring that she knows that she made the right choice”.
The speeches were just fantastic. I didn’t know that Lilly was such a fantastic public speaker, my sister Lil moved me to tears as did my dear brother Pete. Weng’s was absolutely fantastic and hit all the right notes. What a great line up of speeches. Oh, even the best man’s was pretty good, a number of lies and misrepresentations but I understand that he was going for a few cheap laughs. I jest, I chose the right fella to give the speech and no one enjoyed it more than me. I have heard a rumor that Ty will be inducted to the Best Man Hall of Fame. Tremendous job Slyrone.
We wish though we had pointed out that the tables were given movie names. Each table had a small photo frame with one of our favorite movies, we actually spent a number of family meetings deciding which ones would best represent us. Also who was sitting at the aisle on the lawn? Those people were meant to throw confetti. What happened people? I guess you were stunned by the beauty of the bride. I understand, all is forgiven.
Well the wedding celebrations are not over as we have the Chinese dinner reception on Saturday night so in the meantime enjoy some of these photos.
On my way to Singapore last Friday I fell sick.Was it nerves or Swine Flu? I think it must have been nerves since I have recovered. Not having seen Gladys in a while it was wonderful to see my fit and toned fiancé. Gladys is famous in saying that just stepping inside a gym gives her a headache. Over the past 3 months she has been going to the gym three and four times a week pushing the limits with a personal trainer.A wedding sure is a good motivator. I was inspired by her efforts so I started to watch what I was eating and have been able to drop 8 kg’s. However, with all the great food in Singapore I may have put back on a couple…..Anyway, Gladys will look absolutely fabulous and I’ll look the same minus an unflattering middle aged belly on the big day.
We have just come back from the Registry of Marriage (ROM) and we are signed up and ready to go on the 3rd. Tonight the Best Man, Tyron arrives and with the Matron of Honor, Lily we will go to an Italian restaurant for dinner.Tyron and Lily have not met, thanks to face book those two have been chatting and teasing like two long lost high school friends. I am sure that we are in for a fun night and we are so looking forward to their speeches on the big day.
Be sure to make a note of our Singapore numbers, Philip 9198860 & Gladys 90172752
Gladys has had two hen nights the first sounded like a very big night with her old friends from Emirates, those girls know how to party….Gladys had done her dash on the first night so the second soundeda little more tame but she did come home at 3am + so it was not too bad.
The fella’s are playing golf on the Friday so if you would like to join just give me a call and I’ll let you know the details.
With all the planning and no shortage of mini-dramas along the way we are nearly at the 3rd. Thank you to everyone for all of your support and best wishes and if you are unable to make it to Raffles then you will be with us within our hearts. Our wedding is about our love for one another and our love for our friends and family.
Well I think we are all about set. I have to say that Gladys has done an absolutely amazing job at preparing the wedding.
It is now time to brush up on your Singapore facts for the oversees travelers. For our local guests please feel free to test people coming from abroad. Dan and Mike our two MC’s will be giving a test at the wedding!!!!
See you at Raffles on October 3rd.
Some interesting facts
Gladys’ ancestors come from Fujian Provance, The Hokkiens constitute around 41% of the Chinese. The most beautiful women are said to come from Fujian, Gladys has good genes.
Singapore consists only of one main island and 63 other tiny islands. Most of these islands are uninhabited.
Singapore is among the 20 smallest countries in the world, with a total land area of only 682.7 square kilometers The USA is about 15,000 times bigger.
Apart from Monaco, Singapore is the most densely populated country in the world, with 6,430 people per square kilometre.
Singapore became the 117th member of the United Nations on 21 September 1965.
Symbolism of the National Flag: Red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man while white signifies purity and virtue The crescent moon represents a young nation on the rise and the five stars signify the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. .
Buildings in Singapore cannot be higher than 280 metres. There are presently three buildings of that height: OUB Centre, UOB Plaza and Republic Plaza.
In 2003, Singapore's Changi Airport won the award for "Best Airport Worldwide" for the 16th consecutive year from the UK/Europe edition of the Business Traveller magazine.
The Guinness book record for the longest human domino chain was set in Singapore on 30th September 2000Formed by 9,234 students, it measured 4.2km.
The highest grossing locally made movie of all time is Money No Enough, raking in S$6.02 million in 1998.
More Singaporeans are born in the month of October than any other month of the year.
Nearly 9 out of 10 Singaporeans live in public housing flats.
Singapore's best showing in the Olympic Games ever was a silver medal won by weightlifter Tan Howe Liang in Rome in 1960.
Swimmer Ang Peng Siong was ranked world number one in the 50m Freestyle in 1982.
The Singapore Sling was first served in 1915 at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel The ingredients are gin, Cointreau, cherry brandy, Dom Benedictine, pineapple juice, Grenadine, Angoustura bitters and limes.
It is often said in Singapore that no wedding would be complete if there was not the traditional 'Yam Seng'.
An interesting Singaporean custom is Yam Seng. Yam Seng . 饮胜yam seng ‘drink to success’: yam is to to drink; and shèng is victory.
Well I all for that!
I thought all of us non Singaporean need to know what to do. I asked the bride to be and she reported that, “we will Yam Seng for at least 3 rounds. The Emcees will invite the couple, all the immediate family members and the "Yam Seng helper" (bridal party and friends) to the stage. Before each round, the Emcee has to say something (e.g. good wishes for the couple). The longer the Yam Seng each time will ensure the good wishes will come true for the couple”
“Members from both sides of the family go on stage to toast the crowd. "Yaaaaaaaam Seng" is shouted by everyone with a special emphasis on dragging the "Yaaaaaaam"as long as their breaths can allow”
Ok lets start practicing our Yaaaaaaaam Seng
If you would like to see the Yam Seng in full flight check these video/links in youtube :
It is only 40 days to go and the Invitations are sent
That’s right you should have the invitations in your hot little hands by now and if you haven’t then go check the letter box it is probably waiting for you. If you have told us that you’ll be coming or not let us know ASAP.
Now we have not exactly been inundate with responses for our blog regarding the section Help US. Ok, I will have to put on my best teachers voice and say that you have to step up and write a sentence or two, it is not difficult, that is it just type away and let the thoughts flow….
Ok! Let’s get typing, it will only take a minute……………
Help us....
We would like to hear a short story from you about Gladys & Philip as a couple or individuals (either written here or @ the blog). The story could be funny or heart warming
On the big day during the reception the MC will read your story....this will help entertain and bring that personal connection to the day. So put your thinking hat on and tell us your favorite story about the bride or groom or couple. Thanks for making our day memorable.....
Ok now that you have finished that task I thank you. You did do it right?
Now there are few people that are more organized then my sister Lil. I used to call her Aunty Lil on her insistence but that is another story.
She is very organized and she sent me her itinerary which was several pages long I have included her “must sees” (I added the Changi Museum) in Singapore are:
We have just come back from Singapore and it was go go go.We did the food tasting at Raffles and organized the bridesmaid dresses, met with Hannah the wedding planner and caught up with Gladys family and we all had a great time. Gladys was a busy bee. We did have time for a massage though….but no karaoke unfortunately
Q: I am invited to a Chinese wedding, what gift should I bring for the newlyweds?
A: The most common Chinese wedding gift and the one we would prefer (due to travel) is cash wrapped in red envelope, also named Li Shi money. Check is acceptable, of course.
Q. Why Red….It is all about good fortune
A: It is all about luck and good fortune, Gladys’ Dad helped us pick and the date, no you just can’t go and get married on any old day, it is all about….good fortune, we have already won prizes in two raffles this year and $90 in the lotto. With any marriage good fortune is important for sure….
There are no clear literary sources from which to trace the origin of the red envelope tradition. In China, during the Qing Dynasty, the elderly would thread coins with a red string. The money was called yāsuì qián (traditional Chinese: 壓歲錢压岁钱), meaning "money warding off evil spirits", and was believed to protect the elderly from sickness and death. The yāsuì qián was replaced by red envelopes when printing presses became more common. Red envelopes are also referred to as yāsuì qián.
Red Packet
The red packet looks like this with the Chinese character happy for our oversees guest you can buy them at all major book store or the gift shop at you hotel.We don’t really mind you use some other money packet if you prefer to do so.
Chinese Character (Happy)
Q: Can you teach me some auspicious words for congratulations to the newlyweds?
A: Bai Tou Xie Lao, meaning "may you two grow old together, and be each other's companion when your hair are white." Bai Nian Hao Ho, meaning "may you happily together for a hundred years."
Q: Any taboos at a Chinese wedding?
A: Certain people should not attend Chinese wedding, someone whose immediate family member just passed away... However, for the younger generations, these are not considered taboo anymore.
The wedding will take on a western feel with plenty of dancing to complete the evening. So make sure you bring your dancing shoes, the big day is just around the corner.
We are now in the home stretch with three months to go before the big day. Gladys has picked her dress and the Wedding (Dream) Team has been set and the guys shirts made by Archie the world famous tailor in Hong Kong.
I must admit that I had a wedding panic attack last night and quickly went to the desk and wrote a “to do” list which includes scanning photo’s, buying wedding bands, organizing music…
I will not panic, I will not falter, I need to keep focused….
Gladys has been doing an amazing job, organizing & coordinating. For the first time in her life being going to the gym. Nothing like a wedding to give a gal some motivation. She has engaged a personal trainer and is looking very, very toned. However, she is also busy going to ABC cooking studios in Tokyo where she is learning the most delicious desserts. The end result is that Gladys may be marry Humpty Dumpty as I am the recipientto her fine culinary delights. Not that I am complaining, she is an amazing chef…Oh….yummy macrons, chocolate cake…mmmmm
Ok, back to the wedding…..We will be in Singapore at the end of July, with a busy scheduled planned we would love to catch up with as many friends as possible.
We would like to introduce our dream (wedding) team. We have been blessed with the dearest family and friends. It is quite a line up! Leading the bridal party, Lily, beautiful, dynamic & with a killer sense of humor. She has a friend who has brought sarcastic wit to a new level, the best man Tyron. The beautiful bride will have two jewels of Singapore as her bridesmaids, Shirley and Belinda. Philip will have two ruggedly handsome groomsmen in Gerald and Joe. The MC’s for the big day will be a couple of dynamic Aussies in Dan and Michael, intelligent, funny and dynamic, these two will keep the party laughing……
Written by Gladys (myGirls)
Maid of Honor
Lily Low
Lily has been my best friend for donkey years. Lily and I have raised the roof of many a club back in the day and we liked nothing better then Wednesday nights at Zouk where it was Mambo Jumbo with all the great dance tunes of the ‘80’s. We have done so many crazy things together, even once living together with no job and money but in a beautiful apartment, enjoying a “Happening life”.
Lily works for EMC, a US IT company. She manages Business Operations for South East Asia. Lily has a handsome boyfriend, Frosty the Huskies dog. He is the most beautiful dog and anyone who wishes to date Lily, perhaps you should get the permission from Frosty. Lily is my dearest and most trusted friend and I am so happy and blessed that she is my Maid of Honor.
Bridesmaid 1
Shirley Lim
Shirley is my youngest sister and I have had the pleasure to see her grow into beautiful confident young women. She has been my personal assistant over the years taking care of errands since I have been living outside of Singapore for many years. We have just started our online fashion business http://princepessa-shopper.weebly.com/, Shirley works full time at the Trimarine International as a documentation procurement executive.
I am so lucky to have such an entertaining, trustworthy and beautiful sister. Perhaps due to my experiences as an Emirates cabin crew, Shirley is trying her luck on her own flying career. Good luck to my dear little sister, she will definitely achieve her flying dream once the airlines start to recruit. I am so happy that I can have my wonderful sister by my side on our big day.
Bridesmaid 2
Belinda Chong
Belinda, my pretty niece, is currently studying Diploma in Event Management at the Singapore Republic Polytechnic. She has the dream to be a cabin crew as well. I always ask Belinda to try modeling as “Youth and Beauty” only occur once in a lifetime. If you ever visit my online fashion webpagehttp://princepessa-shopper.weebly.com/you can see her modeling for us, a good start to her career.
Belinda has always been my intelligent niece, doing wonderfully at her studies. She is a strong, tough and determined young woman with a charismatic character. I have never had to worry about her as she is one young woman who knows how to protect herself. Some people might say she’s fierce, but I see it as character. I am looking forward to having both Belinda and Shirley visit us in Japan.
Written by Philip (my Boys)
Best Man
Tyron Giuliani
I've had the pleasure to see Tyron nearly everyday since 2002, we started recruiting at about the same time and we left and joined our present company Optia Partners http://www.optiapartners.comtogether. He has put up with my nonsense for 7 years so he is indeed the best man....We've been to Cuba a couple of times and tamed Lions in Africa, he's a great mate and enjoys nothing better then teasing my balding head and comparing my antics to Mr. Bean and my receding hairline and look to Vladimir Putin. Tyron has the most wonderful and beautiful wife Risa, not wanting to miss the spotlight she too is planning to wear a wedding dress on our big day. Risa and Tryon have helped Gladys and I enormously in Tokyo, they were the first people I introduced Gladys to when she first came to Tokyo. They are two of the funniest people I know and Tyron has been planning his Best Man speech for a few months. I am sure that this is going to be one of the highlights of the wedding
Groomsmen 1 Joe Rifkin
I first met Joe in Sydney in the early 90’s when he was a humble financial controller. He is now a high flying CEO of one of the worlds premier Seafood companies www.amandafoods.comJoe used to visit Tokyo once a quarter when he lived in Singapore and he helped and encouraged me as I started my business career – I am truly indebted to Joseph Rifkin. He has lived for several years in Singapore and ladies he is an eligible bachelor, although it would take quite a women to tame Joe. Joe is like family and I have spent many a Christmas with him in Singapore and one in Vietnam with his family.
Groomsmen 2
Gerald Bullock
Gerald and I have worked together since 2007. He's focused, driven and Tokyo’s number one Medical Device recruiter. Along with his beautiful wife Takara they are two very close friends. We recently attended Takara and Gerald’s wedding in Hawaii and were able to meet all of their family and friends. They are truly blessed as we are in having them as our wonderful friends. Gerald dedicated, driven, honest of the day is long and under the word integrity in the dictionairy, is a picture of “G”. He has helped me tremendously in business, he has a fine analytical mind and you should see him in the Karaoke box that is where his talents really shine.
Master of Ceremonies
Daniel McGrath
Michael Huberts
I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with two very funny guys and they have agreed to do Gladys and I the honor of being joint MC’s on our big day. They have made a working environment so enjoyable and indeed profitable. I couldn’t ask for two better friends. Daniel and Michael are both Aussies and both tall and great athletes as leading members of Tokyo’s premier Australian Football club, The Goannas. They have talent in abundance and they will keep us all amused. Sorry ladies they are both taken, Daniel is married to a fantastic women in Chika and Michael is about to be married to the effervescent Saeko.
Philip had finished the year at work in Tokyo with goals achieved and he returned home to see his family in Australia. The year had been long, stressful, and eventful and it was now time to leave the winter of the Northern Hemisphere and relax in the sun at his sister Lil’s and brother in law Paul’s home at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.
Gladys too had finished a long year her 4th year flying with Emirates Airline. The exotic life flying around the world staying in the best hotels and shopping regularly in Paris, Milan and New York was still wonderful, but living in the over-hyped, ready made city of Dubai, UAE had taken its toll. Her thoughts had moved on to a new start, a new city, a new endeavor, finishing that degree or studying Mandarin in Shanghai were all possibilities. For now for this Xmas 2006 she was in Brisbane on a stop over to Auckland and then back to Brisbane and back home to Dubai in bring in 2007. Life, however, is full of surprises!
The only reason Philip had gone to the city centre on December 28th was that he had forgotten to pick up photos the day before. For once his absent mindedness proved to be a winner. As he took a break from watching the Cricket on TV, the Boxing day test match between Australia and England and wandered around the post Xmas streets of Brisbane. He visited RM Williams where he randomly met a cousin, the clerk identifying the shared family name from his Amex Card, a book store to buy the latest copy of Fortune Magazine and a shirt at Country Road. His feet were weary and he wanted to eat ice-cream and watch the last session of the cricket so he headed toward the Taxi Stand. The Brisbane sun was warm and soothing as he sauntereddown the mall. Enough was enough Brisbane only has so many stores!.
As his mind wandered to thoughts of cricket and eating ice-cream he was brought back to reality when he saw, walking toward him, a tall, elegant, graceful woman; a mirage in the Brisbane sun burnt culture of shorts and flip flops. He smiled as she walked past. She turned right and headed down the escalator beneath the David Jones shopping centre. Instinctively Philip followed. Shyness is not one of Philip’s handicaps. He was drawn to this vision of beauty, could he, should he, would he approach her, he must.
Just as quickly as he made the decision to engage the exotic mirage, Philip began to doubt himself and fear raised its ugly head. This is silly he thought, “I should just go home to ice-cream and watch the cricket, she is in a shoe store for God sake, “Who says hi in a shoe store?” She then walked from the store and into the Coles Supermarket. Philip followed…..let’s be honest he stalked! He thought he would casually walk past and surely she would notice a handsome middle aged man sucking his stomach in and they would make eye contact, the angels would sing and trumpets would play! He walked by, he went unnoticed. He was now in the adjacent shopping aisle feeling rather foolish peering through cans of Campbell’s soup. Carpe diem and ichi go ichi e…he must a least give it a go. To live and be shot down in flames by the exotic beauty….well…at least he wouldn’t have regrets. He had to have an Aussie go!
The only reason why Gladys responded to Philip’s hello was that she thought he was the supermarket manager, a helpful Aussie shop assistant she thought. Philip made small talk and asked her if she was from Brisbane. Clearly she was not but he wanted to appear local. He asked her for a cup of coffee, she said, “no”. Being a persistent shop keeper and salesman of note he asked if she would prefer tea. She gave in thinking, “I have nothing else better to do”
Philip & Gladys had that coffee and talked and laughed for two hours and having been talking and laughing ever since. Two years later on the anniversary of the meeting at the Supermarket Philip knelt on one knee and asked Gladys to be his wife and being the good salesman he is had the ring on the finger before she could respond. Assume the sale, she then said yes!
We hope that you can celebrate with us on October 3rd, 2009
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