A month ago, I attended a wedding seminar by the Philippine Association of Wedding Planners (PAWP). At the start of the year 2011, I’m really looking for something I like to do and learn from the experts.
I always plan for events in the family, with friends, in school and even for the company. I know it’s stressful but I like what I’m doing. I have this feeling of self fulfillment after the event. Most often than not, it turns out pretty good for someone who is not professionally doing it.
I stumbled upon PAWP’s advertisement about wedding seminar’s basic course thru Ms. Jody Liwanag of Events Experts. I emailed her and asked if I can be part of her team. She then replied to me that there’s a basic course for beginners like me. I was excited and was willing to pay at once without hesitation since I can get the early bird promo for that course. However, due to work, I didn’t register for early bird since there was a plan that I’ll be having a business trip that time. However, the business trip was cancelled and so I contacted PAWP again and thankfully Ms. Paulette Tan of Demoiselle Events Management entertained my inquiry and so I was booked!
It happened last April 2-3, 2011 in Edsa Shangrila Hotel in Mandaluyong. The call time was 8:30am so I was there as early as 8:00am (di naman msyadong excited). I stayed in the lobby for a while and waited for 8:30am before going to Mactan Ballroom. When it’s finally time, I registered and entered the ballroom. There were already participants earlier than me. I should have been there earlier to bond and make friends. Plus, there was free breakfast care of Edsa Shang! (gusto ko kse talaga ng mga hotels, feeling prinsesa pag andun so I get excited everytime I go to hotels and best if I get to stay there for a night or so)
When I sat on the chair provided for me, I was happy since I was in the middle! On the table is a basic course manual (a big binder of notes!) that says “Wedding Planning and Coordination Seminar, Learn it from the Professionals (Basic Course)“.
Seeing that binder made me smile. I thought, the money I spent is all worth it. (sorry ang babaw ko! Hahaha. Kse naman, parang yun pa lang panalo na!) I placed my things and just checked the displays in the ballroom and also got something to eat. =)
At the back of the seminar table was a long table for the PAWP organizers.
By 9:00, we started the seminar. Like the usual seminars, it started with the opening remarks by PAWP President Ms. Nenita Zagala of Celebrations Event Specialists , getting to know or introduction and the moving on the topics/activities listed in the Manual.
On the morning of the first day, we tackled about the basic things we should know if we want to venture to this kind of business. I was thinking of venturing and changing from IT career to this but I’m still hesitant since I don’t have any professional experience yet. During the introduction, I learned that I was the ONLY one who doesn’t have any experience of planning or organizing an actual event like weddings and debuts. Then Ms. Liza Alviedo of Kasalan Coordination Services encourages me to follow my heart and try if I have a niche in this kind of business. She was also a programmer like me in Fujitsu WeServ before she became an organizer professionally. I was inspired but still scared and hesitant.
By noon, we had our lunch break in Lubang Ballroom next to Mactan Ballroom. When we entered… it was awesome!!! hahaha. 🙂
They literally made it like we went to a reception after a wedding! We all kept on saying “wow”, “cool”, etc. It was elegant! The centerpiece for each table is different to showcase the suppliers who sponsored the seminar as well as the cakes and photo galleries.
After lunch time, we went back to Mactan ballroom to continue with the seminar. In the afternoon we tackled how to plan a wedding, checklists and activities done before the actual day of the wedding. We also talked about the reception details as well as the wedding invitations. A representative of Edsa Shangrila also talked about their packages and advantages why it is better to have the reception in a hotel. (infairness, maganda naman nga talaga sa hotel pero kse mahal talaga. well, you get what you pay for.) We also had merienda in between and then Q&A after.
We wrapped up the day after the Q&A forum and they gave us reminders for the next day’s activities.
The next day, I went to St. Francis Church nearest to Edsa Shang and heard mass before the 2nd day’s activities.
On our second day, same as the first day, we again had our breakfast in the ballroom and started the activities at 9:00am. The topics for that day includes coordinator’s duties during the ceremony as well as in the reception. We also had our troubleshooting workshop where we were grouped together and was given a scenario and check what we’re going to do on times like that. It was pretty hard and you need to work as a team to be able to know what’s the best solution for the problem. Good thing everybody’s cooperating and everything went out fine.
By lunch time, again we went to Lubang ballroom.
After lunch, PAWP talked about Chinese and Filipino Wedding traditions and superstitions. It was then I realized it’s hard to organize a Chinese wedding. It is an advantage if you’re a Chinese if you want to coordinate a Chinese Couple on their Big Day. After that was something colorful, that is Wedding Trends by Ms. Bangs Zaldivar of 1 Zaldivar Events. Here we saw the latest trends in Weddings and we were in awe! There were new suppliers that offers their unique services that will definitely make your Big Day a one of a kind experience.
It was truly a fruitful and learning experience for everyone. I am so grateful to be part of the seminar since I not only learned A LOT from them but also gained new friends. I am excited on what will unfold in the future. We got our certificates after the event and took a group photo afterwards. Also, we got some freebies and suppliers list as well as samples and portfolios of the known suppliers. It was one productive weekend for me and for them too for sure!
Here’s another set of photos care of Baicapture Photobooth.
I am now trying to learn about this industry and gaining experience thru actual weddings and debuts. I now have 3 clients who trusted my skills even if I don’t have any testimony from anyone yet. Since I’m new, I don’t charge them for my service. Hopefully after my 5th client, I would be able to earn something from this.
UPDATE: I got a number of clients already.. those few who trust my skills. Thanks a Lot! ^_^
Philippine Association of Wedding Planners (PAWP)
c/o Ms. Liza Alviedo
Unit D, Lower Level, LPL Towers
112 Legaspi St, Legaspi Vill. Makati City
Contact number: 0932-487-3028 (c/o Paulette Dimaano – current Association Secretary)
Email: pawp2004@yahoo.com ; inquiry@philippineweddingplanners.org
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