Leah Jacobe Events and Weddings very first booking for the year 2011 happened in August 22, 2011. It was a hosting event. The couple were friends with my friend and I was chosen to host their wedding reception.
The wedding took place at St. Paul Parish, Juna Subd, Davao city at 3:00 in the afternoon. The motif was black with accents of yellow. All wedding details were planned by the couple and their families. All of them contributed to make the wedding possible.
At the church, I came ten minutes early and observed the guests, the entourage, and the people waiting eagerly for the ceremony to start. I wasn't much involved in the ceremony since it has been taken cared of by the church staff. Towards the end of the ceremony, that was also the time my role as Master of Ceremony began. Of course, I went to the podium and started roll calling names for the photo shoot and finally, announcing the venue of the reception.
The wedding reception was held at Kuya Ed's Magallanes. From the church, we took a 30 minute
drive towards the venue. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was surprised to see tha
t there were more people waiting there than in the church. To my estimate, there were about more or less 200 guests all in all gathering in that place.
I could understand since the restaurant offers very affordable prices for a buffet function. For only 210 per head, any couple on a tight budget will surely consider this place for their wedding reception.
The program lasted for approximately 2 hours. Since I didn't know most of the people in the event, I must say I had a hard time getting along with the crowd. Probably because I lack research on the culture of the people who were invited. Most of them came from distant places that have different way of life than in Davao. During the program, I tried my best to get audience participation by asking them direct questions and trivia, but to no avail I was responded with stares and silence of the crowd. This made me think that maybe they were all starving plus the fact that I was speaking Tagalog and English that perhaps I scared them to speak. Carrying on with the program was a bit difficult to maneuver since I didn't know how the crowd felt. They were absolutely silent. Nevertheless, the program finished off. It wasn't how I wanted things to turn out but I guess that's what happens with first time experience as a professional.
The wedding was a very unforgettable experience. Because of that event, I have resolved to hone my skills at impromptu speeches that transcends culture. I needed more flexibility in terms of wowing the crowd and so I have to practice, research, practice and put into test my ability.
I thank God for giving me my first show. I thank Him for using my friends and entrusting to me the simple task of hosting a wedding reception. I have not received formal training in events management, but I certainly have a lot of experiences in the past that put my talents in creating events to test. For many years I was trained through time and I thank God that at this time, I was able to share this talent to others, helping them in their special day and giving them cheer even for one day. I thank the people who gave their trust to me and expecting me to deliver the event.
Looking back on that first event, I take great lessons and special memories of the challenges that I was able to overcome with the help and grace of God. I will forever be thankful to Him for the people that He brings into my life and entrusting to me these people with the talents He has given me.
Raguro - Ilisan Wedding, August 22, 2011
