CEBU, Philippines - It is the type of letter should be, at least theoretically, easy to write. When someone has sent you a gift, done you a favor, shown you hospitality or the like, you ought to express appreciation - and it should not be difficult to do. Saying thank-you in a letter, if well written, is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the friendship represented by the occasion for which you are expressing gratitude.
For every present received, whether the bride has thanked the donor in person or not, she must write a thank-you note.
The wise bride writes her notes on the day the presents arrive, for as long as she can keep up. Since the majority of gifts will arrive in the last few days before the wedding, she will undoubtedly fall behind then, but the more gifts acknowledged and thanked for quickly, the less she will have to do after the honeymoon. In ordinary circumstances, all thank-you notes should be sent within three months of the date of the wedding.
In the unusual event that a bride or groom is so prominent that the couple receives a large number of gifts, a printed or engraved card may be sent out, to be followed as soon as possible by the bride's personal note. Cards sent before the wedding must bear the bride's maiden name. In the second case, they would undoubtedly be sent after the marriage, so they should bear her married name.
Thank-you notes should be written on notepaper. It may be plain or bordered paper, in a conservative color or it may be monogrammed. A foresighted bride orders her paper some weeks before the wedding, some with her maiden initials for thank-you notes sent before the ceremony and the rest with her married initials for notes sent after the wedding and for future use.
Thank-you notes are signed by the bride because presents are usually sent to her, but a reference in the text to her husband makes the note more friendly. When a gift arrives from a relative or friend of the groom, addressed to him and his bride, he may write the note if he wishes. However in most cases, this duty falls on the bride.
For friends who do lend their time, talent or resources in support of the wedding, a hand-written thank-you is a must. You may also wish to offer a small gift to those people who have done something special for you, whether it is hosting a wedding party in your honor, helping with wedding day transportation, or participating as bridesmaids, groomsmen, or readers during the ceremony. These gifts need not be expensive, just something personal, offered with a lovely note expressing your gratitude.
Your note should include a reference to the present itself, not just a general thanks. It need not be long, but a special word or two about the gift shows your appreciation. Above all, your sincerity must come through.
The following examples may give you some ideas.
My dear Tita Carmen,
It was most thoughtful and generous of you to send us the beautiful crystal goblets. Wedding presents are always exciting and yours gave us a thrill I assure you.
We hope to have you both dine with us, and we shall drink to your health from those lovely goblets.
Love,
Isabel
Dear Ana,
Freddie and I were overjoyed with the exquisite coffee server, which now holds a prominent place in our breakfast nook. This beautiful remembrance of yours will be used and enjoyed constantly, with many pleasant thoughts of you both.
Thank you again so very much.
Affectionately,
Cristina
O.L.C.I only love can inspire
The acronym OLCI actually stands for Ocaña Learning Center, Incorporated, one of the ten private schools located in Carcar City, south of Cebu. The acronym can also stand for 'Love Only Can Inspire," for it is really love that inspired the founding of the school. It offers Nursery, K1, K2 and complete elementary education.
OLCI started in June 2004 with only 14 pupils. This school year, the enrolment has exceeded 150. It was founded by Agustin L. Sollano, Jr., who has the advocacy for education in his veins, being a son of public school teachers in their hometown in Borbon, Cebu: Mr. Augustin Mangubat Sollano, Sr. and Mrs. Dolores Mondero Lumbab, both now deceased.
Sollano Jr., or Sir Jun, came to Carcar, having married a public school teacher from the place - Rosenda Nacua de la Calzada - more than 35 years ago. The marriage "turned a Reverend Father into a real father."
The story is told in his book "I Laugh Only." His students at the Cebu Normal University, where Sir Jun taught Graduate School, tell him, "Had you not gotten married, Sir, you would have been a bishop now." He tells them, "[And] I would not have been able to found Ocaña Learning Center, Inc."
On October 14 this year, when the OLCI founder turns 75, more than 70 alumni are coming home to their alma mater. This is the very first students homecoming since the school started ten years ago.
Through the school, Sir Jun finds opportunity to help mould the character of young people, the "Fair Hope of the Fatherland." At OLCI, class instruction is based on Roman Catholic doctrines which he himself had imbibed as a seminarian here and abroad, and which he had preached from the pulpit for 11 years while in the active ministry of the Roman Catholic priesthood. (FREEMAN)