I took a plastic clay
And idly formed it one day
And as my fingers pressed it still
It moved and yielded at my will
I came again when days were past
The form I gave it still it bore
And as my finger pressed it still
I could change that form no more
I took a piece of living clay
And gently formed it day by day
Andmolded with my power and art
A young child's soft and yielding heart
I came again when days were gone
It was a man I looked upon
He still that early impress bore
And I could change it never more
~ Author Unknown ~
shared at the Homecoming Conference
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Intentional Parents: Homeschooling Conference Attendance
I will always love my husband more for agreeing to come to the 2nd Philippine Homeschooling Conference which was held las Saturday. Unfortunately, the Conference didn't turn out to be the venue for his questions and concerns that we were hping it would be.
See, because it was the initiative of Christian organizations (CCF and TMA), most of the talks were about God. Not that they weren't enlightening and helpful, but the Conference still left much to be desired when it comes to homeschooling.
Then again, they all stressed that homeschooling will only succeed if, like in a marriage, you enter it out of love for God. Because it's your faith and your values that will see you through the days when the going gets tough, when your kids are resistant to learning, when you, as their mentor, is lacking inspiration and creativity.
We did meet a couple from Nueva Ecija though who shared with us that theirs have been a rewarding journey in general, eventhough they've only started homeschooling this year. And the mother said that no child will ever exchange the time he learns from his parents over having friends of the same age in a school setting.
Personally, I have a problem with MY temper... but I really want a chance to homeschool my kids. I believe it's a privilege I cannot deny them, given the fact that there are more bad elements out there that parents worry about.
See, because it was the initiative of Christian organizations (CCF and TMA), most of the talks were about God. Not that they weren't enlightening and helpful, but the Conference still left much to be desired when it comes to homeschooling.
Then again, they all stressed that homeschooling will only succeed if, like in a marriage, you enter it out of love for God. Because it's your faith and your values that will see you through the days when the going gets tough, when your kids are resistant to learning, when you, as their mentor, is lacking inspiration and creativity.
We did meet a couple from Nueva Ecija though who shared with us that theirs have been a rewarding journey in general, eventhough they've only started homeschooling this year. And the mother said that no child will ever exchange the time he learns from his parents over having friends of the same age in a school setting.
Personally, I have a problem with MY temper... but I really want a chance to homeschool my kids. I believe it's a privilege I cannot deny them, given the fact that there are more bad elements out there that parents worry about.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Some Thoughts on Parenting
I know of a Mom who is proud that her kids don't just get to read about places in books, they actually get to go to those places.
And I know of parents who are planning their family size carefully because they don't want to not be able to afford something for their child. Another Dad I know doesn't want anymore children even, because he wants to be able to give the best things money can buy for his one daughter.
I get where they're coming from, eventhough I don't feel as strongly about them in wanting to provide those things. I mean, I do hope my kids will travel more than I and Pappie Jojo ever did, see more of the world and have a bigger perspective. And yes, I do hope I can provide them with good things... I just never really got sold on the idea that the good things have to always cost so much.
And after shopping for contents for our Christmas loot bags in Divi, I realized that inasmuch as I hope we'd be able to give our kids a comfortable life, I really also hope i'd never see the day when a child of mine will come face-to-face with a poor person and he/she will act condescendingly towards that person. I hope we don't bring up kids who'd measure their worth or our love for them with where we get to send them to school or whether they can afford the latest in everything.
And I hope they'd always be aware that there are people who are less fortunate than they are, and that they'd always be thankful for their good fortune... having two parents who love them, that is, and not being able to drink Starbucks frappes anytime they want one.
*~*
I remember my boss before, who told me about how her husband was a little sad when she got pregnant with their 5th child. He told her, he was hoping he'd be able to provide well for their kids. She countered him by asking, "how do you define provide? were you hoping to buy them each a car? because, yes, we cannot do that... but if you meant, we'd send them to good schools, provide a home for them, clothe and feed them properly, have family trips once in a while... that's certainly very doable."
And I know of parents who are planning their family size carefully because they don't want to not be able to afford something for their child. Another Dad I know doesn't want anymore children even, because he wants to be able to give the best things money can buy for his one daughter.
I get where they're coming from, eventhough I don't feel as strongly about them in wanting to provide those things. I mean, I do hope my kids will travel more than I and Pappie Jojo ever did, see more of the world and have a bigger perspective. And yes, I do hope I can provide them with good things... I just never really got sold on the idea that the good things have to always cost so much.
And after shopping for contents for our Christmas loot bags in Divi, I realized that inasmuch as I hope we'd be able to give our kids a comfortable life, I really also hope i'd never see the day when a child of mine will come face-to-face with a poor person and he/she will act condescendingly towards that person. I hope we don't bring up kids who'd measure their worth or our love for them with where we get to send them to school or whether they can afford the latest in everything.
And I hope they'd always be aware that there are people who are less fortunate than they are, and that they'd always be thankful for their good fortune... having two parents who love them, that is, and not being able to drink Starbucks frappes anytime they want one.
*~*
I remember my boss before, who told me about how her husband was a little sad when she got pregnant with their 5th child. He told her, he was hoping he'd be able to provide well for their kids. She countered him by asking, "how do you define provide? were you hoping to buy them each a car? because, yes, we cannot do that... but if you meant, we'd send them to good schools, provide a home for them, clothe and feed them properly, have family trips once in a while... that's certainly very doable."
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
I May Have Ruined His Birthday
It wasn't because he didn't deserve more, he just never asked for it.
And it wasn't because he did something wrong, but because I was not thinking straight.
It wasn't because he hurt me, it was because I was scared.
It wasn't because he wasn't there for me, but because I felt alone in my desire, and thus, my grief.
It wasn't because he isn't a good man, but because I am a scarred woman.
It certainly isn't because he's not the best husband ever, but because am not yet the best wife there is.
It wasn't because there were some things he didn't do, but because there were a lot I leave for him to do.
And it wasn't because he's not being a man, but because I was being a child.
He could have resented my tears. He could have dismissed my fears. He could have taken my issues personally. But he didn't. He was loving and gentle and giving as always.
So forgive me if I feel that thirty-two years ago, he was really born for me. Sounds selfish, I know, but if it was another man, I may be a less loved woman right now. But i'm not. I know i'm not because my husband reminds me everyday that I am loved... by him.
Love you, Baby. Belated happy birthday.
And it wasn't because he did something wrong, but because I was not thinking straight.
It wasn't because he hurt me, it was because I was scared.
It wasn't because he wasn't there for me, but because I felt alone in my desire, and thus, my grief.
It wasn't because he isn't a good man, but because I am a scarred woman.
It certainly isn't because he's not the best husband ever, but because am not yet the best wife there is.
It wasn't because there were some things he didn't do, but because there were a lot I leave for him to do.
And it wasn't because he's not being a man, but because I was being a child.
He could have resented my tears. He could have dismissed my fears. He could have taken my issues personally. But he didn't. He was loving and gentle and giving as always.
So forgive me if I feel that thirty-two years ago, he was really born for me. Sounds selfish, I know, but if it was another man, I may be a less loved woman right now. But i'm not. I know i'm not because my husband reminds me everyday that I am loved... by him.
Love you, Baby. Belated happy birthday.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Happy Birthday, Darling
I really cannot top what you did for Yakee and me for our birthdays.
And this was suggested to me by a N@Wie.
And this is what you are asking for.
So here's your official birthday gift:
We wish nothing but the best for you mahal... we want nothing but to love you and enjoy your love.
And this was suggested to me by a N@Wie.
And this is what you are asking for.
So here's your official birthday gift:
We wish nothing but the best for you mahal... we want nothing but to love you and enjoy your love.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Just Four Days to Go
... and it's Pappie Jojo's birthday already.
What can Mommy and Yakee give him to show that we know how lucky we are to have him in our lives?
What can Mommy and Yakee give him to show that we know how lucky we are to have him in our lives?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Making of Baby Ama
I don't think we really talked about having Yakee's head shaved, but it was one of those things we've sort of taken for granted we'd do. And since he's turned a year old, a haircut was only a matter of time.
But I know, we sort of didn't just have him get his hair cut. We had him lose all of it! We didn't even get to practice any of the baby superstitions I intended to practice... so I just hope the barber who shaved Yakee's mop is intelligent, good and lucky. Hehe.
Yakee was verging on being a nightmare at the salon though. He was intent on dancing and getting free of the car he was sitting on, and he kept trying to slap the barber's hands away. Our hearts (hubs and mine) skipped several beats because of the razor so close to our son's head.But the upside is... here's perfect proof that our son is cute. He looks like a sanggano, sure, but he's still cute and handsome and all kinds of cute! Oh wait, I already said cute... but you get the idea :)
Friday, November 07, 2008
Yakee's Harry Potter-Inspired First Birthday Party
Yikes... I know. Almost a month to the day my son actually celebrated his first birthday. Mommy has just really been busy and then Halloween came up to conflict with Mommy's uploading of pics and writing up blog post.
Anyway, allow me to proceed.
Overall, I would say my son's party was a success. We went over our projected budget but we didn't exceed it in horrifying proportions naman din. Plus, I guess it helped that I made sure I padded the projections and budget already to cover other unforeseen expenses.
I saw my nieces and nephews have fun, and the party was inasmuch for them as it was a celebration of our son's birthday and a celebration of hubs and me as parents (we mde it through a year, yey!).
With regards the theme, I originally envisioned a Baby Looney Tunes or Thomas and Friends one. I didn't want anything super generic. But since the birthday celebration will happen near Halloween, hubs and I decided not to go against fate anymore and give in to our Pottermania.
So we researched ways and means for a Harry Potter party. But I also realized that for a first birthday, I wasn't really ready to bend over backwards and go the whole nine yards. Nothing karir for one so young, I said.
So I restrained myself big time... and here are the results:
We didn't intend for it to be a costume party but when friends heard that it's going to be a Harry Potter one held two weeks before Halloween, they started asking if their kid can come in costume. So we decided to pander to their inner stage parents, plus, it's really practical as most of them are buying Halloween costumes for their kiddoes anyway. Might as well use those more at once, right? :)
Venue: DAZO HALL, PHILAM VILLAGE
Rating: Highly Recommended, if you're from the South
There isn't any cheap venue in Manila so we looked for one in the South. We briefly considered a pool party after seeing Constantine Place but didn't want to be saddled by injured kids so we looked for a hall. Good thing Dazo Hall is very near my in-laws' home in BFRV.
Reserving the place was easy enough, and it was great that they didn't have any exclusive caterers or whatever. The clerk attending to the bookings can seem snobbish or moody sometimes, but maybe it's just PMS talking. She answers questions to the best of her abilities anyway and immediately processed the car passes and our refund.
The Hall is freshly-painted and once the air-conditioning is ON, it's really cool and comfy inside. Absolutely a good bargain, this one.
Caterer: HONEY'S BY KIMCHI
Rating: Highly Recommended, especially if you're from the South
Lady, the super soft-spoken gal managing Honey's now, is my husband's former colleague. They'd always cater the corporate events for hubs and company and i've tried their fare at their Christmas Party last year and knew that they really serve great-tasting food.
Plus, i'm a sucker for Chap Chae (Korean noodle dish) so it was a must that we get them for Yakee's party (and yes, it's my party too! hehe).
Everybody loved the food! My in-laws even happily argued over the leftovers. They even loved the spaghetti which we ordered for the kids. We got their cheapest meal package (P270/head) because that was all we could afford but that includes Stew Beef Ribs (a crowd favorite as well), Spicy Chicken, Tanigue Fish Fillet, Chap Chae, Buttered Veggies, Rice, Buko Pandan and Iced Tea. The kids had chicken lollipop with their spaghetti.
They were there early... they helped clean the venue after... the waiters were accommodating... the setup was nice. I don't think they're like other more popular caterers who can really do particular themes and setups but I didn't need that anyway. And hubs and I were more OC about people enjoying the food, as we were in our wedding.
I really would recommend them to everyone and I know I wouldn't lose face. And hubs and I are not easily pleased by caterers at all so this really means a lot.
Photographer: GING LORENZO
Rating: Highly recomemmnded, if you can wait for the pictures
The only downside to hiring Ging that I can think of is really awaiting the pics, which she sends to her clients at least two weeks after the event. But the wait was more than worth it because she really managed to capture the activity and emotion of the party... something I, as the hostess, didn't really get to enjoy because I was attending to so many things, least of all Yakee.
A regret I have, which is my folly and not hers, is not remembering to ask for more portraits... like of Yakee with his grandparents, or Yakee with his cousins. It was the perfect photo opp for such as both sides of his family were there and we missed it. Then again, good luck keeping my son still for contrived photo opps :)
And I really, really super like the effort Ging puts into packaging her output. The DVD containing my son's pics was personalized, its casing more so. And the DVD and printed copies were also lovingly wrapped in fuchsia and white tissue paper (sorry, was too eager to open the package to take a picture of the packaging). I super love her!
Plus, I forgot to e-mail her a list of shots I wanted but she managed to take pictures of all the important details just the same. Oh and we booked Ging first before all the other suppliers. I am also OC with having proper pictures so we set a date very early on and booked her na.
Entertainment: BUBBLE SHOW by Party Tools
Rating: The Bubble Show is Highly-Recommended, also a South supplier
Contact details: 821-6358 / 0922-8621125 / party_tools2007@yahoo.com
I was actually intent on getting the services of Polkadots because i've attended several parties which Jhoanne handled and knew I could trust her with my son's party. Jhoanne was also kind enough to answer my initial questions when I was panicking, and straightforward about the out-of-town charges her suppliers might ask for given that they're mostly a QC-based business and our event is in the South, and gracious enough to wish me well when I told her that we're looking for a South supplier instead to avoid the added charges.
Since we didn't know any South supplier, hubs scoured the area near his office during break and found Party Tools (based in Better Living). Their Bubble Show package already included hosting so we decided to book them already. We figured, where kids are concerned, bubbles are fun, period. This was a risk we took because we didn't know if they'd deliver (and which parents would really want bored guests?). But anyway, the show delivered and the kiddie guests had a blast.
I originally wanted a cyclist/juggler because I didn't want the generic magic act and clowns because the kid guests probably have seen them all. I wanted the kid guests to remember Yakee's party after all. The hosting part was okay, the kids were responding anyway. And the host did come in a sort of Harry Potter costume. The magic act was kinda lame, I was told, but not THAT lame din to have the kids boycotting the host. The bubble show was a blast! I just know it was a hit with the kids. And it's great that they made sure not to leave the place messy after the bubble show.
Overall, Party Tools helped make my son's party a suceess and am happy about it.
Sound System: PARTY TOOLS
Rating: Recommended
Nothing to say really... we were happy with their output. There wasn't any problem at all with the music or mic.
Ice Cream: PARTY TOOLS
Rating: Recommended
We couldn't NOT have ice cream, but seeing as we were investing on a dessert bar, we decided that any ice cream would do. At P2k for 6 gallons (3 flavors), it was a steal. However, there was a slight annoyance that happened.
I had caramel and chocolate syrup for the ice cream, in case guests wanted to further sweeten theirs (plus, it was just dirty ice cream so it might need some spicing up). My SIL gave the sorbetero the syrups but I didn't see anyone using them. And he did not return the bottles to us. Nor did the sorbetero tell me if the ice cream were all eaten up, didn't offer for us to bring the leftovers home (since it was paid for). Family members who were eating ice cream were sure we didn't consume the 6 gallons since everyone was bingeing on cookies and cupcakes.
I debated on whether to bring this to the attention of the Party Tools' management but hubs told me to just let it go. The sorbetero could have mistaken that SIL was just giving him the syrup, after all. And it's not like anybody had space for ice cream after the event anyway.
Cake: ALEX FRANCO (for original birthday cake) and RED RIBBON (for party cake)
Rating: Highly Recommended
We did not have enough money to spend on themed cakes (that would be all edible) and I really wanted an Alex Franco cake for my son's real birthday (okay fine, the cake was really for me!). So we just chose a cake at Red Ribbon, arranged for particular colors to be used instead to decorate it, and paid extra for caramel sauce in between the chocolate chiffon cake.
Considering that we had two Alex Franco cakes, we could have actually spent on a themed cake instead. Still, we did have a dessert bar. :)
Cake was nice, considering it was a commercial one. The extra caramel sauce didn't make it taste too sweet either. The colored icing stained our teeths and the kiddies' poops though. Hehe.
Balloons and Decor: PARTY BOOSTERS
Rating: Highly-Recommended
In a way, twas already a given from the start that Jacque will do my son's decor ever since she started her balloon/party business. After all, she's my friend and she's invited to the party anyway so she might as well contribute to it.
BUT... I wouldn't have gotten her services if I wasn't positive she'd deliver well. I am not known for kindness and charity work. Hehe. And to Jacque's credit, she never asked me to get suppliers from her, even when she already has contacts for entertainment and hosting, etc. She even offered to just help me plan the party and get the suppliers I really wanted.
Well, I wanted her. And I love the setup she did considering we were pressed for time (because there was an event before ours in the same venue). She arrived in Las Pinas an hour before I was expecting her and immediately set to work. And eventhough we were friends, she was very professional (hello, OA nga, she didn't even expect that we'd feed them at my MIL's where they were making the initial balloon decor). She did help me get what I want for the budget I do have, which she does for all her clients anyway.
I love her all the more. And one of the balloon pillars that we took home to my MIL's is still standing strong and good. Everybody loved the balloons and she did manage to create the right party mood for my son's celebration (partida, she's not a Potterhead... then again, around 98% of our guests aren't as well). Oh and she got more stressed about the decor, she was the one texting me pa. Lolz.
take home balloons
Costume: SM and a Neighborhood Tailor
Materials for Gryffindor Quidditch Robe: Ylaya shop in Divisoria and embroidery shop in Quiapo
Level of satisfaction: Very Good
I knew I wanted a Gryffindor Quidditch Robe to be Yakee's outfit because it's colorful (maroon and gold). So I bought abrics in Divisoria (P75/yard) and had the neighborhood tailor make it. I can't fault them for the tailoring, it was really well made. But the pointy thing they did to the hood is such an eyesore really... but although I could have nagged them to redo the outfit, I decided to just let it go. I know better than trust tem with costumes again, of course. The robe cost P500.
Then hubs scouted SM for a round pair of glasses to complete the look and found instead a Hogwarts uniform-looking robe, which he bought naman for P300. That's why Yakee was made to pose in the uniform robe for his party stationery and tarp but donned the Quidditch robe at the party.
The robe outfit is also why I insisted on an air-conditioned venue.
I also went to Quiapo to have a Gryffindor patch made. It cost P50 per patch. It didn't look as nice as I expected but it was okay for this one-time use. If you have any design in mind, just draw or print it and go to any of the shops along Quiapo (past Ma Mon Luk and near Isetann Recto, those making labels for school uniforms). SIL was a dear, however, and found Gryffindor ties and painstakingly painted plastic glasses black for Yakee.
With unruly hair, my darling was the picture of Harry Potter!!!
with Andy's broom
Miscellaneous Stuff and Labor of Love
Prizes: Miscellaneous Stuff from New Divisoria Mall
Turned out, I bought way too many prizes. And I had to settle for cheap pencils with designs for the pencil toppers I found. But all in all, Divi was a haven for these cheap buys.
Giveaways: Loot Bags
Bought the plastic bags in Divi (P15 for a set of 10) and just put on Thank You stickers at the back (the Thank You stickers were patterned from Sirius Black's wanted poster from the Harry Potter films). We made two sets of loot bags, one which contained a Halloween book as main giveaway while the rst contained snake tubes we bought in a duty-free shop in Pampanga months ago. The bags with books were for babies, since they couldn't really enjoy the snake tubes just yet.
One booboo though... I forgot to remove the prize tags from the snake tubes. And I forgot to include some sort of instruction for them so I had some guests who admitted to having put them in the freezer, wondering what it's for. Hehe.
Giveaways: Candies
Mostly candies brought by my Mom from the US, like gourmet jellybeans, Welch's Reduced Sugar Fruit Snacks, miscellaneous candies (caramel, tootsie roll, etc.). I also bought chocolates at Chocolate Lover, egg and round-shaped ones covered in red and yellow foil, plus these ones that look like bugs or something.
I just repackaged what I could in smaller plastic envelopes and packed all candies in brown bags. Most of the candies were supposed to be awarded to those who made the extra outfit to come in costume but since we ended up making lots of those bags, they became a generic giveaway instead (besides, I doubt the parents were exactly pleased that we were giving away too much sweets). Even hubs' colleagues got to take home sweets.
Giveaways: Bubbles
I should have bought the individually-wrapped ones because the ones that came in a pack of 24 don't really bubble much. Bought in Divi, of course.
Giveaways: Craft Visors
These were sent by our Inang Kasal from the US. The caps were these felt/craft ones and our beloved Ninang also sent us stick-on stickers (elements and alphas) to decorate the caps with. My ever creative SIL volunteered to decorate it and she managed to extend the craft stickers by industriously cutting them up into smaller triangles and diamonds. Anyway, the craft caps were absolutely fantastic and very personalized.
My SILs were supposed to greet guests at the door and give the caps there but they were late (as we all were) so I just listed the names of the kiddie guests and SIL and BIL named each cap accordingly.
Dessert Bar: Labor of Love by Arevalo SILs
The idea of a dessert bar came from Jacque, when her SIL prepared one for Simone's 1st birthday. It's actually perfect for a Harry Potter-inspired party because of all the Hogsmeade sweets and feasts at the Great hall in the book.
And then we discovered this wonderful chocolate chip recipe and baking became a regular thing we do at MILs (hubs' sister takes charge while I and SIL-to-be help). And when my Mom sent me cake mixes, we made cupcakes. So it was just natural that we'd want to bake the goodies ourselves for Yakee's birthday. SIL baked the black and white cookies at midnight, when her own daughter was already asleep, and she woke up very early to pipe the cupcakes with icing.
the dessert bar
For the cupcakes, we used yellow cake mixes (love you, Betty Crocker) instead of making them from scratch (which would have been cheaper though) and flavored a package with cocoa powder (for chocolate cupcakes) and the other with Ghirardelli white mocha powder. For variety. We used coness dipped in colored chocolates to evoke witch hats.
For the cookies, we used sprinkles, colored sugar, mocha chips, chocolate chips and coated chocolates to decorate. This recipe of choco chip cookies (the light brown ones) is a gem, and am sorry but i'm still holding the recipe for the black and white cookies (the dark brown ones) hostage.
To decorate the dessert bar, we used chocolates from Chocolate Lover wrapped in gold foil... and SIL also put on some little bugs and spiders for added Halloween touch.
freshly baked cookies
freshly baked cupcakes
bugs at the dessert bar
Tarp: DIY by Mommy
Printed by: Mitsubishi Photo Printing
All I did, as with the invites, was Google for Harry Potter posters and edit using Photoshop.
It cost us P375 to have the tarp printed (3x5 feet) at Mitsubishi and it takes them two days for this service (because they actually have their shop in Divisoria print it for them). For an additional P150, they can do the layout for you.
Stickers: DIY by Mommy
Again, Google pictures (this time, I used avaialable cartoon pics and put balloons on them). Thanks to our wonderful colored printer and CDR King for cheap ink too.
Other Harry Potter Stuff:
Daily Prophet Newsletters - DIY
Napkins and Paper Plates - c/o SIL (bought from a bazaar)
The Grand gallery of Pictures
====
Special Credits:
Tita Ninang Gang and Rez, not just for taking care of Yakee while Mommy does all the DIY stuff, and for offering feedback and criticisms, but for being the secondary caregivers of my son ever since he was born.
My Arevalo SILs, for baking and babysitting, for decorating and all the delegated work, for all the love and the excitement, and for all the bonding time. Yakee is also thankful, am sure, for her pretty Ates from them.
Pappie Jojo, who worked hard to come up with the money for the party, who oversaw the preparations while Mommy and Yakee napped before the party, who shall always be the best husband and father there can ever be.
(grabe, the suppliers ratings got finished a month after Yakee's actual birthday...)
Anyway, allow me to proceed.
Overall, I would say my son's party was a success. We went over our projected budget but we didn't exceed it in horrifying proportions naman din. Plus, I guess it helped that I made sure I padded the projections and budget already to cover other unforeseen expenses.
I saw my nieces and nephews have fun, and the party was inasmuch for them as it was a celebration of our son's birthday and a celebration of hubs and me as parents (we mde it through a year, yey!).
With regards the theme, I originally envisioned a Baby Looney Tunes or Thomas and Friends one. I didn't want anything super generic. But since the birthday celebration will happen near Halloween, hubs and I decided not to go against fate anymore and give in to our Pottermania.
So we researched ways and means for a Harry Potter party. But I also realized that for a first birthday, I wasn't really ready to bend over backwards and go the whole nine yards. Nothing karir for one so young, I said.
So I restrained myself big time... and here are the results:
We didn't intend for it to be a costume party but when friends heard that it's going to be a Harry Potter one held two weeks before Halloween, they started asking if their kid can come in costume. So we decided to pander to their inner stage parents, plus, it's really practical as most of them are buying Halloween costumes for their kiddoes anyway. Might as well use those more at once, right? :)
Venue: DAZO HALL, PHILAM VILLAGE
Rating: Highly Recommended, if you're from the South
There isn't any cheap venue in Manila so we looked for one in the South. We briefly considered a pool party after seeing Constantine Place but didn't want to be saddled by injured kids so we looked for a hall. Good thing Dazo Hall is very near my in-laws' home in BFRV.
Reserving the place was easy enough, and it was great that they didn't have any exclusive caterers or whatever. The clerk attending to the bookings can seem snobbish or moody sometimes, but maybe it's just PMS talking. She answers questions to the best of her abilities anyway and immediately processed the car passes and our refund.
The Hall is freshly-painted and once the air-conditioning is ON, it's really cool and comfy inside. Absolutely a good bargain, this one.
Caterer: HONEY'S BY KIMCHI
Rating: Highly Recommended, especially if you're from the South
Lady, the super soft-spoken gal managing Honey's now, is my husband's former colleague. They'd always cater the corporate events for hubs and company and i've tried their fare at their Christmas Party last year and knew that they really serve great-tasting food.
Plus, i'm a sucker for Chap Chae (Korean noodle dish) so it was a must that we get them for Yakee's party (and yes, it's my party too! hehe).
Everybody loved the food! My in-laws even happily argued over the leftovers. They even loved the spaghetti which we ordered for the kids. We got their cheapest meal package (P270/head) because that was all we could afford but that includes Stew Beef Ribs (a crowd favorite as well), Spicy Chicken, Tanigue Fish Fillet, Chap Chae, Buttered Veggies, Rice, Buko Pandan and Iced Tea. The kids had chicken lollipop with their spaghetti.
They were there early... they helped clean the venue after... the waiters were accommodating... the setup was nice. I don't think they're like other more popular caterers who can really do particular themes and setups but I didn't need that anyway. And hubs and I were more OC about people enjoying the food, as we were in our wedding.
I really would recommend them to everyone and I know I wouldn't lose face. And hubs and I are not easily pleased by caterers at all so this really means a lot.
Photographer: GING LORENZO
Rating: Highly recomemmnded, if you can wait for the pictures
The only downside to hiring Ging that I can think of is really awaiting the pics, which she sends to her clients at least two weeks after the event. But the wait was more than worth it because she really managed to capture the activity and emotion of the party... something I, as the hostess, didn't really get to enjoy because I was attending to so many things, least of all Yakee.
A regret I have, which is my folly and not hers, is not remembering to ask for more portraits... like of Yakee with his grandparents, or Yakee with his cousins. It was the perfect photo opp for such as both sides of his family were there and we missed it. Then again, good luck keeping my son still for contrived photo opps :)
And I really, really super like the effort Ging puts into packaging her output. The DVD containing my son's pics was personalized, its casing more so. And the DVD and printed copies were also lovingly wrapped in fuchsia and white tissue paper (sorry, was too eager to open the package to take a picture of the packaging). I super love her!
Plus, I forgot to e-mail her a list of shots I wanted but she managed to take pictures of all the important details just the same. Oh and we booked Ging first before all the other suppliers. I am also OC with having proper pictures so we set a date very early on and booked her na.
Entertainment: BUBBLE SHOW by Party Tools
Rating: The Bubble Show is Highly-Recommended, also a South supplier
Contact details: 821-6358 / 0922-8621125 / party_tools2007@yahoo.com
I was actually intent on getting the services of Polkadots because i've attended several parties which Jhoanne handled and knew I could trust her with my son's party. Jhoanne was also kind enough to answer my initial questions when I was panicking, and straightforward about the out-of-town charges her suppliers might ask for given that they're mostly a QC-based business and our event is in the South, and gracious enough to wish me well when I told her that we're looking for a South supplier instead to avoid the added charges.
Since we didn't know any South supplier, hubs scoured the area near his office during break and found Party Tools (based in Better Living). Their Bubble Show package already included hosting so we decided to book them already. We figured, where kids are concerned, bubbles are fun, period. This was a risk we took because we didn't know if they'd deliver (and which parents would really want bored guests?). But anyway, the show delivered and the kiddie guests had a blast.
I originally wanted a cyclist/juggler because I didn't want the generic magic act and clowns because the kid guests probably have seen them all. I wanted the kid guests to remember Yakee's party after all. The hosting part was okay, the kids were responding anyway. And the host did come in a sort of Harry Potter costume. The magic act was kinda lame, I was told, but not THAT lame din to have the kids boycotting the host. The bubble show was a blast! I just know it was a hit with the kids. And it's great that they made sure not to leave the place messy after the bubble show.
Overall, Party Tools helped make my son's party a suceess and am happy about it.
Sound System: PARTY TOOLS
Rating: Recommended
Nothing to say really... we were happy with their output. There wasn't any problem at all with the music or mic.
Ice Cream: PARTY TOOLS
Rating: Recommended
We couldn't NOT have ice cream, but seeing as we were investing on a dessert bar, we decided that any ice cream would do. At P2k for 6 gallons (3 flavors), it was a steal. However, there was a slight annoyance that happened.
I had caramel and chocolate syrup for the ice cream, in case guests wanted to further sweeten theirs (plus, it was just dirty ice cream so it might need some spicing up). My SIL gave the sorbetero the syrups but I didn't see anyone using them. And he did not return the bottles to us. Nor did the sorbetero tell me if the ice cream were all eaten up, didn't offer for us to bring the leftovers home (since it was paid for). Family members who were eating ice cream were sure we didn't consume the 6 gallons since everyone was bingeing on cookies and cupcakes.
I debated on whether to bring this to the attention of the Party Tools' management but hubs told me to just let it go. The sorbetero could have mistaken that SIL was just giving him the syrup, after all. And it's not like anybody had space for ice cream after the event anyway.
Cake: ALEX FRANCO (for original birthday cake) and RED RIBBON (for party cake)
Rating: Highly Recommended
We did not have enough money to spend on themed cakes (that would be all edible) and I really wanted an Alex Franco cake for my son's real birthday (okay fine, the cake was really for me!). So we just chose a cake at Red Ribbon, arranged for particular colors to be used instead to decorate it, and paid extra for caramel sauce in between the chocolate chiffon cake.
Considering that we had two Alex Franco cakes, we could have actually spent on a themed cake instead. Still, we did have a dessert bar. :)
Cake was nice, considering it was a commercial one. The extra caramel sauce didn't make it taste too sweet either. The colored icing stained our teeths and the kiddies' poops though. Hehe.
Balloons and Decor: PARTY BOOSTERS
Rating: Highly-Recommended
In a way, twas already a given from the start that Jacque will do my son's decor ever since she started her balloon/party business. After all, she's my friend and she's invited to the party anyway so she might as well contribute to it.
BUT... I wouldn't have gotten her services if I wasn't positive she'd deliver well. I am not known for kindness and charity work. Hehe. And to Jacque's credit, she never asked me to get suppliers from her, even when she already has contacts for entertainment and hosting, etc. She even offered to just help me plan the party and get the suppliers I really wanted.
Well, I wanted her. And I love the setup she did considering we were pressed for time (because there was an event before ours in the same venue). She arrived in Las Pinas an hour before I was expecting her and immediately set to work. And eventhough we were friends, she was very professional (hello, OA nga, she didn't even expect that we'd feed them at my MIL's where they were making the initial balloon decor). She did help me get what I want for the budget I do have, which she does for all her clients anyway.
I love her all the more. And one of the balloon pillars that we took home to my MIL's is still standing strong and good. Everybody loved the balloons and she did manage to create the right party mood for my son's celebration (partida, she's not a Potterhead... then again, around 98% of our guests aren't as well). Oh and she got more stressed about the decor, she was the one texting me pa. Lolz.
take home balloons
Costume: SM and a Neighborhood Tailor
Materials for Gryffindor Quidditch Robe: Ylaya shop in Divisoria and embroidery shop in Quiapo
Level of satisfaction: Very Good
I knew I wanted a Gryffindor Quidditch Robe to be Yakee's outfit because it's colorful (maroon and gold). So I bought abrics in Divisoria (P75/yard) and had the neighborhood tailor make it. I can't fault them for the tailoring, it was really well made. But the pointy thing they did to the hood is such an eyesore really... but although I could have nagged them to redo the outfit, I decided to just let it go. I know better than trust tem with costumes again, of course. The robe cost P500.
Then hubs scouted SM for a round pair of glasses to complete the look and found instead a Hogwarts uniform-looking robe, which he bought naman for P300. That's why Yakee was made to pose in the uniform robe for his party stationery and tarp but donned the Quidditch robe at the party.
The robe outfit is also why I insisted on an air-conditioned venue.
I also went to Quiapo to have a Gryffindor patch made. It cost P50 per patch. It didn't look as nice as I expected but it was okay for this one-time use. If you have any design in mind, just draw or print it and go to any of the shops along Quiapo (past Ma Mon Luk and near Isetann Recto, those making labels for school uniforms). SIL was a dear, however, and found Gryffindor ties and painstakingly painted plastic glasses black for Yakee.
With unruly hair, my darling was the picture of Harry Potter!!!
with Andy's broom
Miscellaneous Stuff and Labor of Love
Prizes: Miscellaneous Stuff from New Divisoria Mall
Turned out, I bought way too many prizes. And I had to settle for cheap pencils with designs for the pencil toppers I found. But all in all, Divi was a haven for these cheap buys.
Giveaways: Loot Bags
Bought the plastic bags in Divi (P15 for a set of 10) and just put on Thank You stickers at the back (the Thank You stickers were patterned from Sirius Black's wanted poster from the Harry Potter films). We made two sets of loot bags, one which contained a Halloween book as main giveaway while the rst contained snake tubes we bought in a duty-free shop in Pampanga months ago. The bags with books were for babies, since they couldn't really enjoy the snake tubes just yet.
One booboo though... I forgot to remove the prize tags from the snake tubes. And I forgot to include some sort of instruction for them so I had some guests who admitted to having put them in the freezer, wondering what it's for. Hehe.
Giveaways: Candies
Mostly candies brought by my Mom from the US, like gourmet jellybeans, Welch's Reduced Sugar Fruit Snacks, miscellaneous candies (caramel, tootsie roll, etc.). I also bought chocolates at Chocolate Lover, egg and round-shaped ones covered in red and yellow foil, plus these ones that look like bugs or something.
I just repackaged what I could in smaller plastic envelopes and packed all candies in brown bags. Most of the candies were supposed to be awarded to those who made the extra outfit to come in costume but since we ended up making lots of those bags, they became a generic giveaway instead (besides, I doubt the parents were exactly pleased that we were giving away too much sweets). Even hubs' colleagues got to take home sweets.
Giveaways: Bubbles
I should have bought the individually-wrapped ones because the ones that came in a pack of 24 don't really bubble much. Bought in Divi, of course.
Giveaways: Craft Visors
These were sent by our Inang Kasal from the US. The caps were these felt/craft ones and our beloved Ninang also sent us stick-on stickers (elements and alphas) to decorate the caps with. My ever creative SIL volunteered to decorate it and she managed to extend the craft stickers by industriously cutting them up into smaller triangles and diamonds. Anyway, the craft caps were absolutely fantastic and very personalized.
My SILs were supposed to greet guests at the door and give the caps there but they were late (as we all were) so I just listed the names of the kiddie guests and SIL and BIL named each cap accordingly.
Dessert Bar: Labor of Love by Arevalo SILs
The idea of a dessert bar came from Jacque, when her SIL prepared one for Simone's 1st birthday. It's actually perfect for a Harry Potter-inspired party because of all the Hogsmeade sweets and feasts at the Great hall in the book.
And then we discovered this wonderful chocolate chip recipe and baking became a regular thing we do at MILs (hubs' sister takes charge while I and SIL-to-be help). And when my Mom sent me cake mixes, we made cupcakes. So it was just natural that we'd want to bake the goodies ourselves for Yakee's birthday. SIL baked the black and white cookies at midnight, when her own daughter was already asleep, and she woke up very early to pipe the cupcakes with icing.
the dessert bar
For the cupcakes, we used yellow cake mixes (love you, Betty Crocker) instead of making them from scratch (which would have been cheaper though) and flavored a package with cocoa powder (for chocolate cupcakes) and the other with Ghirardelli white mocha powder. For variety. We used coness dipped in colored chocolates to evoke witch hats.
For the cookies, we used sprinkles, colored sugar, mocha chips, chocolate chips and coated chocolates to decorate. This recipe of choco chip cookies (the light brown ones) is a gem, and am sorry but i'm still holding the recipe for the black and white cookies (the dark brown ones) hostage.
To decorate the dessert bar, we used chocolates from Chocolate Lover wrapped in gold foil... and SIL also put on some little bugs and spiders for added Halloween touch.
freshly baked cookies
freshly baked cupcakes
bugs at the dessert bar
Tarp: DIY by Mommy
Printed by: Mitsubishi Photo Printing
All I did, as with the invites, was Google for Harry Potter posters and edit using Photoshop.
It cost us P375 to have the tarp printed (3x5 feet) at Mitsubishi and it takes them two days for this service (because they actually have their shop in Divisoria print it for them). For an additional P150, they can do the layout for you.
Stickers: DIY by Mommy
Again, Google pictures (this time, I used avaialable cartoon pics and put balloons on them). Thanks to our wonderful colored printer and CDR King for cheap ink too.
Other Harry Potter Stuff:
Daily Prophet Newsletters - DIY
Napkins and Paper Plates - c/o SIL (bought from a bazaar)
The Grand gallery of Pictures
====
Special Credits:
Tita Ninang Gang and Rez, not just for taking care of Yakee while Mommy does all the DIY stuff, and for offering feedback and criticisms, but for being the secondary caregivers of my son ever since he was born. My Arevalo SILs, for baking and babysitting, for decorating and all the delegated work, for all the love and the excitement, and for all the bonding time. Yakee is also thankful, am sure, for her pretty Ates from them.
Pappie Jojo, who worked hard to come up with the money for the party, who oversaw the preparations while Mommy and Yakee napped before the party, who shall always be the best husband and father there can ever be. (grabe, the suppliers ratings got finished a month after Yakee's actual birthday...)
Thursday, November 06, 2008
It's a (Serious) Date!
I've just pre-registered hubs and myself to the 2nd Philippine Homeschooling Conference. It's going to be all day so we're sure to miss our son very much (and heaven knows what i'll do for his milk because I haven't used a breast pump for ages now).
Hubs has already warned me that he'd be as full of questions as he was when we attended all those breastfeeding seminars before. It's really okay, homeschooling is, after all, a family thing as well. Just because I am taking the role of 'teacher' doesn't mean our whole family wouldn't be involved anyway. Plus, it's also a lifestyle, much like breastfeeding, which we have to believe and work on as a family. Otherwise, every well-meaning (or not) person we encounter will be challenging our decision.
I know... Yakee is still too young. Then again, time flies so fast. Look at him, he's not a baby anymore! Thank heavens he still manages to smell like a baby sometimes but mostly, he's vinegar-y at best. Ahehe.
Anyway, I encourage all other parents to attend the conference even if they would never consider homeschooling their child. Am sure they'd pick up a thing or two complementary learning activities they can do with their kids there. Not a bad thing, if you ask me :)
Hubs has already warned me that he'd be as full of questions as he was when we attended all those breastfeeding seminars before. It's really okay, homeschooling is, after all, a family thing as well. Just because I am taking the role of 'teacher' doesn't mean our whole family wouldn't be involved anyway. Plus, it's also a lifestyle, much like breastfeeding, which we have to believe and work on as a family. Otherwise, every well-meaning (or not) person we encounter will be challenging our decision.
I know... Yakee is still too young. Then again, time flies so fast. Look at him, he's not a baby anymore! Thank heavens he still manages to smell like a baby sometimes but mostly, he's vinegar-y at best. Ahehe.
Anyway, I encourage all other parents to attend the conference even if they would never consider homeschooling their child. Am sure they'd pick up a thing or two complementary learning activities they can do with their kids there. Not a bad thing, if you ask me :)
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