Gifts, gifts lots of gifts…

I was really happy that some family and friends heeded my request for clothes for Sam. I prefer to get something practical for Sam particularly clothes that she can wear everyday for school. I am not complaining though, but I feel that Sam got lots of toys inside her cabinets, some still unused and unopened while others were played with just once.

Hence, few days before her birthday I sent text messages to my family and close friends with a message: “should you wish to give something to Sam, wish lists are as follows: size 6 clothes from gingersnaps or the likes ; XL Huggies pull-up diapers ; Enfagrow 4. Very practical Mom, huh! But mind you… I only sent this message to my really close friends, ninangs and family members! Hehehe!

Opening of gifts… baby organ from Lolo and Lola.




Aside from the baby organ, this keeps her busy now… kitchen set from Mommy and Daddy! I bought this gift two months ago at Rustan’s. I just placed the wrapped box inside her room and she never did touch the gift. Hahaha! Surprisingly, she was never curious with the big box inside her room. If it was me, I’ll definitely take a peek and be so excited about it especially big gift coming from Rustan’s pa! Wala ako EQ talaga! lol.

Got this kitchen set idea from Joy. I saw how Sandy was so engrossed playing with it and it seems really cool gift idea. I promised myself to give it also for Sam’s birthday. Now, she enjoys make-believe cooking and washing of plates with her mini-kitchen. Hahaha!

Barney: Let's Imagine Tour in Manila

I saw this post from Peachy and got so excited about it.

Finally… Barney will be here in Manila (again!)

Sam will definitely enjoy the show especially after watching Sesame Street Live last July. Bet she’ll enjoy this so much more! This is her first love...her first play character, her first DVD collection (besides Baby Einstein), and until now, she just won’t stop watching their show!

I am sure all the Mommy bloggers out there are excited as much as I am. Hahaha! I might be getting December 22nd or 23rd 3pm show. But before getting the tickets, need to check out hubby's sked as always! :)

So c’mon, everybody let’s go...let’s enjoy the show! - - line ni Barney talaga ah!lol.

Happy 3rd Birthday Samantha!

And the day came and went ...

After 5 months of preparation and budgeting, Sam's party was celebrated with a resounding success.

My prayers were answered and my egg offering at Sta. Clara worked! It didn't rain the entire day & truly felt happy and blessed. Really, really happy that all my party plans materialized without a hitch. Well, almost! Hahaha! Nothing is perfect. But hey, all the imperfections made it more even fantastic. :)

Thank you to all my party suppliers who made Sam's 3rd Birthday really special.

Invites, Name and Thank you tags : ADWORKS

Adworks never failed me when it comes to invites design, printing and delivery. Their price quite affordable too especially for name and thank you tags. I always recommend Adworks to my family and friends & truly happy and satisfied with them.

Balloons and Decors: YAN-PLE PARTY SHOP

Very accommodating, prompt and friendly Apple. Since Apple knew I had limited budget (and space) for decors, she gladly helped me transform my car garage to a very nice party place.

Her coconut trees pillar perfectly fit the Hawaiian theme, although some commented that it looked more like grapes than a tree. Well I guess because the balloons used were colored purple. How many times do you see brown balloons nga naman & hahaha!

Loved her 2D Lilo and Stitch themed piata. Nicely done. My niece loved the pinata so much that she asked Sam s pinata for her upcoming birthday this December.

Balloon burst was also a big hit to kids, as always! Though when I am about to pop the balloon, that is the only time we realized that Apple s crew forgot to give me the balloon stick to burst the balloon. Hehehe! I was able to grab the next best thing na lang from the gift table. Think it was the stick from one of the caterer's decors. Hahaha!




Tarpaulin Design: MELISSE BAYLOSIS (N@W) and Tarpaulin Printing: SIGNEX PRINTING (c/o Bayan supplier)

I am always "suki" of Melisse for tarp design. Her rates very affordable and she's really nice and friendly. Very prompt with my queries and service delivery.

For the tarp printing, what can I say... got good price per sq ft. Thanks to our office supplier. I was able to avail the Corporate rate. Hehehe!

Catering Services: TODDLERS UNLIMITED by JOSIAH'S CATERING

Truly happy with Josiah's. Trusted catering services ever since I got married. Tita Jett is very accommodating as well as her AE Joanne.

Food was yummy especially food for the kids; loved their ever famous baked spaghetti! The kiddie food was extended to adults as well. Despite reserving 30 pax kiddie food..they were able to extend the food to adults too! Galing noh! :) I was told that the Mongolian buffet was yummy too (though, never get the chance to taste it myself), but I got little disappointed with the long line at the buffet station. Plus, cooking time was quite long. I should have asked for bigger stove to accommodate more on- the-spot cooking. Also, I was surprised with the very small Mongolian bowl used. I didn't expect the bowl to be used to be really, really small (imagine the soup bowl in Chinese restaurants & that's the size used!) I did not expect they'll provide the big bowls...but at least, twice-sized standard soup bowl would have been better. Hence, guests need to line up for second or third servings. Good thing the guests are ma-diskarte ... they'll prepare at least two bowls each. Sadly, the AE did not inform me that serving size will be like this. Otherwise, I should have ordered more adult food. Joan (AE) is fully aware that I only have Mongolian food for the adults. She should have at least warned that servings will be made on small bowls so that I could have assess if I need to add more food items. Good thing the Mongolian food tastes so yummy! Moreover, quality and taste were not compromised! Guests loved it!

Sadly I forgot to consider this during the post party evaluation. The head waiter asked me to sign evaluation form..syempre, sa pagod and post party blues I forgot to put this on my comment. Hehehe! But I immediately texted Joan and Tita Jett the next day for my comments.

Set up was superb,linens used were clean, even the flatwares and glasses. Although I specifically asked for baby pineapples for table centerpiece, this did not happen due to unavailability of pineapples (out of season). They instead replaced it with twigs and scattered sea shells to make it a little Hawaiian-themed. Not bad! over all effect was nice.

Josiah's staff are always efficient, courteous, accommodating and very friendly. Even if they are tired they were still happy to assist guests.

Overall, I am very happy with Josiah's. Glad I got them for Sam's party. Highly recommended.

Food Carts and Inflatables : JELLY BELLIES

I always preferred the services of Jelly Bellies. Even though a little pricey, I still prefer to get them. I know I can count on Angelette as always. She's very nice helpful, really prompt and very accommodating to all my requests.

I tried to seek Little Royalties (c/o Pizzie) services few months back but got so disappointed with her lack of interest to my party queries. Then I decided to switch back to JB. Someone I trusted and really dependable. Again, another highly recommended supplier!

Food carts arrived early and they were able to set up on time. Some came as early as 230 pm together with the mini castle inflatables :) Food carts availed from JB : Big Chill, Buy the Bucket and Arce Dairy Ice cream. Real winner and hit to all my guests!

Sam enjoyed the mini castle inflatables. As a matter of fact, she stayed most of the time inside the bouncer than entertaining her guest. Hahaha! Glad I chose to get this instead of the Bubble Show & Sam enjoyed it so much until 730pm! Sulit. :)



Cupcakes and Cakes : QUINTBELLES BY ELAINE SHIH
I was looking for affordable cake supplier months before Sam's party. Since I am on a budget, was thinking of getting all cupcakes this time. Luckily, was able to know Elaine Shih from Jody's party. Her cupcakes really affordable and yummy! Loved her moist chocolate cake too! Sulit talaga! Btw, thanks Tito Willy for the cake gift.

Cookie Lollies: LAYERS AND LAYERS BY ARLENE

Last minute addition, cookie lollies from Layers and Layers. I was not able to taste the cookie lollies (again!) but I was told by my niece it was ok naman daw& tastes like cookie! Hahaha!

Anyway just wanted to add this as tokens sana for the older kids. But surprisingly, it was gone right after the candle blowing.

Party Host with balloon twisting entertainment: JHOANNE PARIS N@W

The ultimate last minute decision I did. Getting professional host was kinda pricey and I am thinking since it will be just a simple house party I don't need a party host. But I'm glad I've decided to get one. Well, it made my life easy during the party. Hahaha! Thankful to Joanne for accommodating my short notice request.
The balloon twisting also added some sort of entertainment to the kids. Kids enjoyed the simple balloon show prepared by Ate Shiela.

Give-aways, Loot Items and Toy Items: c/o TOY KINGDOM, DIVISORIA MALL and SM

Got the Stitch bag from TK last August. I bought 35 pcs that time thinking I'll have few invited kids only. When I came back last October to add more, I was disappointed that no more bags available :( So, I've decided to give priority to kids 7 and below for loot bags. :)

Game prizes: LILO AND STITCH DISNEY, HK

I know I won't be able to find Lilo and Stitch items here in Manila since I tried looking for these items as early as May. I was able to get these prize items from our previous Disney HK trip. Glad the kids enjoyed the prizes too!

Photo and Video: ICO, MIKE, ME and some family relatives

Due to limited budget, I've decided not to get professional services for photo and video. Since I have digicam and dvd videocam, I've decided to ask relatives to take pictures instead. My mistake, since I asked for favor services only, I can't impose them to take our pictures all the time. So bottomline, I missed good party shots! :( and most of the time, Ico and Mike was holding the video/camera, we missed getting family pictures.

Lesson learned: should have dedicated photographer during the party. If a relative will be assigned, should give proper instructions not to leave us. Hahaha! Better yet, pay na lang talaga for services para di maka-istorbo and families can enjoy the party too! :)

So that's it. Despite missing some items (like the party poppers!) everything went well as planned. Party was a huge success! It did not rain!! Thank God! Eggs offered at Sta. Clara worked! Hahaha!

Guests enjoyed the party, Samantha had a blast with the mini castle and we did have a great time with families and friends. We were more relaxed and happy this year compared to Sam's previous parties. I guess holding the party at the comfort of your home made a lot of difference.

Can't wait for another party planning next year! hahaha! Would you believe I am already thinking of celebrating Sam's 4th birthday party na?!?! OA noh! I was so inspired with Sam's pure delight on bouncers. Hence, I am considering of renting bigger inflatables next time with food carts available for kids! Few kids and neighbors invited para tipid lang! Hahaha!

Happy Birthday, my dear pretty Samantha! We love you so much! :)

For more party pictures, please check out http://community.webshots.com/user/samgabrielle...to follow..pag completely uploaded na! :)

btw, sorry... i've edited this post more than 10 times for uniformity of fonts...but somehow, all the settings I used was not saved nor published... grrrr!! sorry... :)

Remembering the dead ... our cemetery trip

My Nov 1 mornings usually spent with Papa at Heritage Memorial Park, Taguig. As early as 8am we were already here to visit and pray for Papa. I so love going here since the place is not crowded. No traffic at C5, parking is not a problem and lot of specialty food booths like Pizza Hut, Kenny Rogers, Chowking and Wendys. Yummy! :)

Btw, this is our usual "reunion" time with Papa's Chinese family.

Family picture...my brother Raymond, Jean and Adrian. Me, Ico and Sam with Papa peacefully resting.

Together with my Mom ....


Ironic?! Love this picture... see my Papa's Chinese family on the left , and see us on the right side. O di ba...we live in perfect peace and harmony! Dedma lang...Bwahaha!



Sam and Kuya Ico just love the open space. Can't stop running! :)


Mommy and Sammie while waiting for breakfast...obvious ba low batt na si Sam! lol.


Got so hungry... went to Bonifacio Global High for lunch but ended up eating at Hap Chan Market! Market! since most of the restos at Serendra on holiday break. You see, our family so love Chinese food... particularly Yang Chow fried rice!

With Sam and my niece Adrian...






Afternoons spent with Mike's lolo at Evergreen Memorial Place at C. Raymundo Pasig. MIL usually delegates food items per family while she's in charge of flowers, candles and tent. We were tasked to bring pizza as always for the family!

Why I so love it here? Aside from the place quite near to our house (20 mins away!), lots of street food available at this area. Mike and I had yummy balut, penoy, isaw, ihaw tenga,quail eggs, cotton candy and dirty ice cream. Hahaha! Mike ate so much isaw last night and he's complaining of tummy ache this morning! takaw kasi! lol.

with hubby's cosuins and my dear MIL (standing). Btw, nice flowers Mommy!

Mike with his cousins Dannah and Shai shai. And look how they love eating the dirty ice cream!

Halloween Party at Bayan

We just came back from a Hallowen Trick or Treat held at our office and I am happy to say it was a fun-filled (and tiring!) day.

It was a very succesful event this year considering the number of kids joined was overwhelming compared to previous years event.

Kudos to our HR team who made sure that the kids had fun by providing entertainment such as clown host, games and magic show. The best part ... trick or treatin' parade from various department/divisions of Bayantel.

Sam went home with tons of loots! In fact, a big plastic bag full of candies, lollipops, jellies and chips! Can't wait for her to join next year.

Sam's pictures while waiting for the program to start














Trick or Treatin' with Jody and Margaux....

Overwhelmed with the Magic Show

Oh no, crying lady bug again...Sammie got scared with the clown host.

Christmas at October?

Yes, our Christmas tree was already adorned with red and gold matte trimmings as early as October 28!

Uber excited?!?

No… it’s just that with Sam’s party to be held at our residence this coming Sunday makes me more OC by filling up “gap or idle spaces” inside our house. Hahaha!

Hubby was forced to help me set up our Christmas tree yesterday and he can’t believe that we are actually setting up the tree this early…tsk!tsk! nauna pa sa All Saint’s Day! Hahaha!

Anyway, here’s our semi-finished Christmas tree with Sam’s tarp ready for the party.

Party Preps Update

Barely one week to go for Sam’s 3rd birthday party.

Mommy is very much excited and worried since it’s been raining for the past weekends non-stop. I’m already contemplating of getting tents as back up, but thinking about the additional expense, it made me think twice! My other back up plan is to seek help from the Big Man up there by offering prayers and eggs to monastery of Sta. Clara :) Wow, great back up plan huh! lol. :)

Budget wise, I am already way beyond my original budget… as always! I just noticed the other day that I am close to 30% above my target expenses. Shocks… the small, petty things like pabitin toys, give-aways and prizes bought months back was a surprise when I started adding them up. Hah!! Talk about being uber excited! :) Good thing cash flow was manageable since I was able to provide partial payments to suppliers ahead of time.

So with barely one week to go, what have I accomplished so far?

… party invitations sent out (still for completion this week!)
… suppliers mostly paid already with minimal balance left as service guarantee.
… last minute party details coordinated with Jelly Bellies and Josiah’s.
… cupcakes finalized from Elaine Shih (need to remind her cake stand rental)
… pabitin toys, piñata candies, balloon burst prizes and lootbag goodies with thank you tags already completed.
… themed lilo and stitch tarps printed and already delivered.
… 30 pcs balloon burst prizes already wrapped.

Still pending…
… final decision if to get party host (been delaying this for weeks now!)
… themed piñata design from Apple (N@W)
… pabitin toys awaiting for set up.
… cookie lollies tokens for older kids – need to confirm this order asap!
… remind the village security for traffic re-routing.
… decision on tents, tents and tents! Need to check weather forecast by Thursday.

Yes, still cramming… Well, I almost forgot these things since I’ve been very busy lately! Hahaha! But no worries…I’m certain everything will fall into its proper places on the day of the event. *cross fingers*

Wish me luck! :)

Our guestroom cum stock room for Sam's party favors