The Making of a Parol

December 10, 2010

Of all the things to make for a project, Dylan has to make a Christmas parol. For those who are unfamiliar with what it is, it is basically a Christmas lantern, usually in the shape of a star. It represents the Star of Bethlehem which the 3Magi saw on their way to Jesus as the story goes. Sometimes, it's made of capiz and with lights inside. People actually flock to Pampanga to buy these giant parols.

For Dylan's project, it was to be made from recyclable materials. To be honest, I have no idea how to make one. I've never been particularly brilliant at practical arts, I actually had someone else make my projects especially when it came to sewing, knitting and all those girly stuff LOL I've never had the misfortune of being tasked with building a parol - UNTIL NOW! hahahaha Therefore, much thanks to Ate Mel and Ate Den who helped me help Dylan with his project hahahaha

Fig. 1 - Getting all the materials ready.  We used thread, barbecue sticks (small ones, I didn't think we were capable of making really huge parols) You have to be realistic with your skills you know hehehehe

Fig, 2 - Creating the frame of the parol using barbecue sticks, thread and some tape

Fig. 3 - Choosing the materials from old magazines to cover the parol with

Fig. 4 - The Cutting begins.  You have to give the kids something to cut so they don't disturb you hahaha  It's a good exercise for Dylan which is why he has his own pair of scissors.

Fig. 5 - More cutting.  But this time, you also have to glue the pieces to the frame.  We also cut some graphics like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh hoping to glue them as designs to the parol.

Fig. 6 - More cutting and pasting.  The actual kind.

Fig. 7 - 8 Finished product!! hahaha I understand that the parol we made was small compared to what other parents probably did.  But see, the point of the exercise is for the whole family to do a project together and have fun with it.  I think we achieved that goal successfully! :)

On a sidenote, Patrick's contribution was being the photographer during the shoot hahaha We needed to submit actual photos while doing the project as proof that we really did it and not just bought the parol from outside sources.

Fig. 1

Fig. 3

Fig. 2

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

2009 Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!!  Itr's that time of year again when friends and family come together to celebrate a joyous occasion.  For this year, we made a lot of Christmas preparations because the kids are now able to undertake the decorating of the Christmas tree so we bought a new one including all the decorations.  We just made it very simple as you can see and we got a bargain with the tree when we bought it at the Dapitan arcade.  Imagine a 5ft tree for only P1,600.. other trees cost as much as P6K.  Even the balls were a steal! I was going crazy buying those things hahahaha  The Christmas lights we bought at SM because I don't want the fake ones that easily blow up and cause fires.

We were also able to buy a new bed for my Lola to use (which Den or Dylan will use later on) as well as a new sofa set as you can see here.  We went to Caloocan to buy these furniture because it's cheaper there and there are more options and more products to choose from.  We custom-made this sofa set based on dimensions of the doors hahaha

My father also paid a visit when he found out that Lola and Uncle Jimmy were here.  Here are some pictures of that "momentous" occasion hehehe

Christmas day was an exciting one for the kids.  They had a lot of gifts to open, courtesy of a lot of sales at the malls, factory outlets and flea markets :)

We prepared some pasta, fried chicken and ham for the "feast" but everyone was busy with their gifts (receiving and giving) to care about food hahaha

Lola and Uncle Jimmy left for the States on December 28.  We wanted to take them to the airport but there were a lot of the family going with them so we stayed behind.  I think it was a good idea to stay behind because I didn't want to get too emotional and you know when you see someone hurting, you feel hurt too and I didn't want my Lola to feel even more sad. 

Here are the pictures before they left :)

A very Merry Christmas!!

First off, I wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas!!!

I know that this is the first Christmas without my mom so it feels sad and nostalgic but I know she would want me to be happy for the sake of my kids, to make them feel the happiness of the season and I hope I've achieved that :) I admit that it's such bad timing that both Patrick and I are suffering from asthma right now. Must be from the cold and the stress hahaha Oh and despite it, we still cleaned the house which probably aggravated our health hahaha

But nevertheless, we cooked Baked Zitti with mozzarella cheese (way expensive I must add but very delicious!) Patrick made Chicken Macaroni salad which we both can't eat hahaha He also cooked some Fiesta Ham. Oh and I bought a chocolate roll and a platter of brownies from Goldilocks but unfortunately we can't eat yet too hahaha the kids love the food though :)

All in all, it was a happy Christmas, the kids got great toys and gifts which they're enjoying right now hahaha Thanks to my mom and my brother and all the people who have shown their support and love through the years :)

Merry Christmas to everyone!! Love ya!!

A Hectic Pre-Christmas Weekend

20 December 2008

It looks like we've been very busy for the past few weeks but it's really only during the weekend that we have time go out. It's also the only time to shop for Christmas dinner without having to face the hordes of people in the supermarket when it gets near Christmas eve.

Anyway, we went back to Mall of Asia (looks to me like it's our favorite mall hahaha) but really it's only because it's big and even with a lot of people around, there's still space to freely walk around.

We bought gifts for the kids again :) They're really spoiled this Christmas! :) and gifts for Den too. Funny enough there was a sale on wedding rings but we only looked around because they were still too expensive even though they're already on sale hahahaha It was just like a hint to us to really go through with it LOL


As a treat to ourselves (well more for Patrick and I), we ate at TGI Friday's. I can't believe how expensive they've become but the food we ordered was absolutely delicious! hahaha we were told that the servings were good for 3 people. We each finished our orders by ourselves - no sharing!! what does that say about our appetites hahahahah but really, it was really good.. more so than the food at Hooters hahahaha

I had the Jack Daniel's Chicken and Shrimp while Patrick had the Jack Daniel's Porkchops. Dana had the Fried Macaroni and Cheese and a Strawberry Milkshake. The food came with corn, mashed potatoes or rice pilaf and bottomless drinks. Dylan loved the corn! By the time we were finished, we needed to be rolled out with a wagon because we were so full! :)

After that we met Den near the Fireworks area. She was coming from a jaunt at the Star City with her friends.

Personalize your holiday gifts

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, I’m getting pretty hectic about what to get the people on my Christmas gift list. It can get quite tedious having to think about each and everyone’s preferences but it’s really nice to get them something that’s meant specially for them, something they’ll use and still have them remember you when they’re using it.

Well, personalized holiday gifts seem to be a great idea and fits any age, gender and personality. I especially like the 16GB personalized thumb drives because, let’s face it, everyone uses them. They’re really handy, pretty useful and practical with a variety of colors to choose from, and with a customized laser engraving so there’s no chance of mistaking it for someone else’s thumb drive, it’s really a great holiday gift. For your friends and loved ones who are really environment-conscious, there are wooden USB Flash drives available too.

If you’re looking for a more business-like gift, one that can spread holiday cheer as well as serve as a great marketing tool, the Business Card USB Flash drives and Personalized Pens are your bet. They come with free lines of engraved text too!

So if you’re looking for great, personalized, customized gifts for the holidays, look no further because Pexagon Tech has all these in store for you at 20% off too!