Kids: Tracy's 1st and Dana's 9th birthdays

March 03, 2013

As I mentioned in my previous post, we were all preparing for a double celebration.  Since Tracy's and Dana's birthdays were close together, we decided to celebrate them together.  It would have been funny if we had included Dylan too since his birthday is also on March but it was 2 weeks later. :)

Anyway, the preparations included buying cake.  We tapped Dana's Ninong Phil to create the cakes for both girls.  Tracy's was simple because she's still small so we opted to have a Minnie Mouse-inspired chocolate cake.  At that time, Dana was into Adventure Time so her cake was of Finn and Jake but it was Red Velvet.  We tasted these two flavors when we went to Phil's for a birthday too and he made the cakes and they were delicious! :) We ordered them ahead of time then came in the morning to pick them up.

 
Next, we had to order the food for the guests.  We considered cooking the food ourselves but decided against it because it would take too much time and there were many people coming.  We didn't have the equipment basically hahaha So, after looking around and computing and comparing prices and taste, we finally decided to order from Amber.  It's our tried and tested food provider for big celebrations.  We only had to order it a day before and pick it up from their Morato branch the day after.  The barbecue was the only thing that wasn't from Amber's.  We ordered it from our local carinderia :) They make delicious barbecue! :) Of course, we also bought the necessary paper plates, cups, cutlery, napkins and drinks.

Pork Barbecue

Spaghetti

Pancit Malabon

Lumpia Shanghai

 Basically, that's all that we prepared for.  We didn't plan for any activities because we were sure that conversation among the guests will be non-stop anyway.  The guests were mostly Tracy's godparents and they were composed of Den's friends.  We were Dana's guests hahaha We did prepare a "scrapbook" for guests to write their birthday letter to Tracy and we planned to include a picture of them with Tracy.  That scrapbook is with Den now.  She can add to it for every birthday Tracy celebrates :)

Here are the guests! Good food and good company! It was a fun day!  Happy birthday Tracy and Dana!

Kids: Frolicking in UP

February 24, 2013

For this week, Den and Tracy were home with us as we all prepared for Tracy's 1st and Dana's 9th birthday celebration.  So while they were staying with us, we all trooped to UP for some refreshing and fun activities.

As usual, Dana was getting curious looks because of her strange scooter while Dylan constantly tried to catch up.  Tracy was still getting used to all the trees :)

Eventally, the poor baby drifted off into oblivion in my arms :)

I just love this shot. It's so calm yet so eerie.  Dylan and Dana are somewhere in the photos. :)

Kids: Dana's Family Day Presentation

February 13, 2013

Today is extra special because it's Patrick's birthday and it's Dana's Family Day presentation in school.  Now, we couldn't celebrate Patrick's birthday at this time because he has to be at work but "Happy birthday!" just the same :)

Dana was very excited about her section's performance because they've been working really hard to master the steps.  We were at her school early to help her prepare with her costume and makeup.  It was quite exciting because everyone was in high spirits.



Look at them as they eagerly wait for their turn to perform.

After their performance, they all changed into their class shirts to be more comfortable as they watch the rest of the events unfold.  These are Dana's besties :)

Photo Shoot for Smart Parenting magazine

January 25, 2013

Aside from the start of regular classes for the year and the usual excitement at having your favorite TV shows returning after their break, one milestone that started this year was the experience of being the "star" of a photo shoot for Smart Parenting magazine.

You see, last year, I participated in an interview for the magazine regarding stay-at-home moms.  It was all done via email (as is the case nowadays) so I didn't think much of it afterwards except maybe to wonder when the issue will be released so I can get a copy.  Well, I was surprised when I got a call from them scheduling a convenient time for the photo shoot for the magazine.  What was even more mind-boggling was they wanted to shoot it here at home! haha That gave me a panic attack because our house is honestly, not magazine material! hahahaha So, the schedule was for January 25 and I spent almost a week getting the house in top shape.

The first to arrive that afternoon was the make-up artist Jeff Robles.  I didn't know what to expect really as I've never had the privilege nor the luxury of being made up by a professional makeup artist so it was a real treat to meet Jeff.  He was easy to talk to, made me feel comfortable and was very light with his hands.  It took more than an hour to complete my look.  Whether it's because I was ugly hahaha or he was very meticulous, the bottom line was I looked good!  Of course, I can't show you pictures that will appear in the magazine but we did take our own pictures after the photo shoot.

While Jeff was putting on my makeup, the photographer, Mark Chester Ang, and his team arrived.  Our living room started to get smaller and smaller since their equipment was bulky and large :)  They set up as they waited for me to be finished.  Dana also had her first experience with a straightening iron which she adored because for the first time she wasn't curly! LOL

So, there it went... picture here, picture there.... some props here and some props there.. until it was done! I wish now that there was someone else with me to document the whole experience haha

Anyway, when they all left, Dana, Dylan and I had fun taking photos of each other!! Here are the results!

It's the Season to be jolly

December 25, 2012

As it is every year, we spent Christmas Eve with the Aguilos-Escalante brood in Project 4, Quezon City.  Nothing beats being with family, with people who appreciate you and welcome you with open arms.  There was good food, great company, special gifts and lots of love! (Photo by Tita Gigi)

Despite coming home in the wee hours of the 25th, all of us managed to be up and about to open our presents.  Because there were a lot of gifts. I thought it best to just put all the pictures in a collage :) That way, you can view them all in one glance ;)

It's nice to see the happiness in my kids' faces when they open their gifts and appreciate whatever is inside, regardless of the price. The value is in the thought that people remembered them and cared for them enough to go out, buy and wrap gifts for them.

Merry Christmas!

Kids: Dana's First Holy Communion

December 08, 2012

It is a blessed day today.  Not only is it the Immaculate Conception, but it is also Lolo Angel's birthday and it is also Dana's First Holy Communion celebration.  The Sacrament of Holy Communion is one of the most important Catholic sacraments because it is through this religious practice that we become one with God. Also, it is something that is regularly affirmed not like the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation or Last Rites, where it only happens once.

The culmination of Dana's Holy Communion rites happened after much preparation for the students, the teachers and the parents.  Everyone was enjoined to purify themselves through Confession and Recollection to be prepared to receive the Holy Communion at the appointed time.  As parents, it is our responsibility to make sure that kids understand the sanctity and the value of Holy Communion.  

Kids: A Night of Rama Hari

December 05, 2012

Dana and I were very lucky to be able to attend "Rama Hari" a Ballet Philippines presentation at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  Rama Hari is based on the Indian epic, the Ramayana.  Alice Reyes choreographs, Ryan Cayabyab sets the music, Bienvenido LUmbrera sets the libretto.  There are two sets of major characters - those that will narrate through music and those that will interpret through dance.  Our close friend, Kalila Aguilos will be playing the musical voice of Sita, Rama's love interest in the play.

You can see from Dana's face prior to the start of the show how excited she is :)

We really had no idea what to expect when we first arrived.  Having no prior knowledge of the previous stagings of the musical, we were innocents and were just anxious to watch and enjoy the program.  We weren't disappointed.  The music was engaging and evocative.  It's a plus for us that the actors we saw that night weren't celebrities like Karylle and Christian Bautista (who were also playing on alternate dates).  We weren't star struck and so we were able to totally get into it with the music, with the dance and the whole atmosphere of the show.  Kalila, of course, goes without saying is a pro and is a joy to watch on stage and I'm not saying that because she's a friend but because it's the Plain and Stark Truth :)  Her partner, OJ Mariano had a commanding presence on stage and you can't help but focus on him when it's his turn.

The dancers we saw for that night's show were Richardson Yadao (Rama) and Katherine Trofeo (Sita). They were both brilliant on stage and we were just mesmerized by their performance.

After the show, we were able to have a chance at autograph signing and picture taking with the lead cast. Forgive the blurry pictures, taken only with a camera phone hehe

Kalila Aguilos, Sita (Music)

OJ Mariano, Rama (Music)

Katherine Trofeo, Sita (Dance)

Robert Sena, as Ravana

Richardson Yadao, as Rama (Dance)

Family: Jops & Gabz Wedding

December 04, 2012

It's always a privilege for us to be invited to weddings of friends and family members.  This December, it was my cousin's Joan to get married to Gabz and their wedding was held at the Shrine of St. Therese.  It was our first time to step into this Church and they picked a great one :D  Here are photos of the Paypon side of the Bride, excluding Gabz :)

Gabz, The Groom

Jops, The Lovely Bride

Cathz, Matron of Honor

The Parents of the Bride

 Here are the newly-weds on their way out of the Church and getting a running start to their New Life.

With every wedding ceremony, there's usually some idle time as people are busy setting things up.  So, we kept the kids occupied with having their picture taken haha It's rare to see them all dolled up :)

The reception was held at The Pergola, just across the World Trade Center near Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.  Dana really enjoyed her first Virgin Mojito and if she had her way, she'd probably be drinking that the whole evening. :)

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Tracy with the Blood Red Sky behind her.

It was an enjoyable event, so thanks to Jops and Gabz and Congratulations!! :D