Today, I brought my Kiehla to the department of foreign affairs to get or apply her a passport. We were scheduled at 1pm. As soon as we entered dfa's gate 1, i could not explain the feeling. I wanted to cry. So strange. Sounds crazy but true. I do not know why. It was probably because it was another milestone of my baby girl. As a first time mom, all firsts of kiehla make me feel amazed, excited and overwhelmed. My little girl is getting her own passport, her own identity and flying soon to explore more.
It was hard to bring a minor esp a 1 yr old to such place that you need to line up, follow rules and wait. Kiehla wanted to walk and check every corner of the room. Once or twice she cried to get the staff's pen but nonetheless she did a very good job. Looked at the camera, patiently waited until we finally finished our trip to dfa.
See you soon, Singapore!
Miyerkules, Nobyembre 23, 2011
Martes, Nobyembre 8, 2011
Motherly duties
When you ask a man working for a company for 5 yrs or so how is he, you will hear him answer “same shit different day!" It is like doing the same thing everyday. A routine! For a stay-at-home mom like me, I have my own “routine duties”, too. This how my day goes, Kiehla usually wakes up by 9 or 10, I still nurse her every 3 hours. Yes, I am still breastfeeding her exclusively for 13months now. Because of that I still get exhausted through the night because of the frequent feeding and so my day also starts few minutes before kiehla wakes up. As soon as she wakes up, we cuddle, play in the bed that will take place for about 30 minutes. We eat breakfast together. I eat my bread and she eats her cereals. After meal time that is the time for me to tidy our tiny condo unit, wash the dishes, sterelize kiehla's feeding bottles (I am in the process of weaning her from my breast to bottles), prepare her stuff for bath time. I do all of these while she is busy playing in her play pen. From time to time she cries for attention but after few seconds she will return to her toys. Most of the time I don't get to eat lunch anymore because I am too preoccupied doing my duties. At around 1-2pm, Kiehla is a little restless already so she normally take her afternoon nap at this time. I use this time for myself. I take my bath, tidy kiehla's playpen, take a quick bite and lay myself down beside kiehla for some power nap if time permits. By 4 she is up and good already to play again. In the afternoon we go to my mom's condo unit beside our building. This is where we eat dinner and wait for my husband to arrive from work. About 9pm we are home and prepare for bed time. Kiehla's routine before going to bed: wash her face, hands, diaper area, change clothes, diaper and off to bed. It takes about an hour for her to slow and settle down and at 11pm finally she is asleep, this is my time for myself. My husband is also snoozing by this time. I read my magazines, writing on my blogsite, playing on my phone. This is my own way to distress and take some time off from my motherly duties and prepare for my next day's “routine duties”.
It is tiring! Very! Doing all of the baby sitting alone, it is exhausting. Sometimes when my husband will text me and ask me how are we or how my day goes, I want to give him an odd answer “same shit different day". But my everyday life with my Kiehla is a chance to be a better person and a good mother. I learn from my day to day life at home. And the thought of being with my baby, see her grow makes me feel fulfilled and lucky.
Tomorrow again, baby girl!
Lunes, Nobyembre 7, 2011
Ho-hoho Merry Christmas!
Christmas is in the air!
Halloween just ended few days ago. We were not able to join any trick or treat event as we were busy with some other personal plans. Today, me, my husband kiel and my little princess kiehla went to Powerplant Mall in Rockwell. I was indeed sursprised and amazed by the mall's christmas decors. I see Santa Claus everywhere, christmas trees every corner, giant reindeers in the middle, oh it's Christmas! What a happy and merry feeling.
This is Kiehla's 2nd Christmas and I know she will appreciate more of this precious time. By the way, on December 25, 2011 it is our family's babang luksa for my grandmother's 1st death anniversary. Yes, she died last year christmas day. Christmas is extra meaningful in our family because of this.
Ho-ho-ho merry christmas!
Halloween just ended few days ago. We were not able to join any trick or treat event as we were busy with some other personal plans. Today, me, my husband kiel and my little princess kiehla went to Powerplant Mall in Rockwell. I was indeed sursprised and amazed by the mall's christmas decors. I see Santa Claus everywhere, christmas trees every corner, giant reindeers in the middle, oh it's Christmas! What a happy and merry feeling.
This is Kiehla's 2nd Christmas and I know she will appreciate more of this precious time. By the way, on December 25, 2011 it is our family's babang luksa for my grandmother's 1st death anniversary. Yes, she died last year christmas day. Christmas is extra meaningful in our family because of this.
Ho-ho-ho merry christmas!
Martes, Nobyembre 1, 2011
It's a Disney Celebration with Mickey and Friends Part 2
Entertainment: I got Butch Gonzales as my event's host. In his package it includes, magic, balloon twisting, ventriloquist act and sound system. I must say he is really a very good host. The flow of the party turned very smooth because of Butch, though he did minimal magic, balloon twist and short ventriloquist act still the show turned well. The kids enjoyed it even the adults were really watching. He speaks english fluently. His show was in english so that is a plus point for me. His staff/team were organized, too, they know what's next and what to do.
My story. I got Butch directly without any PP. I booked him through sms only. He was the only one not booked yet on the day of our event. I grabbed the opporrtunity to have Butch as our host/magician since he is considered as a class A magician, lined up with wizo, chayno, chubster, wanlu etc. My inquiries was cursed through sms only. He don't reply on emails, he did just once because I asked for the flow of the show. Because of that, I worried that he might not show up on my daughter's party and leave us hanging. He did not give me any contract or anything saying that i have booked him on this date and recieved the DP. When you txt Butch he will reply right away in fairness to him but still it made me think what if he will not come. Thankfuly he is true enough to his words and came to our party and made the show very lively. He made the kids smile and laugh. Even the adult guests were thrilled.
Peso value: P6500. Cheap when you get them directly.
Rating: 4 stars
Cake: I got Ms. Karla Hernandez of Dessertfairy. Her works were featured in SP magazine together with Gel Colet, Marta Matute, classic confections and goldilocks in their bday ideas issue (camille prats as the cover). I had a lot of cake suppliers in my list but none of them seem to take time and reply to my inquiries by heart. Many will reply after 2-3 days with one question-one answer system. Some are for pick ups only, some add delivery charge excessively. During my exchange of emails with Ms karla, I felt that she is really interested in doing my daughter's 1st bday cake. Replied to my mails in detailed with options and suggestions. I had a simple choco moist cake. Very deliciouse. Taste not so sweet, just right. Moist inside. You can even request for a sugar free cake or according to your health requirements. I had it delivered with a minimal delivery charge. I think Ms. Karla charge her clients reasonably because her cakes are all edible. Very nice!
Peso value: P3000 for a two tier themed cake. 6" over 10" plus delivery charge
Ratings: 5 stars
My story. I got Butch directly without any PP. I booked him through sms only. He was the only one not booked yet on the day of our event. I grabbed the opporrtunity to have Butch as our host/magician since he is considered as a class A magician, lined up with wizo, chayno, chubster, wanlu etc. My inquiries was cursed through sms only. He don't reply on emails, he did just once because I asked for the flow of the show. Because of that, I worried that he might not show up on my daughter's party and leave us hanging. He did not give me any contract or anything saying that i have booked him on this date and recieved the DP. When you txt Butch he will reply right away in fairness to him but still it made me think what if he will not come. Thankfuly he is true enough to his words and came to our party and made the show very lively. He made the kids smile and laugh. Even the adult guests were thrilled.
Peso value: P6500. Cheap when you get them directly.
Rating: 4 stars
Cake: I got Ms. Karla Hernandez of Dessertfairy. Her works were featured in SP magazine together with Gel Colet, Marta Matute, classic confections and goldilocks in their bday ideas issue (camille prats as the cover). I had a lot of cake suppliers in my list but none of them seem to take time and reply to my inquiries by heart. Many will reply after 2-3 days with one question-one answer system. Some are for pick ups only, some add delivery charge excessively. During my exchange of emails with Ms karla, I felt that she is really interested in doing my daughter's 1st bday cake. Replied to my mails in detailed with options and suggestions. I had a simple choco moist cake. Very deliciouse. Taste not so sweet, just right. Moist inside. You can even request for a sugar free cake or according to your health requirements. I had it delivered with a minimal delivery charge. I think Ms. Karla charge her clients reasonably because her cakes are all edible. Very nice!
Peso value: P3000 for a two tier themed cake. 6" over 10" plus delivery charge
Ratings: 5 stars
It's a Disney Celebration with Mickey and Friends Part 1
When I look back and reminsce those times when Kiehla was still inside me, it made me realized that there are so many reasons to give thanks to the Lord and celebrate Kiehla's life. And another year had gone too fast and personally witnessed my baby's milestones. A great and meaningful way to celebrate her first year, to show our love and give thanks to the Lord and to all those who helped us during her first year of life is to give her a decent party that everyone can enjoy. I started preparing for Kiehla's 1st birthday celebration 7 months before her birthday. I started by scouting for possible party venues and coming up with a theme. The hardest part is actualy deciding on the theme, there are so many themes to choose from. Different cartoon characters, personalities, things and etc. Since it was Kiehla's birthday I though of having a princesses theme with the colors pink and purple or winnie the pooh (her first toy), and of course Mickey Mouse -my all time favorite disney character. I so love Mickey Mouse! Oh how to incorporate all these ideas. I thought of what is workable and what will really excites me. From there I came up with a theme, It's a Disney Celebration with Mickey and Friends
Venue: One Cafe and Events Place, One Corporate Center, Ortigas Pasig City. The only party venue that passed my standards is One Cafe. The number one important for me in scouting for a party venue is the cleanliness of the place. There is this feeling that once you see the place you will fall inlove with it at first sight. That happenned to me. They have function rooms good for 100 pax, 50-70pax or they can cater to much bigger group. They are open for birthday parties, weddings,baptismal, seminars etc. They already have sound system, projector, flatform that you can use for free and hooks ready for your swags, balloons and other decors. No corkage fees if you are planning to bring in some food carts. No electricity fees. You can bring your own suppliers. Maximum rental for free is 4 hours. No reservation fee. They only require 50% DP of your total package which is deductable from your total consumption at the end of your event.
My story. As I have mentioned, the moment I saw the place I fell in love with it so my husband and I booked my daughter's 1st bday right away through their accounts executive. Let us just name him “Juan". Juan is so accommdating. When I first emailed him asking for packages he replied to me in 5 minutes. When we visited the place he was there to attend to our queries, showed the place and even if everyone's busy bec there was an ongoing bday party at that time. After that, we exchanged emails regarding my event and even giving him a call to remind him about our event and etc but for everytime we get the chance to talk he seems to be clueless, well maybe because they have so many clients that everyday they have events. Until we finally secured our booking with a 50% DP. I wrote everything on the reservatiob form, my requests and all. After a month we scheduled our food tasting and I must say they passed again my expectations. Juan mentioned to me that my suppliers must have gate pass on the day of our event so they could bring in and out easily their materials and stuff. We agreed that we talk through email. Few more txt messages and he finally sent me the conforme or contract. There were few corrections like date when we paid dP, table requirements etc. I emailed him also asking if he still need to get the names of my suppliers for the gate pass, he said yes and So I emailed to him the list and contact numbers for each, thinking that he will be the one to contact and coordinate with them. Then he said ok until the day before our event, he said everything's good and we are all set. Come sunday our event proper, (that will start at 10am) my party planner was calling me asking about the gate pass. The guard on duty was asking for a gatepass. They could not bring the styro backdrop up because they dont have the pass. I immediately called Juan and raised the concern. He said he will talk to the guard on duty. Then again happenned to my magician, he could not bring his sound system becauae he does not have any pass. What's good about One cafe is that they have waiters who are ready to help. One of them helped my PP have the pass signed by their superior right away. And so the problem was solved. There was a miscommuniction about that matter between me and Juan. When I arrived everything was ready they just have to put the foods in the warmers. When I asked for a table for my candy buffet they attended to me right away. They asked whatelse do I need and even coordinated the flow of the buffet during eating time. Even after the party they helped us fix our things. Few glitches that can be covered by those people who are ready to help. Everything turned well, very smooth, no hassle or whatsoever. Kuddos to all staff of One Cafe
Peso value: cheapest rate per person P380+10%sc
Rating: 5 stars
Party Planner/Venue dress up by: Kristine Pangilinan of Kiko's Balloons and Events Needs
You will never go wrong with Ms. Kristine. I am glad it was her who I finally got to make my daughter's party a real disney celebration. I searched for almost a dozen party planner or balloon decorator, from the cheapest one to the most expensive and well known party planners in the metro. In my list I have party boosters, polkadot events, kidstarkastles, party stations, D' party stylist, party time philippines, ace balloonlab, jodinaire party needs, kiddieparty.com, jhenny balloons and etc. I had doubts in hiring them because of the packages they are offering. Some are really expensive, some are really cheap but the quality of works look “so" “so". I came across kiko's balloons when I inquired at Patio Ibarra. From the moment I received the rates and packages they offer, I knew it was Kiko's balloons whom I will work with. She was the only one who took time to relpy to my inquiries through sms even during late at night. Ms. Kristine is so humble. It's not about money, it's about her client's requirements according to budget. Her quality can be lined up with those high end Party Planners in a much lower and acceptable rate/cost.
I had a bad experience with one of the PP listed above. I asked for a pricelist and package for styro backdrop. The PP replied saying that they have but it will cost me 14k minimum. I asked again if they could itemize what's in the 14k package. PP replied again, standard styro package. It made me realize that they think first if their client has that 14k to pay them. I replied saying, "yes, I understand. If you dont mind pls gv me wat's in the package. Kahit na ba 20k pa yan or 50k, what im asking is anu kasama. They replied in bulleted form. Ceiling balloons ( did not even mention how many pcs), table centrpcs (i dont even knw how many), entrancw arch, styro backdrop. If you are a parent and will spend some amount of money, you deserve to know kung saan mapupunta pera mo or anu babayaran mo services. Ang yabang nila! Nakakahigh blood!
My story, When we met Ms Kristine for the first time, we talked about my theme and my requirements. I cannot throw any party without balloons and for this theme i would like to have polkadot balloons. I fell inlove also with styro backdrop, balloon drops & table centerpcs is a must, too. She suggested that if I am thinking of throwing a mickey mouse themed party we shall go for red, white and choco brown colors so the place will look lively. I was hesitant then but to my surprised her team just executed the decors the way I wanted it to be. Even the polkadot balloons i requested came out very nice, Not the usual balloons if I may say. Our venue were surrounded with styro standees. I see mickey mouse not just one but two or three i think. I love the swags, even if my venue is a bit low ceiling her team know how to handle it.
The story during the event day. It was past 7am when my phone rang, it was Ms. Kristine. I knew something's going on and praying not to hear anything stressful. The guard on duty in the venue was looking for their gate pass, she said. Obviously nothing was endorsed to me, to MsKristine and to the guard. The night before the party i asked the accts excutive of One cafe if everythngs good for my event. He said yes and we are all set. We had a miscommunication about that matter. What's good about ms kristine is that she knows how to handle issues like that. Made her own way how to resolve the prob and thankfuly wd the help of one cafe staff. When i arrived in the venue evrythng was set. I was totally moved and amazed by the decors. Truly my dream mickey mouse themed party! Everything I planned was executed very beautifuly by Ms kristine and her team. Kudos to Kiko's balloons!
Peso Value: P15,000 including Mascot fee
Rating: 5stars
Venue: One Cafe and Events Place, One Corporate Center, Ortigas Pasig City. The only party venue that passed my standards is One Cafe. The number one important for me in scouting for a party venue is the cleanliness of the place. There is this feeling that once you see the place you will fall inlove with it at first sight. That happenned to me. They have function rooms good for 100 pax, 50-70pax or they can cater to much bigger group. They are open for birthday parties, weddings,baptismal, seminars etc. They already have sound system, projector, flatform that you can use for free and hooks ready for your swags, balloons and other decors. No corkage fees if you are planning to bring in some food carts. No electricity fees. You can bring your own suppliers. Maximum rental for free is 4 hours. No reservation fee. They only require 50% DP of your total package which is deductable from your total consumption at the end of your event.
My story. As I have mentioned, the moment I saw the place I fell in love with it so my husband and I booked my daughter's 1st bday right away through their accounts executive. Let us just name him “Juan". Juan is so accommdating. When I first emailed him asking for packages he replied to me in 5 minutes. When we visited the place he was there to attend to our queries, showed the place and even if everyone's busy bec there was an ongoing bday party at that time. After that, we exchanged emails regarding my event and even giving him a call to remind him about our event and etc but for everytime we get the chance to talk he seems to be clueless, well maybe because they have so many clients that everyday they have events. Until we finally secured our booking with a 50% DP. I wrote everything on the reservatiob form, my requests and all. After a month we scheduled our food tasting and I must say they passed again my expectations. Juan mentioned to me that my suppliers must have gate pass on the day of our event so they could bring in and out easily their materials and stuff. We agreed that we talk through email. Few more txt messages and he finally sent me the conforme or contract. There were few corrections like date when we paid dP, table requirements etc. I emailed him also asking if he still need to get the names of my suppliers for the gate pass, he said yes and So I emailed to him the list and contact numbers for each, thinking that he will be the one to contact and coordinate with them. Then he said ok until the day before our event, he said everything's good and we are all set. Come sunday our event proper, (that will start at 10am) my party planner was calling me asking about the gate pass. The guard on duty was asking for a gatepass. They could not bring the styro backdrop up because they dont have the pass. I immediately called Juan and raised the concern. He said he will talk to the guard on duty. Then again happenned to my magician, he could not bring his sound system becauae he does not have any pass. What's good about One cafe is that they have waiters who are ready to help. One of them helped my PP have the pass signed by their superior right away. And so the problem was solved. There was a miscommuniction about that matter between me and Juan. When I arrived everything was ready they just have to put the foods in the warmers. When I asked for a table for my candy buffet they attended to me right away. They asked whatelse do I need and even coordinated the flow of the buffet during eating time. Even after the party they helped us fix our things. Few glitches that can be covered by those people who are ready to help. Everything turned well, very smooth, no hassle or whatsoever. Kuddos to all staff of One Cafe
Peso value: cheapest rate per person P380+10%sc
Rating: 5 stars
Party Planner/Venue dress up by: Kristine Pangilinan of Kiko's Balloons and Events Needs
You will never go wrong with Ms. Kristine. I am glad it was her who I finally got to make my daughter's party a real disney celebration. I searched for almost a dozen party planner or balloon decorator, from the cheapest one to the most expensive and well known party planners in the metro. In my list I have party boosters, polkadot events, kidstarkastles, party stations, D' party stylist, party time philippines, ace balloonlab, jodinaire party needs, kiddieparty.com, jhenny balloons and etc. I had doubts in hiring them because of the packages they are offering. Some are really expensive, some are really cheap but the quality of works look “so" “so". I came across kiko's balloons when I inquired at Patio Ibarra. From the moment I received the rates and packages they offer, I knew it was Kiko's balloons whom I will work with. She was the only one who took time to relpy to my inquiries through sms even during late at night. Ms. Kristine is so humble. It's not about money, it's about her client's requirements according to budget. Her quality can be lined up with those high end Party Planners in a much lower and acceptable rate/cost.
I had a bad experience with one of the PP listed above. I asked for a pricelist and package for styro backdrop. The PP replied saying that they have but it will cost me 14k minimum. I asked again if they could itemize what's in the 14k package. PP replied again, standard styro package. It made me realize that they think first if their client has that 14k to pay them. I replied saying, "yes, I understand. If you dont mind pls gv me wat's in the package. Kahit na ba 20k pa yan or 50k, what im asking is anu kasama. They replied in bulleted form. Ceiling balloons ( did not even mention how many pcs), table centrpcs (i dont even knw how many), entrancw arch, styro backdrop. If you are a parent and will spend some amount of money, you deserve to know kung saan mapupunta pera mo or anu babayaran mo services. Ang yabang nila! Nakakahigh blood!
My story, When we met Ms Kristine for the first time, we talked about my theme and my requirements. I cannot throw any party without balloons and for this theme i would like to have polkadot balloons. I fell inlove also with styro backdrop, balloon drops & table centerpcs is a must, too. She suggested that if I am thinking of throwing a mickey mouse themed party we shall go for red, white and choco brown colors so the place will look lively. I was hesitant then but to my surprised her team just executed the decors the way I wanted it to be. Even the polkadot balloons i requested came out very nice, Not the usual balloons if I may say. Our venue were surrounded with styro standees. I see mickey mouse not just one but two or three i think. I love the swags, even if my venue is a bit low ceiling her team know how to handle it.
The story during the event day. It was past 7am when my phone rang, it was Ms. Kristine. I knew something's going on and praying not to hear anything stressful. The guard on duty in the venue was looking for their gate pass, she said. Obviously nothing was endorsed to me, to MsKristine and to the guard. The night before the party i asked the accts excutive of One cafe if everythngs good for my event. He said yes and we are all set. We had a miscommunication about that matter. What's good about ms kristine is that she knows how to handle issues like that. Made her own way how to resolve the prob and thankfuly wd the help of one cafe staff. When i arrived in the venue evrythng was set. I was totally moved and amazed by the decors. Truly my dream mickey mouse themed party! Everything I planned was executed very beautifuly by Ms kristine and her team. Kudos to Kiko's balloons!
Peso Value: P15,000 including Mascot fee
Rating: 5stars
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