Two weeks after Ethan's 1st birthday party in Jollibee Shangrila, I'm now ready to post the pics and provide details of our special day :)
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Venue: Jollibee in Shangrila Mall
Date: Dec. 29, 2008; 2-4PM

Relatively, it was hassle-free...from booking them until the day itself. I can say that the 2 hours was enough (for the program, that is). We didn't have much chance to talk with our guests, but I guess that happens to every party where you're the host (much like our wedding :P).

And the food, well, it's Jollibee. Everyone, I guess, knows how it tastes hehehe. We initially booked packages for 60 people and we thought we'll just add in case more than 60 would make it on the day. Turns out, it was just right. Enough that even some guests were able to take home food (since several invitees didn't make it - hay, asa pa ko. Di talaga uso RSVP sa Pinas hehehe).

We chose the Jollitown theme. Kasi ba naman, pagpipilian mo lang...Justice League or Jollitown. Bratz was another theme, but obviously that was not an option for us :P Sayang phased-out na raw ung Zoo theme nila. Yun pa naman ang gusto namin. Pero dahil mapilit kaming mga magulang, we still incorporated the zoo/safari theme sa kung saan namin pwedeng ilagay - invitations, loot bags, cake, and cupcake souvenirs :P

Jollibee's appearance elicited a lot of happy giggles from the kids (except for one, hehe. Yung pinsan kong takot kay Jollibee). Even the adults had their pictures taken with him :P

If there was anything I didn't like, it was their first host, who talked so fast people didn't get what he/she (ehem) was saying. Sinabayan pa ng pangit na sound system. Picture him laughing at his own jokes while everyone was looking around and asking "Ano daw?!" hehehe. 'Nuff said.

We only paid for the food and an additional P1169 which includes the hosting, 1 mascot, a few (10 ata) pcs of Jollibee toys and crayons which they gave out as prizes for the games, tarpaulin (which stays with them). We paid additional for the party hats and name tags. We also availed of a face painter who was affiliated with them. In fairness, pwede na rin ung gawa nya though a tita commented that the kids can't choose their design (my cousin wanted Ben Ten but the painter didn't know how to do that).

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Cake: Red Ribbon (purchased separate from the Jollibee party package)



We didn't really like the Jollibee cake so we decided to order separately from Red Ribbon. In keeping up with our zoo/safari theme, we chose this particular design. We also ordered additional fudge for the cake. This cake cost ~P1200, but we weren't able to eat it during the party (aside from busog na, Jollibee doesn't allow serving of food that was not purchased from them during the party). We ate it for our Media Noche (hehe opo, nung New Year na). Needless to say, it was delicious save for the very thick marshmallow icing hehe.

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Souvenirs: Chipper Cupcakes (by PJ Mariano, http://chippercupcakes.i.ph/)

We've ordered cupcakes from PJ for several times already (see Ethan's 7th and 9th month cupcake birthdays) so we knew that the cupcakes taste great. Actually, we ordered from her after A saw a post on her site showing her zoo/safari theme toppers (mga June pa lang kasi nagpaplano na kami ng para sa party ni Ethan. Oo, hindi kami atat :P).

Initially, PJ couldn't really commit to serve our order since dapat nga naman Christmas break na yun...according to her, she promised her parents na daw not to take orders during this timeframe. Buti na lang, pinayagan din sya :P So, we had our delicious and cute cupcakes. The thank you tag was DIY by A and I though. We just gave it to PJ so she can stick it on the containers. Sayang, the pictures I have right now do not really show much of the toppers - but there were about 10 animal toppers yata - hippo, monkey, lion, tiger, chicken, elephant, chick, panda, frog, and a dog (ata hehe).



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Lootbags: DIY - cacha bags sewn by mother dear (Grandma) and my tita (Lollie Belen); design c/o the stage mother (that's me hahaha).




I designed the picture, printed it on heat transfer paper, ironed it on the cacha bags and voila! Lootbags :P We filled it with assorted candies, a pen, a box of crayons, a bag tag/pic frame, and a small bottle of bubbles (waja call that? basta ung panggawa ng bubbles). Hopefully, the kids liked their goodies hehehe.






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There were games for the kids and the adults alike...it was fun! Totoo nga, bumabata kami sa Jollibee hehehe. See, kinarir ko ang laro nyahahaha :D



The kiddo wasn't really very smiling that day...he had a long nap just before the party but I guess the volume of people and the loud voices and blasting songs from the sound system...those must have overwhelmed him. He wasn't cranky either (thank God!) but just not his usual smiley self. Here's proof...

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But of course, let's not forget that aside from the kiddo, someone else was celebrating his birthday...Papa A! :) So I requested the host to have everyone greet A as well. Here they are with their candle blowing pic.

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Pics with our families.

Top: Uncle Soc, Grandma Ching, Mama, Ethan, Papa, Grandpa Mike, and Uncle Mico (youngest)

Bottom: Tito Ninong Jojo (youngest), Lola Lory, Ethan, Mama, Papa, Lolo Berting, Tito Bambu, Sabrina and Tita Dianne

Hodge Podge

Nega things first. I'm ranting about the accident-waiting-to-happen which is SLEX. Because A's work schedule has been changed due to management changes and IMO lousy HR decisions (jeez, that's another post altogether), we now traverse SLEX (from Calamba) past six in the evening (read: madilim na).

Aside from the obstacle course-like road which changes from four lanes to two lanes and back to four lanes in a space of a few kilometers, they have erected concrete barriers which have very very lousy reflectors (if those are even worthy of being called by their name!). If you take the inner lane and have a line of cars traveling towards you, you wouldn't be able to see these barriers as the reflectors are so overpowered by the beam of light shining in your eyes! Not to mention that some of these barriers sometimes get misaligned and God forbid (and if your reflexes are not fast enough) may well be in your path!

When you get nearer to Susana Heights exit (North-bound) where the road has become four-laned (is there such a word? hehe) again, be very careful not to take the innermost lane because the road abruptly ends and is blocked by a very unconspicuous orange plastic barrier with no reflectors at all - seemingly greeting you with a Bulaga! Tsk tsk tsk.

Is this some sort of scheme by the management (will that be PNCC, BTW?) to improve the reflexes of the drivers and make them ready for F1 racing perhaps? (Imagine me delivering that line in a voice dripping with sarcasm).

And don't get me started on the news that they'll be increasing toll rates. Pocha, ni hindi pa nga nila matapos ang SLEX at mukhang jigsaw puzzle pa sa ngayon...iniisip na nila ang magtaas ng toll rate?!?! SHAME ON THEM!

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Hay. Ang sarap to get that out from my system.

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As forecasted by the last quarter of 2008, this year would be worse in terms of economic status. That would mean tightening of belts (pa). Weirdly enough, I'm starting to think of purchasing our own house. I'm not sure if I've interpreted what I've heard correctly, but it has been said that this low time is the best time to invest in real estate. Hmm.

Tumatanda na talaga ako. I'm really thinking of these stuff :P

I'm also searching for ways to invest our money rather than have it in the bank lang. We've already invested some in a colleague's business and so far, okay naman ang balik. Approximately 9% per month as opposed to keeping that money in the bank and earning an interest of what? 1% per annum? That 9% translates to almost our month's rent for the apartment where we're staying right now. Which brings me back to the thought of purchasing our own house, at least the money we pay for rent, we pay for amortization na lang...mapapasa-amin pa later on ang bahay.

Have to really study on this. Gather data, magtanung-tanong sa mga bumili ng bahay. Maghanap ng magandang location, etc.

What makes me hesitant though is that we have a pending application for migration kasi. Dati, I've thought na sayang lang ung house if matuloy kaming mag-migrate. But lately, my thoughts have reversed na rin kasi naiisip ko na rin na investment pa rin ung house :)

Pag-aralan ko muna and pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit :)

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With the downturn in the global economy, almost all industries are affected. Most semiconductor companies (where A and I are employed) are tightening their budget costs which entails some shutdown days. These would translate to mandatory leaves for us. A just told me that they're required 14days of mandatory leave for Q1 alone. For us, no news naman kung ilang days but I believe there will be a 1-week shutdown this first week of February (aside from the singit-singit 1-2 days shutdown).

I'm thinking if we just pool together all these leaves and take a long break and go home to Davao. Miss ko na rin umuwi (though we went home for the Holy Week last year) pero gusto ko pag umuwi kami, stay for longer than a week :)

Let's wait and see.

With the new year comes resolutions but I've never really been one to make resolutions (I most probably will not be able to follow through hehe). But if there would be something I'd really want to work on, it would be my temper and patience.

Lord, grant me patience in my every task, in my prayers, in my plans. Grant me the wisdom to let go and let things be according to Your plan.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to reminisce about 2008 and give thanks for the blessings that came our way...

January

We were blessed with our little boy, Ethan, a few days before 2007 ended so January was indeed the start of a new year for new parents like us. We were groping in the dark, very dependent on our parents advice with regards to rearing a child.

Thank God for the blessing of Ethan, for giving us wonderful and supportive parents, and for gracing us with enough wisdom to be able to cope with the huge responsibility of bringing up a child into this world.

February

Ethan became a child of God through baptism. We were able to serve enough food (with lechon pa, a gift from Ethan's Uncle Abet) to family and friends who shared this joyous occasion with us. We celebrated our first wedding anniversary (along with our parents who celebrated their 30th). I went back to work this month, leaving Ethan under his lola's care, and I pumped breastmilk to provide for his needs.

Thank you Lord for blessing us financially and for providing for us. Thank you for providing for our families and friends as well that they were able to share some with us. Thank you for a wonderful one year of being together as husband and wife - for showing us how to be a good partner to each other. Thank you again for our supportive parents who take care of Ethan when we need to go to work. Thank you also for providing me with enough breastmilk for Ethan - it's more nutritious, at the same time economical for us.

March

In March, we were able to go home to Davao during the Holy Week. It was Ethan's first airplane ride.

Thanks God for providing for us, and for sending Ethan's guardian angels to look after him during our trip - he spent the entire trip sleeping.

April

Mama Lory and Papa Berting went to Australia in April to be with Kuya Abet as he commences his studies in the University of Sydney. Mama Ching (my mother) stayed with us for three months to take care of Ethan while my in-laws were in Australia. I also started work in a new company, this time with a much lighter work load - without sacrificing the good pay that I was receiving in my previous company. The family also welcomed a new member, Maria Sabrina Anne (Kuya Ba and Dianne's princess) who was born 3 days after her dad's birthday.

Thank you Lord for the gift of wisdom that You have given to Kuya Abet. Thank you for the moment of grace for Mama and Papa, they are proud of Kuya's accomplishment. Thank you for the opportunity You've provided - it helped a lot for me to not be so stressed. You offered me a chance to leave a very stressful environment without sacrificing our financial needs. Thank you for Sabrina, she is Your gift to her parents, all in Your time - thank you for the patience you have granted to Kuya Ba and Dianne.

May

In May, we were able to make one of our major purchases - we bought Pula (our 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer GL) after several weeks of searching for a car.

Thanks God for granting us patience while saving up and searching for a car. Thank you also for Kuya Abet who unselfishly shared money to augment our savings so that we can buy Pula.

June

Mama went home to Davao after staying for 3 months with us. My in-laws also came back from Australia. My uncle left for Luanda (after months of waiting and without a job) to work as an OFW.

Thank you Lord for keeping them safe during their trips. Thank you also for the opportunity You have given to my aunt's family - they may be physically separate but with this job, they would be able to provide for their and my cousin's needs (as he's about to start schooling soon).

July-August

It doesn't take a special occasion to make sometime special. Everyday is a gift from God and for that I am thankful.

September

Mama arrived from Davao to again care for Ethan while Mama Lory rests for 2 months. This way, both grandmothers have a chance to rest for a while - Ethan is quite heavy and much more active that it can be tiring (not tiresome ha) to care for him the whole day. We were able to bring Mama to Sonya's Garden and Ilog Maria Bee Farm in Tagaytay which she enjoyed.

Thanks God for supportive parents and for giving us a normal, happy, healthy and active child. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to give joy to Mama.

October

It was my first birthday as a mother. We went to ATC to have my birthday lunch and went around the mall while we waited for mass (which was in Festival Mall). Being a mother changed a lot in me, even on my birthday (although I still consider it my special day) I still put Ethan first. It's no longer ME, ME, ME but FOR ETHAN.

Thank you Lord for the 29 years that You've graced me with life. Thank you for this chance to be with my loved ones, marvel at Your creations, experience this amazing adventure called Life.

November

In my family, October beckons the start not just of Christmas but of birthdays. My birthday is in October, my father and brother celebrate theirs in November, my mother has hers in December (along with A and Ethan), and my youngest brother in January. My youngest brother, Mico, took the nursing board exams (we'll know the results by February).

Thank you Lord for the gift of life, for keeping my family healthy and safe always.

December

Oooh, December brings Christmas which is my favorite time of the year (I think I've stressed that enough through my previous posts hehehe). This year was extra special because I had all my loved ones with me. We were able to give gifts to our families, Albert was able to receive his much-coveted DSLR from Santa (hehe). We were able to visit places like the Manila Ocean Park and Dinos Alive in MOA. We celebrated the Lord's birthday with much joy in our hearts. Most importantly, we celebrated Ethan's first year with us.

Thank you Lord for giving us this moment of grace - we were able to spread joy in our families' hearts, we were able to show them our love through sharing our time and laughter with them. Thank you also for providing for us so that we were able to share material stuff. Thank you for believing in us, that we will be able to care for Ethan, to look after him and guide him as he grows up. I pray, Lord, for Your guidance. Please show us the right path, guide us as we guide Ethan. May he grow up to become a good person.

Thank you, Lord for giving us Your son to save us from our sins. Thank you for the gift of life.

I look forward to the New Year, with my hopes and dreams, knowing that You will always be there for us. Amen.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! (although it's been five days since...)

I'm now online again, back to blogging and work. Whew, that was a hectic but definitely fun two-week break. My family arrived on the 22nd and went home to Davao just yesterday - they spent Christmas, New Year and of course, Ethan's 1st birthday with us. It's definitely one of the best Christmases for me :)

We spent Christmas Eve at home - opening gifts at midnight and sharing a simple Noche Buena...just spaghetti, pork barbecue, Choco Lava cake from Aggy's, fruit salad (which we only ate days after). We weren't even able to partake of the ham since everyone was quite full and having fun opening gifts. It was really great to see everyone smiling upon receiving the gifts we prepared for them - ang sarap ng pakiramdam na nakapagpapasaya ng tao! I'm glad everyone liked their gift...most especially A who received his coveted Nikon D60 DSLR from Santa *wink!*

Christmas Day, we went to Marikina (just us with my parents, my bros, tita and cousin stayed at home) to be with A's side of the family. After which we went to Sampaloc (A's lolas, titas/titos and cousins) and gave out our gifts. Again, it was nice to see the kids happy upon receiving a gift. Sarap talaga ng feeling! :)

Ethan and A's birthday was on the 29th. We left quite early for Shangrila because A wanted to get a good parking spot. We had lunch then just went around the mall, had pictures taken while waiting for our party to start by 2PM. Many guests were not able to arrive but still, we had fun with those who were able to make it. Adults were also part of the parlor games - tama ung host, Sa Jollibee bumabata kami! I'll make a separate post on their birthday party complete with pictures and comments. Yes, it was quite tiring (in fact, I had a huge headache after the party) but it was great! Everyone had fun, the kids had enough candies, cupcakes, balloons and toys when they went home. Kami naman, nakakatuwang magbukas ng regalo! Hahaha.

New Year's Eve and Day was spent in Marikina (yup, we all trooped there) - my family (especially my bros) were quite excited to see fireworks and hear firecrackers after several years (firecrackers were banned in Davao since year 2000, I think). A bought some firecrackers (see I had to make the font smaller because those were really small - think Sinturon ni Maldito vs. Sinturon ni Hudas hahaha). The little boy woke up for a while, enough to see the fountains lit and hear the kwitis and other firecrackers. He promptly went back to sleep without much persuasion on our part hehe.

On January 2, we went to the Manila Ocean Park (with my family) and marvelled at the fishes and creatures of the ocean. It was amazing seeing giant aruwanas and shark embryos. The whole "tour" lasted for about 2 hours (matagal lang kasi panay ang pagpa-picture). For 400 bucks, it's okay because it was bigger compared to that one in Singapore (although they had larger sharks).

Afterwards, we were planning to go to Star City but when we got there...parking was full and the people...as in Yaiks talaga! Full to the brim and overflowing pa with people, to think we were there around 3PM pa lang! We had to change our plan kasi hindi talaga namin kakayanin ung ganung karaming tao. We were choosing between Tiendesitas (and Ark of Avilon) and Dinos Alive in MOA. My cousin (who's 4 yrs old) really wanted to see Dinos (ung Dino Island actually ang gusto nya sana sa Star City) so we decided to go to MOA. Entrance fee for adults was 400 bucks but we were able to avail of the family pack (P1600/5 adults) + P350 for the child. Ethan was complimentary pa (buti na lang, whew!). Pagpasok namin, aba ung nagpupumilit na gustong makita ang dinosaurs, wala na...ayaw nang magpababa sa nanay nya at iyak nang iyak kasi takot daw sya! Hehehe. Katakut-takot na kantyaw tuloy ang inabot nya from my bros (and A) kasi si Ethan nga daw hindi natakot, sya pa. Hehehe. The dinosaurs were cool to look at, I just wish they were made to move more (hahaha, Jurassic Park ata ang gusto kong puntahan).

I'll make a separate post din for our Manila Ocean Park and Dinos Alive trips.

I had fun talaga this Christmas season :) But now, back to work muna...