Cutty

There are 7 people in our household, including our house help.  The burden of making each of our birthdays special falls on my shoulders.  7 out of 12 months in year, I plan a celebration for the birthday celebrant.  Then, factor in Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.  I usually bake a cake for these special days too.  This is really draining and I am running out of options.  During this time of pandemic, I plan meals 3x a day.  My children ask what we're having for the next meal when we've barely finished what's laid on the table.  I am fed up.  (Pun intended).  I am past the Pinoy, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Thai food cravings.   How I wish I can take my family out for a meal, where they get to decide what to eat. What irks me is my birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks.  I do not want to tire myself preparing for my own celebration.  I never bake my own birthday cake too.  I need ideas....

This year, we are forced to have simple celebrations.  There is no need to stress about the traffic, gift-giving, Christmas shopping, what to wear for parties and performances.  No year-end trips to prepare for.  This year, we have time to focus on what Christmas is all about and to be thankful for surviving the trials that came with 2020.   Simbang Gabi will start this week. I am quite excited.  All my life, I haven't completed the 9-day novena masses.  This time, with a church built right across my home, I just might be able to complete it.   This week we bade farewell to my sons' QC campus.  The school board decided to close it and transfer everything to the Antipolo campus.  It is sad.  We are not only saying goodbye to my sons' second home.  We are also saying farewell to some teachers, guards, staff and most importantly, schoolmates who have decided to transfer to another school.  Hay, ang sakit sa puso.  B...

When I was growing up, we'd spend Holy Week at the village chapel participating in the "Pabasa."  If we weren't singing at the chapel, we'd hear the Pabasa being sung in the neighborhood.  On Good Friday, we'd go around the subdivision, with umbrellas over our heads, singing for the Way of the Cross.  On Easter morning, we'd be dressed as angels for the "Salubong."  Because we do not have "Pabasa" in our neighborhood, my children aren't exposed to this.  Thankfully, we have rituals with the ACS that help me build the Holy Week tradition with my family. Nowadays, Holy Week is synonymous to vacations, beach trips, commercialized Easter celebrations, et al.  I just hope parents do not forget to teach their children the significance of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection.   Children need to know who freed them from sin.  Children need to understand that there is life beyond this tangible world.

Vic's birthday and mine are a month apart. We rarely hold parties for ourselves. It's usually a special dinner with the kids and a big meal shared with our extended families.  However, I plan to make it a tradition to travel to celebrate our birthdays. Last year was Tokyo. This year, we decided to go to Hong Kong. We missed the place.  This year we decided to go about it differently. We didn't stay in our usual Marco Polo hotel. We explored parts of the city that aren't  familiar to us.  Hotel Pravo I like this hotel because it is in the center of TST. It is 2 blocks away from Harbour City  and 2 blocks away from Nathan Rd. It is surrounded by small restaurants that locals frequent. It is also quite accessible by MTR. TST and East TST MTR lines are just a block away.  The interiors are very modern. You'll be greeted by a dark reception area and hallways. However, the rooms are well-lighted despite the black and white  ...

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Joaquin's birthday party.  This time, I'd like to show you pictures of the party taken through Ces Kasilag's eyes. Ces has been our default party photographer for our last 3 parties.  She knows our preferences and I am happy with her work. Here are the Elmo centerpieces, towers and lanterns by Polkadots Other party details

My husband is excited about our upcoming trip this weekend. He will be celebrating his birthday in Japan. This trip is actually a 3-in-1 gift to both of us. This covers our wedding anniversary and both our birthdays. It really is a cheap gift if you ask me. We got our plane tickets from our Mabuhay Miles credits.   This is Vic's second trip to Japan. The first one was nearly two decades ago. This is my third though I feel like this is my first time. My previous visits were not leisure trips so I really haven't had the chance to explore and enjoy the sights. I am currently working on an itinerary because I don't know where to go. We are not going to the Tokyo Disneysea or any other theme park because we are not traveling with our kids. I am trying to recall the highlights of my first Tokyo visit. I do remember the "death march" to Harajuku St., Asakusa, St. Francis chapel, the complicated train system, various milk teas, the convenience stores, seei...

Our youngest, Joaquin Lorenzo, turned 1 last Saturday.  It wasn't a big production like the other first birthdays I orchestrated.  This time, it was a DIY party in our own backyard.  I had two weeks to prepare. As soon as I got back from our Dubai trip, I got hold of suppliers. I got a supplier from Etsy to do the invites: I got Jhoanne of Polkadots to do the decors.  Here are the Elmo lanterns.  I also had ELMO pillars and centerpieces made. Ces Kasilag covered the event.  She and Jhoanne have been helping me over the years.  They both got the shock of their lives to see my kids grown up. Kuya Boyette took care of the tarp design.  You can see it in the photo above.  I ordered food from Hearty Onion.  They weren't availble to cater, even if they were available, I couldn't afford them.  I got the Stuffed Hoisin-Glazed Chicken, Pandan-Wrapped Salmon and Beef Tapa. I made Inihaw na Liempo, sandwiches, green-leaf...

Our anniversary dinner is one of the occasions I really look forward to.  It's like a continuation of the holidays.  It was pure indulgence.  Guiltless, too. Last year's celebration was at Lemuria.  The ambience and the food were perfect for celebrating.  This year, we decided to go back to our usual special place.  This is why. An assortment of cheeses and charcuterie plus my favorite dried figs to start of the meal.  It is quite disappointing that the truffle honey was no longer part of the buffet.  Other than that, I'd say the Cheese Atelier was quite exciting.  There are just too many to choose from.   Then there's the unlimited foie gras. You get as much your conscience can take. Vic and I shared this plate.   Most importantly, their famous chocolate chip cookies and a variety of desserts.  I'd be truly disappointed if the cookies were missing.  It really was the perfect ending to the meal. ...

I like school birthdays.  It ensures that celebrations are simple and within budget.  It also means I don't have to exert effort months before the party.  In fact, I just ordered stuff for Javi's party only a week before the party date. I purchased graphics for the invitation from Etsy.  I am so happy about the convenience and the final product. I ordered the cake from a bakeshop in Kapitolyo, but I will pick it up at the Fun Ranch branch.  It will be our 3rd year using a Cars-themed cake.  It still is the little Kuya's favorite. All I need to do is order food for delivery at the school.  Loot bags are a no-no so I don't have to worry about that. Let's see if the party will be as worry-free.  In a room full of Nursery kids?  I doubt that. Cheers!

A few weeks ago, Vic remarked, "Buti pa si Javi di nagkakasakit."  I whole-heartedly agreed.  Johann and Bettina easily get sick due to weather changes.  Either Javi doesn't catch whatever's bothering the two or he recovers right away. Then I realized, though Javi is the least sickly of the three, he is the most accident prone.  No week goes by that he doesn't hurt himself while playing.  Before he turned two, he tripped and lost four of his front teeth.  Last summer, he nearly drowned because he turned upside down in his floater.  Last week was the worst of all, he tripped and hit the door of his classroom, resulting to a big laceration on his forehead.  It necessitated a trip to the ER and to the OR.  Our brave little boy didn't complain of any pain. Here he is in the Operating Room Lounge, prior to sedation.  When he was finally asleep and taken to the OR, I had some time to myself.  It was then when all the pent up emotion...

Instead of celebrating the usual style, my parents decided to charter a boat for Papa's party.  They tried it a few months ago and had wonderful time.  They hoped to share the experience with close friends and family.  We gave the boat company the guest list for insurance purposes. We boarded the boat shortly after 8PM.  We were advised by the crew that it was going to be a bumpy ride.  They suggested having the dinner first before sailing.  As soon as we are settled, the ship sailed.  Let's just say, we didn't expect it to be that bumpy.  We were rocking sideways.  It was like riding a roller coaster.  We didn't expect it to be that way.  Even my father was apologetic to the guests, half of whom were dizzy, sleepy or barfing. We had a hard time entertaining the guests.  The people I counted on to perform were too unsettled to stand in front of the other guests.  I had to stand in several times to distract them from ...

My husband and I just spent the weekend in Hong Kong for a much-needed break and quality time together.  It was one of those one-time big-time thingees:  a celebration of our anniversary, a belated Valentine celebration (according to him), and an advanced birthday blow-out for both of us.  We hit three months' worth of celebration with this trip. Without our kids in tow, it was quite a relaxing trip.  3D/2N was quite enough to enjoy the city.  We didn't bother ourselves with the usual tourists traps.  We went around the city by bus and MTR.  We rarely took the taxi.  We stayed in Hotel Benito, situated strategically in TST.  We lounged in the hotel till it was time to go shopping. We ate countless dim sum and visited our favorite spots. The weather was quite cool, averaging at 13deg.  Ideal for walking all day. What can I say? It was my kind of trip!  What more can I ask for?  Maybe, more pocket money next time =D Sa u...

The mad holiday rush is over.  My husband has gone back to the office.  Johann and Javi will start school tomorrow.  We are all slowly going back to our routines.  Since 2012 is the THE dreaded year in Mayan calendar, I don't really know what to expect this year.  Being a full-time mother, I am pretty much at my family's disposal. But here are some major events and milestones I'm looking forward to: Our 7th wedding anniversary next, next weekend An upcoming trip in February, which will serve as a belated anniversary trip for Vic and me Apart from the usual family birthdays, my father's 60th birthday party Planning the ACS Hokkaido trip on Jan 2013 To liven up my pretty boring life, I'm targeting a couple of weekend bazaars for Cathy's Kitchen to participate in.  I'm hoping to squeeze in a few more baking courses since the last one I had was years ago.  What about you?  What will you year be like?

We celebrated Javi's birthday a couple of days ago.  But unlike his other birthdays, this one seemed more special.  He now understands that birthdays are quite different from all other days because gifts are given, cake candles are blown, and special meals are shared. Very early that morning, I took him gift-shopping.  We were at Toys R Us as soon as the mall opened.  It was Jollibee spaghetti, his favorite, for lunch.  Then pancakes, his 2nd favorite, for dinner.  When I asked him if he liked his pancake, he said, "I loved it, Ma" spoken like a true cartoon-junkie. After dinner, on our way back to the car, he kept saying, "Ma, birthday ko."  As if the idea is still sinking in. When we arrived home, I had a chocolate cake waiting for all us.  Yep, that's another favorite.  We patiently waited for him to blow the candles until Kuya decided to help out Javi.  We had the customary family shot.  Unfortunately, at this stage, we ca...

We wrapped up Bettina's 1st Birthday party a few hours ago.  I am glad that kids and adults alike enjoyed what we prepared for them.  We were bothered by the sun and the humidity.  But, that didn't stop the kids from joining the games.  We were all impressed by Jiggle's balloon sculptures. We had endless supply of taho and ice cream in Champola cones.  I just don't know how we're going to dispose all those balloons. I glad that Bettina managed to stay awake throughout the party.  Both kuyas were very cooperative and wore their assigned costumes till it was time to change.  Though many sent in their regrets for not attending, it was still a lively party.  Everyone went home sweaty and sticky but smiling =P I am still reeling from the success of the party, I can't sleep.  Or, maybe I'm just anxious and excited about the days ahead?

We're celebrating Bettina's birthday in 3 weeks.  I've been planning this for nearly a year.  I booked our suppliers more than 6 months ahead.  I decided on the party theme nearly that long also.  Even if I had time to plan, I still encountered several setbacks, with the host/entertainer, photographer, giveaways.  I am meeting with my Jhoanne of Polkadots soon so we can finalize all the other details.   Anyway, here's the invitation Tito Boyette came up with.   More party details to follow =D  

For Vic's birthday lunch, we made our way to Ortigas. We've been wanting to try out the new Cafe 1771. As we made our way to our table, we saw Tito Ricky and bade him a quick hello. Unlike the other 1771 restos, this one has brightly-colored interiors. I told Vic that it resembled Cafe Juanita but not in a quirky way. Though the place was filled with mismatched chairs and funky decor, it still looked organized and cozy. Like Juanita, they also had items on sale. As expected, the waiters were very attentive. They took away the plates as soon as they're empty. Water glasses were always refilled. Looking at the menu, I could tell that the selection is quite expensive for the "Ordinaryong Manggagawa." I guess they cater more to the executive diners. Lunch for Vic and me was already over 2000 pesos. Buti na lang we were celebrating something. Otherwise Taj Mahal for an ordinary weekday lunch. As expected the food was very palatable. We had cheese-stuffed ...

Last night, Fr. Caluag con-celebrated a Mass for the 25th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution. It was one of those masses where there the congregation was made up mostly of choir members. Sad =( When he, together with some Pnoy supporters, launched the "Pagbabago Movement" 25 weeks ago, I expected the 25th Anniversary mass to have the same number of followers. If that was any indication of how people remember EDSA, then people need frequent reminders. In the words of Fr. C, "We first need to REMEMBER before we can CELEBRATE. We need to recall the blessing and the grace that God has given us that made the Revolution a success." ------------- Present during the mass was the very image of Our Lady of Fatima that was used during the Revolution. It was said to be carved in Portugal according to the specifications of Sister Lucia. Hearing the history behind the image of Our Lady gave me goosebumps. The image is now under the care of the Dominican Brothers. Th...

Last Friday, Vic and I celebrated our 6 years of partnership by drowning ourselves in cheese, foie gras and desserts. Sarap! Though my stomach is still recovering from all that dairy, I quite thankful that God has blessed our relationship with so many things. 6 years and 3 kids later, we're still the same old couple who enjoy food and music. Not only are we partners in parenting, we're also great in shopping =P I thank God for giving me someone who I can laugh and cry with, share my burden with (chiz!), who can (almost always) read my mind, who can finish my sentences, who understands my mood swings, who has an endless supply of moral support and who lets me be what I want to be. To my favorite travel buddy, Happy 6th wedding anniversary to us!

Though I didn't really plan an all-out party, last Sunday's celebration was fun. Kids and adults alike, enjoyed the food and entertainment we prepared. Here is a photo of the birthday boy with Lolo Boy. Here are some Javi's cousins with Kuya Johann and Bettina Below are some of Javi's Titas reciting their cheer for the adult game. I didn't really work out as I initially planned (details here) . At 3PM, we arrived at the venue. It looked like everything is in place. The birthday banner, cakes, loot bags and tables were already prepared. Mein, the party coordinator, mentioned that there was an available host. She offered the hosting service for only a thousand pesos. Since I only had the bubble show as the highlight of the party, I had no problem with that. Besides, sobrang mura na. I guess, she was trying to make up for her lack of follow-through in the previous week. My only concern was I didn't prepare any prizes. She offered to use the lootbags as game...