party planning: tito willy's 50th luau party

On Saturday, May 24 will be the D-Day for Tito Willy's 50th Birthday party. Unknown to him, there will be a surprise party arranged by yours truly through the help (and contribution) of hubby's family, the Bunas-Soriano clan. It will be a Hawaiian/Luau theme and I am hoping the family will have an awesome time! I've managed to convince the family to come in their best Hawaiian costume too since IPOD and PSP will be given away for the best-dressed family. Everyone is eager and excited to grab the prize!! Hahaha!

trivia: I started the themed-parties when I came to hubby's family four years ago. Since then, they always look forward to the parties I arrange for the family. Be it simple or grand party, there must always be a theme!lol.In short...sa akin nagsimula gastos! bwahahaha!

Everything is all set and ready for the luau party. From invites/tarps (N@W Melisse /signex printing), caterers (Blue Petals), to band performers (alley cats), venue (alta guia poolside), cake (c/o Kitchen Kraft), flowers (Tropical Blooms), fireworks, photo and video, programs, AVP's and give-aways.

Well, the give-aways were the last item on the list. It was difficult choosing the perfect token since it is for 50th birthday and I wanted it to be perfectly aligned with the luau theme. I initially thought it will be classy to give something I saw from wine clubs but then, it doesn't fit my uncle's personality. Then MIL settled for personalized towels since this will be useful after the party (oh, it's gonna be a swimming party too!)

Just can't wait to see our uncle's surprised-look on Saturday. We all want to make him happy and give back all the goodness, generosity, and selfless sacrifice he showered the family. We all agreed that he deserves this once in a lifetime treat! And, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate with our celebration. No heavy rain, no strong wind and no power fluctuations this day. Otherwise, sayang naman fireworks display! Haay...good thing I prepared tents and generators on stand-by, just in case.

To Tito Willy : Happy, Happy 50th Birthday!! We love you so much!!

honoring "HER" ... Mother's Day Treat

Since MAY is Mom's Day month ... this tag still valid and not yet late for posting! Palusot pa ako Ems! Hahaha! Seriously..., thanks girl for remembering me!

My Mom, Sam and me at Fort Bonifacio Global

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” --- Washington Irving

Though we have differences, and most of the time we don't see eye to eye ... my Mom is the best! She's always there whenever I need her. She's with me at my best ... and loved me during my worst times. Truly showed me the real meaning Mother's love ... Happy Mother's Day Mommy!!

full weekend ...

It was a full weekend for us. Starting from May 1, Labor Day Holiday, we've been mostly out with our families extending help or assistance to them. Believe me... it was tiring, hectic but super fun and fulfilling week, and we are happy to share our time with our families.

May 1: Thursday

We went car hunting for my Mom. We promised to help my Mom search for a second hand car for her everyday use. As early as 930am, we were already out, checking from one car shop to another in search for a perfect car that would fit her budget. After careful selection, happy to say we were successful by 2pm and chose a 2nd hand Toyota car for my Mom, settled the earnest money and prepared the deed of sale.

By 4pm we were at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig. My mom asked us to check the memorial lot she's interested on buying. We were pleased with the location she chose, and we approved with her lot purchase. Good thing hubby joined us also with this trip for he was also interested with the memorial lawn lot. He decided to purchase one for our family use ... just in case something happens to us. We are scheduled for ocular visit, final contract closing and payment by next week.

Since I also gave my Mom my old Nokia phone, we decided to go to Greenhills tiangge to change the lithium battery and casing. Just to give the old phone a new look. We were able to do some tiangge shopping for ourselves. Got shirts, hair clips for Sam and shorts for hubby. Best buy, matching shorts for Sam and me!

After tiring day, had dinner at WOK in Pormenade Greenhills. Went home past ten and the little girl was so tired and fell asleep on our way home.

May 2: Friday

Went on vacation leave today. Wohoohoo!! Nope, did not spend vacationing or relaxing. But, need to do some errands and more bonding time with my Mom.

Brought Samantha to her summer class. Had a few chit chat with the school principal on Sam's performance. Happy to hear she's doing well in her summer class. Learned that she enjoys dancing/ballet class more. Discussed some school observation/comparisson between Poveda and St. Paul Pasig. Was told that students from Poveda are bullies. Now I am worried if Sam will turn out to be a bully...or if she will be bullied by others.

By mid-afternoon, went to my bank to deposit checks, enrol my TPIN, pick up my check book re-order (almost two months forgotten!) and requested for Manager's Check as payment to my Mom's car. After my bank visit, went to my fave jeweller for our necklace repair. Hubby's gold chain was cut, while my white gold lock needed some repair. The repair job was over in less than 20 minutes.

Met my Mom at Megamall at 4pm. The place was jam-packed with eager and thrift shoppers like us who took advantage of the three-day sale. Bought my Mom early Mother's Day gift (Denman combs and hairbrush) and treated her for a hair cut at David's Salon. My Mom was inspired by Sam's new hair cut thus she did the ala-greta look too! Did some kikay shopping with my mom (make up, concealers, lipsticks and other beauty essentials), printed some pictures at Kameraworld, bought gift at TK for our party next day and splurge a little at Our Home for some house decors and picture frames. We had few snacks in-between our shopping to catch some latest family gossip...hehehe! Then went home super tired by dinner time.

Happy that my Mom decided to spend the night with us. I miss chatting non-stop with my Mom...we rarely have time to do some "catching up" lately, been busy with work I guess. And Sam misses her so much.

May 3: Saturday

As early as 9am, we already went to pick up my Mom's car from the car seller. Hubby was patiently teaching my Mom with the newly acquired car. He even checked everything was in order from the documents, receipts, tools and the car features. Really thankful that hubby is doing this for my Mom. One of the reasons why my Mom loves hubby so much! Aside from being patient with me...he's also helpful and very patient with my Mom. If you know my Mom you will be surprised how kulit she can be sometimes. hehehe!

By lunchtime, we were at Edsa Shangrila to attend 1st Birthday party of twins Brianna and Kayla. Adorable twins of hubby's officemate. The place was magically transformed to Strawberrylandia. Really, really beautiful!! Loved the Strawberry Shortcake decors and stage backdrop done by Partyworks. Food was great especially the desserts...mostly strawberry flavored sweets! The organizer, JP Montilla was present too! Was surprised he can choreographed kiddie parties too...thought he's into wedding parties only. I think this is one of the grandest (and expensive) kiddie party I've attended. Sam had a great time with the games, she got looot of looties and prizes. Mommy was very helpful you know, especially with the balloon burst!lol. My Neverfull bag got full this time with Sam's strawberry shortcake looties and gift packs.

By 3pm, we left the hotel to meet up with my MIL and hubby's uncle at Toyota Shaw. We promised to help them in securing new car for the family. We negotiated better freebies and interest rates for them. Was able to get P40K discount! Great deal! Plus the rear spoiler with LED was given as free item. Hubby joined the test drive for an Innova car. MIL was happy that the car loan application went like a breeze. Car will be ready by next week for release. Very timely for our summer family outing.

After our visit at Toyota, we all got hungry and went for afternoon snack at Jade Palace. Beef wonton and mami, siomai and siopao flooded the table. From Jade Palace, we checked party venue at Taguig for our uncle's 50th birthday this coming May 24. Reserved the pool side at Alta Guia which I think will be perfect for our summer luau party. My next assignment, party planning!

May 4: Sunday

After being so busy for the past three days, hubby and I spent our Sunday as our "me" time. We woke up late, around 11am and watched Oscar De La Hoya's boxing fight. Then at 2pm, I went to Megamall alone for more sale shopping time. Hehehe! Bought few ornaments again from Our Home, lipstick from Maybelline at 20% off, and some school essentials for Kuya Ico. Then met up hubby and Sam at Meralco Camp for her weekend football game. After the game, Hubby had his much needed haircut, while I drove Sam to her favorite drive-thru food: Jollibee!

Whew..really taxing weekend huh! But really, really glad was able to help and spend our time with our family, especially with my Mom and MIL.

Haayyy..til next weekend kwento. Our group summer outing at Clearwater Country Club in Clark! :)

Holy Week Celebration

How was your holy week celebration? Ours, was kinda full. Observed the traditional holy week practice with Mike's family, enjoyed the long weekend and spent quality bonding moments with Kuya Ico and Sam. Truly a relaxing and rejuvenating break.

Maundy Thursday: Visita Iglesia
Eversince Mike and I became a couple, we promised that we will observe the Visita Iglesia to do the traditional Stations of the Cross. No new church visit this year. But we opted to visit mostly Pasig churches due to its proximity: St. Anthony inside Greenwoods, Old Pasig Church, Montefalco Parish along C. Raymundo and Sta. Rosa de Lima. Then went to our fave Quezon City churches: Sta. Clara in Katipunan, Sta Maria Della Strada and Christ the King as our last stop.

We started quite late about past 6pm and finished the Stations of the Cross around 10pm. Sam was tired the entire trip but I am one happy mom... the bratinella was very cooperative and even prayed with us during the enitre Stations of the Cross. Big girl na talaga! :)

Good Friday: Procession at Palatiw

My MIL ensured that the Bunas-Soriano clan will jointly observe the Holy Week celebration by sponsoring one saint/float every Good Friday. The assigned float (San Juan Bautista) was completely adorned with flowers bought from Dangwa the day before. As our share, we were in-charge of the personalized shirts worn by the procession followers and prepared simple dinner for them. This has been our "panata" or devotion every Lent. It was a very tiring day for us. Aside from being busy preparing food for over 70 pax, we joined the procession too! Btw, was proud with the little girl. She enjoyed walking and smiling at people. She was able to complete half of the procession trip not being carried by yaya or me.

Black Saturday: Life's a Picnic at Heritage Park

Celebrated this day with a trip to Hertiage Park to visit my Dad. It was my Dad's 2nd Death Anniversary last March 13 and I failed to visit him due to my scheduled legal interview at QC Registry of Deeds.

Anyway to make up for it, celebrated the entire Black Saturday afternoon with a picnic at Papa's grave. We enjoyed this outdoor treat so much. Very relaxing and tipid bonding moments with the family. Highly recommended. We simply ordered pizza and chicken from Shakey's, grabbed some chips and soda...and presto, picnic perfect on a lazy Saturday afternoon! Btw, Ico and Mike had a grand time playing catch/throw football while Sam enjoyed riding her bike.

Easter Sunday: Blessing of the Car

Finally, had the car blessed at Christ the King before attending the Easter mass celebration. Weee..pwede na i-break in for long-drive yun car! lol. :)