The One that Mamita Loves

My inlaws are both based in UAE and surely just like us, they have been eagerly anticipating for our little one and yes they were. Ever since they heard the news, they have been showering and pampering the little one with baby accessories that hubby and I barely have to buy. Here are some of her loots from her beloved Mamita!

Thank you Mamita and Papilo!

New Mommy's Checklist

Last Sunday, Eds and I went to SM Southmall to buy my gift for the Christening of my niece. Andrea Jane. I felt excited and really wanted to start buying some baby stuff already but I was told not to unless I am quite sure of the baby's gender. Hubby started to scout for baby wear and a few more knick knacks for our coming little and it was really fun (except for the fact that how something so small can be so expensive!). While paying at the counter I was handed a store checklist at the Baby Company and I can say it was a really comprehensive list especially for new moms and dads like us. Here is a glimpse of the Baby Company's checklist...

I also inquired about their Mom Card and too bad it was out of stock. I should have gotten a free one since my purchase was more than Php500.00. Anyway, I was told that if one wants to apply, mommies need to pay Php100.00 for the card application and you can get it for free with a Php500.00 minimum purchase at the Baby Company.Check out Baby Company for more details...

I want to share my Platito's picture (my niece Andrea Jane whom I fondly call Platito because of her chubby and fluffy cheeks) with the Kikay headband I bought for her.

Andrea Jane C. Caja (aka Tita Aby's Platito)

Isn't my Platito a darling?

Tagaytay Weekend

A few weeks back, my husband and I brought my parents to Tagaytay for a Sunday Mass at the Pink Sisters convent. Since Sunday masses are always jampacked, we left early so we can have a parking slot and seats during the mass. There are two mass schedules every Sunday at the Pink Sisters Convent, on at 7:30 am and the next is at 5:00 pm. 
The Pink Sisters convent is a popular stop in Tagaytay itinerary. Cloistered nuns wear Pink, thus the name Pink Sisters. It was my dad's first time to attend mass at the convent so he was intrigued by the metal grills that separate the public from the cloistered nuns.
Here are some pictures from our Pink Sister's Sunday mass...

Edu, Daddy and Mommy....

Me, Daddy and Mommy...

Dad and Mom....

So candid....

After the mass, we headed to Sonya's Garden. My dad loves plants and so I wanted him to see the rustic feel of Sonya's garden.We spent almost an hour there, checking out the place and inquiring for our much needed staycation...

We had our luch at RSM Lutong Bahay which is just beside Max's restaurant. I asked Mom and Dad if they wanted to eat at Max's and dad said he wanted something na "lutong bahay" so my husband immediately suggested RSM as we once dined there with my inlaws... Dad chose Sinigang na Maya Maya sa Miso while Mom opted a Ginataang Tilapia. I ordered Grilled Liempo and Eds wanted some Seafood Bouillabase. We didnt order for desserts since we are planning a quick stop at Amira's Buko Tart before heading home...

Amiras Buka Tart @ Php180.00/9 pcs.

Sonya's Adobo Roll @ Php120.00

Amiras Blueberry Cheesecake Tart @ Php180.00/half-dozen

Dad's 60th Birthday...

Here are some pictures taken during my dad's 60th Birthday....

My Old Man's 60th Birthday

Yesterday was a busy day for me. We have a Family Day in school (yes, I know it's a Sunday affair) and I am busy preparing for my daddy's 60th birthday. I want this 60th birthday to be special since he was hospitalized and has been put in ICU last December and I wanna make sure he will be at the company of the people that matters to him.

My father was never extravagant. He hates all things that spell out extravagance (he still uses an old Nokia phone up to now) and loves simplicity even with way he dresses. Mom prepared the food for his birthday: Menudo, mom's special BBQ, Spaghetti, Fruit Salad, Chicken Sotanghon and Ice Cream while I brought in my share: Yang Chow fried rice, Lumpiang Shanghai, Chinese Chicken, Pata Tim, Chicken Feet (dad's favorite) and Pancit canton. My cousin Jen and her husband Ver, brought the cake. 

It was a very simple yet meaningful birthday for my dad. His brothers all came together during lunch with his nephews and nieces and during the early dinner, my titas, uncles and cousins from my mother's side arrived.Family friends soon joined during the late evening. Daddy shed a tear (he became really emotional right after his mild stroke in December) and we know those are nothing but tears of joy.

To my old man, my daddy, my protector, my confidante...soon to be lolo...HAPPY 60th Birthday!

We love you! 

(Ill be posting the pictures soon!)

Mask-Saya Sa Masskara Festival

Why do you want to experience and join that festival?

My husband and I have been married for two years but we don't have a child yet. We’ve been together for twelve years before we decided to get married. We vowed to enjoy each other's company first before we decide to try parenthood.

Just recently our marriage and our respective maturities got tested. While I don't want to divulge the details for some personal reasons, I would say that we are now slowly and surely recovering from it. Amidst all the trials,I thank God for giving me a husband and a family who just didn’t give up. My husband was really my knight in shining armor at the time when I felt emotionally wrecked but it was my mother who went the extra mile in supporting and guiding me through this ordeal. If there was one thing I thank the Lord for out of this ordeal, it was the chance he gave me to rekindle and better my relationship with my mother.

I want to be able to experience the Masskara Festival as a gift for my loving mother. She had never had the experience of travelling because she was always busy with her work as a dedicated public school teacher and as a doting mother and wife.I know that this opportunity will give us a breather from all the woes that we’ve been through.

Our story and the history of the Masskara Festival both sprung from tragic and sorrowful events which turned out as great opportunities. The opportunity to experience this festival will help us pull ourselves out of the pervasive gloomy emotions surrounding our recovery. The celebration of the Masskara festival had been an assertion by the people of the city that no matter how tough and bad the times were, their city, Bacolod is going to pull through, survive, and eventually triumph. This is exactly the kind of feeling and energy we need at the moment– to rise above, survive and eventually resume and conquer life. I just want my mother to feel that she is appreciated and that I want to see her mask-saya again.

"Experience MassKara Festival, Hermosa Festival and Lanzones Festival this October. Airphil Express flies daily to BACOLOD, ZAMBOANGA and CAGAYAN DE ORO from Cebu and Manila. Visit www.airphilexpress.com to book!

My Cousin's Wedding

My cousin is soon to wed next year and since she is an overseas bride, I have been asked to help her with her wedding preps...oh well...here is a design which I made for her gift tags...hers would be a beach themed wedding...

Design study 1: Table Numbers

Design Study #2: Gift Tags

Well, yesterday we got the gift tags printed already....I guess I should make this a business soon!

Thirty, Flirty and Thriving

YAY!

I just turned thirty...seems there is no other way but to embrace it! Sharing my journey to thirties!

My family celebrating with me!

Catering by Meodeb....

Family, HS friends, WC colleagues and former students came...

Pull away cakes by Cupcakes by Majesto