Saturday, February 28, 2009

A Royal Christening


"A Royal Christening"
Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 28, 2009

Excitement and glee filled the ‘kingdom’ of General Santos City when the People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and his lovely wife Jinkee made this important proclamation:

“Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
King Manny and Queen Jinkee Pacquiao
announce
the arrival of their beloved
Queen Elizabeth
“Queenie”
as she is introduced to the Christian world”

This was the royal ‘summons’ sent out to the one thousand guests of two-month old Queen Elizabeth or Queenie’s christening last February 22, 2009. The regal invitation was fashioned after a kingly scroll complete with wooden rollers on both ends. It was creatively contained in a pink cardboard canister bearing the name “Queenie” in front.

For the Pacquiao family, the birth of Queenie last December 30, 2008 at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Hospital in the U.S. was a memorable way to culminate the year. Her arrival came just a few weeks after her dad Manny defeated boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya in a much-anticipated dream match.
Aside from Queenie, the Pacquiaos are blessed with three other children, Jimwell, 8; Michael, 7; and Mary Divine Grace or Princess, 2.

Archbishop Fernando Capalla officiated the baptismal rites held at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage with forty-eight godparents in attendance.

The ninongs and ninangs were composed of Manny and Jinkee’s friends from the media, show business, politics and military.Vice President Noli De Castro; Senators Manny Villar, Francis Escudero, Ramon Revilla Jr., Miguel Zubiri, Jinggoy Estrada, Gringo Honasan, Loren Legarda; Assistant Secretary Luis “Chavit” Singson; Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez; Councilor Paolo Duterte; actor Philip Salvador; GMA TV executives Wilma Galvante and Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar; broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez; businesswoman Robina Gokongwei-Pe; doctor to the stars, Dr. Vicky Belo; and celebrity mom/manager Annabelle Rama were among the VIPs chosen as godparents for the Pacquiaos’ youngest child.

Queenie wore a delicate cream-colored piña baptismal gown embellished with intricate embroidery and lace given by ninong Jinggoy Estrada.

The grand reception followed at the KCC Convention Center, the same venue of Manny’s fabulous and star-studded 30th birthday bash last December 2008.

As guests entered the party area, they were welcomed by ushers and usherettes majestically dressed in their royal costumes.

A gigantic pink castle served as the impressive stage backdrop with a prominent Queenie logo in the center. The logo was especially designed by the christening’s events manager Gatchi Gatchalian.

Davao’s premier party planner and decorator Annie Lim carried out the royal theme of the affair.

Place cards with the names of the famous godparents were displayed together with adorable pink teddy bears at the presidential table. Centerpieces of stuffed animal toys, baby carriage toys, flowers, crowns and pearls made the VIP tables look oh-so-pretty!

At the guest tables, pink, yellow, green and orange-colored flower, sun and butterfly balloon arrangements contributed to the festive air of the celebration.

Mix ‘N Magic provided the tower of colorful cupcakes playfully adorned with crowns, baby booties, garden hats and cute animals. These were elegantly displayed on top of a huge fondant cake surrounded by whimsical fairies and dainty flowers. A royal carriage with a mini Queenie doll was utilized as the cake topper.

Master magician James Infiesto enthralled the audience with his fascinating tricks and funny antics while kids frolicked at Allegro Ice Cream’s giant inflatable slide.

In addition, the guests absolutely loved the audio visual presentation featuring Queenie’s birth and other special family moments. The AVP aptly ended with these words:
“A sweet child…
A beloved child…
A child queen for boxing’s pound-for-pound king”
Hail to the King of the Ring and his Queenie!

I am sharing to you photos of the royal celebration courtesy of Team B Photography (Jasper Huang, Ely Villarosa, Leo Yap and Apple Greatson Francisco).

***

Next week, watch out for my feature on Manny Pacquiao’s latest business venture as he becomes the first-ever franchisee of Davao City’s Blu Gre Coffee.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Parisian Par-tea


"Parisian Par-tea"
Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 21, 2009

Chelsea Denise Uy is one stylish little lady who knows what she wants even at a tender age of six.

Last 2008, she personally chose “High School Musical 2” as the theme for her fabulous 5th birthday bash complete with different game and food booths, giant inflatable slide, mini golf, outdoor ‘Broadway theater’ and other fun-filled
activities.

And, for her recent 6th birthday celebration, Chelsea was equally hands-on again with the preparations.

“Chelsea wanted her 6th birthday party to have something to do with baking, crafts and tea so when we met with Annie Paz-Lim, our party planner and decorator, we thought of having a tea party—Paris style”, says Cherylyn, Chelsea’s proud mom.
Doting parents Dennis and Cherylyn were only too happy to oblige to their cherie amor’s tea party wish.

Ooh la la

“Annie and I both fell in love with Paris when we visited the city on separate occasions. We were so fascinated with how the Parisians had tea by Champs Elysees...it was truly a sight to behold!”, describes Cherylyn.

The jetsetter moms wanted to share that beautiful experience to Chelsea’s party guests.
Days before the special event, personalized teapot-shaped invitations in shades of pink and brown with lace patterned from French parties by Annie were sent out to close friends and relatives.

Annie and her team creatively decorated the Uy family’s auxiliary room into “Chelsea’s Little Tea Shoppe”.

“Tiffany chairs and tables were dressed up in baby pink satin silk. Teddy bears, pink silk flowers, jewelry boxes with pearls and mini replicas of the Eiffel Tower served as centerpieces”, illustrates Cherylyn.

In one corner, a cream-colored wooden dresser was set up with dainty hats of all shapes and designs completing the Paris look of the tea shoppe. The kids couldn’t resist admiring themselves in the vanity mirror wearing satin headbands, pearl and crystal necklaces and bracelets which were given as party favors by Chelsea.

There was also a dessert bar of heavenly cupcakes, cookies, heart-shaped candies, lollipops and cheese balls.

Meanwhile, the energetic boys gathered at Chelsea’s playroom where they busied themselves with various toys such as Concentrix, blocks, etc.

Parisian Par-tea

Chelsea welcomed her guests wearing an adorable aqua-colored multi-layered cotton silk dress with a bow accent. Her outfit was especially designed and made by one of Manila’s most sought-after young designers, Atelier Debbie Co.

At Chelsea’s Little Tea Shoppe, the kiddie guests were each provided a white apron with ruffles, chef’s hat and a cupcake/cookie set.

Baby Cakes’ Kaye McDulley-Gempesaw and Maite Iñigo-Gempesaw taught the eager junior pastry chefs how to decorate their cupcakes and cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles.
Ellen Garcia, the gracious party host, demonstrated to the girls how to eat like a princess. Proper table manners such as the correct setting of utensils; how to use the table napkin, eat cupcake and drink ‘tea’ (substituted with the more child-friendly hot chocolate) in a lady-like manner were among the important lessons.

Chelsea’s splendid three-dimensional fondant birthday cake by Tanya Tan of All About Cakes consisted of three gigantic teacups and saucers adorned with flower, leaf, lace, pearl and polka dot designs.

In addition, there was a touch of Paris in the adult area. The gorgeous lanai was converted into Champs Elysees with tiffany chairs; and centerpieces of teddy bears, pearls, lace trinket boxes and rose topiaries.

The tea and dessert bars were to die for! Blu Gre Coffee’s scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake, Decadence Cake, Belgian Chocolate Cupcakes and Mini Ensaymadas and Macaroons from one of Manila’s best places for dessert, Bizu (no less!) were the perfect combination to the wide variety of imported tea and coffee available.

Unlimited treats from Allegro Ice Cream were also enjoyed by the young and old alike.
While the guests feasted on the sumptuous buffet by Yummy Foods, they were serenaded by romantic songs by live performers.

After dinner, thrilling games followed at the fountain area with prizes such as heart pillows, stickers, cupcake recipe books, toy cars, Bakugan Battle Brawlers, teddy bears, princess purses, feather pens and pretty garden hats.

Girls came home with brown teddy bears, flower-designed tea cups and saucers, pink place mats, chocolates and a feather pens inside personalized hat boxes as give-aways while boys received Smart Cubes, candies and chocolates.

Certainly, Chelsea’s party guests revelled in the one-of-a-kind experience of having a glimpse and taste of Paris without leaving the comforts of Davao...Magnifique!

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

After all


"After all"
Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 14, 2009

Many say that you find love in the most unexpected times and places.

For Analisa “Ana” Nasser, it was during a vacation from her work as an international flight attendant of Cathay Pacific Airways when she met her future husband Jose Salvador “Pittjun” Batu Jr.

“I can still remember the date, June 29, 1998, the day when I had my intro-dive at Ekran Berhad Samal Casino Resort. Pittjun was one of the seasoned divers sitting across the boat from me. It was a magical day because diving was the one thing I liked equally with flying”, Ana narrates.

During her college days at the Ateneo de Davao, Ana already saw Pittjun for a few times. “To me, he was this arrogant and smug-looking boy. One of my friends even had a crush on him but for the life of me, I couldn’t see why!”, Ana giggles.

But, a few years after, Ana found herself smitten like a school girl at 24 years old. Not only that, she was into a five-year relationship with her first boyfriend, a pilot from Philippine Airlines.

“Everything should have been dandy and cut out for me but I got into a whirlwind romance with Pittjun and became pregnant which only proves that you can’t fool around with fire without getting burned”, 34-year old Ana discloses.

Some friends were opposed to Pittjun because he couldn't commit. He was still studying and was an only son whose parents did not want him to marry yet. Pittjun was also into vices that Ana didn’t know about then.

“He didn't offer marriage. It was my ex who did with me being pregnant and all with Pittjun's baby”, Ana shares.

“I wanted to go back to my ex but I was thinking my baby deserved an effort from me to make the relationship work and give her the chance to know and grow up with her real dad”, Ana explains.

Moths to a flame

“I loved him as I only knew how to love, totally. Pittjun had a very short temper and we fought a lot violently. I was staying with him at his parents' house and I would always be the one at fault. I thought I could handle the temper not knowing it was deeper than that. I kept silent even when I discovered about his vices”, Ana recalls.

Every time, Ana would go home to her parents' house after a fight, crying and bruised inside, she would still keep quiet. She did not want Pittjun to appear bad, always forgiving him and believing his promises to change.

“When I couldn't take it anymore, I told his parents about his vices but they were in denial at first. They talked to him to change but without seeking professional help so it still became a recurring problem”, Ana reveals.

Both of their parents agreed that breaking up was the solution to their constant quarrelling. However, Ana and Pittjun were like moths to a flame, even with all the heartbreaks.

“Since I couldn’t go to his parents for support, I went to God. I prayed to Him constantly to change Pittjun day and night. I prayed with my whole heart, crying out to Him”, Ana divulges.

Wanting God to be at the center of their relationship, Ana would always encourage Pittjun to join her in attending prayer meetings, Life in the Spirit seminars and mass.

“I would always ask him to go with me. He would say yes. I would be looking forward to these rare events for weeks but on the day of these activities, we would always have major fights so much so that I had a fatalistic hope in my heart and would almost dread these days. So then we would not be able to go”, she laments.

“I don’t know if Pittjun was doing it on purpose or if, as they say, Satan would be working double time also to stop us knowing we were making an effort to strengthen our faith in God”, Ana continues.

Shining moments

But, Ana clarifies that Pittjun had his shining moments too. Ana would see glimpses of a very good man.

“Pittjun is an excellent father. He was there in the delivery room when I gave birth to both of our kids. We had Lamaze lessons and Lamaze babies, Katriana “Yana” (now 9 yrs old) and Jose Salvador “Pitoy” III, (now 7 yrs. old)”, Ana fondly remembers.

“I kept believing in this very versatile man. A musician, an athlete and boy, could he charm his way especially into the hearts of older people!”, illustrates Ana.

Pittjun was a favorite of his parents’ friends, uncles and aunts. He could converse with people from all walks of life. However, when he was into his vices again, it was like living with two different men: “The Pittjun I love and the Pittjun who broke my heart and my spirit endlessly again and again”, says Ana.

Because of the exasperating cycle of fighting and reconciling, Ana requested to be assigned in Manila for her work as a dealer at the Casino Filipino in Hyatt Manila.

“I left the kids with my father and my brother John and his family. I couldn't afford to bring my kids with me. All my savings from before were long spent after I chose to stop flying, another step decided hastily in an effort to make the family whole. My mom died last March 6, 2006. She died never seeing Pittjun and I settled down”, Ana shares.

When Ana left for Manila, Pittjun’s world turned upside down. “Maybe he couldn’t believe that I could finally leave him. He also thought the kids were in Manila with me. My family was protecting me and the kids”, Ana discusses.

Eventually, Pittjun’s parents got professional help for their son’s vices. They also realized that what their son needed most during that crucial time was for Pittjun and Ana to be together.

“And, then, I realized too that no matter how bad I thought Pittjun was, God loved him. He was still one of God’s creations. Afterwards, I felt a kind of peace and stopped praying for God to change Pittjun. I told God, “Bahala ka na sa kanya, Lord” because I knew hindi siya pababayaan ni God”, Ana says.

After all
Not too long after, Pittjun asked for forgiveness for the nth time but this time, his promises came true.

Ana likewise became less demanding, more patient, trusting and responsible in her decisions, especially with the kids. Together, as a couple, they became stronger, prayerful and accepting of the trials presented to them by God.

“We got married last August 5, 2008 at Redemptorist Chapel and the reception was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel. Pitoy was Pittjun’s best man and Yana was my maid of honor”, Ana smiles.

“It was said to be a beautiful wedding. Many looked forward to it. Family and friends were there for us. Many cried. Some even said they really felt God's presence in our wedding. Pittjun and I as well as our parents talked during the ceremony at the chapel, not at the reception. Father Danny Montaña, our officiating priest and a friend, put us all up to it. He was privy to our journey and struggle”, Ana reveals.

“We still have a bit of a trial, now and then. Everything and everyday is a work in progress. We now go to mass every Sunday, attend bible studies when our schedules allow us and last December 12, 2008, Pittjun’s parents hosted their own bible study at their house where we are staying again but this time in much happier circumstances and by choice”, Ana states.

“I was so excited to tell my family about it specially my brother John but he died the next day, at 42 years of age, days before Christmas. My sister-in-law, Grace, the bereaved wife, said that my brother once told her that his one wish was to see me happy. I guess he knew that one day, it was going to happen. And, he was right”, Ana says.

Pittjun and Ana’s message to other couples is not to focus too much on each other but on God.

“Very basic, right? If you put God first in your life, everything follows, literally: peace, happiness and economic stability. You need not worry too much because these will be provided for by God”.
***

“After all the stops and starts,
We keep coming back to these two hearts,
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall.
After all that we've been through,
It all comes down to me and you.
I guess it's meant to be,
Forever you and me, after all”
-from the song “After All” by Peter Cetera

May all the couples be inspired by Pittjun and Ana’s touching love story. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A tradition of good food


"A tradition of good food"
Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 7, 2009

For Architect Anselmo “Elmo” Ferrazzini, his latest business ventures, Mamu’s Resto-Bar and Anisabel Suites are meant to provide frequent travelers a ‘home away from home’.

Married to Mylene Isabel (nee Sison), a Business Management graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University, the Ferrazzinis are blessed with three lovely children, namely: Marie Dominique, a 5th year architecture student from the Ateneo de Davao University; Alejandro Juanin, a student of the International School of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) in Katipunan, Manila; and Raphael, a 2nd year architecture student from the University of Santo Tomas.

Although this is the first time that he and his wife opened their very own restaurant, Elmo belongs to the Ferrazzini family which owns and operates the Merco chain of bakeshops and restaurants in the city for three generations.

“Family gatherings on both sides of the family are also celebrated in our home. In addition, we regularly welcome to our house people in the construction industry - clients, contractors and suppliers. Friends have come to our home for gatherings like family members do”, Elmo relates.

A tradition of good food

Instead of mama, “Mamu” is the name I call my wife Mylene. I dedicate this restaurant to her and in her care I entrust its success”, divulges Elmo.

Originally, Mamu’s Resto-Bar was intended to service the food requirements of the hotel,
Anisabel Suites. However, through its own merit, Mamu’s has carved its own niche of local patrons.

Mamu’s mouth-watering dishes are actually family favorites handed down from generations that Elmo and Mylene have come to personalize in their own home.

“These dishes are part of our family tradition in celebrating special occasions which we wish to share to all our friends, customers and guests”, says Mylene.

“Based on our patrons’ preferences, the lengua, pork binagoongan, pot roast, beef abodo (yes, not adobo), tetrazzini, minestrone, shrimp curry, pote gallego and durian float have become the bestsellers”, Mylene adds.

Mamu’s food price range is between P100 and P300 with portion sizes of the dishes good enough for 2 to 3 persons. “The intention is a mini buffet per table to provide a more balanced array of choices for gatherings of family and friends”, suggests Mylene.

Casual dining

The 100-square meter restaurant has a seating capacity of 28 persons only. It has also an outdoor patio which can accommodate 34 persons. A mini function room for small meetings can seat 8 persons.

Mamu’s tasteful interior design exudes a cozy ambience that is perfect for both romantic dates and get-togethers with family and friends.

Diffused lighting and heavy wooden reception and buffet counters lend warmth to the restaurant. The red walls complement well with the comfortable neutral-colored oversized chairs. Shelves with stoneware pots, vases and tea pots add to the restaurant’s general appeal.

Mylene discloses that opening a restaurant near their family home allows a careful balance of concerns and resources. She feels privileged and honored to work with a loving household and office staff that provided an anchor for the architectural office and the newly-opened restaurant and hotel through more than 2 years of cancer treatment for Elmo.

“We all respect the fact that it serves as a “source of living” for everyone involved and out of this respect stems our efforts to serve our patrons to the best of our ability”, she reveals.

Nurturing relationships

“Most of the major milestones in life are celebrated with food. With the passing of a generation, the next generation takes responsibility to uphold family traditions and in turn prepares to pass it on to the next. Celebrating occasions together make us family and friends”, Mylene reflects.

“Good tasting food not only nourishes the body – but provides that ingredient to nurturing relationships in celebration as well as out of concern, compassion and care to family as well as friends”, she adds.

Mylene advises other moms who wish to open their own restaurant to “Do their homework well. Being a wife and mother with a business is a tough balancing act. It requires proper setting of priorities and time management”.

“Surprisingly, we are very honored of the public’s reactions to Mamu’s Resto-Bar. Early on, we already have regular patrons. We hope to become a destination for families and the business community”, Mylene enthuses.

For the ‘mompreneur’, Mamu’s secret recipe is: “Take fresh ingredients and mix gently into the cooking pan....Always clean as you go….Simmer in the right cooking temperature. Handle with care and serve with your heart”.

These spell Mamu’s delicious recipe for success!

****

This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a plated dinner of pomelo green salad, chicken asparagus soup, prawns in white wine and herbs over a crab pesto pasta and sans rival with decaf or brewed coffee (P750 per person) while being serenaded with love songs by Johanie and Meloy. The Valentine dinner will have two ‘waves’. The first one starts at 6 pm and the second, at 9 pm.

****

Mamu’s Resto-Bar and Anisabel Suites are located at 88 Bacaca Road, Davao City. Tels. (082) 2258114 and 3051612. Open Monday to Sunday (except Sunday lunch) from 7 am-12 midnight. For inquiries, contact Ms. Luvluv Tan (Marketing Manager) and Ms. Dawn Lasap (Guest Relations Manager).

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.