Lola on-line

"Lola on-line (L.O.L.)"

Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 29, 2009

Who hasn’t heard of Lola Techie?

She’s the newest TV commercial sensation who awed everyone with her proficiency in using computer lingo during an amusing webcam chat with her beloved grandchild. In fact, this popular ad spawned other versions including spoofs by several Philippine gag shows.

Try to search Lola Techie on You Tube and you would be amazed at how many countless hits her commercials have generated.

Why is there such a fascination for this hi-tech granny? Maybe it’s because we think that it is unimaginable for a lola (or lolo) to learn her way through the web?

Get ready to meet these three inspiring Dabawenyas who will prove that it’s never too late to be a “lola on-line”!

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Name: Helen King-Lee, 57 yrs. old
Nickname: On-se (eleven in Spanish, being the 11th child of a dozen)
Husband: Franklin Chiew Lee (deceased)
Profession: Certified Public Accountant (not active)
Involvements: Davao Filipino Chinese Women's Association
Children: Kelvin Lester, 30; Kenrich Louie Lee, 28; and Keryl Lynn, 25
Daughter-in-law: Dorothy Bangayan-Lee
Grandchildren: Coming soon in December
Must-have gadgets: Cellphone (Samsung SGH-E730...”I love the flip!”); laptop (Lenovo S10); digital camera (Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9); IPod (Apple iPod Shuffle); TV and DVD Player (Sony)
First encounter with the computer: We were exposed to computers in our college days, the old kind which was humongous and quite delicate. I remember I got a chance to be inside Alsons’ computer room. We were required to put on robes and change to slippers when entering their computer room, just like going into ICUs. I think that was during the late 60s.
Fascination with the computer: Even though mastering the typewriter was the norm at that time, and accounting was done on yellow spreadsheet papers, I was fascinated with what the computer can offer. I enrolled myself in a few computer courses. I cannot keep count on how many computers I have changed since, to keep up with upgrades. I was in awe when the Internet came into the picture. I was even more intrigued by all the possibilities we can explore, the emails, the web and so forth and so on.
Introduction to social networking sites: My daughter, Keryl, introduced and taught me how to use Yahoo Messenger (YM), Friendster, Multiply, Skype, and Facebook before she went to Taiwan for her studies. I find it so convenient and inexpensive to go on-line, chat, email and call her in Taipei and also with my eldest son and daughter-in-law in Manila, and with my second son, in the other room! We help each other harvest our crops in Farmtown!..Hehehehe.. I think it really helped in easing the "I miss you so much" part.
To stay young: I do tai chi. To relax, I tend my little herb garden. I love to play Spider Solitaire and Farmtown on Facebook. Using FB for updates, and with all the thoughts of young ones posted on FB, it keeps my mind young in a way.
Grandparents should take advantage of technology because....aside from keeping in touch with children, relatives and friends, we are keeping in touch with the world! Be informed. It's enjoyable to learn new things, to be observant, to be aware of our surroundings not only around one's own turf but globally. It will definitely keep us young, mentally.
Advice to technophobes: Nobody is too old to learn, being up to date not only in current events but also in new technologies help keep us healthy in body and mind. Don't think that new things are difficult, don’t reject it outright... just think that even though we might be a little slow in tackling new "tech", if it was invented, embraced and used by the young ones nowadays then there's something in it!
Why I am a cool lola: I can "connect" with the new generation. I am able to understand their lingo and, the most important thing, able to communicate with them and be a friend! I love it! Cool, huh?

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Name: Mary Ann Maceda-Montemayor, 53 years old
Nickname:Baby

Husband: Leon "Binggoy" Garcia Montemayor
Profession: Hotelier/businesswoman/event organizerInvolvements: Habitat for Humanity – Davao, Southern Phils. Foundation for Arts, Culture and Ecology, BIMP-EAGA Tourism Council, Southern Phil Tourism Council, Green Alliance for Davao, Davao Tourism Association, SKAL Davao, Small Hotels Association of Davao and Hijos de Davao

Child: Margarita “Marga” Montemayor-Nograles, 30 years old

Grandchild: Karlos Mateo Montemayor-Nograles, 1 year and 11 months

Must-have gadgets: Cellphone, laptop, digital camera, flash drive and I-podFirst encounter with the computer: I learned to use the computer in school.
Introduction to social networking sites: Persistent invites from friends forced me to plunge into the latest technology fad, Facebook. My nephew AC Sian helped me accept the invites and taught me to set up my profile, pictures, etc. In a week’s time, I learned my way through FB but continue to explore its many facets.
To stay young: I always remind myself that what we are inside is more important than our physical appearance; thus, I try to maintain a positive outlook in life and a calm countenance by counting my blessings daily. As you go through your gratitude list, you forget about age and just enjoy the gift of life! To feed my mind and spirit, I read inspirational books. I also go to the spa regularly and exercise whenever time allows.
Grandparents should take advantage of technology because....we have to be in the loop and learn to relate with the language of the new generation. I have a U.S.-based aunt, Lita Maceda, who at 89 years old is still exploring cyberspace. She is on Facebook and even uploads her own photos. I am so proud of her. She truly defies age!
Advice to technophobes: Nothing is too difficult to learn if we only try....take the 1st step NOW!

Why I am a cool lola: What I am is truly a gift from GOD ... an abundant grace from our Heavenly Father.....but what I try to make of myself is my gift to HIM in return ... reminding myself that in every undertaking, I must give my "utmost for HIS Highest"!

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Name: Leticia Tan-Gimenes, 63 years old
Nickname: Letty
Husband: Paulino Lu Gimenes
Profession: Retired realtor
Children: Gerald "Gerry"; Dolly Grace "Doll" Gimenes-Yuste, ; Garry "Ging"; and Gordon "Gords"
Grandchildren: Kelly Grace Gimenes Yuste, 9; Pauline Grace Gimenes Yuste, 6 ; and Megan Dytiandu Gimenes, 16 months
Must-have gadgets: Cellphone (Nokia 6020), computer (Apple eMac), camcorder (Sony DCR-PC9) and digital camera (Canon SD 950 IS)
First encounter with the computer: I enrolled in a computer class during my university days at Ateneo de Davao.
Introduction to social networking sites: My kids taught me further and Dolly put me up on Facebook. How long? Until now I'm still learning! Every day is another day to look forward to learn something new, to be able to digest what's coming up next!
To stay young: I eat healthy foods, have regular exercise and think positive! I enjoy swimming and play badminton, Monday to Friday; do tai chi for relaxation 3 times a week; table tennis, Sunday morning; karaoke, Sunday afternoon and read or watch TV before bedtime. I sleep early and wake up early.
Grandparents should take advantage of technology because....technology is very progressive. Every day we have new discoveries, both pros and cons, so it's very important for us to keep track of what's happening around us. Be knowledgeable of the new technology so we can follow the flow of progress and make our lives up to date, thus eliminating boredom, loneliness and depression. Prolong our lives by taking advantage of technology!
Advice for technophobes: "The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step". Learn step by step and sooner the steps will add up! Let's erase the word phobia (fear) from our vocabulary. At this age we have more experience than others. Since experience is knowledge therefore we are capable of learning! Fear is only in one’s mind. If we let fear exit, then our mind will be open to various possibilities like learning and being acquainted with new technologies that surround and almost control our everyday lives. We have to remember that we are braver than we believe; stronger than we seem and smarter than we think!
Why I am a cool lola: An optimist who is physically healthy will always find peace. And happiness will always follow peace. That's my personality at large! I understand that LIFE is not fair but it is still good! Good things always happen even how difficult life can be. I also believe that when we give happiness to others, that same happiness will smile back unto us in many folds in the far future.

***

Are you raring to be an online lola/lolo, too? Check out this very helpful website, www.teachlola.com:

“Teach Lola pioneers the drive towards encouraging the younger generation to take the first step to bridge the digital divide by teaching their grandparents how to get connected to the world through the World Wide Web.

Currently composed of a total of more than 20 volunteers coming from all departments in Bayan Telecommunications, Teach Lola begins the campaign internally with the grandparents of the Bayan employees.

After being trained by Learn.ph—Bayan’s teaching partner for the advocacy, the Teach Lola team is set to lead upcoming session and events that are geared in bringing together grandparents and their grandchildren”.

Here are some downloadable modules from www.teachlola.com: Teach Lola Web Searching, Teach Lola Training Tips, Teach Lola IM and Voice Calls, Teach Lola E-mail and Teach Lola Social Networking Sites and Teach Lola Computer Basics.

Be connected! And, don’t forget to send me an e-mail once you’ve figured out how it works.

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

Springtime surprise

"Springtime surprise"

Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 22, 2009

Dominic Dexter Te So Jr. and Honey Michelle Cua Herrera’s paths unexpectedly crossed in June 2005 when they were with their respective moms waiting for their flight to Davao. They were at the Manila airport’s Mabuhay Lounge when it was announced that their flight was delayed.

Dexter’s mom Merlene then approached her acquaintance, Michelle’s mom Helen to talk to her while passing away the time. Dexter and Michelle were not formally introduced then.

After the flight, Merlene would often call Helen on the phone to chat. She would ask if Michelle and her family were free to have dinner with her family before Dexter returned back to Australia where he was based. Michelle, who was busy with their family’s telecoms business, would always decline the invitation due to her tight schedule.

Family affair
After asking again for a few times, Michelle finally accepted the dinner invitation. And, so Dexter and Michelle together with their moms and dads Engr. Manuel Ang Herrera and Dominic So Peng Kee had their first dinner date at Bistro Rosario.

“The night was awkward as most of the conversations were among our parents, while Dexter and I were just listening and trying to join the conversation”, Michelle recalls.

After dinner, as Michelle was about to go into their car, Dexter mustered enough courage to ask for her phone number. And luckily, Michelle gave her number to him. That was the start of their beautiful friendship.

When Dexter was called back to Davao to help in the family business in 2006, he started to relentlessly pursue Michelle. It was no easy feat as Michelle also had other suitors and was the apple of her parents’ eyes being the youngest and only daughter in the family. Michelle has three older brothers, Richmond, Winston and Chester.

But, Dexter was not the type who would easily give up. He persevered until Michelle said yes. And, when it was time to ask for Michelle’s hand in marriage, Dexter invited her future in-laws to dinner.

“Most of the dinner was small talk. By the end of the dessert, Dexter was so nervous, I had to queue him to speak and ask my parents. Everybody was relieved when Dexter asked the question. He was sweating very heavily”, giggles Michelle.

Elegant garden theme
The wedding ceremony at the All Nations Christian Fellowship Church and the grand reception at the Davao Convention and Trade Center had a lovely springtime garden theme in lively yellow, orange and lime green colors.

Davao’s pioneering wedding planner, Annie Lim, elegantly decorated the Davao Convention and Trade Center with ceiling drapes and ecru tablecloths.

Each pretty centerpiece featured a glass crystal vase full of cymbidiums, peonies, carnations, roses, stargazers, French tulips, dancing ladies and Malaysian mums from Davao, Baguio, Holland and Thailand. Fresh oranges, lemon and pears were placed together with the exquisite flowers.

“We wanted the wedding decorations to be bright, simple and elegant, and the mood for the evening to be fun and light”, says Michelle who is a graduate of Bachelor of Science and Commerce, Major in Accountancy from the Ateneo de Davao University.

The towering wedding cake was magnificently created by the talented Chef Booboo Maramba of Natalie’s Cake.

The scrumptious piece de resistance was a 5-layer light yellow fondant showpiece inspired by fabric techniques. Pleats adorned the bottom tier while ruching highlighted the next layer. Providing a modern touch were the quilted asymmetrical middle square cakes. On the other hand, the topmost layer mimicked a balloon skirt. Delicate handmade gumpaste tulips and roses in varying shades of orange provided the dramatic contrast.

VIP guests of the affair included the couple’s principal sponsor from Australia, Virginia Rosa and her husband Jack. From Manila, the principal sponsors were Milagros How, Raymund Ilustre and Justice Conchita Morales while Ninong Leonardo Yu came from Butuan. On the other hand, Domingo Uy, Henry Wee, Vicente Lao, Regino Cua, Lolita Huang, Helen Lim and Remedios Cruz were the Davao-based principal sponsors.

The couple’s close family and friends came from all over the world. The maid of honor who is the bride’s first cousin, Caroline Cua, flew all the way from San Francisco, USA. The best man, Philip Soo came from Australia. Other overseas guests included Trevor Stanton (Singapore), Imalia Ismojo and Louis Lee (Australia) and Dexter’s relatives from China, Zhang Zhi Xiong and Lin Wen Juan.

Springtime surprise

Rodel Macatangay of Chardin exclusively designed the breathtaking gowns of Michelle and her wedding entourage.

The statuesque bride donned an ivory silk mikado wedding gown cut on the empire with an asymmetrical two-layered sepal on one side and spaghetti straps on the other. The umbrella-cut asymmetrical overskirt had intricate embroidery and embellished with sugarbeads, matte sequins and Swarovski crystals.

A very long detachable train was attached with a huge bow-like detail at the gown’s back and then replaced with fabric roses at the reception for a different look. “The shimmering tulle veil completed the elegance that she was. Michelle was indeed the brightest star of that momentous evening!”, exclaims Rodel.

Dexter and Michelle awed everyone with their romantic first dance, an international waltz choreographed by Metro Lifestyle’s Corvette Alforque to the tune of Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright’s “With You I’m Born Again”.

Touching speeches by Michelle’s brothers, Richmond and Chester as well as the surprise song number from the groom’s mother made the event more special. Merlene’s heartfelt rendition of “Sunrise Sunset” from the hit musical “Fiddler on the Roof” left the guests teary-eyed.

That night, it was evident that Merlene was a proud mom as she shared how Dexter had always been a loving and responsible son and a doting brother to his younger siblings, Denver, Dexon and Deiniel.

Dexter studied at the Australian International School in Singapore during high school and finished his Bachelor of Science and Arts at the University of Sydney, Australia.

Dexter also happens to be the grandson of the late So Kim Cheng, one of Davao City’s strongest supporters in the field of sports.

Manila-based professional wedding host Eva Marie Poon serenaded the couple with endearing love songs like the French favorite "La vie en rose" by Edith Piaf. In addition, the Music Authority provided the live entertainment for the night.

With free-flowing Lavazza coffee from Café Firenzo, heavenly dessert buffet from Lachi’s and 20 units of Nokia and Samsung cellphones given away as prizes, Dexter and Michelle certainly treated their 700 happy guests to one unforgettable evening of springtime surprise.

We share photos of the So-Herrera nuptials by master photographer Lito Sy.

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

Bust your child's boredom

"Bust your child’s boredom"

Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 15, 2009

One Saturday morning, preschool teacher Lani Castillo-Concepcion overheard this conversation between her sister Lea and her 10-year old daughter Mishra.

“Mommy, anong gagawin ko?”, Mishra asked. Lea replied, “Mag-computer ka muna or maglaro ng DS Lite”.

After a few hours, Mishra came back to Lea and asked again, “Mommy, anong gagawin ko?”.

“That day alone, my niece asked my sister three or four times as to what she was going to do. What does this scenario shows us? She is bored. She has nothing to do”, says Lani.

“If she was given exciting kiddie activities, Mishra will not be asking a lot about what she is going to do”, observes Lani.

Knowing that this predicament is quite common with young kids, Lani recently conducted a make and take workshop for parents on how to “Bust your Child’s Boredom”.

Learning with Lani

Lani is a graduate of Humanities with a field of specialization in Education from the Center for Research and Communication (now University of Asia and the Pacific).

The 36-year old Dabawenya has taught previously in PAREF-Rosefield School, Quezon City; Childstart International, BF Homes, Paranaque; and Blessed Elena Academy, Pasay City. From 2002-2007, she worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.

In 2007, Lani returned to Davao City where she opened KidzWonder Play Center.

“I can teach elementary grades but I concentrated on early childhood education for 3-5 years old. I have also attended trainings on Sensory Integration (a neurological process of organizing sensations), multiple intelligences, and Zoo Phonics – a kinesthetic program for language arts”, explains Lani.

In her 16 years of teaching, Lani always emphasizes hands-on experiences because she believes there are many ways for children to learn. Her forte is on beginning reading (particularly with Zoo Phonics – check www.zoophonics.com), science as well as arts and crafts.

Inspiring activities

“Most of the activities that I introduced during the workshop have been tested by Family Fun. With these projects and activities, I hope to keep boredom away”, Lani enthuses.

Here are some basic tips for inspiring activity (quoted from Family Fun):

1. Post a list of your favorite boredom busters by doing a boredom bottle or a checklist. You may create a box of activity cards through the use of index cards and put in activities to address the different critical thinking aspects such as knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

2. Create fun zones. Set up places in the house for your kids to go to when they are bored or need something to do. Have a designated table where they can work on activities and without having to clean up every time. Have some books ready for them to read too.

3. Be spontaneous. That surprise factor can keep you child excited and entertained. Choose an activity that is out of the ordinary like mixing up a batch of washable paint or face paint.

4. Have a few tricks up your sleeve. There will be time when your child will need to stay longer at home like when they are sick. You may want to have a handful of extra special activities planned. Have a box of supplies for special projects.

“There will be days where a ball or a set of building blocks can keep your child busy. There will be times when even after letting your child play with all the toys or read his/her favorite books, boredom will sink in”, Lani warns.

The solution? Keep a good supply of versatile toys and materials.

“Bear in mind that we don’t want you buying stuff. Use what you have at home. If you have the budget, spend for more materials to be used for arts and crafts. We want to inspire imaginative play. We want to encourage pretend play”, Lani encourages.

Boredom buster activities

For the “Bust Your Child’s Boredom” workshop, Lani taught some of these boredom buster activities to the participants:

Boredom Bottle. Materials: plastic bottle, pieces of plain paper/colored paper, stickers and ribbons. Decorate your bottle with stickers, sequins etc. (preferably ones that you can easily stick to the bottle). In the pieces of paper, write down the boredom busters you want to use. Crumple them or fold whichever you want as long as it can get in and out of the bottle. Tie a ribbon or tie twist.

Wind Bags. Tie together the handles of a plastic shopping bag with the end of a ball of string. Staple a few 2 foot length of ribbon to the bottom of the bag for kite tails. Do this for outdoor activity.

Salt Paint. Ingredients: 1/3 cup salt, ¼ tsp food coloring. Spread in pan to dry before putting in shakers. To mix the salt and coloring faster, put them in a zipper bag. Store the salt paint.

Feelie Bags. Materials: Hair gel, food coloring (if needed for the clear gel) zipper bag. Add food coloring and gel into zipper bag. Seal it well and let children manipulate. For add-ons: Put glitter, sequins or small items the size of coins.

Shape Pasting. Cut out shapes (for variety you can cut out pictures from magazines), glue and paper. Put glue on paper and paste the shape/picture from magazine of choice.

Play Dough Recipe (uncooked): Ingredients: 3 cups flour, 2 tbsp. cornstarch, 1 cup salt (preferably rock salt), 1 cup cold water, 2 tsp. vegetable oil, food coloring. Mix the water, salt, oil and food coloring of your choice. Gradually add flour and cornstarch in until the consistency of bread dough.

With these stimulating activities, your kids can say ‘bye bye to boredom’!

KidzWonder Play Center is located at #33 Diamond Village Phase II, Angliongto Ave, Davao City. KidzWonder is accepting children for the Play School Program (3 to 5 years old) and Child Care Services (3 to 6 years old). For inquires, please call 3018057 or visit www.kidzwonder.webs.com.

Raising eager readers

"Raising eager readers"

Sun.Star Davao, August 8, 2009

More than the newest toys or latest clothes, nothing gives my kids thrill and excitement than receiving their treasured books. Every night, it has become a habit for my husband and me to read a story or two to our children before bedtime.

Lately, our family has rediscovered the Hiyas books from the Christian publishing house, OMF Literature Inc.

Whether your child is between 4 and 12 years old or in their early teens, there is a wide variety of interesting titles to choose from which teach important values such as “trusting in God, helpfulness, honesty, respect for elders, kindness, patience, self-discipline and love for country”.

Because the stories are written in the Philippine or Asian context, children will be able to relate easily to the characters. What I like about Hiyas books are they present real-life situations like children being raised by widowed parents, having OFW parents or a child coping with a differently-abled sibling. All these are told in a very positive and inspiring light, and with beautiful illustrations to boot.

Some of my children’s favorite Hiyas stories like “The Secret Ingredient”, “Big Brother”, “A Dozen Pair of Shoes”, “Wow, There’s A Baby in Mommy’s Tummy!” and “Joey and the Veggie Gang” even have combined English and Filipino translations.

Since my youngest, Chelsea who is three and a half years old, is still in her “English-speaking stage”, I read the English version first for several times before introducing the Filipino version. 

Slowly, I noticed that her Filipino vocabulary and comprehension have improved significantly.

Well-loved writers of Hiyas books like Grace Chong and Dr. Luis Gatmaitan are past winners of the highly coveted Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for their entertaining and substantial children’s stories.

At an average price of P65 a piece, the Hiyas brand has been aptly referred to as “a gem of a book”, and it truly is!

Hiyas books are available at National Bookstore and OMF Lit Bookshop, Ground floor, Mitaji Building, Tionko cor. Mapa Sts., Davao City. Tel. 082.221.3416.

***

A total of 35 SM Malls nationwide simultaneously celebrated the National Children's Book Day as 
part of the malls' Corporate Social Responsibility program through the SM Cares Children Committee last July 21, 2009.

“With more than 2.8 million customers going to our malls daily, and with more than 1.2 million of our customers being children, we have put it upon ourselves to make our malls not just child-friendly, but more importantly, we have created opportunities and avenues for a kid’s growth and learning.” says committee chairperson Royce Cabunag.

“SM is now beyond shopping, entertainment, and leisure. It is now about taking affirmative action in our social responsibilities. It is about taking initiatives, to be instrumental in caring for children, the best way we can.” he adds.

Together with its partners from the Department of Education (DepEd), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), Vibal Publishing and Boy Scouts of the Philippines, the National Children’s Book Day hopes to cultivate a love for reading and inspire kids into reading early to further improve child development.

At SM City Davao, the celebration was attended by Dr. Carmen Diamante of the Department of Education and Ms. Leoni Tinambakan of the Boys Scouts of the Philippines.

The event, with the support from academic institutions- Precious International School and Tumble Tots- Philippines with the assistance from the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs also highlighted children’s books as a tool in reinforcing rich and colorful imagination, instill proper values, and encourage children to explore and learn about other cultures.

Kudos to SM for being active partners in raising a generation of eager readers!

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

The sweet life of Zach

"The sweet life of Zach"

Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 1, 2009

Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you will certainly be amazed with Zachary Gabriel Barretto Uy’s recent 1st “Candy and Chocolate Factory” birthday bash, which was pure saccharine heaven on earth!

Inspired by the movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, the ever meticulous Davao-based party planner Annie Paz-Lim made Zach’s loving parents Morris “Moe” Uy and Bianca Barretto-Uy’s sugary dreams come true.

“The theme was perfect since it’s one of Moe’s favorite movies as a kid. Moreover, Zach’s baptismal souvenirs were Hershey chocolate bars with “HEREHEIS” printed on the wrapper. So, the theme was sort of a follow-up/sequel to Zach’s baptismal celebration”, shares pretty mom Bianca.

Sugar Central

Weeks before the grand celebration, guests received bright rectangular-shaped invitations with a cute photo of Zach riding a whimsical train overflowing with tasty treats. It read, “Welcome to Zach’s Candy and Chocolate Factory”. Let’s all ring the bell as he turns 1!”.

With such an enticing and one-of-a-kind invitation, it was no wonder that even if Zach’s birthday fell on a school day, almost all the invitees headed off to the celebrant’s very own Sugar Central for the important occasion.

“Moe and I were in high spirits to see nearly 200 of our dearest family members and friends at the celebration”, exclaims Bianca, who is also a doting mom to eldest son Quentin Rafael or Quent.

And, definitely, the party lived up to everyone’s sweet expectations!

Candy and chocolate factory

The Davao Convention and Trade Center was truly a welcome “sight for sore throat”. Brilliantly bedecked with “larger than life” lollipop, candy and chocolate balloons and styrofoam decorations in lively hues, it was like stepping inside the magical fantasy land of Willy Wonka.

At “Zach’s Candy and Chocolate Corner”, children could choose five kinds of any imported/local candies and chocolates that their appetites desired. The irresistible cotton candy cart and Allegro Ice Cream booth were a sure hit with the guests, too. Craving for some chips?

Munch away at “Zach’s Crunchy Snack Bar”!

Aside from the tummy-filling feast excellently prepared by DAVCON, guests were also treated to refreshing juice drinks from “Zach’s Juice Bar”; scrumptious pizza from Basti’s Brew; and cold and hot coffee concoctions from BluGre.

Want to have your “cookie” and eat it too? It’s all possible at the do-it-yourself “Decorate a Cookie” corner set up by master chef Booboo Carandang-Maramba, who likewise whipped up Zach’s 1st birthday cake.

“Zach’s cake was an oversized cupcake house surrounded by kids hugging lollies done in gum paste. Booboo did an exceptional job for it looked so appealing and yummy. For me, it was the kind of cake that was suitable for a 1st birthday party”, observes Bianca.

Sugar rush

The active kids burned off unwanted calories and satisfied their sugar rush by playing at the “Dart the Lollipops”, “Shoot the M&M Ball” game booths and jumped to their hearts’ content at the gigantic inflatable castle provided by Tisha Benedicto-Sebastian’s Jumpers Express.

In addition, amiable party host Ellen Garcia facilitated thrilling candy and chocolate-themed games such as the “Marshmallow Eating Contest”, “Chocolate Relay” and “Pass the Giant Toblerone”. Supersized Chupa Chups lollilops and M&M alarm clocks served as the most sought-after prizes.

Personalized bag tags and photos as well as colorful rectangular patent bags stuffed with an assortment of mouth-watering goodies, toys and surprises were among the many memorable souvenirs the kiddie guests received at the party.

The sweet life of Zach

“The most endearing part of the occasion for us would be the audio-visual presentation”, shares Bianca.

Touching photos of Zach taken by Papa Moe were shown while the song “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins was being played. “It instantly became Ahia Quent’s favorite song! After the party, Quent went on singing the song and called it “Zach’s party song”, adds Bianca.

With the flurry of activities prepared by Annie, Moe and Bianca could see that everyone’s faces were brimming with delight.

“We were so pleased with the outcome. My family and I couldn’t contain our happiness that the party was a huge success. Most importantly, we felt that Zach really loved and appreciated his party”, ends Bianca with her charming smile.

Such is the sweet life of Zach!

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