Sunday, September 26, 2010




Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Oak and Acorn's regrowth




















































































































































































































































“The Oak & Acorn’s regrowth”
Sun.Star Davao, Sept. 25, 2010

When The Oak & Acorn first opened its doors 3 years ago, the dynamic owners Architect Patrick Tan and wife Mary Allyn or Lyn had only one child, a boy. Since then, they’ve added a doting baby girl to their young family.

“So, we’ve grown as parents as well and become more mature in our parenting priorities. These changes have carried on to the new Oak & Acorn which recently relocated to Plaza Del Carmen”, shares Lyn.

The quaint development near J.P. Laurel is the latest architectural project of Patrick. “The garden-inspired location is very unique and perfect for The Oak & Acorn’s philosophies”, adds Lyn.

“Fine parenting, bright possibilities”
The Oak & Acorn honors the strength and majesty of the oak (parents) and the wonderful seeds of possibilities of the acorn (children).

Though the hands-on parents decided to display their company’s slogan, “Fine Parenting, Bright Possibilities” in the store premises only recently, this has always been the “raison d’etre” for their endeavors.

Lyn confesses that both she and Patrick are very passionate parents. They attend parenting seminars, read tons of books, and in the process have been blessed with immense joy and fulfilment in parenting.

“The Oak & Acorn is our way of sharing the finer lessons we’ve learned along the way, like how the right tools can aid in breastfeeding, what toys are safe and appropriate for our children, and what products we can use to help us in the difficult but rewarding task of parenting”, says Lyn who aside from being an entrepreneur is also a licensed pharmacist, freelance writer and interior design enthusiast.

Majority of the original brands can still be found in the store today which include the Thomas the Tank Engine Railways, CROCS, Lego, Bob the Builder Toys, Lamaze and many others. The store likewise offers nursing/breastfeeding basics and provides infant products that are both BPA and phthalate-free.

“Simply put, we do not carry anything in our store that we would not allow our children to use or have in our homes”, Lyn proudly reveals.

Regrowth
A fresh line introduced by the Tan couple is the “Healthy and Safe Home”. Products here include the Messy Bessy line of home products like the hand and laundry soaps and insect control products, and the Oasis skin care line. Both brands are biodegradable, natural, and most importantly, safe for families.

“We’ve also come up with “The Acorn Library”, a collection of children’s books specially selected to meet at least one of the 3 criteria: a) time-tested/ beloved classics, b) international or New York Times bestsellers, and c) award-winning titles”, explains the breastfeeding advocate and counsellor.

“I’m happy to share that many of the books in the collection meet not just one or two but three of the criteria. We would like to optimize the parents’ and children’s reading times with truly beautiful books”, enthuses Lyn.

With the new Oak & Acorn, the husband and wife team have also been more conscious about the values that dictate the choices for the products they carry in the store. These are: a) attachment parenting and love for family, b) love for our environment, and c) pride in being Filipino.

“The Oak and Acorn is where “Fine Parenting” is celebrated, and to us that means not only that we love our children, but love being parents to our children together with all the challenges and joys and time that it entails. We invite you to come share fine parenting with us”, Lyn ends with a smile.

The Oak & Acorn is located at Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, D.C. (near Best Buy).

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

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Caca's sweet sixteen





































“Caca’s Sweet Sixteen”
Sun.Star Davao, Sept. 11, 2010

With over 700 followers on Twitter and 15,000 tweets, you might think Micaela “Caca” Diaz Gatchalian is a popular young celebrity with her string of loyal fans.

Caca may not come from the world of showbiz but her enigmatic beauty, intelligence and winning personality have nonetheless captured the hearts of her family, classmates and friends. She is truly a “star” to her loved ones.

And, so when she celebrated her Sweet Sixteen party recently at the Marco Polo Hotel ballroom, the special people in Caca’s life paid tribute to her with their loving presence.

“Caca wanted a simple celebration but because “Sweet Sixteen” only happens once in a lifetime, her mom and I were able to convince her to push through with the party. It would be a great time to gather all her classmates, friends and family friends since she will be studying in Manila for college next year”, says Caca’s proud dad Gatchi.

Gatchi and his wife Larcy are the founders of the highly successful BluGre, Davao’s pioneering coffee shop, which has been credited with jumpstarting the coffee culture in the city.


Pretty in Pink

With less than a month of preparation, Gatchi and Larcy gave their unica hija a “Pretty in Pink” party she will forever treasure.

Caca’s pink invitation especially designed by her mom and dad was a silhouette of an elegant “Sweet Sixteen” gown accentuated with a hot pink Swarovski crystal. It was inserted in a dainty pink organza pouch tied with the guest tag and a dress code tag stating “Dress to Impress”.

The ballroom’s decorations were executed by Davao’s premier party organizer Annie Paz Lim, a good friend of the Gatchalians, who creatively used pink cloth to dramatically drape the walls and ceilings of the venue. Fuchsia and white-colored ostrich feathers placed inside tall vases served as the table centerpieces. In addition, a pink couch and gigantic “C” backdrop were displayed on stage.

All About Cakes owner Tanya Rabat-Tan created the celebrant’s three-tiered baby pink fondant cake topped with a dainty pink ribbon and hot pink letter “C”.

For the heavenly dessert buffet, Larcy made perfectly sure that the sinful sweets she tirelessly prepared were not only pleasing to the taste but were literally “eye candy” as well. Personally, I had a ‘major major’ problem where to start. In front of me were tempting cheesecakes, strawberry shortcakes, chocolate cakes, macaroons, fresh strawberries, cupcakes, brownies and many more---all with a touch of pink!

Hail to the pinkfANNEatic!

Those close to Caca know that aside from pink, another reason that would bring a big smile on her pretty face is keeping in touch with her favorite idol, actress Anne Curtis, whom she had the pleasure of meeting during their family’s U.S. trip last summer. In fact, Caca’s Twitter account is pinkfANNEatic, in honor of Anne.

So, imagine how thrilled the celebrant was when Anne, holding Caca’s invitation in her hand, gave a personal video message for her number 1 fan during the party.

But, that was just one of the many highlights of Caca’s memorable affair.

At the ballroom entrance, EZCapture’s mobile photo booth and Caca’s “Sweet Sixteen” photo exhibit by top Dabawenya photographer Jojie Alcantara were some of the unique touches that Caca’s cool parents conceptualized.

Adoring classmates and family friends also shared their 16 wishes for the charming teen. Ninang Monique Villanueva read and dedicated a heartwarming post in her blog (www.mtvrandomorder.blogspot.com) for her goddaughter entitled Sixteen Things We Would Like to Tell Caca on Her Birthday”.

Caca and her talented classmates likewise performed several adrenaline-pumping dance numbers much to the delight of the appreciative audience.

What impressed me the most though was when Gatchi, a former member of the De La Salle University Dance Troupe, gamely strutted to the beat of a Justin Bieber song with her beloved Caca in a well-applauded choreographed presentation.

After the program, the party continued at “CLUB C” located at the adjoining ballroom which was especially created for Caca and her friends. Complete with an in-house DJ, mirror ball, lights and custom-made dance floor, Club C had the ambiance of a real dance club. Gatchi and Larcy also set up a BluGre offsite bar serving the drink of the night, “Pink Cacapuccino”, in a fun cup for guests to keep as a souvenir.

Pretty in Pink party…Anne Curtis…Club C….Caca’s fabulous celebration is definitely something to tweet about by the lovable Twitter princess!

We share photos of Caca’s Sweet Sixteen party by Lito Sy Photo Studio.

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