Nutcracker nirvana

“Nutcracker nirvana”

Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 24, 2011

Having studied ballet passionately as a child, fabulous mom Bianca Barretto-Uy did not have a hard time conceptualizing her only and youngest daughter Saoirse Marie’s delightful 1^st birthday party.

“My daughter Isha’s party theme is all about ballet. It was actually suggested by my good friend and Isha’s godmother, Stephanie Seng-Ong, and it was just right timing since I absolutely love ballet! I studied ballet for nine years and I hope Isha will have the same enthusiasm for dance and performing in the future”, shares Bianca.

When Isha was about six months old, Bianca started gathering ideas for her unica hija’s “Nutcracker” ballet-inspired celebration. Fortunately, planning became a breeze since Davao’s premier party organizer Annie Paz-Lim was there to help the hands-on mom.

“I revelled in the flurry of preparations since it’s going to be our first time to finally host a girl’s party!”, says Bianca excitedly. Happily married to businessman Morris Uy, they also have two lovable sons, Quent and Zach.

For Isha’s spectacular ballet-themed party, super moms Bianca and Annie’s creative collaboration transformed the Marco Polo Grand Ballroom into a magical “Nutcracker” nirvana.

The dynamic duo veered away from the ‘usual’ kiddie balloon decorations. Instead, they utilized charming ballet shoes, ostrich feathers, crystals, nutcrackers and endless yards of tulle in lilac and blush to highlight their dramatic vision. These same elements along with tasteful trinkets, jewelry boxes and mini toys likewise adorned the elegant guest tables.

“I also told Annie that it was imperative to include my current favorite flower, Delilah (lilac roses), in the table centerpieces”, details Bianca.

Before guests entered the ballroom, they wrote on personalized wish cards in lieu of the more traditional guest books. Meanwhile, on stage, real life ballerinas gracefully performed to the enchanting music of the “Nutcracker Suite”.

“I envisioned the ballerinas to dance like the dainty dolls we see on top of musical jewelry boxes”, smiles Bianca.

“The dominant colors in the venue were purple, lilac, plum, blush, silver and magenta which evoked a dreamy effect for Isha’s special affair”, Bianca adds.

Isha and Bianca looked pretty in pink garbed in their Debbie Co-Teng creations which were influenced by the ballerina’s tutus. On the other hand, the playful psychedelic shirts and colorful neckties of dad Morris and sons were the perfect contrast to the girls’ posh outfits.

Guests tremendously enjoyed the ballet-related games such as the “Dress Up Mom Like a Ballerina”, “Ballerina Shoe Hunting Game”, “Pass the Ballerina Shoes”, and many more.

How to correctly pronounce Isha’s unique name, Saoirse, was turned into a fun and challenging game by talented party host Ellen Ferenal-Garcia. Isha’s fascinating name is actually pronounced as “seer -shə”.

Pia Tecson-Lopez’s impressive four-tiered fondant cake was a sight to behold with its multi-hued ballet pointe shoes, corset, tutu, ribbons and a three-dimensional ballerina cake topper.

Aside from the sumptuous Chinese buffet spread by the Marco Polo, guests were treated to a variety of party booths such as Tutti Frutti, Chef Tony’s Popcorn, Basti’s Pizza and Coffee, Potato Corner, Chips and Drinks Station, Mang iScramble, iStickers, Craft Camp and heavenly desserts from Yuyu’s and Jonathan’s Cupcakery.

Purple tutu totes and baby blue body bags filled with yummy goodies were the much-appreciated party souvenirs. The ladies also happily went home with lilac-colored shoe dust bags monogrammed with ballet shoes by Fabianne Trends Unlimited.

All the elaborate preparations, however, were just icing on the cake.

When asked what she considered as among the highlights of the party, Mommy Bianca quickly replied, “Without a doubt, the audio visual presentation/photo montage lovingly prepared by Isha’s papa, Morris”.

The shutterbug dad undoubtedly only has his eyes on his little dancing princess, Isha---his most captivating muse!

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

Molly's pop star party

“Molly’s Pop Star Party”

Sun.Star Davao, Dec. 10, 2011

Singing and dancing with gusto; listening to pop music; and dressing up like a cool pop star are among Mariana Lauren “Molly” Nuere Te’s absolute favorite things to do.

Taking a cue from Molly’s growing fascination for music and performing, artistic mom Dyan sprinkled her ‘magic fairy dust’ and made her only daughter’s 5^th birthday bash a smash hit to remember.

Dyan, after all, is the dynamic manager of Davao’s Bluefairy Balloon Décor and Party Consultants.

Since 2002, Bluefairy Manila, which is owned by Dyan’s elder sister Pia Nuere-Reymundo, has been considered as one of the most experienced event decorating companies in the metro.

In 2008, younger sister Dyan set up her own Bluefairy business in Davao offering balloon décor, food carts, game booths, photo and video coverage, entertainment and all kinds of party requirements.

“Being the mother and the party organizer, it took me only two weeks to prepare the entire event, and I was definitely hands-on. Bluefairy provided the entire preparation including the invitations, party souvenirs and cake design”, shares Dyan, who is happily married to entrepreneur and mountain bike enthusiast Jessie Te. They also have another child, 10-year old Gabriel Joaquin or Gabby.

At Molly’s Pop Star party, personalized Mylar balloons featuring musical notes and singing sensations Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars were creatively displayed all over the Regency Inn Ballroom.

“The memorable event also showcased Bluefairy's new and enjoyable game booths. In addition to our ‘KnickKnacks’, ‘Sweet Treats’, and ‘Fun Art’, we were glad to introduce our Archery, Basketball and Bowling Game Booths”, says Dyan enthusiastically.

In keeping up with the upbeat musical theme, superb party host, Jymmez Infiesto, prepared delightful games such as “Guess the Name of the Pop Star”, “Name that Tune”, among others which made the kiddie pop music aficionados giddy with excitement.

On the other hand, Kristopher and Leah Go of Go Photobooth, spiced up the party with their on-the-spot photo giveaways that gave the guests good laughs as they gamely posed with the assorted wacky shades, hats and props.

After blowing the candle on her music-inspired “5 Greatest Hits” birthday cake, Molly distributed her fabulous personalized CD souvenirs by Fabianne Trends Unlimited owned by Dyan’s good friend Anna Ibarreta-Santos as well as scrumptious chocolate cupcakes bearing the letter “M” logo.

Completing the ‘party like a pop star’ experience was the impressive live performance of the Baby Boomers Band, whose young and talented members include Molly’s beloved cousin Jake Nuere and with the special participation of his younger sister Isabel Marie Nuere on vocals. Their repertoire consisted of top hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, Beatles, Alternative and RnB.

As you can see, Molly’s love for music really runs in the family!

Bluefairy Balloon Decor and Party Consultants may be reached at (0922)8704055;e-mail address: bluefairydavao@yahoo.com. Like them on Facebook: Bluefairy-Davao.

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