Saturday, September 21, 2013

A three-rific birthday bonanza










  
















                                                   “A three-rific birthday bonanza”
Sun.Star Davao, Sept. 21, 2013
           
Mark and Angel Labrador’s challenging journey in having their much-awaited triplets was an emotional yet rewarding roller coaster ride for the entire family.

"Our firm decision to keep the three babies, in spite of the doctors’ advice, involved sacrifices and was quite risky. But in the end, it was well worth it. Thank God we made it through! Having three healthy babies was truly a miracle. We are so blessed!”, Mommy Angel beams with pride.

Although they have two older daughters Aalia (12) and Ava (3), nothing could have prepared Mark and Angel for their new roles as hands-on parents to triplets. They were pleasantly surprised that even if the triplets were born at the same time, each child is delightfully distinct with his/her God-given personalities, talents and quirks.

Terrific three

“Aluna was the first to be born among the three. Her cry is the ‘big moment’ for me. Since she was the smallest and tucked in an odd position, her ‘coming out’ was the one I was looking forward to the most”, recalls Angel.

Growing up, Angel observes that Aluna remains the “sensitive one; smallest but with the biggest heart”. She also throws the biggest smiles and giggles of all and maintains her title of being the ‘first’ – she’s the first to crawl, stand on her own, do baby tricks like ‘close/open’, unassisted tummy time and more.

On the other hand, Marcus who was born the biggest is the sweetest. Regardless of being the only boy in the family, he’s always the last when it comes to attention contrary to what people expect. “He takes after his dad, a true gentleman, who believes that ladies should always be first”, Angel smiles.

“Marcus is a genuine Daddy’s Boy. His first word was “Papa” and clings on his dad like a glue. He’s also a jolly little fellow and the more sociable among them. Marcus eats like a horse and sleeps like a rock!”, laughs the amused mom.

And lastly, there is little Alani whom Angel describes as the “fiercest among them all”. “She screams like a siren and bites everything and anyone that’s in her way, including her brother or her sisters. Alani is the first one to walk unassisted and eats anything with no apprehension”, Angel details.

“I believe Alani is born to dance. She dances when she hears music and sings along as well. It will be quite interesting what she will become in years to come”, says Angel excitedly.

Hostess with the mostest

When it came to preparing for the triplets’ first birthday party, Mommy Angel, who has gained the reputation through the years as the ‘hostess with the mostest’, was for the first time at a loss in choosing the party theme.

Aluna, Marcus and Alanis’ christening reception alone held last February 2013 at the Marco Polo Davao Ballroom was the talk of the town when the Labradors brought no less than esteemed Manila-based event organizer Rita Neri; florist Jing Tanada; cake artist Penk Ching; and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra to be part of the grand and elegant affair.

“At first, it was difficult to decide which theme suited our triplets for their birthday because they are multi-gender”, shares Angel.

“So, we thought it would be more appropriate to do animals and basic colors and in order for it to be different, we thought of something modern and somewhat ‘organic’ “, Angel explains.

Angel usually thinks of themes and looks for pegs about six months ahead as she is not a “fan of pressure”. “I am very meticulous on every aspect of every party I plan and that’s the reason why Winnie Go of Party Perks-Manila who also happens to be the godmother of my second daughter Ava, is my best bet when it comes to party planning. She is so much like me – into the very detail of things”, Angel declares.

Modern white wilderness

During the triplets’ 1st birthday, the SMX Convention Center was splendidly transformed into an awesome jungle but with a twist -- it had an all-white modern wilderness theme.

At the entrance, lovely toy ponies, ready to be ridden, greeted the kiddie guests. On the other hand, the scrumptious dessert buffet spread by Lachi’s was every sweet tooth’s dream come true brimming with animal-shaped cookies, French macarons, crème brulee, dozens of beige-colored cakes bedecked with adorable animal toppers and so much more.

As guests arrived at the party venue, they marvelled at the hundreds of white balloons with gold and silver accents on the ceiling and tables that looked endless and ethereal. In addition, gargantuan wooden animal silhouettes regally stood all over SMX.

While waiting for the party to begin, kids had a blast creating their animal terrariums.

The white guest tables had alphabet blocks with gold-colored animal figures and stuffed animals that Angel especially bought in the U.S. “I was very particular on picking the right kind of animals. The colors should fit our theme”, points out Angel.

The seasoned face painter, party host Sugus, Pilipinas Got Talent magician Cris and the amazing neon show/hand mime artists came all the way from Manila making the triplets’ birthday celebration extra special.

Meanwhile, the neon lights show was something that was never seen before at local children’s parties. “It highlighted three of my well-loved songs dedicated to each of my triplets, namely: “At the Beginning” for Alani; “You Will Be in My Heart” for Marcus; and “Count On Me” for Aluna”, Angel discloses.

The exquisite food catered by the charming Baby Montemayor of Villa Margarita showcased its mouth-watering specialties such as U.S. Angus Prime Roast Beef; Lengua Pastel; Chicken Relleno; Menudo Sulipena; Fettucine ala Roma; and Lapu-Lapu Meuniere with Hazelnut Buttercream and Sauce Nantua; among others.

Aside from the all-time favorite burgers and spaghetti, the kiddie guests feasted on french fries from Potato Corner; Krispy Kreme Donuts; and Basti’s Brew Pizza.

Animal-shaped crackers inside clear buckets and stuffed animals were the much-coveted party give-aways.

Without fail, Angel has lived up to her title as the ‘hostess with the mostest’ with this three-rific birthday bonanza!

We share photos of the joyful occasion by multi-awarded photographer Lito Sy.

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

Saturday, September 14, 2013













  




"ABCs of Parenting" seminar


Thank you so much to the Davao Christian High School (DCHS) parents, teachers and guests for spending your precious Saturday afternoon attending the “ABCs of Parenting” seminar with parenting and relationship expert Ms. Maribel Dionisio and sons Rafael and David last Sept. 14, 2013.

The seminar is co-sponsored by the Davao Christian High School Parents-Teachers Fellowship, Love Institute, Philam Life and Metro Working Mom magazine.


Our sincerest appreciation also goes out to Ma’am Franelli Pableo, Ma'am Jocy Yeung, Maycelle Billanes, Ma’am Sashi Cagampang, Sir Jimjim Carreon, Shem Labor, Kuya Edgar, the DCHS maintenance staff and the DCHS PTF Exec. Board and Homeroom Officers for the all-out support!

Lastly, we wish to thank the Stella Maris Academy of Davao Parents-Teachers Association headed by president Jeffrey Alvarez for co-organizing the "ABCs of Parenting" seminar with the DCHS PTF.

To God be the glory!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Malaika's precious pinwheel party



























“Malaika’s precious pinwheel party”
Sun.Star Davao, Sept. 7, 2013

I can still remember being totally amazed at Marianne Navales-Cuezon when I featured her in my column at the same time last year.


During the 38th week of her pregnancy and amidst the hustle and bustle of decorating her nursery, the then mom-to-be staged her second one-woman art exhibit dubbed as “Weaving a Life: Discovering the Life of the Unborn” at the Museo Dabawenyo. Not only that, she also gathered several pregnant mommies one afternoon and did a belly painting activity at The Pod. 


After her dear Malaika Dalimay was born, Marianne admirably chose to be a full-time breastfeeding mom and put her profession as a doctor on hold “until God’s perfect time 
comes”. 


Heaven’s messenger 


Mommy Marianne shares that Malaika’s unique name means "Heaven's Messenger".


“True to her name, Malaika is exactly just that to us. From the moment she was conceived and then born, she has always been God's messenger. We have learned more of God's faithfulness and grace every day. She is our joy---the kind of heart's joy that's ‘God-send’”, Marianne lovingly describes.


“In addition, Malaika has taught me every essence of what the word 'selfless' means - not to mention patience too. She has taught us to walk by faith, as a family. She is God's instrument for bringing out the best in us. She is teaching us to bring everything in prayer;  preparing us and equipping us as parents, in every way, to mold her into exactly who God intends her to be”, smiles the doting mom who is happily married to Carl, legal administrator for Reed Elsevier Shared Services Philippines, Inc., a US-based shared company.


Early this week, their little Malaika or whom Marianne fondly calls “Kolokay” turned one year old and the creative mommy made sure that her beloved daughter’s most favorite things were part of the glorious birthday celebration!


 Inner crafty expressions


 “As early as three months old, baby Malaika loved watching pinwheels blown by the wind at the family garden. And, she has been fascinated with pinwheels since then. The moment I also introduced bubbles, she went crazy over them! So, for her first birthday, I wanted Malaika to enjoy her simple joys – pinwheels and bubbles”, Marianne divulges.  


Marianne started working on the DIY pinwheels as early as two months ago, in between Malaika’s naps and after her bedtime, as these are the only times she can work on them. “They became my "mommy Me time" and release for my inner crafty expressions”, the artistic mom reveals.


With the help of longtime friend Mixie Palma of Happy Parties, Malaika’s precious pinwheel theme was tastefully incorporated in her dainty invites, favor tags, cupcakes toppers, poster and tarpaulin.


Pinwheel party

On her special day, a multitude of vibrant and whimsical pinwheels merrily greeted the birthday girl as she entered the Ladislawa Country Club.


The handmade pinwheel decorations by Marianne filled the entire party venue from the ceiling works, table centerpieces, backdrop and loot bags.


“The pinwheels were made of colored paper and scrapbook papers, paper straws, buttons and pins. I made several prototypes to ensure that they really work the purpose as toy pinwheels”, explains Marianne.


Loudy Patos, Marianne’s ever reliable setup coordinator/florist, assisted the hands-on mom with the party decorations.


“Loudy has always been with us in every family event—from birthdays, art exhibit openings to my wedding. She is the only one who can execute our ideas always exactly the way we envision it to be. Loudy is truly a gem!”, Marianne enthuses.


Well-loved family friend Emily Lim-Cimafranca magnificently created the delightful garden and pinwheels-themed 1st birthday cake and cupcakes of Malaika while the adorable mini pinwheel cupcakes at the dessert buffet were supplied by Justin Merdeka Tajanlangit of Cupcake Nymph.


Family fun


Making sure that everything was just pinwheel perfect at the party was one of the celebrant’s greatest fans, Lola Marilyn Navales, who willingly acted as the event coordinator. Lolo Chester Navales, on the other hand, took charge of setting up the bubble machine, projector and chocolate fountain.


Video coverage was superbly done by Marianne’s brother Cheston who has been consistently documenting highlights of family events, including Malaika’s birth. 


Bonjee Entertainment’s talented host Jymmez Infiesto did a fantastic job livening up the affair with her thrilling party games while the amazing magic and bubble show entertained both the young and adult guests.


We share photos of Malaika’s awesome pinwheel party courtesy of CJ Liamzon.

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