Undecided

Because of all the positive reviews I've been hearing about Kumon, we decided to attend the orientation and had Aliya take the diagnostic test. We were enlightened today during the orientation, but are still undecided if we should go for it. I don't want to cramp Aliya's schedule with so much activities lest she gets stressed so early in life.

Not closing our doors yet, we have a few more days to decide.

Easter Egg Hunting Activities 2012 (from Smart Parenting website)

Where to Go Easter Egg Hunting this 2012 (Metro Manila)
from Smart Parenting website

Where to Go Easter Egg Hunting this 2012
We round up where you can have some egg hunting fun as we celebrate Easter.

PASIG

Egg-Citing Easter Weekend at Fun Ranch

Date: April 8
Address: Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City and Alabang
Time: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (Ortigas) and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. (Alabang)
Price: P250 for adults and P500 for the children two to 10 years old (inclusive
of snacks, loot bags, games, etc.)

For more information, visit www.kidsrulehere.com or Fun Ranch's Facebook page,
or call (02)706-3029 or (02)706-3031.

Easter Break Escape at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas

Date: April 8
Address: 17 Orchard Road, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City
Price: Enjoy the Easter Sunday Lunch & Dinner Buffet for only P1,580 nett per
person. Children 5 years old and below get to eat for free.

At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, enjoy the Barbecue Lunch Buffet starting at P1,200
nett for adults, P600 nett for children six to 12 years old and P300 nett for
toddlers five years old and below. Rates inclusive of tickets to the Easter
Kiddie Party after lunch.

For more information, call (02) 570-7777 (Eastwood) or 638-7777 (Ortigas), or
visit www.richmondehotel.com.

MANDALUYONG

Easter Wonderland at Edsa Shangri-La Manila

Date: April 8
Address: 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City
Venue: Isla Ballroom
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Price: P1,350 (inclusive of service charge and taxes)
Activities: Face painting, egg-shaped cookie decorating, Easter egg hunt, arts
and crafts, egg relay, special performances, games, etc.

For more information, visit Edsa Shangri-La's Facebook page , call (02)633-8888
local 2895 or e-mail events.esl@....

MAKATI

Underwater Egg Hunt at the Peninsula

Date: April 8
Address: Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenue, Makati City
Venue: Rigodon Ballroom
Price: Enjoy the Easter Bruch Buffet at the Lobby for P1,200 per child,
inclusive of a ticket to the Easter activities
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Activities: Egg painting, face painting, balloon twisting, photo booth, ice
cream station
Egg hunt schedule:
12:30 to 1 p.m. - 4-6 years old
1:30 to 2 p.m. - 1-3 years old
2:00 to 2:30 p.m. - 7 to 12 years old

For more information, call (02)887-2888 local 6630 or e-mail pmn@....

Enchanted Fantasy Land at Makati Shangri-La

Date: April 8
Address: Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City
Activities: Children's buffet, hair braiding, glitter tattoo, balloon twisting,
magic show, glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt
Price: P1,000 nett for adults and P700 nett for children (inclusive of
children's buffet)

For more information, call (02)840-0884 or e-mail rric.slm@....

PASAY

Easter Eggcitement at Marriott Hotel Manila

Date: April 4
Address: No. 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, 1309 Pasay City
Venue: Grand Ballroom
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Price: P500 nett (inclusive of activities, souvenirs, loot bag, etc.)
Activities: Egg hunting, egg painting, magic show, face painting, etc.

For more information, visit Marriott Hotel Manila's Facebook page or call
(02)988-9999.

MANILA

Easter Egg Hunt Adventure at the Manila Hotel

Date: April 8
Address: One Rizal Park, Manila
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (buffet and activities)
Price: P1,000 per person (inclusive of Easter Sunday kiddie buffet, face
painting, magic and clown bubble show)

For more information, visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph or call (02)527-0011 local
1260 to 62.

ALABANG

Lost in Wonderland at Acacia Hotel

Date: April 8
Address: 5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Price: P950 nett per adult and free for children below two years old
Activities: Face painting, arts and crafts, mini golf, inflatable castle, parlor
games, surprise show, mascot appearance, Easter egg hunting, loot bag, souvenirs

For more information, visit www.acaciahotelsmanila.com, call (02)720-2000 or
(02)588-5888 or e-mail enquiry@....

Egg-Citing Easter Weekend at Fun Ranch

Date: April 8
Address: Li'l Fun Ranch, Westgate, Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Price: P250 for adults and P500 for the children two to 10 years old (inclusive
of snacks, loot bags, games, etc.)

For more information, visit www.kidsrulehere.com, visit Fun Ranch's Facebook
page or call (02)706-3029 or (02)706-3031.

Hikin' and Campin' Easter at the Bellevue

Date: April 8
Address: The Bellevue Manila, North Bridgeway, Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Venue: Tower Ballroom
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Price: P700 nett (inclusive of activities, games, snacks buffet, souvenirs and
loot bag)

For more information, visit www.thebellevue.com, call (02)771-8181 or text
0917-8718181 or 0918-8718181.

Overload of Cuteness with Lorax

And so last Monday, Aliya and I went to watch Lorax at Robinson's Galleria. I kinda know already what to expect, but I still was wary if she'd sit through the whole film since it's mostly environmental. it helped that one of their lessons in Science in school was how to take care of the environment... she was able to grasp the message of the story alright.

But what I think really grabbed her attention, being a child, was the overload of cute creatures and cinematography. Nobody really looked scary, even the villains O'Hare and his two men in black don't look scary at all. Once-ler was fine looking even if they tried to hide his appearance during the first part of the movie.

All in all, it was a nice experience, a fun Monday morning for the two of us. We went to eat baked mac after and she had a dose of her favorite dessert, frozen yoghurt.

It's always nice to share special moments with my kid. I know she'll one day look back to these times that we just lounge around and bond like best friends do.

The First Ballerina In the Family

When I was younger, it never occurred to me to take ballet lessons. Though I was relatively mahinhin when I was a child, but ballet never interests me. I remember watching a ballet recital as part of a writing gig, but even if I enjoyed the show, I know it wasn't for me.

Thus, it is somehow a bit of a surprise when early on, Aliya kept saying she wants to study ballet. She's interested in books about ballerinas and enjoys watching the ballet troupe in her school during their presentations.

And so for this summer, we decided to enroll her in ballet class. I paid the tuition today in KILA and went straight to the mall to buy her a set of ballet outfit, complete with ballet shoes. I was tempted to buy another set, but wanted to make sure of the size first.

She put on her outfit as soon as I got home this afternoon from the mall, and boy, she indeed looks sooo cute! Can't wait for her actual lessons to start!

Will a 4 yr old Appreciate The Lorax Movie?

Planning to bring Aliya to a movie this week... will the Lorax be a good choice? Or should we go watch The Muppets?

... thinking thinking...

Kopiko's Kopiccino

I like the taste of Kopiko Brown Sugar Coffee. Since I discovered it a few years ago, I always make sure we have enough stock at home. The Black coffee variety which, if I'm not mistaken, they labeled "Astig", is too strong for me.

Then last month I found they have a new variety, which is the Kopiccino. It's quite a witty name, and a brilliant idea. Plus the fact that each sachet comes with Choco Granules makes it all the more interesting. I like the froth it creates.

Since then, it's always been my coffee every morning, as well as by late afternoon whenever I need a little perk-me-up.

My Little Playroom in Sta Lucia Mall

We've only been there a couple of times. So far. I intend to bring Aliya there more often since first, I know she enjoys playing with the stuff there, second, because I myself like the ambience. I like huge spaces, and the size of the playroom is big enough for lots of kids. The toys are new and not of low quality. The toys talaga ang pinaka-reason why I like Aliya playing there.

We've been to a few play areas in different malls, and what SOME of them offer are low quality toys. Mga sira na, luma, kadiri na ang itsura. My Little Playroom's selection of toys are clean, too. They have areas for fine motor skills-play, as well as areas for big movements like running, shooting balls, riding and slides.

Weekday rate for an hour is P140, for 30 minutes is P90. Weekend/Holiday rate is P160, and half an hour on weekends is P100.

Mama's In Hongkong!

Happy for my mom. It's her first time abroad. Today, she and my younger sister left for Hongkong for a short vacation with my aunt, my cousins and nephews.

I'm happy that Mama is able to enjoy her life and be relaxed now. I know she's happy taking care of and loving Papa all throughout their marriage, and even when he was already sick... I know that even if it was difficult, Mama still finds it an honor to be of service to him.

But now that Papa is gone, we're trying to make Mama's life easier and stress-free. Glad that she's finally able to make this vacation a reality. Plus the fact that I promised Papa that I'll have Mama go to Hongkong for some rest and recreation. I know Pa's happy for her, too.

Summer Ballet Lessons

Aliya has been exposed to ballets and the concept of ballerinas through books and school events. So this summer, it's been decided, that amidst the many choices of workshops her school, Kids International Learning Academy is offering, we'd go for ballet.

I went to Sta Lucia with her a few weeks back and checked their schedule of classes and fee. Lumalabas it's still cheaper in Kila, plus Aliya's familiar with the environment na. Come Monday, I'm gonna enroll her na for ballet class. Yay!

Yahoo! Aliya Gets Lots of Awards!

It's Aliya's first year in school, and already, she bagged FIVE awards!

It was their Moving Up Day last Saturday and I was so excited I couldn't sleep the night before. I was more excited than her, partly because I'm so looking forward to watching them in their 1950's production number, and also I was stressing myself because I am in charge of her hair and make up. Yup, I decided against hiring someone professional to fix her hair do (50's style), and put on her make up.

We had a Hair and Make up trial last thursday, not really to prep her up, but to put me in gear. hehe. I wanted to see if I can make it. Aliya was all giggly when I put on rollers, especially when I started putting on make up on her. Lipsticks always intrigued her, and so when she found out my lip gloss actually tastes like watermelon, all the more she started giggling. So cute!

And so the day came, a Saturday and I was up very early. I made sure everything is ready. By 8am, we're ready to fix her up. Well, congrats to me because I was the one who designed her dress, and her hair and make up blended so well! Yiheee!

But the highlight of the day was during the awarding! She got 5 awards, all of them I wasn't expecting!

Here are her awards: Best in Math, First Placer in Coloring Contest, Second Placer in Penmanship Contest, Science Smart, and Most Thoughtful!

Woot! Woot! Congrats, dear Aliya! We are so very proud of you!!!

Magnum, Anyone?

So after so much raves from friends and acquaintances about this newest product from Selecta called Magnum, I finally gave it a try. I like chocolates and ice cream, i like Pinipig Crunch even as a little girl. But maybe it was just me, but I find Magnum too rich for me!

I tried the Almond flavor since I am a fan of almonds in all its forms. Too rich and huge that halfway through the bar, I couldn't finish it!

It might take me another month before I'll try another bar.

A Trip to Manila Zoo and Luneta Park

Because my husband and I are committed to being pro-active parents who provide healthy, educational and fun experiences for Aliya, we brought her to see the animals at the Manila Zoo yesterday. She had fun watching the animals, observing their behavior, especially how they play. She particularly liked to linger at the monkeys' area to watch the playful creatures tinker with a pvc pipe, and waddle at their (dirty) pool. How the tigers fought over a piece of bone amazed her, as well.

She used to be afraid of riding the swing. But yesterday, she rode it and didnt want to leave unless we told her we'll go boat riding. She's been insisting on riding the boat even before we had lunch, and kept on nagging us about it until after we ate. This, in itself is proof that she's overcome her fears, as she used to be wary of moving things like the swing and the boat. Taking charge of the paddling gave her a sense of fulfillment and pride, even if it was actually the bankero who kept our boat mobile.

We had our pictures taken with birds all over us, three of them perched on our shoulders, and three of them on our fingers, and even if I know Aliya was a bit wary, she overcome her fear and posed for the photos just the same. Same thing with the giant snake. If this was three months ago, she'd probably not want to even look at the snake, but yesterday, she was so game about the pictorial as long as daddy takes charge of the head's neck and head. The snake rested on Aliya's lap, and its tail was on my lap.

After 3 and a half hours in Manila Zoo, we went impromptu to Luneta Park. She's been familiar with Jose Rizal as early as last year. We had a book on Rizal lying in the house, and both Romy and I have Rizal shirts. We thought it would interest her to see the diorama of the national hero, and she indeed was. She had fun looking, touching, learning about Rizal's life and death, as we taught her what the diorama was depicting. It makes us feel fulfilled to be able to expose her to these things as early as now. I know we are investing in her development, character building and intellect. Going to the mall every week is fun, but it gets routinary, boring and predictable after some time. Places such as the zoo and Rizal park are places where learning can be fun for her.

I am thankful for giving me a husband who shares my desire to be proactive in rearing Aliya. And I'm grateful for having a child who's curious, interested and healthy like her. But most of all, we praise God for giving us the health, the ability and the resources to be able to provide these things to our daughter.

New Cabinets and Drawers

In September 2010, we had hanging cabinets installed all over the house. After we've filled up those cabinets with our ever-increasing stuff, we realized we havent installed enough! so i thought we might have to get this project over and done with while the helper is still around, so I won't be too overwhelmed with all the things I need to attend to, especially the cleaning part.

We contacted a carpenter and he made the measurements yesterday. Waiting for the quote which should be arriving either tonight or tomorrow. Can't wait to have the new developments installed in our house!

So glad to be able to afford these renovations and improvements. Thank you Lord for the provision, as well as the foresight, that we need to do this before we're left with no helper.

Fair-Happy

Aside from being someone who's shutter happy, I, too, am fair-happy. I mean, I like visiting fairs or bazaars. Just last Friday, I went to the Shoes and Bags Fair at the Megatrade Hall. I was able to purchase 5 pairs for Aliya. Sandals, sneakers, school shoes, slip-ons, and dress shoes. Brands like Chicco, Pitter Pat, Barbie, Disney, Myspace, among others have really good deals and selections.

Even if I intended to buy a pair or two for me, I came out of the fair not being able to buy anything for myself. Haha! Naubusan na ng gana after being hyper from my purchases for my daughter. I also wanted to buy bags, and at some point, almost bought one luggage. But I wasnt sure of the brand, and since I'd just be commuting, I was intimidated by the fact that I'd have to haul it all the way to where the FXs to Cainta are.

But all in all, I was happy with my purchases. :)

Pinoy Wedding Checklist

Planning for my wedding in 2005 was one of the most exciting, challenging and meticulous tasks I’ve ever accomplished. I didn’t realize just how much needs to be done until I started reading on “wedding preps” two days after my then fiancé proposed to me. It was a roller-coaster ride – today happy, stressed the next. But the “high” I experienced each moment was incomparable. Pride and joy filled me all throughout the ride. I felt happy each time I get to cross out an item from my long list. And this list I am glad to share in the hope that I could now be of help to someone as clueless as I was then.

1. Date and Time. In the Philippines, being a June bride is not that big a deal as it is in other countries. Due to the very unpredictable weather, quite a number of couples I know try to wed on the colder months, e.i. September, October, November, December, January and February.

2. Venue. Again, the weather being a huge factor in decision-making, most opt for indoor weddings. A couple I know booked a garden wedding with an understanding with the venue administration that in case the weather does not cooperate, they can move the set-up to one of the air conditioned halls within the compound.

Popular Wedding Venues: Oasis http://www.oasismanila.com/contact.html,
The Mango Farm http://www.themangofarm.com,
Manila Cathedral, Christ The King Church, and the various choices within Intramuros

3. Motif. I have yet to meet a bride whose mind is set on a motif from day one. I personally changed my motif 5 times before coming up with Fuschia and Green.

Popular Wedding Motifs: Pink and Chocolate Brown, Citrus, Red and Gold

4. Theme. Having a themed wedding isn’t very popular to the more traditional Pinoy couples. But the more daring ones can be very creative. Mine was Precious Moments. A good friend of mine’s reception was Lord of the Rings-inspired. She and her husband wore Arwen and Aragorn costumes, and souvenirs were inspired by the leaf on Aragorn’s outfit.

Some suggestions: Movies-inspired, Fairyland, Cinderella; or a mix of cultures e.g. Pinoy-Jewish, Pinoy-Japanese. Or to make it true-blue Pinoy, include a money dance.

5. Prayer List. This, for me is non-negotiable. I wrote down all the concerns my then-groom and I had regarding the preparation, including prayers for finances and emailed copies to our prayer warriors. Just make sure you inform them once an item has been answered and unless you have a very tight budget and can only accommodate a small guest list, make sure they’re invited!

6. Officiating Minister/Priest/Pastor. Opt for someone who knows you and your partner well. Someone who will do it wholeheartedly and not just out of duty. Pastor Julius Fabregas took the time to meet with me and my then husband-to-be weeks before even though he already knows me for years and has worked with me on countless projects. My personal tip aside from those already mentioned, choose someone who can deliver a timely, appropriate message without alienating the guests.

7. Ceremony Script. Discuss with your priest/pastor if the script will be coming from him or if he expects you to come up with one. If you have suggestions or requests, make sure you make it clear to him days, even weeks before the wedding.

8. Coordinator. A wedding coordinator is not a must-have, though I must admit I am all-yes when a bride asks me if she should hire one. Weddings can be very stressful and to have someone you trust to take over the goings-on on THE day can be very comforting, if not liberating.

Personal recommendation: http://www.facebook.com/l/;aneventtorememberonline.com

9. NSO-Certified Birth Certificate

10. Marriage License. Check out this link as to how to secure a marriage license:
http://www.pinoy-everything.com/debuts-weddings/requirements-for-application-of-marriage-license-in-the-philippines.html

11. Marriage Certificate. I strongly suggest you assign a relative or a friend who’ll be in charge of having your principal sponsors sign the certificates after the ceremony. Believe me, you’d be so busy and high-strung to even remember to sit them down to sign. It’s going to be a hassle to have to go to their house/office after the wedding for their signature when you should already be honeymooning by then. For the same reason, my husband had the foresight and wisdom and saw to it that his Best Man took charge in bringing the copies to the City Hall (of the town/province where you got married).

12. Engagement Seminar. Call, visit your municipal hall for their schedules. The seminar usually lasts one day. Although ours started at around 8am and we were done by lunch time.

13. Family Planning Seminar. Being one of the segments discussed in the Engagement Seminar, you do not need to attend a separate one. But since we also attended the SEC-registered Discovery Weekend seminar http://www.discoveryweekend.org/contact.html, we were able to get a more insightful, practical and Christian approach to planning a family.

14. Invites. The number of guests does not have to coincide with the number of invites you should be ordering. Also, there a lot of new and exciting designs out there so I suggest you browse the internet or the printer’s folio first for ideas. Invites nowadays need not be on stock paper. Others print them on fans, CDs, frames, etc.

Sure winner: Pop-up Invites!

And unless your guest will be coming from another country, please please try not to invite via text or email. Set aside a week or two in delivering the invites personally or by snail-mailing them.

15. Thank You Tags. For the souvenirs you’d be giving away towards the end of the reception. Nice if they’re design-coordinated with your invites.

16. Hotel/House for on-the-day preparation. The bigger the room, the better. Think of all the people who’d be coming in - Make Up Artist, Hair Stylist, Photographer, Videographer, On-the-day Coordinators, your mom! Cramped space = Stress = Harassed Bride.

17. Caterer. Research! Ask around. Insist on a food-tasting session. Ask questions. Jot down notes. Jot down deals. Jot down requirements. Jot down agreements. Make them sign. Confirm. The caterer is one of the most important, if not the most expensive suppliers in a wedding so make sure you get what you want and what you pay for.

18. Cake Supplier. If the caterer does not supply the cake, or if their cakes do not pass your standards, you have to scout for a cake supplier. I was lucky to find a cake maker who not only make yummy cakes, but is also talented in designing them. She can follow instructions even if I just describe them over the phone!

19. Cake Topper. Since I wanted a Precious Moments wedding, I bought a Precious Moments Cake Topper.

20. Photographer. Never be hasty in booking a particular photographer. Take time to browse his portfolio/website. Know his artistic style, his work attitude, his rapport with previous clients. Go not only for the talent, but also for the personality. A photographer with no rapport with the subject is a no-no. Who would want to smile at the camera of a photographer who’s masungit and mataray, anyway?

Highly Recommended: Paul Vincent Delos Reyes - 410.5126; 0928.5006912 www.paulvincentphoto.com

21. Videographer. Same guidelines as those mentioned above. Check if your chosen photographer has a partner videographer. Sometimes, it’s cheaper if you book them together.

22. Florist. Look at their portfolio. Ask where they get their flowers. Ask previous clients about their punctuality and creativity. One plus factor of my florist was that she was willing to scout for cheaper alternatives for the expensive breeds I’ve been coveting.

23. Bride’s Gown. Whether you go for store-bought gowns or something that’s especially sewn for you, make sure you get something that fits well and flatters your figure.

My personal shouldn’t have: shouldn’t have decided on an expensive gown. Now it’s tucked away in our stock room and the huge box is eating up space!

24. Bride’s Shoes. Most Pinays have small feet. My personal experience was that those being sold at the malls were either too huge or not too formal. Try Marikina Shoe Expo or if you have enough time, go to Marikina City and check out all the little shoe boutiques there.

25. Bride’s Hair and Make-up. Ask for a THMU or a trial hair and make-up session. This isn’t free, though. If I remember it correctly, I paid P500 for the session because my dear HMU Artists who were from Bulacan had to go all the way to Cainta.

26. Wedding Accessories (veil, second veil, tiara/clip/headband, pillows, cord, pouch). These usually come as a package from the gown couturier.

27. Bride’s Jewelries. A pair of simple earrings would do, and your engagement ring if you have one.

28. Groom’s Barong/Suit. And don’t forget the undershirt!

29. Groom’s Shoes. Easier to find. The malls have them!

30. Groom’s Trousers. Again, hit the malls. Or have them made by your local sastre.

31. Entourage Gowns. Depends upon your agreement with your groom/bride, but nowadays, the engaged couple is no longer expected to shoulder the expenses of the ento gowns. In our case, we only paid for the gowns of the mother of the bride and of the groom.

32. Entourage’s Hair and Make-up. Same suggestion as mentioned above.

33. Holy Bible. For a more personal touch, why not use your own Bible and not one that’s been recently purchased in the bookstore.

34. Wedding Rings. Jewelry shops in malls, your suking alahera, the jewelry havens in Manila are good sources.

35. Arrhae

36. Unity Candles and matches

37. Bridal Car

38. Emcee. Choose one who has a track record of being punctual, lively, has rapport with the guests, can adjust to the guests’ mood, age and background, someone who respects the client’s wishes and won’t insist on his/her own programme.

39. Reception Script/Programme. Keep it short, sweet and personal. Sample scripts abound in the net and it’s convenient to download and use them, but if they do not fit your and your partner’s personality, or if it’s something that will most likely bore the guests, better to just come up with your own.

40. Musicians, Singers/Band. Better if you meet with them weeks before the wedding and discuss your choice of songs and music to be played. If you have a list of “must-nots”, make sure you tell them ahead of time. Like maybe a particular song reminds you of an ex, or is associated with a misunderstanding you and your groom had in the past, or is from a soundtrack of a tragic movie, tell them so.

41. Sound system. Request for more than 3 microphones and an excellent system. What’s the use of a wonderful program if only those in front can hear what’s going on.

42. Playlist –for Ceremony and Reception. My playlist was divided into the following categories: 1.) While guests are arriving 2.) Entourage March 3.) Bridal March 4.) Ceremony Proper 5.) Picture Taking Music After Ceremony 6.) Before Reception 7.) During Reception 8.) After Reception

43. Doves and Cage. This is usually included in the package with the caterer, though in my wedding, we decided we won’t have this portion any more.

44. Safety Pins. If you’re having a money dance.

45. Gift Table. Situate this far from the entrance/exit points and assign a trusted friend/relative to take charge so as to avoid missing gifts and envelopes.

46. Cake Table
47. Signature Frame
48. Guest Book/Wish Sheets
49. Principal Sponsors Gift
50. Entourage Souvenirs
51. Guests Souvenirs

52. Bridal Registry. Most popular choices are Rustan’s and Play and Display.

53. Guest Seat Plan

54. Floor Plan

55. Place to stay on night after the wedding

56. Honeymoon

Miscellaneous:

Mannequin. To “wear” your bridal gown while your hair and make-up are being done.

Misalettes

Save-the-date cards

Fans. To avoid oily-faced guests.

Party poppers.

Envelopes for full payment for suppliers.

Baskets for souvenirs

Easels. To display your pre-wedding photos.

Luminaries. To light the path going to the ceremony venue, if you’re having a late afternoon-evening wedding.

Lanterns. For a more dramatic effect.

LCD. For audio-visual presentations.

… and the list goes on and on...

To D-Link or not to D-Link

Whenever I have something in mind that I want to buy, I can't help but think about it many times a day. Not to mention research, surf, ask around, post in forums before making the purchase, especially if it's a gadget or a trip.

Right now, I'm thinking of buying that D-Link wireless surveillance camera. Will be useful especially once i become yaya-less and have to multitask while Aliya is still sleeping, or if she prefers to stay upstairs in the playroom. Will also be useful once i get a new nanny, have to make sure she's treating my daughter well.

Hmmm, so the question remains, do I buy, or not?

Still Not Over

Sorry if I'm obsessing, but just when I thought I am okay with my yaya leaving next month, I realize I'm still not over it. It hurts, angers and upsets me that inspite of everything we've done for her and given her and her family, she still decided to leave us. The fact that when I enrolled her in computer school, she promised she'd come back after her 2 week vacation in the province... that really pisses me off! She does not know how to keep her promise!

This morning, I am especially super inis with her. She's in a silent and bad mood, and I feel that she doesn't have the right to be nag-iinarte. Her workload here are home is so easy, she can eat anything she wants, and she's well paid. Super kainis that she's parang impatient while she was giving Aliya a bath and helping my daughter dress up for school. I also found out that she's washing her clothes, as in her new and old clothes para pag uwi niya sa province, malinis na lahat. Hello! She's consuming our water and our laundry soap!

Maybe I'm being petty, but I know my feelings are well grounded. I have been a really kind and considerate employer. I keep my promises and give her benefits, both financial and material. She has 1 and a half days off a week, and we renovated one of our rooms so she can have her own bedroom, bed and closet! Argh! I. AM. REALLY. UPSET!