New Year 2012: 3 Things To Remember in Welcoming the New Year

The prospect of a brand new year brings excitement to almost everyone, pessimists included. A start of a year creates so much anticipation for a brighter future. It builds up hope of fulfilling dreams or even creating new ones... it is another chance to make lives better. However, there are actually only three things to keep in mind when welcoming the new year... those things to keep, throw and give away.

Things to Keep for 2012

1. Promises made the previous year - The new year does not nullify the promises made in 2011, so don't break it. You may always create new resolutions for the coming year but you must carry on with the old ones or reaffirm your broken 2011 vows. 

2. Good Friends - Stick it out with good friends through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, 'till death do you party! 

3. Your Job - Keep it, even if you hate it. It's not very wise to welcome the new year with no steady source of income. So, hang on a little and stop thinking about quitting especially during the holiday season when you're most of the time intoxicated. 

4.Good Health - There are so many things to be thankful about for the year 2010.One of them is being healthy and strong... so keep your healthy lifestyle going. 

5. Good Deeds - Keep doing good to others and good things will come your way... after all, good things happen to good people ;)

Things To Give Away for 2012

1. Good Old Stuff - Please... part from it already. You might not get back to your 24" waistline 5 years ago and even if you did, the style of your old clothes won't fit your age anyhow... so, give it up. It's the time of the year to clean the closet, the attic, the basement, the garage or wherever it is you hid your treasures! Donate your good old stuff while it still could be useful to others. 

2.  Presents - Okay, your old stuff are good but they don't really make as nice presents... so buy some gifts for the Holiday give away. 

3. Peace - It's not true that you can't forgive people who do not ask for it or worse, do not even acknowledge they did you wrong. Of course you can, simply give it and you'll be surprised that the old hurt is gone! Forgive and spread peace to others and yourself as well. 

4. Joy - A simple smile or a wave could make someone's day brighter. So, be generous in spreading goodwill and friendliness. A joyful person attracts positive reactions while a grouchy one creates bad vibes. 

5. Love and Kindness - Hmmnn, how do we give out love and kindness? Just like a lotion usage instruction: Apply a generous amount all over to achieve best result!

Things to Throw for 2012:

1. Junk - De-clutter! Throw away your old stuff that you can't imagine using yourself! If it's no good for you, then don't think of giving it away, just junk it to avoid offending people or being offended if they throw it back at you. LOL! 

2. Worries and Fears - De-stress! Much of it comes from worrying about little things that actually don't matter a lot, if you just spare a moment not thinking about it. 

3. Hatred and Anger - Enough already... for all you know the object of your ire is not even aware of it. Give yourself a break and stop being a hater. 

4. Debts - Start with a clean slate! Pay off all debts if you can before the year ends, except of course those that are classified as fixed term loans. It's wise to welcome the new year debt-free. It will surely bring you good fortune. 

5. Bad Habits - Aha! Time to make your new year's resolution... kick the bad habits! Quit now! Hehe... Good luck!

Happy New Year to All!!!

Welcome

Technology: Smartphone Junkie and/or a Nomophobic?

People are becoming increasingly addicted to machines, particularly to smartphones. Surprisingly the inclination is widely spread across all ages from 7 to 70 years and older! In fact, I have a handful of very active Facebook friends who are 60 years old and up who post their FB status and comments using their smartphones!

My nieces and nephews seem like lost puppies without their electronic gadgets, but this is understandable considering that they're all born during the Information Age, Computer Age, Digital Age, Cyber Era, Internet Era ... or whatever you wish to call it. However, generations much older seem to be as addicted and sometimes even more so than the "internet babies," but that is not really so surprising because they are actually the ones who have the means to buy smartphones!




It is very easy to self-diagnose if you have become a Smartphone Junkie or severely suffering from nomophobia, the fear of being out of mobile contact!

If your answer is TRUE to at least 5 out of the 10 items below, then you might seriously want to consider joining the Smartphone Anonymous or visit a therapist!

1. You can't ignore a bleep, a tone or a vibration emanating from your smartphone and just have to drop whatever it is you're doing to check it.

2. You can't bring yourself to turn off your smartphone, not even for a minute.

3. You sleep, eat and take a bath with your smartphone not more than a meter away from you.




4. You take pictures of your food and post them to social networking sites using your smartphone before actually eating it.

5. You post your every location to social networking sites using your smartphone as if reporting your whereabouts to authorities in case someone attempts to kidnap you.

6. You post how you feel, what you are currently doing, who you are with and other personal details happening to you on social networking sites using your smartphone not less than 3 times daily.

7. You instinctively grope for your smartphone as soon as you wake up to check your messages, updates and to browse the internet.




8. You don't remember important dates and appointments without being prompted by your smartphone.

9. You feel proud of your smart phone like a trophy and so you display it for the world to see.

10. You talk about how good your smartphone is every chance you get, not to mention you also talk to your smartphone that talks back to you!

11. You upgrade to a smarter phone as soon as a new version hit the market.

Me? An addict? Nuh, uh!

Top 5 Relationship Issues: Give Your Heart a Break!

Break ups are true heart breakers! It doesn't matter if you were the one who initiated the separation or not, for sure, it will cut both ways. I had my fair share of heart aches and drama and I felt like writing about the topic because someone very close to me is currently undergoing a major relationship tear down and also, a very popular local celebrity item, KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual broke up hot off the fire! The news about the break up actually became a hotter issue than the recent stand off between the executive and judicial branches of the government with regards to the ex-president's right to travel abroad to seek medical attention. I thought it better to write about love and its sad ending rather than politics and its bad ending.




Who knows what really causes a relationship to break apart. It will be hard, almost impossible, to positively pin point the reason behind it because there are a lot of factors involved but here are the top 5 relationship issues that commonly cause a relationship to fall apart:

1. Financial Issue - The saying "When poverty knocks at the door, love flies out of the window" could be true but not in all cases because rich couples also break up due to financial issues. The financial problem does not really mean how much or how little money the couple has but how they value and spend it. It also should not matter who earns more. Problems occur only if the couple have differing objectives, priorities and ways of handling finances. The real issues behind a couple's financial problem are actually far deeper than money per se, which is only a diversion from the true conflicts between the two which are: Pride, generosity or lack of it, division of responsibilities as in the case of payment of bills, and sadly, greediness.

2. Intellectual Issue - A relationship may be affected and eventually end up in separation if the couple's intelligence are not at par with each other. An intelligence disparity between partners should not be too big a difference for it to be reconciled. Intellectual issues may include the Intelligence Quotient, Emotional Quotient, educational attainment and also the age gap of the couple.

Social Background Issue: Jack and Rose

3. Social Background Issue - The differing social classes of a couple sometimes affect the relationship especially if friends and relatives get involved. The adjustment becomes burdensome for the partner who constantly tries hard to fit into an unnatural social set up that harbors a feeling of awkwardness and insecurity.

The Break Up Movie

4. Morality, Values, Religion and Other Intimacy Issues - Sexual orientation, sexual practices, sexual drive, other intimacy issues... morality, values and religion, these are important factors in the longevity of a relationship. A couple's conflicting views regarding these matters cause a lot of tension in the relationship. These issues are also the hardest to compromise and sacrifice. These differences are very hard to resolve and may result to a separation in no time.

Grey's Anatomy Love Triangle

5. Fidelity Issue - This one is the worst heart breaker of all! Only a few couples are able to salvage their relationships after a philandering partner has been discovered. It is sometimes very hard to fix this problem due to a violation of trust. The underlying causes of infidelity could be a combination or all of the above issues.

Is it true that "Opposites Attract?" 

Yes, if you're a magnet! 

What about "Love Conquers All?" 

Yes, only if you choose your battles wisely.

KC Concepcion outed her break up with Piolo Pascual in tears on national TV

But, I still believe it's all worth it ... 

to love and be loved in return. 

Party Themes and Costumes Double the Fun!

Cat Woman, unmasked! *Miyawrr*

No, I did not attend a post Halloween Costume Party and I wasn't wearing a Felix the Cat Costume. It was a kiddie costume party with the theme "Your Favorite Cartoon Characters and Superheroes," and instead I chose to wear my favorite Supervillainess costume, The Cat Woman. I picked the character because there are fewer interesting Super Heroines than Super Heroes to choose from aside from Wonder Woman and our local Darna, whose costumes, I think, are frighteningly bold and daring for a kiddie party that I'd rather come as Dora the Explorer with full bangs and a backpack! But more than that, I am really fascinated with the Cat Woman. She has a love-hate, on-off relationship with Batman who actually loves and trusts her enough to reveal to her his true identity as Bruce Wayne! Now, how sweet is that? The Cat Woman may be vicious at times, not to mention, a professional thief too *eww* but she has a conscience and a heart that make her want to reform. The Cat Woman is also very witty and attractive. According to the creator, Bob Kane, Cat Woman was inspired to "...personify feminine pulchritude at its most sensuous." and "At the same time, this character was meant to be different from other Batman villains like the Joker in that she was never a killer or evil."

Cat Woman and Bat Girl at the scene

I hosted the event with Sis #2. By the way, I have 3 sisters who I numbered according to seniority with #1 being the eldest, every time I mention them in my blogs. No problem numbering the brothers because I only have one. This is to avoid confusing... err... me rather than the readers, actually. Well, I just thought my sibs might not like me mentioning their names on my blog... so I just tagged each with numbers and promised to post "only" beautiful pictures of them. How sensitive of me, preserving their privacy... don'tcha think? *bats lashes*

Enjoying much?

More balloons!

Can't have your cake and eat too? Not true! I ate the cake and took home a cupcake *teehee*

Now, going back to Sis #2... it was funny that she chose to come as the Bat Girl, you know, Batman's female Robin sidekick, therefore, an enemy of the Cat Woman... yes, that's funny. I really loved her costume and the kids loved it even more! She wore a black dress and a black cape with matching mid-calf black boots. Her black mask was also a good replica. My pilya (playful) Sis #3 however, teased her incessantly that her yellow bat chest emblem looked more like Angry Birds! Sis #2 shot back, "And who told you Tinker Bell's outfit was hot pink?" *rolled eyes* Sis #1: "Who says I'm Tinker Bell? I'm the Pink Fairy God Mother! Haha!"  Oh, I got my share of teasing too, although not from any of my "wicked sisters" but by a kid who kept finding his way to get near me to whisper "Bakit wala ka po buntot?" (How come you have no tail?). My answer for the third time... I cut it. The little boy was not convinced, no he wasn't at all.

"Who says I'm Tinker Bell?" - The Pink Fairy God Mother

The mother of the 1 year old birthday boy was supposed to come as Pocahontas. I personally made her headdress which I think was really cute. Unfortunately, she got sick and could not attend the party that she planned and prepared for more than a month! But Mommy Pocahontas made sure that everyone will have a good time and we all did! The birthday boy's father would have complimented Pocahontas because he wore a Woody Costume, the main character from the Toy Story! He looked like a real cowboy with his hat and checkered shirt with matching red hanky tied around his neck. He even had a holster and a gun on the waist and wore real mean boots that looked stomp lethal to me. See the connection? Pocahontas and Woody... Indians and Cowboys... would've been perfect!

Superboy and Woody

The Birthday Boy came wearing his Superman Costume. He looked so cute as we introduced him with the Superman theme song blaring on the speakers. The other kids looked awesome in their costumes as well. They enjoyed the games we have prepared for them most especially the classic Pinoy street game also often played during fiestas, the "hampas palayok" (hit the pot, literally!). A clay pot  filled with goodies such as money (paper bills and coins), candies and also cornstarch powder was hanged around 3-4 meters away from the line of kids who will tried one by one to hit it with a wood and break it while blindfolded. Each kid excitedly waited for his or her turn to be blindfolded and assisted by the game master to turn around in place 3 times before walking towards the pot to have one good shot to hit and break. The crowd cheered wildly and gave different instructions that somehow confused each hitter. We had 3 pots to break and the successful  hitters received their prizes while the cheerers got the chance to take the scattered goodies! It was really fun!

Ooops! Missed!

Aww! Missed again!

Best Dressed: Snow White and the Three 3 Butterflies!

All in all, the event was a hit! The party theme and costumes definitely added color and doubled the fun! The food was also delightful and plentiful! Most importantly, the children enjoyed all the activities and prizes. The kiddie party ended with the announcement of the birthday boy's best dressed buddies which signaled the start of yet another party, this time for the not-so-young visitors!

Alas, drinks were served!

Cat Woman and friends... thirsty no more hehe

Christmas Countdown: Pasko 2011 Wise Shoppers Start Stocking Up This November

It's the nation's longest and biggest celebration of all... the grandest.... the most awaited... the feast of all feasts! Mind you, we have more than two hundred feasts in all regions, provinces, cities and towns. I think even the barangays (smallest unit of government, like a village) are creating ordinances to officially celebrate each of their own feast of foundation day, much like in Twitter having a day for everything, such as Happy Chocolates Day! *Yay!*  And out of all the hundreds of fiestas that we love and celebrate, Pasko (Christmas), is considered as the celebration of all celebrations! The tradition is so widely spread that even Non-Christians can't help but enjoy this season of love and camaraderie.

Main thoroughfares, business districts and key cities all over the country are dressed up with Christmas lights and decors soon after the Undas (All Saints Day and All Souls Day). Most of the houses' exterior areas, lawns and gardens are now sparkling with Christmas lights and Parol (Christmas lanterns). On the front doors hang Christmas wreaths and the interiors are adorned with more lights, decors and a Christmas tree or  Belen (nativity set).

Shopping malls are also starting to get really crowded with early Christmas shoppers which is why all malls are now decorated in Christmas themes. Some people are starting to buy their Christmas presents but the wiser shoppers are frequenting the grocery stores to stock up on the ingredients and other items to be used for the traditional Noche Buena (Christmas eve family dinner usually served at midnight) and the Christmas Day Feast  when visitors and the inaanak (godchildren) are expected to drop by for their aguinaldos (Christmas gifts). A few are even starting to stock up for the Media Noche (New Year's Eve Family Dinner). All in anticipation for the imminent price increase that happens during the holiday peak season.

It is advisable to start planning for your  Noche Buena and stock up on the ingredients that are not easily perishable as early as now! Below is the list of the usual food that Filipinos prepare on the table for the Noche Buena. I have included the products that you can start stocking up on, little by little, every time you do your regular grocery shopping. Be careful not to overdo it 'though, or it will be hoarding. But if you happen to over-stock, no worries, you may give away grocery baskets as Chrismas presents hehe.

Queso De Bola

1. Queso De Bola (Edam cheese ball coated in red wax) - If you are planning to include Queso De Bola on the table for the Noche Buena, buy now. This product do not stale over a long period of time so there is no need to worry if you stock it this November because the price will surely increase as Christmas nears.

Nestle All Purpose Cream

2. Fruit Salad - You will need condensed milk, canned fruits and all-purpose cream. Make sure to check the expiration date. I use the following brands: Carnation condensed milk, Del Monte Fruit Cocktail and Nestle All Purpose Cream. I refrain from using untested brands when cooking for special occasions but early shopping of ingredients will allow you time to experiment so, go ahead and try new brands, you'll never know what you'll discover!

Prasa Picono's Puto Pao

3. Native Kakanin and Puto - a variety of  native glutinous rice cakes, flour cakes & desserts, commonly with coconut milk, evaporated milk and sugar. There are a variety of native kakanin cooked in different ways such as steaming, boiling, baking and even grilling!

Kakanin (rice cake) and Puto (steamed flour cake) are usually served during Noche Buena but the preparation is meticulous and takes time. Make sure that you are well-stocked with cans of evaporated milk and sugar. So start filling your stock as needed or just opt to pre-order your kakanin or puto from trusted makers this early and have it delivered in time for the celebration. This is to avoid being on the wait list due to bulk orders the sellers get during this season. Always ask for the shelf life of these products. Most kakanin and puto normally lasts from 3-4 days, if properly refrigerated. Otherwise, consume it the same day it was delivered. Try Prasa Picono's Puto Pao for your made to order Puto Paos, these are steamed flour cakes filled with braised pork and chorizo (sausage) topped with itlog na maalat (salted egg). It's a puto with a twist!

Del Monte Tomato Sauce

4. Tomato based recipes - We love tomato based recipes, aminin (admit it). We use it in pork, chicken, seafood or even vegetables. Popular tomato-based viands that are usually included during Noche Buena are Lengua Estofada (Braised Ox Tongue), Beef or Goat Caldereta (Stew with liver pate, cheese and sweet pickles), Pork or Beef Pochero (Stew with cabbage, saba banana, potatoes and green beans), Sweet and Sour Fish and not to forget the all-time-kids-fave red spaghetti. So, buy your tomato sauce cans now. I always use the Del Monte Brand because I like the rich red tomato color and also the sourness.

American Maid Mayonnaise

5. Other Salads - Pinoy's salad dressings are usually mayonnaise based like that of the Thousand Island Dressing rather than the vinaigrette type. We want it thick, flavorful, creamy and smooth.  Most commonly served during the Noche Buena  are the chicken macaroni salad, potato salad, shrimp and vegetable salad and Caesars Salad. There are ready made brands of dressings that you can avail but if you want to make your own signature salad dressing, then buy a good quality mayonnaise. I have always favored the Lady's Choice brand but I recently discovered a good alternative that is cheaper but at par or even of better quality. I bought it at Tropical Hut which is not my usual store and it's just too bad that SM Supermarket do not carry this brand because I frequent this store more. Try the American Maid Mayonnaise brand. You can also make use of the salad dressing as a topping for your steamed Lapu-Lapu (Red Grouper Fish) or steamed Pla-Pla (Large Tilapia Fish).

Purefoods Fiesta Ham

6. Hamon (ham) - The Noche Buena seems to be incomplete without the Hamon (ham). This product do not spoil easily because it is cured. My favorite is the honey glazed bone-in roasted ham similar to a dry cured Chinese ham but there are also a lot of good quality, ready made Hamon de Bola (Boneless Balled Ham) available in supermarkets. Purefood's Hamon de Bola is my brand of choice but I'd like to try the Holiday Ham because I like their endorser Chef Rob Pengson *wink*. If you plan to give away Hamon de Bola as gifts, you may start buying now.

7. Red Wine or White wine - For very special occasions such as the Noche Buena, wine is preferred to be served on the table (although the ref is of course filled with the local San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen *LOL*). You would want to stock up on your favorite red or white wine earlier not only because the price will rise but more because the items will be scarcer in groceries and liquor stores as the holiday season peaks. This is because liquors particularly wine, are one of the top choice Christmas gifts and people buy them by the boxes! There are a lot of expensive and excellent tasting wine available but there are also a few good ones that are affordable. I recommend Carlo Rossi's Cabernet Sauvignon 4 liter jug. It's great to pair with beef or pork dishes because of the bold mixture of red cherry and blackberry tastes that compliment the strong flavor of meat. Reminder: keep calm, don't hoard :))   

To make it easier,  plan the Noche Buena menu list first to be more specific which canned or bottled ingredients and other items should be on your grocery list. Other suggestions for stocking are the following canned, bottled or dried products aside from the items above depending of course on the food to be prepared: button mushrooms, liver pate, whole corn, baby corn, canned pork leg, green peas, pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, pickles, cherries, olives, olive oil, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried fruits like raisins and other dried ingredients such as spices and herbs.

All prices, especially food products are expected to rise during the Christmas Season so it's good to be an early shopper.

An old saying that is most of the time true...

 "The early bird catches the worm"

Have fun wise shoppers!

Philippine Culture and Tradition: Undas (All Souls Day and All Saints Day)

While some part of the world is busy preparing for the festive Halloween celebration and excited with their costume parties and trick or treating, I'd like to believe that most Filipinos are busy preparing for the observance of Undas this coming November 1 and 2.

Undas is the Philippines' celebration of the All Saints Day and the All Souls Day. It is an annual tradition where we honor our dead by visiting their remains in cemeteries to pray for their souls and remember them. We have our loved ones puntod and lapida (grave and memorial stone with inscriptions) cleaned and repainted for the celebration. We bring flowers, the atang (food and drink offering for the souls) and light candles. Some even bring framed pictures of their dearly departed loved ones and most stay over night reciting the Rosary and the Litany for the Dead. The living relatives also take this time to bond with each other.

Undas is a much honored religious tradition in the country which explains why it is included in our list of non-working holidays. In fact this year, the government also declared October 31st (Monday) as a non-working holiday thereby granting a 4-day long weekend vacation which means more time to properly observe the All Saints Day and the All Souls Day. This is because many Filipinos go home to their provinces where their dead are buried.




I remember how my family used to brave our way to Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City. The traffic every Undas had always been literally bumper to bumper but I never complained because I knew I was going to see my cousins. As children, we used to make wax balls out of melted candles and exchange ghost stories all through the night. We enjoyed roaming the big cemetery and never failed to get lost in the throng of people strolling to and fro. It was always hard to find our way back to our "tent" because almost everyone had their own that looked like ours, as they were also camping out in their loved ones' graves. Miraculously, our lolo and lola's (grandparents) puntod (grave) seemed to show itself whenever we were on the verge of panic and tears. My uncles and aunts would bring their own share of food as pot luck and the whole family would eat together and pray. Some of the older ones would start reminiscing and tell stories about our departed grand parents and the children would be eager to listen.




The tradition is mostly based on the Filipinos' belief, particularly the Catholics, in the "communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting..." as recited in the Apostle's Creed. We pray for the poor souls in purgatory where we believe the departed souls are being cleansed for the sins they have committed when they were still alive to make them worthy of entering the kingdom of God. Their stay in the purgatory is believed to be shortened if we constantly pray and offer sacrifices for them, in return the poor souls also help and pray for the living. The celebration of the Undas is the time to remember all the members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church Triumphant in Heaven (The Saints), the Church Militant on Earth (The Living) and the Church Suffering in Purgatory (Poor Souls). For a more detailed explanation, you may check out an article HERE.




How I wish that the generation next to us (nephews and nieces) would also experience the tradition of visiting the graves. However, since some of our uncles and aunts are now deceased and buried in different cemeteries and the rest of our living relatives are either based abroad or in faraway places, we now celebrate the Undas at my parents' home for some years now. Me, my siblings and their families meet and do the same things we used to do in the cemetery during Undas ... we bring food, flowers, candles and stay over night to pray the Rosary and the Litany for the the Poor Souls in Purgatory and also take the time to bond with each other. It's funny how the 2nd generation cousins also make wax balls out of melted candles and exchange ghost stories, although the night's activities do not include getting lost in the cemetery, we somehow lose them when they get "buried" in their computer games or from watching  horror movies.The aunts and uncles of today (that's me and my sibs), sometime during the night would almost certainly reminisce and share funny stories about their deceased grand parents, uncles, aunts and other relatives and close friends whose souls are being honored and prayed for. The laughter would make the children curious enough to momentarily stop what they're doing and take time to eavesdrop. I guess, the tradition goes on after all, even if the venue is no longer the same.

Let's all pray for the poor souls in purgatory 

most especially for our dearly departed 

loved ones and friends.

Atang - A food and drink offering for the souls

How to Plan for a Kiddie Party

It will be my nephew's 1st ever birthday party and I'm part of the organizing team! Weee!

*happy dancing*


The parents are so excited because it's their firstborn's first birthday celebration although for sure, the child won't even remember the event years from now. Still, it is understandable how parents would like to give the best first birthday party for their children, particularly their firstborn. Being the eldest of 5 brood myself *wink*, my parents can still recount to me vividly my first birthday party with tons of pictures as proof! I'm not saying that they were less excited with my other siblings' first birthdays but I can imagine how thrilled they must be to prepare for the first birthday of their very first child (huh?)... it could even be the best party they have ever thrown next to my 18th birthday party... really. Well, okay I'm not very sure about the last part because one of my sisters had the very first wedding, so I guess my debut party is contestable as the 2nd runner up for the Most Exciting Party Category in our family history but then again, a wedding does not actually fall under the "birthday party sub-category" ... it's not even a party, more like a spiritual and solemn rite hehe.

How time flies... the birthday boy on his baptismal day last Feb. 13, 2011

The birthday boy is currently the bunso (youngest) among 9 cousins (7 boys and 2 girls). The 2nd to the youngest of their generation is now 10 years old, so it's really been awhile since we have a "baby" in the family which explains why everyone is  in the party mood. All the titas and titos (aunts and uncles) pledged full support and cooperation that include wearing of costumes on the occasion! Oh dear! 




Here's how we are preparing for the party, maybe you can find some useful tips on how to plan for your first baby's first kiddie party:


1. Time Allotment

Allot at least a one-month preparation for the party. I know... it's not like you're  planning for a wedding or a debut party, but a one-month lead time is actually just enough to make everything perfect for your child's first birthday party. The earlier you start planning, the better.

2.  Budget

A budget must first be set for the party before you get ahead of yourselves! Be realistic and spend only what you really can afford. The party should be fun both for the visitors and the parents as well. It would be very hard for the hosts to enjoy the party if there is a very big hole in their pockets hehe.

3. Brainstorming and Planning

The parents should agree on the following:

a. Theme - A kiddie party must have a theme to make it more exciting and memorable for the kids. In my nephew's case, they have decided for it to be a cartoon character costume party! Initially it was supposed to be a Justice League/Superfriends costume party but the characters are very limited so the parents broaden it to "your favorite cartoon character costume party."

b. Number of visitors - Decide on the number of visitors and make a list of those people you really want to celebrate the occasion with. Do not be forced to invite everyone you know, it is understandable that you may have to limit the list according to your allotted budget.

c. Venue - The venue will again be dependent on the set budget for the party and of course the theme. You can't have a kiddie swimming party in a ballroom setting, now could you?

Here are some pros and cons of the two types of party venues to help you decide:

Rented Venue - Some working parents are now favoring to hold their kids' birthday parties in rented venues, particularly fast food restaurants over the traditional home venue.

Pros: Less preparation is needed, just send out the invitation and come to the venue on time. Usually the restaurants offer party packages that include not only the food but also the whole program such as hosting the party with games and prizes to be given away, providing the music and mascots and even the kiddie loot bags. Some even provide the photography and video of the event.

Cons: It's expensive and time limited (normally 3-4 hours, with extra charge for extensions). The food choices are also limited to the restaurant's menu list, usually fried chicken, spaghetti, burgers, fries, soda and sundae. Ugh!

Since a paid venue normally charges on a per head basis, surprise guests (read: uninvited) will of course be charged extra. In the Philippine Culture, it is almost expected that some invited guests will take the liberty to tag along friends. Remember, we are a hospitable people, so things like these are acceptable to some extent. So if you decide to hold the party in a rented venue, it is wise to allot a 20-30% additional budget for the "surprise guests" or be surprised when the tab arrives.

At Home: Many still prefer to hold their child's first birthday party at home, especially if the space could accommodate it.

The birthday boy's baptismal reception was also held at home :)

Pros: Longer party hours with no additional cost. Kiddie parties normally start at 3 PM and could be extended until the late night for visitors who couldn't make it in the afternoon or if the hosts served alcoholic beverages to adults. *wink, wink*

Food choices are also not limited to the menu list offered by restaurants. You will have more options to serve food that you think the guests would love.

You also get more value for your money because you have more control over the expenses like the marketing.

Cons: Longer preparation and real big nasty task to accomplish ... before, during and after the party.

For my nephew's first birthday party, the parents decided to celebrate it at home because the pros far outweigh the cons! The key is delegation. Tap everyone who you think could help not just in the planning but the execution as well or if you have included it in the budget, you may hire a professional party organizer to help you prepare for the party to be held at home.




d. Food & Drinks

You must carefully plan for the party menu. Things to consider are the following:

Budget - do not go overboard as there are still a lot of expenses beside the food and drinks, although a big percentage of the budget would be spent for it.

Viands - Always take into consideration that there are two sets of guests, kids and adults. Make sure that the food and drinks that you will serve should be enjoyable to both sets, if not, then you must serve it separately. Avoid serving dishes that are spicy because the kids normally do not like it. The best rule of thumb is to serve a balanced diet course. Choose your best recipes for one or two of each: soup, beef, pork, fish, vegetable, noodles, rice and dessert, not to forget of course the birthday cake. Try also to make the menu palatable and colorful. Avoid cooking dishes of same colors especially if you plan to serve it buffet style. Spaghetti, beef caldereta (thick stew w/ cheese, carrots and potatoes), pork menudo (stew with pork liver, potatoes and carrots), chicken afritada (stew with bell peppers, potatoes and carrots) and sweet and sour fish do not compliment each other on the table because they're all tomato based red! And unless you are expecting everyone to come to the costume party as Bugs Bunny or Roger Rabbit, take it easy on the carrots and potatoes! LOL!

Catered or Home cooked - Once the party menu has been finalized, the parents must decide if they would want it to be catered or home cooked. Considerations to take: Can you cook or do you have the manpower to cook for for a big group? If yes, then you may opt for home cooking if not, hire a professional food caterer.

In our case, the parents who are both good cooks and have many self-proclaimed-chef-relatives *ahem* opted for home prepared food to serve.

Grocery List - Once the menu has been finalized, it's time to make the grocery list. This should avoid forgetting any ingredient.




4. Program

A kiddie party must have a program. Assign a good emcee to execute the party's program of activities. Below is the rough draft of our program for the Cartoon Character Costume Party:

I. Introduction of the parents and the birthday boy

II. Welcome remarks by the parents

III. 3 kiddie games to break the ice

IV. Happy birthday song and blowing of the candle

V. Birthday wishes  from parents, grand parents on both sides, one ninang and ninong (god parents), and one cousin from both sides

V. Eating Time

VI. Magic Show by hired clowns and magicians

VII. 3 kiddie games

VIII. 3 sets of production numbers prepared by cousins

IX. 2 games (mother-daughter pairs and father-son pairs) and 1 game for parents

X. Announcement of Best Dressed Buddy

XII. Distribution of kiddie loot bags and party remembrance/token

XII. Party goes on for the oldies ... videoke time!!! *gulp, gulp*

5. Photography and video - Although everyone may have a digitalcam or cellphone to take pictures, you must still assign the official photographer and videographer for the event. This is to make sure that everything is documented for the birthday boy who may not remember his special day at all. LOL!

6. Sound system and music - Check the sound system before the start of the party. Prepare also the discs to be used for the production numbers and also the music for the games.

7. Invitation and Party Remembrance - The invitations must be sent out at least 2 weeks before the party so that the guests can include it in their schedule and also prepare for their costumes. The party remembrance or tokens must also be ready at least 1 week prior to the occasion.

8. Balloons, tarpaulin, party chairs and tables, table linens, food warmers, napkins, plates and utensils, outdoor/garden sheds and lots of ice! - Be sure that the decorations are all set up at least 3-4 hours before the party. All utensils must also be complete and in place. Food must be warm and drinks must be cold, never forget to stock up on ice!

9. Enjoy the party!

           Happy first birthday, Melo! 

Draft Copy of the Birthday Invitation Card

Gluttony, Sloth and Obesity: A Deadly Recipe!

The first Pinoy Biggest Loser winner was named tonight, October 09, 2011 at the Ynares Sports Arena and it was who I have expected all along, Larry Martin (Read previous blog HERE).

The reality show was such a big hit that ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez announced that the 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd placers will all receive P500,000 cash prize instead of the originally lower cash prizes.

The success story of the former policeman who lost his job after failing a waistline limit set by the PNP leadership in 2000 was inspiring. I was one of the loyal viewers of the top rater show who may have missed just a few airings, therefore, I was able to monitor the progress as well as the evictions of the original 16 contenders. From the start, the "Shrinking Man" Larry Martin showed so much potential of winning the weight loss competition.

Obesity is feared to be becoming one of the deadliest diseases in the world leading to reduced life expectancy and increased health problems. Its causes may include a combination of any of the following:

1. Improper Diet - Excessive fatty food and junk food intake. It also includes improper eating patterns like every two or three hour interval.  

2. Sedentary Lifestyle - denotes a kind of lifestyle that has an irregular physical activity or none at all. A sedentary person is often called a "couch potato," who do not enjoy vigorous activities and prefers to do things either in sitting or lying position like reading, watching television or using the computer.

3. Genetics, Physical and Mental Illnesses - Some diseases are known to have obesity as a symptom, one example is the Cushing's Syndrome (a hormone disorder). Genetics are said to be one of the factors for being obese. Inheriting a genetic disorder from a parent such as having the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common female endocrine disorder includes symptom of having a tendency towards central obesity. The Laurence-Moon-Biedl Syndrome is also a genetic disorder that is principally characterized by obesity. Another genetic disorder that includes obesity as a symptom is the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Physical and mental stress as well as other psychological factors are also known causes of obesity.





4. Social Determinants (social class, environment and culture) -  Out of the original 16 contestants of the Pinoy Biggest Loser, around 75%-80% belong to the middle and upper social classes. Here's Wikipedia's explanation on obesity's social determinants:

The correlation between social class and BMI (Body Mass Index) varies globally. A review in 1989 found that in developed countries women of a high social class were less likely to be obese. No significant differences were seen among men of different social classes. In the developing world, women, men, and children from high social classes had greater rates of obesity. An update of this review carried out in 2007 found the same relationships, but they were weaker. The decrease in strength of correlation was felt to be due to the effects of globalization. Among developed countries, levels of adult obesity, and percentage of teenage children who are overweight, are correlated with income inequality. A similar relationship is seen among US states: more adults, even in higher social classes, are obese in more unequal states. Many explanations have been put forth for associations between BMI and social class. It is thought that in developed countries, the wealthy are able to afford more nutritious food, they are under greater social pressure to remain slim, and have more opportunities along with greater expectations for physical fitness. In undeveloped countries the ability to afford food, high energy expenditure with physical labor, and cultural values favoring a larger body size are believed to contribute to the observed patterns. Attitudes toward body mass held by people in one's life may also play a role in obesity. A correlation in BMI changes over time has been found among friends, siblings, and spouses. Stress and perceived low social status appear to increase risk of obesity

5. Drugs - Certain prescription drugs are said to cause abnormal or rapid weight gain such as steroids and anti-depressant pills. However, stopping the medication without consulting your physician may pose serious consequences. Many oral and injectible contraceptives are also perceived to cause rapid weight gain.

All are acceptable and reasonable causes of obesity except the controllable improper diet and sedentary lifestyle! Sadly, most obesity cases may have actually sprung from gluttony that has become a way of life or worse developed into an addiction. Gluttony and Sloth are a deadly combination that lead to obesity and eventually, death!

Food addiction unlike alcohol or drug addiction goes unnoticed because the euphoric state of the loaded "victim" is not as obvious because the "food high" does not accompany hallucinations and delusions that could lead to violence. The food addict is not perceived to be a threat to society and excessive food intake is not punishable by law. Therefore, food binging is mostly tolerated until the bulges become too bloated to miss.




The Pinoy Biggest Loser Camp served as the rehabilitation center of the contestants. Like in any other addiction, the "rehabilitation and cleansing program" took some time, 125 days in this case. In tobacco, alcohol and drugs, there is what they call a chemical addiction but the real key to healing the disease is by first addressing the psychological or mental addiction to the substances. This is very true in the case of food addiction because it is mostly a psychological dependency to food that affects the normal interaction and functions of the person suffering from it.

There are four key points in my opinion that the "Shrinking Man" possessed more than the other contenders that made him victorious:

1. Acknowledgment and Decision

During the first few weeks of the competition, the contestants were shown a video of their first day on the Pinoy Biggest Loser Camp. The video showed them feasting on food. The reaction of the contestants seemed like seeing and realizing for the first time that they indeed have a very BIG eating problem. The video captured vividly the description of the word "gluttony."  From this point, the strong contenders would be the ones who were able to acknowledge their eating problems and have decided 100 percent to correct it.

2. Motivation

After the acknowledgment of the problem and the decision to change for the better, the most probable winner would be the one who was able to internalize his own reason and intention that would motivate and inspire him to reach his goal. The motivation could be family, money, fame or whatever but the "who" and the "what" really do not matter, what matters is "HOW" badly does he want the change and "WHY?"


3. Will Power, Discipline and Strategy

If the motivation is strong, the mind is strong. The contest seemed to be physical in nature but it was actually a mind game. It required physical endurance but the survivor must have the will power, discipline and strategy to last the game and emerge as the sole winner. As they say, what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.

4. Faith in Self and God

Lastly, without faith, all effort is futile.

The Biggest Loser reality show  is a consistently top rating program not only in the Philippines but all over the world where it is aired simply because it is a proof that ...

"Everything is Possible."

Business Buzzing in Ber Months. Holiday Peak Season Picking Up!

Buzzy Busy September! I'm ablaze with so much activities and excitement especially now that I have just recently carried a new personal loan product to market.  While most of the competing personal loan products available in the market today target the much older clientele who have worked long years in their present companies, the new personal loan product  is open to regular and permanent employees who at least have a work tenure of only 6 months and a total cumulative work tenure of at least 2 years! That's really some good news to our previously declined clients due to below minimum work tenure. Also, the loan program is open to regular employees as young as 21 years old but not to exceed 65 years of age upon loan maturity! The loanable amount is from P15,000 up to P 1 Million starting at a very low monthly Add On Rate (AOR) of only 1.39% payable in flexible terms of 12, 18, 24 and 36 months! Another very good consideration is the universal bank's solid reputation as one of the Philippines’ top ten private domestic universal banks in terms of assets, deposits, capital and return on equity. The Bank was first established in 1951 as the first private Filipino-controlled bank in the Philippines of the Post World War II period. From then on, it has established itself as one of the country’s most stable and best managed financial institution, with six decades of corporate success.




I'm also at my wits end with the made-to-order food deliveries that Prasa Picono's Food Line get aside from the regular packed lunch we cater to hospital employees and other industrial businesses. Not that I'm complaining, oh no! In fact, I'm so grateful for all the referrals and the new clients we get everyday! We even had an inquiry from a popular deli-grocery store in Annapolis Greenhills, San Juan who took interest in carrying our Prasa Picono's Special Puto Pao! I am hoping for it to push through although the main concern is the Puto Pao's shelf life that could only last 4 days at most, if properly refrigerated. The deli-grocery store mostly carry frozen and preserved, home-made bottled foods.

Prasa Picono's Pork Barbecue

The Prasa Picono's Pork Barbecue and Siomai with Special Chili Garlic sauce are also picking up since it's the start of the holiday peak season with all the events and parties lined up! By the way, I'd like to thank a dear friend who placed an early order, as in really early order of the Pork Barbecue, Puto Pao (steamed flour cake with asado pork filling), Siomai (Steamed pork dimsum) and Leche Flan (caramel custard) for the 5th year anniversary of her Travel Agency this October and also for her company's Christmas party on December! I think this good friend of mine is more obsessive than I am in planning, well as they say, birds of same feathers... eat together! *LOL*.




Speaking of 5th year anniversaries, I also would like to thank my very good business partner for 5 years now who had been the "wind beneath the wings" of our small businesses .... Sulit.com.ph!  Thank you for continuously supporting the SMEs (Small and Micro Enterprises) by giving us a venue to advertise and promote our products for free! Happy 5th year Anniversary! I am definitely celebrating the Sulit High Five with you! May our buy and sell community continue to have many more years of success and prosperity through the grace of our Lord!

Birds of same feathers... fly high together! :)