Events & Parties

Sunday Seven: My Videoke Playlist

April 6, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 45 Comments

I don’t know about you guys, but I love a good videoke session. Something about singing and dancing along with a group of friends or family really lifts my spirits. And just like every videoke enthusiast, I have my set of must-sing songs, or my videoke playlist, so to speak. Because everyone in my family loves to sing, my family and my in-law’s, everybody from both sets of parents to our Little MrC, the usual three hour singing session is not enough.

For my birthday last February, we decided to check out the newly opened Music 21 in Alabang. It’s oh so conveniently located down the street from our village gate, right across Alabang Zapote Road. The place was super clean and nice when we were there because it had only been open for a few weeks. Even the restrooms were really clean, and they even had toilet paper. I really hope that they manage to keep up the cleanliness coz that’s going to be a major factor for me on whether or not we ever go back.

As soon as we got there, we ordered some food and, well, MrC started to warm up his vocal chords.

I actually remembered my videoke celebration because I saw some of our photos from that night while cleaning up my laptop’s folders. So, for today’s Sunday Seven I thought I’d share the seven songs that absolutely positively must be on my videoke playlist, no matter what.

1. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

I may not be thebest singer, but I know I can carry a tune. As far as range goes, well, let’s just say that I can manage this song on good days. The important thing is that I have fun with it anyway, right?

I’m so glad that my sister- and brother-in-law were able to join us, coz they’re from far, far away.

2. Love Will Lead You Back – Taylor Dayne

Honestly, I don’t know why I love singing this song, I just do. And not just at videoke. In the car, in the shower, in the supermarket, pretty much every time I hear it, actually.

3. Through The Fire – Chaka Khan

Through The Fire will always and forever be my grand finale videoke song. I don’t like the version of Nina though. Once I key this song in, you’ll know I’m planning to head home already haha!

See my mom in red? She’s out-singing me, even without a microphone. And that’s my dad next to her, holding a crispy pata bone.

4. A Very Special Love – Maureen McGovern

My mom thinks that I like this song because of the John Lloyd – Sarah Geronimo movie. Well, okay, maybe I do. But I don’t sing the Sarah G version, okay?

I’m also glad that the usually shy Koko, my sister’s boyfriend, actually sang a few songs, too. Yay!

5. Endless Love – Lionel Richie and Diana Ross

Let me ask you, what’s the point of having a husband who sings if you don’t duet with him? Sure, he may sound a whole lot better than I do, but overall, with his harmonizing and my emote singing, we do pretty well together. This is one of our favorite duets, and we sometimes play a videoke version at home on YouTube and sing in bed when we have nothing better to do.

MrC did this really exaggerated version of Aerosmith’s Amazing, and we all thought it was funny. Even my brother.

6. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

I once sang and danced to this song on Just Dance at home, and I got really, really tired and short of breath in the process. Everyone thought it was hilarious. After that, I thought I wouldn’t want to sing this song anymore, but I was wrong. It’s still one of my videoke favorites.

Siblings + Significant others + Little MrC

7. I Think I’m In Love – Kuh Ledesma

Yay, an OPM song! I actually had trouble deciding between this and Dina Bonnevie’s Bakit Ba Ganyan for this list, but I Think I’m In Love wins because it’s my mom’s favorite also, and I love imitating her while singing this.

Do you like to videoke? What songs are your favorites?

P.S. If you’ll notice, I didn’t so Sunday Seven last week. That’s coz I’ve decided to alternate my weekly features. Last week I posted a recipe for pork chops and skipped Sunday Seven. This week, I have the Sunday series but no recipe. So there. Hope you guys had an amazeballs weekend!

Celebrating The Mind Museum’s Second Birthday

April 5, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 21 Comments

The other Saturday, the boys picked me up from my mommy morning at ECHOYoga Shala so that we could go to The Mind Museum’s Media Family Day to launch their summer programs and celebrate their second anniversary. As soon as I said the words Mind Museum to my two guys, they got super excited because we never got to visit the place before, and they were both really looking forward to the experience. It was thanks to my super amazing Mommy Bloggers Philippines group that we were invited to this event, so I was also looking forward to finally meeting some of my online friends in real life.

I love how the agency behind this event was really so organized. I received my invitation through email, and they made sure to get all of our names. They also provided us with a parking pass, which is a godsend if you know what parking is like at BGC. When we arrived, the kiddo and I registered while MrC went to park. We were given a small parcel that reminded me of what Snoopy (as in the dog) carries around with him when he travels. This, apparently was the actual invite, and inside there was a mini microscope that we needed for the afternoon. Of course, the little boy immediately declared that all of the contents belonged to him.

We took a quick look around when we arrived, and then we decided to get something to eat while waiting for the program to begin so that we could go on and explore right after. There was a lot of food, all of which was yummy and fun to eat. Kyle’s Lab served nice sandwiches, tiramisu flower pots (which were both yummy and brilliant, if you ask me), and this super cool iced tea with spheres that burst in your mouth. I thought at first that they were sago, so when they erupted in my mouth, I got really excited like a little kid. Hahaha I’m mababaw like that. There also were panizzas and nachos from Uncle Cheffy, cupcakes, cookies and truffles from Sophie’s Mom, and ever-so-yummy Sebastian’s Ice Cream.

So glad MrC had his camera, too. More photos!

After a quick program, where I learned that most of the exhibits are either made or assembled locally (amazeballs!), we were given a Wide-Eyed Wanderer’s Exploration Passport which had a list of tasks that we were supposed to complete. The first to complete their assigned tasks would win a prize. Right off the bat, I knew we weren’t going to be one of the first because it was difficult to not get sidetracked by all the other things to see, do and read all over the museum. So we decided to take our time and enjoy all of the areas we had to visit instead of rush through them. I think that our experience was worth way more than any prize.

At the Life Gallery, where we met a few Neanderthals

Here’s a closer look at our kinda creepy new friends, through MrC’s lens

Mind Museum representatives were stationed all over the area, putting stickers on our passport for completed tasks, assisting us whenever needed and answering our questions. I love how they are all so knowledgeable about the exhibits and displays, and also how they really take the time to explain things to you. I think that this is super important so that kids and adults who come to visit really learn a lot. And there really is so much information you can pick up in just one afternoon at The Mind Museum. In fact, the boys still weren’t satisfied with time we spent there, and they already want to go back to see the stuff they missed.

One of my favorite stops was the new Space Shell Planetarium where we watched the newest show that they offer, “Back to the Moon for Good”. It is a story about the Google Lunar Xprize, a space competition where teams race to be the first people to successfully make it back to the moon.

Apart from the areas around the museum that we needed to visit, our passport also required us to go to each of the exhibit booths inside the function area. At these booths, we learned about the summer activities and classes being offered by The Mind Museum. This is a great option for parents who are still thinking about where to enroll your kids for the summer, especially if yours are older kids who are into learning and discovery. Here’s a list of the activities coming up this summer, as well as their corresponding schedules and rates. For Summer Program FAQs and full program details, email summerprograms@themindmuseum.org .

C.S.I. 101 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM per day)

10-13 years old | April 8 | Php1,500/head
14-17 years old | April 11-13 | Php3,800/head
18-25 years old | April 26-27 | Php 3,200/head

MARINE SCIENCE CAMP at Anilao Batangas (Ages 7 and up)

May 1, 1pm-530pm | at The Mind Museum | Half day briefing & workshops
May 2-3 (2 full days, overnight) | at Aiyanar Resort, Anilao Batangas | Workshops, Dry & Wet activities
Rates: Php7,500/ head | Php7,000/head for a group of 2-3 | Php6,800/head for a group of 4
Rates inclusive of transportation, accommodations, food, and activity materials

Making a mini canon at the Junior Mind Mover station

JUNIOR MIND MOVER PROGRAM

7-9 years old | Apr 23-May 10, Wed-Fri, 9am-12nn | P2,500/head
10-13 years old | Apr 22-May 17, T/Th/Sat, 1pm-6pm | P5,000/head
14-17 years old | Apr 29-May 23, W/Th/F, 1pm-6pm | P5,000/head

SOCCER SCIENCE (Ages 13 to 22 years old)

May 14-15 | 9am-5pm at The Mind Museum, 6pm-8pm at BGC Turf
Php 2,800/ head. Inclusive of jersey bib, snacks and use of facility fees

If you’ve never been to The Mind Museum before, I suggest you wear comfy clothes and shoes when you visit. I made the mistake of wearing platform shoes, and so I eventually gave up and sat down with a plate of snacks while the boys continued to walk around. It looks like they had a lot of fun while I chatted with my bloggy mommy friends, coz they came back with the cutest set of photos. Warning: Photo dump coming in 3… 2… 1…

Yay I found photos of me in MrC’s camera!

MrC tells me that the kitchen display is made of fiberglass or something like that. Looks so real, right?

The two eventually got tired, and so it was time to head home. On our way towards the museum exit though, I remembered that I hadn’t seen Stan. Stan is the first T-Rex exhibit in the Philippines, and is cast from real dinosaur fossils. Super cool.

Like I said, the boys are really excited to go back to The Mind Museum. Lucky for us, they are offering a special Summer Day Pass Rate of P450/person for adults, children and private school students, and P150/person for teachers and public school students. What’s even luckier is The Mind Museum gave us a special token of four all-day passes that we can use on our next visit. Now, because I love you guys, I’m thinking of giving away two of these passes to one lucky blog reader, maybe as a giveaway on Little MrC’s birthday. What do you guys think? Who wants to go to The Mind Museum?

The Mind Museum
Website: www.themindmuseum.org
Facebook: #/themindmuseum
Twitter: www.twitter.com/themindmuseum
Instagram: @themindmuseum
Tumblr: http://themindmuseumblog.tumblr.com

Hey, hey, hey! I’m giving away 2 tickets to The Mind Museum to celebrate Little MrC’s birthday! Click HERE to join. Giveaway ends on April 20, 2014!

Back on the Mat at ECHOyoga Shala

March 30, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 35 Comments

If you would ask me to pick my three favorites from among all of the sports and exercise options in the world, I would choose Zumba, Lawn Tennis and Yoga. This is based on my experiences over two decades of summer classes and activities, plus the rare after office workout that I have engaged in over the years. So, when my good friend Janice invited me to join a group of mommy bloggers in a morning yoga session at the new ECHOyoga Shala, I said yes right away.

This was the first time that I ever attended a class at a real shala. My first yoga experience happened at some grimy old dance studio in Makati near my former office. My workmates and I attended classes there for a couple of months after work. After I had finished up the classes I signed up for though, I didn’t renew anymore because I found it difficult to go after work when I was already pretty tired, and then have to take the shuttle all the way back to Alabang after. I remember one time, I was already so tired by the time I got to yoga that I actually fell asleep during corpse pose. Dead to the world. And then, b y the time I got home, my energy level was usually way up from the workout so I found it really hard to sleep.

Here we are doing the Savasana Corpse Pose in class. And no, I didn’t fall asleep this time.

Every once in a while when I feel like it I put on a yoga video and practice at home. I’m never sure though if I’m doing it right, that’s why I was thankful for the instruction during our mommy session. Unfortunately, I arrived late and missed half of the class. It was a Saturday morning and we woke up late and, well, you know how I feel about crossing the highway, which I had to do that day. ECHOyoga Shala is located at the 3rd floor of Steps Dance Academy Building along Kalayaan Ave in Makati, behind Rockwell.

Steps building. The shala is on the third floor.

I learned from Marilen Elizalde, during our post-class lunch that parking can be a bit of a nightmare on weekends because of the volume of people coming in to the dance studio next door, but on weekdays this is not a problem. It’s a good thing I had the boys with me that day otherwise I would have missed the Gentle Flow session entirely just looking for a place to park.

On yoga and their new space, this is what the owners have to say

Marilen is one of the owners of ECHOyoga Shala, and the woman behind the amazing beautiful design of the place, together with Jeannie Javelosa , who was our instructor that morning. These two ladies launched ECHOyoga five years ago as the wellness side of ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle, a green retail store. ECHO is actually an acronym that stands for Empowerment Care Health and Oneness.

Launching ECHOyoga Shala in a new space is for me a natural extension and addition to support ECHOstore’s philosophy of a sustainable lifestyle. Yoga is my disciplined practice that wholistically connects the Body, Mind and Spirit. – Jeannie Javelosa

Yoga has always been my grounding that brings me to my center, especially with my life as a busy mother, homemaker and wife. Through teaching yoga, I expand my awareness and can share this beautiful practice with many. – Marilen Elizalde

This is ECHOyoga Shala

I really enjoyed the class. I think that the calming ambiance of the shala really made a huge difference and Jeannie’s voice is so soothing! I was surprised to discover that I can still touch my toes and that there are still parts of my rusty body that are quite flexible, although I really am not as limber as I remember. It also helped that I was comfortable with the group I was with, and so I didn’t mind when my chunky parts went all salbabida on me. Like in this photo below.

There I am with my *salbabida* belly in white at the back, behind Ging who has no *bilbil*!

Jeannie told us after the class that they actually have a plus size teacher at the shala, Vicky Ortega, who teaches Big Yoga. Now that’s a class I really want to try! It would be such a welcome change to have a teacher who understands how and why tummies and chests can get in the way of certain poses. I can just imagine how much more dynamic a class like that would be for me, although, I really don’t have any problems taking regular classes like this Gentle Flow one.

Yes, they do foot reflexology too, and acupuncture and counseling. There also is a shower room at the shala, which Janice and I got to try because we had to run to another event afterwards. The shower rooms were spacious and private, and hat hot and cold running water. Winner!

ECHOyoga’s teaching philosophy

I’m sorry, I don’t know how to explain this, but I really think it’s important to share. So, I will lift from the PR that was given to us. Hehe. Disclaimer!

The Shala by ECHOyoga’s teaching philosophy is grounded on the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga that develop the inner change so outward action can manifest in a constructive and sustainable life lived with meaning.

We steady the foundation with

1) Ethical Disciplines (called YAMAS) non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, non-coveting

2) Individual disciplines (called NIYAMAS) (purity, contentment, austerity,study of Self, dedication to the Higher Forces.

We strengthen our physical body and mind through

3) Physical yoga practice (called ASANAS) These are beyond body gymnastics but are about postures that promote health and vitality

4) Breath control and manipulation (called PRANAYAMA) to bring “prana” or the life force to move freely through our central nervous system.

We train ourselves to live life deeper through

5) Awareness of senses and bringing them under control (called PRATYAHARA)

6.) Concentration (called DHARANA) and we can focus on a single task at hand

7) Meditation (called DYHANA), when the flow of concentration is uninterrupted

And we can see the direction of our lives with clarity

8) Enlightenment (called SAMADHI)

For information on classes and workshops, you can check out ECHOyoga shala’s website . They’re also on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

Thank you, ECHOyoga for this experience that reminded me of how much I enjoy yoga, and for inviting me to drag my lazy butt to your shala for a great sweat session. The ladies and I seriously have been talking about taking another class together at the shala. I really want to go back soon also, even on my own. I always feel amazing after a yoga class, and I welcome the sore muscles that come after because they remind me that these neglected body parts still exist and are still functioning. Who wants to come to a class with me?

Note: All images used in this post belong to the ECHOyoga team.

Chicdriven Women Empowerment Expo

March 10, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 14 Comments

One of the most important roles that I play is that of Driver Sweet Mother to my son. I take him to school and pick him up every day, and while that totals only about 50 minutes of driving time each week, it’s still driving, something that I have never been super fond of doing, but have to do anyway. I am glad that I learned how to drive, though, and that MrC pushes me to go out there and get myself to where I need to go instead of relying on him all the time. It gives me a certain sense of freedom, and that feeling of empowerment, too.

Admittedly, my driving skills don’t compare to those of my friends who are in charge of road trips out of town or regular trips to Divisoria. I can’t even go past Estrella on EDSA. My driving limit is from Alabang to Makati/BGC only, and I’ve never gone south-bound on SLEX. But that’s still a lot more that those who don’t get behind the wheel at all, right? I know it takes guts and nerves to be a driver, especially a female driver, on our crazy streets, and that’s why, for me, driving is an empowering thing. This is also why I totally love the concept of the Chicdriven Women Empowerment Expo, which is happening on March 28-30, 2014 at the Alabang Town Center Atrium.

I got super excited when my friend, Michelle, invited me to join her at the launch brunch for this event a couple of weeks ago at Romulo Cafe in the super new Azumi Boutique Hotel. I was hitting three birds with one stone – attending a blogger event, checking out a new staycation prospect (which I will write about in a separate post), and trying a new restaurant (which I will write about after a second visit with the boys). Host, Issa Litton, welcomed us as we arrived, and after a hotel tour, lots of storytelling with my new-found south mommy blogger friends, and a really yummy brunch, she and Jeanette Tuason started talking about the upcoming event.

What does it mean to be Chicdriven?

The whole Chicdriven idea sprung from Jeanette’s column of the same name, which basically is all about motoring but in women-speak. I love how she has been able to put something so manly – cars – into words that a girl like me would understand. Like, instead of describing a car based on how many cylinders it has, she would talk about how many strollers would fit into it. She describes Chicdrivers as women who can have it all. Being Chicdriven means striving for the best despite humps and hurdles and pulling it off, not necessarily in an effortless fashion, but definitely still keeping it chic. Don’t you just love it?

Issa Litton and Jeanette Tuason talking about Chicdriven

Here’s a bit more about the event:

In celebration of International Women¹s Month, Zest Asia Inc. has organized the Chicdriven Women Empowerment Expo happening in Alabang Town Center Atrium on March 28-30, 2014. This community development event aims to arm women with the different tools, information and skills to help them achieve having it all, the Chicdriven way.

Inspired by the overwhelming response to the Chicdriven Column in Philippine Daily Inquirer Motoring section, this celebration of women empowerment is supported by Alabang Town Center, Bridgestone Tires,Toyota Motor Philippines. The expo offers free seminars and workshops on topics such as road safety, auto maintenance, fashion, beauty, parenting, life balance, health and wellness. Other highlights include the Electrolux cooking demo By Chef Bruce Lim, and a Makeover station by BYS cosmetics. Partners including Standard Insurance, Marie France, Brabantia, Garden barn and Tuason Racing School will offer exciting booth demos and workshops during the expo.

“We wanted to make an event that will bring together different women’s group and advocacies in one celebration. We want the community to be engaged as active participants and not just passive spectators,” explains Jeanette Ipapo-Tuason, author of the Chicdriven and organizer of the expo. “Each seminar represents an advocacy and is co-hosted by a civic or advocacy group such as Zonta Club Alabang, Mommy Mundo, and parent’s associations of the different schools in the south.” she added.

The Chicdriven Women Empowerment Expo will run from March 28-30, 2014 at the Alabang Town Center Atrium and will be open during mall hours. The event is also supported by Fringe Salon, Fitness First, Melissa and Doug, Ogalala, Safety 1st, Pigeon, and Gluta White, Has Travel.com. Media Partners are Metro, Working Mom, Chalk, Lifestyle Chanel, E! and Motioncars.com.

I am so sold on this, I tell you, and I’ve already blocked off the event dates on my calendar. I totally need to attend the sessions on road safety and auto maintenance. Not that I’d really do the maintenance myself, but it would really help if I could actually understand what my service adviser at Ford tells me when I bring the car in, right? I really hope to see you guys there, especially those of you who live in the south!

For seminar schedules and more info, you can visit Chicdriven on Facebook or email jnt@chicdriven.com.

Love Expressions Wedding Fair at SM Southmall

February 8, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

Last year was a huge year for weddings in our family, with my sister-in-law’s back to back weekend ceremonies in Villa Escudero and in Amorita Resort, Bohol. It was a flurry of activity, from the Cuyugans’ homecoming, a meeting of two families, dinners, fittings and all the excitement you can imagine. It’s great seeing people start off on their journey to happy every after. Weddings, like babies, are always something to look forward to.

We don’t know when the next wedding in the family will be, but if you know someone who’s tying the know soon, you might want to share this event with them. The Love Expressions Wedding Fair is happening at the Ground Level Activity Center, SM Southmall, Las Pinas on February 13-15, 2014, and what better time is there to plan for forever than on Valentine’s weekend?

Attendees can enjoy talks on Love Languages, Dating and Relationships, Budgeting for Wedding by Bro. Mond and Leigh de Armas of Alabang New Life Christian Center and get tips on How to Plan your wedding and How to be a Professional Host and Emcee by Jenne Rabe of Jack & Jenn Catering. Be entertained with performances by NTUNE Acoustic Band, Heart and Soul Quartet, A Band, Symphony of Strings, Amaya and many more.

PLUS! on February 14, 2014 at 5:00 PM, there will be a Fashion Show featuring fabulous up and coming designers, Marco and Oyama and White Label Bridal.

Love Expressions Wedding Fair at SM Southmall

Exhibitors include:

27A Flowershop
A Band
APVIL Printing
AskJenneToday
BA Studio
Bridalbook.ph
CD Worx Multimedia
Crumbs Cake
D’Lady Behind the Scene
Dermaesthetique
Diamond with Love
Gems by Me
Heart and Soul
Indemand Wedding Films
Mixology Events
Myke Make-up
Ntune Acoustic Band
Platteles
Queensland Catering
Symphony of Strings
White Label Bridal
Weddingsuppliers.ph

For the brides-to-be: Book any of the featured suppliers and receive A FREE GIFT FROM THE ORGANIZER plus GET A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR WEDDING SUPPLIER.

Celebrate love, celebrate romance, celebrate forever with us at the Love Expressions Wedding Fair.

Love Expressions Wedding Fair is presented by SM Southmall, together with Jack & Jenn Catering, Rotary Club of Las Pinas East and Myther Events and Expo Inc. This event is sponsored by Booms Audio Sounds and Lights, Dermaesthetic, Gems by Me with Online Media Sponsors Bridal Book.ph, Weddingsupplires.ph, HalloHalloTown.com, and organized by Island Exhibit Events Management Inc.

A Wedding at Villa Escudero

December 7, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 4 Comments

I think the groom said it best when he described their Villa Escudero wedding as magical. I wish that I could make photos do most of the talking just to prove this point, but unfortunately I don’t have that many pictures because I was (eep!) hosting the reception that evening. Yes, I had to set my stage fright aside so that I could give in to my sister-in-law’s request. I’m glad I did because I actually enjoyed hosting! I don’t think that I’ll be doing it again anytime soon, though.

Villa Escudero is right at the border of Tiaong, Quezon and San Pablo Laguna. It’s one of the most popular options for an out of town Filipiniana-themed wedding within driving distance from Manila. Making arrangements with them is relatively easy even if you didn’t hire a wedding coordinator, like my sister-in-law, because they have their own team of coordinators and highly trained staff. Basically, they are so used to having weddings there that they just know what to do already.

We arrived at Villa Escudero the night before the wedding so we were able to get a full night’s rest. I’ll tell you about our stay in a separate post. In the meantime, you can read about one of our pre-wedding visits here.

C+B1 — Before the wedding. The photo on the upper right belongs to my cousin-in-law, Mykel.

In the photo above, you’ll see three generations of Cuyugan boys, all decked out in their gorgeous Julius Tarog barongs. Julius did the gowns and barongs of the bride and groom, their parents, and the entire entourage. I have to say that he is just amazing when it comes to menswear, and the detail that he put into the bridal gown and veil are simply gorgeous. [Read more…] about A Wedding at Villa Escudero