Events & Parties

Halloween Events in the South!

October 21, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 2 Comments

As with most Filipinos, I get really excited when the -ber months come along because I just love the holidays! For me though, the season doesn’t officially start until Halloween. Yup, our family is really big on Halloween! When we were younger, we would even have open-house parties at home, where everyone would be in costume. My siblings actually continue to dress up and go out to Halloween parties up until now. As for me, I’m happy to have an excuse to go trick or treating again now that my little boy is old enough to enjoy it too.

Of course, with me being the south person that I am, my go-to October 31 events are all within the south area. Apart from trick or treating in our village though, I’m not yet sure which other events the boys and I will be heading to this year. If you happen to find yourself around here on Halloween, you may want to check out these great parties and celebrations.

Acacia Hotel , which celebrates is 2nd year this October, is having two parties this Halloween – one for the little kids and another for the big kids. The afternoon session for kids will take place at the Grand Acacia Ballroom, and will have loads of entertainment, games and fun activities, loot bags, trick or treat, raffle prizes and a yummy snack buffet. Tickets are at Php 995 nett per person, and children 2 years of age and below are free of charge. You may call 720 2000 to purchase your tickets.

Acacia 1 — A Grimms Tale at Acacia Hotel

#Crafternoons with Felt

October 14, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 4 Comments

One of the best discoveries of my year has been this crafternoon group that I’ve recently become a part of. It’s just a lot of fun getting together with other moms for cookies, coffee and crafting, and I’m really glad that my neighbor and new found friend, Michelle, invited me to join the sessions. I’ve been to two so far, and both times we worked with felt. It was actually a couple of months ago when I attended my first crafternoon with Teacher Maricel, so yes this post is very late.

A Mad Science Party

August 18, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 6 Comments

My son and most of his friends turned/are turning 7 this year, and so we’ve been attending a lot of parties. A few weeks ago, he and I went to a Mad Science -themed party in Alabang Country Club. The little guy told me that they had a similar activity in school during the foundation week last year. MrC told me later on when he saw the party photos that it was actually the exact same group who came to school.

The party theme and activities were really great for the age group of the invited guests. I noticed at the last few parties we’d been to that while magic shows, puppet shows and clowns were still enjoyed by the kids, you could no longer see that level of awe and amazement that they had when they were 4 or 5 years old. I love how the science experiments and interactive activities at the Mad Science party were educational too.

We got there just as the food was being served. I didn’t know anyone at the party, and had actually just met the celebrant and his mom that day, so I felt it would be awkward to go around and take pictures of the food and decor. The party was catered by the club and they had the usual spaghetti, lechon (roasted pig), barbecue and sandwiches. There were also mini donuts from JCo. The room was covered in balloon decor, as you’ll see in most of my photos.

This duo was pretty cool. They were kinda link Simon and Garfunkel-ish. I think one of them was the celebrant’s dad.

[Read more…] about A Mad Science Party

Human Nature Paranaque Store Reopening

August 5, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 10 Comments

A few weeks ago, I was invited to the branch reopening and blessing of the Human Nature store in Santana Grove, Sucat along with some of my favorite mom bloggers. I was ever so excited to be there because my sensitive skin and I absolutely love Human Nature!

Having to deal with rashes on a regular basis is no fun at all. Trust me, I’ve been red and splotchy constantly since I was 11. I used to think that imported hypoallergenic products were the solution. When I discovered that they weren’t, I shifted to baby products. The thing is, I am not a baby, and so I didn’t think that these products were doing a good enough job of keeping me clean and fresh, specially when I started commuting to school and to work. And then I discovered Human Nature at the Cuenca Christmas Bazaar a couple of years ago, and the rest is history. I use their shampoo and conditioner, facial wash and moisturizer, deodorant, insect repellent and even their eye shadow.

I drove myself to the store on the day of the event, and so I ended up getting there late. That’s what happens when you’re a slow driver who is extra slow with parking. So I basically missed the whole blessing, but I made it just in time to reach the welcome message of Human Nature founder and Gawad Kalinga President, Anna Meloto-Wilk. She spoke about how Human Nature started and eventually grew to become an organization that provides business opportunities and the promise of a better future for so many Filipinos.

Ms Anna Meloto-Wilk — Ms Anna. She’s pretty, no?

There were several performances that day from members of the Human Nature and Gawad Kalinga Community, a few volunteers, and some of the children that GK has helped. It’s great to know how big of a difference this organization really makes in the lives of so many people in our country.

Exciting performances that day. I don't have a photo of the last band that played! — Exciting performances that day. I don’t have a photo of the last band that played!

The Paranaque Branch Operator, Atty Dulce Punzalan, shared a short message after all of the performances. I think I should also mention that this stellar lady actually performed herself! She was part of the belly dancing group, and she also sang a few numbers with her band. Talk about being multi-talented! I love the story she shared about her humble beginnings and how her dad worked hard to be able to give their family a good life. She obviously takes after her father in that you can really feel the spirit of sharing and giving back in her. She is truly inspiring!

The simple but super fun and energetic program was hosted by Human Nature’s Marketing Director, Melou dela Cruz. Towards the end of the program Mark and Jolina Escueta, and Angeli Bayani were given recognition for their contributions in nation building as artists. The program ended with the entire group, us included, dancing the Human Nature Dance. I think it’s cute that direct selling companies have special rah-rah dances. It really puts everyone in high spirits.

I’m really glad I got to go to this event, and I’m super duper happy to know that the branch in Sucat is there anytime I need to stock up on my Human Nature stash. One thing I saw they sold at the store that I’m sure will excite a lot of people are these yummy Theo and Philo artisan chocolates.

I can’t wait to visit the store again soon and shop til I drop! Check them out if you’re in the area. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with their stuff too.

Human Nature Philippines
http://humanheartnature.com
#/humanheartnature
#/HumanNaturePhil

Photography Practice at Baban+Cy’s Prenup Shoot

May 29, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 5 Comments

I know that I am better at expressing myself with words than with images. But I also know that I am capable of taking a pretty photograph if I want to. It just takes a little more effort and a little bit of post-processing. I did study photography as part of my course in college after all, and I passed too! I wasn’t the best in class, but I don’t think I was the worst either. Practice makes perfect, and I’m pretty sure I lack practice. I do have a DSLR, but I often am too lazy to take it with me because it’s heavy and bulky. Besides, our waterproof camera is a lot more fun to bring along, and it’s easy to see why.

Thank God it's waterproof! — Thank God it’s waterproof!

This year, though, one of my blogging goals is to take better photos, and that means that it’s time to reunite with my trusty D3000. Now, let me make one thing clear. I believe that a beautiful picture is dependent on actual talent and not on one’s gadgets. I just had to say that because a lot of people think they are photographers, and good ones at that, just because they own a DSLR. Hang on for a moment while I roll my eyes.

Anyway, common sense will tell you that a better camera will give you better photo quality overall. That’s how it is with digital. And you really can do so much more with an SLR than with a point and shoot cam, given that you actually know how to work the camera. So I’ve decided that I want to challenge myself, my knowledge of my camera and my retention of the things I learned years ago in college by taking photos using my DSLR as often as I can.

I started last weekend during our trip to Las Casas for my sister-in-law, Baban’s prenup shoot with her fiancee, Cy. I figured that they would all be so busy posing that no one would really be able to focus on taking behind the scenes pictures, and so that’s what I assigned myself to do that day. Like I always say, I’m a behind the scenes person, and I know that I’m more effective shooting photos than posing for them, even though I am certainly not an expert photographer.

My goal was to capture moments, and of course, provide the couple with some behind the scenes shots that they can keep to remember the day by. I’d like to think I did a pretty good job of it. But that’s just me. One thing’s for sure, the bride to be looks happy and in love. That’s good enough, right?

Opinions are super welcome, okay? Brace yourself now because a minor photo dump is coming up in 3… 2… 1…

Las Casas 1-9 — Instant tourist attraction

It was a really fun day, and the bride and groom were really happy with the photos that their supplier, FilterPan took. Can’t wait to see the official photos. Meanwhile, what do you think of these behind the scenes shots?

Iya’s 7th at Sta Elena Fun Farm

March 4, 2013 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

One of the best parts about being pregnant all those years ago was having a friend who was pregnant too. I had someone as hormonal as I was going through all the crazy changes that pregnancy brings right along with me. All of a sudden, my belly didn’t seem so large, the sudden appearance of hair in strange places seemed almost normal, and I managed to keep faith that all the sudden dark areas would someday become white again. Meet Ira, my preggy buddy, and mom to birthday girl Iya, whose 7th we celebrated last February at the Sta Elena Fun Farm.

Ira and I at about 4 and 2 months pregnant, respecitvely.

Hiding our bellies behind her bridal bouquet. She was about 9 months pregnant, and I was 7 months along.

Then came Tristan and Iya. These two kids have spent Christmases, birthdays and countless other special occasions together since they were born. Wherever us mommies went, the kids (and husbandries) were usually there too.