Merry Christmas to you all!!!!

TWO and going stronger!!!

It has been two years but everyday I wake up and tell myself... despite the challenges, I am happy it is Noy that I have by my side. I know that life would not be bearable if not for him... I loved him back in 2000 when he was still "playing around", I loved him in 2004 "the second chapter", I loved him in 2005 when he said "I do" to me, I love him now and I will love him forever... Given a choice, I would still choose him to be my husband...

Last night, I found myself telling Noy that he is MY CHOICE. Of course, it was God's will that we found each other again in 2004 BUT it was my choice to stay and take the challenge of loving him despite my heartache. I remember that first December we were together (of course Noy would not remember this). I can still remember Noy's look when I fetched him from a friend's house. He was all smiling and that very moment I know that I would be happier with him.

Yes, the past two years was never perfect for us but I know that I am happier with Noy.

I love you Noy. I am sorry for all the white hairs I brought you. Don't worry, you are even sexier now with your white hair. I love you...

Thank you God.

Ella, Gay and Sasha.... 15 years after....

There was Sweet Hearts Club but there was also Ella, Gay and Sasha...

Ella the kikay queen; Gay the demure kuno; and Sasha the fashion guru... Saint Joseph's College High school life would have been boring if not for my two bestfriends... junior's night prom, Jules, Joe, Edsel, Jollibee, high school fairs...

15 years later... it is still Ella, Gay and Sasha PLUS Elle and Chloe!

It is always nice to celebrate christmas with friends...

Happy Birthday Lolo Joemel!!!

Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday, happy birthday, Happy birthday Lolo Joemel!!!

We decided to drop by Iloilo last week to greet in advance my one and only Tito a happy, happy 50th birthday! I could not believe that Tito Joemel is already 50 years old. It was just like yesterday that he was taking good care of me, tucking me to bed and sharing with me jokes.
I love Tito Joemel!
Elle loves her Lolo Joemel!
Considering that she is VERY selective with people...
Elle is very comfortable with her Lolo Joemel!
She allows Tito Joemel to carry her!
She smiles back at him!

Boracay Hot Babe Elle Marie...

I was invited by our partner, Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry to be one of the establishment evaluators for the WOW Awards. WOW Awards is an annual award given to boracay establishments with outstanding solid waste management system. It was a three-day activity followed by a long weekend due to the Bonifacio day holiday so Noy and Elle decided to go with me. It has always been a welcome opportunity for me go out of town with my mag-ama, and Boracay is sure one good choice considering that we all love the beach!

I only got to spend time on the beach with Elle and Noy on our fourth day in Boracay and I loved every second of it. Elle loved the white sand and sat comfortably on the shore watching us swim and other people sunbathe... Next year, i dream of bringing Elle to either Bohol or Pearl Farm in Davao. I loved those beaches and I know that Elle will love it there as well!

Elle's second time in Cebu

It is the second time for Elle to visit Cebu but this time we stayed at Marco Polo Hotel in Lahug. I had a meeting for two days and my father-daughter tandem spent their days swimming at the Marco Polo pool... It is so nice to look at Elle and Noy enjoying the water. A couple of times I was tempted to join them but instead chose to just stay in the corner and master the art of "taking photos of the two people i love most".

I have always dreamed of having a family of my own and now that I have it I just can't stop thanking God over and over again for the beautiful family He has given me amidst my imperfections...

I love God.
I love Noy...
I love him for Elle
and I love him for loving me sooo much...

Elle's first hair cut

Elle had her first haircut last November 2 at Kids Hair Salon, Rustan's-Makati. I admired my young lady's courage because she did not cry the whole time. She was too busy with the steering wheel!!!

I am not ashamed to say that I am a stage mother! The whole time Elle was having her haircut, I kept on taking her pictures. I was even giving Kuya instructions as to how Elle's hair should look like! Of course, the hair is every woman's crowning glory! I would not want Elle's crowning glory diminished.

I ordered for the "first hair cut" certificate with Elle's cutted hair! It is now being displayed at home! When Elle is big enough, she will read what is written on the certificate and thank me for taking good care of her appearance . I would not want Elle to be "ma physical" but I want her to take good care of her physical looks and at the same time work on being humble and grounded.

I will teach Elle to thank God everyday for all the blessings He has given her. I will teach her that life is so beautiful as long as she trusts in God...

Tita Alice will forever remain in our hearts...

If I can only bring back September 30, Elle's first year birthday party, I would thank right there and then Tita Alice for sponsoring the video and photo of Elle's party. I should not have said things that I shared with Mommy. I should have just appreciated Tita Alice's gifts and learn from experience.

If I can only bring back October 1, Elle's actual first year birthday, I would have helped Tita Alice looked for a photo shop that will convert the video tape to cd. I should have saved her the energy to look for the shop and appreciate the fact that not everybody has a gracious aunt like her.

If only I had known that Tita Alice would be leaving us last October 12, I would have shown her how much i love her and how empty our lives would be without her... I should just appreciated all her "makefaces", her pangungulit, her unsolicited supports, her ala-fiesta grocery, her grand gifts...

If I can only bring back the time I would take extra effort to thank Tita Alice for all the support that she has given me Noy and Elle. I would give her red roses, a cake and a card with screaming letters saying "Thank you for everything and I love you".

So many ifs... but one thing is for sure. Tita Alice will forever remain in our lives. I will make sure that Elle grows up knowing how loved she was by Tita Alice. I will cascade to Elle every single things that Tita Alice thought me when I was small until I grew up to be a woman I am right now...

I love Tita Alice... I know that she is very happy right now together with Nanay, Toto, and Lolo. She has done her purpose in life and now she deserves to rest in peace in God's loving arms.

Happy Birthday Noysky!!!

Today is my sexylicious husband's birthday! It is his 45th birthday yet it looks like he is just celebrating his 35th!

I love Nonoy soooo much... I love him then, I love him now and I will forever love him for eternity. I love his sweet, innocent yet seductive smile. I love his sexy body... I love the way he kisses and hugs me... I just love everything about him.

Of course, nobody is perfect. Noy is not perfect and neither am I but the important thing is that we learn from experience and everyday we grow in wisdom.

God knows how grateful I am for giving me "Noy"... He is the greatest gift from Heaven!!! I would not have Elle if not for him...

I love Noy

A special tribute to the person who literally brought Elle out to this world… Dra. Regina Villar-Rivera.

Last year Dra Gigi Villar-Rivera literally brought out to life our healthy baby Elle Marie. She may not know it but if I were to guess the five people I will meet in heaven, I would say without a blink of an eye that one would be her.

Dra. Gigi is in all aspect our guardian angel. She took good care of me and Elle for more than nine months. She made sure that my early signs of pre-eclampsia were well taken cared of. She patiently explained to me everything about pregnancy from the most trivial to the technical. She would just smile at my bloopers and I guess contemplate in silence why I became her brother’s friend. (hehehe) She never hesitated to answer my calls beyond “business hours” and made sure that her "secretary-Mon" was always available in her absence.

Aside from the fact that she has the smile that could calm a “worrier” in me, she gave medical profession a different twist with her personalized service. I trust her so much with my life that I would go all the way to Ospital ng Muntinlupa just to see her and it really calms me. I remembered that I was rushed to Makati Medical Center (due to erroneous findings) and was required to see a resident OB. It took hours to convince me to stay and be examined by another OB and the first thing I did after release was see Dra Gigi.

After I gave birth to Elle Marie, I thanked Dra Gigi through text for taking good care of me and Elle and she replied that she was just doing her job. I replied back that I don't feel like she was just doing her job rather I felt loved and cared for…

If all doctors were like her, hospitals would only have smiling patients...

I love Dra Gigi... I know that she will never forget me and my bloopers especially the ultimate blooper while I was on labor… Amidst the pain and stress, I literally stopped "pushing and holding my breath" and asked Dra Gigi whether Elle’s nose will get distorted if it goes through my thight .… I have always dreamed of a baby with Noy’s nose!!! For months I would wake up in the middle of the night and hold Noy's nose (oh how I love his nose-- and everything about him hehe!)! She just smiled and said… "Ella don’t worry it will not get distorted… "

Groggy and all, the only things i could remember after giving birth to Elle were two voices. Elle's cry and Dra Gigi's comforting words... "O ella, matangos ilong ng baby mo!". oh how comforting...

Thank you to my suppliers

I would like to thank my suppliers for providing me quality products and services. I thank them for making my little ballerina's party extra special!

Charlie's Catering

I would like to thank Ms Charlita Hilario for their VERY personalized catering service. I met them during my my ocular inspection of our venue, Artist Pavilion. They were catering for a children's party. They were really nice to me! Transacting with Ms Charlita was like talking to my mother. She was very supportive and accommodating! I love their fresh salad bar! And I love all the apo of Ms Charlita! For catering services please contact:

Catherine H. Bejosano
407 Viscarra St corner P. Santos St.
Malibay, Pasay City
charliescateringservices@yahoo.com
8510943
09283866857

Cakes by Ysa

All of my suppliers are special because they helped me in a very personal way. I saw Ysa's cakes in the internet and I was thrilled when I saw her ballerina cupcakes! They were so perfect for Elle's party theme that I called her right there and then... Met with her that weekend and ordered... Everybody gave a good feedback about the cupcakes. Not too sweet, very pink and very ballerina! For pastries need please contact:

Ysa Isidro
http://ysaisidro.multiply.com/photos/album/8/cupcakes
7318946
09064613060

D' Magic and Comedy of Jng D Magician

"Expect the unexpected" I know this rule by heart. Being an OC person, I have to keep this in my mind and in my heart to maintain my sanity. If not... I just don't know... Expect the unexpected and the one thing that was not ironed out before Elle's party was the sound system. We ended up with a new sound system BUT the microphone would not work! Got thing, Jing was patient and understanding enough to raise his voice so that everybody could hear him. He was so "game" despite the fact that the kids were trying to tease him with his tricks! I thank Jing for his effort and he really captured my guests attention! I have to mention this... I met Jing through a friend who is also a magician.

Jing
09217127300
09052466707

Elle Marie's first year birthday party!!!!

Who said I cannot have Elle Marie's first year birthday party on September 30, 2007?

My boss used to tease me that at such an early age, I am already creating confusion in Elle Marie’s mind by celebrating her first year birthday a day before her actual birthday October 1, 2007… of course, he was just joking but the “gullible-Ella” in me would always try to justify why I am putting my dear daughter in such condition.

I would always say that “who would attend a children’s birthday party on a “Monday”? at 3:00p.m. parents would still be in the office while children would be in school. If I make it 6:00p.m., same venue, who would take the challenge of going through the traffic in EDSA? No parent would allow his or her child to go through the stress and hassle of Monday traffic in EDSA. And definitely nobody would make it on time! If I make it later than 6p.m., it would already be past the bedtime for Elle Marie’s friends, much as well for Elle… Hence, no celebrant equals no party.

If I make it a week after her actual birthday, I don’t think I would still have the excitement and energy. We are planning to have an intimate celebration on October 1 together with family members only. Knowing how I prepare for events, I know that after October 1, I would have used up all my energy and excitement that nothing would be left for the “too late” party a week after. Therefore, no Elle Marie’s Mama equals no party.

But, who said I cannot have Elle Marie’s first year birthday on September 30? In fact, last year, same day (September 30), only it was Saturday, Elle showed signs that she wanted to go out and see the world but decided not to. I spent the whole day inside the delivery room waiting for Elle to come out. Dra. Gigi Rivera had to cancel all her appointments that day in anticipation for the grand “welcome” for Elle. I was induced a couple of times, was given epidural around 8:00p.m. but, no Elle Marie came out. I dilated up to 4cm only.

They say that Elle Marie heard me joke about the giveaways I prepared for her baptismal, that I cross-stitched October 2006 but left the date free in anticipation to giving birth on the third week of October as projected by Dra Rivera. Should Elle come out September 30, I would have to sew it again and it would not be that nice to look at. Obedient baby huh...

Noy joked that Elle Marie knew that if she came out September 30, I would have not received any benefits from SSS. It is the policy for SSS members to have at least two consecutive quarter contributions to qualify for benefit. I would fall short to this qualification since I started my contributing only April 2006.

As I would always say, since Elle is too young to decide I would decide for her. I have made up my mind and I say “I want to celebrate Elle Marie’s first year birthday party on September 30, 2007. I hope Elle Marie come to understand in time the gruesome energy I put on analyzing and justifying why I am celebrating her first year birthday party on September 30 instead of October 1.

In the end, the important thing is that I poured in my time and energy for her party because I love her. I want everybody to remember how loved Elle Marie is by her parents, family and friends.

FINAL countdown... and it is driving me crazy

Barely a week to go and my dear Elle Marie will be turning 1 year old... How fast time can fly. It was just like yesterday when I visit Dra. Rivera almost every other weekends in preparation for the D day!!! I would carefully read every chapter of "What to expect when you are expecting" and wish I could turn to the next chapter as fast as I read it. I just could not wait to hold and kiss my little angel...

I've never been as excited in my whole life as I was in anticipation for Elle Marie. Noy would always tease me that all the pain i endured just to deliver Elle normally were in vain considering that our hospital expenses were the same as ceasarian delivery. I was rushed a couple of times in the hospital due to false alarm... I was too excited to see Elle that I would interpret her little kicks as contractions and sign that she wants to get out of my tummy...

All of my friend would attest that I am sometimes "over-acting" in every way. I can prepare way way ahead and I tend to be too detailed... But, not all of my friends know that I have a "Hurry" syndrome. I fear being late... that is why I always prepare ahead of schedule that I either end up OVER prepared or frustrated if things don't go as I thought or planned to be.

A lot of people find me OA when I prepare every month for Elle's monthly birthday celebration. Most were surprised when they learned that Elle's grand birthday party in Iloilo last April was actually just her 6th month birthday party! (most thought it was her first year bday party already that is why we received a couple of gifts for one-year old) BUT most of friends laughed when they heard me prepare for Elle's birthday party as early as January when Elle was just three months old... hehehe

I really don't care what people say. I love Elle so much that I as much as possible I want to give her the best birthday ever (in my definition-for now)! I want it to be well-planned, party worth remembering... Of course, I will make sure that it is well documented for Elle to appreciate my love when she is old enough to comprehend everything that I've done for her...

I will never regret preparing for Elle's birthday party as early as January because if I didn't, I would end up in mental institution considering the workload that was given to me starting August... All the reports, the travels and challenges! I thank God for my innate hunger not to be late! It saved my sanity! It saved Elle Marie's first year birthday party...

Thank God for friends...

We just started sending out the electronic invitation card and map for Elle Marie’s birthday party and received a lot of positive feedback. One said that it was well made and that the color enhances Elle’s smile. Another said that the design was calming to the eyes and perfect for the event. This brought out a smile on my face but thinking about how this invitation card came to be is what made my day.

The invitation card should say it all. It is the soul of the party where people can get a glimpse of what is in store for them. It is the reason why it took a little while for us to finalize Elle Marie’s invitation card. I wanted something very prima ballerina… simple but elegant, baby pink and Elle-ish. I started by surfing the net for a ballerina themed invitation card and was able to identify a couple. I finally decided on one specific design which has drawings of tutu, ballet shoes and tiara. It took one weekend for me to learn photoshop through the online training and another weekend to apply it. I was never a quitter but I must admit that I am not an artistic person. So I gave up and turn to my ever reliable, master of new technology friend whom for years have helped me with related concerns.

Kitt has a lot of reason not to say no to my request. For one, he is Elle Marie’s primary godfather. When the church asked Noy to identify among the godfathers who he would like to be the primary godfather he said Kitt without a blink of an eye. (secret ito ha…) but I guess Kitt did it just because.

Everyday, I thank God for the many true friends that He has showered me with and this include Kitt and his family. The past few months preparation for Elle’s birthday party would not have been bearable if not for the constant free consultation through YM and direct support from him and other friends.

If I may quote Tutter in the Bear in the Big Blue House, “Do you know what is the best thing about my birthday, Bear?... My friends… My friends are the best part of my birthday”. I know that Elle’s birthday party will be VERY special because of friends like Kitt who have always been there for us just because.

The Making of Elle Marie, the Prima Ballerina

A friend who is a veteran in events organizing once told me that the key to preparing a party is having a venue first and the rest will follow.

But for me, I started with a theme, one that I have always dreamed of since I was just a kid. I am not ashamed to say that I am a frustrated ballerina… I used to own a prima ballerina Barbie doll but never got to own a tutu. I have always dreamed of mastering the art of tiptoeing, twirling and simply looking so elegant with a tiara and hair tucked neatly at the back of my head but I never got to because I had umbilical hernia during the early stage of my infancy. Back then, my OB could only recommend that I refrain from strenuous activities that include ballet.

Like me, Elle also had umbilical hernia. Fortunately, Dra Lourdes Genuino said that there is nothing to worry it will disappear after three months. And it did… Since then, I promised myself that should Elle wishes to do ballet classes, I will gladly support her. But for now that she still can’t decide for herself, I will give her a ballerina party!!

I want the party to be filled with kids in pink and white. Girls should wear tiaras while boys wear their cutest smiles. The venue will be filled with pink and white balloons and cotton candies! Elle will be the prima ballerina of the day. She will wear her swarovski tiara, just like the one we saw in greenhills and the puffiest tutu Ninang Sasha can make. I will buy her the cute ballet shoes I saw in Rustan’s, Makati… And everybody will go home remembering only one thing, Elle’s biggest and cutest smile because she had the best ballerina birthday party one could ever have!

I will make sure that (unlike our wedding) Tita Alice will get a better videographer and photographer so that we will be able to preserve the experience and show to Elle once she is old enough to remember and appreciate the party that symbolized our love for her.

Preparing for Elle's First Year Birthday

Preparing for Elle's First Year Birthday July 20, 2007

The preparation for Elle’s first year birthday party officially started today when Noy announced that Dasmarinas Village Club House will not be able to accommodate us because there is a scheduled village bazaar on the same day Elle is scheduled to have her birthday party. Adding to the “not so encouraging” news for the day was a reply from Makati Sports Club that our account officer failed to do my reservation! Talk about expensive service.

I don’t know what to do. I completely froze. I thought I had it all sorted out. I can’t believe that all the informal planning that I have been doing as early as January suddenly collapsed in front of me and I can’t do anything about it. It took me hours before I gathered my thoughts and look for another venue. Thank God for the internet! I found this blog by Lot describing a venue that she wanted to have for her son’s first year birthday but failed to because it is so difficult to get a booking. Instead she posted a couple of pictures of the venue with her and her son. The pictures were nice so I looked for the contact number and called.

To my amazement, somebody already booked on the schedule I wanted to get for Elle’s birthday party BUT it turned out that the person who reserved it is migrating to Singapore and was hoping to get somebody to avail of the venue and reimburse her payment. What a luck ha?! So, I gave my contact number and after a few minutes my angel called.

She told me that I am a blessing from heaven. They only have two weeks in the Philippines and she is worrying about the money that she paid for the venue. Like Elle, her son is also celebrating his first year birthday. Even though they are from Alabang, they opted for the Artist Pavillion in Makati Plaza and Garden. They even paid for it as early as January, eight months before the event. It was so light talking to my angel. I guess because she is my answered prayer and we are both mothers. We talked about our babies, our party preparations, about the venue. We talked as if we’ve been friends for centuries already… She even invited me for a coffee in Singapore if I go there…

God really works in mysterious ways. I almost broke down in tears out of frustration and disappointment but good thing I was able to calm myself and focus on the important things in life… Elle and her first year birthday party. Now, Elle definitely has a venue for her first birthday party and I am excited to see it with her.