The Best Birthday Ever: Concordia Children's Services

As you all know, we've celebrated our birthday in an orphanage.
No? You don't! Okay, the details are here and here.
Of course, you also need to know how the plans had started - it's here!

Anyway, Concordia Children's Services (CCS) is located at Old Sta. Mesa, Manila and is home to babies and children left by parents - oh how I wanted to scold those parents!  But aside from them, CCS also helps street and urban poor children through their Urban Poor Children Program.

Elementary kids under CCS Urban Poor Children Program were our special guests during our birthday celebration held in this room:

Thank you for allowing us to use the room!

There were games and prizes (of course!) and the kids were so energetic.  They didn't even want to eat!
Whenever 'Teacher Ressie' (one of the celebrants who was host of the day but sounded like a teacher) would ask the kids 'Gusto nyo na bang kumain?', they would say, 'Ayaw!, Laro pa!'
So game it is.

The first game was Paper Dance.

The second game is Banana Eating Contest.

The third one is Stop Dance.

And finally, Trip to Jerusalem.

After the fourth game, we decided to eat - because we (the celebrants and friends) were already hungry though the kids weren't!

Also, the kids had prepared a special dance number and a song number for us.
I will upload their presentations in the coming days (blogger won't allow me to do so today).

And of course, there's the gift-giving.  Again, thank you so much to all of you who have made this one-of-a-kind birthday possible -> the awesome people behind the event!

Some kids gave their birthday wishes for us.  Thank you!

The party ended with a birthday song - the loudest I've heard!

I will upload it, too.  Blogger just won't allow me today!

Our Very Special Guests

But wait, there's more!

We also visited the babies of CCS Residencial Care Program.

Now, I'd like you to meet the 3-month old, Mark

and some of his friends

Thank you, Concordia for accommodating us!

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You may reach Concordia Children's Services here:

Phone: +63 354 6049
Tele Fax: +63 713 3461
Email: office@concordiachildrens.org

or visit their webpage: http://www.concordiachildrens.org/

MSS Day4: Something Electrifying and Controversial!

My Secret Santa today isn't secret at all. :) Oh well, she keeps on denying it but I know for sure, she's the one.

When I opened my gift, I didn't say anything aside from 'Thank you!' then she was like 'May resibo po yan - 7 days warranty!'

We all teased her and reminded her of the 'Secret Santa' award on our Christmas party.  After realizing that she's losing the bid for the award, she explained (on a very defensive manner) that she was just telling me that the item (gift that I have received) has a warranty period of 7 days like every other item of its kind.  Good excuse.  But she went on to say where she bought it!

There, gotcha!

Okay, enough about the giver, let's talk about the gift.
Can somebody please tell me how did this became ELECTRIFYING and CONTROVERSIAL?

It's a doughnut-shaped (at least the upper portion) mini desk fan.  It's really cute and I'm sure, it's way too expensive than the agreed amount of gifts.

So, even though I can't think of ways to explain how did this gift fell into the category/theme, I'm still thankful.  And I really wouldn't care about the theme!

Thank you so much, [RESSIE]!

30th Birthday Celebration: Bukas Na!

When I started planning for my 30th birthday, I was thinking of having a masquerade ball with family and friends.  I was so excited that I already have a concept and design for the invitation.

But one day, for no reason at all, I decided to change plans!

I asked friends to donate their old books and old toys for my birthday.  The original plan was to collect and give them to a chosen institution - that easy.  Nothing so special. In my mind, it would be like any other day.

But that was days and days ago.

Today, I can see children dancing, playing and having fun!  It's going to be a one-of-a-kind birthday party!

Be there when it happens.
See you tomorrow!

MSS Day 3: What's Sweet 'n Sour But Cannot Be Eaten?

The third edition of our 2013 kris kringle requires the gift to be: Sweet and Sour but CANNOT be eaten! Looking for such a gift needs great imagination.  And imagination, indeed!

Here's what I got.
Taadaaa!

For those who want to know what that is, well, it's a stuffed mango-shaped toy.  Since it's a 'mango', it can be sweet/sour (depending on the type of mango) and of course, I won't be able to eat this - because it's a toy!

Talk about being creative, imaginative, exceptional!

I got the coolest gift ever!
Whoever that Secret Santa is, thank you so much!

Christmas 2013: Decorations

Nativity Scene

Kultura, SM Department Store, SM City North EDSA

Price: 999.75

I'm thinking of getting the three Kings to complete the scene.

But I'm already happy to have the three most important characters :)

This is the Christmas look of our living area.  It will become a living 'room' soon - once I'm finished with with the curtains that will serve as room dividers.  More on that next time :)

On regular days (non-Christmas season), the Christmas tree will be replaced by a lamp.  I have to look for that perfect lamp though.

I placed a doily on top of the center table.  Since it's so plain, I decided to put on display our unity candles!

The doily costs 14.75 at SM Department Store, SM City North EDSA.  Though there are also other designs, I decided to buy this one because of its simplicity.

Bamboo stand for the candles and pebbles: from Mother :)

Our first Christmas tree!

Landmark, TriNoMa, North EDSA

Price: 2799.75 :)

I strongly believe that putting that .75 on the price tag is a marketing strategy.  Products with .75 on the tag look cheaper than they actually are.

Here's our Christmas tree with the lights on!

The accessories for the tree were from SM City North EDSA except for the eight glittery flowers which were bought from Landmark, TriNoMa.

Both stores have a wide selection of Christmas decors and most of them come in different colors!

For 2013, we're having a RED and GOLD Christmas! :)

And of course, we have a Christmas wreath on our bedroom door!  Although, we are having a red and gold Christmas this year, I opted for the multi-colored wreath because 1. the golden wreath I saw was not that - well, nice.  It's not worth it's price. 2. no red wreath was available at the time :( 3. so we won't need to buy another wreath for the coming years (when we changed from red and gold to say, pink and blue Christmas!).

Price: 300.00

SM Department Store, SM City North EDSA

Thank you for dropping by.

Happy weekend!

Wordless Wednesday - Week of October 29, 2013

Update November 6, 2013

Here's a link going directly to our entry:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201717609294082&set=p.10201717609294082&type=1&theater

Max, the Badboy and our bridal dog is joining a contest hosted by The Pinoy Dog Whisperer.
The prize?

FREE training!

Although, he had changed (for the better) a lot during the past few months, Kiboy (his Master) would still want him to have a training under the dog whisperer.

So, please help him win by visiting this link https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=574485972623292&set=a.331150900290135.75512.328051677266724&type=1 or this http://extraordinairememoir.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-pinoy-dog-whisperer-free-training.html. Once you're there, look for the entry (comment) of Mark Liwag then LIKE it.

Ooops! Sorry! I know, this should be wordless but I just can't help it.  I really want Max to win and have that free training in the hope that he'll be nicer to me and won't scare me off each time I would arrive home from work.

Thank you in advance!

The Pinoy Dog Whisperer Free Training

Update November 6, 2013

Here's a link going directly to our entry:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201717609294082&set=p.10201717609294082&type=1&theater

I rarely make requests - at least over the internet - but this one is different. You know, supporting the husband on his endeavor 
So, what's my request?
Click the link below and look for Max 'badboy' Liwag then click like. The top 10 dogs with the most likes will have a chance to get a free training from The Pinoy Dog Whisperer. Maybe not much for some, but the husband wants (badly wants) that for our bridal dog, Max.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=574485972623292&set=a.331150900290135.75512.328051677266724&type=1

And oh, liking my post (this) is appreciated but it won't count as a vote so please open the link above and like our Max from there. Thank you!

Voting/liking is open until November 17, 2013 5pm.  Below is our entry.

*entries are found on the comment section of the facebook link above

Chicken Soup for the Soul

I so love eating chicken sopas especially during rainy days because it makes me warm.  I have posted months ago my very own version of chicken sopas here.

In 1997, while attending the summer school for our scholarship, I was introduced by one of our tutors to Chicken Soup.  That chicken soup was really different - it's not for the stomach but for the Soul.  I enjoyed reading each and every story in the book because with each story
> I learn lessons in life that the regular school can't teach
> I get encouraged to continue living life to the fullest despite the many challenges that life is throwing at me
> and many more which I can't really express here

Among the many titles and stories that the series had offered, the following are my favorites:

> Title:  Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul.  I bought a copy of this but unfortunately, someone borrowed it and never said a word after.  In short, the book was never returned to me.  The good thing was, I was able to read all of the stories there.  But I still want the book.  You know that feeling when you just want to open a favorite book and read then re-read the already familiar stories?  That's the reason why I want to have my book back. :(

> Story: Falling In Love With Molly.
"Sometimes, being a brother is even better than being a superhero." - Marc Brown.  That statement basically sums up the story.  So go ahead, read it.  I'm sure, you'll love it.

> Category:  On Death and Dying.  The stories under this category remind the readers to tell the people they love that they love them while they are still alive, while there is still time to enjoy each other's company, while they can still feel the love.

> And oh, the Calvin and Hobbes portion!

Below are just some of the Chicken Soup titles currently on Amazon.com.



To get the full list, go here => http://amzn.to/1cfXyhC

I have stopped buying the book because of that unfortunate incident above but I have continued reading the inspiring stories by subscribing on their free daily story.  However, awhile ago, while checking on the other Wordless Wednesday links at Create-With-Joy, I noticed that she has an on-going giveaway check it here.  And the best thing about it?  The prize is the awesome Chicken Soup for the Soul From Lemons to Lemonade!  I started wanting a hard copy again.

So, without wasting a second, I joined.  Crossing my fingers and hoping that I be named as one of the winners.  Yes, that's right.  There will be not one, not two but three winners.  In the past, I am not that lucky on raffles/giveaways but I hope I will be this time.
/i am yet to get the maximum number of entries/

May the force be with me!

Wordless Wednesday - Week of October 22, 2013

Picture taken at Botanical Garden, Baguio City

30th Birthday Celebration: 10/21/13 Update

Yes, it's OUR birthday.  When She learned of my plans to celebrate my 30th birthday on an orphanage, she got overly excited and expressed her intentions of doing the same. Ressie, on the other hand was convinced by She to join us, too.  :)

I will post more updates in the coming days and the pictures of the two other celebrants.

And in case you've missed my birthday wish, it's here: http://extraordinairememoir.blogspot.com/2013/10/an-open-letter-to-all-my-friends-my.html

Good night, everyone!

Weekender: Home Enhancements

I just want to share the enhancements I have recently made on our living room and bedroom.
The stuffs that I have used are on 50% off sale which we bought during SM's 3 day sale.
Remember the bags here?  Yes, they contain my newly bought curtains.

I bought the throw pillows and their cases at SM Mega Mall during its 2nd day of sale.

For the living area, I spent only a total of 1,790 pesos.

Curtain at 300 pesos each (2 pcs) = 600

Throw pillows at 120 pesos each (7 pcs) = 840

Pillow cases at 50 pesos each (7 pcs) = 350

All of them were on 50% discount so my total savings is 1,790 pesos!

For our bedroom, I have replaced the curtains with a new set to match the ones in the living room.

My blogging area :)

So for the bedroom, I only spent 600 pesos for the two curtains.

I seriously think, I need to put a chandelier in the living room, what do you think?
The dining area and the kitchen will be enhanced next week so stay tuned.

Happy weekend and happy week ahead!

I Can Be Crafty, Sometimes

Aside from the occasional birthday cards that I have created for friends for the last couple of years or so and the birthday as well as baptismal invitations that I have created for my nephews, I haven't really been into crafts.

There are projects left unfinished because some materials were often out-of-stock or sometimes, I simply would rather choose to sleep than do them.

However, there are things that you really can't get from the store or you'd need to pay a lot just to have them. But to me, paying a lot is never an option.

So when our wedding date was set, I started to pull together all the creativity I could muster because most of the little details (based on how I wanted them to be) were very expensive.

Here are some of my creations for our wedding:

The Traditional Filipiniana Dress
- the base gown is the one I used for one of my friend's wedding wherein I was her maid of honor
- I added a panuelo (shawl) made of lace
- I also added a tapis (overskirt) which is made of a piece of fabric I bought in Divisoria a couple of days prior the pictorial. Hand sewed.
- My friend was not able to recognize the gown after I had transformed it into a Filipiniana dress

The Logo
- Since we don't have a theme for our wedding, I just created a logo of sort to be placed on all (or almost all) stuff for consistency of design
- We had it on our invitation, missalette, candles, souvenirs, table numbers and all printed stuffs
- Printed on sticker paper and covered with clear tape

The Invitation and Missalette
- I created the design for our missalette as well as the design/layout of the invitation
- Our invitation is like a photo book. Hand made by: Groom, Bride and Maid-of-Honor :)  But the bride is the primary creator :)

The Unity Candles
- Bought the candles at SM Department Store
- The brown fabric was originally a belt cut into three and wrap around each candle.
- Logo was place in the middle.

The Flower Girl Basket
- Bought the basket at Farmer's Plaza
- Hand-sewed a ribbon on both the top and bottom of the basket
- The handle was wrapped with a ribbon, too
- Bought the fabric flowers in Divisoria and pinned to a styrofoam which was attached to the basket

The Bridal Bouquet
- When I was young, I told myself that my wedding bouquet would be unique
- While browsing a wedding magazine, I saw a beaded bouquet and I fell in love with it.
- However, I don't want to spend 37K pesos for a bouquet so I decided to create this for myself

The Wedding Gown
- Ooops! It's not like I sewed my gown.  It's just that, I created the design for it.  Well, most of it.
- You may also check this and this for some other shots of the gown

So there, I hope to add more crafts in the coming days and months and years.
If you wish to know how to do any of these, just shoot me an email or leave a comment below.

Happy weekend!