As early as June 2012 I was already crazily planning for Kyle's first birthday which would be on March 9, a Saturday. His real birthday is on March 5. To some, they would say that I'm overly excited (I don't deny it) and who knows, some may have even raised their eyebrows. But to most moms who love planning for a special event, I know that they understand what I was going through.
I found time browsing through the net when Kyle was asleep or during, before or after breastfeeding. Ah, the perks of having a mobile device. This has been a ritual every night and I would always look forward to the nice finds that I would be able to 'google'.
So many ideas, so many pegs, so many cute things, so many birthday themes, so many birthday suppliers, so many birthday photographers, so many, so many, so many!!! waahh...info overload!
I didn't think that birthday parties nowadays were on a different level compared to 10 years ago! I was out of touch!
I was really confused and I initially considered many birthday party themes:
- Spongebob - but my younger sister Sheean said they were for older kids. She suggested Bob the Builder. Bob who? oh dear, I had to do my research!
- Mickey Mouse - because I saw nice Mickey Mouse birthday cakes on the net and there were lots of Mickey Mouse souvenir items available. And I could come as Minnie Mouse! (joke!)
But then, I decided to do away with the character themes.
Baby Elephant - I really liked this but I didn't know what items I could match with this theme. Maybe for his future birthdays.
Cupcake theme - because I love sweets! I could have a giant cupcake as the birthday cake and matching cupcakes to giveaway. But my office mate Ofie Nunez (who is also Kyle's ninang) said that this is more of a theme for girls and that I should scrap this idea. Thanks for this advise! I almost gave in to my sweet tooth.
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| Image from partyparade |
Cupcake theme - because I love sweets! I could have a giant cupcake as the birthday cake and matching cupcakes to giveaway. But my office mate Ofie Nunez (who is also Kyle's ninang) said that this is more of a theme for girls and that I should scrap this idea. Thanks for this advise! I almost gave in to my sweet tooth.
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| Image from Kids Party Hub |
Safari/jungle animals- just because I wanted to dress up ala Lara Croft or Indiana Jones? shucks my age definitely showing! Yes I'm overweight and probably couldn't carry that type of outfit but I honestly thought that I would have the will power and discipline to go on a diet and do exercise and be thin in time for the party. I also thought the Genie in a bottle was for real! And we would all have matching safari outfits (me, Jojo, Paolo and Kyle). I even influenced my sister-in-law Eileen Tomacruz to purchase safari hats during one of our shopping sprees in divisioria. Of course I also bought matching hats for me and Jojo. Sorry Eileen! We can still use that maybe in one of Kyle's birthday parties in the future.
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| Image from birthdayinabox |
DONE, I veered away from the character themes
DONE, I finally chose a party theme: Baby Animals
I requested my younger sister Sheean who was based in the US to ship some balloons for me and she did!
Oh, and I also decided to check-in at Crimson Hotel for 1 night at an Executive Room for Kyle's party preparation. They were on 50% discount because it was still their soft opening. It was really convenient because it was near Palms Country Club and the transfer to/from hotel and Palms was complimentary. It also happens that Crimson and Palms are sister companies.
Cost: P5,888.00 nett
The photo and video coverage was done by Shuttercount.
I have worked with Benj of Shuttercount a month earlier for Kyle's pictorial. Benj was very nice and very respectful. His wife Michelle was also the same when I had called their office to inquire on their birthday party packages. Benj even shared a few tips with Paolo on taking pictures. I also availed of the same day edit (SDE) or they also call it onsite video.
This is my photo/video package:
And it was still only August. Plenty of time. I wanted to buy prizes early on so that I could spread out the cost.
So off I went to buy some prizes and prepare party stuff:
Fury animal hats
Plastic animal coin banks
Animal cupcake holders
And yeah, talk about excitement, I already made invitations!
The party preparation was overwhelming me. I don't think I can do it all alone - - I thought I could DIY everything or put together everything by getting from separate suppliers the party stuff. But, this was just wishful thinking as I had a full-time job and extra time was only on weekends where wifely and motherly duties must come first.
I again sought the help of the net to look for the perfect party/event stylist. And I found her!
Kathleen dela Merced of Spark + Twinkle was my only choice.
No doubt about it.
She doesn't have party package but she will/can work on your budget.
We had corresponded via email in August and had finalized my party package. With a P20k budget, she could provide me with:
During the meeting, I decided to also get the cake and cupcakes from her.
2-layer cake P3,700.00 (to be custom designed by her)
60 pieces cupcakes at P42/piece
I was also thinking of getting a candy/dessert buffet. Starts at P6k
Event Styling, DONE.
Now let's go to the party host. Again, I sought the help of the net. I had seen good reviews for Flooch (Jervey Capili) so I contacted him. He was very pleasant to speak with (and had good command of the english language) and same day, I had deposited my down payment so I could reserve him. This was end-August.
Flooch: P15,500.00 includes hosting (games), magic show and ventriloquism. He also brought his own sound system
Party Host, DONE.
So off I went to buy some prizes and prepare party stuff:
Fury animal hats
Plastic animal coin banks
Animal cupcake holders
And yeah, talk about excitement, I already made invitations!
The party preparation was overwhelming me. I don't think I can do it all alone - - I thought I could DIY everything or put together everything by getting from separate suppliers the party stuff. But, this was just wishful thinking as I had a full-time job and extra time was only on weekends where wifely and motherly duties must come first.
I again sought the help of the net to look for the perfect party/event stylist. And I found her!
Kathleen dela Merced of Spark + Twinkle was my only choice.
No doubt about it.
She doesn't have party package but she will/can work on your budget.
We had corresponded via email in August and had finalized my party package. With a P20k budget, she could provide me with:
I was okay with this so In September we met in person (I was very excited to go meet such a talented person) and I made the down payment. Meet-up is not required for the down payment as you could also opt to do bank deposit but I really wanted to meet her! She is very kind and she didn't mind my asking her a few personal questions like how she got into party business, why did the name of the company change from High-5 parties to Spark + Twinkle, where she studied, etc.Styro Backdrop with Moving Elements ( Existing baby safari or baby elephant set)
Styro Entrance Sign
Choice of Entrance Arch OR Cake Arch OR pair of tree balloon sculpture
200 pcs balloons for ceiling ( artists discretion )
Ceiling Drapes / Swags
7 pcs. Papercraft centerpieces with balloon arrangement.
Freebies: Balloon burst, 30 pieces name tags, 2 party assistants, styro entrance arch
During the meeting, I decided to also get the cake and cupcakes from her.
2-layer cake P3,700.00 (to be custom designed by her)
60 pieces cupcakes at P42/piece
I was also thinking of getting a candy/dessert buffet. Starts at P6k
Event Styling, DONE.
Now let's go to the party host. Again, I sought the help of the net. I had seen good reviews for Flooch (Jervey Capili) so I contacted him. He was very pleasant to speak with (and had good command of the english language) and same day, I had deposited my down payment so I could reserve him. This was end-August.
Flooch: P15,500.00 includes hosting (games), magic show and ventriloquism. He also brought his own sound system
Party Host, DONE.
I had ordered food good for 100 pax with expected guests of 90 pax. To be more economical, I ordered set meals for the kids and the yayas and some few meals for the party decorators.
Kiddie Meal:
Palms chicken lollipop
Spaghetti bolognese
French fries
Ice cream cup
Iced tea
Snack Station:
Nachos
Imported fish and squid balls
Corndog
Pork BBQ on stick
Snack Buffet:
Mini club sandwiches
Assorted open faced sandwiches (Tuna, Ham, and Cheese)
Chicken and Peas Macaroni Salad
Potato Chips
Spaghetti bolognese
Penne with bacon, hand and mushroom sauce
Barbecue hot dogs
Mini beef burger with french fries and ketsup
Roast chicken drumstick with mushroom gravy
Mini salami pizza
Ice cream station with toppings
Fruit tartlettes
Banana muffins
Iced tea
Kiddie Meal:
Palms chicken lollipop
Spaghetti bolognese
French fries
Ice cream cup
Iced tea
Snack Station:
Nachos
Imported fish and squid balls
Corndog
Pork BBQ on stick
Snack Buffet:
Mini club sandwiches
Assorted open faced sandwiches (Tuna, Ham, and Cheese)
Chicken and Peas Macaroni Salad
Potato Chips
Spaghetti bolognese
Penne with bacon, hand and mushroom sauce
Barbecue hot dogs
Mini beef burger with french fries and ketsup
Roast chicken drumstick with mushroom gravy
Mini salami pizza
Ice cream station with toppings
Fruit tartlettes
Banana muffins
Iced tea
Oh, and I also decided to check-in at Crimson Hotel for 1 night at an Executive Room for Kyle's party preparation. They were on 50% discount because it was still their soft opening. It was really convenient because it was near Palms Country Club and the transfer to/from hotel and Palms was complimentary. It also happens that Crimson and Palms are sister companies.
Cost: P5,888.00 nett
The photo and video coverage was done by Shuttercount.
I have worked with Benj of Shuttercount a month earlier for Kyle's pictorial. Benj was very nice and very respectful. His wife Michelle was also the same when I had called their office to inquire on their birthday party packages. Benj even shared a few tips with Paolo on taking pictures. I also availed of the same day edit (SDE) or they also call it onsite video.
This is my photo/video package:
SDE Package 1: (2 Venues)
Inclusions:
Video (2 Cameras Set-up)
2 Videographers using Full HD cameras + assistant/lightman.
1 Song MTV Style Video (SDE)
15 minute event highlights
Using the following equipment:
Full HD DSLR Cameras, Glidecam, Slider, Video tripods,Light + lightstand,Voice Recorder and crane (for more cinematic look)
Price: Php 15,000
Not bad, right?!
All the Photos you see here are taken by Shuttercount.
All the Photos you see here are taken by Shuttercount.
Photo and Video, DONE.
Uh oh...come November, I had a change of heart on the party theme! Kathleen was kind enough to accommodate this change of heart.
Now I want this theme: Little man
Kathleen and I met again and whipped up a new package for me. She suggested to change the theme to Little Guy, instead of Little man. Of course I agreed!
DONE, new party theme is Little Guy, Kyle!
My revised package:
Revised Package:
Argyle backdrop rental
Stage props rental including but not limited to: wood fence, felt clouds, clothesline with dapper little guy clothes, suitcase, etc
Letter cutouts spelling KYLE on backdrop to keep
Ceiling drapes rental
200 balloons for ceiling
10 pcs Tablescapes
Entrance arch with 'Kyle's party is here'
Photo op
2 layer cake
60 pcs cupcakes
Themed dessert and candy buffet
Freebies: 30 pcs themed name tags, 2 party poppers, 2 party attendants, 1 pc balloon burst, napkin ring design
Cost: P46k
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| Stage design by Spark+Twinkle Picture by Shuttercount |
My photobooth was a gift from one of the godmothers but she would not like to have this announced. Anyways, TYVM! You know who you are (wink wink)!
PhotoArcade was the photobooth. Aileen and husband were super hands on and I loved it. They were the ones actually present during the party and manned the photobooth. Personalized attention. And mind you, Aileen was so pregnant at that time and she was so game.
Instead of the usual tarpaulin backdrop and usual props used, I had requested Kathleen of Spark+Twinkle to do a photo op set for me.
Oh and before I forget, to add flair to the event, my mom has kindly provided the bow ties for everyone to wear! Thank you mommy!
I have DIY'd these candy jars which formed part of the tablescape.
The loot bags were also DIY'd by me.
Overall, I was VERY HAPPY with the turnout of the party. I hope that our guests enjoyed this event. Though I'm sure that Kyle won't remember his 1st birthday, I was sure to keep memoirs of his special day. The first of many...
PhotoArcade was the photobooth. Aileen and husband were super hands on and I loved it. They were the ones actually present during the party and manned the photobooth. Personalized attention. And mind you, Aileen was so pregnant at that time and she was so game.
Instead of the usual tarpaulin backdrop and usual props used, I had requested Kathleen of Spark+Twinkle to do a photo op set for me.
Oh and before I forget, to add flair to the event, my mom has kindly provided the bow ties for everyone to wear! Thank you mommy!
I have DIY'd these candy jars which formed part of the tablescape.
The loot bags were also DIY'd by me.
Overall, I was VERY HAPPY with the turnout of the party. I hope that our guests enjoyed this event. Though I'm sure that Kyle won't remember his 1st birthday, I was sure to keep memoirs of his special day. The first of many...
Happy 1st birthday to you, My little guy, Kyle.
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