Executive Annual Check Up With Kids in Tow

Guijo at Makati Med's Corporate Wellness Center

Growing up, I didn't go for annual executive check-ups.  My mom was a firm believer in the body's natural ability to heal itself, so she was not dependent on medicine.  I was raised under my mother's careful watch, and healed by her own touch whenever I got sick - and her healing hands always proved effective (and sometimes we'd go to the manghihilot too). I don't remember being hospitalized, only when I was very young - my mother recalls - but then again I was too young to remember being confined for measles. It was only when I started working and studying abroad that executive check-ups became a regular occurence for me, as required by employers and schools.  Then, I married Oliver - and it seems in our first couple of years together, I've seen doctors and hospitals A LOT, for pregnancy-related consultations (that's the happy part), and for sickness in the family (the sad part). When Oliver lost his brother to cancer in 2011, we stared taking our annual check-ups seriously.  In 2011, it was just Oliver and I who did the executive check-up, in 2012 we took Narra with us; and now, 2013, we brought Guijo along too!

It was Guijo's first time to join us for our annual executive check-up at Makati Medical Center because he had to be 2 years old to qualify for coverage under Maxicare's Family health plan. I say, his day at the hospital went really well! He loved meeting so many doctors, nurses, and lab technicians. He was curious about all the equipment and instruments. He complied readily with all instructions, it was entertaining to watch! He was thrilled to submit his urine and stool samples - as though it was some sort of achievement (well, it is!) 

Guijo, getting weighed and measured.

                                       

Guijo was well prepared for the day. He even fasted! He had no food since the previous night's dinner, and didn't even drink milk. When it was his turn to have his ultrasound, the techbologist was surprised to see proof that his tummy was empty: "he fasted too?!" She exclaimed. "Galling naman".  He was so well behaved and relaxed. He looked at the screen at one point and asked if there was a monster in his belly :-) I did ask if they could find parasites like worms, if they'd show in the ultrasound, and I was told sometimes they enter the gallbladder and their presence can be detected through abdominal sonography! Yikes!  Fortunately, no worms we're seen in my kids' tummies.

Guijo, chilling out while having his ultrasound.

                                     

Narra asked for a blood test. Oliver wanted to skip the blood extraction for our kids, and I made sure Narra knew it was optional, but she insisted! She wanted the doctors to study her blood to make sure she is not a vampire! She didn't look away throughout the procedure and she gloated about her bravery all day long! 

Narra looking at her blood extraction.

With a skip and a hop she breezed through the busy corridors of the hospital to get her X-Ray, ultrasound, and ECG at the Heart Station.  She enjoyed doing the eye tests too - because she can already read letters and numbers! She did the test to see if she's color-blind: it's confirmed, she can see colors all right!

Narra's ECG at the Heart Station.

                                        

We had to consult many other doctors after our initial physical exam: I had to see an OB (and yet another OB to confirm/validate the first OB's diagnosis); I was referred by both to do further tests at the Breast Clinic; Narra had to see an Orthopedic specialist; and Guijo had to see a pediatric surgeon.  Fortunately, my tests came clear (whew); Narra was given  exercises to correct her pigeon-toe/intoeing; and Guijo - well, he was diagnosed with inguinal and umbilical hernias and both require surgery. So we'll study our options, consult our pediatrician, and plan our next steps for Guijo.

While waiting for our ultrasound.

                                     

I'm glad we did our annual check-up as a family - it was a fun bonding experience. And I felt proud of my kids and how well they behaved and socialized with doctors and medical staff. I hope we can continue this yearly tradition - it's a great way of infusing routine procedures with a greater sense of meaning. I am reminded to watch my health because I want to be around for my precious children, for a very long time. 

This new tradition I want to sustain for my family is a departure from my mother's more natural approach to health care... but I plan to honor her ways, by offering my own hands as a first line of defense against aches and pains.  I can only hope to be as caring as my mother was, with her healing touch and abundant TLC.  In an age of cancer, though, I believe prevention and early detection are our best defense - so I embrace a new tradition for my family, and hope my kids will grow up with a sense of obligation to perform this annual ritual.

A healthy start to December: Getting Narra To Eat Green Leafy Veggies

Narra's first encounter with kale.

                           

I'm not waiting until January to start fresh. Today, December 1st, I re-launched my Cohen eating plan and stocked up on lots of greens and lean meats. While at the grocery, I was excited to discover that kale was available at S&R. I just read a magazine feature on this super-nutritious vegetable. I wanted to try the kid-friendly recipe for kale crisps which promised to be as fun and tasty as potato chips.

The Redbook Magazine article with this kale recipe.

                                        

Sunday morning, after Narra had her breakfast, while she was still in her sleepwear, I roped her into our kitchen adventure. I got her to rip the curly leaves off the stems, then had her spray some extra virgin olive oil on them, then we used our hands to spread the oil around to cover each curly leaf.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil sprayed on kale leaves.

                                         

Then we arranged the leaves on baking sheets, a task Narra enjoyed thoroughly. I may not do a lot of cooking, but I know Narra will grow up with a lot of memories of us doing stuff together in the kitchen.

My excited toddler fiddling with her veggies!

                                   

We popped the kale in the oven and it was done in just 5 minutes! We sprinkled salt on top and voila - crisps!

P80 pesos worth of kale leaves crisping in the oven.

                                    

We dug into our bowls the same way we attack pop corn :-) It was crispy and salty and had a distinctive crunch. It was still slightly bitter-like, in a raw-cabbage way, just enough to remind one that it is a veggie and not anything close to Cheetos. 

Our healthier alternative to potato chips :-D

                             

As an experiment in getting Narra to eat veggies, it's a resounding success! She munched on her bowl of kale with gusto! Yay! Kale would be rather hard to eat otherwise, in its raw state it can be tough to chew on, and the taste could be off-putting. But Narra are a good serving! And we bonded in the process.

Willingly eating her greens! Woohoo!

                                        

At Manila Ocean Park: Our First Day Out Without Diapers!

Narra and Guijo upon arrival at Manila Ocean Park.

A pleasant Saturday afternoon it was. Our family of four sought some sea breeze and made it to the bay side in a matter of minutes. We traveled down  scenic Roxas boulevard with a sense of adventure - sure, we lived nearby - but this felt exciting for me because it is our first time to go out of the house without a diaper bag, baby bottle, stroller, or helpful yaya to give us a hand. Guijo's just been weaned off the bottle, and has been potty trained. Now we put his maturity (and ours) to the test.

Narra and Guijo in the car, enjoying the moon roof.

                                         

In the car, both kids were remarkably behaved.  Oliver pulled back the sun roof and moon roof and we were treated to some glorious sunshine. I loved seeing coconut trees framing the clear blue skies as I looked up. And outside, Manila bay looked inviting, with various boats, yachts and ships dotting the seascape. Whoever says Manila is hell should see it on a day like this.  

Oliver and Narra watching the sea lion show.

                                       

We bought tickets to the Oceanarium which came bundled with access to a bird show and sea lion show held outdoors in a vast amphitheater facing the sunset. Midway through the bird show, Guijo told me he had to go weewee. It was a long walk to the rest rooms and I half sprinted to get him there - and I was so proud of him for holding off until the appropriate time. We made it! Whew! Woohoo! Wow!  Diaper free at last! I was one proud mama!

Oliver and Guijo viewing the sharks

                            

From the amphitheater, we proceeded to the Oceanarium. It was Narra's second visit there, and she still remembered the sharks and stingrays from her last visit. It was Guijo's first time, and he was enthralled! He loves watching fishing shows on tv with Oliver, and he doesn't get bored watching sport fishing, spear fishing,  big game fishing, and documentaries - so it wasn't surprising to see him enjoy the Ocean Park's attractions.

Guijo dancing with some fish.

                                            

I find it amusing how tourist spots and theme parks mean something different to me now. While in the past, I enjoyed them because of their intrinsic entertainment value, I now find myself more drawn to my children's faces than to the attractions offered by the sights we visit. I enjoyed the birds, the sea lions, and other aquatic life because of my children's appreciation of them, or because of my husband's interaction with our children as they marveled at the wonders on display. 

Enjoying my kids as they enjoy the oceanarium.

                          

I'm excited to see things I've seen before, to do things I've done before, all over again - but this time, no longer out of a sense of discovery, but out of a sense of obligation (of the delicious kind) to show my kids the big, beautiful world we live in.  

View from inside Manila Ocean Park's underwater tunnel.

It's a great time to raise kids in Manila. These days, we don't have to go far to enjoy world-class facilities. I remember needing to travel elsewhere just to see an Oceanarium back in my youth, and now, there's one in town!  And just outside Manila, one can observe marine life in  the wild, in various beaches and coves along the coast of Batangas where opportunities to snorkel or dive are abundant... Sigh (of the happy kind). I can't wait until my kids are old enough to snorkel! Or hike!  That'll have to wait a couple more years. For now, I'll have to be grateful they're out of diapers and we can enjoy a half day's worth of adventure nearby.

Guijo's Instant Birthday Party at Shakey's Katipunan

Guijo completely enamored with "his" birthday mascot.

24 hours was all it took to organize Guijo's 2nd birthday party.  I just drove by Shakey's Katipunan to get some take-out, and admired the newly renovated party space and fun zone, when the branch manager told me: "we have a cancellation for tomorrow, do you want to take the slot?"  I called my husband, he said yes. And just like that, we had a party.   It was Friday, I was done with a difficult week. I had just returned from a busy trip to Ireland a few days before, and I was plagued by the fatiguing combo of  jetlag and backlog all week. Adding a birthday party to my to-do list was the last thing I wanted.  But the Shakey's option was quite inviting.  It promised to be stress free.

To book the function room for exclusive use, a minimum order of 6 Monster Meal Deals good for 60 persons was required (P12k).  In addition, there was an additional required purchase of 300 tokens for the arcade games in the adjacent Fun Zone (3k). I had to pay extra for the birthday cake (1.5k), and the mascot appearance (900 pesos).  Usually, the Justice League theme party amenities cost an extra 3.9k (for decor, invites, hats, capes, nice game prizes, loot bags, and party hosting) but they were unable to offer this to me because I booked the party on such short notice and the  supplies had to be ordered in advance.  The party manager kindly offered some freebies: party hosting, use of the party banner with Guijo's name, and some Superman capes they had on hand, and a few balloons for the kids (in addition to some leftover ceiling balloons from the party prior to ours). I just had to worry about loot bags and game prizes - but even that wasn't a big challenge - I just got bags and goodies from a grocery store, and a few prizes. Also, the party organizer from Shakey's had a brilliant suggestion to give away some of the Fun Zone tokens as game prizes.  Following her advice, I created a "pabitin" with paper tags that can be exchanged for tokens. 

Guijo's "pabitin" with coupons for arcade tokens.

I believe the Fun Zone was the life of the party. Young and old alike enjoyed the arcade games.  My dad was playing air hockey with Narra, and my husband had basketball contests with his nephews, and my sister and I followed suit.  In truth, the party program suffered a bit from the distraction of the Fun Zone, the host had to deal with an audience that kept darting in and out of the function room.  The sound system wasn't working well, so whatever the party host was saying was lost on us most of the time.  It's  a good thing the game prizes were more tokens for Fun Zone, so people participated in the games.  Shakey's has a lot to learn from Jollibee when it comes to staging an entertaining program people would actually enjoy.  This goes for the mascot as well.  

My dad and my daughter enjoying their Air Hockey marathon.

We originally chose Captain Shakey's for our mascot, so imagine our surprise when a Giant Slice of Pizza came instead.  It's a good thing Guijo, our little celebrant, absolutely loved the mascot. He kept giving the Giant Pizza a "high-five" in its "fun zone"... hahaha... a strategically positioned red circle representing pepperoni in the mascot's groin area was just the right height for Guijo, and he kept whacking away at it... it was slightly embarrassing, but also greatly amusing!  Guijo kept addressing the pizza as "Jollibee" even after his party. Whenever he sees pictures of it, he still calls it "Jollibee"... I guess he still had a hangover from his sister's Jollibee party.  My mother liked this party better though, because of the venue.  The Katipunan branch of Shakey's was freshly renovated the floors were gleaming. Everything felt clean and new.  The Fun Zone was shiny, and the game machines were all in great condition.

Family pic with a Giant Slice of pizza.

A highlight of the party was Guijo's great moment in the Fun Zone.  He hit the jackpot in one of the games and he caused quite a commotion as his machine ran out of tickets to dispense because he won 3,000 tickets!  What a lucky boy!  His sister Narra went crazy announcing the news to anyone who'd listen.  Grandparents and cousins, aunts and uncles, all were summoned by Narra to witness the spectacular flow of tickets.  My dad and mom were extremely delighted at the promise of Guijo's potentially high "GQ" (gaming quotient).  For my parents, it's not enough to have high IQ and high EQ, one must also have a high "GQ"!!!  (let's just say my parents are exceptional recreational-retiree-casino-goers - they actually win!) 

Guijo hitting the "jackpot"!

Guijo was beaming throughout his party, and especially at the end when he claimed a full-size basketball as his prize.  He's been wanting one for some time now, but we refused to buy him a big ball, and only gave him miniature ones that were more proportionate to his height.  At last, through his own efforts, he was able to get the gift he really wanted: a big basketball! He looked so proud and happy.  He was absolutely overjoyed.  Without doubt, Guijo knew it was HIS birthday party.  He strutted about in a celebrant-like manner - with a cheerful charm so obvious that it made me glad we managed to pull of a last-minute birthday party for him.

Guijo with his prize-catch - his first adult-sized basketball!

When it came time to sing Happy Birthday, Guijo reveled in the attention.  He watched everyone sing to him, for him! And after he blew his candle, my naughty little boy decided to give people a show - he leaned towards my mom as though to give her a kiss, but last minute chose to execute a perfect head butt, in front of everyone!  He was laughing mischievously as he did it!  He knew what he was doing! And he knew how to do it with comedic timing, so all of us were laughing (even my prim and proper mom who had to rub her sore cheek with a good-natured smile). 

Naughty Guijo, after having executed a painful head butt.

It was a happy party full of simple joys.  I was glad family came on such short notice.  I feel the impromptu spirit of the party added to its success.  We were all relaxed and ready for some casual fun.  What made the party a success was the joy it brought to Guijo, our little two-year-old, who's now old enough to know we gathered together in his honor.  And boy did he let us know how much he loved his day - he danced and laughed, and how he smiled! And even as I wrote this blog post weeks after the event, he saw the pictures, and squealed in remembered delight.  For an instant party, I feel we'll be getting a lot of mileage for many years to come. 

Sunday afternoon Coffee at Larcy's Cupcakerycafe

 

Today, we decided to head out to BF Homes in Paranaque to try restaurants we won't find elsewhere in the metro. We wanted to visit whatever house-turned-resto would catch our eye along Aguirre street. We decided to try Hanakazu for some sushi, tempura, and gyudon. And after our pleasant lunch there, we drove down the road for coffee and desert at Larcy's Cupcakerycafe.

We found the exteriors inviting, especially the heart-filled mural by the main door. Inside, Narra marveled at this giant cupcake on display. That's what she wanted me to buy! But at P695, we need  some occasion to celebrate, something more befitting than a lazy Sunday afternoon excursion.

So I got her a pink velvet cupcake instead... She didn't like it... But I did. I guess she was hoping for something sweet and the cream cheese frosting wasn't what she had in mind. I couldn't complain though.  It went well with my coffee.

We're not always in these parts, and we may not get to return to Larcy's anytime soon, but it's good to see the variety of one-of-a-kind cafes and restos mushrooming in BF Homes. It's definitely an area worth checking out once in a while even if it's a bit out of our way.

The Joys of a Jollibee Party

"My Best Friend Jollibee"-themed birthday banner.

Earlier this month, we celebrated Narra's 4th birthday with a small party at Jollibee, Greenmeadows. We gathered some 60 people: 24 relatives from my side of the family; 24 from my husband's side; and 12 other guests (mostly staff, and a couple of friends who lived nearby). 5 dozen people - a cozy bunch. We were quite comfortable in the big party room at Jollibee Greenmeadows.  I'm glad we chose that room.  Weeks before the party, when I took Narra to nearby St. Paul College to buy her school uniforms, we stopped at Jollibee Greenmeadows to check out their party zone, and I made her choose which room she wanted for her party (since there were 2 options).  When she saw the wall murals and colorful chairs in the big room, she got excited!  

Party Zone 1 (big room) at Jollibee, Greenmeadows.

So when we got home, we were ready to book our party on-line, using Jollibee's fun-to-use Kids Party Website.  I did the booking with Narra on my lap. I let her choose the theme she wanted (she chose "My Best Friend Jollibee"), and I asked her what food she wanted to serve.  Narra enumerated the following requests: Chicken, spaghetti, burger, fries, Sarsi float, and peach mango pie (Oh dear, I am imagining the calories!).   Because she chose the menu, when her guests were already eating, she walked around the room and asked some of them "ok ba ang food?" (is the food ok?)  Haha. My parents found it peculiar that she'd ask that, so I had to explain that because she had ownership of the menu choice, she was keen on getting feedback (or praise!)

The Red and Yellow "loot bottles" packed and distributed by Narra.

Narra wanted to have a "costume party" after having attended several themed-parties.  I suggested to her if we can just have a "color-theme" instead, a "Jollibee-themed" party - and we'll ask our guest to come in Jollibee colors: red, yellow, orange, or white.  Our guests came looking very festive in red and yellow clothes!!!  We bought red and yellow water bottles to give away as souvenirs.  I took Narra to Divisoria to shop for fillers.  We also bought a piñata, which we had to cover up because Jollibee does not allow displaying stuff featuring licensed characters.  So, using the Jollibee invitations we got, we made Jollibee cutouts, and glued them randomly on the piñata so we could cover the prohibited image.  Narra enjoyed our art project.  She also enjoyed filling up the piñata and water bottles with goodies.  Next, we prepared the pabitin. 

Jollibee, holding the pabitin, as kids grab the prizes.

Traditionally, the pabitin hangs from a hook, and stays out of reach, until it is dropped by whoever is manipulating the rope.  At Jollibee parties, this is modified: there's no rope, and no hook on the ceiling. Jollibee himself, the mascot in heavy costume, stands precariously on a plastic chair, and holds the pabitin, while dozens of kids (and some adults too) grab the items hanging from the criss-crossed slats of bamboo.  I put only light and small items on the pabitin, and made sure they were easy to detach, otherwise, Jollibee (the mascot) could be in for a struggle!!    

Candy frenzy after the Jollibee piñata was pulled open.

I loved how "game" Jollibee was - I mean the mascot - or the guy inside the costume.  He truly was the life of the party.  He had a great sense of humor, and a very relaxed aura about him.  It's no joke balancing on a plastic stool, in full costume, with limited vision, and padded/gloved hands, all this while holding on to a prop that everyone's pulling at.  He kept in character the whole time, even as everyone scrambled for candies after the piñata was popped open, he stood still on that plastic stool, so he wouldn't step on anyone, and he posed with the piñata Narra made. What poise!

Narra, happily watching Jollibeee dance for her birthday!

I loved how Jollibee made Narra feel special. He showered her with attention, waving at her as he danced, and posing with her for countless photos - and he mindfully performed a lot of fun poses and expressive gestures, for variety - he sat on the floor, and later lay-down! And kids just hugged him to their hearts' content like one giant stuffed toy.  He gave quality time :-D I guess it helped that we took a dinner slot, from 7-9 pm, and there were no other parties after us, so he wasn't rushing his stay.   

Quality time with Jollibee who sat on the floor, cradling Narra and Guijo.

Towards the end of the party, after the candle blowing, Jollibee mimed a captivating birthday message for Narra, performing a speech done in hand and body movement, and the audience (and Narra too, of course) attentively listened to the host as he translated.   It was a heartwarming end to an easy party.  And Narra will grow up remembering her special day with her best friend Jollibee.  

Narra and her Best Friend.

On Aiden's Birthday: The Gruffalo-Themed Cake

The celebrant, taking a break from his pool party, to blow the candles on
his finely-crafted Gruffalo cake tower.

A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood

A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good

"Where are you going to little brown mouse?

Come and have lunch with me in my underground house."

"It's terribly kind of you, Fox, but no --

I'm going to have lunch with a gruffalo."

"A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo?"

"A gruffalo! Why didn't you know?"

...So starts the best-selling book by writer and playwright Julia Donaldson - a well-loved story for parents and kids in the post-2000 era.  I first saw "The Gruffalo" with my kids, animated, on DVD.  Sadly, we missed the theater production that was staged in Manila a few months back.  Last weekend, I was thrilled to "see" the Gruffalo, exquisitely rendered in cake and cupcakes!!!  Our friends Aiel and Sabina threw a party for their son, Aiden, and the little boy had his "favorites" on his special day.  He obviously loved to swim! And he loved the Gruffalo!  It was a high point in the party when our little celebrant, swaddled in a towel and still dripping from the pool, blew out the candles atop his wonderful cake tower!   And when he was told he could already have some cake, he went for it!  With his arms still snugly wrapped around his body, he leaned towards his cake, and took a playful nibble - amidst the cheers from an appreciative audience.   I loved the unguarded moment, when a little boy was allowed to be a kid, and everyone else basked in his youth.   Ah, what a few candles on a lovely cake could do. It could stir the imagination.

The Gruffalo cake with the celebrant's "stamp of approval" - his teeth marks!!!

"A gruffalo, what's a gruffalo?" (asked some of the other adults in the group - those single without kids)
"A gruffalo! Why didn't you know?"(answered some of us, parents raising babies of the digital age)

"He has terrible tusks, and terrible claws,
and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws,
He has knobbly knees, and turned out toes,
And a poisonous wart at the end of his nose"

I tried to explain to our non-parent friends who or what the Gruffalo was, with a brief and flat synopsis of the plot, delivered in a very cold fashion. "The story is right, but you're saying it wrong" said our host, Aiel, who explained how well written the children's book is.  I was rightfully put to shame!  To rob the story of its rhythm and rhyme, to speak of it without its cadence and charm - is to reduce its value so, so much!  For there is so much more to it than its plot - with much of its beauty derived from its being a song.  So I promised myself to rectify the situation! (Hence, this blog post with excerpts from the book!).  "You can watch it on Youtube" said Aiel to me, and the rest of the group.  But I wanted something more old school.  Sure, we have the DVD at home, and we can watch it repeatedly - but I preferred to have the book, and read it out loud to my kids, in my own voice - so I could savor the words, and have my kids lean on me, and hear me speak, and feel me read, as I put them to bed.

The Gruffalo cupcakes, with yummy gummy tusks, complete with a green wart on his nose!

As luck would have it, Aiden's birthday is right before my daughter's and his mom, Sabina graciously asked me "What would Narra like for her birthday?"  And I figured, I could link Aiden's party to Narra's gift, to weave memories and strengthen ties.  I asked for a copy of the Gruffalo book.  And it arrived a few days later (bundled with another book, thanks Sabina and Aiel!).   And when it came time to read Narra the story, I started by asking her if she remembers Aiden's cake, and the cupcake she chose for herself, of the little mouse.  And so the circle of inspiration is completed: a book inspires a cake, a cake inspires a mom to read a book.  And the magic of one afternoon party continues on... 

Narra with her "little mouse" cupcake.

Sabina thanked Cake Avenue Bakeshop and Annette Sison for the cake and towers.

I hope I got the correct website:

http://www.cakeavenuebakeshop.com/

The "Happy Cream Puff Croquembouche" for My Parents' Anniversary

The Croquembouche from Happy Cream Puff.

I was looking for something new, and ended up getting something traditional - but novel nonetheless.  It was my parents' anniversary last week, and I volunteered to take care of getting them a "cake".  I considered the usual trendy suspects: a custom-crafted fondant cake, or cupcakes with customized toppers, or cake pops.  In the end, I decided to go for a less common option (at least here in the Philippines, that is): I got a croquembouche.  And it wasn't just the usual croquembouche made of uniform profiteroles piled high and bound together with threads of caramel. Nope.  I got the colorful variety of cream puffs iced in various flavors, and festooned with fondant flowers for a bit more flair. It had two eclairs wedged at the center of the tower for the dedication: "Happy Anniversary Walter & Sonia".  What a joyful looking creation it was from Happy Cream Puffs.

My parents, and my excited daughter Narra, discussing whether we
could have our "cake" and eat it too!

In the past, the first pastry shop that came to mind when considering getting a croquembouche in Manila is the well-established Dulcinea.  They offer the classic version, which looks very much like the elegant desert centerpieces that figure prominently in French weddings, baptisms, and other family celebrations.  Happy Cream Puff, by comparison, has more adventurous arrangements and flavors to offer.  At their shop, they have a design catalogue of petit puff design combinations to choose from.  There are also trims available, for an added fee.  Available trims include fondant ribbons, from elaborate ones used as toppers, or a simple bow at the bottom, or in my case, gum paste roses in red and white, framed by green leaves, scattered throughout the tower.   The croquembouche looked too pretty, it felt a shame to dismantle it.  My dad kept saying: "you can't have your cake and eat it too" and so he wanted to just "keep the cake".  My daughter Narra, on the other hand, has been dying to get a piece.

Seated: Dad, Narra, and mom; Standing: Marion, me and Guijo.

Happy Cream Puffs' Croquembouche comes in three sizes: small (approx. 50 pcs); medium (approx. 75); and large (approx. 100).  I initially ordered a small one, then upgraded it to a medium-size last-minute, on the very morning I was scheduled to pick it up.  Good thing the guys at Happy Cream Puff make their pastries fresh, assembling the cream puffs just minutes before pick-up/delivery.   The staff were very accommodating with my requests, for additional decor, and change in size, and even for my requests for boxes and paper bags to put the cream puffs in so I can send them home to guests as souvenirs.

My daughter Narra, leading the effort to dismantle the croquembouche.

My parents' anniversary celebration was a lunch buffet with family at Beurre Blanc in Resorts' World.  Everyone was full by the end of the meal, and desert was included in the spread, so the cream puffs really had to be packed for taking home. We put a couple of dozens in boxes for the celebrants to keep, and the rest went to paper bags for taking home...and a few petit puffs ended up being eaten on the spot despite protestations of being too full to eat another bite.  Guests reported that the puffs were fresh, with a creamy light filling, and a crunchy exterior... true to its name: croque en bouche in French means "crunch in the mouth".  True to its name indeed, "Happy Cream Puffs" made us happy.

Family pic outside Beurre Blanc.

To order your own croquembouche from Happy Cream Puffs visit:
http://www.happycreampuff.com/

Nacho's Birthday Fiesta at Agave Mexican Cantina

Nacho's colorful Mexican-theme birthday cake.

A couple of weeks back, my nephew Nacho celebrated his first birthday at Agave Mexican Cantina at Bonifacio High Street.  I found it a cool concept, so apt for the little celebrant - what better way to celebrate the birthday of a boy named Nacho? (his full name is Ignacio after St. Ignatius of Loyola...and yes, his dad's an Atenean).  Now, Agave is not usually the kind of place one associates with children's parties.  Mojitos and margaritas, and late nights come to mind when I hear Agave... but on early Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the venue works as a novel venue for children's parties.

On the menu that afternoon were some Mexican snackables: mini tacos, chicken skewers, calamari, burrito rolls, and of course - in honor of the celebrant's nickname: nachos!!  There was also spaghetti for the kids... and loads of refillable iced tea - which was a blessing in the ultra hot weather.  We had a good supply of sweets, from the mini cupcakes surrounding the festive fondant cake; to the candy prizes and chocolate giveaways - and even the assortment of candies that fell from the fiesta piñata.  My kids were absolutely thrilled with their loot - I'm sure it felt like Halloween for them, with all the treats they got. 

Guijo, playing "ball" with his lolo (the guy hidden beneath the sombrero).

There were classic party games, like "Bring Me" with a twist: the items were mentioned in Spanish - so we had to do a bit of translating!  Then the kids got to try pinning the tail on a mule (this game was still in keeping with the Mexican theme).  And there was a cute piñata with the word "Fiesta" written on it - and colorful ribbons hanging beneath it.  My niece, Sophia (Nacho's big sister) was wearing a Mexican dress.  And lying around, was a yellow-fringed Mexican sombrero which my playful dad put on, to the delight of my children.  My son Guijo found the balloons particularly entertaining. He threw balloons at my dad and uncles, and babies alike - from senior citizens to toddlers - everyone was a potential playmate for Guijo.   He and Narra are so much fun to bring to parties nowadays, because they can already enjoy themselves immensely.  They love joining games, and winning prizes, and bringing home loot bags and balloons. 

My cousins Ian and Elaine, Ate Sophia, and the sleeping celebrant, Nacho!

And of course, my kids loved it when it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Nacho.  The fondant cake had fun stuff on it: maraccas, and a cactus, sombrero, and chili, and a colorful Mexican blanket.  And there were mini cupcakes, with cute fondant toppers, perfectly sized for kids and adults-on-a-diet.  As soon as the candle on the cake was blown, the guests swiped most of the cupcakes away... my little Narra included!

She was one happy party-goer.  Both my kids were still quite on a "high" that even after the party, they still wanted to play some more with their cousins, they ended up just running around to their heart's content at the open spaces of Bonifacio High Street's open-air promenades.  It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Ole!

For more info on Agave Mexican Cantina's Party Packages, visit:
http://www.agavecantina.com