Cakes for My Daughter's Winx Party: Red Ribbon and Iko's Compared

Left: Doll cake with wings from Iko's; Right: Spring Flowers Cake from Red Ribbon 

                  

For my daughter's 5th birthday, I got her involved in deciding on her party cake. For weeks we'd look at pictures of Winx cake ideas online. I originally wanted a single-layer fondant cake with edible toppers, but little Narra had other ideas: she wanted non-edible toppers she could keep as toys after the party; she wanted the kind of icing she could swipe off the cake with her finger; she wanted edible sugar flowers that can be plucked from the cake; she wanted it taller than a single-layer cake - she surely knew what she wanted! I had only one condition: It had to be within my budget of 2,000 pesos.  We ended up with 2 cakes that easily met all our criteria! We got one cake from Red Ribbon  (1400php) and another from Iko's (499php) and I just have to compare the two! 

Narra's first cake was chosen from Red Ribbon Bakeshop's online cake catalogue. She already had tiny Winx-themed figures at home and she asked me if she could decorate her cake by herself (and by that she means that deciding where to position the dolls on the cake will be entirely up to her).  So I had to look for the type of cake that can accommodate her toys as toppers. I was worried they wouldn't stand upright on their own when planted on boiled icing, so I looked for designs with 2-3 layers so we could lean the toys on the sides of the cake (and a tall cake was one of Narra's requests).

3-layer "Spring Flower" cake from Red Ribbon's "Debut" collection
(doll toppers are from Narra's own collection)

                                

I didn't find the cake in the usual "Female Birthday Cakes" section. I looked for options in the "Wedding/Debut" section because only cakes in that category can have customizable colors to suit party themes. We picked the design called "Spring Flowers", Narra asked for a pink and purple cake with green border icing (the border in the catalogue was white originally). The flowers are edible gum paste flowers with customizable colors too. The number on top is made of sugar (and can be delicate - ours broke when we removed the cake from the box, and we resorted to scotch tape for an emergency fix - it held up til the end of the party). The total height of the cake with accessories is around 18 inches. We cut the cake in take-home portions and sent them off as souvenirs - and the recipients were reportedly quite happy. At 1,400 pesos I found this cake reasonably priced for the quantity of cake and quality  of execution. I also love how Red Ribbon staff were so accommodating with requests - they even allowed me to pick up the cake late at night, past closing hours! So I wouldn't have to swing by in the morning. :-)   

With the remaining cake funds available, I was able to buy another cake for Narra - a doll cake from Iko's! Months ago, when we visited their shop in Pasig, Narra saw their doll cakes and asked me if she could have one for her birthday. I found the cake appropriate only for an intimate party because of the modest quantity of the cake. In terms of height, it stands tall at a little over a foot, and offers a visual impact statement (kids and adults alike gave positive feedback). It's nice to look at and captures the imagination of children of all ages. At 499 pesos, it's quite a steal!

The edible layer between foil on top and styrofoam at the bottom.

                               

It's not the kind of cake you should serve to guests though, don't get me wrong, it is delicious! But gaining access to the edible parts is challenging and cumbersome - and should best be done in private. The top layer from the doll's waist down to its knees is covered in icing-concealed foil! The bottom layer (from the doll's ankle downwards) is made of styrofoam. The only edible parts are from the doll's knees down to it's calves - so there isn't much - it's just enough for a small group of people - but it's yummy! The chocolate cake itself is denser than Red Ribbon's, and the icing too - is much more "swipe worthy" than Red Ribbon's too sticky boiled icing. When we took of the wings and washed off the icing, we were left with a forlorn naked doll - the party was truly over. As the saying goes: you can't have your cake and eat it too.  Thank goodness for photos!

Narra's candle-blowing (after we replaced her number topper with a candle)

For the candle-blowing moment at Narra's party, we had a few issues.  The doll-cake did not have any suitable space for a candle, and the placement of the candle on the 3-layer Spring Flower cake was at the front, which meant we'd have difficulty taking a good photo of her.  Our solution? We removed the "Number 5" at the top of her cake, stuck a candle right on top, and got Narra to stand on a stool so she could reach her candle and blow it out while facing her guests. I realize that Iko's offers the option of creating a faux mini-cake which can be "carried" by the doll on her arms, and a candle can be positioned on it.  The Red Ribbon "Spring Flowers" design has a huge flower with leaves positioned on top, I suggest - for other moms who plan on getting this cake for their kids - to forego the leaves, and request instead, that a candle be inserted next to the top flower.  Lesson learned: I need to be more prepared next time - I should anticipate all requirements for the candle-blowing moment and figure out a child-friendly and photo-friendly placement for the candle! 

Add caption

                        

In the end I'm happy we had both cakes.  Dealing with both suppliers was straightforward and fuss-free, and both bakeshops were comfortingly accommodating and professional.  McDonald's SM Aura does not allow cake to be served within their premises so the cakes were only for display and photo-op purposes, but we were happy to have a cake to partition off as take away for guests (the Red Ribbon cake) and another cake to bring home to enjoy (our Iko's doll cake). 

The cakes really weren't just for Narra. They were really also for my own mother - who belonged to a brood of 12 children! - she didn't have fancy birthday cakes growing up - that's just the way it was in the 1950's - for the post-war generation - theirs was an age of frugality and resource-stretching home economics.  My mother always has a wistful look on her face, a sense of nostalgia (for something she's always wanted but didn't get).  She made sure that growing up, I would always get cakes for my birthdays :-D  I have fond memories of icing and sugar flowers, and blowing out candles - and on my 18th birthday she ordered a towering cake, 5 feet tall, with lights and fountains - all the bells and whistles! - we had cake for days... I want to laugh and cry at the same time, just thinking about what getting that cake for me truly meant for my mother.   It's my turn now, to pass on to my daughter, what my mother provided me: love, joy, child-like wonder, and a lifetime's worth of memories that comes with birthday cakes.

Related Post:

Celebrating Narra's 5th Birthday: Winx Party at McDonald's SM Aura
http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2014/05/winx-birthday-party-at-mcdonald-sm-aura.html

Celebrating Narra's 5th Birthday: Winx Party at McDonald's SM Aura

From top left: Winx party banner; Me and Narra; Family pic with mascots.

                         

Sometime in the mid-80s I had my own McDonald's birthday party. I remember being so excited!  Watching my own daughter's excitement felt like traveling back in time.  It seemed as big a deal to her today as it was to me back then. Sure, McDonald's represents accessible everyday fare these days, with their convenient locations and affordable food, it's hardly "special" anymore - but on the day of her birthday party, McDonald's wasn't just the common fast food she visits normally, it was HER party place - infused with the magical energy of HER party time!  

Prim and proper Narra while everyone stood and sang "Happy Birthday"

                         

Narra sat on her pink stool, hands on her lap, feet crossed, eyes scanning the crowd as everyone clapped and sang "Happy Birthday to you!" - she swayed gently from side to side - she was neither shy nor self-absorbed, just simply immersed in the moment. And when the song was done, she had this super sweet smile.  It's the first time her two worlds came together: school and family lives combining in celebration. She had just completed her first year of schooling, so having classmates at her party  is a whole new experience for her.  We knew she'd need enough time to play with her friends and cousins so we decided to book 2 time slots so we won't be rushed.

The Party Program.

                  

We booked our venue from 11 am to 3 pm. We chose the earliest time slot because parking at SM Aura could get full easily on weekends. We decided to serve food twice. For round one: We served spaghetti, chicken and rice, cheeseburger, drink and apple pie for adults and kids alike. Then, when everyone was full, we started with the program and games. This was followed by the second round of food service: piping hot French fries, ice cream sundae, and drink. As the food was served we were distributing loot bags and giveaways and doggie bags - everyone had food to take home!  

Art activities for the early birds.

                            

We also prepared a simple (and very well received) art station for the kids. I took pages from a nice coloring book and provided crayons, blendy pens, and colored markers.  We also had a "nail art" station courtesy of my mom. She owns a beauty salon and she brought one of her staff to do kiddie manicures. They brought cute nail stickers which was such a hit with the young ladies!

Nail art corner.

                                        

The program consisted of the usual party classics: "bring me" and who can sustain the last syllable of the phrase "happy birthdaaaaaaaaaaaaaay" the longest (the winner clocked in 12 seconds).  One game that was new to me was the "cup tower" game. Mothers and daughters teamed up to create towers out of flimsy plastic cups. All of Narra's classmates and their mothers joined the game. I felt the pressure because Narra really wanted us to win. We assembled a really high tower, but alas!, the ceiling-type split aircon was producing a blast of cold air that made our tower shake, and fall :-(  it was intense! Haha. I felt like a kid holding my breath, full of hope that we just might win! I had fun even if we didn't emerge victorious. 

"Cup Tower" game. I felt pressured with my kids watching in earnest.

                         

A high point of the program happened quite by accident. The mascots Birdie and Hamburglar were supposed to make their entrance, but were taking too long to arrive so the host played some upbeat music and the kids started to dance! It was so much fun to watch :-)  then, I requested the party host to play "Let It Go" from Frozen, and the little girls sang forcefully in unison, complete with synchronized action. Many of us watching from the sidelines were touched by the pure emotion, full commitment, and unrestrained quality of the impromptu group performance - one guest even asked if they rehearsed this or were taught the song and choreography in school.  

Narra and her classmates singing "Let It Go" from Frozen.

                        

It felt like a "Greatest Love of All" moment from the 1980s. I do believe "Let It Go" has reached the status of  "anthem" for Narra's generation.  Even if the song wasn't particular upbeat, it brought a different kind of energy to the party - the kind that makes adults thankful they attended a children's party. It was a moment of pure joy, uplifting innocence, camaraderie and harmony. That moment made me miss so many people, friends from long ago with whom I shared a special bond: choir mates in church; friends in high school; team mates, skate mates - anyone I performed with (formally or spontaneously).  I just knew my daughter was getting the full range of emotional benefits a birthday party offers.  

The only thing I had to prepare: Cakes, Loot Bags, some Game Prizes, Giveaways.

               

I booked McDonald's because I was busy working full-time this summer and needed the stress-free convenience of a fast-food party. I ended up enjoying the experience much more than I expected. And my daughter - my lovely, lovable daughter - she acted in ways that made me want to repeat the whole experience all over again :-)  When asked by the party host for a closing message, for what she wished for her birthday, she said: "I wish everyone would be happy".  Well said, Narra. You made me happy by letting me see how much fun you had :-D

Narra blowing her candle after making a wish for everyone's happiness!

Related Post:

Cakes For My Daughter's Winx Party: Red Ribbon and Iko's Compared

http://nikki-mama.blogspot.com/2014/05/cakes-for-my-daughter-winx-party-red.html

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.

Brave Narra at the Dentist: On Baby Tooth Extraction and Why My Daughter Makes Me Proud

Narra, behaved and excited, with her best friend Mickey.

One of the most important things in life I'd need to warn my children about is this painful but necessary lesson: that we won't always get what want - sometimes, we have to get what we NEED, even if it is the exact opposite of what we want.   That is exactly what happened when we went to the dentist last week.   Narra was excited to go there. She wanted to get her two front teeth cleaned, and fixed, because it got chipped a couple of weeks ago.  She came up to me, with a tiny piece of her front tooth in her hand and said: "mama, paayos natin ngipin ko sa dentist" (mama, let's get my teeth fixed by the dentist). She wanted a repair so she can have a better smile.  That's what we wanted. But the dentist had crushing news. Narra needed something else, not cleaning, not repair.  She needed to curb an infection that may likely worsen if left unchecked. She needed to come back to "Bites and Smiles" Dental Clinic again the following week, to be handled by their pediatric specialist, Doc Sandy. I was warned in advance: she may need an extraction.  I had to prepare my daughter for the opposite of what she wanted - she was not going to get the better smile she hoped for - not for the next couple of years - until her permanent teeth finally erupt.   

Narra and Guijo, excited to go to "Bites & Smiles".

The blame game started the minute I heard the word "extraction".  First, I blamed my genes (surely, Narra got weak milk teeth from me), then I blamed my decisions. Why, oh why, did I breast-feed her on demand through the night? Narra cried a lot in her first year, and I breast-fed her exclusively. I feared she wasn't getting enough milk! So every time she cried, I fed her. A friend told me to let her cry on at night, so she will learn to soothe herself. Another friend told me to rinse her mouth with water, or wipe her teeth down after every feed to prevent "milk rot".  But I could do neither.  I couldn't bear to let her cry through the night; and couldn't bear to wake her to clean her teeth after I worked so hard to get her to sleep.  When later, I saw signs of tooth decay, I ran to the dentist (Narra was only 1 year old then), and did whatever options were available: application of fluoride film on the teeth; and nightly application of a calcium tooth mousse after brushing.  Despite my best efforts at catch-up care in the last 2 years,  the painful truth remained: an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.  

Guijo, waiting for his turn, while on the Li'l Tikes seesaw.

Truly, parenthood is not a walk in the park. It is an unending series of everyday decisions with lasting consequences.  It is also a continuous learning process. And Narra paid the price of my tuition in the school of motherhood.  Her first-born's curse, is her younger brother's blessing.  All the mistakes made in Narra's time, get acknowledged and addressed by the time Guijo gets his turn.  So Guijo has perfect teeth.  He gets the best of both: the benefits of breast-feeding, coupled with preventive dental care.  (And getting his father's genes may have helped  too).  I wish life was fair, and parents can give the same quality of protection and care for their kids, in equal measure.  But the truth is, our circumstances change, and subsequently, our parenting capabilities too.  The woman I was as mother to 1-year old Narra then, is not the same woman I am now, as mother to 1-year old Guijo.  When Narra was 1 yr. old, I was working full-time, and was away for the whole day, and breast-feeding her through the night assuaged my guilt for not being around - it made me feel closer to her - but I wasn't superwoman, I came home dead tired, and I was sleep-feeding and unable to rinse her teeth, hence, the milk rot.  Now that Guijo is 1 yr. old, I am working part-time, and I spend most of the daytime with him, so I don't feel compelled to feed him through the night.  

On the day of our visit to the dentist, I had to make the dreaded phone call to my husband. I started the conversation by reporting the good news (Guijo's teeth are perfect); then I gave the bad news (Narra's extraction).  We discussed our options.  Our yayas at home instructed us on the typical Pinoy family's common response to tooth decay in milk teeth which is to simply let it rot until it falls out - the logic being: it will be replaced by permanent teeth anyway so why bother with interventions?  In other words: "Hayaan na lang" (just let it be), and Narra's yaya argued further: "wala pang gastos" (and you won't spend a thing).  The dentist was of a different opinion.  Signs of infection were present, on the tooth and on the gums.  The tooth was beyond repair. Extraction was strongly recommended.

Again: an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Better curb infection sooner, than later. We scheduled an appointment. 

Brave Narra, staying still despite the huge injection wielded in front of her.

A week later, we returned to "Bites and Smiles", without Guijo this time, for our appointment with Doc Sandy. He observed Narra's demeanor, and he felt she was capable of going through the procedure without the need for sedation.  He rubbed topical anesthesia first, then wielded this huge injection.  I resisted any urge to flinch and cringe.  I smiled (Ms. Universe style), because I was in Narra's direct line of sight.  I had prepared her by showing episodes of "Finding Nemo" repeatedly. We made fun of the scenes in the dentist's office, when everything was in chaos.  Then we made fun of "Mr. Bean" and the episode when he went to the dentist and was so afraid.  This was my way of approaching the topic of pain, via the route of humor - and Narra has a sense of humor (thank God).  We also played with her "Doctor's Set" and she pretended to inject medicine on me.  Narra behaved impressively.  She was a picture of composure and courage while anesthesia was being administered.  And when it was time to pull the tooth out, she asked to hold my hand. She hesitated, and I talked her through it.  I told her the anesthesia would wear off if we didn't do the extraction soon, and she would feel the pain, so I coached her back to a lying position. Even after 2 trips to the OR for childbirth; and 2 root canals right after; I was not ready for this kind of pain - of watching from the sidelines as a loved one suffered. If only I can go through my daughter's trials for her.

When Doc Sandy exerted some pressure to pull out her teeth, a few tears rolled down her eyes. And she clutched my hand, and after the tooth was pulled out, she asked me to hug and carry her.  "Hindi ako masaya na tinanggal ang ngipin ko, mommy" (I am not happy my tooth was removed, mommy), she told me quietly.  I asked if she was feeling any pain, and she assured me she wasn't in physical pain. She was just sad.  Oh dear. My heart sank.  The people at the dental clinic suggested we get her ice cream, to soothe her mouth and lift her spirits.  But Narra requested to visit her grandparents' house. So we did both. We bought ice cream en route to her Lolo's and Lola's.

Narra with her grandfolks, right after the extraction.

When we got to my parents' house, Narra wasn't her usual talkative self.  She was pretty silent because she couldn't really feel her tongue and lips which were still numb from anesthesia. She was just slowly regaining sensation in her mouth.  My mom, ever wise in her ways, asked her if she wanted to go out on the lawn and backyard to feed the free-roaming rooster, hens, and chicks my parents kept in the premises, and Narra readily agreed.  For the next half hour, she scattered grains and basked in the attention she got from her feathered friends. Through the window, I could hear the chirping of chicks, the cackling of hens, and my daughter's precious chuckles.  The tooth extraction and residual numbness in her mouth were soon forgotten, as Mother Nature and Father Time worked their healing magic.  On our way out, she was already singing and dancing!

Narra, finding comfort in her brother.

Reporting her dental adventures to her papa.

By the time we made it back home, Narra was bouncing with excitement.  She pranced around like a triumphant warrior proudly displaying battle scars.  She ran to Guijo for a hug, directing him to look at the gap where her tooth used to be.  Then, hand-in-hand, brother and sister spilled into our bedroom, and jumped on Oliver.  Narra couldn't wait to show her father the results of her latest dental adventure.  That night, we scoured the internet for dental photos: of tooth decay, milk rot, the sequence of tooth growth... we looked at drawings of permanent teeth lining up above and below milk teeth... we talked things through. Using a dental tool given to us by "Bites and Smiles" (a plastic stick with a small, round, angled mirror at the end), we studied her teeth in the bathroom mirror.  While I was staring at her bruised gum, Narra stared at me intently - she read the expression on my face, and said: "It's ok mama, I will wait for my tooth to grow".   It was something I needed to hear.

Narra asked me to take her picture so she can see her new smile.

"It's ok, mama".    Did she know I was feeling guilty for how I've failed her, and I was hoping for forgiveness?  Did she know I was worried and wanted to know she wasn't in pain and too disappointed?  Did she know I was anxious about the thought of her going to school for the first time in June, without her front tooth - that I fear her classmates may comment on this and affect her self esteem?  I don't know what she saw in my face that prompted her to say "It's ok, mama"... the important thing is, she said it.  And this makes me so proud of her.  We went to the dentist, and she got the opposite of what she wanted.  And she understood it had to be done because it was what was needed.  She isn't even four years old, and she's already teaching me something about hope, faith, and keeping positive after suffering a loss.  This is just the beginning.  I know, as we go through our life together, that we will lose a lot more than just teeth... and I look forward to those times, when she will read the troubles written on my face, and tell me "It's ok, mama", and I will believe her, again and again.


For kid-friendly dental care, check out Bites and Smiles Dental Clinic Makati:
http://www.bitesnsmiles.com/

Preparing for Pre-School: Toddler Enrichment Options in Serendra and Bonifacio High Street

E.nopi Serendra

It seems that nowadays, with the new K-12 curriculum in force, kids are expected to learn more at an earlier age.  When I took Narra to St. Paul Pasig for her entrance exam, I found out that she'll be joining Nursery 2 (and not Nursery 1 as I originally thought). Grade 1 is now at age 6 (instead of 7 yrs. of age, like it was in my time in the early 1980's).  The guidance counselor at St. Paul advised me of the curriculum of Nursery 1, and which skills Narra should already have by June, when she starts Nursery 2.  For instance,  I have to get her to learn the alphabet in lower case (she only knows upper case letters).  She also has to learn to write numbers (she only knows how to read them for now).  

So I went in search of enrichment programs to help prepare Narra for the coming school-year.  I confined my selection to one area: Serendra/Bonifacio High Street in Global City.  And I found a number of exciting options to choose from to prepare 3-year olds for formal schooling. I had to choose among the following:

1) KUMON (Located at Bonifacio High Street)

More well-known as an after-school math and reading enrichment program, Kumon also has an early learning program for children as young as three years of age to help them acquire skills before formal schooling.  Kids are given worksheets to complete on-site, as well as at home. Sessions can be 2 to 3 times per week, at 30 - 45 mins. per session, depending on the child's attention span. Cost is at 1,800/month, per subject.  

Website: http://ph.kumonglobal.com/

2) THE LEARNING LIBRARY (Located inside Gymboree, 2nd Floor of Serendra)

This is a literature-based enrichment program in either English or Filipino to help kids acquire skills in reading comprehension, writing, and oral communication.  The physical setting is a children's library, with a collection of attractive books which kids can use on-site, and also borrow to bring home.  Sessions are 2-3 times a week, from 30-45 minutes, at 3,500 per month in most branches.  The cost in Serendra is slightly higher.  

Website: http://www.learninglibraries.com

3) TUTORING CLUB (Located at Bonifacio High Street)

Their pre-kindergarten program focuses on reading skills so young children can learn to recognize letters and the sounds they make.  For 3-year olds, only the Reading program is offered (no math enrichment programs yet).  The cost will depend on the length of the program you choose to enroll in - if you choose a bigger block of hours, the cost per hour will be less.  Approximate cost is at 500 pesos per hour (but could be less if you enroll for a longer period). 

Website: http://www.tutoringclub.ph

4. GYMBOREE (2nd Floor, Serendra)

The School Skills classes to prepare children for school, or enhance their learning experience if they already go to pre-school. There's the Learning Lab class that acquaints kids with letters and numbers; and the Science Fun class to encourage exploration and inquiry, as well as observation and analysis. Costs would depend on frequency of classes (3,200/month if 1 class per week - the rate per class gets cheaper if it is 2x or 3x per week).  They also usually have a "Kindercamp" for summer, but they were unable to give me the details yet, when I called earlier this month. 

Website: http://www.gymboree-ph.com/

5. E.NOPI, or EYE-LEVEL (2nd Floor, Serendra, Facing Market Market)

Now called Eye-Level, E.Nopi (as it is more popularly known) provides basic learning skills programs in English and Math from ages 3-16.  Sessions are twice a week, for 30-45 minutes (depending on the child's attention span).  The child completes workbook exercises under the supervision of a teacher, and reinforces lessons learned through homework supervised by parents/guardians at home. Cost is at 1,980/month per subject. 

Website: http://www.myeyelevel.com

So where did I end up sending Narra? E.nopi (Eye Level) won the contest! And here's why:

a) I already sent Narra to Gymboree's Learning Lab before. She enjoyed that, sure, and she learned a lot, but there was no homework, no workbook to complete at home. Besides, she associates Gymboree with playing, so I thought a change of scenery was in order. 

b) I wanted her to learn both English and Math, so Learning Library and Tutoring Club which focus on Reading only, and not Math, were out of the running. I was left with Kumon and E.nopi as my top two options.

c) So why did I pick E.nopi over Kumon? It all boiled down to convenience. Kumon required that I wait for the Parents' Orientation/Briefing scheduled once a month before I could enroll, which meant a two-week wait before Narra could have her assessment test.  E.nopi's process was more straightforward, I was able to schedule a skills assessment test immediately, and the parents' briefing was held right after Narra's assessment. 

It's been 2 weeks since I enrolled Narra, and so far she's excited to complete her workbook exercises, whether in school or at home.  She goes to the center twice a week, and I supervise her homework daily.  So far so good, Narra and her mama are happy :-D  I am not a sales rep for E.nopi / Eye Level, I'm pretty new to the scene, but I thought I'd share this info anyway, there's an on-going promo! 

2-Week Free Study Promo

A Filipino Baptismal Celebration

The baptistry of historic Barasoain Church in Malolos

I am currently planning for Guijo's baptism, and this prompted me to look back at his older sister Narra's baptism held two years ago on August 8, 2009.  What we had then, was a distinctly Filipino baptismal celebration.

Above: Group photo at the inner courtyard leading to the baptistry.
Below: A solemn ceremony with godparents. The rite was administered in beautiful Tagalog.

VENUE: BARASOAIN CHURCH

The church we chose was the historic national treasure: Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan - hometown of my husband Oliver's Carsi Cruz side of the family.  Barasoain's baptistry is located deep inside the church, all the way to the back, in a concealed chamber behind the altar, and getting to it is like traveling back to the Spanish colonial era. One has to pass through thick adobe arches, and walk on sturdy adobe paths, through silent courtyards populated by wise old plants.  Most of our guests came from Manila and the church offered charming attractions - its architectural features, a museum with historic artifacts, and a baptismal ceremony officiated in beautiful Tagalog with Bulakenyo flair.   Like most other Filipino couples, we asked a good number of our friends and family to be ninongs and ninangs. Narra had 8 pairs of godparents.

(from left to right) Oliver, Myself, and Narra's Ninong Thunder.
Narra is in her piña gown.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTENING GOWN
Narra's christening gown was made of piña fiber which was elaborately embroidered. It was done in the romantic old style of puffed sleeves, and extra long length, and came with matching booties and cap.  It came from the Tesoro's line of Filipiniana formal  wear, and we were fortunate to get it as a gift from our generous Ninang Alice Tesoro Guerrero. 

With my mother-in-law and Narra's lola, my Mama Rubi Socorro Carsi Cruz who started the family restaurant business.Behind us is the the original Bahay na Tisa.

RECEPTION VENUE: BAHAY NA TISA RESTAURANT

Oliver's mother, my mom-in-law Mama Rubi Socorro Carsi Cruz started the family restaurant called Taberna Maloleña in the first floor of the Carsi Cruz summer home in Malolos, just a block away from Barasoain church. That summer house was made of bricks and had a tiled roof, and locals referred to it as Bahay na Tisa. From its humble beginnings in the 1980's, Taberna Maloleña expanded into a well established catering business - the restaurant itself was renamed Bahay na Tisa, a new building across the street now houses the new restaurant, and they have other operations providing food and beverage services in a hotel, as well as a casino, and most recently another branch of the restaurant was opened in another part of Malolos.  The food offerings during the reception included signature family recipes, including my all time favorite Kare-Kare and my sis-in-law's award winning shrimp lumpia, as well as my favorite deserts of mini turon with langka and sesame seeds topped with a dollop of cream - yummy!

Oliver and Narra inside the new Bahay Na Tisa main dining hall. 

Narra and her Mama.

The entrance to the new Bahay na Tisa Restaurant. The new building retains some traditional architectural features.
With me in the photo are Narra's Ninang Ana, Ninong Tristan, and his fiancee Nona.

Looking back, I found that baptismal celebration simply enjoyable. I did not stress out with the preparations at all - no invitations were needed (we just sent text messages by phone) - we didn't spend on decorations anymore - and not even a cake or souvenirs. We didn't really go for a theme party, but we ended up with a Filipiniana feel because of the location, the food, the architecture, and I think even the lack of party planning - this lent the event an old school sense of celebrating sans the newer party fads. What we did have were all the essentials: a solemn ceremony in a picturesque church, a lot of great tasting heritage dishes from the family's culinary treasure box, and a good many hours of spending time with family and friends chatting the afternoon and evening away in a quiet corner of Malolos. I have fond memories of that day, August 8 2009 (which also marked our first wedding anniversary - Oliver and I were married on 08-08-08). 

I am hoping to have another stress-free and enjoyable baptismal celebration for Guijo.

For those who are considering having their child's baptism in Malolos, I'd highly recommend Bahay na Tisa as a reception venue (shameless plugging - I know!)

Bahay na Tisa Restaurant

79 Independente St., San Gabriel, Malolos

(044) 791-1199