It's Party Time!

CEBU, Philippines - Birthdays are always special, be it turning 18, 21 or 50. But a baby’s first birthday is extra memorable since it highlights the importance of the first milestone.

While going over some photos from the pre-digital era, I came across pictures of my son Eduard’s first birthday party 28 years ago.  I vividly remember that special day. Nothing was left to chance. The preparations were tedious but exciting, the games fun and enjoyable and there was the children’s favorite of spaghetti and tea sandwiches everywhere. 

Lately, I had the chance to relive that experience again. Not once, not twice but three times. But mind you, not of my own.

My dear friend Daniel Carpentier, a long time resident of Cebu and his partner Sonia Dungog recently hosted a fantasy  children’s party for their only daughter Maria who turned one.

Held at the Manila room of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, the gleeful invitees with their parents in tow came dressed for the occasion. The cuties had ribbons and bows on their hair while the boys as expected were ruggedly delightful. 

Adorable Maria was dressed as Tinkerbell, the sweet winged Disney fairy complete with tiara, wand and ballet slippers. For one delightful afternoon guests enjoyed the magical and enchanting setting – unmindful of duties, deadlines and traffic of the real world.                           

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A little over two years ago, Yomi Verdan and Rios Agua committed themselves to each other and their dream of raising a family.  It didn’t come easy but God came through for them and blessed the couple with a healthy bundle of joy. Recently, the devoted parents invited family and dear friends to the first birthday party of their one and only Ravi Angelo. 

Held at the beautifully landscaped gardens of Montebello Villa Hotel, the guests came dressed in ranch attire. The simulated barnyard was filled with farm toys and fun games participated in by the invitees and obliging parents. 

Grandpas Angelo Verdan and Marius Agua together with doting grandma Lani were all smiles as they watched with pride their grown up children assuming the role of loving parents to their first born.

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A fortnight ago, my nephew Paco Jarque and his creative wife Monique celebrated the first birthday of their only child Tamara with a country-inspired themed party.  

The club house of the posh North Town Subdivision was decorated with dozens of black and white balloons matching the pattern of Holstein cows.  

On one side of the garden, a petting zoo was set up with different farm animals for the young children to enjoy. There were chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats and sheep. On the opposite side were inflatable swimming pools with frolicking floaters that provided hours of wet and wild fun for the partymates who opted to wade and swim in the water. 

There you are – three birthday parties filled with lots of fun and enjoyment put together with loads of organizing by loving parents to create lasting memories. ?