Celebrating milestones

Time flies indeed!

My eldest, Antonia Sofia Julia, recently turned seven. A milestone!

And what a blast it was.

We weren’t supposed to hold a party for her anymore, since she requested that we just go to Disneyland instead.

And we did. Mickey Mouse was our “special guest“ during breakfast. (Actually it was the other way around, since we were the hotel guests.)

But then at the last minute, she requested to have a party so she can invite her close friends — classmates mostly, our close relatives and friends at work.

She wanted to fulfill a dream: To be Christine Daaé for an afternoon.

The Cake: Beautifully-designed by Red Ribbon with a customized mini-Antonia cake topper by the Clay Artist. There is Anya behind us, busy whispering something to party host, thespian Apollo Abraham, son of Edru Abraham of Kontra Gapi.

Now, for those of you who are not familiar with Christine Daaé: She is the female protagonist of the world-renowned long running Broadway musical, The Phantom of the Opera, based on the French novel. The musical theater version was created by the Great Andrew Lloyd Webber. It has been made into a film in 2004 — with Emmy Rossum essaying the role of Christine.

Anya fell in love with the movie. So much so that she would watch the film twice in a row. She was obsessed with the music. And surprised us that she could hit the high notes of the song: Think Of Me without any vocal coach.

But Antonia is a bit shy when performing for a live audience. So we just videotaped her performance and had an MTV made courtesy of Director’s Cut.

Anya and Nio

The E-dance Group amazed the audience with its magnificent dance number, Masquerade (thanks, Joanna Suplico).

We wore costumes designed by our friend Mimi Ferrera Lazaro who owns Bumblebee Costumes. Our guests were raving about the food from Josiah’s.

The kids loved Potato Corner. My profuse thanks to FunShots photobooth, Sticker Galore, Choconaga, Scents of the Stars, Smart Steps, Robby Rabbit bags for the party souvenirs. Hats off again to Raissa Alger of the Party Network, Kumpareng Johnny Santos (JJS Entertainment), Pareng Neil Burdeos for making life easier for me when mounting my kids’ parties. Thanks, Tito Boy Abunda for sending Glupa Soap as prizes for the games.

Reflections as my daughter turned seven:

It seemed only yesterday when I cradled you in my arms, Antonia.

Now, you refuse to be called a “baby.”

You think you are a lady.

My little lady who likes to draw, swim and bake.

My little lady who is just starting to discover her talent for singing and still reluctant to hone it.

My little lady who loves cheese, ice cream, Potato Corner cheese fries, tilapia and chicken.

Judy Ann Santos with son Lucho remains simple and unassuming despite her superstar status. She bonds with Nio for some moments during the party.

My little lady who dreams of being a fashion designer someday,

Sometimes an entrepreneur, a travel agent, a teacher, a theater actress.

Whatever you end up becoming in your adulthood, it’s early to tell.

Your dreams and aspirations will change as you grow up.

But whatever your dreams are, we will encourage and support you.

Mommy and Daddy and your only brother Nio will always be here for you.

I will hold your hand, the way you hold mine.

I will hug you and kiss you and comfort you when you need me.

I love you, Antonia.

Welcome to the world of a Seven Year Old.

Happy Birthday!

Much love,

Mommy Tintin

My kumares, Karen Padilla Tulfo, who is now with TV5, and Rikki Mathay