Highway 81

It has been months since my last post and it feels just like yesterday. With so many things and seasons happened in between, Halloween/ Christmas/ the New year and Valentine's day, there's a lot of things to talk about yet I'm still lack of something to say and don't know what and where to start. But for sure I had meaningful months behind me.

To start of, I have 2 'kwentos' for this LOVE month. First up is the out-of-town birthday celebration of my daughter who turned 6 last week. In Davao, we also have our own version of 'Tagaytay City' or 'Baguio City' because of its cool climate. Situated at 4,000 feet above sea level, Brgy. Buda, which word is derived from Bukidnon-Davao Highway, is our retreat for the weekend. It's nearby places are Davao City, Valencia and Malaybalay cities of Bukidnon.

We went to this relaxing and chill place called Highway 81. From the name itself, it is located along Km. 81, literally along the highway of Brgy. Salumay, Marilog District. Check out below some of the photos I took.

Facade in front their restaurant, Cafe Binukid.

The reason why we are here. Happy Birthday dear!

Snippets inside their quaint resto. I love bricks! Much like England's structures.

I love their food! Super! Must try: Pasta Carbonara, Pork Adobo, I love the crunchiness and juiciness of their fried chicken, Bulalo soup, deep fried fish with white sauce.

I took a video of the surroundings. Please bear with it as I got lazy to stand up on where I was sitting. It's so cold during that time that I just want to sit, sip coffee and savor the beauty of the place and sunset.

This is where we stayed for the night. We are 14 in all and we fit into this cozy and charming log cabin house. It has a comfort room inside with hot/cold shower, a small kitchen with stove where you can cook, the upper floor is the sleeping area. It has a grilling area outside.

Facade of the house where we stayed.

Sitting at the terrace of their restaurant.

Waiting for the sun to set.

 

We definitely love the place! And we shall return...

This view captivates me... Silhouette ang drama!

God is truly amazing! I felt grateful every second I was here. I saw every creation He has made and I am in awe.

Valentine's day was not over yet as I got to spend quality time chatting, bonding and savoring the place with the loves of my life.

Women Can't Have Enough…

I finish the title phrase by saying shoes and shopping! I'm sure the rest of the women couldn't agree more should I say. Some women would add up clothes, bags, make-up in the long list of can't-have-enoughs. But I prefer shoes more, apart from home and kitchen furnishings and kid's stuff.

Last night, I took the opportunity to go "malling" in Abreeza while the hubby have something important meetings to attend nearby. And since I want to spend for myself muna because  it's my birthday naman, I took off finding a pair of ballet shoes that I've been wanting to buy. Ako naman talaga si Ballet/Flat shoe girl. Since I become a mom, this is my go-to shoe whether for causal or office attire. It's just comfortable and I can move with ease.  

Aldo has an ongoing sale on selected shoes and accessories.
I got mine at Php800.00 (Regular priced at Php 1,595.00). 

Payless also has an on going sale: Buy 2 (regular priced item) and get
Php500.00 off on the total amount.
(with a minimum purchase of Php1,000.00)

I love my haul from Aldo. I'm looking for a black shoe that would not look too casual when I use it for office. I was already eyeing this about 2 weeks na. I like it because it's the jelly type good for rainy days. I won't worry that much when it'll be soak in water because it won't destroy the texture of the shoe that much. Easy to clean too. It's pointy toe design makes it more formal even if it's not heeled. Not to mention the comfort it brings to my feet!

The second (and third) find I scored are these casual flats from Payless. From the original price at Php695.00, I got this two items for only Php890.00. 

I'm suppose to buy the red one but I love the redness more of Celine and the effect of the color on my feet. That is about Php899.00. I was thinking of buying it, but again guilt sinks in. Too much! Maghunos dili naman. If it's meant for me, I definitely will have it in the right time. 

So that's my shoe shopping spree! I hope you like my new purchases as much as I do. 

Torn Feelings

God has been extra good to me and my family this year. I am beyond elated more than words can say. It's more of grateful and overjoyed on the things that's been happening to our family. God has been a good provider ever since we start our family. Indeed it's true that patience, faith and trust will find it's way to God's promise for us. My belief now is God directs our path ahead. Even if we don't understand why this happens in our life, we have to accept and follow His will for us. Most of the time, I am just surprised of God's goodness because He blesses us things that we didn't pray and expect. And now I understand why certain things just don't happen because God gives us the things He knows the best for us.


Why I am sharing this because I think God is so amazing, so generous and so loving. He is working things according to my desire and prayers. Lately, He is answering my little requests but there's only one thing left unanswered. It's gonna be a life changing thing if it's against my will. But I'm still hoping that God will consider my reason which I think is valid. It is actually a blessing that I'd rather wish it to other people who needs it more. I know, shame on me to turn down a blessing from God but I think I have enough for the moment and I see other people needs it more than I do. At this point, it's payback time. People have been good to me and my family. I think it's our time to share our blessings to those who needs it the most. It's actually a very nice feeling more than the bliss of receiving. Of course, it's nice also to receive gifts from other people and of God. But you know, the satisfaction, fulfillment and achievement of sharing surpasses everything.


It's my birth month and I still wish from God that my heart's desires are enough for a birthday present: good health for me and my loved ones, comfortable way of living, quality time with my loved ones, a stable job, enjoy and have a peaceful life and being able to hurdle life's challenges.


I ask and I'm sure I will receive… #bepositive #Godisgood

Thank you #Google!

Today marks my 35th year in existence. Thank you Lord for all the things and people you have blessed me. Thank you Almighty God for the gift of good health, family and friends. Thank you for my job, for giving me such an inspiring, humble and kind-hearted bosses. I couldn't ask for more. And thank you Lord in advance for the forthcoming blessings you have destined for me to have and to be. All these I pray in Jesus name, Amen...


Thank you also Google for this surprise birthday greetings as I opened to check my emails today. When I saw the birthday cake and candles, I wondered who's also celebrating what. It's such a timely event same with my birthdate knowing Google they always have this animation in relation to the present events going on around the world. And to my delight, when I incidentally pointed my cursor to the photo, it's for me pala! Oh wow! I wonder if you can view it too in your screen. Or it's just me? Teehee...

Zoom 3x...

Zoom 10x... It's for me pala talaga!

Nevertheless, it really is heartwarming knowing God has been with me all the way in this lifetime. Despite some odds, still, I am fine, I am good, I am okay.

The Apple of my Eye turned 3

Now that you're officially 3 years old anak, I thank God for giving us the privilege to be your family. Your papa and me, your mama, alongside baby Nique will always be here for you and we'll always be together until God knows when.

Thank you Mariella for always the light whenever everything else seems gloomy
and for cheering up the whole place in our house.

Thank you Mariella for genuinely loving us in your simple yet most heartfelt gestures.
We are so proud as your parents whenever everybody cuddles and praises
how lovable and adorable you are.

Thank you little one for charming us with your talent such as dancing, singing
and you've got an inch of a mow-del my dear. Ma-ibenta nga kita, hihihi!

I pray to God that as time pass by, when you have your own life to choose,
I still wish that papa and mama can borrow a little time from you
to have a moment such as this...

And when your papa and mama is not around anymore, I pray and wish
that you and your baby sister Nique will be there for each other,
loving and supporting each other. Take care of each other and you have to be
a good older sister to Nique, ha?

With all the abundance around you, may you use it wisely and selflessly.

Soon you will learn to dream, aspire and wish on your own,
may you always call on to God for everything your heart desires and not.

And for every dream, aspirations and wishes you have in your life,
I wish and pray for it as well. Blowing candles every year on your birthday means
giving up everything to God your life each year may bring.

Happy birthday again anak!
You don't know how grateful we are your parents to have you as our child.
We are lucky that God bless you with good health, mind and body,
loving family and friends and most of all a cheerful persona that bursts with energy
day by day.

Hello Kitty!

Every little girl knows who Hello Kitty is. She's that adorable pussy cat that captures little girls' hearts. Not just the little ones but even adult girls couldn't resist her charm. I remember back then, I collect stuff that has Hello Kitty, Melody and Little Twin Stars on it. Up to this day, I still find them adorable and cute. At my daughter's first birthday party which I blogged about it here and here, I didn't think of any other character but Hello Kitty only for my little girl's theme decorations. Searching for the party favors and decors was quite a breeze because of Jollibee and party suppliers for a Girl's Birthday Party that made it easy for me to find the things I need for the event. For the giveaways, I had Hello Kitty tumblers, utensils, plate and hanky for the girls and Batman apparels for the boys like pencil case, ID string and writing supplies. Some of the decorations were provided by Jollibee. However, the piñata should have been a Hello Kitty which should look like this. But we ran out of time looking for a Hello Kitty piñata hence the Dora the Explorer piñata was what we used.

Overall it was a successful birthday event that up to now I am happy of what took place. I was very satisfied with my party suppliers from the food, the decorations, the program and most importantly the memories with my loved ones who graced the event made it more meaningful. #birthdayparty #Hellokitty #partysupplier

Party Planning + Party Suppliers = One Fabulous Party

I always enjoy things related to arts and crafts, DIY in party events. I am very fond and passionate about the details and the preparation itself though it could be stressful yet challenging and fulfilling. Every time there's invitation to these, I'll make it a point not to miss the said gathering. I feel happy seeing details embodied in the party itself. From the invitation card, to the theme, the cake, giveaways, the food and the party venue itself. It adds more jazz and excitement to the merriment when everything is dolled up. Weddings, birthdays, baptismal events are nice avenue for showcasing one's creativity.

In times like this, I go to party suppliers because it's already a one stop shop. You need not go from one place to another in order to find what you need. In today's generation, online buying or shopping gives one a lot of convenience. It saves time and energy plus you have a wide variety of items to choose from. Party decorations, favors and ideas for all sorts of event like 50th Anniversary Decorations, Bridal/Engagement Party Decorations, themed-birthday party, baby shower, baptismal, bachelorette, wedding or even Christmas, Valentines, graduation and prom events, a party supplier can cater these to you hassle-free. What's good about having a party supplier is that you can choose the items yourself and make your dream party a reality. #partysupplier #partydecorations

Jollibee/Jollitown/Hello Kitty themed Birthday: Party Kids Giveaways

As promised, I'd be sharing to you the party kids giveaways during my daughter's first birthday celebration. I love the Hello Kitty giveaways of Jollibee that's why I never thought of getting other than this. It's very cute and the quality of the items seem to be a good one. Even myself, I find it using them. How much more for the little girls who find Hello Kitty such a cute dainty kitten. The party hats I also included because I find it very nice too. #childhoodmemories 

For the little boys, I chose their batman giveaways. It includes a pencil case with crayons, pencil and eraser inside. Then there's also an ID together with a sling. I find this very useful too.

I'm very happy with the giveaways that Jollibee has in store for party giveaways. It's very affordable too especially if you'll be getting their birthday package. Link to their online party booking here. #jollibeeparty #bidaangsaya

Jollibee Birthday Party: Hello Kitty and Jollitown in One Event

I'm not yet done folks! I am still having a sting from the Jollibee/Jollitown/Hello Kitty birthday celebration of my girl. I'm still at daze and maybe because I was very fulfilled and satisfied with how everything turns out. The venue #magallanessresidences is a plus factor because some of our guests were new to the place #firsttimers and they love it! Even me and my husband until now can't get over with how beautiful everything from the place, the food, the party itself. So bare with my kayabangan ( or how shall I call it?). It's a mommy thing you know #proudmama. We just can't help but be thankful for the wonderful weather, loved ones, family and friends who joined us in out thanksgiving. My birthday girl is not feeling well on her BIG day. She has coughs and colds. She was irritable on that moment because she didn't sleep during the day which is unusual for her #feelingexcited. But then again, she was up until the celebration ended and I'm glad she saw the fun-filled activities set for her. We haven't seen her smiling and laughing as the party progresses. Poor baby Nique! If she had known what the fuzz is all about, I'm sure she'll be happy.

Nothing beats Jollibee. I love their Hello Kitty theme. I love their loots too (I'll make a separate post of it). Since there are little boys, we gave them batman giveaways courtesy too of Jollibee.

The cake is from Cecil's bakeshop. This is my go to shop. The princess topper is a recycled one.
Meaning, this I used from my first daughter's first birthday. I kept it for souvenir. It's practical too.

Notice the packs on the left part. Those are our prizes. I custom made the paper bag ( I'll have a separate post on that too at my other blog, Craftifacts). 

The kids have fun on the games. We prepared a lot of prizes for them and they enjoyed as soon as the Jollitown friends came and drop by to render entertainment for the kids and the kids at heart. I'll have a separate post on that too. It was a fun-filled night even my aunties and uncles had fun with the Jollitown mascots. Nagmukhang bata ang mga lola and lolo-bels!  I just remembered that Jollibee turned 35 years and it was so timely that we have them in our celebration because we love Jollibee! #jollibeeforever #bidaangsaya

We love you our baby Nique! We pray that God will continue to bless and protect you. May the good Lord bless you good health, loving family and a spirit and heart that remains to be a God-fearing, loving and obedient person.