1st birthday bash for YSO!

We started planning DS' first birthday party when he was just in his 4th month.

April 24, 2011
1st family getaway at Sofitel Hotel

DH and I thought it would be nice if we made it something different. Different in the sense that both children and adults would enjoy the party.

Since DS is fond of "Sophie the giraffe" at that time, we decided that the theme would be animal related -- SAFARI!

Let the party planning begin!

When it comes to details, I believe i'm the OC-est of all.

The venue...
Thanks to my youngest sister, who used to work there as their pastry chef, we were able to get good deals and great service from them.

Restaurant 101 at Enderun Colleges

The invite...
I like personalized and unique invites. My inspiration this time was the travel passport.

aren't these the cutest?!?
everything is all handmade by yours truly ;)

embossed invite cover for passport resemblance
love the idea that the covers used are recycled from our excess wedding invites :)

LOVE! gold owl sticker for the finishing touch
martha stewart's craft punch and gold sticker foil

The decor...

Atrium Entrance
Backdrop from Raissa Alger of Party Network
Amazing photos by Reality Box

Stage backdrop from Party Network

Pompoms and animal cutouts made by yours truly :)
36" latex balloons from Party Network

fresh fruits and banana leaf for the centerpiece
giant buko from buko lito

The cakes...

safari theme 2-tier red velvet cake by Party Cakes & Sugarcraft by Denize
red velvet cupcakes by my youngest sister, Maegan
cupcake toppers by yours truly :)

The safari attire...

Hard to find nice printed polo so we had it custom-made. I got mine from zara. 

The host...

Jiggles the Balloon Lady

The photobooth...

by Baicapture

Games and shows...

FUN FUN FUN!!!
Even Gwakong & Cesar were having fun! They're trying to blow the balloon like the balloon lady ;P

Bird and Reptile Show by Dr. Bernardo
Booked them through Party Network

The balloon show was fascinating!

The food carts...

pika-pika table
banana-q fries, animal crackers, red velvet cupcakes, buko lito's fresh buko juice and fresh buko shake

clockwise: beard papa's fresh cream puffs, merry moo artisan ice cream & mang pedro's taho

The buffet...

looking at these photos makes me hungry!! ;o
photos by Reality Box

The prizes...

bought at 168 mall
amazing photos by Reality Box

The loot bag...

clockwise: personalized bag tag, custom-made doggie back pack, water tumbler, animal bath gel & pencil case set

I must admit - planning a party is not that easy, especially when you're someone who's very meticulous down to the finest details. But I had FUN doing it!

All of these won't be possible without the 101% support of my one and only client who approves all of these -- my DH. Thank you, B! ;-)

Suppliers contact details:

*Restaurant 101
Karen Dupalco : 0917-8626533

*Party Network
Raissa Alger : 0918-9123274

*Buko Lito
Raisa : qqcbi@yahoo.com

*Merry Moo
Kelvin Ngo : 0917-5289590

*Mang Pedro's Taho
Sharon : 0922-8875810

*Aether Printing (personalized bag tag)
346-0080 | 708-4421

*Photos by Reality Box
Jeri Ahana : 0917-8545374

*Baicapture Photobooth
Jak : 0917-8870055 | 822-4227

Powdered Goat's Milk

Nowadays there is a limited supply of fresh goat milk from Alamino's Milk Star Goat's Milk. Luckily, I've discovered Meyenberg powdered goat milk as an alternative.

Can be purchased at Healthy Options and Landmark Supermarket

I bought this when DS was eight months. The expiration date is quite long -- 8 years. But once opened it has to be consumed within eight weeks.

So far DS likes it. I don't think he will know the difference between fresh and powdered - for now. He likes taking his milk cold, so his yaya prepares it ahead of time then chill in the fridge. We try giving him fresh milk as much as possible, plus fresh is cheaper than powdered. I only give him this in case of "emergency".

So mommies out there, start stocking up powdered goat's milk cause this also runs out fast :(