Gymboree Play and Music, Shangri La

Today, I called Gymboree Play and Music, Shangri la branch to inquire about their birthday packages, and here's what I got:

P16,000 - for 20 kids (in excess is P500/child)
Capacity of gym is 25 kids (max)

Inclusions:
20 lootbags w/ Gymboree toys
2hrs use, with 30mins ingress for the caterer
class for 1 hour; beyond 1 hour, the kids can stay to play
Use of Music and Art Room for the adults; Capacity is 80 adults only

No corkage for caterer/food carts

Terms:
50% DP - cash, credit card
50% on the day itself - cash, credit card

They also offer Gymboree On-The-Go (services outside Shang) and it costs P9,800 for 2 teachers and a 1 hour class.

For inquiries, you may call Teacher JC at 910-7529.

Kid's Rock, Metrowalk

On my way home last week, I saw a banner of Kid's Rock infront of Metrowalk. I got interested because I read they have birthday party packages. I called them up to inquire, and here's what I got:

Party & Play package - P12,000
3hrs rent
invitations - 35 pcs
nametags
basic balloon decor
welcome banner
pinata w/ candies
1 hr (afterparty) at kidquest playarea (questfire station, roadside diner, etc)
game tokens 50pcs
airhockey table
soccer table
free souvenir photos CD - 100 pcs or more

optional:
host magician - P6,000 to P7,500
balloon twisting - P3,500 for 100 balloons

Accredited Caterer - Alfonso's Catering
Adults menu = P290/head (exclusive of Vat), min of 50pax
fetuccine primavera
garlic toast
lumpiang shanghai
chicken balls with clam sauce
tuna flakes in tartlets
hawaiian potato salad
assorted pastries
softdrinks

For inquiries, you may call Shiela at 6312711 or Pinky at 09228211202.

The Little Gym, El Pueblo

I learned that The Little Gym offers birthday party packages. I called up their El Pueblo branch to inquire, since we are near Pasig. However, they can accommodate only 100 guests (max). I was told that their Makati branch can hold 120 guests.

Here are the details that I got:

P14,000 - For 20 kids (in excess is P650 per child)
Capacity of gym is 30 kids (max)

Inclusions:
20 invitation, 20 lootbags, 20 balloons
1 free backpack for the celebrant

1 and half hours use only of venue with aircon
the first 45mins (gym) - 2 yrs and below need to be accompanied by an adult; 3 yrs and above can go in by themselves
the second 45mins (multi-purpose area; capacity is 70 guests)

extention in the gym = 30mins free play is P3,250; 1hour is P5,400
extention in the multi-purpose area = 1 hour is P3,250

No corkage for the caterer.
Pay P500 if you're going to use the electricity outlet (example: for the ice cream cart).
Party sched is usually 4pm-5:30pm on Sundays, but caterers can set up as early as 10am.
No Party on Thurs/Fri/Sat coz they have classes.
Accepts major credit cards.

For inquiries, here are their contact details:
2F, Building 2, El Pueblo Real de Manila
Julia Vargas Avenue corner ADB Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig
Tel No. 6372463 or 6372464

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is the first world-class, marine-themed park in the Philippines. It adopts a fusion concept, bringing together in one complex, an Oceanarium, a shopping mall, a restaurant row, a specialty hotel, sea water lagoons and multi-purpose function facilities.

It is now open to the public. Walk-in rates are P400 for adults and P350 for children (4.5 feet and below). Special group rates are available for corporate accounts and school groups.

They accept reservations at their Ozeano Restaurant or multi-purpose function halls for parties beginning April 15, 2008. For inquiries, you may call Ms. Magnolia Flora at 5677777.

1st Birthday Party Checklist

The twins' 1st birthday is coming up soon - June 28. I know it's still months away, but planning early has its benefits :) I have started canvassing for possible suppliers. I have also identified our budget for the party. All wise mommies know that when planning a party, you need to have a Checklist.

The cost of kiddie birthday parties for a hundred guests can range from P20,000 to P500,000. Here's a checklist of the things you need to prepare for the party of your little one:

1st Birthday Party Checklist for MOMS:

1. Venue (open or with aircon, soundsystem)
2. Food and drinks
3. Games and prizes
4. Birthday Cake
5. Decor (balloons and party banner)
6. Photographer
7. Invitations
8. Costume or Birthday attire

1st Birthday Party Checklist for SUPERMOMS:

1. Venue (open or with aircon, soundsystem)
with play area
with swimming pool
2. Food (adult and kiddie meals)
with foodcarts (sorbetero, cotton candy, etc.)
with choco fountain
3. Party Amenities - invitations, nametags, party hats and masks, thank you cards
4. Games and Activities
coloring books and crayons
game prizes (prepare about 40 pieces)
pinata or balloon burst
5. Party Host
Clown with magic tricks or balloon twisting
Magician (illusionist, ventriloquist)
5. Lootbag and lootbag contents (examples: toys, stickers, candies, etc.)
6. Decor - balloons, banderitas or swags, party banner, standees
7. Themed Birthday Cake, Cookie Lollies and Cupcakes w/ toppers (+ cupcake stand)
8. Others
Face painter
Glitter tattoo artist
Inflatables
9. Photographer and Videographer
AVP presentation
LCD projector
10. Events planner
11. Costume or Birthday attire
12. Guestbook

Whew!!

Happy preps, m0mmies! :)

Change temperaments?

It has been six months and it seems that the twins have changed temperaments. Vito is now the "naughty" one, while Carlos has turned into the quiet one.



Carlos loves to put his hands together over his chest (as if praying). This is his "behaved" pose. Hehe. His eyes look crossed in this photo. This cross-eyed gaze is common and usually normal in the first few months of life. Also, a flat or wide bridge of a baby's nose can make them look cross eyed when they aren't (otherwise known as False Strabismus).



Here is Kuya Vito in a very happy mood. He is now very energetic and bubbly. He flaps both arms and legs if you prop him up. He would sometimes climb on your tummy and chest if you are carrying him, and he shreaks when tickled. Mwahaha! :)

First Solid Food Experience

During our last check-up, Dra. Quinta, gave us (finally) the Go signal to start giving solid food. She taught us the basics on spoon feeding. She told us to give small amounts first, about half a teaspoon, then gradually increase in the following days or depends on the demand. She said that babies would usually just spit out the food. If we prefer fruits, she advised papaya for Vito (to cure his constipation). For Carlos, she advised banana, mango and potato. But, she suggested we try Cerelac first.

And so we did. The twins had their first solid food today, January 3. We sterilized their rubber spoons, and mixed formula with Cerelac - Wheat and Milk.



Guess what. The twins loved Cerelac! They munched and munched and swallowed the cereal like a pro. They would reach for the spoon and scream if you didn't feed them fast enough. Hehehe.

After the first feeding, Cerelac was all over the place - their faces, hands and bibs. *:P

This picture shows how Carlos reacted upon tasting cerelac for the very first time. Hehe.

We couldn't get a clear shot - Vito is very ecstatic, grabbing the spoon from me.

First check up of the year

The twins had their 2nd Rotavirus vaccine today, January 2. Their pedia, Dr. Romeo Santos, is currently on holiday vacation. Here is Carlos with the reliever, Dra. Quinta.



While waiting for his turn, Vito has taken the folded activity mat, and has tried to spread it using both hands.