JANINA’S 3RD PARTY (A Dora The Explorer Themed Party)

December 5, 2010
11am-2pm
Shakey’s E. Rodriguez Sr Avenue

At last!!! My daughter’s 3rd party was a success. Though Janina was not feeling well, she still managed to smile and pose for pics. She behaved very well, despite her flu. However, at the later part of the program, she gave in–to sleep. So unfortunate that she wasn’t able to Blow Her Birthday Candle since she was practicing it the night before.

So here. I want to share my kiddie party suppliers who all made my daughter’s 3rd birthday party memorable! I just hope this would help mommies in planning for their kids future parties!

4 – PERFECT! LOOVEE IITTT!!!!
3 – Good Job!!!
2 – It’s ok. But it could have been better.
1 – I’m not going to get them again.

Venue:  Shakeys E Rodriguez
Peso Power: free venue rental
Rating: 3

I got their Main Dining Hall for initially 100 pax, but then during the party, the guests ballooned to 134! Jen is the name of the girl I talked with at Shakeys. She was good. She coordinated with my host as to the time when the food should be served. The staffs were visible. They were assisting the guests at the buffet table. Overall, I am happy with the service of Shakeys E Rodriguez. 

Food: Monster Meal Deal x 10
Peso Power: almost 20k
Rating: 3

I am glad that Shakeys have packages such as Monster Meal Deal. It is the perfect meal set for large groups such as Birthday Parties. 

The set contains crisp brick-oven baked Manager’s Choice and large Pepperoni Thin Crust Pizza, paired with two pasta dishes: the Classic Spaghetti and Carbonara Supreme Platter. On top of all that, an awesome twosome Chick ‘N Chips Party Pack served with 3 pitchers of ice cold Coke. But during the party, I have ordered 10 packages of Monster Meal Deal, with 60 glasses each of coke and iced tea, presented in a buffet style.

Venue Decor: JD Partyshop

Peso Power: 3.8k

Rating: 3

I have learned about them from Smart Parenting Forum. Since balloon set up wasn’t really a big priority, I just settled for something cheap and affordable. Ms Jesslyn was easy to transact with. I had no problems coordinating with her, just a few exchanges of emails and a 1k deposit at her BDO account. I got entrance and cake arches. 50 pcs ceiling balloons, 50 pcs balloon on sticks, 2 pillars and 1 big balloon burst with 15 small balloon inside. I gave them a 9/10 because they came in a little late.

Cake:  The Pastry Chef 

Peso Power: P2900 

Rating: 4

Again, I have to thank mommies at Smart Parenting Forum for this referral. I was really keen on finding the right cake supplier, who wouldn’t charge so high yet who could give me the cake that I want. I have already a cake layout made by a friend, and I was looking for possible suppliers when I heard about Ms Jenny of The Pastry Chef. The cake was 2 layered, chocolate moist, BOTH LAYERS EDIBLE, 12×5 and 9×5 with a Dora stuffed toy on top. Cake was yummy and not too sweet. Just the way I like it. I was surprised that she personally delivers the cake, all the way from Bulacan, she only charged me P2900 with delivery fee. And have I mentioned that she’s pretty too? 

Host: JEN BELEN, The Party Host

Peso Power: 7k

Ratings: 4

If you are looking for a great children’s host, Ms Jen Belen is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

She has great Interpersonal Skills, because she can deal both with kids and adults. With terrific Communication Skills, because she can give instructions effectively. With Leadership skills, because she can lead everybody throughout the party and with Organizational skills, because she can make the party fun and moving at the right pace.

This is the Kiddie Package I got for 3 hours: Character hosting dressed in a party themed costume (in my case, Dora outfit) with 2 hosts’ assistants, hosting and games facilitation, interactive musical balloon twisting, magic tricks, touch of stage music and educational entertainment with complete sound system.

She had been so great with my guests! Very Awesome and Energetic, never a dull moment during the program! Thank you very very much!!!

Photo Coverage: RocketPhotography

Peso Power: Free 

Ratings: 4

Yup, you read it right. I got their service for free. Last October, I was one of the lucky 5 clients who were given free kiddie photo coverage for free during their Launch Pad Promo. I am thankful for the wife of Ramon (the main photography) who is a GTalker named MommyD, who posted about their promo at their site. I got interested and thus availed of their services right away. Ramon was very easy to deal with. Just a few SMS , one call, and 2 emails were done. He and one more photographer were at the venue early, since they came from Paranaque City. They were taking pictures continuously. I got the final output 8 days after the party. I am very satisfied with their shots.  

Video Coverage: ThorProductionKids

Rate: 4

Need I say more? It’s been proven already — from Janina’s 1st party at Prestige, and 2nd party at Jollibee, to her present party at Shakeys — I only have one word for this couple of Thor and Carmela: AMAZING!!! I am forever grateful that they have been there with us for the past 3 years. Despite their full loaded schedule, they still managed to accommodate my request. Thumbs up to them!

Lootbags: Toysalon by Carmela Fe
Peso Power: 2.5k
Rating: 4

My guests just love the design of the Lootbags. I didn’t have it customised, that’s why the lootbags have assorted designs. I just asked Ms Sheila intially 40 pcs both dora and diego bags, but 2 days before the party, i asked her again for another 10 pcs. She was ok to deal with, considering she was on her 9th month of pregnancy! 

Giveaways/Prizes: Divilandia, ToyExpress, Handicrafts, Atbp.

Peso Power: 4k plus
Ratings: 3
Site: http://www.facebook.com/handicrafts.atbp

Assorted toys were bought from Divilandia and Toyexpress. I guess the prizes were more than a hundred! For sure, the kids really enjoyed their take home prizes! And special thanks also to Ms Grace Anonuevo of Handicrafts! Her items were handed as prizes for the balloon burst.

Guestbook: ThorproductionKids
Peso Power: 1k for printing
Ratings: 4

I salute Ms Carmela and her layout artist for the very very nice guestbook! I cannot stop raving about it! All my guests were asking where I had it made. Very bright colors indeed! Fit for a little girl!

Invitations/Ref Magnets/Tarpaulin Layouts:  Mr Ronald Balane
Peso Power: free
Ratings: 4

Ref Magnets: ordered from Lil’ Whiskers at multiply. It took them 10 days before they were able to send me back the magnets. Not bad…

Food Cart: Nestle Ice Cream Freezer Box with vendor

Peso Power: P1550
Ratings: 3

Email: nestleicecreampartypackage@ph.nestle.com

Ordering online from Nestle Ice Cream was easy and hassle free. Within 3 working days, I was able to finalize with them. They have different packages, but you may choose to customise according to your preference.It came out cheaper than the ice cream being served by Shakeys. Manong Vendor came in early to the venue.All my orders were correct. It was a sure big hit with the guests while waiting for the foods to be served. Glad I did order from Nestle!

Side Entertainment: ArtNFaces
Peso Power: 1.5k
Ratings: 4

Again, I have availed the services of Ms Liby. But this time since I was on a budget, I just got her Face Painting service during the promo period. Got their unlimited face painting for 2 hours. It was a sure hit with the guests!

Dora Costume: Online shop called Party City. Bought in by Tita Vicky Ramones.
Peso Power: Free
Ratings: 4

Tita Vicky volunteered to buy it online for me, then sent it through courier. It contains the pink shirt and orange shorts, dora wig, shoe covers, and backpack! I just love how Janina looked so like Dora! Too bad though, she had to remove the wig sooner or later.

Whew!!! So there… I guess that covers everything! I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and perhaps it helped you in someway in planning for a party. Overall, I could say that the party turned out great! Thanks to all my guests who came… I really wish you all enjoyed the party. 

Kudos to all my suppliers. From the balloons, cake, ice cream, face painting, and to the staff and host of the party, HATS OFF to all of you! You really made one mom and daughter soooo haaaapppppyyyyy!!!!!! 

As always, thanks to the forums Girl Talkers and Smart Parenting! I got all the ideas from them! Until next party!!!

Janina’s 1st Birthday Party Supplier’s Ratings

Janina's 1st Birthday Party

December 26, 2008

Prestige Tower Roofdeck

At long last, the most awaited 1st birthday party pushed through last December 26 at 3pm. I would like to thank all of my suppliers and guests for participating. It was a success! Good thing im a member of the GT forum, i got all the ideas from there. Thanks to all the sisters who shared their experiences with party planning! so here it is, stories before and during the party.


Venue: Prestige Tower Roofdeck – Rating: 9/10  

The party was at 3 pm. I came to the venue an hour earlier. The staff were busy preparing the food and decors. The table and chairs were all set up. Only flaw, the airconditioner was not turned on yet kasi nde pa daw party time. It was kinda hot when we got there, kawawa naman yung mga gumagawa ng decors dun. But anyways, thanks to Ms Joy for assisting my other suppliers. 

Caterer:  Chow Unlimited – Rating 10/10 

The food was just right. We had steamed rice, chicken cordon bleu, fish fillet with tartar sauce (my fave!), beef bolgogi, lasagna and buko pandan and one round of iced tea. I had reserved for 80 pax for adults. Chicken and spaghetti for 40 pax for the children. Too bad many guests werent able to attend. But in a way, the foods were not wasted since it was my brother’s real birthday that day, they brought home the excess foods.

Stage Decor and Balloon Set Up: Ms Jacque of Party Boosters – Rating 10/10
I love this lady since the first time she emailed me! Although i was on a budget, she still gave to me what i wanted. Loved her designs, and her attitude! Bait super! Ang ganda ng balloon decors niya. Very creative! From the ceiling swags to the centerpieces, halos lahat inuwi ng guests ko! The tarp was colorful, it was a 6×8 big big tarp backdrop with janina wearing a snow white costume on one side, and belle on the other side, and a castle at the middle with the greeting Happy Birthday Princess Maria Janina…ang galing ng layout artist niya! 

Host:  Chayno – Rating 10/10
He was superb! All the kids and adults loved him! He got their attention the minute he stepped  on the stage. He speaked good english and very decent. I didnt have second thoughts in getting him as my partyhost. Got good reviews. I had guests who approached and congratulated him for a well applauded program. Never a dull moment with him as the host. Highly recommended!

Cake:  SugarBox c/o Party Boosters – Rating 10/10

My Belle cake is a 3 layered fondant with 12″ layer edible, 6″ and 9″ second and first layer mock up design of princess belle, with 30 pcs marshmallow icing themed cupcakes with design of crowns as favors for guests. It was chocolate flavored. The cake was big and it didnt fit inside the ref, thus no choice for us but to let it stay on the dining table. Yet it didnt expire even if it took us 3 days to consume all of it. Siksik sa laman. Sweet lang ang icing, pero yung cake per se, just right. 

Photographer:  Digiprints – Rating 9/10

He got there an hour earlier. He had been taking shots of the venue, decors, cakes, guests, and the celebrant of course. Unlimited shots naman. He wasnt able to eat well coz he was busy taking shots. I I took the birthday package 4 which includes 40 pcs 4R prints, 1 pc 12×18 BIG print, 1 pc 8×10 40 pages photo story book. with free cd to be delivered for FREE nationwide, c/o LBC. And it is all for 5k. Not bad… 

Videographer:  Thorproductionkids – Rating 10/10
Met them at multiply. Ms Carmela and her husband Eros Thor were pretty nice. We just had a few PMs and texts before the party. Very trustworthy! They didnt ask for any deposit and considering they were coming from bacoor cavite ha? I only got them for the video but since i was their only client scheduled for that day, ms carmela decided to bring her camera along and to take shots. And promised to upload the pics and videos at their website! Thank you Thorproductionkids!!!  

Side Entertainment: ArtsNFaces – Rating 10/10
As soon as they arrived and were able to fix their things, they started painting. Pinilahan tlga sila, both by kids and adults. Ganda ng mga designs. Love their works! and for a very affordable rate, they made my daughter’s an enjoyable one! Thanks Ms Libby!

Food Carts: Triple MJ Catering Service – Rating 9/10
Got them from a recommendation of a GT member.  Their rates are much much cheaper than those of the party planners. Got hotdog on stick, ice cream cart with vendor, and chocolate fountain. Very affordable nga. Ubos ang chocolate fountain at hotdog, konti n lang natira sa ice cream. 

Guestbook:  Business.shoppe – Rating 10/10

“Lovely guestbook!”, “Ang ganda naman ng guestbook mo sis!” …”Ginastusan. Unique. Hinde common!” … those were some of the replies i got when my guests saw the guestbook. It was done one month before the party. It had pictures of janina since birth until the latest. the lay out very good! Galing talaga! Thanks to sis Lhoelit Rizal from Business.Shoppe.

Lootbags, Pinata and Prizes: From PartyBoosters and Divisoria – Rating 10/10
Had 30 bagpacks of disney princesses for the girls, and 20 disney cars for the boys. Both contained 1 set if school supplies and minimal candies. The princess belle pinata contained lots of candies. Prizes were all from andings in divisoria. Very cheap but not that cheap looking! 


Belle Costume:  Party Boosters – Rating 10/10

Her pretty yellow gown was made by ms jacque’s mom in law. Magaling gumawa. Tama lang ang sukat. Hindi mabigat sa kanya.


So… that ends my daughter’s birthday party story and the supplier’s ratings… will make another blog for the pictures once i got the cd copies. Again, thanks for the suppliers and guests who made it all possible. My daughter’s 1st party was a success.

Starting anew:

After 4 years, I am back at blogging my daughter's party! I had to transfer my posts regarding the suppliers' ratings that I once posted in Multiply.com. So for today, I will be posting my daughter's 1st and 3rd birthday parties. And in a few days, she will again have another birthday party. Thus I would be again visible in this site. Hope that this would help mommies in planning their kids' parties in one way or another.