PLEASE DON’T TELL MY HUSBAND

I have a serious confession to make. I had an agreement with my husband (who helps me plan the ideas to write in this blog) that I will be writing and posting today about some other suppliers that we’d like to put a spotlight on.

However.

I just came out last week from what I could say is one of the best parties Party Magic has EVER styled. I’m talking about the theme:

HARRY POTTER: THE BOY WHO LIVED

Party Magic by Michelle Lao’s interpretation of a Harry Potter Party. (Best event by Party Magic EVER?)

Just talking about it gives me them shivers. Imagine the possibilities!

What came out of the Party Magic team’s hard work was even more astounding (at least to myself). I am so smitten, I feel like the first time I tasted cotton candy again: on a cloudy sugar high.

And I think the best way to showcase our work is thru the creation of another supplier that I highly recommend, the video connoisseurs Lemon Three.

Click the image below to play video:

 

Spell MAGIC! @partymagicph #lemonthreefilms #lemonthree #partymagic #kiddiepartyph #kiddieparty #eventstyling #partymagicph #harrypottertheme #harrypotterthemedparty

A video posted by @lemonthreefilms on Apr 23, 2016 at 9:11pm PDT

WHO IS NOT A HARRY POTTER FAN? JK ROWLING INVENTS TELEPORTATION

I think this is the right way to phrase that question. There are so many Harry Potter fans that it’s easier to find out who is not a fan rather than who is.

Unfortunately, I can’t count myself as a fan (until recently when I was prepping for this party).

Fortunately, my husband happens to be the Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team (or so he thinks in an alternate universe)! He became my “tour guide” into everything Harry Potter.

Once I did my research and read the books, I instantly understood why Harry Potter was so beloved. JK Rowling writes so darn well (pardon the language) that reading her books felt like you were inside Harry’s world, a fellow Gryffindor, sharing Harry’s struggles and rejoicing with his triumphs.

There is no need for scientists to invent teleportation, or time travel, because JK Rowling already did it.

THE CONCEPT: THE GREAT HALL OF HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

My client, Christine, is totally bonkers over Harry Potter. I was just executing her vision actually, which was to recreate the Great Hall scene in Hogwarts.

Our work came out this way:

The characters were “cartoonized” to provide a lighter, more “kiddie”-like feel. Basti is Harry in this scene, who is still a baby wizard with a wisp of hair! See the lightning in his eyeglasses!

The idea was to recreate the front area of the great hall, where the sorting hat was and where the “presidential table” (with Dumbledore sitting) was. I thought it would be a good idea to also include this vintage shelf with all the various implements of a Witch or a Wizard:

Basti’s cake was a beauty. Per usual, Lovely Jiao of Sugarplum Pastries did it again:

The famous Hogwarts Sorting Hat. Which house do you belong to?

(while my husband is a Gryffindor, I’m a true blue nerdy Ravenclaw!)

HARRY POTTER THE VISUAL FANTASY: IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

In no other party did I feel the need to beef up on the littlest of details more strongly than this one. You see while doing my research, I saw that I wasn’t the first to do a Harry Potter party. However, while the others relied on nifty, expensive special effects (LED wall), or large looming props, I thought that it would be a great to go back to the roots of styling: laser-focus attention to details.

Let me show you what I mean.

Platform 9 and 3/4 (entrance set-up)

When the guests arrive, they are greeted by this massive brick wall that says Platform 9 3/4 – the magically hidden train station bound for Hogwarts.

How do you recreate the magical way people pass through the brick wall? We made a sort of “curtain” from the brick wall where people can pass through. Voila!
[Read more…]

I HIRED A PHOTOGRAPHER. WHAT’S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN?

As a matter of fact, plenty. Here’s a couple of nightmare scenarios:

(1) It’s been eight months since your child’s birthday party, and still no word from your photographer. After hundreds of calls, texts, emails, badgering, and sleepless nights later, you are finally able to squeeze out some soft copies from your photog. At that point, you hardly care if the photos taken were actually good. You’re just glad to have any photos at all.

(2) Your photographer lost his laptop (and therefore, your photos as well).

Dreadful scenarios, right?

Only, here’s the catch – these are not scenarios, but are actual events that happened to some clients of mine.

THE TWO THINGS I LOOK FOR IN A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER

a. Can take really good photos. And I don’t mean pictures that look like there were taken from your phone. I’m looking for great lighting, great angles, a clear focal point, and sometimes a little bit of drama. In other words, I’m looking at photos that stir within you a certain emotion. Photos like this, for example:

Sweet Etienne sleeping on Mommy Arlene’s chest.

(this was a Little Prince party we did some time ago)

Photography by Den Llanos Dee of Delightful Little Darlings

b. Is professional, prompt with his/her service, and pleasant and easy to deal with. What is the point of a photog taking really nice shots if you can’t get copies of those pictures? As someone who is hired (and paid) to take and provide photos, it is actually the bare minimum to provide those photos to your clients in a timely manner.

What’s truly sad is that there are some photographers who seem to think that doing only 50% of their job (taking photos on the day) is enough for them to earn 100% of their fee.

THE (ONLY) TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS I WOULD STAKE MY NAME ON

Which leads me to the two photographers that I highly recommend to my clients. Why only two, you ask? Well, for one thing, I take my name very seriously, so I do not hand out recommendations to just any photographer out there. Secondly, there are lots of photographers who are good at only point A or B (see above), but the photographers who are good at both A and B are more rare.

(Please note though that this is a recommendation based on my personal experiences as a stylist, and therefore should by no means be considered as an exhaustive or definitive list. It’s my wish that as I move along in styling more parties, I will meet more great photographers and add them in this list.)

(1) DELIGHTFUL LITTLE DARLINGS BY DEN LLANOS DEE

Den is truly a rare breed of photographer. She possesses a keen eye for detail and angle, seemingly able to magically to make the photos of the parties I style look even better on film than in reality. Some examples: [Read more…]

SUMMARY

• Aren’t you tired of the usual food carts? (Yes, you know which carts I’m referring to)
• Here’s a list that I guarantee will be a cold splash of water on your face – guaranteed to wake you up and get you excited again!

NEW FOOD CART IDEAS

You know that it’s time for something new when your clients answer, in a deadpan voice, “FIC, Potato Corner” when you ask them what food carts they will get for their child’s birthday party. While these are certainly very respectable food cart businesses that offer tasteful food, they’ve practically dominated the scene to the point that their names are an automatic reply.

Well, I’m sorry to say but “automatic” can sometimes also mean “boring”.

Here are 10 fresh, and delightfully surprising new takes on the age-old food cart concept:

1. SPUD BUDS

It’s no secret that Filipinos LOVE potato fries and chips, hence the strong popularity of Potato Corner. But haven’t you ever wondered, is there something else? Spud Buds is out there to answer that, with their delicious potato skins and shoestring fries. Take a look for yourself!

What I Like: While I love both their Shoestring Potatoes and Ultimate Potato Skins, my personal favorite is the Ultimate Potato Skins. The skins are delightfully thin with just the right amount of crunchiness, while dripped and slathered with generous amounts of cheese, bacon bits and other toppings. Be sure to try they chocolate chip potato chips as well!

CONTACT DETAILS

Contact number: +63 917 843 7006

Email: leonard@spudbudsph.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spudbudsph

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spudbudsph/

DOWNLOAD RATES

Spud Buds Party Package 2016 (4006 downloads)

 

2. FLUFFED

Yes, you guessed it right. Not only have creative minds put a new spin to potato fries and ice cream, but they’ve done it to cotton candy as well. Fluffed is putting a new spin on an old favorite, and it’s getting noticed. It’s the new new thing and you’d best try it out for yourself:

What I Like: In the spirit of being craft and artisanal, Fluffed offers delightfully unique flavors such as Pina Colada, Cherry Pepper, Maple Bacon, and Honey Mansi!

CONTACT DETAILS

Email: fluffedph@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluffedph/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluffedph/

DOWNLOAD RATES

Fluffed Rates Package (3809 downloads)

 

3. MERRY MOO

When it comes to artisan ice cream, Merry Moo is one of those who started it all. If you’re tired of the usual flavors and up for an adventure (Candied Bacon flavor, anyone?), Merry Moo is right up your alley and in my book, remains one of the best-tasting craft ice cream out there. Take a look for yourself:

What I Like: Besides the perennial best-seller Sea Salt Caramel, you’d better try the Avocado flavor. All I can say is, creamy goodness!

CONTACT DETAILS

Website: http://www.merrymooicecream.com/

Contact number: +632 633 3601 (look for Angie of Merry Moo, available M-F 9am-6pm)

Email: merrymoo@ymail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Merrymoo.icecream/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merrymooicecream/

DOWNLOAD RATES

Merry Moo Party Package (3270 downloads)

 

4. SCHMIDT’S GOURMET HOTDOGS

Once you try Schmidt’s you’ll know that hotdogs will never be the same again. Schmidt’s offers a unique twist on the hotdog, offering flavors such as the Wagamama (Japanese-inspired hotdog), the Coney Island Chilli Dog. Those names truly inspire some serious mouth-watering anticipation!

 

Next Destination –> @streat_foodpark!! #maginhawa #schmidtshotdogs #streatmaginhawa

A photo posted by Gourmet Hotdogs! (@schmidtshotdogs) on Jun 21, 2015 at 12:02am PDT

 

#Repost @kanitolentino with @repostapp. ・・・ Schmidt’s. #vsco #vscocam #vscoph #vscofood

A photo posted by Gourmet Hotdogs! (@schmidtshotdogs) on Sep 29, 2015 at 10:40pm PDT

What I Like: Call me typical, but I’m sucker for the classics. I love the Coney Island Chilli Dog and the Seattle Dog, both American-inspired hotdogs! If you’d like to give their hotdogs a try first before hiring them for your birthday party, they have stores in The Podium Mall, Maginhawa Food Park, and in 8 Missouri St. Greenhills. [Read more…]

SUMMARY

• Some people are tired of going to the same venue for a birthday party, over and over again.
• Here are some fresh suggestions for venues. This could be a could starting point for further research.

So now that you’re probably well-versed with what I call the stalwarts in venue offerings (think Whitespace, Blue Leaf, Greenmeadows, etc.), I thought that people might be interested in really nice venues that, for some reason or another, they’ve never even heard of.

This list of “hidden gems” can be quite a useful tool for further research. Now buckle up, because trust me, I will show you some venue suggestions that will make you think, now why didn’t I think of that?

THE “HIDDEN GEM” VENUES IN METRO MANILA

1. BLUE LEAF COSMOPOLITAN

I decided to open this list with a venue that I’m quite sure you’ve never heard of, because well, it doesn’t even exist yet! Brought to you by the same people who masterminded Blue Leaf McKinley and Blue Leaf Filipinas (along Macapagal Ave.), you will be sure that the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan is another venue worthy of being a stalwart.

The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan is conveniently located further up north than its counterparts in Taguig and Pasay, more specifically in sprawling Quezon City.

The venue is set to open on September 2016

What I Like: Blue Leaf being Blue Leaf, I am expecting tasteful interiors, high ceiling, ample parking, and of course, impeccable, top notch service.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Address: Robinsons Bridgetowne, Quezon City

Contact person: Iris Anne N. Gangan

Contact number: +63 2 898 2583, +63 917 868 2583

Email: cosmopolitan@theblueleaf.com.ph

DOWNLOAD RATES:

Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan Overview (1422 downloads)

Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan Rate Sheet (3988 downloads)

Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan Perspective (780 downloads)

2. METROTENT CONVENTION CENTER

Metrotent in my opinion is one of the most overlooked venues in Metro Manila. Why so? I actually do not know why, because I see a lot good things in this venue. Think of Metrotent as a better Centris Elements, or a bigger White Space. I actually styled a party last weekend at this venue, so I’m going to share with you some shots from this event:

What I Like: Metrotent has 2 really strong factors going for it – its massive size (half of the tent can accommodate 400-500 seated guests already!), and its sprawling parking space. Other things I like: ample airconditioning (this is a bit surprising considering the huge size of the venue), central location (in Pasig), high ceiling, and minimal interior (easy to style). The only downside that I can see is their rate (check it out below).

CONTACT DETAILS:

Address: Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Ave, Ortigas, Pasig City

Contact person: Alfred Dillupac

Contact number: +63 2 217 0605, +63 917 552 0981

Email: mcctent@gmail.com

DOWNLOAD RATES:

Metrotent Rate Sheet (4000 downloads)

3. ASTORIA CHARDONNAY

This is truly a rare venue option for anybody, and I know this because I’ve never done a party here before! However, this could be a truly viable option for any birthday celebration. The venue capacity is mid-sized, good for about 150 pax or 15 tables, the interior is lushly decorated, and the ceiling intricately designed.

What I Like: Accessible location (Pasig City), no rental fee (only a per-person catering fee), elegant interior.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Address: 352 Captain Javier Street, along Valle Verde Country Club Pasig City

Contact person: Anna Kristine P. Miranda

Contact number: +632 687 1111 (loc 8011)

Email: chardonnay.events@astoriahotelsandresorts.com

DOWNLOAD RATES:

Chardonnay by Astoria Rate Sheet (6835 downloads)

Chardonnay by Astoria Sample Buffet Menu A (2621 downloads)

Chardonnay by Astoria Sample Buffet Menu B (788 downloads)

Chardonnay by Astoria Sample Buffet Menu C (771 downloads)

4. SAMPAGUITA GARDENS

Again, another venue that I have never styled myself, but is certainly intriguing. The famed Sampaguita Gardens is a literal hidden paradise tucked away in the heart of the San Juan/Quezon City border, along Valencia Street. Unknown to most people, Sampaguita Gardens actually offers 3 separate venues: The Events Place (picture below), The Vera Perez Gardens, and The Ancestral Home. [Read more…]