It seems like the days in this part of the planet went by so fast that I lost track of the things that I needed to check off my to-do list – which includes blogging about my son’s first birthday bash. Oh wow! It’s how busy I was for the past five months? No time to blog? And so it’s true that when your child enters the world of toddlerhood, having a “me” moment becomes a luxury – let alone blogging.Thus, I feel like being engulfed with this euphoric feeling for finally finding time to blog again. Hurray!
A few months before Sage’s special day, 17 December 2012, I already made the necessary preparation to avoid stress. And all I did on the very event was just relished each moment!
THEME
Who doesn’t love that soft, huggable, stuffed toy that is known to us as “BEAR or teddy BEAR”? Since Sage is equally lovable, huggable and adorable as a Bear, we did choose it as the theme for his first birthday celebration.
COSTUME/OUTFIT
Photo by Caloi Balane
A lot of people were asking me if where did we buy our bear outfits… I ordered them on EBAY!
INVITES
My awesome and talented friend, Roi Pallones, did Sage’s pictorial and lay-out for his invitation.
http://www.coolest.com (It’s where I got the bear pattern which I used for most of the DIY stuff)
Roi and Ghie helped me out in cutting the tags with my son’s name on them as well as the ribbons for the envelopes. The rest of the dirty jobs, I personally did! Yes, DIY baby! 😀
TARPAULIN
Layout by Roi P and printed by Hoven V. (Photo by Jon Guzman)
The huge tarp was given as a gift . Thank you Josephine and Ricardo (my generous co-workers)
VENUE
Sage’s first birthday bash was held in one of the hotels in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. I wasn’t really satisfied with how the staff of the hotel decorated the venue and so; my husband, Andrea and yours truly redecorated it. I put more balloons on the ceiling with my son’s cute face on them and placed a DIY photo booth near the entrance. 
DIY photo booth
This was made by Eduard Valle
FOOD
Most of our guests said that the food was really scrumptious – even a British attendee commented the same. Thank you FLAMINGO restaurant! 😀
Buffet area
CENTER PIECES and PARTY HATS
I’m glad to have a very artistic friend. Thank you Bonn Laino Alvarez for your awesome skill and creativity. Yes, she made all these!
LOOT BAGS
What’s inside???
CAKE/ CUPCAKES/ COOKIES
Mini cake
Bear Cakes by Teacher ANNA
Bear cookies and cupcakes by Ate Cris Ramos
They’re both amazing! They’re doing business within Al Khobar area.
HOSTS
Anna Francia Roxas
The charming and beautiful host for the first part of the program
Kuya Joey and friends
These kindhearted and happy clowns made the party more fun. Let me know if you need their service!
PRIZES
This painting was made by my husband, Rowel Elvin Bien
PARTY FAVORS
SPECIAL AWARDS
DIY trophies
Greetings from friends and families all over the world
Khris Cruz, you are amazing! Thank you for making this!!!
My family and I are really grateful for all those people who made my son’s first birthday celebration a memorable one. Your help, support, attendance and presents are highly appreciated. We don’t know how to thank you all enough for everything! We love you all….
I would like to end this by re-posting the message I published on Facebook last 17th of December 2012:
Photo by Arlon Articona
‘Twas a year ago today when Rowel and I felt that the veil between Heaven and earth was so thin. How could it not be when we literally received an angel fresh from the pre-existence? It was truly a spiritual experience for both of us.
On the night of the 17th of December 2011, we first carried our first born, Sage, in our trembling arms. We didn’t take our eyes off him. He was so precious. Angelic. Heavenly. He’s indeed our little miracle.
He came at the time that we didn’t expect, but we knew that it was the perfect moment. We didn’t know how to thank our Heavenly Father for giving Sage to us. He’s truly one of God’s amazing blessings. Thus, his birth is truly worthy of celebration and thanksgiving.
Happy Birthday, REMALIAH RVNZYL “Sage” MIRAS BIEN!!!!!!
Mommy and Daddy feel like Heaven is so close to us because we have you. We love you our precious little one! A wonderful gift you truly are to us…
chazsm 