Sunday, August 21, 2011

Kaya Jamaica will PARTY like a ROCKSTAR!

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Planning for a party was never a stressful event for me.  Now that I'm almost done preparing for my daughter's party, the feeling was the exact opposite.  One hurdle was the distance, my suppliers were mostly in the Philippines so it meant that I should double my efforts to relay what I wanted accurately.  It all started with the theme. I chose the "Rockstar" theme simply because of Kaya's love for music.  Music has always been a matter of energy to her.  Whenever we sleep together, she would always request to view Youtube videos of Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, 311, Katchafire, etc to put her to sleep.  Once when we were in a mall here in Dubai, everyone was busy shopping and she was busy playing with her DS, suddenly she called my attention when she heard a familiar song inside the store. She said "Mommy! It's Bob Marley again!"  When Michael Jackson passed away, I had to break the sad news to her, I was so surprised at her reaction.  "He's not dead mommy, I'm just watching him dance on TV now." she said while viewing her favorite DVD.  When her Titas (my friends here in Dubai) converse with her, she'd always tell them enthusiastic stories about how she loved watching Glee and would sing to them sometimes.  For the past few days she was so hooked with Apo Hiking Society's music.  She was busy rehearsing and actually memorized the lyrics of Panalangin and Di ko Malimutan.  And boy, she can sing! 


With those symptoms at hand, she undeniably deserves a Rockstar Party.  With the help of my adorable friends, my brother and my mom, little by little we were able to accomplish almost everything in this checklist.  It was an exasperating time working with a budget, a timetable and still considering the best possible outcome for her party.  It was a lot of hard work, but as they say, I'm sure it's going to be all worth it.




For some of you who are planning for a party, maybe my list can help. Check this out.


1. The Venue - Fun Ranch Alabang
    I chose this venue because it's close to home and Kaya's school.  Most of her friends and classmates resides in the Alabang area so it would be very convenient for the kids.  My dilemma here are MY friends residing outside Muntinlupa.  I know it would be very difficult for them to travel and endure the SLEX traffic, but I'm sure the Tita's and Tito's wouldn't mind, right guys? LOL!  My brother JM, showed me photos of the venue and how their favorable party packages and I was satisfied.  They would make my planning life a bit easier because they would take care of almost everything I need. The venue, food, decorations, entertainment - they have it.  Now all I need to worry about are my add-ons.  Here are some pictures of the venue from their Facebook page.






You may check out Fun Ranch's sites:
http://www.funranch.com.ph/
http://activefun.ph/activefun.html
Like them on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter


2. The Cake - Marta's cakes
    Because of good reviews I read online, I chose Marta's Cakes to design the sweetest highlight of Kaya's party, her cake! Below is an inspiration of the arrangement.



The final concept we agreed on: The cupcake toppers will be in 2d - 2-3” in size.  John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Axl Rose, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, an electric guitar, a drum set and a musical note will serve as the cupcake toppers.  Cupcakes in regular swirl design in white, pink and black colors only.  Her base cake on top of the cupcake tower is 6x4 round chocolate cake with butter cream icing.  On top of it a a Girl Rockstar in cookie shaped picture, 7 inches in height.  The colors are black, pink and white base only.  I know it sounds very technical but I'm pretty sure they completely understood the design I was aiming for.  I  am so excited to see this rockin' cake!


Visit Martas' Cakes website for more information.


3. Candy Bar
     A party wouldn't be complete without loads of sweets!  We carefully chose what candies and chocolates would be given away so as to make sure it's tied up with the theme.  I wouldn't want to be a spoiler so I will just post the wrappers and labels to drape the bonbons.  All these were designed by my extremely hot and foxy friend, Rachell Ann Bonanza.  













4. Rockstar Make-over
    This party wouldn't be complete without a makeover.  I wanted to make sure everyone got their best rocktar look on.  So I came up with this Junky Styling Rockstar surgery booth.  I trust airbursh painting will justify the rockstar look so I included that on my add on list.  I will also give out VIP passes and shirts to complete the package.  An instant "grunge" photo shoot awaits each kid after the makeover with my super talented best bud, Bong Malong and his friends.   


  Airbrush hair painting
Airbrush face painting
Table Label
VIP Pass
Shirt design

5. Hip Prints - Orange Segment
     Orange Segment was referred by my gorgeous friend, Tine de Leon.  Her friend, Alex Pamintuan owns the place.  His wife Roma, was kind enough to exchange emails with me to finalize everything.  As compared to other shops, they have the most affordable rates and the fastest printing service.  My invitations, shirts, tarp and bottle labels will all be printed by  them.  Invitation, tarpaulin and VIP passes were all designed by my artistic graphic designer friend, Ate Chel Malong.


Invitation
Bottle Label
Shirt Design
Tarpaulin

Orange segment: 2/F 55 Maginhawa cor. Mahusay, UP Village, Diliman, Q.C.
Website


6. ETC
    Games, activities and the prizes will definitely spell out FUN.  I guarantee it'll be something that all kids will enjoy and all adults would completely dig.  I will not dive into the details for I wouldn't want to spoil the excitement for the party crashers.   


 Swag Bags
Pinata
Daddy Em and Grandpa's costume
Passes
Drinks
Advance gift from Grandpa


I'd like to thank a few of my generous friends here in Dubai who helped made all these possible.  I love you so much, I just wish you guys can party with us.  A few more days before her birthday, and I think I got it all covered (I sure do hope so).  I am so excited to see everything in action but most of all I can't wait to spend time with Kaya, have fun and Rock and Roll!



"If it's illegal to rock and roll, throw my ass in jail!" 
                                                                                                      -Kurt Cobain

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Frances Bean Cobain gives Grunge Fashion a rehabilitated look

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The daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love took Twitter world by storm.  Frances Bean Cobain, the first Grunge couple offspring will turn 19 on the 18th of August.  I can imagine the pressure she must have lived with under the public radar having rockstar parents.  I suppose it's not all bad, after all rockstars have immeasurable perks.  As for her, she had the leisure to experiment on the things she indulges in.  She has been an intern at Rolling Stones, appeared as a guest vocalist on the song My Space by Evelyn Evelyn and recently showcased an artwork collection named Scumfuck under the pseudonym "Fiddle Tim"

Just last week, Frances modeled for acclaimed French Fashion designer Hedi Slimane. Slimane has a background in photography.  In 2004 he released "Stage", a collection of rockstar musician photography.  Cobain's stills by Slimane featured the grunge style (cropped tops, gypsy tops, leggings, baby doll dresses coupled with tattoos, cigarettes and the cross).  It's the typical emo set but I can truly say this girl can model.  I think what surfaced on these photos is that she's Kurt's spitting image combined with Courtney's natural grunge look.   

For more photos, check out the Hedi Slimane Diary












Here are the "Happy days" family photos of Kurt,  Courtney and Frances Bean.  How time flies. I feel really old.










"I'm a different person. I don't want to be titled as Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain's daughter. I want to be thought of as Frances Cobain."
                                                                                                    - Frances Bean Cobain

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

JM and Lkz.MH FPS battle in Bangkok

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A few months back my brother told me he and his friends are going to Thailand to compete with other Southeast Asian countries for the Asiasoft All Star Battle 2011.  They will play a new FPS games created by a giant gaming company in Thailand.  I honestly didn't take the news seriously, my reaction was the same when he revealed his other conquests with his team like winning up to 100,000 php in their triumphs against other clans in FPS battles within the country.  At the back of my mind I still thought of it as though he was just playing video games with me when we were younger - him constantly beating me of course resulting to real life wrestling when I get really annoyed LOL.  When he got older JM started to play with boys his age (that didn't sound right), I mean he started playing video games in internet shops with his friends.  Little did I know this simple pastime of his would earn him achievements and take him places.

First-person Shooting (FPS) games denotes a style in which the player uses guns and other weapons in a combat through a first person perspective.  First-person shooters may be played in a multiplayer mode, meaning  more than one person can play in an environment at the same time.  That's when a "team" is created.  My brother started playing when he was in high school.  He met his teammates online, they are comprised of a diverse set of individuals located in different areas of Luzon.  The team started in 2008 and has been grabbing numerous triumphs to date (3 golds, 5 silvers and countless champs in mini tournaments).  The team's name is Lkz.Mh combining two teams, TmLkz and the Mousehole clan. 

The Event (Asiasoft All Star Battle 2011) - was held in The Mall department store Bangkok, Thailand.  Asiasoft Battle 2011 is an online game competition that are part of the E-Sport Event. The goal is to encourage and improvise an online gaming competition to be ready for international competition,” said Deputy Managing Director of Asiasoft Corporation Public Company Limited (Asiasoft Website). A crowd of about 500 visited this 2-day event. 

Last July 22, a day after his birthday, my brother and 4 of his friends (Ron, Angelo, Bannie and Ivan) flew to Thailand to represent the Philippines in an invitational match sponsored by Asiasoft (leading online game operator enjoying a dominant market share in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam). Participating countries include Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. The boys were really excited to compete and were in high hopes of winning the championship. Thailand bagged the PlayFPS International Heroes title, leaving all other teams in second place. Second placers took home a consolation cash prize plus the entire trip cost including accommodation, transfers and airfare were shouldered by Asiasoft.

JM thought the trip was all worth it, they got to try out the new game developed by Asiasoft, he gained a lot of new friends from other countries he also added that the cultural experience in Thailand was quite unforgettable. Check out the photos.

Philippines represent! Lkz.MH
The Battle
International Hero Trophy
More trophies
6 Southeast Asian teams
Lanyard
The Mall
Goodies booth
Go Philippines!
The players
I smell trouble! hahahaha!
Cosplay Beauties
Entrance
The Arena

Asiasoft Office Visit - The boys paid the regional headquarters in Thailand a visit before their flight back to the Philippines.  He described the place as the most amazing for it dedicated a gigantic chunk of office space for recreational activities.  From the excitement of his voice I think my brother is seriously considering working there. Talk about extreme FUN in a workplace!

Reception area
Foosball
Games and recognitions
Hmmm...
Mukhang fave nila tong Giant na to.
Pantry! I love the color of the fridge.  
PCs
View from the office window
GYM! Hardcore.
Lounge
Magazines

The accommodation - Miracle Grand Convention Hotel 99 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok, Thailand
He will kill me for posting these photos taken inside their room. LOL!


Facade
Ewww.. hahahahha
=D
=D
=D
=D

Exploring Thailand - The boys got the chance to explore Bangkok and shop for souvenirs on the last day of their trip.  JM said he enjoyed the food most because he's a sucker for spicy food.  He and his friends tried the street food, road the metro, shopped and mingled with the people there.  

The city
Souvenir shirt
Cab
Siam Tower
Mall
Metro token
Vending machine (tokens)
Station
Inside the Metro
Woohoo Thai boxing!
Hinde nila favorite magpapicture dito
See, told ya! Favorite!
The famous Tuk Tuk
Street food
=D
Breakfast
YUM!
Super spicy
=D
=D
=D
=D
=D
=D
=D
Gerald Anderson in Thailand..woot!woot! =D LOL!

Clip of the opening ceremony





Video clip of a match between Thailand and Philippines.



Team Lkz.MH of the Philippines, I am so proud of you boys! =)


All photos taken by Lkz.TM boys in Thailand
Like their Facebook page here.

"It's cool to excel in something I love to do, but to represent one's country is THE BOMB!" 
                                                                             - JM Madla