A lot of plans were put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our plan to celebrate Kelly’s birthday in Taiwan was replaced by a simple house party (that we still all enjoyed). Ava’s christening was also pushed back until General Community Quarantine was announced. We decided to have her baptized on the same day as her birthday so we can have two celebrations in one day.
Ava’s Baptism
We had her baptized at Our Lady Of Light Parish (Cainta, Rizal). It was on a weekday and we made sure it will only be just us. For a special schedule like this, the cost is Php 3,000. The candles are not yet included.
If you wish to get your little one baptized here, make sure you head to their office (right side of the church) to book your schedule. Bring your child’s birth certificate and your marriage certificate. They accept photocopies.
The church limited us to one pair of godparents and the ceremony was quicker than usual. Social distancing was maintained except for the part when the priest blessed Ava with oil and water. We were all required to wear masks as well.
For Ava’s baptism clothes, we just went to Sta. Lucia Department Store to buy her a dress for P800. The shoes and hat were bought separately, which cost us no more than P200.
Ava’s Unicorn-themed Birthday Party
After her baptism in the morning, we went straight home to celebrate her birthday (which was on the same day!). Being the bubbly little girl that she is, we thought that a unicorn-themed first birthday party is fitting for her.
I bought the letter balloons and big pastel balloons from a local party supplies shop. These cost us no more than P500 and our whole garage was filled with balloons already!
Ava’s Unicorn cake was custom-made by Clara Dolce, the same baker who made Kelly’s Nutella cake and mine as well. It’s a 8-inch moist chocolate cake with full buttercream coating and a milk chocolate ganache drip. The unicorn topper is made of fondant and the cake was decorated with meringue cookies and sprinkles that the minis really loved. Total cost is P2,800 plus delivery, which was done via Lalamove.
Ava’s birthday food was prepared by our own catering business. It’s not in full operation yet, but if you’re interested in having party platters cooked, just reach out and we’ll arrange your orders for you.
On the menu:
- Fish Fillet with Tartar Sauce (CROWD FAVORITE!)
- Spring Chicken
- Beef Kare-Kare
- Pork Liempo
- Bicol Express
- Laing
Each platter is good for 25pax. The whole menu costs no more than P10,000.
It wasn’t the kind of celebration we had planned for Ava’s first birthday and baptism. BUT – we’re happy to have celebrated it with people closest to us. And the most important thing? We celebrated it as a complete family.