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Relationships

43

Gosh.

I have a confession.

I didn’t feel like celebrating my birthday so much this year. 

I don’t know if it’s the combination of recent events, the fact that I realize I am really getting older, or the fact that man…I am just so tired with all of the things that have me spreading myself so thin. I just know, that I told Nino, I wouldn’t mind just staying in and taking it easy with the kids.

In my yoga pants.

With my hair up in a bun.

And my kids all in our room.

Both Nino and my kiddos weren’t having it.

They didn’t like my plan. Instead, they planned a bunch of little things for us to do together so that we could celebrate my birthday weekend in style…

And for this, I’m thankful.

Here are some of the things we did on my birthday weekend:

On Friday night, we had a lovely dinner with some very good friends. Our friends Jun and Gail Del Rosario are like our eating buddies. They love good food. They like good wine. (Nino and I are learning more about wine through our interactions with them.) AND more importantly than all of these things…THEY LIKE TO LAUGH.

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I enjoy my time with both Gail and Jun, because I know they are good people. My kinda people. Jun is devoted to his wife, and Gail is a very successful banker whom I know has worked very hard to achieve the kind of corporate banking status that she has. They work hard. But they play hard, too. They have great (grown up) kids and I love seeing them together as a family. It warms my heart.

 

Txanton!!! @mommanmanila #iberico #spanishfood #jamon #cava #fresh #foodgasm #cook #chef #cooking #recipe #foodporn #healthy #healthyfood #yummy #health #delicious #itsmorefuninthephilippines #mommanmanila

A photo posted by NA (@manila.gent) on Oct 14, 2016 at 3:48am PDT

I’m hoping that one day soon, we can go on that bucket list vacation together where we explore and participate in an African Safari. 

But on Friday, Gail wanted to take us to this new place on Chino Roces that she had been to earlier in the month.

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As their Facebook page states “Txanton is where jamon and wine take center stage.” I have never been to a restaurant like this one before. Visiting Txanton enabled me to enjoy and learn more about Spanish cuisine than I ever had before. 

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The entire experience really warrants a separate blog post, so for now, I’ll just share that I am grateful for this new introduction to two things I really enjoy: Jamon and Wine! 

After our dinner, we decided to go to Prive for a quick drink. Truth be told, we did have dinner quite early so a nightcap before heading home sounded like a great idea.

In the past six months or so, Nino has shared with me that he feels it’s important to nurture our relationship with a night out or two on the town, every now and then.

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Our “go to” place for this has been Privé. I enjoy visiting Privé on Tuesday nights (when the titas and the titos are out) because I don’t feel as old when I see my contemporaries are enjoying the RETRO music with me as well.

On Saturday morning, I had the privilege to spend some time with my friends from Miss Possibilities. Miss Possibilities, led by Mommy Suzanna Yuzon is the first pageant for young ladies with special needs here in Asia. Coming from a very successful launch last year, we kicked off the preparations for the event proper (which will take place on November 13th) by making matches for our Buddies for the day.

Photo Credit: Charles Larion

Photo Credit: Charles Larion

The mommas were so sweet to remember my special day by even having me blow a candle on a cake that they purchased for me from one of their main sponsors, Goldilocks. Hooray for the classic MOCHA birthday cake which I shared with the kids during our lunch when I got home from our matching and briefing workshop.

Photo Credit: Charles Larion

Photo Credit: Charles Larion

When I finally got home from Unilab Foundation that afternoon, I was able to indulge in an afternoon massage. I have always been a fan of massage home service. Ever since moving here from New York, this is definitely one luxuries I have grown accustomed to taking advantage of.

Massages at home are the ultimate indulgence in relaxation.

Couple that with some all natural and organic massage oils?
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WIN. WIN. WIN. 

Fortunately, Nino insisted that we do not stay home (and that I did not stay in YOGA PANTS) for my birthday dinner. 

But not before my kiddos all gave me their birthday gifts that they chose for me. My kids know I like to get creative, so they each chose something for me they knew I would love.  Cookbooks, a calligraphy set, and flowers and chocolate from my three big kids were the perfect gifts.

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So Nino arranged for us to have dinner with our close friends at HATSUNE.

This was a quiet dinner. With my very favorite birthday cake. It was that was simple. And just what the doctor ordered.

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But the celebration this weekend wasn’t all about me. Because for me to be happy, I also want my kids, and of course, my partner to be happy as well. 

This is why on Sunday morning, we got up nice and early to go see Peppa Pig at SM Makati.

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Have I mentioned before, how sometimes, Gelli speaks with an English accent? Where does she get this accent? Why from Peppa of course!

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The Crossover Buffet in Dust Thani is perfect for families. Gelli can play after she’s done eating, and everyone else stuffs themselves silly. Plus we had a 50% off coupon that made it even easier on the wallet.

Lunch afterwards with my big sister, was of course on the calendar because she had gotten tickets for me and the family to join her in watching the critically acclaimed production of JERSEY BOYS!

Oh my gosh. I think this was the highlight of my WHOLE weekend. 

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Can you spot the photo bomber? #jbirdicusprime

Let me explain. I grew up listening to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. In fact, I think there was one particular summer where we traveled around Italy with my dad at the wheel of a Volkswagon Caravelle listening to The Four Seasons for three weeks. I can sing along with almost all of their songs (I knew all except two from the stage production.) and the entire experience brought back wonderful memories and had me leaving the Meralco Theater with a big smile on my face.

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Photo with Bobby Garcia and Lea Salonga!!!

And another treat? We actually got to chat with director, Bobby Garcia, and producer, Bobby Barreiro, both before and after the show.

When school was cancelled earlier that morning due to the storm that was supposed to hit, Nino suggested we take advantage of our Wine and Dine privileges at Dusit Thani. As part of their Wine and Dine club, we not only get big discounts every time we dine in one of their restaurants, we also receive a complimentary room.

HOORAY FOR THE PARTY TO LAST ALL THROUGH THE EXTENDED WEEKEND!

Did I mention that I didn’t really feel like celebrating?

Well, by this time, I was counting my blessings and enjoying the time that I could spend with my loves. I was happy to work with the impromptu suggestions of my hubby and do something out of the norm.

Sunrise from our room at Dusit. With every new dawn comes hope and happiness for a new day.

Sunrise from our room at Dusit. With every new dawn comes hope and happiness for a new day.

After all, who doesn’t love a staycation?

 

Morning sunshine provided by #Gellibean. #staycation #hotel #dusitthanimanila #downsyndromerocks #downsyndromeawareness #manila #getaway #birthdayweekend #familyfun

A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Oct 16, 2016 at 5:42pm PDT

This girl certainly does…

All of this celebrating left me feeling extremely grateful, thankful, and blessed.

I realized that sometimes, all we need to do to snap out of a funk, is to keep on keeping on…

Certainly, my birthday celebration (which lasted all weekend) could not have been dampened by even myself, with so many people who wanted to just love on me…and celebrate me…

Who am I to tell them any differently?

 

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Comments

  1. Nino Aventajado says

    October 30, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Love you.

  2. Hermelina D. Ressa says

    October 30, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! So glad that you are happy! Love all the pictures! Can’t wait to be there! Love you to death!

  3. Peter A Ressa says

    October 31, 2016 at 12:44 am

    Wow! Great places to eat! Love you Michelle Ann!

  4. Peter A Ressa says

    October 31, 2016 at 12:45 am

    Beautiful!

  5. helenfrancesi says

    November 2, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Happy happy birthday!!! 🙂

    • michelle says

      November 3, 2016 at 8:49 am

      Thanks Helen!! Hope all is well 🙂

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Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith toda I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith today with some university students. 

I have shared my testimony with other mommas, women in our community, and parents through this platform and others. It’s always come naturally and has often ended in tears of gratitude and joy for His faithfulness and unending LOVE. 

Of course, sharing parts of myself with others who may find it helpful is a privilege. But for some reason, I am always just a little bit anxious and apprehensive right before I am about to present parts of my story.

Perhaps today, I’m anxious because the format for how I will share is a bit different, I won’t have the comforts I have gotten used to since working from home. Instead I’ll print some cue cards for myself so I can stay on task and within my given time period. 

I love the opportunity this endeavor has given me, to reflect on His presence in my life. He’s been there all along, even if I didn’t know it. I love the understanding that I can have these intimate conversations with my Creator knowing that He has plans for me. He loves me. He knows all the hairs on my head. And that He knows what I need to fulfill my purpose.

This doesn’t mean I won’t have challenges, or times when I feel broken in my life and faith. In fact, there have been many times where my faith has faltered. All of it just means that He is fortifying me through each and every lesson. He is allowing me to create a greater understanding of who I am, where I am supposed to be, and how He will get me there.

Do you share parts of your faith here?
What does that look like?

#ThoughtfulThursday #faith #thoughtful 
#sharingiscaring
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