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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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Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

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Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

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Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
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Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

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Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

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Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

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Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

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Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
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