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Blog

Francis Perez Family Photos and Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day in the time of COVID19 and enhanced community quarantine means Zoom calls and family photos posted on Facebook. It means social distance drive bys, and sending gifts through couriers. As the virus and circumstances of  ECQ has shifted our celebrations to staying home, now we enjoy take out meal kits instead of going to restaurants for long social meals. We have adjusted to a new way of making birthdays, anniversaries, and family milestones memorable and fun. Just yesterday, when I was looking for my photos to post on social media in time for Mother’s Day, I immediately remembered our family photo shoot with Francis Perez.

Long Time Coming

Francis’ sister, Lesley, contacted me late last year to collaborate for some family portraits. Unfortunately, both our schedules were so packed at the end of the year, that we were only able to finally come together on January 12th, 2020.

Perhaps you also remember this day, because it was the same day that Taal Volcano erupted after being dormant for so many years.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

This Sunday, Mother Nature sent us a reminder just how little control we have over her. While our family was enjoying quality time and a portrait session with @iamfperez, we were checking our phones constantly to see if there were any updates about #TaalVolcano and her desire to erupt… • • • • • What were you doing when you realized what was happening in Tagaytay? Where were you? • • • • Thank you @happyandbusytravels for allowing me to repost your beautiful capture. Praying that everyone in the area has safely evacuated as we watch this little bit of history unfold.

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Jan 13, 2020 at 7:54pm PST

But before I share his beautiful family portraits, please allow me to “journal” a bit of my simple Mother’s Day celebration, which took place yesterday.

Traditions evolving

For the past four years, my kids have been big enough (maybe even more than four years?) to come up with different ways they would like to honor me without much guidance from their dad. In fact, Gia, the ever present Ate, has always put forth a plan for her and her brothers to start my day simply. Maybe, breakfast in bed, a chocolate bouquet, or even a handwritten letter or card.

This year, one of my requests was for us to all get dressed for virtual worship so we can take a family photo afterwards. Thankfully, everyone obliged.

Bible and notebook ready for Worship. Chia Pudding breakfast and natural make up ready for the family photo…

Checking IN and Check UPS

Because of lockdown, we have been having these family meetings to kind of center ourselves and check in on one another and our feelings during this time. It’s not been easy for the kids, and while I have enjoyed the luxury of waking up to my new found job of being a “homebody,” it, of course, has come with stresses as a family, we have not experienced before. 

Checking in with each of the kids and Nino, has been helpful in keeping things running smoothly in the condo while we navigate these unusual circumstances in the time of COVID.

So on Sunday, while Nino was preparing a yummy lunch for us, and Gia was preparing and shooting the cake she made, I finally set to the laptop to find photos appropriate for posting and greeting my own mother on Facebook for Mother’s Day.

That’s when I remembered our delightfully easy shoot with Frances and his team.

Treats and More

Before I share the portraits that they were able to capture during our time together earlier this year, take a gander at this beautiful cake my daughter made for me with the ingredients that Healthy Options sent over in celebration of Mother’s Day.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Healthier cake made especially for me by @gi.aventajado with the ingredients from @healthyoptionsph. @bobsredmill coconut flour makes this #MothersDay cake easier on my tummy. And the passion fruit mango curd was so delicious I could eat it straight out of the container! • • • • #healthyoptionsph #healthier #cake #mothersday #giabaked #freshlymade #freshlybaked #homemade #sweet #nottoosweet #shelovesme #giamynina #covidcooking

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on May 10, 2020 at 7:45pm PDT

And these cream puffs that Gia made on Thursday when Bailey’s sent over a fun recipe for Creme Brulee for us to try.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Mother’s Day treats are all for me! @gi.aventajado has perfected her pate choux which means that not only can she make gougeres for live segments, but she can also make them for delicious cream puffs filled with pastry cream that is perfect for #BaileysTreats. • • • • Once you have made your pate choux, (we preferred @marthastewart ‘s recipe) you can make the cream by warming all of the following ingredients in a sauce pan: • • • • 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 cup milk 1 cup cream • • • • Once the butter is melted, make a slurry of: 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup cornstarch • • • • Add to the pot and continue to cook until it has thickened. • • • • Once thickened, pull off the heat and then add 2 Tbs Bailey’s Irish Cream. • • • • Once cream puffs have set, you can drizzle with chocolate (either white or dark works) or caramel.• • • • • You can also serve the pastry cream as a pudding topped with cinnamon whipped cream, or add sugar and torch for Creme Brulee. • • • • #creampuffs #creampuff #dessert #sweet #baileys #baileystreat #giabaked #yummy #yum #freshlybaked #baked #bake #cooking #ecq #mothersday #covidcooking #goodfood #good #food #food52 #feedfeed #foodporn #foodphotography #foodstagram #desserts #dessertporn #dessertsofinstagram

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on May 8, 2020 at 10:18pm PDT

She really amazes me with the talent and courage she possesses in the kitchen to trying something new. She is so much more brave than I am, at trying new things in the kitchen.

Lucky for #TeamGellibean that she is so willing to share. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Mother’s Day 2020. Each of these kiddos brings something bright and amazing and incredibly separate to our family. I’m grateful for each one, and I continue to learn from them every day. They are my greatest blessings. Thank you @manila.gent for making me a mom. We made some pretty amazing humans. • • • • #family #teamgellibean #gellibean #jbirdicusprime #miggymange #giamynina #familyfirst #myeverything #thankful #grateful #blessings #ThankYouLord #mom #momma #mama #momlife #mothersday #manila

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on May 10, 2020 at 1:35am PDT

So, after we worshipped, snapped a current photo, ate lunch, and greeted our other loved ones who we wanted to honor in different places, all around the world, I set out to find the photos, in my files, that I wanted to share.

Motherhood Prayers and Dreams

And because it’s Mother’s Day, I will start with this one.

Gosh.

So darn grateful.

These kids are my everything. I love watching them grow, watching them learn, and being there to cheer them on. I get to kiss their boo boos, hold their hands, and I enjoy being THEIR mom. When I was a little girl, I dreamt of becoming a wife and a mother. My imagination would enable me to get my kids off the school bus, at the corner, in our development, with warm chocolate chip cookies waiting for them in the kitchen with a cold glass of milk. 

I wanted to be a soccer mom who attended my kids’ choral concerts. Envisioning myself to be the type of mom who they would also be able to confess their secrets to, because they trusted me with their hearts and their feelings. I recall dreaming of a time when they would all be out of diapers and able to fend for themselves in the kitchen, and honestly, I can’t believe how fast that time has come. (Did I really just say that I miss diapers?)

I have always tried to include the grandparents on both sides for our family photoshoots. In some instances, we were able to have great grandparents present, and that was such a wonderful gift, too! Doesn’t my momma look so sassy in her matching hat?

Now they are all so grown.

I am blessed that my kids know my parents in an intimate way. They have inside jokes, my dad lovingly calls Miguel, Mike, (he was named after my grandfather whom I was unable to meet) and my mom prepares their favorite dishes whenever they ask. My parents are a constant in my children’s lives and for this, I am grateful. I am thankful that we get to face time them from time to time so that everyone can continue to connect despite the miles that separate us.

Without Nino, I wouldn’t be a momma.

This guy.

Ok peeps.

Let the record show that I would not be a mother if it were not for this guy’s contribution and direct participation in our parenting journey.

We are not perfect parents.

But we are made perfect in His love for our children. Blessed four times over, we are doing our best to be present for our kids, to train them up properly, and lead them by example.

Can I get an Amen?

Francis Perez Photoshoots are Easy Peasy

Prior to the photo session with Francis, I prepared a list of different shots I wanted for our family. Francis also was really great at guiding us and suggesting what would look fun on camera and work for all the personalities involved.

Humor me for a second, and imagine a photo shoot with two seniors, a peri-menopausal momma, teens, and an 8 year old with Down Syndrome.

YES, he had his work cut out for him! 

Love this shot.

Gelli always has her eyes on her Ninang. It’s a relationship we are all so grateful for.

I’m sure it is challenging for photographers every time they have this many people in a family portrait. I mean it can’t be easy, right?

During the shoot, our phones were all going off from notifications, we realized the natural lighting was starting to fade, and Maria had to step away from the shoot because of what was happening with Taal.

We also realized that the heat was starting to get to Gellibean and my parents. 

Quick to Adjust and Accommodate

Moving to a cooler location was quick, easy, and took very little time for Francis and his team to set up the lights. Everyone adjusted and had costume changes while the kids who grabbed a quick bite to eat because, of course, Mama prepared snacks. (just like always.)

We were quick to receive photos from Francis after a little more than a week via email with downloadable photos from his website. 

And to be honest, I was blown away. 

Francis and his team, do more than just portraits.

They also cover events, they shoot weddings, and every other special occasion that we all look forward to after ECQ and the threat of COVID19 is over…

I’m already wondering, when the next time we will all be outside like we were on that warm January day just before Taal erupted…

Until then, I will sit by the window and enjoy the warm sun in the morning, and look at photos like these to hold us over until the next time we can all enjoy the outdoors…

If you would like to contact Francis you can email him at francis@fperez.co.

https://fperez.co/
https://www.instagram.com/iamfperez/
https://vimeo.com/iamfperez
STUDIO:
20B East Maya Drive
Philam Homes, Quezon City
Philippines. 1103
+639178054941

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Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has all the southern fixings and more.

Grilled and smoked meats. Seafood and mixed drinks. Fried chicken and fish and chips. Starters include fresh salads, corn bread, nachos and more. But the kicker comes in the form of a Make Your Own Milkshake bar, and YES, you can order it spiked with your favorite liquor! 

Waterside is only one of quite a few restaurants that you can enjoy  beautiful weekend brunches with your favorite person, the fam bam, or your friends. 

Check out www.mommanmanila.com to see the full menu and what Nino and I enjoyed most.
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!
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