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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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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

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?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

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. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

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

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

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!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

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

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
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.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
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. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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