Issa's starry, starry night

 

“Issa’s starry, starry night”

Sun.Star Davao, May 24, 2014

It’s no mystery why people are naturally drawn to Isabella Camille Uy Calixto. Her magnetic personality, jovial nature and charisma could make anyone feel comfortable in an instant.

Currently a BS in Industrial Engineering student at De La Salle University in Taft, Manila, Issa manages to be on the Dean’s List in spite of her involvement in the Engineering Batch Student Government as Vice Chairperson for Creatives and SANTUGON, a socio-political party.

In high school, Issa was a consistent gold honor student at Davao Christian High School. In addition, the charming young lady was formerly the news and feature writer for their school paper; Student Council officer; DCHS Chorale member; and an active Girl Scout who joined international jamborees.

Issa recently celebrated her 18^th birthday with an Asteria-themed party at the Northcrest Clubhouse attended by her dearest family and friends.

It was only after the Christmas holidays that Issa realized that she wanted to have a debut in her hometown. With roughly ten weeks of preparation, Issa and the whole family composed of her loving parents Coca-Cola executive Jiggs Calixto and businesswoman-mom Irene; elder sister Nikki and younger brother Gian came up with a fabulous fete fit for a goddess!

Asteria

“Asteria is the Greek translation of the word stars. I used that word since I originally wanted an outdoor party, where guests could stargaze and just appreciate the spectacular night sky. Aside from that, Asteria is also the name of the Greek goddess of the stars. I wanted to feel like a goddess on that special night”, Issa shares.

“Since Asteria means stars, I stitched the letter I for Issa, using embroidery thread and made it look like a constellation. Moreover, I only played with the colors black, white and gold to keep it simple”, the debutante describes her invitation. Issa has always been the artist in the family and loves to paint, draw and dabble in arts and crafts.

The party’s stage and backdrop by Floral Pink Designs were surreally decorated like an enchanted garden, magnificently surrounded with plants and lamps dangling from the branches of trees. At the center was a dainty swing suspended from a tree adding to the romance of the evening’s gala.

Overall, the party venue looked like an ethereal garden, reminiscent of Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” masterpiece.

Fit for a goddess

The darling moss-inspired birthday cake had three levels. The lower levels were creatively festooned with garden-themed cupcakes, while the topper had a Greek-themed pillar with the letter I in honor of the celebrant’s name.

The delightful giveaways were gaily-decorated potted plants and rock photo holders for the guests’ photo booth pictures. “The giveaways were related to the concept of goddesses inhabiting gardens”, Issa says.

            Issa’s guests for that magical evening included her maternal grandmother Evelyn Uy, aunt Delie Uy and cousin Megan Uy, who flew in from Manila to join in the revelry.

            Honoring Issa during the 18 Heroes (Roses) were her dad Jiggs, brother Gian and friends Kenny Granado, Schuyler Go, Rex Liu, Ian Duy, Lorenzo Regalado, Justin Yap, Aiken Lim,   Tim Camarao, Arie Liston, Alfred Tan, Tien Batu, Renzyl Canonio, Gelo Teola, Stephen Tac-an, Gio Maniwan and Vann Tan.

            On the other hand, touching messages that made Issa tearful at times were delivered by the 18 Heroines (Candles) composed of mom Irene, Pia Bernardo, Steffi Go, Chloey Jimenez, Jassy Cabotaje, Danica Puentespina, Mich Fuentes, Clarissa Sy, Ana Orpina, Princess Chua, Abby Adriatico, Janine Duplito, Megan Uy, Khayzee Asesor, Helen Cerbo, Andri Canete, Taryn Navarro and Nikki Calixto.

            Shortly after, Issa and the 18 Heroines set free 18 adorable butterflies. “It is believed that by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, in gratitude, the wish will be taken to the heavens by the butterfly and be granted by the Great Spirit”, explains Issa.

            Gifts that symbolized the endearing qualities of the birthday girl were given by the 18 Deities (Treasures) Micah Chuim, Pamela Evangelio, Ella Magsakay, Rona Vidallo, K-anne Go, Moselle Tan, Rona Ng, Gabby Facundo, Shara Lim, Herica Tiu, MJ Abdul, Elle Tan, Seline Co,  Poala Sanano, Daryl Ong, Keseree Ng, Colleen Tejada and Andrea Boncato.

Roots and wings

            In her speech, mom Irene emphasized two lasting bequests that mothers can give to their children – roots and wings.

            First, roots mean a strong sense of self and belonging. It is a sense of what home really is and understanding of family and values. “Roots to hold forever to keep us safe and strong, and not to tie us to the ground; roots to guide us to where our fulfillment is found”, mom Irene describes.

            Mommy Irene continued that wings mean instilling in Issa through unconditional love, trust and respect, the confidence to truly spread her wings. “In order to truly give your children wings, you have to give them the freedom to fly the nest, and choose the path they will walk”, points out Irene.

            Irene ended her speech by reminding the debutante that once she spreads her wings and flies with her dreams, it is important to remember where she came from.

            Mommy Irene need not worry as she and cool dad Jiggs have raised Issa with a secure sense of self and more than enough space to grow and glow, just like the star she was born to be!

           

 Special thanks to Simply Gray for the party and pre-debut photos.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit the www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Thanks so much to 

Park Inn by Radisson Davao, 

Chimes, 

Human Nature 

and my family 

for the Mother's Day love! :)

"Mother’s Garden"

“My Mother kept a garden,

a garden of the heart,

She planted all the good things

that gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine

and encouraged me to dream,

Fostering and nurturing

the seeds of self-esteem.

And, when the winds and rain came,

she protected me enough--

But not too much because she knew

I'd need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example

always taught me right from wrong--

Markers for my pathway

that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother's garden.

I am her legacy-

And, I hope today she feels the love

reflected back from me.”

---------------------Author unknown

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MOMMY!!! :)

Adding color to my life

“Adding color to my life”

Sun.Star Davao, May 10, 2014

          

For my birthday celebration this year, we had a family weekend staycation (or nearcation, for some) at the hip and vibrant Park Inn by Radisson Davao, which celebrated its 1^st year anniversary recently. It was the perfect getaway, a home away from home and yet so close to our very own home.

Upon arriving at the hotel’s well-appointed and multi-hued lobby, I was immediately greeted by warm smiles and cheerful birthday greetings from the friendly front office staff. They must have been advised by the hotel’s charming public relations officer Meg Sta. Ines about my birthday. It was Meg, also a lifestyle columnist at another local newspaper, who invited my family for a staycation at Park Inn for two superb days.

We were ushered into our room on the 5^th floor which had an incredible view of the former Lanang Golf and Country Club golf course and the Davao Gulf. While looking at the expansive greenery, my hubby Gary waxed sentimental as he recalled his many fond adventures with buddies at this 18-hole golf course.

Beautifully displayed on the table/workstation was a surprise birthday cake from Park Inn, along with a scrumptious fruit platter. What a much appreciated and thoughtful gesture from the management and staff of the hotel!

The standard room we stayed in was cozy and comfortable for our family of four. I adored the pops of color on the wall and in the different parts of the hotel that fittingly reflected Park Inn’s tagline, “Adding Color to Life”.

Our king-sized memory foam bed was very relaxing that the kids instantly settled in, TV switched to their favorite cable TV channel while savoring the aircon on full blast. As for me, logging into my social media accounts never felt so easy, thanks to Park Inn’s complimentary and high speed internet connection.

The birthday greetings through Facebook and text messages came one after the other. And, just like what I have done for the past few years, I thanked each and every friend who remembered my birthday---even if I had to cover more than 300 greetings and comments for the next few days.

As the afternoon progressed, the kids were raring to swim at the hotel pool. But, when my husband Gary checked his bag, he discovered that he accidentally left his board shorts at home. No time to fret! We swiftly went to SM Lanang Premier. The mall was conveniently connected to a covered walkway from the hotel. We came back in a flash with new board shorts, chips and drinks in tow, ready to jump into the waiting pool!

As expected, the pool was much-wanted and inviting especially with the scorching summer heat. While the hubby and kids swam leisurely in the pool, I stayed at the pool bar and treated myself to a cosmopolitan cocktail. It was my birthday, after all. Yay! Cheers to me!

In the evening, I hosted a birthday dinner with my Huang family and Teves in-laws at SM Lanang Premier’s Hog’s Breath Café.  Again, the very short distance to the mall felt like we were staying at a place with the biggest ‘backyard’.  After dinner, my youngest daughter Chelsea and her energetic cousins ran in wild abandon at the spacious open area where they marveled at the delightful fountain show.

With their energies drained, the kids decided to call it a night and we headed back to the hotel via the walkway.

When we entered our room, we were in for a sweet treat. There were delectable chocolates served daintily on a plate with a good night note from the hotel.

The king-sized bed could ably fit my husband, 8-year old daughter and I while my tween daughter excitedly set up her pull-out sofa bed right beside the window. In just under an hour, we were off to dreamland.

The following morning, I programmed my alarm at 4:30 a.m. and woke up my eldest child Anicka. She was going to cheer for her good friend Oona who joined the Team Titans anniversary marathon. SM Lanang Premier conveniently served as the event’s jump off and end points.

Park Inn is truly ideal for those who advocate an active lifestyle. Aside from the hotel’s fitness gym, guests can run or jog at SM Lanang Premier’s 950-linear meter long Joggers’ Lane. From our room window, it was absolutely delightful to see people use this popular spot to jog in the morning or in the evening after work.

We had our power breakfast at the hotel’s RBG Bar and Grill. Breakfast is something our family never ever skips. We were glad that the breakfast buffet spread at the hotel satiated our hunger. There was a wide array of choices—from congee, noodle soup, cold cuts, green salad, cheese, egg, buns, rolls, pancakes, cereal, sausages, dilis, fresh fruits, among others at only P550 per person. Children under 12 years old get to eat at the breakfast buffet at 50% off.

During breakfast, I saw several out-of-town guests who were delegates from a national convention held at the nearby SMX Convention Center. They also brought their families with them for a few days of business with pleasure.

Our heavy breakfast turned brunch made us sleepy and lethargic. So, when we returned to our room we indulged in a much-deserved snooze.

Recharged from our nap, we were able to shop again at the mall to purchase some summer essentials that we needed for our upcoming vacation overseas. The kids ended the afternoon with a heavenly dip at the pool.

           

           Normally, when our family stays at hotels, we get to enjoy the room and facilities only after a long and tiring day of sightseeing or work. Our chillaxing shop-eat-swim-sleep staycation was indeed a welcome change that became a fantastic bonding experience for our small family.

At the end of our two-day respite, we felt refreshed when we returned to our home and workplace.

Turning a year older became extra colorful and exciting with my fun-filled birthday weekend staycation made doubly special by Park Inn by Radisson Davao!

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom Lolita, mom-in-law Ester, sisters-in-law Pat, Maricel, Eileen and Lerlen; my mommy friends and to all my ‘Mom-About-Town’ mommy readers!

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.