Posts Tagged ‘birthdays’

Tessa & Grace’s Birthday!

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

It was the birthday of two very special women (Tessa Valdes and Grace Poe) in my circle of friends a few nights ago and we had a really lovely dinner at our “club house”/CIRCULO restaurant. The entire evening was filled with joyous celebration with the most important ingredients: great food, amazing friends and a truckload of laughter. I am blessed to have these women as my friends.

At first glance, these two women could not be more different from each other: Tessa with her exuberant personality and a dress sensibility that gravitates to the Rococo but amplified even more by  tenfold, while Grace has this quiet demeanor and a Zen-like minimalist sense of aesthetic.  However, the closer you get to them, you realize that they are actually so alike because they are both pillars of strength and fortitude.  Happy Birthday, my darlings!

 Our host for the evening Malu Gamboa  with one of the birthday ladies Grace Poe.
Our host for the evening, Malu Gamboa, with one of the birthday ladies Grace Poe.

Tessa-lite.  I think this is tessa at her most minimal!  LOL!  She began by opening her presents and she started wearing them all one by one!
Tessa-lite. I think this is Tessa at her most minimal! LOL! She began by opening her presents and she started wearing them all one by one!

Popsie Gamboa and Tessa Alindogan are the Best friends of Tessa they go way back to High School in Assumption.
Popsie Gamboa and Tessa Alindogan are the best friends of Tessa. They go way back to High School in Assumption.

Nix and Joey Carpo!
Nix and Joey Carpo!

The table started with the famous tapa of Circulo!
The table started with the famous tapa of Circulo!

Anton Barretto & Marissa Lopa gifted the ladies with the most beautiful rings!  This one is for Tessa.  I love the packaging!
Anton Barretto & Marissa Lopa gifted the ladies with the most beautiful rings! This one is for Tessa. I love the packaging!

This ring was for Grace!  I believe that these rings can be purchased at their new store called NEST!  I blogged about it a few days ago.  Please check it out.
This ring was for Grace! I believe that these rings can be purchased at their new store called NEST! I blogged about it a few days ago. Please check it out.

Grace blowing out her birthday cake.
Grace blowing out her birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, Tessa!
Happy Birthday, Tessa!

My dear friend  Frank Mamaril joined us. He was in town for a night.  He lives in Jakarta and Nix and I were so happy to see him.
My dear friend Frank Mamaril joined us. He was in town for a night. He lives in Jakarta and Nix and I were so happy to see him.

Tessa gave everyone baskets filled with Junk food! Nix and Frank hamming it up for the camera!
Tessa gave everyone baskets filled with Junk food! Nix and Frank hamming it up for the camera!

HUGS!
RAJO!

My Lola’s 90th Birthday!

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

I know I am blessed because I have a wonderful relationship with my grandmother. My Lola Betty has always been a huge supporter of my career and has always been there since the start. I remember very well how she even gave me money to buy me my first secondhand sewing machines.  She even went as far as ordering three dresses a month just so that I would have work.  I love my Lola very much!

My Lola Betty in her favorite color!  VIOLET!

My Lola Betty in her favorite color! VIOLET!

On December 26th she turned 90! A major milestone!  We celebrated mass and had lunch with around 200 of her friends and relatives! I was so happy for her as 2 of her classmates since kindergarten were there.  My brother created a video presentation of her life and it was filled with beautiful photos that would make anyone inspired!

3 of the 11 Castillo sisters. Lola Betty, Lola Bird (Yvonne), and Lola Lydia!

3 of the 11 Castillo sisters. Lola Betty, Lola Bird (Yvonne), and Lola Lydia!

Family and friends throughout the years came to celebrate with us.

Family and friends throughout the years came to celebrate with us.

We had a really cool cupcake birthday cake courtesy of Sonja! Thanks sweets! You saved the day! (we assumed that the cake would be arranged by the caterer but no! So we had to find a cake by lunch time and we found out at like 10am that there was no cake! Panic level 98 right!? Thank God for Sonj

We had a really cool cupcake birthday cake courtesy of Sonja! Thanks sweets! You saved the day! (We assumed that the cake would be arranged by the caterer but no! So we had to find a cake by lunch time and we found out at like 10am that there was no cake! Panic level 98 right!? Thank God for Sonja!

Lola's nutritionist was there too! Dr. Sunny Rose Orbeta! She really makes sure that my lola eats well! Even me, except I always eat too well! LOL

Lola's nutritionist was there too! Dr. Sunny Rose Orbeta! She really makes sure that my Lola eats well! Even me, except I always eat too well! LOL

My Beautiful Lola Betty!

My Beautiful Lola Betty!

My Lola is really Beautiful!  She is my beacon and I am so happy that she is strong and healthy!  Happy birthday Lola!
See you soon!
HUGS!

RAJO!