Pictorial at The Ruffles Studio

Happy New Year to my dear readers!

First of all, I would like to apologize for the super late post on baby's 1st birthday suppliers. Let me recall and share them with you so that you will have an option if ever you will need them someday.

Last October 28, 2013, a declared special non-working holiday due to barangay elections, we had our pictorial at The Ruffles Studio's place in Fairview. For the first time, we were not able to exercise our right to vote. I know the studio was very far from our place but why did I still choose them?

I have done my research on numerous baby photographers. I have even inquired from the famous ones such as The Stork Studio, Luxe Photography, Stanley Ong Photography, Leny Cruzado, Jo Lim Portraits, Baby Love Studio just so I have an idea of the standard rates but unfortunately the rates didn't fit my budget as they are all beyond P3,000. My hubby doesn't like doing pictorial sessions that's why I did the decision and planning by myself. I just told hubby to block off the date and just go with me which he did.

Here's the link to The Ruffles Studio's rates as of 2013: https://www.facebook.com/notes/the-ruffles-studio/studio-rates-2012/242219279175312

We got Package C: Pre-Birthday Session with a "Smash the Cake" theme at P3,000 and here are the inclusions:
- rate applies to studio sessions
- photographer's time and  talent for up to two hours
- 35 hi-res files, all enhanced/edited, stored in a CD (selected by the photographer)
- 3 set-ups or outfit changes for portraits
- 1 set-up for the smash the cake theme
- 3 8x10 prints (to be chosen by the photographer)
- cake should be provided by the client

If I want to get all the good unedited shots approximately 200 shots, they are offering a buy-out option at an additional P1,500 only which I didn't since I don't want to increase my expenses anymore. Good thing is that they will be archiving the unedited shots for 12 months so I can still purchase them if I want it next time.

Their studio is located in Cielito Homes, ten minutes away from SM Fairview. The Ruffles Studio is operated by Ms. Mary Clutario who is the mommy photographer with the help of her husband Mr. Mario. Her husband waited us at SM Fairview in a taxi and we convoyed going to their studio.


Here's a photo of the studio from the outside view. The middle entrance is the studio.

They have lots of props, tutus, headbands, necklaces to choose from.

Here is The Ruffles Studio couple Mario and Mary Clutario.

Picture picture while they set-up the backdrop.

1st set-up: all red. I said I want a family portrait and so here it is.

This is part of the 1st set-up since same outfit. I requested to have a solo shot of baby.

2nd set-up: white dress.

I also used this in baby's 1st birthday invitation card. I'm glad they've captured baby's beautiful smiles.





3rd set-up: floral dress. They have lots of backdrops/wallpapers to choose from.



4th set-up: smash the cake in pink dress. Their wallpaper can also be used as flooring. Cake by Sisters' Sweetness.

Overall, their service was good. The couple was able to entertain baby and got to capture her smiling pose. They even allowed my baby to take a nap in the middle of the pictorial and waited for her to wake up before they continued the photo session. We actually spent more than the allotted 2 hours which they didn't mind. They really value customer satisfaction and professionalism. I was also quite impressed on how they set-up the backdrop with the use of the Playmobil minifigures that I brought as props, indeed they have an eye for creativity. I am also very thankful for granting my request to waive the delivery fee of P50 for the prints/CD and also for adding 10 edited photos to the standard 35 making it a total of 45. They were able to deliver the prints in less than 3 weeks as promised. 

That being said, I would like to invite you to check out their Facebook page at The Ruffles Studio or reach them through the contact details below. You may look for Ms. Mary Clutario. And if you are a supplier for headbands, dress, props or anything that you think they would need in their studio, you might want to partner with them instead.



The Ruffles Studio's calling card.

If you are interested with the cake supplier, you may read my previous post here.

Preserve your youthfulness, enjoy your pictorials!

Before I end, I would like to extend my big appreciation to my sister for lending us a car and driver that day which allowed my hubby to relax during the long trip. I would also like to thank my SIL for the red dress, for my 6th grand uncle for the white dress, for Sam & Mike for the green dress during my baby shower and Beth for the pink dress, also during my baby shower. Hopefully next time we could also have a chance to try the other well-known baby photographers because I love pictorials so much.

Note: Baby was 10 months going 11 months at the time of pictorial.

Mommy Sally

Eveready for Life

Battery is almost seen everywhere and used everyday. Especially now that baby's toys are mostly battery-operated, it is a necessity to stock up on batteries. When I was young, the most famous brand of battery that I can recall was Eveready. You can't go wrong with its lasting power and affordability.

With the recent calamity that struck the Eastern Visayas, Eveready had done their share of help by donating flashlights and batteries. They have actually partnered with GMA 7 Kapuso Foundation in the rehabilitation efforts and rebuilding of the lives of the affected families of typhoon Yolanda. According to Ms. Jojo Emata, brand manager of Eveready, "Eveready believes in the Filipino resiliency and we hope that our products will give hope to the people affected by Typhoon as they start to rebuild their lives. In our own little way, we want to let the people of Tacloban, Leyte and other places affected by Yolanda know that Eveready will be here to support them."
 

Photo shows Ms. Jojo Emata (left), Brand Manager of Eveready and Ms. Marivic Calixto (right), Operations Manager of GMA Kapuso Foundation during a simple turnover ceremony.



When I saw their products in the photo above, I remembered that we also have those LED bulb flashlight attached in our bookshelves.


Look at my baby holding the LED light, just like Iron Man. :)

For more information about Eveready Philippines products, you may want to visit their website or like their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EvereadyPhils.

And guess what, I just recently found out that they have an ongoing photo contest running upto January 28, 2014. Join the "Eveready for Life" Photo Contest and get a chance to win family package for 4 at Enchanted Kingdom, Manila Ocean Park, or a Canon point and shoot camera and other exciting prizes. Visit their Facebook page now or click here: https://apps.facebook.com/evereadyforlife/

Mommy Sally

Thank you 2013, Welcome 2014!

Before I end this year, let me greet everyone a Happy Happy New Year! :)

Love you all!

Christmas 2013

This is my blog's first Christmas. Before the day ends, I just want to greet you my dear readers a Merry Merry Christmas! Thank you for patronizing and reading The Binondo Mommy's blog.

To be honest, it's quite hard to get some Me Time because my one year old is now an active explorer. She won't stop exploring on things, crawling faster, cruising by herself through leaning or clinging on to walls and furniture. I can't get my eyes off my baby.

Hoping for your understanding if I'm not able to blog that frequent but I do have lots of things to share. Can't wait to share the details of my baby's first birthday, how it went plus many more. Thank you for patiently waiting and for spending your precious time reading my blog posts.

If I may ask a favor if you could leave a short message or greeting for me so that I would know that you have read this post. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family! God bless! :)

Mommy Sally

Miracle Art Exhibit in Manila

Last Nov. 22, 2013, me and my friend K were supposed to meet up with our Hong Kong based college friend C who went here in Manila for a vacation. We have decided to tour her around Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo. And to make it more fun and exciting, I've thought of inviting them to visit the Miracle Art Exhibit inside the mall since it will only be there for a temporary period. I've been wanting to see the exhibit since the time it opened last Aug. 10 but couldn't find someone to accompany me. I love taking pictures, posing in front of the camera and doing creative shots that's why I'm so excited to visit the exhibit.

Me and my Friend K arrived early at Lucky Chinatown Mall on that day. Unfortunately, the meet-up with Friend C was cancelled thus leaving only the two of us to bond. Nevertheless, we've decided to go on with our plan of checking out the Miracle Art.

I am aware that the entrance fee has been discounted until end of the year, from the original price of P300 down to P198. But when we got there, I was surprised to know that the price has adjusted to P210 already. The ticket holders saw me got dismayed with the price changes and discreetly offered if we wanted to avail of their employee complimentary tickets for only P150. Why not? And we both paid for that price.

We were lucky that time because there were not much people inside. And because we were only two, we took turns taking our solo shots. We were each other's director and photographer. We did our poses as creatively as we can and took shots as clearly as possible to make our visit worthwhile.

Miracle Art, as defined, is the multi-dimensioned illusion pictures drawn by special technique where people are expressed as if they are integrated with picture when taking photographs. The exhibit shows incredible works of art that leads you to a world of fantasy. For me, it practices one's ability to interpret the painting and strike a post to create a realistic scene when photographed. There are also museums that are similar to Miracle Art in other countries such as the Trick Art Museum in Japan and Korea. I'm glad that Miracle Art visited in Manila as I haven't had the chance to go out of the country yet.

The Miracle Art Exhibit is showcased in ten different categories namely: Aquarium World, Animal World, Jurassic World, Cinema World, Fly World, Fantasy World, Masterpiece World, Romantic World, Flower World, and lastly the Mission World. Sometimes the images requires you to take a few seconds to understand and think of how to strike the pose to make the photograph meaningful and look realistic. It's good that there were sample poses displayed in each section for us to imitate and to give an idea on what the painting is all about.

We've actually completed snapping and posing with all the 80+ paintings but I would only attach two photos from each section here so that you still have something to look forward to.

Aquarium World

Feeding the dolphins.

Sucked by the hurricane.

Animal World

Feeding the camel.

Pouring Coke to the water bowl of the polar bear.

Jurassic World

Sshhh! I'm hiding from these hungry velociraptors.

Crossing and trying to balance on the piece of log.

Cinema World

I'm not sure from what movie is this. :)

One with UP the movie.

Fly World

Feathery creature from outer space.

Spread your wings and fly away!

Fantasy World

Cheers!

Wahhh!!!

Masterpiece World

Peeping through the telescope.

Blowing the pixels of the painting.

Romantic World

Enjoying the greenery.

Kissing the heartthrob Korean artist named Jo In-Sung from The Classic movie.

This is the actual screen shot from the Korean movie, The Classic. Great painting!

Flower World

Bading goodbye to the seven dwarves of Snow White.

Wishing by the fountain.

Mission World

Jesus' crucifixion.

Animals from the Noah's Ark.

As I browsed these pictures, some of them made me look like an idiot but it is when you strike your best pose that makes your picture comes alive and looks interesting. Thank you Friend K for your great directing skills and keen eye to photography. Looking at the photographs seemed as if they were done easily but not! You didn't know how tiring and exhausting it was to strike different poses for each paintings but we enjoyed it so much!

Have fun, express yourself and think out of the box!

Miracle Art Exhibition in Manila is located at
3/F Bldg. B, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Reina Regente St., Binondo
Contact #: 940-9152
Museum hours: 10am to 10pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miracleartmanila

Mommy Sally

Canva: Become an Instant Graphic Designer

Only three days left before Christmas Day! At this point in time, people would probably be rushing to complete their Christmas shopping list, sending out gifts to their loved ones and of course their Christmas greetings. When I was young, I used to prepare greeting cards to my parents, siblings and friends. Either I buy from bookstores or design my own. As much as I love writing messages to people, I love receiving letters and greeting cards from my loved ones and close friends until now. However because of this technological age, people would rather send out their messages through emails, SMS, social networking sites since it's more faster and economical. And to make it more special and personal, I have come across this cool site that enables one to design their own Christmas Card by simply choosing from the wide selection of templates and graphics that best suits your personality. This site is called Canva, an Australian company.

Infographic about the Magic of Christmas Cards



MEDIA RELEASE

Put those postage stamps away: these Christmas cards deliver in style

Sydney, Australia — 2/12/13 — Each year Filipinos spend hours waiting in checkout lines, licking dozens of icky stamps and worrying that snail mail won’t get their holiday messages to friends and family in time. And all in the name of the humble Christmas card.

Perhaps that’s why less cards are being sent now than ever before. And sheeeesh, the decline isn’t slowing down: the number of greeting cards posted has dropped 24 percent in the past decade. But no surprises there — it’s often the last thing on our mind with countless family gatherings, presents to organise and the mad holiday shopping rush.

So what if you could say a heartfelt ‘Happy Holidays’ to the people you care about with a personal design that’s just as sentimental as a handwritten note, but super quick and simple to create? Forget the text message; hold that Facebook post. Heck, why not make this Christmas a bit more special…

Simple online design platform Canva has a cracker of a Christmas surprise this silly season. The folks at Canva believe they can make anyone a designer with their free drag-and-drop design tool. The company has today launched a collection of entirely customizable, beautifully designed Christmas cards. Want to know how to create a spectacular looking card with Canva? 

Here are the 3 easy steps:

1. Choose one of the 20 stunning hand-crafted designs

 

2. Customize the card however you like: add family photos, write a personal message, change the graphics, or create your own from scratch.

 

 

3. Pick who you want to send it to, and… badda bing -- you’re done!
 

 

Canva has been in exclusive closed beta for the past two-and-a-half months, but are now giving you the chance to join the more than 110,000 people who for the first time have been able to create their own designs without spending thousands of dollars on frustrating desktop software that takes years to learn. Hey, don’t take our word, here’s what others have said:

“Canva enables anyone to become a designer” — PSFK

“A graphic design platform anyone can use” — TechCrunch

“Canva could very well become an industry disrupting household name” — Web Appstorm

“The easiest to use design program in the world” — Netted by the Webbys

According to Canva CEO Melanie Perkins the company wants to make it easy for people to create and share their own designs with people they care about, and receiving personalized Christmas cards is something everyone appreciates.

“Together with the world’s best photographers, designers, and illustrators, we’ve set out to introduce beautiful design to everyone," she said. 

"This Christmas we want to give more people the ability to craft something special for family and friends. Designing with Canva is as simple as choosing a layout, searching our library of 1 million images and graphics, or uploading your own, then clicking ‘Publish’.”

Design is all around us. It lets us communicate, express our ideas, connect. Design says who you are. This is Canva. Create beautiful designs without ever leaving the web. All the tools you need in one place. Stunning graphics, professional photography and fonts. Simply search and drag. Easily work with others. Share and edit your designs with family, friends and co-workers. Canva - design reimagined.

Make this Christmas a little more special by heading to www.canva.com/christmas.

Watch this simple video on the Overview of Canva so you can visually understand it better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqYti78riU8

Aren't you excited about this new program? So, what are you waiting for? Create your own personalized and graphically appealing Christmas Card and unleash your creativity now! I'm so excited to try it!

As a special offer to all my blog readers, you are invited to try out their beta release by simply clicking through this link to get your VIP Access: bit.ly/1fuGhQd plus you'll get an instant $10 credit free!

In writing this press release, I'm also able to help the Yolanda victims because Canva has promised to donate $50 to any charitable organization of my choice, on my behalf. Thank you so much Canva for your generosity and thoughtfulness!

Emailed by Ms. Hazel Gascon as of Jan. 17, 2014.

Mommy Sally

Happy 1st Birthday Baby A!

This is the day my baby officially turns one year old. Just want to greet you, Baby A, a very Happy Happy 1st Birthday! Welcome to the Christian world in three hours.

We'll blog more about the details soon after the event and celebration today. :)

Mommy Sally

It's Officially December + Announcement of Winners

Pardon for the delay in announcing the winners of my recently concluded giveaway. Ever since I became a mom, all my time just revolves around my baby. And see how time flies, it's barely 6 days left before her first birthday and party. And here I am, doing some last minute finalizing of party details! Wish me luck and hope my baby's party turns out to be a smashing success! :)

Getting back to the main motive of this blog post, let me first thank Sisters' Sweetness and Mutterliebe for allowing me to host this giveaway. I wish you a prosperous and fruitful business in the months and years ahead. Secondly, thank you for all the 74 individuals who took time and effort to participate in my giveaway. I was surprised to receive a whopping 3,231 entries for a month-long giveaway. Thank you for persistently sharing my giveaway in your Facebook and Twitter accounts not just once but almost everyday. You know who you are. Don't be sad if your name isn't picked because I'll be hosting more giveaways in the coming weeks! :)

And the two lucky winners are...

 

Here's a sample image of cupcakes from Sisters' Sweetness. Actual product may vary.

Here's a sample image of the Jar of Hope First Aid Gel from Mutterliebe.

Kindly send me your contact details and email address so I can forward them to Mommy Kandie as she'll be the one to instruct you on how to claim your prize. Hope you will like them! Let me know your feedback on your prizes by sharing your photos through The Binondo Mommy's Facebook wall.

It's officially December! Let me greet everyone an advance Merry Christmas! :)

Mommy Sally

Superbook Fun Run 2013: Ready...Gizmo...Go!

It's very heart-warming to see that each one has been doing their part to help in the recent calamity that had struck the Leyte Province particularly Tacloban City last Nov. 8, 2013. The Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan was so hard that it left a vast number of people homeless and orphaned. People from all over the world offered a helping hand to give hope to the typhoon survivors. Some have been helping via relief operations, medical missions, giving donations, dining for a cause, and many more.

 

And now, your favorite TV show, Superbook, will be having a fun run for this cause too. If you haven't done any help yet, this would be a great opportunity to do your part. Not only will your participation fee help in the fund raising, it's one way to stay fit especially to those who haven't had any exercise for the past years, just like me. Reserve this date to bond with the whole family. For sure, the kids will love it!

If you are interested, kindly continue reading the press release and the registration details below. 

RUN AND BECOME “HEROES OF CHANGE” IN THE FIRST-EVER SUPERBOOK FUN RUN

RUN and help our kababayans in need with the first-ever Superbook benefit fun run dubbed “READY… GIZMO…GO!” happening on December 14, 2013 at the Bonifacio Global City. Warm up starts at 4:30 am and the official gun start for the 10K run is at 6:00 am. 

Join Gizmo, the Superbook agents and other Superbook lovers as they make “every kilometer count” and contribute in raising funds for the disaster relief operations of Operation Blessing, the humanitarian arm of CBN Asia. Various OB Teams have now set up a base camp in the most hard-hit areas of Super Typhoon Yolanda distributing relief goods, doing medical missions and trauma counseling.

This event will also benefit the CBN Asia Prayer Center, the Asian Center for Missions and the CBN Asia Media (The 700 Club Asia, Superbook and Tanikala).

 

 

 

Superbook takes the lead in the fun run with its phenomenal success in its first season drawing close to 20 million viewers.

And in this time when everyone is joining hands to help our kababayans in the Visayas, Superbook, through its “Bida ng Pagbabago Advocacy,” invites everyone, especially the kids to participate in this first ever “Ready… Gizmo… Go!” Fun Run and help raise funds for the CBN Asia Family of Ministries.

Superbook’s “Bida ng Pagbabago Advocacy” believes in empowering the children of today. As young as they are, they can already be of influence and become examples to their friends, families and community.

“The effect of Superbook on the family has been amazing. Through Superbook and the adventures of Gizmo, Chris and Joy, more and more children have developed the joy of Bible-reading and have become heroes of change by showing positive difference at home, in school and their community. Superbook also empowers parents to introduce positive values to their children in a fun way and it has become a catalyst for families to become closer and to grow in love and faith,” says Icko Gonzalez, Superbook Project Head in the Philippines.

 

How To Register

Participants may choose to join either of the following categories:

1K - fee P300 (inclusive of singlet, race bib, baller)
3K - fee P400 (inclusive of singlet, race bib, baller, medal)
5K - fee P500 (inclusive of singlet, race bib, baller, medal)
10K - fee P600 (inclusive of singlet, race bib, baller, medal and finisher's shirt)

Singlet design

 

 Exclusive Baller design

 Medal design

Map for 10K

Registration is now open until December 9 or until supplies last.

To join the “Ready… Gizmo… Go!” Fun Run, visit any of the following venues during office hours for registration and payment and immediately claim your specially-designed race kit:

·         CBN Asia Head Office Sagittarius Bldg., HV Dela Costa / Leviste St., Makati City

·         House of Praise (HOP) Robinsons Galleria and St. Francis Square, Ortigas

·         ADSTRATWORLD Holdings Inc. Head Office

·         Brooks SM North EDSA

·         Toby’s Sports Branches in Glorietta 2, Shangri-La Plaza and Trinoma

·         RUNNR Branches in Alabang Town Center and Bonifacio Global City

 

Do not miss this chance to be a part of the first Superbook Fun Run and make a difference in the lives of thousands this Christmas!

For more event details, please visit their event page at www.batangsuperbook.com/readygizmogo

For updates and announcements, please visit and like Batang Superbook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/batangsuperbook

For more information, please call:

Corporate Communications | (02) 812-4747

Local 424 (Edwin Arceo, edwin.arceo@cbnasia.org)

Local 408 (Len Tienzo, len.tienzo@cbnasia.org)

Hope to see you there!

Mommy Sally