Erika's 1st Birthday!

Finally, the big day came! Though it was searing hot (summer is definitely here), the party went on without a glitch. I have to say, what makes a children's bday party a success for the kids is definitely the games and the entertainer. They were glued to their seats (pag pina upo sila ng clown), and they were scrambling to take part in the games. Sobrang saya!

Erika and her mom, Karen love having their pictures taken. So this shot is extra special having all three of them (with Erika's Dad) in it.

The clowns were hilarious! They were a big hit with the kids. As I said they were glued to their seats (kse lang prize pag tumayo kagad e). Hahaha.

And mind you, almost everyone stayed for the whole duration of the party (they had guests from Sorsogon). Well, I can't blame them, if you have a party this fun, you would really enjoy your time.

Erika Charlize Lustestica Go

Erika is nothing short of a miracle. Born prematurely at eight months, her first environment outside her mom's womb was the hospital incubator. Weighing less than 3 lbs. everyone in the family was fearful for her health.

So I am not surprised why Erika is getting two birthday parties by the next couple of weeks. One in Metro Manila, where her mother, Karen is from and another in Sorsogon, where her Dad is based. And thus is the reason, I had to make two bday invitation layouts. (Big smile). There is indeed a whole lot of reason to celebrate!

We did the pre-event photoshoot last Jan. 25 at the playground outside Karen's house and Erika, dressed in dainty blues and whites was the picture of good health! Karen could hardly throw her in the air when I asked her to.

God is good and I know miracles like Erika brings to light that we never know what we will get but that in the end, it is always something special and filled with love.

CSR Cheerdance Competition 2007

One thing I remember vividly about my highschool days was the School Intramurals, where we would prepare for weeks coming up with a routine and do a chereography accompanied by the beat of a snare drum. My mother is such an avid fan of school activities. She makes it a point that my family is present to give our support to events like these.

15 years flew by so quickly, now its my youngest sister's turn. Long gone are the snare drums and the pompoms. Now comes the generation of cheerdancing. Geez! Just looking at all those girls do sommersaults, lifts and their dance routines, makes me stop dead in my tracks. It makes me realize one thing - yep, I'm getting old. Haha!

But it does bring back a lot of memories and I love events like these, because my family gets together - join games, eat the sandwiches my mom makes (she wakes up at 5 am to do this, like how she did it when I was younger), cheer , enjoy the rides and of course, take lots and lots of pictures as mementos of a wonderful day!

Jennifer Lopez-Gana

Her nickname is Jlo. This is what her friends call her. What can I say? She has one heck of a nickname!

Jlo is a beautiful, petite woman. I was shocked when she tied her white blouse to do the first layout - no stretchmarks on her tummy whatsoever! I even had to do a search. Nope, no scar or blemish in site! What a lucky, lucky woman!

She was excited to do the shoot and for the past few days before shooting her, we exchanged emails, talked on the phone, and texted. She is a bubbly person, whom you'd easily warm up to. We originally planned to include her daughter in the shoot, but unfortunately Janelle had a bad stomach that day.

Jlo gamely posed and had no qualms about posing nude. Having had her maternity portrait taken during her first pregnancy, she was very comfortable being in front of the camera. We spent the afternoon, shooting, talking, eating, laughing. It was definitely girl bonding.

Aly and Mady Gotardo

These two sisters were a delight to shoot. I call them "Chocolate Milk". Aly, the elder one, has beautiful brown skin and a very friendly personality. Mady, on the other hand, was very fair, but shy. It would take a few minutes of play, before she forgets about me and the camera I'm holding. Together, they are a wonderful combination. As delectable as "Chocolate Milk".

Aly loves the swing, going higher and higher every time. Her mom had to remind her to be careful every few seconds. Cutesy Mady, stayed low in the bars, just wanting to sit and wiggle her toes in the air.

So imagine what happens when these two get to sit together. Actually, the word "sit" is not applicable here. Haha. It was so much fun.

Oh and one more thing. When I saw Mady's slippers (which matched her capri pants), I couldn't resist to take this shot: