All about parties

Blessed with good clients

2012-11-13T02:11:00.001-08:00

I've always thought i'm blessed with such wonderful and nice clients. Everything is a lot easier because I have clients who are easy to talk to, respect me and trust what i do. Here's another thank you note from mommy tin :)

"sis, GRABE super thank U tlga wala ako masabi. sabi ng mga bisita ko na mesmerize sila sa place pagpasok. kaya super thank you talaga. Galing mo sis. tuwang tuwa si husband pagkita. nagulat nga sya kasi ako lang lahat nag plan, pero sya lang nagbabayad. sis, next time po ulit."

everytime i get thank you notes like this, it makes my hear skip a beat :) thanks for all your trust!

Event ideas

2012-11-09T06:18:00.001-08:00

An online friend of mine thought of suggesting that i write a book about birthday ideas, anything that i can find useful for parents throwing parties for their kiddos, like sharing tips on 7 traditions, crafts that even the not so artistic parents can do, or just practical ways to hold a party the more efficient way, or simply avoiding the Don'ts. I was inspired with the thought so i started reviving this blog of mine and hopefully if i'd be able to compile that many tips in the near future, i'd be able to self-publish a handbook like "party planning for the dummies" type. haha.

all in God's time. :)

DIY of the week -- Pink lemonade stand

2012-11-09T06:13:00.002-08:00

Well, i did'nt exactly did this myself but my reliable carpenter did it for me. I had to make sure the exact pink color will be painted here. And i asked my carpenter to leave the back portion open so after using it for a party, i can use it as a box. If you're having a garden party like the one i recently organized, this lemonade stand is a unique way to welcome your guests...with a fresh, cool lemonade. yummy!

The one with crafts for parties

2012-09-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

I did a bear and horse themed party several weeks ago and i noticed that i had more DIYs here than my other parties that day. I really enjoy doing these stuff and maybe you'd be interested to include some of these crafts for your event.

Paper poms
You can use these anywhere. Materials cost so cheap. They're very easy to make and really nice in pictures. Below is a step-by-step instruction

http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/tissue-paper-pom-poms-how-to

Starburst
I did'nt realize how nice these look even if it's just so simple to make. Nothing fancy but really nice for baptism, tea party events, etc.

Here's the link that i saw and learned from

http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2010/09/paper-party-decorations-part-4-accordian-folds-for-the-succah-or-anytime.html

above are some of my works. :)

A very inspiring message

2012-09-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats my stress and "pagod" but a warm thank you message from a client. You see, I know we get paid to do what we do but I would like to think that our efforts and services are much, much more worth it when we see that our clients are very satisfied with how each event turns out. And with this, I'm so happy to include here a thank you email from one of our clients. It's so warm and inspiring, almost made me teary-eyed. ;)

Email of Ms. Yayo:
My papa [father] is hard to please. Normally, after a party he says, "sana ganito, sana ganyan", and in times like this, it simply means, he is not impressed with the party. But last Saturday's party (and I remember, also on my wedding), I didn't hear the same comment. Instead, he kept on saying the party was really nice, it's different, the host is really good, the food tastes really good, he enjoyed the food carts, and all other praises for the party. That my papa was impressed is an affirmation that last Saturday's event was a HUGE SUCCESS.

And for this, Jeisha, JP and myself will be forever grateful to you.

It is not only about the fantastic and elegant decors that I am most grateful for... it was the LOVE that you put into it. My husband knows that I am picky with suppliers and/or event organizers, and I don't easily trust people, but after our meeting at Starbucks, I told my husband, I already found the "one", as I have been talking to other event stylist/party planner but after every telephone conversation, my heart always says, "The search is not yet over."

And why did I say, after our first meeting at Starbucks, that you were the one? Simply because you listened to me despite me being non-comittal to get your services, you shared your ideas for the party without fear of me just copying it, and more importantly, you agreed to meet with me without getting any assurance that I'll get your services (unlike one popular event stylist who was very accommodating at first but, much to my dismay, gave me a cold treatment when I told her that I wanted to meet with her first and listen to her ideas before making any confirmation). Your action and response gave me the impression that I'll be working with a woman who's passionate about her job, not mainly because of the profit you'll derive from it, but primarily because you want to satisfy your client's quest for perfection and satisfaction.

And yes, jp, jeisha and myself are now included in your roster of (extremely) satisfied and (very) happy clients. And not to forget all our guests who, to this day, still talk about our party in AWE. To them, our party was simply amazing... and you were part of it.

Again, our gratitude to you, your staff and all the suppliers. And pls. do extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to Flooch. He was not just a perfect host, magician and ventriloquist, he seems to be a very beautiful person inside and out. And to his wife, too. I just can't forget when Flooch said that my daughter's eyes are SO BEAUTIFUL, hehehe. More than appreciating Jeisha, I think that was a simple gesture of making a connection with us.

'Til our next party.

And here are some pictures of Jeisha's victorian-themed party.

I had this logo made by a british artist :)

i had this centerpiece made from scratch, the wood, the hat which we embellished with laces and faux flowers.

Fully booked

2012-08-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

Of course I cannot complain, not in a million years. August 11 and 12 was one of the most challenging weekends of Partyboosters. I would have been more prepared but the habagat situation (dont want to call it tragedy) took a toll on me and I was down with flu and a heavy body. But praise God, everything went well. Everything was in order and I can't help but feel super happy that all our clients were satisfied. I want to cry after all the 8 (yes eight!) events were done. I was so happy and i won't get tired of making parents happy, making them feel their money's worth and i'm just so blessed to have clients who are just as nice. :)

Thank you Lord. This gave me a fresh inspiration to always improve and give our best to our clients.

God bless partyboosters!

Doting lola

2012-07-27T07:09:00.001-07:00

Whenever I organize parties, i love seeing and meeting doting lolas. and Tita Ellen was one of those. She's really sweet to her apo and when she contacted me for chanel's party (dont you just love the name?!), it's such a sweet privilege to be entrusted with something an occasion they will cherish for life. She has really trusted us with their party and when she called me the day after the party just to thank me for the wonderful decorations, i felt again the send of fulfillment and God's favor on partyboosters. such a delight to hear thank you's and appreciations from our clients. and we will never get tired of doing our best for them.

thank you Lord for always giving me really nice clients. :)

The one with biggest order

2012-06-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Thi June is our anniversary month. It's Partyboosters' 4th year already and we're blessed to have closed a big deal with Meralco. Thanks to my friend Jill, for helping me get thru Meralco. It was such a big order, 8,000 desk balloons for all Meralco employees and business centers nationwide. We were able to deliver 3,500 as part of the first deliver and we're schedule to deliver again the other half next week. I hope everything turns out great. Thank you Lord for this blessing.

Challenging

2012-05-31T07:32:00.003-07:00

When it comes to parties and events, it gives me an unusual excitement and thrill everytime we're fully booked or we're up for a challenging event. And this month, (as we close the month of May) we could'nt agree more.

~ We catererd to 2,500 servings of food cart for Sun Life agents in World Trade Center. Via Mare was the one who got us for the event and I could'nt thank them enough for giving us the chance to work for this event. When I asked Ms. Imelda how she came to know about us, she just googled us and read reviews about our company and that's it :) They were satisfied and told me, there's more to come. yey!

~ Almost all our weekends were fully booked. Last May 12 made it to my top list of most memorable party days ever. Four parties, 2 big ones. One party had no electricity; the other had a miscommunication with their host supplier and they had no sound system (host was not booked thru us by the way) and a big party of Muslim guests (about 400 pax) at Alphaland Mall. After that day, all i could think about was lie down and sleep but praise God, everything went well. :)

~ Got inquiries for Sarah Geronimo's party and Rachelle Ann Go's party. yey

thank you for all the blessings. I pray Lord that there will be more like these to come, so we'll always have blessings to share to others as well :)

Close to my heart

2011-10-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

As what i usually tell my clients, I'm blessed to have very nice clients. God has made sure the clients He gives me are easy to talk to, and appreciates our efforts and work. And it's refreshing to know that there are other suppliers too who are not just after the money. I know we do this to earn but we also sympathize with our clients and reach out to them if we need to. One client of mine had to change date last minute because she had dengue. But since our host is not yet available on the new date, i had to cancel our reservation with the host. Normally, it's non-refundable but Wizzo has just been so nice to refund the down-payment even if he lost one party. Thank you so much wizzo!

And after the party, her sister texted me thanking me for everything. I just love it when they express their thanks. It confirms my passion and God's favor thru their thank you's :)

Thank you Lord for everything.

New found relatives

2011-08-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Fermin is my maiden name. Our clan is just a handful and coming across a person with the same family name brings delight and excitement. That's what happened when i met Maureen. Her sister was the one who found our partyboosters site and who discovered that I'm a Fermin. I was so happy when I met her in person and we tried to root out our family lineage. And it got more exciting to know that we have common relatives, so yes, we are relatives.

Come the day of the party, she introduced me to her family and relatives. It was so warm to be welcome and feel belonged. I really love the feeling that even if we all just met, it's as if it's very easy talking to them. I got to chat with her dad and uncle the longest. :)

Thanks Mau for trusting us for your party and for knowing more Fermins thru you and your family. :)

About debts

2011-07-08T02:35:00.000-07:00

It gets to my nerves when people don't pay their debts. And worse, these are people i work with in this industry. I hate it when they just make a promise and not do it, when i feel they just make excuses so they can further delay their payment. I hate it when they try to make me feel guilty by saying excuses like they need it for hospital bills, they got robbed, etc and that i'd turn out to be hard and inconsiderate person for still asking for the money. That's because bottom line...this is business. I also need the money for my expenses. I also need the money for my family. And if all of you do what you say you will do, i would'nt be as persistent as this.

Lord, please help me how to handle people like these... :(

When people disappoint you

2011-06-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

I've been silent and trying to be numb about this person for a long time already. I've tried to understand her situation but it just keeps on getting more frustrating when people really disappoint you. You see, I chose not to have that many "close" friends in our industry. I can say, I have a lot of networks, business friends and those i keep professional relationship with. But I've managed just to keep a handful of them to be close to me. Not because I want to isolate myself but because I want to keep everything casual, and less risky for me. So when this person befriended me and offered her friendship with me, she was one of those few who became close to me.

When she needed help, I tried my best to be there. I gave whatever support she needed. What made me upset was that she never did any of her promises. Everything was just a bed lies smacked to my face. I just want it to end and pray that she will get back to her own ground again, without hurting other people.

But just the same...she has to fulfill what she said she will do. Oh we

Celebrating with a loss

2011-05-10T02:34:00.000-07:00

I had a party just this saturday and i only met the mom and dad two days before our party. i learned that her mother passed away that's why she was so late in preparing for daughter's party. I felt so sorry for the mom, she was still teary-eyed while she was narrating how everything happened so fast. But her mo wanted her to continue with the party so they decided to hold it and celebrate it.

After the party i hugged her and told her to keep in touch and to hang in there. I know it's hard to lose someone you love. Just the thought of it makes me cry but God has a reason for everything and God is in control.

Thank you Lord, that in my own little way, you used me to somehow bring smiles to their faces on their daughter's birthday. :)

GAS 1st bday party at the Grove

2011-04-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

I had a party yesterday at The Grove and i would say it was a successful party. I had a lot of fun working with Georcelle and Angel. Everything was just fun, fun, fun. The circus-themed party we did was perfect for the venue. :) There were mishaps here and there but it was manageable enough. Was so happy, i saw Gary V. too! yihee!

Professionalism

2011-03-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

I love what i do. And i often feel blessed that i get the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds. But sometimes, a client will just pull a nerve out from you and attempt to ruin your day...to say the least. I just feel sad that there are clients who don't realize that we take our work seriously, that to many of us, this is our bread and butter and that as much as we value our client's time and money, we expect that our clients treat us the same way. Sadly, a few of them don't know this. But I'd like to look at the positive side and believe that they're just a handful.

I'am a proud party planner and will always be one :)

All about the name

2011-03-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

I had a party today with Jen Belen and I had a great time. We had a short talk after the party and they were kinda interviewing me as how i got the name partyboosters. I told them that my friends, including my mentor of where i used to work, had coffee one day and we had a deliberation as to what name to use for my then new-found business. I'm just so glad that they were serious in helping me out to decide on the name and I'm so proud that we all favored...PARTYBOOSTERS. a lot of people keep on telling me how good the name is. And that they believe that a business name has a lot to say of where a business will go in the future. Thank you Lord for the wisdom. :)

PARTYBOOSTERS...party to the partiest!!!

Officially fully booked

2011-02-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

February 4, 5, and 6 are officially fully booked for Partyboosters! I'm starting to gather energy and map out how we'd schedule things around those days. Lord, please help us! :)

Stage mom

2011-01-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

I had a blast weekend but i just have to blog about this before it slipped my mind...

I saw a mom, in one of my parties, and she was showing off how her son can dance when he hears his favorite music. But the thing is, it seemed that she was the one who ended up dancing. She was encouraging her toddler to dance while the music was on and was showing some moves so the tod can beat it up. It's just so funny looking at it and realizing that it's the mom who ended up dancing. :P

oh what we would do as moms...

Andi's 1st bday

2010-12-15T04:24:00.000-08:00

Here's Minnie's thank you letter that got me teary-eyed:

"Hi Jacque,

Just want to thank you for all the assistance in putting up a wonderland for the kids and syempre for Andi! We were so happy with the dedicated service you gave from the balloon decors and coordinating with all the suppliers (food carts, side entertainment, host). You know what, pinabilib mo ako when I asked you nasan na si Blink and I said I still need to pay them. Sabi mo ikaw muna nagbayad! hahaha...San ka pa? Coordinator na, nagpaluwal pa! Even sa mga suppliers na hindi under sayo, ikaw ang nakipagcoordinate during the party, just to make sure that di kme mahassle ng asawa ko. =) We are truly grateful for that!

Thank you also sa tyaga with my kaartehan sa mga details. =P hahaha... Napa-wow lahat ng guests sa balloon decors! Super thank you Jacque! You are one of those people who made Andi's 1st birthday a very memorable one...for Andi and to her guests! Looking forward to working with you again. Keep making kids and parents dream of having a memorable party come true! =)"

and here are some pics ...

To God be the glory!

The one with december

2010-12-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! December has always been my busiest month. And to welcome the month, I caught colds. waah! I guess it was because of the hectic weekend that was and the fact that i started running (err, walking + jogging = running) might have affected this clogged nose of mine. But it wont stop me from blogging about how happy i was with the weekend that passed. (wow, it rhymed!) I had two Alice in Wonderland parties that i attended and i'm so blessed to have worked with them. super nice families. :)

Minnie - i've always loved minnie. The first time we met when she went home for a vacation( they're based in HK), it was an instant connection. I love it when i feel that connection with my clients. It's very important that i gain their trust and that they're comfortable telling me what they think and all those things for their kid's party. And Minnie is one of those clients. When we met the second time, when they went home days before the party, I have to admit, I got a little pressured. hahaha. When she mentioned about how her guests are expecting too much from the party and how one of her friends who got another PP (hehe) will be there and that they might have the same theme...waah! hahaha. But I followed my heart, prayed for it and realized that I'm here to please God, to please my client and that's it. I just worked on what i can and i'm soooo happy that they loved everything. :) Thank you so much minnie! chat with you soon!

~0~

This might be the only weekend that i'm at my most relaxed mode. But I'm still preparing for three parties this weekend and a corporate event on monday. :) I took the advantage that in between, I get to sneak shop for christmas, and organize the party for seeds of hope foundation on dec 20. yey! praise God for all the blessings and for providing for the sponsors for these kids. :) I'm blessed that almost everyone that i emailed have positively replied. So there's gonna be a party for the kids! I'm so excited! Will post pics soon. :)

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Absence

2010-11-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry if this blog has been neglected of my presence for the past months. It's getting busier by the day and I really don't want to cram this time of the year.

I have a lot of stories and stuff to share, as usual, but at the top of my head, I wanted to share my unusual meeting with a client last week. I won't disclose any identifying details about my client as it is confidential enough. Her baby is a product of artificial insemination. yes, what you can only read about from the net is now something where i can say "i know someone who is..." I was pretty shocked when she told me about it. But realizing about it now, I have more questions to ask her (although im not even sure if she wanted to answer)

~ she mentioned that she does'nt want to have a husband as it's just a headache. she just wants a baby. i never thought of any means to have a baby that to have a husband and have a family. But of course, reality strikes that there are single parents, broken families, widows and orphans but never in my mind that i can actually say that this child has a mom, just a mom. I don't want to pass judgements so i'm closing this statement now.
~ I wonder how she will manage to tell it to her kid one day.
~ I wonder if there are other reasons why she went through the process
~ As of this writing, I cannot even point out what i'm thinking about, whether i'm right or wrong.

But more than anything, every child is a blessing. No matter where he came from, how he was formed...a baby will always be a blessing. :)

Growing up

2010-09-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

I got a little emotional the day of Dwayne's 2nd bday. You see, I saw him grow up. Nikki and Dan got me as their decorator when it was Dwayne's baptism at Discovery Suites. Then came the party months after at Corinthian Gardens. And now he just turned two. How time flies really fast...and I'm so blessed that i'm a part of the special moments of their lives.

Thank you Nikki and Dan. :)

Gracie + Ryan = Dade

2010-08-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

I know I'm really blessed with very nice clients. God has made sure that my life is easier with the clients He gives me. And one of them is Gracie. They got me first at Dade's baptism and she was very satisfied with how the decors and set up turned out. They love swags and I being very particular with swags, I was glad she was satisfied with our first party together.

Last weekend, Dade turned one and they went home from Dubai to celebrate it with a party! i loved them even more! It was so easy working with them, and they appreciated all our efforts, making me feel like i won a trophy for best party planner. hahaha. I even saw her running in her stilletos just to see the venue and the entrance arch. :-)

I know we get paid on what we do but more about the money, when we get thank you's and hugs from our clients, it's even more fulfilling to know that once again, God gave me the chance to make a family happy :) and these are the things i remember when i feel burn out. I will look and remember these things and know my real purpose in life. :)

Thanks gracie. Below is a text message Gracie sent me the night of the party and the day after :)

"Jacque, thank u soooo much for the super gandang party! I love what u did sa party place!! Bongga talaga!! Naku, sa sobrang stress ko di na nga kita natanong if may add'l kami to pay -- sorry ha! just let me know na lang how much. kahiya sayo pati tension ko inabsorb mo na rin. Super duper happy kami and we will be bringing home happy memories of Dade's 1st bday party :) we owe u big time!! hope you got simone a lootbag before you left."

"I'm still not over the party, Jacque! now that i've seen pics, lalo ako na in-love :) than you sooo much for making it happen... I love you sister! and super thanks sa gift mo for Dade -- bonnga talaga ng party :) it means so much to us talaga, lalo na yung pag-asikaso mo ng items and all. you're heaven-sent! God bless u!

Meeting people

2010-06-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

I was having a "business" talk with my husband, where we talk about our dreams, our plans for the future and other stuff. I was telling him how i love my work, having to meet a bunch of new people every week and i always, always learn from them...on how we are as parents, how much we love our kids, and how we juggle being parents and doing what we do.

And he gave me the brightest idea ever...why not compile all the learnings and insights i learn from my clients and compile it into a book. ain't that awesome?! i know not many people will buy it but im sure i'd be able to share things, share God thru that book.

i'm just so excited. and i'll use this blog to start that book. :)