Cool, crisp mountain air, the great outdoors. The smell of freshly mowed grass, views unlike any other. The trees singing as they swayed, Mt. Kanlaon standing majestically in the distance. I couldn’t think of a better place to gather family and friends as we gave thanks to the Lord for the gift of our little one. Balai Ramirez, a place where I have often felt and reflected on God’s goodness and grace, was just perfect.

A slight drizzle had everyone drawing closer as we surrounded the birthday girl, one community bearing witness as we dedicated her to Our Lord. Her Daddy Joey and precious godparents covered her with prayers and blessings while I carried her in my arms. Oh, she was such a delight that day! And yes, that could totally be the biased mom in me speaking! 

To dedicate a child is to set her apart for the Lord, and that is what we did. She has always been, and always will be, God’s child, and at the ceremony we publicly declared that she is so. Lilibubs is now lifted up to do God’s work, and it is our responsibility as parents, godparents, and community to help her make her way through life loving and living for Our Creator. 

At first, she listened attentively to Pastor Joe while I fed her bread and biscuits, which she munched on with much gusto and no poise at all, haha. And then when she got bored/impatient, she started to squirm so I set her down for a while. I then carried her again for Joey’s prayer, at which point she grabbed the microphone from her Daddy, haha. Then she started to make a fuss because I think she felt warm, so I set her down again and removed her vest in front of everyone, lol! Her 4yo cousin Deriq muttered, “This is a weird birthday party.” 

By the time the dedication ceremony ended, Lilibubs was in varying states of undress. For our family portrait, she was down to her onesie!

I brought her back to our cabin and nursed her for a while so she could relax and rest before heading back out to be with our guests.   

It was a relaxed and chill celebration and dedication, just as Joey and I desired it to be. We didn’t have a host, we had neither program nor magicians because we just wanted our guests to spend undistracted time catching up while enjoying the scenery and food (well, as undistracted as they can be with all the kids they still had to look after, hehehe).

The kids had their own tent where they could eat, color and play. I’m a believer of free play and not organising too many activities for them so they can just be kids and play with whatever they fancied. We did hire a face painter though, and Mommy Jing also asked a farmer to give the kids a ride in the wagon his carabao pulled. This I failed to see! I would have wanted Lilibubs to experience a carabao ride, too. Next time!  

Was it hard to organise a party in the province while living in the city? What I have realised with event planning is, as long as the suppliers you get are 100% reliable, there is nothing to worry about :) The Party Choice by Ai did a wonderful job dressing up the Balai Ramirez grounds, the sumptuous selections prepared by Tapper’s Food Garden were more than sufficient (still dreaming about those tacos!), the desserts by Popstix Bacolod were both so refreshing and creative! 

For the favours for all our guests, I bought goodies for a mix-your-own trail mix bar. Jellybeans, gummy bears, cookies, biscuits, nips, almonds, and peanuts. I was so happy it was a hit! Lorraine Cheung-Pañares of @rubywednesdaysartdesign , the dynamic woman who designed Lilibubs’ invite, also prepared our kraft bag giveaways.

For the kids, I approached @playfactory.ph and asked if they could make a camp-themed party favour. I love what they came up with! Hurray for free-play! 

We are very grateful to our family and friends who traveled the distance to Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental to celebrate the life of our firstborn with us. Never mind that there was a severe thunderstorm warning on our weather apps. Just like at our wedding, God withheld the rain.. amazing how at 6pm when the party has ended and most of our guests have already left, that was when the downpour began.

Thank You, Father God, for the gift of our miracle child. Thank You for granting unto Joey and me this joyous privilege of parenthood. Thank You for our family and friends who have and who continue to cover Lilibubs in prayer. Thank You for Your grace that sustains, Your provision that enables, for Your love and mercy that never run dry..

Our Lilibubs is yours, set apart for You.

Happy first birthday and dedication day, our little one.

Our suppliers:

Decors by: The Party Choice by Ai and team
Photo: Chirpy Snaps Studio
Video: Jason Magbanua
Party favors: Play Factory PH
Catering: Tapper’s Food Garden
Desserts: Popstix Bacolod
Cake and desserts: Quinos
Venue: Balai Ramirez
Invite: @rubywednesdaysartdesign
Lilibubs’ camper outfit: @lovelyvineyard

Thank you for reading! God bless you.

Bossa love,

Sitti