After a year of preparation and research, my sister celebrated her 18th birthday on Feb 28, 2009 at Ellas Banquet Hall in Toronto, Ontario.

For my sister’s debut, I was there not only as her sister but her event planner as well. My feet were sore at the end of the night but I had a lot of fun so did the guests.

I enjoy event planning. It started with an intimate at home event on my parent’s 25th anniversary, 5 years ago. We could not afford a lavish party so I opted to surprise them with a simple yet memorable evening. With very limited budget, I converted their bedroom into a romantic restaurant for two using available tools at their house and their children as waiters.

My philosophy as an event planner is to make the event as classy and enjoyable as possible by using resourcefulness and creativity. I believe in spending less money without compromising elegance and beauty. Because of this, all of the decor used for Sarah’s party were on sale or already available at home. For months, I scoured various stores for bargains especially during halloween. I went to craft stores and used coupons. I went to garage sales to buy candles. I bought flowers in bulk. I used my mom’s vases, furniture and cds.

Services were on a budget as well. Instead of hiring an expensive photographer, we were able to locate one that we can bargain with. We saved money on the cake by opting out of hand crafted sugar decor. Even my sister’s gown was a bargain but a lot of people thought it costs hundreds of dollars!

Plus, it does not hurt to ask family and close friends if they can help. And that’s just what I did. The worse that could have happen is they would have turned me down but of course they did not. They had decor items available that they willingly lent for the night and I asked if they can use their special talents and skills to assist with the production. For me, this is the best gift for a celebrant instead of the usual material or monetary gifts.

It was challenging to find alternatives but as long as the outcome was positive and the celebrant and guests had an unforgettable evening, the hard work and sleepless nights were worth it. 

The venue

My grand entrance

Slideshow of sister's pics

Guest table

Mask and Party favour

Debutante cutting her cake

In random order…

* Cayo Blanco, Cuba- the clearest, whitest beach I’ve ever been to

* Swimming with the dolphins- a quick 10 minute swim but worth it

* Finding an authentic Korean restaurant in Regina- ah, finally bibimbap!

* Banff, Alberta- Love, love the mountains!

* Malaysian restaurant in Edmonton- First time king crab meal

* Celine Dion concert- I heart Celine!

* Journey concert- sang along like crazy!

* First US road trip with my parents and siblings- Boston was the best then Newport RI

* First whole lobster meal in Cape Cod- Messy but yummy!

* Deep sleep for 8 hours after surgery- I was so tired, I did not mind the pain as long as I was able to sleep

* Moped ride- Finally, got the chance to drive a moped on my own, on the Varadero highway!

* 80’s party of Virna- the first official party I helped plan outside work and family.

* New car- travelled almost 5000 kms in 9 months

* A strong and positive performance review at work- resulting in some extra money to pay off debt

* Spa days - after my trip to the spa on my 30th birthday, Im now officially hooked!

* Visiting a Filipino bakery in Winnipeg- cured a nasty case of homesickness with a bite of bibingka

* Lou’s surprise on my 30th birthday- Ice cream cake, white roses, tons of balloons, Heroes DVDs, trip to Saskatoon and to the SPA!

* Volunteering at the Co-operators Christmas party- event planning is definitely my thing

* Finding out my brother got his license to drive- FREEDOM for my brother!

* Lou’s incentive from work- A free Wii!

* A fish following me for 1.5 hours on shallow Cuban waters while snorkeling- It was strange yet serene

* Buying my very own, brand new couch- Its black, its leather and its not second hand!

* Biking to and from work during the summer- able to save bus tickets and at the same time burn some calories

* Househunting for the first time- enjoyed the feeling of the possibility of buying a house. Quickly realized that debt needed to be paid off first.

* Free seminars at work- an opportunity to learn and to grow career-wise without paying a cent

* My Tiger Rice cooker- Gift on my 30th birthday from my parents

* Seeing a black bear in the wild- Jasper National Park

* Phantom of the Opera- Saskatoon, SK. Amazing props and singing voices

* Drinking the tastiest Pina Colada- Havana, Cuba for 3 dollars!

* Editing and finalizing a 150+ page procedure manual for work- in a span of 7 days while on sick leave

* Realizing that I need to take care of myself first before I can take care of others- lined up a bunch of visits to various doctors and specialists for 2009.

The blessing of Holy Family Parish Youth Centre dedicated to the underprivileged children of Barangay San Isidro, Makati City was conducted on July 6, 2006. Books, videos and games donated by the donors of Half A World Away are stored in this room and are currently being enjoyed by the children. In addition, the room was renovated and furniture were bought using the donated funds of Half A World Away donors. A huge thank you to the donors and to the members of the Holy Family Parish Committee on Children’s Activities for all their hard work in helping create this youth centre.

 THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS AND GENEROUS DONORS!! WITHOUT YOU, THE PROJECT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A SUCCESS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

As of today, we have $2,138.03 in the Canada Trust Account. $170.00 is still in my possession pending being deposited.

$65.00 was taken out of the funds for overhead costs like postage and envelopes.

Thank you very much to the following who donated recently.

Joe and Agnes Ajero

Nenette ALde

Mila Gumabay

Carmen Canosa- Participated in the Loonie Campaign

Corazon Catahan- Participated in the Loonie Campaign

Baby Cabanela- Participated in the Loonie Campaign

Cesar Evia- Participated in the Loonie Campaign

Carmen Austria

Gie Casin

TIC Travel INsurance Employees- Donated $874.23 through various fundraising events

An Anonymous donor

Half A World Away Charity Project PROJECT PLAN

Half A World Away is a non-profit charity project based in Canada with volunteers in North America, the Middle East and the Philippines.

Our Mission..We seek to enrich the quality of life of those who are underprivileged in the Philippines, particularly the children, by providing emotional support, as well as material and monetary donations.

Our Causes… the Holy Family Parish Committee on Children’s Activities who provides for the Street children and the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Lay Associates who provides for one of the aboriginal communities of the Philippines.

Our Dream… to be a source of hope for the children and to be a source of inspiration for our donors.

Project A: Post Holiday Party for the street children of Barangay San Isidro, Makati City

Objectives:  This post holiday party will give the volunteers of Half A World Away and the members of CCA an opportunity to honor the kids, to make them feel wanted and important. 120 kids will be entertained, fed, nurtured emotionally and physically and showered with presents for a whole entire day.

·        Date of event: January 14, 2006, 9:30am to 5:00pm

·        Location: Holy Family Parish Gym, Barangay San Isidro Makati City

Activities for the day:

Task Details

1. Breakfast and A Movie- Objective of showing the movie is to introduce & familiarize the kids to the characters of Star Wars. This will create a certain level of excitement when the volunteers of Star Wars Philippines and the 501^st Legion surprise the kids with their presence at the party.
   1. Movie to be shown: Star Wars: A New Hope
   2. Movie to be shown using a rented or borrowed projector and screen
   3. Kids will be seated in chairs and tables surrounding the screen as they eat their breakfast
   4. Breakfast to be served: McDonald’s pancake meal (pancake and drink) and ponkan fruit. Should try to negotiate a discount with McDonald’s. In exchange for discount, advertising in the parish.
   5. While the kids watch the movie, volunteers will be busy preparing for the rest of the day. All preparation will be done in as quietly as possible.

                                                               i.      Star Wars Philippines and 501^st Legion volunteers will gear up.

                                                             ii.      Volunteers will set up stations needed for the Cool Activities section of the day

                                                            iii.      Volunteers will make sure that lunch is on its way

                                                           iv.      Volunteers will assist the medical and dental team.

                                                             v.      Volunteers will prepare gifts to be distributed

2. Kiddie Fun Program part 1- Right after the movie, the Star Wars Philippines and the 501^st Legion-Philippine outpost costumed volunteers will immediately come out of the dressing room area to parade around and to start the Light Saber duel.

3. Cool Activities- Kids will go around the gym in a rotation manner. Each section will be decorated with balloons and other decors and will be identified with a banner. Each station should be equipped with electric fans. Industrial fans are needed for the Star Wars Photo Op station and the Medical/Dental station

1. Face Painting

                                                               i.      3 face painters will be painting simple designs on the children’s’ faces. Painters should preferably have an artists’ hand.

                                                             ii.      A design sheet will be created (one for girls and one for boys). Girls sheet could have hearts, flowers, whiskers, balloons etc. Boys sheet could have superhero emblems, Harry potters lightning bolt, sun and moon etc.  This sheet will be shown to the kids and they will be asked to choose what design they wish.

                                                            iii.      Face paints and brushes will be purchased in Canada. A few paints and brushes are already available.

                                                           iv.      Supplies needed: Face Paint, Design Sheet, Paint Brushes, Water, Tissue, and Towel.

2. Medical and Dental Check ups

                                                               i.      The kids will be given a free check up by volunteer doctors and dentists at this station.

                                                             ii.      The doctors and dentists will provide the necessary supplies.

                                                            iii.      Check up with dentist approx 5 mins per child. Might include extractions. Check up with medical doctors approx 10-15 mins per child

3. Star Wars Photo Op

                                                               i.      Supplies needed: Digital Camera  Good for 120 shots. If possible a Star Wars backdrop like a huge poster.  High stool for a small kid to sit on. Tall kids can remain standing. Frames.

                                                             ii.      If a digital camera with printer will be provided (with borrowed or rented) , an autograph table will be arranged where the costumed volunteers will sign posters (if available) or if there are no posters, fancy stationeries will be provided

                                                            iii.      After the photo op, Star Wars Philippines and 501^st Legion volunteers can remove their costumes and participate in other activities.

D.    Good Eatin’ Lunch

1. Lunch to order for kids: Chowking Chicken Lauriat. Should try to negotiate a discount. In exchange for discount, advertising in Filipino Canadian Newspaper or advertising in the parish.
2. Group pictures in each table to be taken. Group pictures of volunteers.
3. Lunch to order for Volunteers: McDonalds or Jollibee meal.

E.     TLC

1. A time to interact with the kids through talking, games, reading etc.
2. This will also be an opportunity of the volunteers to take it slow.
3. A Crafts Section will be created for this task.

                                                               i.      3 tables will be arranged where the kids can colour, water paint, play with clay, fake tattoos and other crafts

4. Crafts to be purchased in Manila using fund money. Unused supplies can be stored for future use in the Multi purpose center.

F.      ‘Till We Meet Again

1. Parlour games will be planned and chosen by CCA members. 3 games are sufficient.

                                                               i.      Prizes to be provided by Half A World Away

2. Distribute gifts

                                                               i.      Each child will be given a gift for themselves and for their families.

                                                             ii.      Gift will be based on gender and age. To avoid chaos, each kid will be given the opportunity to receive a gift by picking the kind of gift out of a hat.

                                                            iii.      The Gifts committee will sort gifts and Half A World Away will provide the gifts. Gifts will either be new or used depending on the availability of items donated.

                                                           iv.      If the doctors and dentists will be donating medicine and dental hygiene products, it will be distributed at this time as well.

                                                             v.      If non-perishable items will be donated, (rice, canned goods etc) it will also be distributed at this time.

3. The children will depart after the last gift is handed out.

7. CCA Care time
   1. Gifts from Half A World Away will be presented to the active CCA members.
   2. Socializing opportunity between the CCA members and the Half A World Away volunteers
   3. A Masseuse and Manicurist will be hired for the CCA members.
   4. CLEAN UP TIME!

HOLIDAY PARTY COMMITEES

NOTE: Volunteers can join 2 or more committees because not all tasks are going to occur simultaneously.

Committees and their tasks

• Food Committee (Number of volunteers: 5)
  • Contact and negotiate prices for food for lunch and breakfast of the kids.
    • Food to serve:
      • Breakfast, Pancake meal from Mcdo and fruit
      • Lunch, Chowking Chicken Lauriat
  • Buy fruit for breakfast, possible fruit: Ponkan
  • Negotiate bulk pricing for drinks (Juice for Lunch and Water for Volunteers)
  • Ensure the prompt delivery or pick up of food.
  • Serve food to kids
  • Ensure that utensils and serving containers are properly disposed
  • Contact and canvass prices for food for volunteers
    • Possible food to serve:
      • Lunch,  Jollibee or Mcdo Meals, the cheapest available J

• Entertainment Committee (Number of volunteers: 12)
  • Come up with parlour games and organize the games.
  • Host the entertainment portion of the event
  • Teach the kids one song or dance number.
  • Ensure the proper flow of the events
  • Prepare rotation schedule of kids for each station
  • Prepare stations: Photo op, Medical/ Dental, Face Painting,
    • Photo Op Sub Committee (Number of volunteers: 2 or 4). (NOTE: Possibility of creating 2 Photo Op Sub Committee depending on number of cameras to speed up rotation process)
      • Ensure that camera (digital) is available and fully functional, equipped with the necessary supplies (batteries, memory etc.)
      • Take the pictures
      • Assist the kids and position them in the available chair
      • Make sure that water and fans are properly positioned.
    • Face Painting Sub Committee (number of volunteers: 3)
      • Paint faces of kids
      • Paint faces of some of the volunteers particularly those in the entertainment committee
      • Ensure that necessary materials are in place
        • Face paints      
        • Brushes
        • Water
        • Tissue
        • Designs to choose from: Simple designs like flowers, superhero emblems, sun, moon, hearts, stars, etc.
          • Draw all the designs in a letter size paper and make 3 copies.

• Crafts Sub Committee (number of volunteers: 2)
  • Ensure that necessary materials are in place
    • Crayola
    • Water Paint
    • Paint Brushes
    • Colouring books
    • Water
    • Paper
    • Other materials for other crafts (2 more crafts aside from colouring and painting would be ideal)
• Medical/Dental Sub committee (number of volunteers: 4)
  • Assist the doctors and dentists as they are performing the checkups
  • Provide crowd control
  • Ensure that fans and water are properly position in the station.

• Audio, Video, and Electrical Committee (Number of Volunteers: 3)
  • Assist in the preparation of the Photo op station
  • Ensure that electrical outlets and cords are available
  • Ensure that enough fans are available. Pick up 8 industrial fans from the parish and borrow at least 5 stand fans.
  • Responsible for borrowing digital camera.
  • Responsible for Video camera and shots taken
  • Responsible for acquiring hand-held radios for communication purposes between committee heads.
  • Responsible for set up of projector and movie for breakfast and a movie portion of the day.

• Sound and Lighting Committee (Number of volunteers: 2)
  • Responsible for hiring and coordinating with hired sound system technicians
  • Ensure that sufficient lighting is available.

• Decorations Committee (Number of volunteers: 3)
  • Responsible for arranging of chairs and tables in the food and entertainment area
  • Responsible for decorating the area with balloons, banners, crepe paper etc.
  • Responsible for creating nametags for kids and volunteers
  • Ensure that volunteers know the dress code. Red shirt with minimal design and blue jeans
  • Responsible for seating arrangement
  • Maintain cleanliness of gym
  • Create and distribute the invitations to the kids

• Determine the number of kids. If there is an available backdrop for the photo op station (like a Star Wars poster), acquire the backdrop.

• Arrange chairs and tables for all activity stations.

Create banners for each station. Face Painting, Crafts, “Have your picture taken..HERE!”, “ Medical and Dental Check ups”

• Security Committee (Number of volunteers: 4)
  • Uphold security within the gym
  • Uphold security outside the perimeter of the gym
  • Coordinate with the Barangay tanods
  • Responsible for providing food and water to Tanods.
  • Provide crowd control inside the gym.
  • Assist Entertainment committee during Rotation period

• Gifts Committee (Number of volunteers: 3)
  • Responsible for sorting and distributing of individual gifts to kids
  • Responsible for distributing gifts during the parlour games
  • Responsible for distributing gifts to CCA Members
  • Responsible for buying gifts if needed.
  • Responsible for hiring and booking a masseuse and manicurist

HOLIDAY PARTY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP FORM

Committees to choose from:

1. Food Committee

2. Entertainment Committee

3. Security Committee

4. Decorations Committee

5. Audio, Video, and Electrical Committee

6. Sound and Lighting Committee

7. Gifts Committee

************************************************************************

Yes, I want to volunteer in the following committees:

My Name:

PLEASE EMAIL A COPY THIS FORM W/ YOUR DECISION  TO halfaworldawaycanada@yahoo.ca BY NOVEMBER 21, 2005

Or call Medlyn Mijares at 918 9596005

WE NEED A TOTAL OF 32 VOLUNTEERS. REMEMBER YOU CAN JOIN AT LEAST 2 COMMITTEES.

FIRST GENERAL MEETING: Nov 27, 2005 , 1pm at Holy Family Parish, 2777 Faraday St, Brgy San Isidro, Makati

SECOND GENERAL MEETING:  Jan 2 or 7, 2006, 1pm at #17 President Magsaysay St. Industrial Valley Subd. Markina City Tel # 681 93 42

COMMITTEE MTGS will be scheduled in between the two General Meeting depending on the Committee members.