Thursday, March 21, 2013

At Last, We Have Tried a Jollibee Kids Party!

Jollibee is without question the leader in the fast food kiddie party arena. They simply know how to delight both kids and adults. I don't know if it's the mascot or the general ambiance of Jollibee, but honestly, I haven't been to a boring Jollibee party.

The Hubby has always refused holding our kids' birthdays at Jollibee saying that guests can eat at Jollibee anytime they want. I convinced him this time by saying the party is for our child, not for anyone. I am sure our relatives and friends love us so much to not mind eating Chicken Joy for our son's birthday.

And so we proceeded with a Jollibee party. It's the easiest party I have planned in the last 7 years since I had my first child. Book and pay and that's about it! The only extra work I did was order a cake and prepare the loot bags.
 
The cost for the party amenities is Php1250 which includes the use of party venue for 2 hours, mascot appearance, game prizes, crayons and 30 balloons.
 
 
Other party materials like party hats, name tags, tray liners and loot bags are also available if you are willing to pay extra.
 
I chose to create our own loot bag because we did not follow any of their themes. As of this writing, they have 3 themes, My Best Friend Jollibee, Jollitown and Batman.  I know they have Barbie before but for whatever reason, it's not being offered anymore. Back to the loot bags, clients are allowed to bring their own as long as the packaging is generic.
 
 
 
Jollibee also owns Red Ribbon and therefore offers customized Jollibee cakes for Php900. The cake is optional and clients can bring their own. However, if the baker is not Red Ribbon, the cake cannot be served to the guests during the party. To make it short, it's for candle blowing only. (Yes, that's why we still have cake in our fridge 1 week after the party!).
 
Again, since we're having a different theme, we brought our own cake (thanks to Layers & Layers).
 
 
For the decors, the package includes 30 balloons but they are put on a stand and the venue will not be decorated. Although Jollibee Greenmeadows branch's party area is designed and furnished with party colors, I still think additional balloon decors will help. Hence, I brought simple balloon decors at least for the front area where the program will be held.
 
DIY balloon decors
The highlight of the party is the appearance of the Jollibee mascot. It's amazing how both kids and adults alike enjoy having their pictures taken with Jollibee like he's some sort of celebrity (technically, he is!).
 
 
I like how the Jollibee mascot entertained our guests for 30 minutes by gracing the photo op, going from table to table for more photos, and even doing a dance number. Really, Jollibee is the most popular party mascot. Award!
 
For the food cost, the lowest package is Php3870. There is an option to Create Your Own Meal as long as a minimum food cost of Php4000 is achieved.
 
 
From 1-10, I'd rate Jollibee with 9 as I feel they should improve their game prizes (they look so lame, small and cheap).
 
For those planning a party at Jollibee, they now have an online party booking system where anyone can plan, book and pay for their party in the comfort of their home.
 
 

Monday, March 18, 2013

DIY Hanging Balloons Decor

For a balloon decor that is as simple as the banderitas type or popularly referred to by balloonist as Balloonderitas, a professional balloon decorator is almost not required. Do it your own and save money! You can use the extra fund for food or additional give aways.

To be able to save significantly, balloons must be purchased at wholesale price from Divisoria. There are plenty of stores at 168 Mall and Divisoria Mall. Personally, I prefer 168 Mall as it is more accessible if commuting and there is ample parking space if you dare drive to Divi.

A regular sized balloon costs about Php100 for 12 pcs in SM or National Bookstore, but you can purchase them for as low as Php200 for 100 pcs at 168 Mall. You'll be amazed at the selection of colors too, and the sizes. Mylar type balloons are also available.

A simple balloonderitas consisting of 100 pcs of balloons can cost anywhere from Php1500 - Php3000. If you have the energy and patience, you can do your own for a humble price of Php200-Php300 (materials only, including nylon strings).

Here's what I did for my son's birthday bash at Jollibee. I hanged 10 sets of cluster-of-4 balloons as added decor to our party (stage part only). I spent only Php70 (and a sore arm from inflating the balloons).


How to make a balloonderitas (with curled ribbons):

1. Inflate balloons and make sure the sizes are uniform.

2. Attach curled ribbons at the end of each balloon (where you knot the end of the balloon to close it off) either by tying the ribbons or by taping them using transparent tape (Scotch tape).

3. Using a Scotch tape (preferably at least 1/2 inch width), attach each balloons to the nylon string. Tip to secure the balloon on the nylon string: tape the nylon diagonal from the left and right (creating an "x").

4. Depends on how scattered you wish to decorate the balloons,  a foot distance between each balloon should be fine.

How to make a cluster of 4 balloons:

1. Inflate balloons in uniform sizes.

2. Pair the balloons by tying 2 balloons together. Make several pairs.

3. Get 2 pairs of balloons and twist them together in the middle. You have now formed your cluster.

4. Tie a nylon string to the balloon (at the point where all 4 balloons are joined together) and hang as desired.

If you want a deviation from balloon decors, you can try tissue or paper pompoms.

Happy Partying!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Party Venue: Village East Clubhouse

For Cainta residents looking for a great venue for weddings, debuts or birthday parties, the clubhouse of Village East Executive Homes offers 3 venues.

The cafe area (open air hall) at the ground floor can perfectly fit 80 to 100 guests and is great for semi formal and evening gatherings. It's comfortable even with just only the ceiling fans especially during late afternoon 'til evening.

the entrance
 
left side of the hall from entrance
  
center

right side of the hall from entrance...that door after the bar are the comfort rooms/toilets

corner area, view is the swimming pool
 
For larger parties, the Function Room at the 2nd floor can easily accommodate up to 200 people. It is fitted with enough air-conditioning units to keep the guests cool throughout the event. The room is also L-shaped which suits parties that need a separate area for photo booths, kiddie salon, and other whatnot.

For summer parties, the swimming pool area including the covered hall and tables can be reserved for 4 hours.

Best of all for this venue is that the staff at the Admin office are very accommodating and easy to talk to. Look for Nonet if interested.

Details here:

their flier is from March 2009 but these are the same rates when we had our party in December 2012.
 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Burger King Kiddie Party Package

Yes, you are reading this right. Burger King has joined the kiddie party bandwagon.

When my sister announced they will be holding her son's birthday party at Burger King, I frowned and thought she made a mistake and actually meant perhaps Jollibee or McDo or even KFC. But it's true, Burger King has kiddie parties too!
 
My sister was very happy with the party coordinator. Aside from hosting the party, she helped with the preparations, including the assembly of the loot bags.


They offer only one theme which is the Royal Party (aptly because BK wants to fit the party around the word King in their brand name). My sister wanted Cars theme instead and was allowed to bring her own loot bags and even the cake.
 
 

Note: They allowed the cake to be served but asked my sister to sign a waiver.

The food is just okay but if you are someone who is used to the taste of Jollibee Chickenjoy, you may find BK's fried chicken a bit bland and lacking despite BK being owned by Jollibee Foods too. The burger of course is really good but I must say it's not for kids as they put mustard dressing.
 
The party area is huge and there is sufficient space allotted for games and party activities (at least at Timog Branch). We love the simple balloon decor with swags too.
 
 
Food Packages are as follows:
 
Package 1 @ Php154/pax
1pc. Chicken w/ rice value meal (with drink)
Regular fries
Sundae
 
Package 2 @ Php 204/pax
2pcs. Chicken w/ rice value meal (with drink)
Regular fries
Sundae
 
Package 3 @ Php239/pax
1pc. Chicken w/ rice
Whopper Jr. value meal (with fries and drinks)
Sundae
 
Package 4 @ Php254/pax
1pc. Chicken w/ rice
Chicken sandwich value meal (with fries and drinks)
Sundae
 
Package 5 @ Php284/pax
1pc. Chicken w/ rice
Whopper Value meal (with fries and drinks)
Sundae
There's also a Php3000 fee for party amenities.