How To Throw A Birthday Bash At Home (And On A Budget)

     Parties come in all shapes and sizes. And the question a lot of parents ask is; can I throw my kid a decent party at home when I’m broke? The answer is yes, you can, and here’s how:

How To Throw A Birthday Bash At Home (And On A Budget)

SM Supermarket Kids' City 2018

     If there's one activity that we love doing, that is no other than walking the aisle of a supermarket. It's a weekly family bonding that we look forward to every weekend. My son is always excited to accompany us in buying our food and other grocery items at SM Supermarket and Save More Market.

     There are two SM Malls near our place and it's just a stone throw away from where we live. We buy our everyday essentials at SM Supermarket most of the time because of complete assortments and well-organized aisle. There's another thing that we love about SM Markets- the annual SM Supermarket Kids' City celebration. Know more about the biggest kiddie party in the Metro below :)

SM Supermarket Kids' City 2018
With my unico hijo 

SM Supermarket Kids' City 2017

     Grocery shopping is one of our weekly family bonding activity. I'm happy that my son is always excited to accompany us in buying our food and other grocery items. We like to buy our everyday essentials in spacious and complete stores like SM Supermarket and Save More Market. The location is very convenient for us since it's just a stone throw away from where we live.

     Last Saturday, Nuffnang Philippines invited us to witness the last leg of SM Supermarket's Kids' City 2017 at SM Megamall Event Center, Lower Ground Bldg. A Food court. It's the grandest kiddie party ever because of the activities that were prepared not only for the kids but for the whole family as well. Sharing the highlights of SM Supermarket Kids' City 2017 below :)

SM Supermarket Kids' City 2017

Nickelodeon’s Takotown: Fright Express

     Last October 31, Kenzo joined Nickelodeon's Halloween party at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall. Highlight of the event was the so called ride of our lives aboard the Takotown: Fright Express — a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience where over 4,000 fans were treated to an afternoon packed with frightfully-fun tricks and treats, surprises and activities.

     The perfect trick or treat activity for kids (and the young at heart), Nickelodeon’s Takotown: Fright Express turned a usually scary Halloween extravaganza into an epic celebration, the Nickelodeon way. And with the Spook Station’s unique and thematic areas, the haunted main attraction offered an unforgettable experience to families. Highlights of the event below :)

Nickelodeon’s Takotown: Fright Express

Fun Theme Party Ideas for Your Summer Shindigs

     Ahhh, summer … the season of endless days, pool and beach time, and cocktails with umbrellas in them. Is there anything better? We think not. And, while going out can be a blast, summer is a great time to throw a party in your own backyard. Think twinkle lights, a firepit, and s’mores. Oh, yeah! The only thing that’s better than a summer party is a themed summer party. Not that creative? We’ve got your back. Read this for fun theme party ideas for your summer shindigs. 

Fun Theme Party Ideas for Your Summer Shindigs 

Throw a Lovely Luau

     You don’t have to be Hawaiian to enjoy a good luau, and dressing for them is so easy and fun. A Tipsy Elves Hawaiian shirt is the order of the day, but don’t forget your lei. Of course, the plastic ones will do just fine in a pinch, or you could go above and beyond and make your own lei. Hawaiian clothing is nothing if not colorful, so ladies should plan on making a statement with their nails.

     As for food, just about anything goes. Don’t be painted into a corner by thinking you have to roast a pig on a spit. Besides, some people might not be too fond of seeing their favorite animal being roasted over the fire! A great option for appetizers could be teriyaki meatballs atop a slice of pineapple. Sweet and savory, they’ll satisfy the pickiest of palates. Pulled pork is another tried and true fave with a Hawaiian flair. Channel your inner-Martha Stewart and serve some cinnamon sugar cookies or set up a snow cone bar with your own snow cone maker.

Go Minute to Win It

     Remember the old game show? It may not be on anymore but plenty of people use it for inspiration for raucous parties. Your competitive friends will love quick but fun physical games that can be performed in your kitchen or your own backyard. From Suck It Up (kids love anything that involves M&Ms) and Mad Dog to Card Ninja and Sticky Situation, Minute to Win It gets everyone in on the shenanigans. Of course, there’s no themed attire for this kind of party, but you do probably want to wear something that allows you to move easily. Still want to look cute? Girls, we totally get that. Try a sassy jumpsuit! 

Water Whimsy

     A pool party is just good, clean fun so, if you’re one of the lucky ones who own a pool, throw a shindig to remember. Go light on food (bites and apps are perfect for busy swimmers) and as cheeky as you want on cocktails (think drinks served in coconuts!). Of course, safety is always first, so make sure you don’t invite too many guests that it gets chaotic, watch the alcoholic drinking, and make sure to have a First Aid kit on hand.

     No pool? No problem! Raid the water aisle at Target and pick up a bunch of super soakers and water balloons and let the kids go crazy. Rewind the clock to the 1970s and put up the sprinkler! Throw out a Wham-O slip ‘n’ slide and load it up with bubbles. You can even blow up a kiddie pool for the wee ones. Blow your kids’ minds with this super fun water balloon piñata. The ideas for whimsical water fun are really endless, and the perfect way to beat the scorching summer heat. 

Incite Movie Mania

     If you have a projector, you can do this on your own. If not, there are plenty of companies that will bring their inflatable movie screens to your backyard for the event. They’ll often even bring a popcorn maker to create the authentic movie feel we all love. Have kids bring their sleeping bags and/or chairs. Or make it an adult-only event, complete with blankets, picnic baskets, a good comedy or Rom/Com, and everyone’s favorite bottle of wine. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a movie under the stars. 

     Take your party from ordinary to extraordinary by following these summer theme party ideas.

Miss Universe 2015 and Jollibee 'Shares the Joy' with Pinoy Kids

     Our Queen Pia may be busy as a bee after reigning Miss Universe last year but she will always make time to visit the country to spread joy to kids and kids-at-heart. Pia once interviewed in Buzzfeed Philippines and revealed that she's a Jollibee fan and loves chickenjoy!

     While writing this article, my tummy rumbles after seeing the word chickenjoy. Sharing more of what happened during Pia's second trip home after the jump.

Miss Universe 2015 and Jollibee 'Shares the Joy' with Pinoy Kids
DREAMS OF A QUEEN. The orphans of Manila’s ERMA Foundation were all excited and asked questions about how Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach made her dreams come true. She gamely answered the questions of the kids and even gave pieces of advice.

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach trip to the country’s number one fastfood chain highlights:

1. On her second trip home since winning the much-coveted crown, the Miss Universe did not only drop by Jollibee, she also helped spread joy to 20 kids from an orphanage who were invited to a special Jollibee lunch party. 

Miss Universe 2015 and Jollibee 'Shares the Joy' with Pinoy Kids
SQUADGOALS. Jollibee and Friends joined Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach when she threw a kid’s party for Manila’s ERMA Foundation, a center for orphans. The kids spent the morning with dance numbers, surprise games, and sumptuous meals of Chickenjoy and sundaes, and special gifts from the Miss Universe herself.

2. The Jollibee Buendia-Bautista branch, on the border of the cities of Makati and Pasay, quickly turned into a playground for four- to eight-year-old kids who – like Pia and her entourage - were served with a filling meal of two-piece Chickenjoy, chocolate sundae, and Peach Mango Pie. They were also treated to a special dance number by the Jollibee and Friends mascots.

3. During the short program, Pia also imparted some life-lessons to the kids during the simple program. “Importante na lagi tayong maging magalang sa mga nakakatanda sa atin, mag-aaral ng mabuti, at parating magdasal, lalo na bago kumain (It is important that we are respectful to our elders, study well, and always pray, especially before meals),” said Pia, addressing the children.

Miss Universe 2015 and Jollibee 'Shares the Joy' with Pinoy Kids
JOLLIBAE. True blue childhood friends, Jollibee and Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach were reunited yesterday for a children’s party for the orphans at Manila’s ERMA Foundation. Growing up, Pia has always been a fan of the fastfood brand and even celebrated one of her memorable birthdays as a kid with a Jollibee party.

4. A symbol of hope and perseverance for Filipinos, Pia joined the local Binibining Pilipinas three times before winning the crown to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant. Her victory ended a 63-year drought since the country last won the Miss Universe crown and brought jubilation among Filipinos here and abroad. As a special gift to the kids, Pia distributed Jollibee toys and gamely posed for photos with them.

Super Celebration: Shakey’s Justice League Party Launch

     Ah birthday parties! I can still remember my 7th birthday party at home, yes it's memorable because my mother prepared everything and my relatives were there to join the fun but nowadays children's parties are best held in a place where more memories will be made. I'm not against parties at home but sometimes we can't deny the fact that our kid's would love to celebrate their birthdays with their favorite superheroes with matching costumes and other exciting stuff.

     Casual dining restaurant showcase the biggest league of superheroes for unforgettable birthdays. Imagine how exciting it is for your child to gather his playmates for a superhero-themed afternoon playtime. Now, visualize the thrill and joy you can give to your young one if you actually bring that theme into play for his birthday party. Excited to see what's in store for you from the new birthday theme from Shakey's? Click CONTINUE READING now! 

Super Celebration: Shakey’s Justice League Party Launch