Celebrations of life... (through food and more laughter-- the hair, without the heart :D)

Ugh, so I tried to sleep earlier tonight after an extremely excruciating ride  (2 hours in traffic to be precise) to have a  nice meal with some good friends at Sofitel (unlike the last time when we had to wait some hour and a half for our a la carte orders *terrible service*). It was a nice dinner-- thank you so much FredV, for hosting the dinner!! :D Unfortunately, when I got home and prepped myself to retire for the night and was quickly drifting off to la la land, my phone beeps and out comes a message. Pfffft, as it turned out, someone had a birkin bag emergency. At 1:40 am. *Tsk... I should start charging by the minute like a psychiatrist next time hahahaha*.

Anyyyyway, I couldn't sleep anymore, so I decided to just get out of bed to do a little blogging. Today will be a long day for me, since today's the day of the Christmas party for the 335 kids of the Missionaries of Charity. It's going to be an exciting day-- I plan to bring my kids to celebrate Christmas with the other children :) I am really looking forward to this. I have never been in the company of this many children, aged 5- 6 before :) *excited!!!!!*

Before anything else, I would again like to commend the efforts of Moms for Moms' Rea Harrow (also of http://scrubsadubdub.multiply.com) for tirelessly putting together the plans and setting everything in motion. Peeps, without this woman, our Fabella hospital fundraising event as well as Ondoy relief would not have happened. She has single- handedly brought together volunteers and most wonderful people who have helped these organizations with her.

Would like to also thank these ffg people:
1. MarivicL for providing the magician and party host
2. RodinaV for providing each child with a t shirt
3. DaphneP for getting us donations in kind (soap, shampoo) from Procter and Gamble
4. CassieY for providing McDonald's meals for the kids
5. Baghagyne Dr. Labrador for all the crayons and coloring book sets
6. CatS for the notebook sets for all the kids
7. CristinaL for the Candyline polvoron and Peanut choco coin Chocomani
8. RufinaL for the boxes of noodles, umbrellas, and other loot
9. Annie and ClaudetteV of CV Travel for the ice cream carts
10. LizaBate for all the Richwell shoes (all these cool labels!!!) as well as toys for prizes
11. DexterS and GretchenC for donating Dwell Studio baby blanket and comforter for the upcoming auction.
12. RheaA for the diapers
13. EdnaC of Coco & Jam toys for donating prizes (incidentally, Coco & Jam will be participating at the Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar tomorrow til the weekend!)
14. TinaN of Ilaya Couture for more donations in kind
15. IsabelC for her Php 5k donation (which we are putting on "standby" in case we need to buy more food)

Ok now, speaking of Christmas party, these few days have been socially filling for thebaghag (wannabe). There are all these press launches (which I haven't been able to attend though because I am still taking care of work before I fly out again this coming week), and all these parties!

Two parties I have attended are birthday parties of these Chinoise baghags ;) I'm normally not too keen on attending big parties because I am shy *choke* around a lot of people I don't really know well (tsk, it's truuuuuue!!!!!). But I was honored to have been invited to the parties of Abeth and Ruby

(Top L- R: Abeth, Joy, Mega Magazine's editor-in-chief Sari Yap, Charlene, Salome; Bottom L- R: Fina, Amelia, Ruby)

and then the birthday party of Salome (vavavoom she carried her Hermes porosus crocodile birkin in violet! It's also the first time I have caressed seen a 25cm croc birkin in person :D)

which was held at Melo's Restaurant in Burgos Circle At the Fort.

This was also the perfect opportunity for me to review the food. I've always heard Melo's served good steak (I've had their steak at Jupiter Street and I loved it).  So wait, here's the cheese: I've been staving off that thirst for protein for quite some time (haven't really had steak- steak in awhile), so Melo's is a good re-introduction of "serious" red meat into my system ;)

We had very good mushroom bruschettas as well as paté on melba toast (sorry I got so hungry I forgot to take photos... this is the trouble with me, when I'm hungry I forget to take photos. Serious problem if I want to become a serious food writer... hahaha, ok I scratched off that last thought).

Lobster Bisque was next on the menu.

One spoonful brought me back to that time I had a steaming hot cup of soupe de langouste in Paris at the Christmas market. It was authentic, flavorful, and rich. Yummmyyy. Needless to say, I slurped it all up.

Surf and turf-- Steak and Prawns

I could seriously take 2 servings of this, but I didn't. Shame on me for even thinking about seconds! But then again, the dinner was free... I could've asked for a second serving without the host noticing it too hahaha 

And the 4th course was Melo's own version of the Velvet-y moist chocolate cake

Notice the bottle of Frangelico behind the gateau. I love Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur).  My table mates (who were also my Europe travelmates this year) and I went kinda loopy after a few glasses hahaha.

 

(Left *Front to back*: Accessorylab's RodinaV, Chef StevieV, ClaraV of CV Travel; Right *Front to back): DexterS of Dwell Studio/ Kaboost, JulieP of The Learning Connection, and Carmen Papa Reyes-- the designer behind 8 and a Half (who also makes me really nice made-to-fit gowns :D)

 

And of course, Melo's own big boss served us those drinks. *It's his fault! Points to him* hehehehe

 

Now THIS is what I call service!!! *Mrs. T was a happy camper!!!*

Service is when you see the owner of the restaurant table- hopping to check on the diners.  (That is  also the reason why I like  Elbert's as well as Elbert's Cheesesteak Sandwiches because I often see the owner himself checking in on his diners)

Anyway, I really like this restaurant. Great ambiance too! Suffice to say, Melo's @ Burgos Circle is a restaurant worth going back (for service, for the soup, the bruschettas, the steak, and for drinks).

Oh and just to make you peeps laugh (one more time please, I insist!!! :D), here's my choice of hairstyle *muwahahaha it's a WIG you guys! I surprised everyone that night with it hahahaha* and outfit *shoutout to Chrissy-- TY!!*  for the night :D

 

(photo by: Jed Uy Photography)

And seeee peeps, I did NOT hide behind a heart this time! I had to keep the glasses on though, even if it was already nighttime (should I trip or fall because the bangs on my wig kept going into my eyes, at least no one would recognize me, so the glasses HAD to stay on! :D).  I know I looked like a zeeediot, but oye I "werked it" hahahaha... I love recycling my old clothes (haven't worn this ensemble in almost a year already), and honestly don't care if I looked démodé with my "sooo last, last season" shoes hahaha ;) Oh and hehehe, I finally debuted my new Hermes fuchsia 35cm birkin! :)  Do you likeyyyy? *wiggles boo-tay*

Thank you, photographer Jed Uy for the picture above ;) *dies of laughter* Know what peeps, I still can't believe no one recognized me when I came into the restaurant hahahaha! :) This was certainly one of the most spontaneous things I did to my "look", and I enjoyed it because everyone doubled over  with laughter after they found out it was me *hahahaha*. Some said I looked matronic (waaaa, I'm closer to my end goal hahaha) while others said I looked like I was 16. Mixed reviews, peeps. Soooo I am keeping my long hair for now ;) *I will be matronic soon anyway, so why rush it hahaha*

Cheers everyone and have a wonderful weekend!  :)

And before I forget, for more information at Melo's Steak Restaurant, visit their website at http://melosteaks.com

P.S. On an entirely different note, remember how I mentioned that I was staying at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris the night before Le Bal? I had seen a beautiful young lady in a blue gown as she made her way to the photoshoot. I just found out who she was. Francesca Eastwood-- Clint Eastwood's daughter!!!! *kicks myself*. I wish I had really foregone the "I- have- to- behave- and- not- take- photos- because- it -was- inappropriate- to- act- like- a- fan- at- the- Crillon" attitude. I would have some seriously bragworthy photos today :( :( *pout*

Here is Francesca Eastwood in blue (with whom I shared elevator space hahaha *She was sooo fair!!*),

 

with the A Sea of Shoes' Jane Aldridge *in black and white Chanel* and Autumn Whitaker *Forest Whitaker's daughter*  (Photo grabbed from http://atlantishome.typepad.com)

x

Mrs.T

Travelog: London... Bond (not James Hehe)

Woohoo, back to my travelog! To go to London, you can take the Eurostar at the Gare Du Nord in Paris.

Gare Du Nord may just be a train station, but it sure is Pretty!!!

It takes approximately 2 hours to get to London, by way of St. Pancras Station.

I love the train stations. So beautiful! I honestly wish we have train stations this beautiful here in the Philippines. A lot of money must be spent, but I'm sure if we had more honest government officials who could efficiently channel public funds to actually build public edifices, we would've already seen train stations in Manila that are this beautiful *ok I will park my mouth about politics right here hahaha. Sorry, can't help it. I got frustrated*.

Rode the new taxi in London. I love their taxis.

 

So roomy inside :) I always wanted to own one of these taxis in Manila hahaha-- as long as I don't have to drive them *long shot right there, since I do the driving half the time hahaha*

You just know you're in the United Kingdom because of

Burberry! The Queen's brand! I'm not a great big fan of Burberry bags, but I love their rain gear and their boots *thwaps myself for not having bought those wellies in San Francisco*.

Only in the UK will you see a pub called Coach and Horses :)

Louis Vuitton will be opening a huge store beside Burberry. Soon

It was wet, wet, wet in London. But I loooove the biting cold *especially since I was wearing thermals hahaha*, so I wasn't complaining :)

It's Christmas at American brand Ralph Lauren 

 

I espy, a red telephone booth outside Nicole Farhi :)

SJ Phillips! I looooove browsing through their selection of estate and antique jewelry (many of important provenance). They even sell tiaras (real ones from nobility!)

Oooh Pronovias! My wedding gown was made by Pronovias ;)

Smythson of Bond Street (at Bond Street!). This is the Queen's favorite purveyors of high quality leather accessories and stationery.

Another English brand, Mulberry.

Reminds me of an funny incident with my DM.  My DM always said that unlike me, she didn't really care much if the bag she has is a "designer label" bag, but she did like bags that were unique and different from everyone else. She then brought out this sturdy looking bugatti- shaped bag and said to me, "See, this bag I have had for over 20 years now, bought it in London together with your dad,  and it still looks new. And it's not even a designer bag." So I took a look at the inside of the bag, and right there was a tag that said "Mulberry". I laughed so hard. Told her, "You may not like designer bags but look, your bag, without your knowing, is actually a designer bag!!!"  Mulberry was once a brand that was rather staid and conservative *hehehe Mom's bag*, but they've since updated their styles and we are now loving the Bayswater bag, especially if it's in a bright color :)

An upscale shoe store called Pinet which stocks Stuart Weitzman. They had beautiful Stuart boots, but none in my size :( 

All these boutiques *and more* are located on Bond Street (and I believe, New Bond Street).  Everything in London seems so much more expensive though (It's just 2 hours away from Paris... but everything is much priced higher!), but I still loved London. I haven't been there since 2001. But it remains the same-- it's terribly cold, rather dreary, and quite "dark" :) I can live in London because of the "terrible" weather *it's the kinda weather where fungus thrives hahaha. Oh crud, does that mean  I'm a fungus?*

x
Mrs.T

Now Serving: Laughter!

Goood morning people! Sorry I didn't get around to blog earlier-- I was asleep sooo early last night (when I got home around 4pm, I slept. Then after dinner, I slept right away), and woke up rather late today. For some odd reason, my body just succumbed to fatigue and sleep after the trip with Rea and Dexter to Fabella *I think it's my jetlag*.  Those 2 peeps worked so hard in distributing goods for NICU moms, as well as for the new moms in the wards. It was really another rewarding day, plus we got to see some really cute babies :)

Now, today's topic :) I must tell you that I kinda went crazy with my outfit a few days ago. During my last trip, I bought these argyle socks with my friend which I thought were pretty funky and hilarious (you should see the other pair I got-- Christmas colors! Red, green, and black!! Hahahaha).

I didn't think I would be wearing them here in Manila, but I actually did-- at Rockwell Power Plant Mall. (I think it's only at Rockwell Power Plant Mall that people actually get away with wearing boots ;) Hahahaha... it's winter in Rockwell almost all year round because the a/c is always so *brrrr* cold :D )

Imagine the stare I got from this prominent designer who shall not be named because he is a nice guy and is a neighbor *hahahaha* who probably thought I was crazy (ok, I was). This was not the first time he gave me that stare ;) *I wore an orange fascinator not too long ago and had passed in front of him and his friend, and I think at some point I actually forgot I was wearing a frou frou-y hairpiece as I talked to them hahahaha, hence the stare hahahaha (walking fashion victim)*.

So here's the theme of today's post. Laughter.

This post was written for you all to laugh at, and make fun of. Subject?

ME!

:)

(I tried to take a decent looking photo here. I was tempted to take a more goofy shot, but enough. I need my self- esteem too hahahahaha) *I ended up looking like a trying- hard wannabe tween fashionista hahaha*

No, I didn't wear pigtails at the time I wore this outfit *muwahahaha*. So peeps, do you think you could pull off this look and go to the mall? I know I won't be wearing these socks for awhile *unless I'm wearing jeans hahaha* What do you think of this outfit? *Yes, you can be mean and castigate me for my fashion sense (or lack thereof)*.

Would you pick my look above, or would you pick this look below? There's not much to laugh at in this photo (at least I don't think so hahaha)   except that I'm probably grossly mismatched hehehe.

Hmph, but I love the color of my new shoes. I had to make them work with the outfit *hehehe*. At the end of the day though, my feet were killing me, but then again, I don't think I'm that comfortable wearing heels anymore (I think I should start going back to wearing heels again since they will help  my plantar fasciitis).

Bottom line though, I just know I love my Promod clothes coz they're 100% comfyyyyyy :) *I was wearing a Promod pullover in the 1st photo, and Promod light corduroy pants and belt in the 2nd photo*

Have a funny Thursday, and don't forget to smile :) 2 more days before the Christmas party for the kids of the Missionaries of Charity. (Dec 12, 3pm at San Agustin Church, Father Blanco's Garden). Thanks to everyone who has offered helped!

Special Thanks to: IsabelC for donating 5k, Richwell's Liza Yao- Bate for donating 6 boxes worth of toys *by Mattel, Hotwheels, among other popular brands* as well as boxes of children's shoes, CristinaL for the 6 boxes of Polvoron candy and Chocomani, RufinaL for the kiddie umbrellas, noodles, CatS for all 330 notebooks and pencil sets! McDonald's for providing the food for the kids, Dwell Studio for donating a set of baby blanket + comforter for the auction to raise money! )

x
Mrs.T

A Luxurious Buffet at Mandarin Oriental, Manila

There are days when I just want to binge (aka eat all I can), and then there are days I just want to eat like a bird (no appetite). Quite frankly, I don't understand my appetite. But when someone mentions the word "buffet", I immediately feel that my stomach readies itself-- and the glutton in me comes out. So when I heard about this Weekend Luxury Buffet at Paseo Uno at the Mandarin Oriental, Manila, guess who was a happy camper? :)

This sumptuous Luxury buffet has just begun last December 4, but I heard that Paseo Uno's been so booked up since this began. I will tell you why-- it's because Paseo Uno is offering foie gras. Yep, that oh-so-rich-and-fattening-and-terribly-sinful-but-oh-so-irresistibly-good duck liver, served in a "live station,"

 replete with sweet accompaniments like cherry mustard (this is a perfect accompaniment), mustard fruits (I can eat these on their own too haha), mango salsa, onion marmalade (sooo goood), and balsamic vinegar.

 You know you are being served only the best foie gras because it comes from Rougie, the biggest supplier of duck liver to top restaurants and shops in France as well as to 120 countries (super big deal).

Now, I must confess. I love foie gras. If I was not dangling in cholesterol limbo, I'd have helped myself to countless servings of this sought- after delicacy. But I had to stop myself. I figured I'll start a high fiber diet from today onward just to be able to eat foie gras at Paseo Uno hebdomadally *ok that's pushing it... let's make it every other week hahahaha*.

More foie gras (which includes foie gras creme bruleé as styled by none other than renaissance man Claude Tayag of Bale Dutung *he came with his lovely wife, Mary Ann*).

I was lucky to be in great company that night, with fellow bloggers Daphne Oseña Paez, and Cecile Van Straten, as well as Yummy Magazine's editor- in- chief, and the lovely *and super fun* writers of Business World and The High Life among others :)

Now, if you are simply not a fan of foie gras, don't castigate those who love it *sheepish grin*. Instead, try the other specialties of Paseo Uno which include US Rib eye steak,

whole baked salmon, a plethora of fresh seafood (oysters, lobsters),

Grilled seafood if you're not into "cold" seafood

a tempura station,

as well as a rotation of other dishes prepared by Mandarin Oriental's Executive Chef Rene Ottlik. Here are some of my faves:

Salmon Confit

Caramelized Prawns

 

Baked Veal Loin on Mushroom Ragout

 

We had a wonderful treat that night too, with Claude doing an impromptu cookout at the Mandarin's kitchen, producing this oh-my-Gawd-goooood lechon "tapa".

 And for dessert, I had to go back for seconds just to get my fill. I am soo loving the Cinnamon Panna Cotta (the best I've tried is at Sala *Lavender panna cotta*, and I must admit, this cinnamon panna cotta is Up there too!).

They also have freshly made crepes ;)  Executive Pastry Chef Roberto Molleman definitely made some irresistible confections right there (hard to say no-- and I'm telling you this because I'm one of those people without a sweet tooth-- I'm really not that easy to convince to have sweets!)

The best thing about this Luxury buffet is its price-- it's priced at just Php 1,627++ per head (foie gras and rib eye alone cost an arm and a leg-- so this price is definitely very reasonable!). I can't wait to go back to Paseo Uno again-- hopefully I get to go back to eat with the same company once more ;)

Oh and while you're there this December, make sure to check out the hotel's live fir tree. It's massive!!  (Took a photo of the tree with my bag) And it's just so beautiful too :) I wish I had seen how they brought this tree into the hotel!

Woops, almost forgot-- to reserve at Paseo Uno at the Mandarin Oriental, please call (+632) 750-8888. Happy binge- eating ;) *hehehe it's ok to do this every so often. Don't feel so guilty hahaha*

x

Mrs.T

Farewell, "Tita" Jul...

I was just 17 or 18 years old when I would tag along with DM to see  Jul B. Dizon. Back then, they had this nice little boutique on the perimeter of Edsa Shangrila Hotel. Fast forward to today, Tita Jul Dizon has already "retired" and has since allowed her children, all very capable and extremely talented, to run the two boutiques of the Jul B. Dizon Jewellery Salon-- one inside Edsa Shangrila Hotel, and the other at the Mezzanine of The Peninsula Manila Hotel.

This afternoon, the very famous Filipina jeweller who also happens to be a wonderful woman of inspiration, style, and substance, passed away. Like many in the industry, I was shocked, and saddened.

My heart and prayers go out to the members of the Dizon family: Cedric, Janina, Candy, CJ, Lucille, Ginny...  I know how difficult it is to lose a parent, but I hope too that you can be rest assured that our dearly departed ones are now in a better place with the Lord. May God be with you all in this trying time. Your mother was really a gem, and it was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to know her and to have "worked" with her. Our deepest sympathies...

x

Mrs.T

I had her, but she slipped away...

To a dear diehard Hermes baghag reading this blog,

During that overnight stay in Paris, I saw the most incredible bag at Hermes. Au contraire, it was not a Crocodile birkin with diamonds. It was not even a purple chevre birkin or a rose shocking birkin. I have seen all those, lusted real bad for them, but alas, did not have the money to buy them  hahaha (because they were expensivo *especially the latter 2 which are just made of regular leather, at black market prices*)

But I definitely shrieked in delight when I saw *THIS* on the Hermes "floor".

I didn't think I'd see a bag like this on Hermes boutique shelves, but there it was. Unmistakably...

CYCLAMEN!!!

I had asked to see her. She was a 40cm. Quite big, but it didn't matter. It was a kelly 40cm, not a birkin 40cm (which would've been way too big-- unless you're Kimora Lee Simmons, who pulls off carrying a 40cm birkin very nicely).

She is made of epsom leather and had gold hardware, a rarity in Hermes kelly and Hermes birkin bags of late.

(In the background, were some dark colored 40cm birkins)

I had her in my hands. I knew I was going to adopt her. Even if it meant I'd be broke and have to sell my seasons- old Louis Vuitton pink satin cabas, along with my unused Chanel bag. *Big gulp* I was already doing mental calculations of how much I will need to earn to pay for this new bag. I was already thinking of selling off my wardrobe and my shoes just to have this bag. (I know, I know, all that I was willing to do, for a bag? YES!!)

Until the vendeuse serving me realized the bag was actually a preorder by another client who had waited 2 years for it. TWO YEARS. *shudders* The vendeuse was baffled that this bag was brought out onto the floor. I could see her seething (like someone on the "inside" was going to "get it" after I left).

I knew it was too good to be true! *Stomps feet* I knew it!!!! Actually, I was really surprised to find the bag on the boutique shelf because 1. the cyclamen color has been long discontinued, 2. a 40cm in cyclamen with GOLD hardware has got to be a special order. Can't be anything else.

If I had actually gone with a different sales associate, this bag would've been sold to me. I would've been the proud and broke beaming new owner of this Hermes cyclamen epsom 40cm kelly with gold hardware.

But as with many other things in life, such was a fate not written in the stars.

I had to say goodbye to this bag. She was really beautiful. I couldn't resist taking those photos of the bag as a reminder that sometimes, the good things do "slip away."

I walked away without a bag, but look closely and you'll see in that same photo what went home with me :)

My new Pepto- Bismol/ Strawberry milkshake color combined with gris tourterelle Dogon wallet. I took her home :) She'll be waiting "in the wings" for me to use her :D

*So obviously, I had to say goodbye to my other yet- unused dogon wallet (*ugh* which I had pre-ordered and waited for  a looooong time awhile back in the U.S.) that I've been saving...

Gawd I'm really such a hoarder! But oye, at least I know how to let go-- remember my rule? Always let one go when one new one comes in :D*

Ahhh, Hermes. Thank you for the cyclamen memories... I guess I'll have to try my luck at waiting for one someday... *BIG sigh* But then again,  the bag gods know I don't really need a new bag right now. I'm happy with my *cough* inventory ;)

But peeps, can I know what would you have done if you are already holding THE bag you want in your hands, and suddenly you were told that the bag can't be sold to you because it was a preorder and already belongs to someone else? Would you 1. Insist on having the bag sold to you anyway, *aka exercise your consumer rights hahahaha*  2. Return the bag to the sales associate obediently *and just drool over the bag before it gets stored for the owner* 3. Beg the sales associate to sell the bag to you because the original owner won't know the order arrived anyway?

I'd love to hear what you peeps have to say :)

P.S. Re: Christmas party, THANK YOU peeps (you know who u are) for volunteering. I shall be contacting you all sometime tomorrow. It has been a pretty hectic few days but I'm sure like everyone else, I'll get by :)  Tomorrow, we are going to Fabella to distribute goodies for the NICU moms. Hopefully this will also give me the chance to talk to the doctors there about our donor contribution (for equipment).

P.P.S. Thank you to : TishaB, DollyC, NinaC for the Christmas pressies :) I really appreciate that you remembered me this season! :)

Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion, by the way :)

x
Mrs.T

The Ultimate Baghag Chandelier

I love it! *hahahahaha*

That lone Louis Vuitton miroir speedy is ripe for the picking ;)

Thank you Peter, for sharing this photo which was taken in Taipei. This was way too cool ;) *And daaaang, that chandelier really has a LOT of LV Speedies hahaha* Did you catch who "created" this chandelier by chance?

x
Mrs.T

Christmas Party for the Children Update!!

Dear Everyone,

The last time I posted something about Alay ng Puso + a Christmas party for kids update, I was able to get some reader feedback on volunteering. I need you peeps to let Rea Harrow (Moms for Moms) and I know if you are committed to the volunteering on that day already :) Because the Christmas party is coming realllly sooon!!! And we need to get a move-on! :)

The Christmas party for MOC (5-6yo kids) will be held in San Agustin Church Grounds on Dec 12, 2009 Intramuros, at 3pm. We are expecting 335 kids. To date, we are still gathering the following for this party:

1. Food sponsors for the 335 kids (we so far have some sponsors for food, but we want to make sure we have enough for 335 kids that day)

2. Loot bags/ giveaways as well as prizes for games for the kids (we ideally want each kid to be able to bring home "loot"-- could be toys, pencil case/ notebooks, educational material, t shirts, etc)

What Rea has been tirelessly doing is gathering up contributions and donations of clothing, baby accessories etc (thank you very much RheaA. for donating diapers, JasmineCG for donating a box of clothes, MarivicL for providing party host and magician ), Rea is hoping that we can either auction  off some of the "accessories" to raise funds for the food, loot, and prizes.

If you are interested in volunteering, i.e. giving your precious time for the event, or sponsoring food or entertainment or goodies and prizes, we would only be too pleased to accept your help. At this point, any help is greatly appreciated. It's a little something we can all do to help the less fortunate this Christmas :)

 Please contact Rea (rea.gomez@gmail.com) or me (through this comments page-- leave your name and mobile number *which I will not be publishing*) so we already have a headcount of volunteers for that party. I'm going to be there, so it would be nice if we have volunteers who are willing to "hang out" with us and the kids that day :)

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! 

On another note, Rea received the new and updated list of Fabella for equipment. Here goes:

Medical Equipment requested by Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital

TOP PRIORITY
Laryngoscope Set (Olten) size 00, 0.1: 5 pcs
Nebulizer Pulmoaid (Devilbiss): 5 units
Nebulizer Kit: 10 pcs
Resuscitator Bag Neonates (Hudson)
Droplight (heavy duty, with round base)
Suction Catheter 8: 500 pcs
Endotracheal tube without cuff size 3.5: 100 pcs
Oxygen Humidifier (Aquapak)
Diapers (newborn size)

NEXT PRIORITY
Kelly Forceps: 20 pcs
Microinfusion/Syringe Pump (Ascor)
Tabletop Pulse Oximeter (Mindray PH600 with 2 probe)
Cardens valve
Nasal prong for infant
Ampule cutter
CPAP bottles
Thoracostomy bottles (3-way): 4 sets

We have originally settled on getting 2 infusion pumps + some other equipment like heat lamps and drop lights for the hospital (and then Ondoy came). Anyway, just an update here, we still have a  balance of Php 339,100 (there's a little interest already on this, so I need to double check also with the bank on the rate that was given, less tax). Donors, this is also something I want to ask you . The micro infusion syringe pump  indicated on this new list (on the "next priority" section) costs Php 300,000 for ONE, according to one of the medical supply companies that sent Rea the quote. This is a micro- infusion pump, not to be mistaken with the ordinary infusion pump which we had asked and was quoted for Php 170k (if I'm not mistaken). Now, the other thing I'm thinking of is to get the Nebulizer Pulmoaid (Devilbiss). I have no idea how much that costs, and I will be asking Rea to check as well. Another equipment I singled out is the Oxygen humidifier (Aquapak).  If you peeps also know of any Medical equipment supply company and can give us quotes for the above- mentioned equipment, it would be extremely helpful to Rea and to me. Your feedback here is important. I'd like to know what you think about what equipment we should get. It's almost Christmastime! (Eeks it has been THIS long!!) Need to get a move on :(

So peeps, don't forget to send Rea an email, or leave a comment on my comments page if you are interested in helping out in any way for the upcoming Christmas party which is less than a week away! I hope we can all do this together :)

x
Mrs.T