If I had a time machine, I would definitely go back to April 28, 2018. On a bright Sunday afternoon, we had double birthday celebrations for my daughter and husband. She turned seven and he, 50. It took months of meticulous preparations to hold such an event. Everything from the invitation, the venue, the food, and the giveaways had to be perfect.

I’ve hosted many parties before. Some small, others quite grand. It gave me much joy to plan even the most minute and seemingly insignificant detail. Oh and how I took the themes to heart! When my boy turned seven, he had an Iron Man-themed kiddie party. Our visitors just marveled at the light-up busts of Ironman which were used as table centerpieces. And when my daughter was born a day after the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (now Duchess of York), she just had to have a royal-themed baptism! The lilac English pram decors and 3D crown cupcakes adorned with edible pearls and sprayed with silver dust were truly unforgettable.

For the dual occasions, it was my daughter who decided on the theme. She wanted a fashion show in Paris. (My husband had no inkling that we were going to fete him, as well. We kept it a surprise until the day itself.) With the help of my trusted party coordinator Valerie Sycip of Do Me a Favor, we were able to transform the Grand Ballroom of Bellevue Hotel into a Parisian setting. Imagine a tea party at Champs de Mars with a view of the Eiffel Tower – only ours was pink! A running fountain with giant letters which spelled ROCIO surrounding it was also placed on the stage. It served as the backdrop of Rocio’s Runway.

We had a mini salon set-up by Etude House where the girls had their make-up and hair done. Nearby was a nail lounge. Early guests had their pictures taken by the doughnut wall or posed on the chaise in the photobooth.

What makes an occasion truly special, at least for us, is that we take part in the entertainment. My daughter sang “The Journey” by Leah Salonga, and accompanied by a live band, had a mash-up number (Coldplay/Maroon 5) with her dad and older brother Miguel. For the fashion show, I hired choreographer Joy Cancio, to handle Rocio and 18 of her friends. The whole family even got to dance briefly with them in one number.

Four short films were also shown on the giant LED screen. Some brought laughter and smiles while one which documented the life and times of Mr. Fermin made others teary-eyed—including my husband. Hearing our boy Miguel talk about how proud he was to be his father’s son made him quite emotional.

At this point, I think I’ve gotten the art of party planning down pat. Dedicating a day to making a person feel special is my unique way of showing each family member how much they mean to me. It is the time and effort that I spend in creating special moments that is my true gift to my husband and the children. I know that they will remember that for always.

In a few days, I will be celebrating my own birthday. If it was a normal year, I’m sure my family would also be preparing something special. Who knows? Maybe they still are. My wish is for the whole family to remain in good health until this crisis is over. And that goes for all the families in the world. Hope is on its way. Every single day that we are safe is a priceless gift. Until then, I am simply grateful to add another candle to my cake.

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