Saturday, March 10, 2007 Berry happy birthday By Janette Teves Mom about town
THESE days, I could not help but feel nostalgic whenever I watch cartoon shows on cable TV. Making a grand comeback are old 80's favorites like My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite, Gummy Bears and the more popular-than-ever Strawberry Shortcake.
Let's start from the berry beginning; Strawberry Shortcake is a strawberry-scented female doll made by American Greetings in 1977.
The Strawberry Shortcake line of characters each had its own fruity or dessert-themed name with clothing to match, and a dessert or fruit-named pet.
Like the Strawberry Shortcake doll, all the other characters' dolls had their hair scented to match their dessert theme. The characters lived and played in a magical world known as Strawberryland.
During the 1980's, Strawberry Shortcake became a huge sensation. At that time, there were various products such as sticker albums, clothes, videogame for the Atari 2600, and other merchandise.
In 2002, the franchise was revived with a revamped look done by a different designer. Also, a television series with new DVD, VCD and VHS releases were made, along with many strong licensing deals for the dolls and toys as well as production of the TV series, video games, and educational CD-ROMs.
A berry happy birthday
Eliana Zoe Patiño-Ong came into her parents' lives after a much-awaited 6 years. "She is our miracle baby," says proud mom Vanessa or Bangbang.
Bangbang grew up adoring Strawberry Shortcake as a child in the 80's. So, when she began brainstorming for her precious daughter's first birthday party, she knew that this famous character would make a berry enjoyable theme.
Being a stickler for details, Bangbang and husband Randall ensured that the theme was carefully carried out during the entire party.
The unique birthday invitation was contained in a dainty woven basket for "Berry picking at Strawberryland." "I started doing the invitations as early as December. I wanted to be the one to braid the ribbons and spray-paint the baskets," shares the hands-on mom.
Bangbang included Strawberry Shortcake's friends like Angel Cake, Gingersnap, Orange Blossom, Huckleberry Pie, Frosty Puff, Blueberry Muffin, her sister Apple Dumplin' and pets Custard and Pupcake in her party's concept.
"I wanted to give the theme a twist and make it something new, not just Strawberry Shortcake," she reveals.
Welcome to Strawberryland!
Guests were in awe as they entered Marco Polo Davao's ballroom last February 19. Colorful Strawberry Shortcake and flower balloon arrangements filled the whole venue. The decorations and coordination were superbly done by in-demand party organizer Annie Paz-Lim.
Excited kids felt they were in Strawberryland as they hopped from one character booth to another using the printed Strawberry Shortcake and friends' coupons at the entrance.
There were delicious Aparche Chicago-style caramel apples from Apple Dumplin's Orchard booth; yummy Basti's Brew choco chip cookies and blueberry muffins from Gingersnap's Cookie Corner and Blueberry Valley booth; refreshing All That Juice fruit juice from Orange Blossom's Acres booth; mouth-watering Allegro ice cream from Frosty Puff's Niceland; crunchy Popperoo popcorn from the Honeypie Pastures booth; and Angel Cake's Cake Walk for the three-dimensional fondant birthday cake made by Booboo Carandang-Maramba of Natalie's Cakes.
Aside from these booths, there were also coupons for Picture Me, Imagine Studio's photo corner with instant Strawberry Shortcake-decorated photos as well as Shoot That Ball and Dart A Balloon with Strawberry Shortcake puzzles, purses, pencil cases, pillows, stuffed toys, towels, etc. as prizes.
A wide-screen TV featured Strawberry Shortcake cartoons on one side of the ballroom. Likewise, a projector screen flashed baby Zoe's delightful photos from the time she was born. The lively background music played during the party was from the hit series as well.
Party favors consisted of Strawberry Shortcake shoulder bags for the girls and water bottles for the boys filled with tasty treats like fruit-flavored candies.
In addition, there were thrilling games for the energetic young guests; a spectacular magic show by top party and TV host James Infiesto; and a clown who made colorful balloon hats for the children.
Berry satisfied
"I loved everything about the party because it was all I dreamt it would be. Most importantly, Zoe enjoyed playing with her friends", Bangbang discloses. "Also, the presence of special guests like Angkong (Grandpa) Rudy and Amah (Grandma) Janice made the celebration even more meaningful," she adds.
"Seeing how the kids had so much fun made all the hard work worth it!" (Got any interesting summer activity ideas for kids? I would love to hear from you! You may e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com).
