pirouette

Pirouette is one of the most famous ballet movements wherein the dancer spins around on demi-pointe on one leg. The other leg can be in various different positions.

Pirouette was the title of the cultural show we watched last night with my five-year-old grandkid at the Luce auditorium. It was actually my granddaughter's debut as an audience of a cultural show which she really enjoyed.

It was an evening of enchantment. The costumes were superb, the background of the stage was classy, the choreography fresh, and the dancers were well trained.

Clean, with no clutter and with soft colors coming from the costumes, lights, and backdrop, I should say were were, during the entire presentation mesmerized.

I've never watched a ballet show for many years and last night's experience told me that I should watch more.

Ballet wasn't the only fare we had last night. There were contemporary renditions of our native dances, some jazz, and hip-hop numbers. This is actually an annual presentation of the MEV Dance Studio located in Dumaguete City, Philippines.

When the show was over, guess what my five-year-old company said. "I loved it!"

planning a shoestring wedding

With high cost of living, having a grand wedding could be the farthest thing that will cross the minds of those who plan to tie the knot. A dream wedding could amount to millions if the couple has that much money to waste for a single moment of blessedness. It is all worth it, we know that, but to splurge one's many years of savings on a wedding may not be a very good way to start a new life together.

Who says that only the moneyed have the right to marry? Planning an inexpensive wedding may be the wisest decision that a couple can do for starters. What are the ways in which a couple can have a dream wedding on a budget? Is that possible? Of course if you allow ample time for the planning and preparation to happen on a slow but sure manner. Preparation should be done at least six months before the date and by this time invitations should have been finalized and printed.

If the budget is very limited, then it is not wise to hire a wedding planner. You can plan your own wedding with the help of close friends and family. Here are the things you need to consider in planning your own wedding:

1. number of guests (hiring a caterer may be more expensive but it takes off a lot of the headaches that come while preparing for the reception; if possible, contact a caterer that gives the best offer----remember, the caterer does not only prepare the food but also does the table setting as part of the package and may even provide the venue)

2. wedding dress (borrow, rent, buy, have it made----which is the least expensive?)

3. wedding attire for the bridal entourage (borrow, rent, have them made----of course the last one is always the most expensive---if you get your own relatives and friends they might even volunteer to pay for their own gowns)

4. Cake (find out if the caterer can make this as part of the package)

5.transportation (rent or borrow?)

6. invitations (can be personally done if you have a computer and printer---start making six months before)

7. venue (if the caterer cannot provide this, you can have this at your own house or a relative's house)

8.emcee (a friend or relative will do)

9. entertainment (singers, live band----friends, members of your church's choir, family)

10. church (of course, you need to arrange your schedule here long before to avoid conflict)

11. wedding favors (can be handmade, you can buy the raw materials cheap--start making them several months before)

There are countless of other details like the rings, bouquet, garter, wine etc. that had been missed out. Be sure to make a list of these and assign two or three people to take charge of them. With that said, you're on your way to a shoestring wedding.

liven up the party with finger puppets

Utilize your creativity, liven up your kid's birthday party with finger puppets. You could make-do with used clothing and other scrap materials at home and use them as give-aways, prizes, or a game/contest in which you provide the materials so kids will get busy making their own finger puppets and win fabulous prizes.

b'day party at school!

Schools have different policies regarding the celebration of birthday parties. I know of one school that discourages the holding of birthday parties anywhere on campus. This is to avoid discriminating those who do not have the resources to host a birthday party.

Having the party at school may prove to be more economical for you only prepare for the number of classmates your kid has. You may order the food from any food outlets or you may prepare the food yourself which does not need to be that lavish. Here's a list of food kids will surely appreciate at parties:

1. spaghetti (may be messy but kids love this)

2. chicken joy

3. steak

4. hotdogs on sticks

5. cakes, candies

6. tocino on sticks

7. colored sandwiches

Question: Is there a need to prepare invitation cards if the party is to be held in school? Of course, simple handmade cards will do or if you have some extra, you can buy them by the dozen at any department store.

courtesy words to be used at special occasions

When we attend formal gatherings we are expected to be at our very best in clothes, words and deed. Earlier, we have gone through some of the things to do and avoid while at such gatherings. My dear boys and girls, when at parties where adults are also invited, make sure that you avoid talking loudly or shouting. When you have a message to tell a friend across the hall, go up to him or her and not shout out the message. That's a no-no. This also holds true about laughing. It is rude to laugh loudly while at a gatheing. Show your breeding while maintaining conversation with friends or other guests. Greet everyone with a smile and use the following words or expressions that exhibit good manners.

Good evening, ma'am/sir. (to those older than you) Otherwise, just say "Good evening" to everyone.

Thank you. (after a favor has been done to you like being served something)

Please. (when asked if you want something and you want to say yes)

Excuse me. (when you want to call the attention of someone )

You're welcome or It's a pleasure. (when someone says "Thank you" because you've done her or him a favor)

I am sorry. (when you have wronged someone like when you step on someone's shoes)

May I.......Could you please.........(in asking for favor)