45th Family Day (Dec 18)

It took me while before I could find time to upload this album. As always, I've been so busy making cakes after work while trying to complete my Christmas shopping in between. I just realized I had been working ten straight days over the holidays. Yes, believe it or not, I had to work an 8-hour shift on Christmas day. Thank God I'm still breathing.

Few good reasons why I love this album.

...I was half the time behind the camera than in front of it, which is quite unusual for me. Well, for a change, I wanted to try if I have an eye for photography. Exciting experience it was, I should say. You'll be the judge if I should pursue it or not.

...I have witnessed how a new friendship blossomed between Inay Juling and Ina Letty. There was like an unknown force of nature that pulled them together to be as close as they are. It all started in a casual conversation and the rest is just magic. Now they've found a "kumare" in each other.

...Although this happened a week before Christmas and though it's bit late now, I could still recall how joyful we were that day. We shared a unique set of food for dinner, with pritong tuyo and talong, and pinakbet. Don't we all miss these simple dishes back home?

...Lightroom has been helping me enhance my photos since a friend told me about it. Up to now I'm still learning how to use some of its features. I just know a few tricks that I always apply and somehow it never fails me.

...Most of all, the whole idea of having this Family Day has evolved into not just an ordinary get-together but to a more meaningful sense of closeness between families. It has opened doors to greater understanding, sharing and compassion.

For that, Sundays won't be the same without Family Day. 

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/2011%20Family%20Days/45th%20Family%20Day%202011/

Project: Round gift box themed cake with bows in vibrant colors

I made this cake as a Christmas present for our friends, our "kumpare and kumare", Brian and Anne Liwanag.  For the longest time, Brian has been asking my husband how much do I normally charge for my cakes.  I presumed he wanted to order to try it out but never really did have the chance to do so.  

They say Christmas is the time for giving.  I say, there's no better time to grant someone's wish than now.  A simple act of giving gives a deeper meaning of what Christmas is all about.  

Anekh brought the cake over to their place on Saturday morning, the 24th.  I wasn't able to come with him because I was working.  To know how completely surprised and happy the couple was when they accepted the gift gave me a pleasant smile that could last a whole day.

Project: Round gift box themed cake

For my Indian friend and co-worker at the Dome.  He wanted to try how good my cakes really are.  I mean no joke by that.  That's what he said to me when I asked what sort of theme/design he'd like to have.  A simple cake was all he asked for, may not necessarily be well decorated and preferably small.

This was actually made before Christmas, on the same date as the square themed, but had been unable to write a post on time.  While everyone else is still enjoying their long break from work, I have been working since Wednesday.  I didn't even get to enjoy Christmas Day.  That's how terribly sad working in hospitality could get.  Anyway, why am I even talking about that here? 

On the Friday morning, my friend together with his wife, came to pick up the cake.  It was also their first time to check out our new place.

Project: Square gift box themed cake

The cake looks typical on the outside but what's inside it is something I never thought could be possible.  Any idea why that Ferrero sits on top of the cake?  

The answer is... Because cake was made with tiny bits of Ferrero Rocher chocolate as requested especially by the client.  She wanted a chocolate cake incorporated with crushed Ferrero balls.  When she first told me about it, I was like "How am I meant to do that?"  Then eventually figured out myself how it should be done. 

I thought it would be as simple as I thought it would be to make the cake, but I was wrong.  Well, it wasn't really a failure in a major way.  It just didn't rise properly.  The other cakes I normally bake come out light and airy, but this one looked a bit compact and fudgy.  I supposed there was nothing wrong with the procedure.  It could have been caused by the addition of Ferreros into the mixture, I concluded.  Instead of being stressing out over the poor outcome, I thought of baking another set of cake, original recipe.  Anyway, the cakes will be covered with fondant so I could just assemble them alternately, one on top of another.  And the idea worked just how I wanted it.

Trish is the  Canadian girl from work who asked me to make this cake.  A few days ago, she quit the job because she's moving to Melbourne.  Before leaving for good, she wanted to give this cake to the person who gave her a home while in Albany.  To whom the words "Thank You" were for.  

It's such an overwhelming feeling how a simple cake that I made can touch another person's life.  Trish was very grateful because I've done her a very big favor for doing the cake.  Consequently, she'll make someone else happy too.  This is one of the best things in life that no amount of money can buy, sheer happiness.  

44th Family Day (Dec 11)

Another Sunday that had something to celebrate about -- Inay Juling just got back from the Philippines and she'll be here to stay for one whole year. Isn't that good news?

The joy of being able to participate once again on this every Sunday gathering with us was very evident in her smile.  We could see how happy she was to be reunited with her family, especially with Charmelle.  Although she had only been away for only two months, it still seemed so long.  She said she missed us all.  And we missed her more.  

Upon learning that we've moved in next door to theirs, she was even more elated.

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/2011%20Family%20Days/44th%20Family%20Day/

Albany Filipino Community Christmas Party (Dec 10)

Annual gathering of Filipino-Aussie families to celebrate the forthcoming yuletide season.

I honestly never planned to go, although I knew this was being planned as early as November.  Our Kumare Jeraldine is one of the officers and she relays whatever events or projects the organization is working on.  I even got an invitation to render a song number for the said party but I refused. I don't have what it takes to perform in public.

On the night of the party, my other Kumare, Mhine asked me to come with her because her husband didn't want to go. Hubby allowed me so we went on our own. Been in Albany for four Christmases but this was the first time ever that I actually attended their party.

It was fun being around with fellow Filipinos and friends; see familiar faces that I often just threw a timid smile or nod at. The whole experience was new to me. I enjoyed seeing different people coming together like one big family. 

Being a part of it for the first time has given me a memorable experience I could look forward to every year.

Click link for photos:   http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Albany%20Fil%20Community%20Christmas%20Party/

Project: Princess castle cake

princess castle cake

The client who ordered this is a Filipina who liked the cake that I made for Charmelle's birthday; the husband also liked the chocolate filling. 

I've never done a castle cake before but somehow I have an idea how it looks like.  I see a lot of similar castle cake designs by Cheryl Shuen, a famous pastry chef in Singapore, that are so beautiful and simply amazing.  Makes me dream that one day I'd be able to create my own humble version.  

When this order came up, I was half excited yet half apprehensive to accept it.  Excited because it would help me fulfill my dream.  On the other hand, a little bit daunted because I wasn't 100% confident if I could give it my best shot.  But as soon as I said yes, all my fears have to be set aside.

I tried to look for instructional videos on youtube to give me a better idea of how it's done.  So far I was able to apply everything that I've learned to make this project even more creative.

Dinner with Joel and Mila (December 13)

We were invited by Mila to have dinner at their place on Wednesday evening for a simple celebration of their first wedding anniversary.  Aside from us, she also invited our ex-housemates Bunso and family.  

The rich aroma of grilled bangus and kaldereta filled the room as we entered the house. There was so much food laid before us on the dining table.  She said she started cooking as early as 1PM and finished everything up before Joel got home at 4PM.  Gosh, how could she managed to cook all those food in two hours?

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Dinner%20with%20Garcias/

43rd Family Day (Dec 4)

A special and memorable Sunday as it was our first time to host Family Day in our own place. Yay!

We were just so excited to finally get settled after a week of clearing out all the clutter.  It feels so much better having our own space.  Hubby and I worked together to organize our stuff.  Mostly, he took charge of the furnitures and I, on the other hand, had to organize some bric-a-bracs.  In two days, we were able to complete the whole task.

Moving in to a new setting, it won't be any more surprising if we do another set of photo shoot. We've done it even before we have officially moved in... I'm talking about the previous Sunday where we had photos taken at the garden, (while keys haven't been handed over to us).  Anyway, we have all the rights now.

Click link for photos:   http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/2011%20Family%20Days/43rd%20Family%20Day/

Dome Christmas Party (December 5)

I've been working at the Dome for almost three years now; on December 21st to be specific.  To be very honest, I still can't believe how I have managed to survive working in hospitality when I have no employment background in this line of work.  It was all a new experience to me.  To make things worst, the culture and accent barrier gave me a hard time to cope up.  But, through the help of people and friends that I've met and worked with, the burden seemed less heavy to bear.  Now, I can proudly say that I am not as scared as I was before during my first few months.  Thanks to my Dome family for helping me step out.

Dome has always had Christmas party every year but this is the very first time that I actually decided to attend.  After all the invitations and persuading that I got from my managers and co-workers, I finally said yes.  But still, hubby didn't want to come.  

Dinner was held at Joop Thai.  

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Dome%20Christmas%20party%202011/

Busy Tuesday in the kitchen

This is probably one of the busiest days I've ever had in the kitchen.  I've been up since six in the morning to finish decorating two cake orders for pick up at two.  Simultaneously I was baking two sets of cake for another cake order due at four, while doing my loads of washings in between.  Never realized I could be a superwoman when the need arises.

Project One:  The client ordered two cakes with the same design for an organization called Freemason.  Didn't actually have the chance to get as much information about what the organization does but I learned from their site that they provide quality accommodation and care for Masonic members and their families as well as members of the broader community.

This photo cut-outs were given to me by the client to serve as my guide.  I had to honestly tell her that I might not be able do some details as precise as how they appear on the photos. 

Cake design

Logo details

Now here's my version.  Glad I was able to finish these on time and really thankful that everything went smooth and under control.  I'm saying this because sometimes it's so ironic that when you want so much to finish a particular task, something beyond your control happens.  Thank God today has been one of my luckiest days on earth. 

First of all, I haven't gotten myself a bigger square baking pan yet so I had to use my Pyrex rectangular dish.  I tried to make them square, but I would have needed extra cake to get the right shape.  As much as I wanted to fix it, time was my major concern.  Secondly, the sample photo required silver beads which I haven't used in any of my projects before so I decided to make it in gray instead.  Lastly, the blue coloring failed me once again.  It has always given me the same problem that I keep trying to correct myself.  But I guess at this point, I can say that there's nothing I can do about it.  Might have to look for quality colorings online.

Project Two: Tiffany Box cake

Tiffany box cake

I've always wanted to do this design.  It looks simple yet very classy and elegant.  So, when Rhianna asked me if I could make one for her birthday I got so thrilled.

Today, when I was in the process of decorating it a realization struck me - never underestimate a simple design.  Oftentimes, I spent long hours on projects that looked easy at first glance but once I start working on them, they give me a hard time.  This is project is one perfect example of that. 

What's with the square-shaped cake that I can't seem to cover it all up smooth and seamless?  Help!

Project: Booty Cake

One cake order after the other made my weekend busy once again.

Thursday night, after I've finished dressing up the polo shirt cake that was scheduled for pick up the next day, an instant message from Marlyn popped up on my Facebook page.  "Pwede b k hmbol pra s sunday?kc knina lang ngsabi yong friend k n magcelebrate sla".  Normally I require a minimum of three days to complete one project, of course depending on the intricacy of design.  She only wanted one-tier cake that would look a bit naughty and funny for two ladies having a double birthday celebration on Sunday.  

I said yes to her.  I wouldn't have if I knew I won't be able to meet the deadline.   

So right after we ended our conversation, though it was nearly 10PM, I had to hurriedly prepare my ingredients to bake at least the cake base. I've just finished sifting all the dry ingredients when I found out there was no more milk left in the fridge. Lucky I haven't started pouring the other liquid ingredients yet. Where on earth could I get milk at this time of the night? I gave up. Probably best to set it aside for the next day.

The following day, my cake was finally done. I just used one cake recipe for all three pans. That should be enough for the size she wanted.

It kinda looked like a boobies cake, at first glance. So I added more buttercream in between the bums yet was still unable to achieve the right figure.  When I placed the bikini fondant on, it changed the whole picture that I thought I would fail to get.  My first attempt wasn't that bad after all.  

Project: Polo shirt cake

polo shirt cake in blue and green

Second cake order from Charice, after the boobies cake a couple of months ago.  This time it was for a male friend's birthday.  She didn't ask for any specific design or theme instead she just let me use my creative ideas.

Among the many suggestions I've seen from the web, this was the only one that looked easy to make.  I've done a tuxedo cake before which gave me quite a hard time.  As compared to that, this one only took me about two hours to finish everything up, including the letter cut-outs.  Another reason why I chose this was the fact that generally men love to wear polo shirt.  I didn't want to make a wild guess on what he loves to do, so this was just a safe idea.

Glad that Charice did like it.  She even gave us a bag of "lechon" when her son handed over the payment.  

42nd Family Day and Winnie's Birthday (Nov 27)

Another two-in-one celebration.  First, it fell on a Sunday, therefore it was our 42nd Family Day for the current year. Second, dinner celebration of Winnie's birthday.

It felt somewhat weird to be a guest in the house we used to live in for 18 months.  A couple of days ago since we finally moved all our stuff out to transfer to a new place.  That house holds both sad and happy moments.  It's hard to leave with a heavy heart, knowing that the other party would have wanted to us to stay.  This has to be one of the major decisions we ever made.  One way, or the other, I know this was a good move for all of us.  But, of course, Winnie and Bunso were very pleased to have us join them along with their other friends on this special celebration.

Dinner was so filling. Everyone had a taste of every single food on the table. To name a few, they've got adobo, palabok, cassava cake, pansit, lasagna, ice cream cake and more.

Reaching home, I managed to have a few snap shots of me and our cozy home.  

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/2011%20Family%20Days/42nd%20Family%20Day%20and%20Winnie%20Birthday/

40th Family Day (Nov 13)

As compared to last week's, this album obviously contains more photos in it.  Jimboy and Michelle were present here. Whenever they are around, the atmosphere feels somehow livelier and whackier. But, Charmelle stays on top as the little entertainer who never fails to amuse us in her own small ways. She is simply adorable. I can't believe how quickly she continues to grow by the week. It's like every Sunday that we get to see her, she learns something new. She can dance, sing and knows how to pose for the camera.

I reckon this every Sunday affair also highlights Charmelle's development, from being a baby who was just learning how to walk back then, to now a smart and bubbly little girl. Your ninong and ninang are so proud of you.

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/2011%20Family%20Days/40th%20Family%20Day/