Baby Shower for Nicole’s 2nd

It’s baby number two for my good friend Nicole Hernandez-de los Angeles! We planned a little party for her at The Wholesome Table, and as always, it was loads of fun catching up with these ladies. Nicole and I have been friends since I started modelling in 2001 (she started waaaaay before me–she was 13 years old when she did her first commercial!). We met through a model search (by the now defunct Teen Magazine Philippines) where we were both finalists for this contest (you can read about it HERE). Soon after, we found out we both lived in Alabang and studied in De La Salle University, so I ended up carpooling with her in the mornings when we had the same schedule. And we’ve been friends ever since! We’ve seen each other through engagements, weddings and babies (a second for her)! Exciting times.

We had to arrange this lunch for her right away (Nicole is already on her ninth month and is ready to pop anytime). Good thing Mothercare came to our rescue!!! Seriously, they were so amazing–they set up Nicole’s baby registry, which made it sooooo easy for us to get her the gifts she needs. On top of that, they gave Nicole the BEST GIFTS, like essential things she would use from the hospital palang! And they provided everyone with Mothercare giveaways and super yummy macarons from PAUL (they were exceptional, I didn’t want to share hahaha)! It was the easiest baby shower we’ve ever planned, all we had to do was show up! THANK YOU, Mothercare (special thanks to Niko and Mariel for making this happen, and of course, to Ben Chan for being so generous)!!! Also thank you to The Wholesome Table for accommodating our little party!

IMG_8312It’s another boy! What a blessing for Nicole! <3

IMG_8307Meryll and Banks helped set up these balloons and party hats.

IMG_8313Party of five: Noelle, Nicole, Meryll, Banks and I.

IMG_8320Orzo Salad (P450). Made with grape tomatoes, capers, fresh basil, mint, feta cheese, dried cranberries, arugula and tossed in red wine vinaigrette. The orzo was a little bland, but all the other ingredients added flavor to the salad. Pretty good.

IMG_8319Chicken Dukkah Salad (P420). A hearty salad made with dukkah-coated grilled chicken, roasted squash, tomatoes, sliced red onions, cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese and sunflower seeds drizzled with balsamic vinegar. The smell of the dukkah was a little overpowering for me, but otherwise this was a very tasty salad.

IMG_8329Sisters Noelle and Nicole.

 IMG_8324Organic Mushroom Fritters (P320). Mozarella-stuffed button mushrooms wrapped in homemade Italian sausage, breaded and crisp-fried and served with a fresh cherry tomato passato.

IMG_8330Burrata (P270). Yummy burrata cheese topped with grape tomatoes, fresh basil and drizzled with balsamic reduction. I love cheese, so this was a winner for me.

IMG_8336The Barcelona Pizza (P690). Spanish-inspired pizza with tomato sauce, turkey chorizo, shiitake mushrooms, roasted garlic, fresh mozzarella and Grana Padano.

IMG_8341Noelle, Nicole and Meryll enjoying the good food.

IMG_8333Vegan Cheese (P220). Homemade tofu “ricotta” cheese, topped with sweet onion jam. This was surprisingly good! A delicious alternative to cheese (for those who are vegan / lactose-intolerant).

IMG_8338Eggplant Parmigiana (P350). Layers of eggplant, tomatoes, mozzarella and tofu bits in a rich tomato sauce and served with garlic bread.

 IMG_8355Nicole starts opening her gifts.

IMG_8359This one’s from me–an outfit for her little one! Adorable ‘I Love You Mummy’ onesies, little shoes and knit hats.

IMG_8367These are from Meryll: colorful toys and a bib! 

IMG_8360Banks gave these. Cute striped t-shirts and a Sophie the Giraffe teether.

IMG_8363That is one cute giraffe! Haha, is it wrong that I kind of want one for myself?

IMG_8372Baby essentials from Mothercare.

IMG_8369More gifts from Mothercare!!!

IMG_8380Stuffed and happy.

IMG_8378We each got Mothercare giveaways! Yay!

IMG_8318Can I just say there are amazing macarons from PAUL. My favorites are the coconut, raspberry and caramel. These made such great gifts!

            IMG_8385IMG_8383Love the quaint, homey interiors at The Wholesome Table.

 IMG_8390We can’t wait to meet your little bundle of joy, Nicole! Love you! <3

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