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!

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

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

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

Orzo 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.

Chicken 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.

Sisters Noelle and Nicole.

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

Burrata (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.

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

Noelle, Nicole and Meryll enjoying the good food.

Vegan 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).