Vince and Nina Corpuz-Rodriguez throws son his first birthday party

When a majority of her friends and relatives heard she had a simple first birthday celebration planned out for her son Luke, they all offered to help. “We didn’t plan on having a birthday party like the usual big first birthday celebrations. Daddy Vince was in the hospital for a week right before Luke’s birthday. We were just happy to be all together and blow Luke’s cake at home,” says Mom Nina Corpuz-Rodriguez. She had a handful to think about, and had little time to plan.

Friends all chimed in to help, even the venue was offered last minute. “So before we knew it, the party was on and we only had less than two weeks to plan!” And so, the stars have aligned, Luke Vincent Corpuz Rodriguez will have his birthday party.

Nina was quick to come up with a theme and list of things she needed to make this a fun party. Through her social media posts, Nina would fondly share that her son Luke looks like Tin Tin (from the popular Belgian

cartoon). “It all starts with the theme. It’s easier to go from there in terms of styling, colors, activities and food. Plan ahead. It’s easier to look for inspiration and pegs now because of the internet. It’s also nice to add a personal touch. For us, it’s our homemade rum cakes and ensaimadas that our Nana Maryann @maryannskitchen bakes. Sometimes I would add our favorites from Ilocos—where I’m from—wood fired meringue, garlic cornicks, or tupig (pugon baked rice cake).”

In addition to all these personal touches, Nina still needed help. She was able to get in touch with suppliers to fulfill her dream birthday party: food by @fireside_ph, @kittin_food_ dessert for the cake, cupcakes from @bethaydreamcakesph, and sugar cookies from @classicconfectionsph. The kids had fun at The Party Project area. Janna Pablo of @ pabyscreatesevents put together the whole party look. “The party styling is also important because I enjoy looking at the decorations. It might sound superficial but seeing your theme come alive is satisfying, and they look great in pictures!”

Nina fondly looks at all the photos and she is more than satisfied with how everything panned out. “Now that he is one, we just want him to continue to explore and enjoy everything around him. Every parent wants their baby to be safe and sound, happy and healthy. Those are the things that matter.”

The Rodriguez Family. Stella, Emily, Mommy Niña, Daddy Vince and Luke.

Luke was so excited to blow his 1st birthday candle!

Niña Corpuz with son Luke dressed as Tin Tin in The Adventures of Tin Tin.

Atty. Nestor Corpuz, Atty. Consuelo Corpuz, Stella Rodriguez, Naomi Corpuz, Daddy Vince, Luke, Mommy Niña, Mary Ann Rodriguez.

Loralee, Angelica and Louelle Soong with baby Alexa, Mommy Niña and baby Luke, Maureen Soong.

Lucy Segismundo, Becca Veloso, Gigi Rodriguez, Dilo Rodriguez, Josie Soriano.

Atty. Consuelo Corpuz, Dr. Luisa Puyat, Niña Corpuz, Luke, Lala Dinglasan and Cecille Perez.

Luke met cousin Alexa who is based in the US for the first time, with dads Vince Rodriguez and Macky Cortes.

Luke’s 3-tiered Adventures of Tin Tin birthday cake by Kittin Food and Desserts.

Billie and H Reyes, Vince, Luke, Niña, Mona, Emma and Martin Qua.

Janna Pablo of Pabys Creates adorned the venue with organic balloons inspired by the comic book, Adventures of Tin Tin.

Pretty cake pops from Kittin Food and Desserts.

Tin Tin and Snowy sugar cookies from Classic Confections.