Tipid Mommy Hacks: My Son’s Budget-Friendly 1st Birthday at La Mesa Eco Park 🎉🌳

I’ve always loved attending children’s parties. And when it was finally time to plan my son’s first birthday, I told myself: “Go big, but stay tipid.” I wanted to get my dream food booths, let the kids play outdoors instead of inside a mall, and give my relatives a taste of what park play feels like — just like the kids abroad.

The best part? We didn’t have to fly anywhere. We found the perfect spot right here in Quezon City: La Mesa Eco Park.
✅ Fresh air
✅ Green scenery
✅ Wide space for kids to run and play
✅ Plus, a new pickleball court for my sporty adult guests

Almost all my suppliers came from Facebook Marketplace — mas mura, mas approachable, and honestly, just as good (if not better!) than the IG-famous ones. Here’s how it all came together.

📊 Budget Breakdown + Mommy Notes

🍟 Potato Corner – 100 cups (₱8,999)

What a steal! Honestly, Potato Corner is a must for every Filipino party. Kids, titos, titas — lahat may favorite flavor. Ubos agad, no regrets.

🍣 Japanese Catering by Tako Bar Manila – 150 packs (₱84,000)

I originally wanted a sushi bar, but that was way overbudget. So I went with Tako Bar Manila, and it was perfect. Their package included picnic tables and styling (added value for the event’s look) plus a complimentary takoyaki station. Crowd favorite talaga!

☕ Kape-Kapihan – 120 cups Cold Brew (₱9,500)

For the puyat parents and lolos/lolas — lifesaver! The iced coffee was a hit and disappeared quickly. Sulit for less than ₱10k.

🏰 Tammy Inflatable with Falling Stick (₱8,500)

Affordable entertainment for the kids. The falling stick was the star — kept them busy and happy for hours.

🍨 Rachel’s Sherbet – 150 cups (₱7,600)

I’ve been a fan since my Sidcor Sunday Market days, so I just had to have it at the party. Light, refreshing, not too sweet — perfect pang-dessert without the sugar overload. Nostalgic and sulit.

🍕 Pizza Station (₱11,000)

Ideal for teens and titos who didn’t want rice meals. Quick, easy, and everyone grabbed a slice.

🎁 Personalized Tumbler Lootbags (₱3,800)

I didn’t want to give sweets. Instead, I gave out personalized tumblers — eco-friendly, practical, and something guests can actually use after the party.

📸 Photoman – 2 hours (₱5,000)

I hate photobooths in parties — pilit yung pila and same backdrop shots. So I hired a walking photoman. He captured candid moments and printed photos instantly. Guests went home with real, happy memories.

🎤 Miss Rachel – Party Host  with 30 minute bubble show (₱9,000)

Worth it! She had the perfect energy for kids and adults — engaging but not corny. A good host really makes the program flow.

🎈 Balloon Stylist + Banderitas (₱5,700) via Kler Arts Baloons

Skipped the ₱20k balloon  Ceiling Treatment and went for banderitas instead. Eco-friendly, colorful, and budget-friendly. Eco Park even asked to reuse them for future events 

🍺 Beer Station (₱6,999) via (Cheers and Beers)

This one’s for the titos and titas — gave the whole event a relaxed, fiesta feel. Perfect touch for the adults.

🎶 Soundsystem (₱5,000)                                                                                                                          Essential for outdoor venues. Clear enough for music and hosting.                                                          🎥 Photo + Video Coverage (₱8,000)                                                                                                   Simple package, good quality, no frills. Found them on Facebook Marketplace — super sulit.

🌳 La Mesa Eco Park – Venue Rental (₱10,000 for 3 hours)

Best decision! The kids had space to run, the adults had space to chill, and nature did most of the decorating for me.💡 Tipid Mommy Tip: If you’re getting multiple food booths, rent an extra generator so you don’t trip the power.

🐷 Elar’s Lechon – FREE Gift 🎁

Because let’s be honest — Filipino parties are not complete without lechon. I was so lucky to get Elar’s Lechon as a free gift. 

💡 Why I Recommend Park Parties

Most kids in the Philippines grew up inside malls, not parks. For my son’s first birthday, I wanted to change that. Watching my pamangkins run in the grass, play outdoors, and breathe fresh air was priceless. The adults discovered pickleball (yes, the new sports craze!), sipped iced coffee and beer, and felt like they were somewhere abroad — even if we were just in Quezon City.

And the best part? I didn’t overspend. For ₱183,098, I got all my dream booths, a beautiful venue, and memories that will last a lifetime.

✨ Final Tipid Mommy Hack: Don’t be afraid to go for Facebook Marketplace suppliers instead of the “IG-famous” ones. You’ll be surprised at the quality and savings. At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend — it’s about creating an experience full of love, food, and fun.

How to Apply for a DFA Passport for Babies (6 Months and Below) with Your Yaya

Traveling with a baby? Getting a passport for your little one is the first step! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to applying for a DFA passport for babies under six months old, especially if you’re bringing your yaya along.

Step 1: Get Your Baby’s PSA Birth Certificate

Since PSA birth certificates are only available six months after birth, you’ll need to request one online. The easiest way is through the PSA Serbilis website:

🔗 https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph/ (Cost: ₱300)

Step 2: Apply Online for a DFA Passport Appointment

Visit the DFA Passport Appointment System:

🔗 https://www.passport.gov.ph/

Since children below 7 years old are considered minors, they are eligible for walk-in applications at DFA Aseana and selected satellite offices. However, booking online ensures a smoother process—especially if you’re applying for your yaya’s passport at the same time.

Step 3: Secure Your Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

If you’re married, you’ll need a PSA Marriage Certificate as part of the requirements. You can request this online via the PSA website.

Step 4: Get Your Yaya’s PSA Documents

If your yaya is traveling with you and applying for a passport as well, she will need the following:

✅ PSA Birth Certificate

✅ PSA Marriage Certificate (if married)

✅ Valid ID

Additional Tip: If your yaya doesn’t have a valid ID, she can apply for a National PhilSys ID (Philippine National ID)online. The process is simple, and she can print a temporary ePhilID, which DFA will accept as a valid ID.

🔗 Apply here: https://www.philsys.gov.ph/

Step 5: Walk-In or Scheduled Appointment?

For babies below 7 years old, DFA allows walk-in applications at certain branches. However, to avoid long lines and ensure a hassle-free process, I highly recommend booking an appointment online. This makes everything smooth sailing—especially when handling a baby!

Bonus Tips for a Hassle-Free DFA Trip

✅ Bring extra copies of all documents (just in case!)

✅ Wear comfy clothes for you and your baby—DFA lines can take time

✅ Pack essentials like milk, diapers, and snacks

✅ Arrive early to avoid crowds

✅ Bring Mom’s valid ID

✅ Bring a toy for your baby to help during passport photo-taking

✅ Wear Semi-Formal Attire, Polo, and Closed Shoes for the passport application

✅ It took us 30 minutes for our application—it’s even faster in satellite offices

✅ Bring ₱150 cash for the LBC delivery fee

✅ You will receive your baby’s passport after 2 weeks

By following these steps, you’ll have your baby’s passport in no time! Ready to explore the world with your little one? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or need further tips!