Amaria Niszha's Christening

As Catholics, it is our “tradition” to submit our children into Baptism. But do we really know why is it that important to do so?

The most popular reason known of is: to wash away the Original Sin we inherited from Adam & Eve.

Growing up in a Catholic School, I could say that I learned a lot about Jesus and His teachings. Just before He ascended, He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age.” Matthew 28:19-20

It is a simple instruction from Jesus to teach His word, make disciples and baptize them. So if you are a Catholic and if for no reason, baptism is important because Jesus commanded it. 😀

I had my baby Christened on September 4, 2016. Heavy rain suddenly poured that Sunday morning and despite the huge inconvenience it caused us and our guests, I believe it is God’s showering grace for our 4-month old angel. 🙂

11:30 AM at the Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Congressional Ave. Ext., our family & close friends joined us as our baby Amaria received the sacrament that will make her a member of the Church. The assembled community which welcomes the child is the first symbol of Christian life in the Baptismal Ceremony.

The word “christen” comes from English culture and it obviously derives from the word “Christ”, and means “to bring to Christ”. It is usually used about infants rather than adults.

The priest traces the cross on the forehead of Niszha and invites us parents and godparents to do the same. It is a reminder of the love of Christ who gave His life for His friends. The tracing of a cross on the forehead of the baby is an invisible ‘branding’ that says ‘you belong to Christ’.

The priest pours water over the head of Niszha for cleansing and as a sign that her ‘original sin’ is washed away. Water is a necessity and is therefore also a sign of life.

While the Oil of Chrism symbolises strengthening for the struggles of life ahead.

As a sign of the new life, a Baptismal Candle will be lit using the flame from the Easter Candle which symbolizes the light of Christ. Which is then passed on to all the godparents’ candles.

With this light, Niszha is called to see all things through the eyes of Jesus Christ.

Niszha’s joyful godparents who will surely brighten her life as she grows up. 🙂

Clothing in a white garment and veil is also part of the ceremony to symbolize your child’s new life in Christ. The colour white speaks of life, purity, newness and innocence.

And of course, after all the rituals, photo ops! 😀

With the stunning ninangs while daddy Jaze & Niszha are both sleeping. Hahaha!

With Niszha’s gorgeous ninongs!

And so our little munchkin, who has been sleeping almost half the ceremony, is now a Catholic! Time to celebrate this very significant part of her life! 😀

Reception was at Brewing Point Neighborhood Cafe, our favorite food stop owned by Jaze’s friend from the vaping industry. (We didn’t get a photo of the place from the outside so I grabbed this one from their FB page https://www.facebook.com/brewingpoint/ )

Ninong Chef Rudolf’s gift cake! Not just looks yummy but tastes oh so yummy too!

Check out @brazoresto and visit them at Matalino St.

Another yummy gift cake from Ninang Chef Shiela!

One of the many cute designs of gift cupcakes from @cravingbites! Follow them on IG to see more awesome cake & cupcake designs!

We began the celebration by a prayer led by Niszha’s Tita Gem, Jaze’s eldest sister.

And look at those gifts the little Niszha received for being a Catholic!

Munch Time!

These are the mouthwatering course we chose for this occasion. And I assure you, it is worth every cent.

Thumbs up to Brewing Point Cafe’s great food and crew! For inquiries, you may reach them thru 0917-5762724 and look for the accommodating Ms. Bullet.

The guests were serenaded by Raymond, one of Jaze’s brothers, and Iza, his girlfriend. Both are graduates of UST Conservatory of Music.

My best friends since grade school with their partners!

Of course, while everyone was enjoying their lunch, the busy family had to go from table to table to take pictures. Haha!

There were two games played after lunch: 1) Answer the question about the Ching Family;

2) The famous Pak! Ganern! The short program was hosted by my high school friend, Ey-Ar, and my college friend, TJ.

There was also a slideshow video of Niszha’s photos from birth to 4 months created by her Ninang Cha Albo.

And all of these nice photos are from our good friend, Sir Mel Timtiman.

Guest wrote their greetings for little girl on a frame of her casted feet & hands by @castedtreasures. Soon on the blog!

Photo with my godchild, Belle & her family. My youngest aunt, mama Ghie & my nephew, Pharaoh.

Me & daddy Jaze giving our closing / thank you speech. (Not singing. Haha!)

We couldn’t be happier to have spent our daughter’s special day with all of these loving people who spared their day for us. All the preparations & money spent were worth it. Our family is beyond blessed to have them all in our life.