SP Moms' Picks: Top 5 Kiddie Party Hosts

The success of any party lies in the hands of the party host. What should you really consider in getting one?

Events organizer Aileen Cruz of Pink and Peach Party shares her insights: "Budget is always at the top of the list of many parents. As a party planner, I first ask how much the client is willing to spend for the host, and from there we base our recommendations. Sometimes it depends on the theme also. The really good ones charge anywhere from P9,000 to P14,000." Magicians can go as high as P30,000, and there is a high demand for them. According to Mel Menes of Party Time Philippines, clients ask for these magicians specifically “because they are known for their remarkable performance, good command of the English language, and wit.”  

When planning your party, it is best to get recommendations from fellow parents, and one good source for this is the online forum of Smart Parenting. There are more than 30,000 posts on the Birthday thread on party hosts, and we tallied the numbers. Here are the 5 most recommended party hosts in the Smart Parenting Parent Chat community.

#5: Flooch

Photo from http://flooch.multiply.com

Host, games facilitator, magician, ventriloquist
Rate: P13,000
Visit his website

Flooch is all-energetic and his ventro act is different for each party. He has a genuine love for kids. Jervey Capili in real life, Flooch started as a second clown to Wanlu and an assistant to popular magicians, and has been in the hosting business for more than 16 years now.

"We had a triple birthday celebration last June, and Flooch was a hit with our guests, kids and adults alike. I was surprised that all the kids voluntarily participated in all the games. Everyone was all ears everytime Flooch was on stage. Everyone was raving about how awesome Flooch was. He made the all-time favorite party games more interesting with the use of technology.  He gave out clear instructions that even the little ones understood. Up until this day, whenever our family, relatives and friends, talk about the party, they can't help but say how good a host Flooch was.” - Liv Reyes-Emeterio, 31, work-at-home mom Pasig


#4: Alex Lagula

Photo from http://www.traveltomanila.net

Host, game facilitator, interactive magician, comedian
Rate: P13,000

“His performance brought so much laughter in our party. He is indeed very funny and witty. My relatives sent me text messages, congratulating me for a successful party. Some asked for his talent fee while some asked if he has been performing overseas. According to one of our guests, it was a brand new experience for them. His performance was outstanding, one-of-a kind, hilarious. We believe it's what made our kid’s party a success.” - Emilie Marie Garcia, housewife, Pasig

"Alex is very funny and can connect well with his audience. He articulates words properly and his grammar is good, which is a real plus for me." - Grace Sy, Workforce Analyst, Las Pinas

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#3: Chayno

Photo from http://chayno7.multiply.com

Host, games facilitator, interactive magician
Rate: P9,000
Visit his website

"Mr. Alan Dumandan or Chayno is famous for his costume change act - he doesn't have a single look, and for this, he appeals mostly to small kids. There is never a dull moment on parties he hosts. He is very fluent in English and can capture the attention and participation of both kids and adults." - Aileen Cruz, Party Planner, Pink and Peach Party

"We love Chayno! He's impressive and does what he does very well. The guests' feedback were all postitive. I'm happy that all the kids got to participate in his magic act.” - Grace Vega-Miro, Engineer, Quezon City

"Chayno's performance was an exceptional part of our party. He managed to let all the kids, parents and guests participate during his act. Our guests were all delighted after watching him, some even wanted him to be on their kid's birthday party as well.” - Princess Cruz, 25 years old, stay-at-home mom, Novaliches

#2 Lhen Peralta
Host, ventriloquist, magician
Rate: please inquire directly
Tel: 0915-3447502
Email: ep_happyworld@yahoo.com.ph

Evelyn Peralta started performing back in her high school days for programs and promotions playing as a princess and sometimes a mascot. In her college days, her sister, a nurse and a part-time clown, got her into clowning as well. "I love performing and being in front of an audience – and in fact, I’ve joined (and won) beauty contests. In 2010, I filled in for another party host while I was 5 months pregnant. The client was happy and referred me via Smart Parenting forum.”

"I feel like her talent fee is all worth it as an all-in-one host/entertainer. She is very accommodating and replies to my text messages quickly. We were able to plan for my daughter Angelica May's 8th birthday party even without a face-to-face meeting. On the day of the party, she arrived earlier than I expected, dressed according to our theme. She is a very bubbly and charming person, managed the "makukulit" kids very well and knows how to entice the adults to participate. I am very impressed with the quality of service Ms. Lhen delivered. Real value for our hard-earned money!" - Shery Lyn  Vargas, 28 years old, Human Resource Supervisor, Pasig

"I'm pretty happy with Lhen’s service. She came 30 minutes early, and helped me decorate the place. It was her idea to put Mickey Mouse ears on my baby's cake. She made them herself and it turned out great!
She came dressed in a cute Minnie Mouse ensemble. She's good at what she does and you can see she enjoys it, too. She makes it a point to know the names of the participants, and makes them feel comfortable before starting with the games." - A. Balmes

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#1: Boogie and Friends (BnF)

Photo from http://boogieandfriends.multiply.com

Host, magician, clown, ventriloquist, mascot
Rate: P7,500 inclusive of their Extravaganza package
Address: Blk6 lot 19 Vill Goodrich Concepcion Uno, Marikina City
Tel: 948-7588 / 940-1343 / 0922-5293962
Email: boogiemagical@gmail.com
Visit their website

Greyzaldo Sy Grey, known as Boogie, started as an assistant to the performers of Boyoyong clowns in the mid 90s and eventually joined their theater shows as a mascot. I the late 90s, his career as a clown started with the group Bata Batuta, doing provincial appearances and stage shows. His break came when a neighbor asked him to host her child's party, and in return she would sew him his own clown costume. Thus, Boogie the clown was born. Eventually, Boogie formed his own troupe, naming them after his mother's collection of dance music cassette tapes: Tango, Cha-cha, Rocky, Medley. These days, Boogie and Friends is the host of choice of SP moms.

"I got Boogie and Friends for my baby's birthday last March. I was skeptical about him at first because he only charged a low fee, so I got another host to entertain the adults. It turns out, BnF was also able to capture the adult audience. I love their bubbles show packaged with 3 other party acts for only P2,500. Their fees fit my budget really well.” - Lei Agripa, 32 years old, Administrative Officer

"I highly recommend Boogie and Friends. I got them for their bubbles show, balloon twisting and face paint, but without the host. It was held at a fastfood restaurant so the package came with a hist already. During the games, Alex of BnF couldn’t help himself and volunteered to be games master. He was great! I guess that's how it really is if you have passion for your work. Thumbs up for BnF!" - Trisha Fronda, teacher

Thumbnail photo by edenpictures from flickr creative commons