BY THE TIME you read this, I?ll be comfortably settled in Los Angeles, preparing for another round of shows (May 24 at Silver Legacy Casino in Reno; May 30 with the Asia American Symphony conducted by David Benoit at the Aratani/Japan America Theater, LA) and some travel.

Packing for a trip?recreational or work-related?can be intimidating. But I?m used to the routine, so figuring out exactly what (and how much) I need is almost second nature to me.

Members of my family have unique packing habits. My mom starts a week or so before the flight, probably out of excitement. My husband tends to over-pack but ends up the more stylish of the two of us, having the perfect outfit for every occasion. My brother must be the speediest packer, but not always the most organized. My daughter ? well, her yaya takes charge, at my instruction?which means there will be dressy outfits, casual wear, toys and books in her luggage.

Of late, packing has become even more of an issue, because of the new regulations on baggage weight. Limits range from 15 to 32 kilos, depending on the airline, flight class, and destination. At first I found this to be a bit of a hassle, since I usually come home with suitcases filled to the brim with new clothes, pasalubong, books? On tour last year, this hit really hard, with the temptation of picking up something new in each city we visited. I didn?t bring home many souvenirs.

I?ve learned to limit myself to essentials. Here?s what I have to bring on work-related trips:

1) Work clothes! One or two gowns, one or two sets of pantsuits, two pairs of high-heeled shoes, a few really nice tops and a good pair of black trousers. I thank Rajo Laurel for my work pieces that are travel-friendly? no ironing necessary!

2) Hair and make-up needs. I usually travel with a make-up artist, but for smaller shows or events (or when my guy isn?t available) I take care of myself. It?s great to have gotten good make-up training by watching master artists work on my face over time, not to mention putting makeup on everyday when doing a musical.

3) Medication. I have several food allergies and need ?singer support medicines,? so I carry a plastic container filled with antihistamine, paracetamol, medicated rub, pain-relief patches, zinc lozenges, throat drops, saline nasal spray, gargling solution, melatonin, multivitamins, vitamin C effervescent tablets, and slippery elm tea. I also bring my neti pot (they?re now available locally, at your friendly neighborhood health store).

4) Workout gear. I try to get some exercise on the road, so I ask my manager to make sure there?s a gym in the hotel I?ll be staying at. I don?t need much, just a treadmill in good condition and some weights. I make sure I have a good pair of running shoes with motion control (I have flat feet and tend to over-pronate), some loose-fitting old tees, workout pants. I?m partial to capri-length gear, as my legs get too hot with longer trousers and I don?t wear shorts at the gym.

5) Electronics. Thank goodness laptop computers have gotten lighter! My beloved Macbook weighs only a few pounds. I also bring my iPod Touch, which serves a multitude of purposes. Where Wi-Fi is available, I can surf the Net and update my Facebook and Twitter status ? offline, I can play lots and lots of games, so it also replaces a portable gaming device ? read books downloaded from the Fictionwise, eReader, and amazon.com online bookstores ? take notes for work or make grocery lists ? watch TV shows ? keep up with my workout progress ? look at pictures ? and yes, listen to music. I also carry a good set of headphones (noise-canceling ear buds), and a fully charged cell phone.

6) Enough underwear. For a week or two. I need not explain this one.

7) Casual wear. For running around! A pair of flip-flops (I have one in silver that goes with just about everything I own), a pair of comfy shoes, two pairs of jeans, a good amount of T-shirts, two hoodies, lots of ponytail holders, a few headbands and lots of low-cut socks. Add to that a large laundry bag.

8) Toiletries. Usually, I take my own shampoo and conditioner. Also facial cleanser, make-up remover, toner, moisturizer, cotton buds and cotton pads, cologne, body lotion, acne medication, toothbrush and toothpaste. I make sure to carry enough ?feminine products? for that time of the month.

9) Finally, what goes in my purse and carry-on? Passport, travel documents, frequent flyer membership cards, credit cards, some cash, a folding hairbrush, lip balm, hand cream, checkbook, a couple of magazines, an empty beverage container, my electronics (I?ve destroyed a few things by packing them in my suitcase), jewelry, facial tissue, a pack of feminine hygiene wipes, two pens, a scarf, extra tee and underwear, and a rosary.

Still, I know I?ll be packed to the brim by the time I get back home. Uh oh.

Thank you!

We threw Nicole a Princess-themed birthday party last weekend, and I?m taking a moment to thank everyone who made it possible:

Carol de Jesus and everyone at the the Palms Country Club (www.thepalmsclub.com) for the great location, yummy food, and head waiter Kristine, who gamely danced with my daughter ? Jill Peña, Didang Alvarez, Missy Maramara from Clowning Around (www.clowningaround.com.ph) for the great balloon decorations, fantastic hosting, and for finding us that bubble show ? Ninang Steffi Inocentes (thepartytwister.multiply.com) for gathering up party favors and creating the invitation, backdrop and giveaway tags ? to Marta Matute and her staff at Marta?s Cakes (www.martascakes.com.ph) for the beautiful and yummy princess cake and cupcakes. We couldn?t have done it without you!