6th of January

The 6th day of the New Year was definitely memorable to me. I have a hunch in the last couple of days that my siblings and children were planning something for my birthday, but I didn't pay it much attention. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday celebration on my exact birthday last January 4 so I thought that was it.

3 AM

At 3 AM last Saturday, my husband and I, along with my younger sister Nenet, drove early to the city center's seafood market. Here's a tip when it comes to buying fish: go to the wet market early and while it's dark. It's the time when a huge variety of seafood is fresh, and when cooked taste heavenly.

I asked Nenet what she was buying so many ingredients for and she said it was for her son-in-law's father's birthday. Deep inside, my hunch that they were preparing for a celebration for me grew, but again, I didn't say it out loud.

9 AM

I was right. At around 9 AM the same day, my siblings arrived in our house one by one from Quezon City. Then, at Nenet's house, they started cooking. I heavily told them I didn't like this "surprise" celebration one bit, especially if I would end up doing all the work, and I was glad I didn't have to lift one finger at all.

To my pleasant surprise, there was even a cake. On the cake read, "Happy 60th Birthday, Mother!! Love, Mga Anak at Apo (Children and Grandchildren).

12 Noon

Soon, they prepared the foods one by one. They all tasted good, I am glad. The food were served in an open area near my dirty kitchen, and I lied earlier when I said I didn't have to lift one finger. I had to pull out some of my hidden ceramics to have somewhere presentable to put the food they prepared.

There was a wide variety of food served during the birthday celebration.

I got to invite many of my friends and extended family members from our barrio. They loved the food served. I am pretty proud of my older sister Ate Flor, because she is certainly a good cook. Her pancit bihon at canton was a personal favorite of many who made it to the celebration

Other foods served were chicken with pineapple, buttered shrimp, embutido, sauteed beef with pepper, grilled pork belly, fish, pickled papaya, iced cream, leche flan, and fruit salad.

The grilled pork belly and the pancit bihon at canton were personal favorites of many who made it to the celebration. Kudos to my brother-in-law Alan for the grilled pork, and my older sister Ate Flor for the pancit.

Many came to celebrate

I loved the fact that I got to celebrate the special day with my siblings who I only see once in a blue moon. The fact that they made it last Saturday made me really happy. My friends and other extended family also made it last Saturday, and even though it got hectic in the middle of it all, I didn't mind.

It was really special.

My siblings, nieces, friends, and family last Saturday, as they served themselves with food.

My favorite part

My favorite part definitely was the blowing of the candles. It was my first time celebrating with a cake this big! Even though the candles were in big 6 and 0, denoting just how old I turned this year, I could not help but feel like I was celebrating my Sweet 16.

This was my first time celebrating with a cake this big. The big 6 and 0 candles did not make me feel any older - it just made me feel more younger.

I made a wish last January 4, my exact birthday, as we were celebrating at Vikings Restaurant in Manila. It was quickly granted!

The start of 2018 was definitely promising. I look forward to what else it has in store for me and my family in the days to come.

lerma