Eighty and Dainty: Grandma's Birthday Celebration

If there's one more thing that Filipinos love to celebrate, that would be birthdays. Regardless of age and type of celebration, it has always been a meaningful moment of life.

Today's my grandma's birthday. She just turned 80 years old, or equivalent to 8 decades today, October 17, in our family house. At age 80, she is still strong. Her smile perfectly delineates that she's enjoying this momentous day of her life. Despite her aging appearance, she can still be young at heart, and today's a great moment to feel that.

The celebration started with the singing of the Happy Birthday song to the birthday celebrant and followed by some picture taking. Grandma flaunts her smile as she is being sang a birthday song by the crowd, more so when she blows out the candle.

It was followed by a prayer led by my mother. In her prayer, she thanked God for letting lola (a local term for grandma) reach this age and for celebrating her birthday again, and also for the people who cooked and helped prepare the foods that were served on the table.

After it is eating time already. Each one of us got a plate, a spoon, and a fork and then lined up in a queue, and waited for everyone's turn to get some food.

The dishes that were served are as follows:

Pork Steak

At first, I thought it was an adobo. I just realized it's different when I get to taste it already. It's meaty and a bit juicy. I love how the condiments and ingredients blended together. Sure, it's a great dish.

Chicken Adobo

This is now the true adobo from the list. Who doesn't have a recipe of it at home? I bet almost everyone has their own recipe for adobo. The taste never gets old and even gets more delicious every time I eat one.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Hmm, this one's seasonal only because of its price. But yes, the taste is really one of the best, especially if it's homemade. I just ate two for moderation and also saved another two, which I will bring as my packed lunch for my OJT tomorrow.

Pancit

In every birthday celebration, Pancit has always been considered one of the foods being served. It is believed to prolong life, and those who eat will also get a long life. There's nothing wrong with believing in such a tradition, but Pancit is undeniably an amazing dish as well. Not only for merienda but also for lunch or dinner.

Cake

The cake was bought by my mother, and it's from Goldilocks. I haven't tasted it as I went home already after I finished eating since I have to do some things. Anyway, I'll definitely try it tomorrow (if there's still something left).

Indeed, I was satisfied, and aside from it, it was a simple yet great celebration, mainly so that it was celebrated with our extended family. I wish grandma to have more years in life and wish her the happiest birthday.

Until next time!