“The memories we make with our family is everything.”
–Candace Cameron Bureways.

No matter how struggling our travel is, as long as it is for our loved ones, we always find ways.

I was having a great Saturday morning with my children. It was payday, we went to Bogo, City to buy all our needs at home. We eat our lunch together as a promise that I will treat them. At 11:30 am, I received a message thru my messenger that we will have an early dinner at my aunt’s house as she was celebrating her 89th birthday.

I had published my aunt once because my visit to her was worth sharing. This time, it was her birthday celebration that I’m going to share again. It was simple but remarkable.

The sacrifice before happiness and the abundance

It was raining cats and dogs in the morning, and we doubted going there because we were pretty sure that the road would be very slippery. We forced ourselves about going there since it was our aunt’s special day, and our presence mattered.

Together with my sister, my child, and my niece, we went to Managases, Tabogon, Cebu. We rode by car and were dropped at the corner of the road before entering the barangay where we will go. We opted to walk since the small vehicles will find it hard to enter the area due to the intense rain in the morning that made the road slippery.

I have taken photos of the strenuous road due to the many potholes. I have captured the habal-habal driver (single motorcycle with passenger at the back) driving slowly, trying to lower his foot for safety, and keeping the balance to refrain from being slipped.

We had passed their covered court. I had seen these teenagers having fun playing basketball. This is one of the symbols of Filipino youth, their preoccupation is playing this game during their free time.

We reached our destination after a 27-minute walk. I have seen a few vehicles parked outside their house which means our relative from the city went home to be with my aunt on her special day.

We heard a group of people singing. It was in my mind, that a mañanita (a song dedicated to a celebrant) was done for her. As we stepped inside the gate, we were surprised! I was right, they have done the mañanita but this time was not at down.

Amid mañanita

I have seen how happy my aunt was on our arrival. Good thing she still recognized me. I was in owe! The last time I had seen her, she was a little bit tired but now her face was full of joy. Maybe it’s because her children are around and complete.

The mañanita continued and was never distracted on our arrival. The songs sung gave enjoyment and fun to her. Some of our relatives danced in front of her so she will be entertained. Her children offered to dance to her too. They were so very happy. I was happily taking photos of them too.

There was a giving of messages to her. I’m one of those who gave the messages. I got a teary eye when I told her that may God give her more birthdays to celebrate. My eyes were shedding tears when she answered, “The will is not in us, it is in Him.”

The giving of fresh flowers followed. She was glad upon receiving it and never tired of saying thank you.

The blowing of the birthday cake happened next. Before it was done, she uttered her wish first. She wished to have LONG LIFE so she can have a longer time with her children and her grandchildren. We were all emotional upon hearing these words. May God grant her heart’s desire.

The Early Dinner

The food was blessed before it was attacked. During special occasions, enormous food is served. This time, there was; Lechon (roasted whole pork), and bam. e (Filipino rice noodles) for longer life, native chicken, and other viands that suit this occasion. There were desserts too.

My aunt sliced the birthday before it was eaten. It was very yummy. We love the taste of the cake.

Everybody was full. We were all grateful for this 2-in-1 celebration, the birthday celebration, and the gathering as one family. We have given joy to our dear aunt on this special day of hers.

This celebration was not enough in return for all the kindness and love she had given to her family. Reaching this age too is pretty tough thus, it was worth celebrating. We praise God that He granted us good weather so we can go home safely.

Before we went home, we have our initial meeting for our upcoming fiesta celebration to be celebrated by our family only. We exchanged a lot of talks and laugh on this day. It was such a great day!

We bid goodbye to our dear Mama Rose and thank her again for the lavish dinner. She extended her regards to her sister, my mother who is 81 years old. She wasn’t able to come due to the difficulties in traveling.

My day was full of memories. I thanked God for giving us a close and happy family relationship. I received this giveaway from my cousin who traveled to Taiwan 2 weeks ago.

Thank you dear Hivers for spending your time and God bless us all!