A few days ago, Facebook reminded me of one of those happy memories three years ago.
Yes, it was my Father's 70th birthday! How lucky he was to celebrate this milestone, still strong and healthy. NO medical conditions or maintenance. It was his lifestyle that mattered. They still live in the province, meaning fresh air, more veggies, and exercise through walking. Even before his birthday, he had already told us he wanted to have a celebration when he reached this age. He would invite all his grandchildren.
However, unexpected turns of events, pandemic happened! In 2021, going home was a challenge as you need to comply with many travel documents from the current LGU you are residing at to your destination.
At first, I didn't have a plan to go home as aside from it being expensive; I was afraid of being infected as I was prone (to asthma problems). However, a friend urged me as she said, Lhes, the money you will be spending? That could earn that back, yet the celebration of your Father's birthday couldn't. You are still lucky, unlike mine, because my Father has already departed.
Strike by her words, I booked a ticket two weeks before (with only a scheduled flight back then) and applied for the necessary documents. It was stressful and tiring as I was still on my phone while traveling, talking to my Boss about work-related matters. Also, I was scheduled to arrive in Iloilo on January 19, a day before the event. To make it, I paid my swab test around $70 that time and hotel for the accommodation. Thankfully results were negative, so I got home in time.
The Celebration.
Our house still needs to be fully furnished; there is still a lot to be done, so it was set up outside. As it was located in the mountainous part, table setting and skirting were not that practical as we still needed to pay someone to lift all the tables and chairs going to our house (if we will be renting.) So, we just make a DIY long table made of bamboo outside.
And while everyone was busy outside, here comes my mother, busy with video-oke. Boxes for the sound system were even set up outside.
I appreciated having many siblings in times when it was easy to do all the jobs and even in our wallets. Everyone was working and pledge for whatever contribution.
One of my sisters arrived home with a letchon - roasted pig, yet another sibling also bought two pigs; one was slaughtered for dishes and one for lecthon too.
If my memory was right, Father is already tipsy here; look how he holds the cake.
Other siblings contributed cash for all the expenses. Mine was the cake he was holding.
LOL, he loves drinking and smoking, so I chose that theme. That was a money cake, just small cash.
Seeing these happy faces? I believe that I made the right decision to go home.
Sadly, my sister 
This was a blast, and I was surprised to see a lot of visitors that I am not even familiar with 😂. Literal the whole barangay, yes in our place, inviting someone means it's the whole family.
There are still many people behind the wall and lots of kids! I was in charge of scooping ice cream (dirty ice cream), and there was a long queue in line. By the time I was done, none was left, too, and I couldn't even have a cup. What? I enjoyed interviewing the kids, like who their parents are 😂—then got a surprise knowing who!
And here is mother busy preparing take-out for the visitors. I told ya, that is how the party goes.
I'm glad he was happy with my gift! Now, mother says we should also give her a money cake on her birthday. Yet it should be with the denomination of 100-1000 🤣. So, Asia, you need to save more for that! Hahaha
Though some of Father's siblings, children, and grandchildren didn't make it, the party still went well. We made wonderful memories that we will forever cherish.
Still, we wish for him to live long so we can celebrate again for his 80th birthday! Ah, another sister already pledge for two roasted pigs!
One of the reasons why I am glad how technology works is that now we can take as many photos and videos as we want. Unlike before, FILM is limited 😁.
Lead image was edited using Canva
All photos are mine otherwise stated
Footer credit to Sensiblecast