Hello everyone!
Hope all are safe and well!
Yesterday was a very special day, my nephew turned six! He had been eagerly waiting for his birthday for weeks. That morning, even at school, his teacher and classmates sang the birthday song for him. When they asked if there was a cake, he simply shook his head. He knew there wasn’t one yet. Still, his eyes sparkled.
As soon as he got home after school, he rushed in, full of expectation and joy. His face lit up when he saw his father, mother, grandmother and grandfather, the family was complete.
As he walked into our home, he was greeted by a simple but cheerful Happy Birthday backdrop, just some colorful banners strung across a wooden wall. It made the room feel festive and personal, setting the perfect mood before the celebration even began.
They sat him down to a simple but meaningful food spread such as spaghetti, grilled bangus, sliced bread, cooked bananas, shells, fried chicken, fish and juice. The sweetest part is a sticky rice cake made by my mother. ❤️ The sticky rice cake is locally known as biko. It is a Filipino sticky rice cake cooked in coconut milk and brown sugar, often topped with latik. Biko symbolizes prosperity and togetherness, and it's traditionally served at birthdays, fiestas, and family celebrations.
His parents and grandparents sang Happy Birthday, and he made his wish and blew out the candle. His first sparkle of joy is blowing out the candle on the sticky rice cake. It was priceless. His eyes lit up in surprise and delight as everyone clapped. It was a simple yet deeply special moment.❤️ That look is pure delight filled me with warmth, even though I wasn’t there. ❤️
He was happy to celebrate at home with his grandparents.
And of course, he was overjoyed to have his father with him on his birthday, all the way from Cebu. His family was complete on his special day. ❤️☺️
Later in the afternoon, his aunt, my sister showed up with a real birthday cake. His face lit up brighter than the candles. Another round of singing, another candle blow, this time with a real cake and even more happiness. ☺️❤️🎂
What struck me most was the warmth in his eyes not because of fancy gifts or decorations, but because he was surrounded by family. The backdrop, the homemade sticky rice cake, the second real birthday cake surprise, it all came together in an unforgettable way, even though I was away. ☺️❤️
Happy 6th Birthday, my dear nephew! May your days be filled with laughter, curiosity, good health, and countless small joys. You’re loved more than any cake can show! ❤️ Maybe some other year, I'll be there in person to celebrate with you!☺️☺️
Disclaimer: Photos were shared by my sister-in-law (the birthday boy’s mother), sent to me since I was out of town. I’m grateful to still be part of his celebration through these moments.
Have a Blessed Thursday everyone! 😀😀😀💖💖💖
Thank You Lord for the blessings and love!
Be grateful in every little/simple things and you’ll find happiness you ever wanted! 😀😀😀
Everyday is worth to be grateful of!
Praying for the safety and wellness of all.
Heal Our Land Oh God!
Lovelots,
