It was my mama's birthday last February 6th. We didn't really have any plans in mind... well, that is what my mama thought. Little did she know, I and her sisters were planning a little surprise for her.
Around February 1st, one of my aunts and I were chatting. She told me about their plan of coming over for my mama's birthday. The past months has been crazy and she knows that I still haven't really gone back to my regular work schedule, so I don't really have the means at the moment and told me she'd take care of everything. It's her way of thanking us for being there for them through ups and downs.
I felt really grateful and happy especially for my mama. We decided that she and my cousin Godwyn would come over the day before my mama's birthday so we can spend more time and also prepare more. My other aunt, also mama's younger sister, and my cousin Nicole would be here early on mama's special day.
Mama wasn't expecting anything... she was actually just normally chatting with her sisters that day while I was secretly keeping in touch. My papa was also our accomplice. When mama was about to cook rice for lunch on the 5th, my papa acted as if he was so hungry that mama should cook more than usual. Mama was a bit skeptical, but didn't question him.
A few minutes later, my aunt and Godwyn arrive with a birthday cake and some stuff we could display in the store. <3
Happy birthday Mommy Inoy <3 ... From Budoy
It's so pretty. Mama, Godwyn and Nicole have nicknames we started using when Godwyn was still a baby. He called them Mommy Inoy and Ate Ikoi because he couldn't pronounce their names that time... and somehow these nicknames are used until now.
My aunt actually purchased the cake from SUGAR PICKS which is my cousin's (second degree) shop. Her father is my mama's first-degree cousin and they're actually really close, too. So, aside from making mama's birthday cake care of my aunt, she baked some cute cupcakes as a gift.
If you're from Cebu, especially in Mactan, feel free to check them out! Their cakes are amazing!!!! <3
We bonded with them that day. Godwyn and I did our usual art session (Will share pictures of our artwork next time).We also planned out what food to prepare the next day. We were also anticipating my other aunt and Nicole's visit on mama's special day.
At exactly midnight, we greeted my Mama. We sang her a birthday song while Godwyn and I danced to entertain her. It was really fun, but we had to save our energy for the actual day.
Early the next morning, Nicole and my aunt arrived. We had breakfast together and my mama was even happier to see them. Sure, they still have other sisters... but my mama is pretty mush closer to her younger siblings, including my late uncle.
After breakfast, papa, my aunt and I started preparing for lunch. We just let mama relax with my cousins. It's her day, so we prepared the food!!!! ^^
Using mama's recipe for spaghetti, papa and I made this. <3
As we were busy cooking and preparing, someone suddenly came to our area selling some kutchinta. This is a kind of steamed rice cake and is a common delicacy in the Philippines. It looked great, so we decided to buy them as well.
Originally, papa wanted to buy and cook some shrimp for mama as it's one of her favorites. However, we were not able to get good quality ones, so we decided to buying some roasted pig or what we call here as "Lechon Baboy".
Mama has been craving this coffee cake for a while now, so I decided to buy her this for her birthday as well. The more cake, the merrier, right? haha
My aunt's lumpia shanghai is simply the best. There's meat and carrots inside. This is my aunt's specialty and it's a must-have during such occasions. I can munch on these forever! haha
Well, I also prepared some fruit salad for dessert, but I failed to take a photo of it. It was in the fridge when I was taking these photos and when it was brought out, I totally forgot to take some as well. And yeah, I also made some ice cream (cookies and cream) the night before, but they were so excited to taste it that I missed my chance to document it as well. hahaha
Here are some pictures of the celebrant.
My grandma (papa's mother) also gave us a call to greet mama on her special day. She's my only grandparent left and mama is so happy to receive a call from her. Grandma is always so sweet. <3 We enjoyed all the food and spent some time talking and bonding together.
Later in the afternoon, my cousins and I went in my room to do some song recordings.
These are just screenshots from the video, but I hope to share the video here someday. It was so fun and also a new experience for us to do together. After the "recording sessions" we went out and did some karaoke with the family. It was so fun!
Nicole and my aunt had to go home on the same day, though. It's sad but it couldn't be helped since Nicole is in college and had to go to her school early the next day. They needed to catch the bus to go back to their place which is in the countryside. I hope we could spend time there again someday... of course, together with these lovely people.
In the evening, one of my high school friends who is very close to my mama as well, came over. She gave mama some birthday gift and she actually had a sleepover, too. We needed to discuss some serious stuff, and I just can't leave her alone to drown in it. ^^ I hope she's better now. She was able to finally sleep around 4AM after pouring her heart out.
Godwyn and my aunt just went home earlier this morning. They stayed here for a couple more nights. I wish they could spend more time, but Godwyn had to submit his modules at school today.
Well, we're planning on spending time together again soon. Most likely on my birthday next month. I'm always so excited to spend time with them. They're the best!
I'm truly happy and appreciative for what they have done. My mama was indeed glad and surprised. She wasn't expecting anything, but great things happened. I know she deserves it. Papa, her sisters, my cousins and close friends think so, too! She has an amazing heart, so she deserves all the love in return.
A beautiful flower from mama's garden. It's as beautiful as her and her heart. <3
I'll end my post here for now. Thanks a lot for checking it out. I hope you enjoyed reading my story with regards mama's special day. Until next time! Have a great one! (_)/