We Filipinos have this tradition of simple way of greeting the birthday celebrant in a way of Mañanita. Mañanita is a simple way of celebrating the birthday thru serenading the birthday celebrant during dawn or after midnight which traditionally attended by close family members.
Like what we did to our mother as we greeted on her birthday in Mañanita way, with the help of her two siblings and nephews, we her children planned to surprise her at dawn while she's still sleeping, sneaking slowly on the way to her room and start serenading song until she wakes up.
We then start to light the candle and sneaking slowly on her room so that mama won't notice our presence, and begins serenading in louder tune just to make sure she can hear us and wakes her up.
I saw Mama caught completely surprised by our Mañanita, specially when she saw her two siblings brought cake and simple snacks for us to share.
The surprise plan for mama went well with Mañanita. I can clearly tell by her smile alone. It may not big as party like celebration the important is that we made her birthday memorable in simple ways that brought smile on her face.
I'm wondering if other countries had the same tradition like Mañanita. Let me know if you have by leaving a comment below. It would be nice to know if you had.
Above photos were all captured by yours truly -@jayparagat
