On April 12th, Papa will turn 59... If he's still here. This is his first birthday "away" from us. Back then, we would gather around and celebrate with him. Although during my college years and when I started working in Manila, I seldom celebrate with him but always make sure that I will always have something for him for his birthday. May it be as simple as birthday card or just a short call to greet him. Going back, aside from Christmas and my birthday, Papa's birthday is one event I always look forward to every year. His birthday is always grand. A minimum of 6 entrees are served. Lechon is always in the table. Sumptuous meals which he personally cooked and prepared just for his event (Papa is a good cook!). It always have pancit, lechon kawali, menudo, fish, chicken, kare-kare, and of course liquors (tanduay, beer, etc).
Days before his birthday, he would asked us (his kids) to send text messages to our uncles and aunties reminding them to come to our house to celebrate. Before the evolution of cellphones and text messages. I would go to a nearby "tiangge" to use their phone and call our relatives and remind them to come to Papa's birthday.
And then came the event, earlier that day,everyone is busy prepping for the event. Personally, my tasks it to peel all veggies that needs peeling i.e. potatoes, carrots, etc. And then I would see Papa cooking one by one all his "handa" for the day while humming and whistling his favorite song (kahit ano lang maisip nya that day). You can feel that he's very happy. The deal is to finish all the meals before 5pm. Kaya naman at 5pm sharp, you'll find him all prep and looking gwapo (just came out from shower) and just waiting for his guests while in front of the tv, watching basketball or any catchy show that day. There he was with his favorite pangtagay na baso and already starting to open his ever favorite Tanduay. Before 6pm, almost all his guests has arrived and are all eating in the table or sharing a good drink with him. And you would see in his eyes how happy he is, seeing his brother and nephews spending time with him on his birthday. Male bonding ika nga.
Well this year will be different. No more celebration, no more drinking and no more of Papa in his happiest time of the year..... But I'm sure up there, he is celebrating and having a male bonding with his favorite saint... San Miguel =)
Days before his birthday, he would asked us (his kids) to send text messages to our uncles and aunties reminding them to come to our house to celebrate. Before the evolution of cellphones and text messages. I would go to a nearby "tiangge" to use their phone and call our relatives and remind them to come to Papa's birthday.
And then came the event, earlier that day,everyone is busy prepping for the event. Personally, my tasks it to peel all veggies that needs peeling i.e. potatoes, carrots, etc. And then I would see Papa cooking one by one all his "handa" for the day while humming and whistling his favorite song (kahit ano lang maisip nya that day). You can feel that he's very happy. The deal is to finish all the meals before 5pm. Kaya naman at 5pm sharp, you'll find him all prep and looking gwapo (just came out from shower) and just waiting for his guests while in front of the tv, watching basketball or any catchy show that day. There he was with his favorite pangtagay na baso and already starting to open his ever favorite Tanduay. Before 6pm, almost all his guests has arrived and are all eating in the table or sharing a good drink with him. And you would see in his eyes how happy he is, seeing his brother and nephews spending time with him on his birthday. Male bonding ika nga.
Well this year will be different. No more celebration, no more drinking and no more of Papa in his happiest time of the year..... But I'm sure up there, he is celebrating and having a male bonding with his favorite saint... San Miguel =)
Happy birthday Papa! I miss you.
