Don Juan's centenary

Last year, upon realizing that my lolo daddy (maternal grandfather) is turning 100 this year, my mom and her sisters got all excited and decided that they should host a party. His birthday is May 3 and the menu was planned as early as February. There will be salad with vinaigrette or ceasar’s dressing, bouillabaisse, bihon, baked macaroni, guiso, baked chicken, beef with broccoli and lechon. Dessert will be fresh fruits and pastries my cousin bakes. My aunts who were based abroad and who were here just last Christmas are coming home again in time for the celebration on May 7.

They had a hard time coming up with a guest list because naturally, lolo daddy didn’t have much friends left. Originally they wanted to have shirts made for all of us to wear. Fortunately, it didn’t push thru but all seven of them wore the same shirt in different colors. My cousin also planned to come up with a presentation of the best and worst pictures of all the grandchildren. Fortunately again, it didn’t push thru. Since no waiters will be available for the party, my mom (the family’s culinary expert) assigned us, the children, to man the buffet.

Guests came as early as 5pm and the microphone was never free since 6pm. After the party we were full and exhausted and my cousin (my mom’s godchild and successor) estimated that based on the softdrinks consumed and utensils used, there were around 250 people fed, ourselves included.

For sure, lolo daddy would have been happy if he was around.


The time stated in the invitation is actually 5pm. Don’t ask me why.


On the salad bar but sweating like a pig. The guy on the right is not a waiter, it’s my brother in his CCA uniform.


Waiting for the pay…which never came.


Poor ate val.


Auntie Epang, the long-time yaya of the daughters of Don Juan. Dont' fret, she's retired.


Happy Mother’s Day Mom!