We set the entire living room as the entertainment area and the old dining room as the play area. We set a buffet table with sumptuous dishes from Jane's Kitchen (that's basically our kitchen with Jane as the chef, cook, and everything else). Here's the spread.
Special Balisungsong Rice. Fragrant rice that is lightly seasoned and wrapped in banana leaves. It is then cooked for a minimum of 2 hours.
Menudo. A pork stew with bell peppers, peas, carrots, potatoes, and raisins in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Kare-Kare. Jane's version is a thick, peanut-based gravy, topped with crispy pork belly, eggplant, pechay, and string beans---all perfectly paired with bagoong.
Veggies in Cream Sauce. Sautéed carrots, corn, peas, and jicamas with prawns and quail eggs.
Dessert was Leche Flan topped either with macapuno or kaong (palm nut). And for refreshments we served Arizona Sunset cocktails.
The birthday girl wore a white blouse and green shorts but refused to wear her silver sandals. Her mood was really down once she tried the new pair on, so when her mom changed it to her pick, which was her pink rabbit shoes, she was thrilled.
She requested specifically for this Strawberry Cheese Cake. We just added the colorful flower topper for it to look more festive. It looks good and tastes really nice! Even our guests approved!
She really had a blast playing with her Ate and the two other little girls, Danah and Ayah. She fell asleep after her milk time but woke up after a few minutes and played with them again.
The ladies chatted through the night over good food, a good cup of coffees (or tea) and sweets. And played the 5-Second Rule Game to spice things up.
It was indeed a lovely (and noisy) and laughter-filled evening.
Happy Birthday to our little darling Lia! You are bringing so much joy to our lives every day. May you grow healthy, strong, wise and blessed. We love you dearly.
