#ULOG -Attending the First Birthday Celebration of My Niece

It was the very first birthday of my 2nd degree niece. She is the daughter of, Jim, one of the sons of my mother's younger sister. Her name is Zeah Leah, a very cute name that fits to a very beautiful girl. I love this child very much. She is a kind of a toddler that is not afraid to strangers. Unlike some children that cries when other person attempts to carry her, she initiates the smile when you are new especially if you are familiar to her eyes. This is one of her traits that make her very attractive.

My elder brother is one of the baby girl's sponsor during her Christening. Both her mother and my cousin, her father, are Catholic. I was also there during the celebration after the Christening. It was a couple of months before I see this baby again. My cousin's family lives quite far from our place. We were invited by my cousin to take part of baby ZL's first birthday celebration long before the date. As close relatives, my whole family go there to celebrate with them.

Our Trip and Arrival

It took us two hours of travel from our house to there place. We arrived there at approximately 11:00 in the morning. We were so happy seeing each other again. It was almost a year that we did not meet each other due to busy schedules and distant homes. I met my aunt, my cousins and my nephew and nieces. Our arrival is of perfect timing for lunch. They had make us very good food. They knew that our journey is quite long and they prepared food suitable for travellers arriving. I felt a little tired but it does not matter to me especially when I saw my baby ZL smiling to us. My brother had brought present for her and I can't forget how she smiles. They set up the little party in the evening for our dinner. It is perfect since we can relax for the remaining hours. We have awesome experience chatting and having conversations with each other. My sister also helped for the decoration of the birthday banner.

The typical small Filipino Celebration

When it was almost dinner time, the celebration started. Some sponsors during baby ZL's Christening presented their gifts. Some brought a baby dress for her. Afterwards, we sang a birthday song for the birthday girl. There was an instance where she was confused staring at us while we were singing. But she is a happy face baby and she can always smile to every person. Almost all of the person in the house wanted to have a photo with her with the banner on background.
After the singing and the giving of gifts, we proceed to the dinner. There were plenty of foods being prepared. There was a roasted chicken, spaghetti, desserts, and meat that was cooked in different ways. The foods were personally prepared by them and i am honest to say that they got an awesome cooking talent. We enjoyed the food. They are really delicious. I have eaten very much by that time because I just simply can't deny it.

After the dinner

Well the celebration is not complete without drinks for the boys. After the dinner my cousin bought some beers and a brandy for the visitors especially for us. I drink selected alcoholic beverages but very moderately and only during occassions. Of course, for us, drinking during celebrations is always accompanied by videoke (karaoke). I guess videoke is a part of the modern filipino culture when it comes to special occassions. It enhances ones singing ability while entertaining others. And it is what it did to us.
We enjoy drinking and singing until 10:00 in the evening since it is the maximum allowable time for videoke. Although we want more time for the celebration, we respect other neighbor's right to rest. We, however, took our time well with each other's company.

Time to farewell

The party is over and it was time to go home. At 10:30, I prepared my things before we finally say farewell to my cousins and aunt. They had convince us to sleep in there house and let the night pass. We appreciate their generousity very much but we really need to go home for we have important things to do in the morning. So, we say farewell to them and they wish us a safe and happy a trip.

That was all for me today.

Thank you for passing by!

Your friend,

@elkusenero