Birthdays

Can't remember if my parents had a big party for me (or for my other siblings for that matter) on my 1st and 7th birthday. I think it was not the norm when we were growing. Your generation in the Philippines had this tradition.

Probably had to do with what my parents can afford. Raising 5 kids, building a business during the first 20 years of their marriage did not leave much room for extravagances. By the times, Valerie was born, the family was more well-off and Valerie did have the big parties. Then, we would also have birthday celebrations. By then, just having family and some friends over is already a big party. We would usually have them at home. People do not need an invitation or long notice to come. Everyone is welcome. The affairs were mostly just time to come together, chat, catch up and eat. On occasion, when one is celebrating an "0" birthday or 25, there would be some kind of program. Otherwise, it would be just lots of food and maybe a cake.