Just so you know, I am writing this when you are 1.5 years old (555 days to be exact). By the time you’re able to read this, you’ll have probably known that I like playing video games and I like playing them with friends, brothers, your mother, and most probably even you. I like sharing gaming experiences, and I actually enjoy playing games while someone is watching (ask Mommy how many times I forced her to watch me play). A lot of times these experiences get posted to Facebook, or Twitter, or Google+. By the time you’re reading this, though, Social Networking might have become obsolete (who knows?). And besides, they’re too cluttered with other posts such as check-ins, vacation photos, and many more.
So I decided to compile these gaming experiences into one blog, so that one day I get to share them with you, and so that as I play these games right now while you’re still a baby, I can play them as if I’m already showing them to a grown-up you.
In fact, I’ve taken the liberty to give you a temporary gaming nickname – Chlorine. Feel free to change it when you’re old enough.Yesterday marked your third year in this world, and though your mother and I had planned to save your biggest birthday celebrations for when you would be able to remember them, your grandparents had other plans.
With two days to work on, we had to book a venue and get all the party stuff ready. More importantly, with such a short notice, we had to convince our friends, family, co-workers, and your ninongs and ninangs, to attend.
Though it all started slow, it eventually ended as a surprisingly successful event.
Preparations
Your grandparents (Mama and Papa) wanted to have your party at Shakey’s Megamall. Unfortunately, that particular branch didn’t offer party packages. There was another Shakey’s branch nearby – at El Pueblo – but that venue was fully booked.
Thankfully, though they were paying for it, they were okay with any restaurant or fast food, as long as it was accessible and had party packages, especially since we were short on time. The only challenge was looking for one that would accommodate us on such short notice.
Surprisingly, our next option, KFC Megamall, was all but ready to deliver (and was wide open too). They wouldn’t be able to provide the cake, though, since according to them, their custom cakes would take at least a week to prepare, but everything else, from a themed party, to a mini-program for kids with a host/emcee, and even a mascot appearance, were all ready for the big day.
We booked the time and place and reserved it for 50 people, so it was now down to a matter of inviting friends and family, and hoping they don’t have plans yet for that next weekend.
While some outright said they wouldn’t make it and some said they definitely would (and we appreciate them telling us decidedly), most of the invitees said they weren’t sure yet, and your mother and I were sure they probably wouldn’t go. We wished they would, definitely, but we didn’t expect as much considering changing your weekend plans at a moment’s notice was a big favor to ask in the first place
The First Hour
The party was scheduled at 11AM and would last until 1PM. We were initially told we had the option to extend it if needed, but by 11:20, it seemed as though we wouldn’t need it. See, 20 minutes in to the schedule, the only people there were your parents, your grandparents from both sides, and your immediate titos and tita. We knew a few more who confirmed they would come would be arriving soon, but even then, we would probably barely reach half of the reserved 50 slots.
You mother even decided to ask the KFC crew to stow some of the tables so that the party wouldn’t look so empty.
We didn’t have a choice regarding the theme, we just had to accept what KFC had ready within their storages, but I was pleasantly surprised that the theme they had – Plants vs Zombies – was not only gaming related, but a game I played for a long time, and a game you yourself enjoyed watching while you were still a baby.
And then they came
I was confident that your Ninong Paolo would arrive with his family, including their two kids, but even then, we were a bit nervous about the number of kids that would be in attendance, this being a children’s party and all. That’s why we were overjoyed when we saw Nathan arrive with his wife and three kids. That started the string of guests that arrived one after the other. At around noontime, there were about 10 kids and 20-plus adults, much more than what the party looked like just half an hour ago.
Even family surprised us. Mama said your Lolo Gil and Lola Vicky weren’t sure attendees yet, and that Lola Cecil and Kian were the only two she was sure would attend. So when they all showed up not only in full force but with your Apa Acion, needless to say, a huge chunk of worry was lifted from our shoulders. A definite sigh of relief.
At around noon, one by one they arrived. Even those who weren’t sure came, and even those we thought wouldn’t come came. Eventually, we had to ask the KFC crew to re-set-up the tables we asked them to stow earlier to make room for more guests. We even ordered additional food, meaning we breached the 50-guest mark, which was amazing!
The Aftermath
We didn’t expect that many guests to show up, again, because it was too short of a notice and most of our friends will have already have had plans. But it was a surprise I’d gladly accept every day.
The hardest part wasn’t accommodating the extra guests or even ordering additional food, those were easy and cheap. In fact, the biggest challenge was going back home, what with all the gifts you received!
Conclusion
Sure it wasn’t the grandest of parties, but it was the easiest to set up given the time that we had. And for two days notice, I’d say it was a pretty special event – one that I will never forget. And you know what? Sure KFC did a marvelous job (kudos to them for being Laging Handa), but it was all thanks to the people who came. Without them, the party could have become a disaster, or could have even become embarrassing. And for that, your mother and I will forever be grateful.
I asked her to snap a picture of everyone around to commemorate the event (hint: she couldn’t) so that one day, if life gives you the opportunity, you can maybe thank them for saving your 3rd birthday party.
I know that by the time your read this, you would have no memory of this party, but I hope you genuinely enjoyed it, as much as I hope the guests did.
And as for us, your parents, the party was a huge and very much welcome bonus, but a bonus nevertheless. YOU are our treasure, and three years in we are still thankful everyday that you came into our lives. We did enjoy the party, and we’re looking forward to each and every day, and each and every birthday we’ll celebrate together.
Happy Birthday! Daddy loves you.
Gallery
All photos and videos from this event can be found in this page.
The password is the same as our WiFi password in Town & Country from 2012-2014. If you don’t know what that is, ask us.
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