A Pinoy Birthday!

Birthdays....oh so much fun! Food, friends, and family are the perfect combination for a party. When I think of birthday celebrations, I think of two different ways to celebrate... Pinoy style and American style!

Pinoy Style:

-You would never have a small birthday party because you wouldn’t want to offend any neighbors, friends, or family. You invite lots of people!

-You as the birthday celebrant are expected to feed everyone.

You would also be expected to feed any “surprise” guests. It is very traditional for invited guests to bring a friend.

-For food, you need to have rice. Noodles are a must as they symbolize long life. My choice is pinoy style spaghetti with hot dogs. If you can afford it, the meat of choice is lechon baboy which is a whole roasted pig. And you always need to have enough food so that your guests can take some home.

-It is understood that you will give your guests a take home gift as sort of a remembrance of your party.

-It is not expected that your guests bring a gift. But if receive any, you will not open your birthday gifts at the party because you do not want to offend anyone if they could not buy you a nice gift.

-You will not eat the birthday cake at the party because most likely the cake is too small to feed everyone. The family will eat the cake once the guests go home!

American Style:

-It is ok to have a small celebration. Going out to eat with your family is just fine.

-You are not expected to feed anyone. If anything, you expect people to treat you because you are the one celebrating.

-As far as food goes…..pizza, ice cream, and cake are probably the most common birthday foods.

I have celebrated my birthday both Pinoy style and American style. I enjoy both because a birthday is always a special occasion!

Here is Toria's 16th birthday party:) (the whole church came!:)

#Holidays