She's 81 and counting...

My eldest aunt, Auntie Delan (Papa's eldest sister), celebrated her 81st birthday yesterday, and from all indications, I'm happy to say it looks like she's going to be having many more birthday dinner celebrations to come.

To celebrate, we got together for dinner last night at Club Filipino. In attendance were Auntie Delan's entire family (sons, daughters, in-laws, grandchildren), brother Emon (my Papa) and his family (that's all of us in the Philippines, except for my brother Irip, sis-in-law Girlie, and nephews Pau and Enzo who are in the UK), sisters Raye (Un), Jovit, Tik, friends Resty and Rosie. We had a great time as usual, kidding, laughing, telling stories. Food was pretty good, but I loved the lechon and the Hizon cake best.

I always like it when we get together, and it was especially nice because there was a time a few years back when Auntie didn't look as healthy as she does now. But she got a second wind and she's doing great (except for her hearing), and she loves to tell stories. Here's a picture of her from last night:

Looking good

I really like that picture, and of course, she kept telling me that I keep taking pictures of her, but I never give her copies. I admit, I've been guilty of that in the past, but last year, I did give her copies of the pictures I took from her birthday party. :) Funny, when I was a kid, I remember being afraid of her, thinking she was this really strict aunt. But she is a really sweet person.

Anyway, here are several more pictures from last night.

The birthday cake (I love this cake! So very very yummy!!!)

With her "apos" (grandchildren)

Another shot with the grandchildren

With her children and some nieces and nephews and in-laws

With friends Resty and Rosie, sisters Raye and Tik standing;
sister Jovit and brother Emon flank the celebrant

Dad and son (Kuya Boy and Jacob)

My Bentot

Ben with Jacob and their Auntie Mabel

Ben with his Ate Janina, Ate Cat, Jacob, and Auntie Mabel

The cousins (with a very youthful looking aunt ;) )

Ben and Jaden

The boys!

The girls!

And now, here are a few random video clips from last night:

And finally, here's a short video clip of Auntie blowing her candle:

It was, overall a very good night and I, for one, am looking forward to Auntie's 82nd birthday.