Celebrating My Friend's 52nd Year of Life with a Birthday Party at the Province

Even if I got laid off from my job, I made it a point to honor my friend Gale's invitation to her 52nd birthday party in Angeles City, Pampanga. Tried to skip on too many expenses, but of course I couldn't skip on the toll and gas fees. I managed a personalized mug and a set of socks as gifts through the online app Shopee. Gale requested the socks herself after I had already bought the mug, and of course I want to oblige, so she got two gifts. The socks almost never made it, as I ordered it late. It arrived just as I was going out of the house to go to the party!

This is the city's church, which is near the venue. One left turn from the church and you're already almost there.

Gale has been celebrating her birthday here at Toll House at least twice. I was also invited to her 50th birthday party at the same restaurant.

This is me with the celebrant (the lady in red) plus another colleague and common friend. Got Gale's enthusiastic permission to show her face, but I and my other friend are naturally shy so we had emoji faces instead. The theme of the party was retro, but my Shopee order of an Afro wig, John Lennon colored glasses, and peace sign necklace didn't make it on time. Our friend had the right shirt, but the rest of the guests didn't wear retro. They were confused on what the theme requested.

I have a friend toy customizer who lives about 20 minutes away from Angeles, so I took the opportunity to bring some toys for repair. Beside me in the pic is the courier rider who picked up the items from Toll House to bring to my friend.

This is the event venue stage.

I was a bit late to the party, but there was still some food left, so I helped myself to the sumptuous feast.

Skipped on the rice, of course. Too much blood sugar and carbs already.

Couldn't decide if this was spaghetti or lasagna or an amalgamation of both. Or maybe I just don't know what food looks like.

This one is...tuna? Not sure.

Stir-fried vegetables.

Ummm, I kinda forgot what this was, but I had some of it. Got to photograph it after I ate when all the contents were already gone. There was shrimp too, but I don't know why I didn't have a picture.

Rice-based pastry called biko and some fruits.

Alcohol is a must!!! But I had to make sure I partied hard enough for its effect to be well gone before I drive back home.

Cakes and pastries.

Wonder why I never got pics of all the dancing. Anyway, here I am again with the birthday girl.

On the way back, my vehicle had a worrisome issue, but I managed to drag it back home safely.

Life can really be worth living when we celebrate it with the ones we love. Thanks again Gale for an awesome celebration! So happy to be alive!