Our Matiya's 77th Birthday

 **Matiya** is a combined word for *mama* and *tiya* which is a Bisaya word for aunt. Today, we celebrate another bountiful year of our dearly loved **Matiya** whom is closest to our hearts. Her birthday party is celebrated here in our hometown in Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu. Ever since I am working in Tuburan, I rarely come home since I tend to get so busy with work and other stuff, but this day, we decided to come home and take the time to celebrate. **KITCHEN CHRONICLES** Wow, Bisayang Manok! *Native Chicken* . Since it is a rainy day because of the typhoon, it is best to enjoy the hot native chicken soup.    When we arrived at their home, we immediately went to the kitchen to see what we could be of help. My partner always takes part in the cooking. He always lends a helping hand. These chicken are heartily gifts from people who are close to our Matiya. I then went back out to the living room to give her my birthday wishes and my birthday presents. My son and all our other cousins are present so they took some group photos. The woman in yellow is the birthday girl.    This is one of my most favorite scenarios whenever we celebrate birthdays at our hometown : **Seeing my son and my cousins and family members reunite and enjoy each other's company.** As children, as early as their young age today, the must practice to build strong and healthy relationship with the members of the family. It will teach them to be adults who builds a good sense of camaraderie. Our Matiya is loved by so many people because she was once a Brgy. Captain here in Caduawan for how many years and people have loved her like her own. She is a ray of sunshine in every place she goes. She gives hope and help to every people she has known. We had some tequila with my cousins while we sang at the karaoke. Every Filipino occasion is complete with a karaoke session.  Shout out to Kuya JK ( @nanayko 's handsome and talented son ) for singing his favorite song!  While singing, we all had a fair shot of tequila. In our family, even my young cousins are so much fond of singing. When given the chance to hold the microphone, they would indeed sing out loud. While the older ones gets too busy drinking alcoholic beverages. Our neighbor called out to give another birthday present to our Matiya. He gave her a chicken. Look at that.   The man in red shorts is our neighbor who gived **Matiya** his birthday present, a chicken. Wow! For sure our Matiya appreciated his birthday present so much. My uncle's girlfriend also arrived from work and gave the birthday girl a money bouquet present.   The woman on a bluegreen scrub is the one who gave our Matiya a money flower bouquet and this made her so happy. **FOODS ARE READY. DINNER IS SERVED.** My aunt ordered some foods and it was delivered at around 6:00 pm so we decided to have an early dinner. These are all the foods we shared for our Matiya's 77th Birthday Dinner.       Here are some group photos we had before and after our dinner.    The boys also had so much fun drinking liquor.   In every occasion, there needs to be a budget allocated for drinks and alcohol. It makes the party so much more fun and exciting. It was such a fun time being able to reunited with family over a birthday celebration. We may not see each other often but for sure our bonding remains the same. Happiest 77th Birthday, Matiya! To long life and good health! Ciao❤️