The anniversary meal turns into its own celebration. The highlight — without question — is the lechon. It arrives glistening and golden, the skin perfectly crisp, the kind that cracks when you tap it with the knife.

Another surprise highlight is the sushi. It feels like a lifetime ago — that 33‑day cruise where I searched for sushi every single day — and now here, in the middle of today’s festivities, sits a huge wooden “boat” overflowing with it. Rolls, sashimi, nigiri, all arranged like a little harbor of color and freshness. I can’t help but smile at the full‑circle moment.

And the food doesn’t stop there. Platters and trays keep appearing from every direction — Filipino dishes of all kinds, everyone’s favorites (especially the lumpia), plus desserts and anything anyone felt inspired to cook. It’s loud, it’s joyful, it’s chaotic in the best way. And somewhere between the lechon, the lumpia, and everything else on the table, I realized something funny: I’m positive I ate more garlic this past month than I’ve eaten in the last five years — and more than I’ll probably eat in the next ten.

And the house is full. Ella’s family is here — her mom, her sister, her brother‑in‑law, and her nephews. Jo’s family is here too — her parents, and her brother and sister‑in‑law, their presence adding another layer of warmth to the day. And of course, Ate Tessie is here, along with her son John, her pastor, and the pastor’s two daughters — all part of the joy and noise filling the house. Rica’s godmother Susan and her husband Rodney are here as well, rounding out the circle of familiar faces. The only ones missing are Mae and Jo — but even from far away, they feel woven into this celebration.

All gathered, all talking at once, all part of this noisy, happy day — the kind of day that reminds you why you came home.

The anniversary celebration carried on long after the plates were cleared, the house still buzzing with voices and laughter. And later that night, just when we thought the day was finally settling down, Ate Tessie’s daughter Jacky and her granddaughter Angela arrived. More hugs, more stories, more catching up — the kind of late‑night reunion that stretches the day in the best possible way.

Happy Anniversary Ella and Ronald