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suigeneris94 · 2 years

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Celebrating Thirty-sixth year of Brother Adrian Miranda

Intro

The humidity level on the 26th of August is bearable compared to past weeks. The actual birthday of our brother was yesterday 25th of August, which means Thursday in year two thousand twenty-two point of view.

However, all of us are fortunately employed and bound to fulfill our duties and responsibilities until our shift ends. After the working hours – we had our own businesses to deal with, such as one of the famous household chores – the laundry. In other words, Fridays only!

Who is Adrian? and why should we be gathered for a birthday dinner? Here is a quick summary on how the handsome Adrian came to the world.

He is the second child of Mr. Alfredo with the alias as “Malupit or Kuya Fred” and Mrs. Mylende with alias of “Ate Beth”. The stunning features of both our father and mother. We are talking about great powerful genes here all mixed up like a perfect coffee on a rainy day, has led to the birth of a child dated back in 25th of August, year 1986. They named him “Adrian”

No meaning has been disclosed from both sides, as to why they have named him Adrian. Few days has passed then I thought, it will be a shame to not ask at least. Therefore, I sent a voice message to our biological mother and made an inquiry. She was not able to recall why they came up with that name. Don’t worry brother Adrian, Mama and Papa loves us equally and that’s all that matters.

Announcement of addition to the family tree

May I all ask you to please give a round of applause to the loving wife of my big brother gummy bear Mark, Mrs. Sarah Miranda!

Well, my dear sissy-in-law, you are forever stuck with our enchanting charisma. Doha made sure that you had a warm welcome here way back – February 2022.

Friday it is! 26th of August

Weekends here in Doha are Friday’s and Saturday’s. I am Sheena, the author of this story, the youngest sibling among four of us.

Brother Adrian has made no plans for his birthday celebration, as usual. It is always his younger brother – Mark Anthony commonly known as “Ton” by his immediate and non-immediate relatives.

We left house at approximately 7:14pm and went to the accommodation of brother Adrian, he is the only one who lives separately as he is an independent HSE Officer. In a matter of fifteen minutes, I gave a call to let him know that we are about to reach. As he went outside their building door, we saw our Big brother, having a military cut! He looks like Hanamachi Sakuragi – though his hair was not dyed in red.

We have not seen him in a couple of months as we are occupied doing our never-ending laundry. I pressed the record button on my mobile and began singing “Happy Birthday”, alongside with me – Cindy, the eldest and the beloved (as per her tattoo on her arm) have joined me and gave her best effort, but her vocal cords has ultimately failed her. Luckily I am here, all went well because of me, the only gifted child with a wonderful voice amongst my siblings.

Dinner destination – Ponderosa Steakhouse, Al Sadd

It is a buffet restaurant located nearby our place. It is my first visit here, same goes to Brother Adrian. We chose a longer table that will enable us to move freely and can be able to occupy the food we plan to partake.

The salad bar consistently captures my interest when it comes with buffets. I took a generous amount of hummus; I have added my one of the favorite salad;

Tabbouleh is a Levantine salad made mostly of finely chopped parsley, with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and sweet pepper. Some variations add lettuce or use semolina instead of bulgur. Main ingredients: Parsley, tomato, bulgur, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt. – Google

We scattered like a mad scientist grabbing a plate and, in an instant, it is as if with don’t know each other. I am the last person to reach back at the dinner table, presenting you the list of food in front of me were namely; Chicken buffalo wings – red sauce make it stand out, nachos with cheese dressing, Arabic mixed pickle – Love this! mashed potato, shredded corn, a mountain of Cesar salad with a big white onion ring at the center, a bowl of mushroom soup – each of us have it! potato wedges, baked macaroni, macaroni salad, and white pasta.

In a span of twenty-five minutes – The food is no longer visible at the table. A second round has been called after a 10-minute rest. We had fruits such as watermelon and peaches. Last stop over for tonight’s celebration:

The Sundae Bar! Two classic options for vanilla & chocolate ice cream. I have mixed mine. During the second round, we are just listening to the birthday celebrant Adrian telling us where life is taking him so far – we, as the audience, diligently listens to the narrative until suddenly, our elder sister declared a red alert – Take note that she is wearing a white dress and her bangs is braided like a demure teenager.

In search of the #1 Leading brand of Sanitary pads, Always “Maxi thick premium pink”

We left ponderosa briefly after being confronted with the dilemma. The only person who has a driving license among our family tree is none other than, brother Mark which implicates that – there can only be one driver for the rest of our lives here in Doha.

“Saan tayo?” Where to go? – Mark asked

English translation brought to you by Tide with freshness of downy.

There was complete silence in the crowd. In addition, we just had a delightful buffet, and our love handles are bouncing back with each other while the car progresses to the highway. Mark decided on his own, by announcing in an open air “I know a nearby bakala here”.

Fifteen minutes has passed, and we are about to stop on the third signal. “Bakala is not here?” – Mark mumbled. “Our house is closer from ponderosa kuya” – I replied. The audience including myself, simply laughed with our bloated bellies. The bakala suddenly appeared while we are still contemplating about what I said.

As I am the youngest and the person they can always count on – I volunteered to purchase the required product.

Starbucks nearby Ponderosa

We ordered our preferences according on our mood. I have not seen my bis sister in a while, perhaps she quickly went on the second floor to change up. I ordered matcha with frappe to maintain my physique.

Ordering done and we are all seated on the ground floor – the way going upstairs is blocked giving minimal space for the customers who wish to use the washroom.

Cindy, descending from stairs looked dismayed and confused. “I could not find their washroom.” She uttered. “It is just there.” – We answered all at once, as if we rehearsed this earlier. “Well, I tried. What is saw is only the trash bin.” – She replied.

“Turn left after that” – Mark quickly responded with his hand gesture and great conviction. 5 Minutes passed after Mark tried to provide the direction verbally, Cindy shows no sign of willingness to search by herself again and replied – “Sheen, just come with me. Sige na please”.

Since I am the youngest and the one she can always count on, I went with her, Ugh. I waited outside the washroom door holding the circle gold Happy Birthday Balloon – tossing it repeatedly upwards to pass the time.

We went downstairs shortly after, and the cake is already at the table with the candle taken inside the bag of Sister Sarah. Seeing the situation and assessed what is lacking - I walked toward the staff counter and asked politely for a lighter. “Kuya? Pahiram po ng lighter.” and he touched both of his side pockets preparing to say his frequent answer with the customers.

“Sorry po, wala eh”. This is a good reminder that, when life gives you lemon, ask for a lighter instead.

Took a couple of photos of Brother Adrian holding the cake with the candle – unlit. Every one of us got the exact beverage we have ordered except the Birthday celebrant! He ordered hot caramel macchiato and they served it as cold.

In life, not everything you expect will be given to you easily. Sometimes, you must listen carefully when the staff repeats your order.

Happy Birthday, Brother Adrian.

-Your little sister, Sheena Miranda 💜

#36th #year of the tiger #adrian #miranda #doha #qatar #expatriate #ponderosasteakhouse #starbucks #always #red alert #mirandashian #humid #happy birthday #handsome #sakuragi hanamichi

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suigeneris94 · 2 years

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Thirty fifth birthday of Carmel

Event that took place once upon a time, way back in 15th of July of 2022, it was a humid Friday afternoon when everyone gathered once in awhile to celebrate the 35 years of existence of Carmel Baltonado.

No surprise party has been set as the hotel check in procedures has to be done by Chef Julius with the presence of Carmel for smooth transition. Venue is here at Hilton, Pearl.

Before I begin further for the narrative. Let me introduce four characters:

1. Maria Analaida Campitan a.k.a. “Tata” – 37 years old, in a relationship with Abbes Soltane (Recently promoted this month of July from Arabic chef to Sous Chef) Mabrouk on your future together.

2. Jennifer Secillano a.k.a “Mama Jen” – 40 years old, in a relationship with Arun – Indian, as far as I know they live together in the same roof. Not always but almost. She does not believe in marriage – as of today.

3. Carmel Baltonado a.k.a “Gurl by Sheena, Dzai by Tata, Carms by Mama Jen and Shiela by her immediate relatives. 34 Years old and will turn 35 anytime soon. In a relationship with the guy in Canada – Joseph. They were in a relationship way back in college and they found a way back into love.

4. Lastly, Me. Sheena Miranda with no alias – I am just an ordinary gurl with an ordinary life but I lied. I am fun to be with, even I enjoy my own company. In a relationship with Raymond Ariado my future “Mister”. I do believe in marriage, and I do. May I kiss my Mister? Definitely! – When the time is right.

Please listen to your own voice while you read because I won’t always be here with you gurl.

Intro

There was no itinerary in place, and everything just went with the flow. Around five in the evening, we began filling the balloons with air with the help of modern technology – air pump. “Happy Birthday” in red color, in addition – a combination of orange and yellow balloons was inflated for more aesthetic ambience. Photoshoot is an obligation rather than for fun as it has been invented for the sole purpose of capturing memories and treasuring them whenever we look back at them.

“Hotel View”

We also went outside and paid a visit for the good view, despite the current situation as we face global warming, more particularly, humidity – we have to appreciate the moment that we are all here in one place having a great time along with our friends - And after some time. We began sweating, A lot. I had that feeling that my armpit was like an open faucet, and oh my. Carmel was sweating like a river. Jen gave her a fancy dress for the photoshoot, it was quite small for her body type but manageable for a short period of time. Who knows how long can the zipper hold itself together? Don’t answer. It is a rhetorical question. Don’t get offended because it is just my humor and hello? You are thirty-four-year-old female, act like your age.

“Birthday dinner with a reckless gulf cart driver”

In a short notice, Carmel told us that she booked a dinner at L’wzaar seafood restaurant by seven o’clock. The only short notice that made us happy in our entire life existence. At Six forty-six – we are seated at the lobby of the hotel waiting for our uber. The driver dropped us on the designated area, and from there we rode a golf cart. I would say that the golf cart driver is having a rough day, or he is just a fan of drift racing – Jen was seated at the front while three of us chose to ride at the back, just even before we settled in – without any hesitation, the driver suddenly pressed on the gas pedal that gave us a mini heart attack! I was taking a clip too as we are hooked with the song of Madi “Sun & Moon” by anees. That whole travel experience is traumatizing. Believe me.

In just three minutes we have reached our destination, luckily in one piece. Healthy and well. After that ride, Jen began to speak and said with her poker face “I really thought one of you will fall”. Do not worry Jen, we all thought the same thing!

Six fifty-nine on the dot we are at the entrance of Katara, L’wzaar seafood restaurant.

“L’wzaar Seafood Experience”

Table twenty has been booked for us by the help of Carmel’s friend.

Ordering was solely done by the thirty-four-year-old female girl, Carmel. She first selected from the menu via QR code because it is 21st century and they have to continue their business sustainably. Hence, making it online for ordering food. Started by various sushi, two type of soup – two tom yam and two fisherman soup – a soup that blew away our mind. It was tasty! The feeling of having a good hot soup filling our tummy is just so pleasant.

We asked the waiter to refill the bread twice with the three special dip. Then we stood up and joined Carmel to order seafood with the preference on how it will be cooked. Mussels – five bitter taste sauce and the other five is buttered cheese, so creamy-licious. Okay, that is not a word, I just made it up so please no big deal. Pad thai noodles, couple of fish, and fresh juice of our choice. Jen and I have chosen watermelon, Tata for strawberry, and Carmel for Mixed juice – I am unsure if I recall it correctly and oh! The button of our trousers will pop up at any given time. Due to that, we had a small stroll in Katara to let the food be digested properly, disregarding the humidity. Right after we passed the door of L’wzaar – I began singing out loud “na nanana nana nana nana, baby give it up, give it up, baby give it up!” and the vibe lit up effortlessly – finding ourselves dancing with enthusiasm. This is one of the great nights to be remembered when we are gray and old. It was a shocking realization when I have just discovered only to this day that there is a drainage designed for the air condition to be cast away in an open area – that makes the outdoors cool even during summer season. It made it even worse when Maria said it was way back from year twenty seventeen. For goodness sake, give me strength!

“Tiktok – Permission to Dance”

As we reached back into the Hotel, still bloated with what we had. Carmel has no intention to let the time pass. Every moment is golden and as soon as she mentioned we had to do Tiktok. Wholeheartedly, all three of us gathered at once! Determined not to disappoint her – well firstly because this gurl is easily irritated if you show any slight hint or unwillingness, you will sense a bad omen or worse – this might be the last time you get invited! I am kidding. Don’t take this personally because life is too short, even made shorter due to the pandemic trend – so called coronavirus. Well, I mean I can dance but I am more in to Singing. Secondly, it is her birthday, we can cooperate.

Oh my gosh, the rehearsal of “permission to dance” went on for like almost one hour and in many attempts, finally she was convinced that one clip among all videos stands out, so we thankfully rested for a bit.

Until she asked us to do another one! That part we have not been able to accomplish. Apologies for that, we tried our best – but we do have our own limitations. Mine is my “Kabuhi” (Gastric issue – or filled air on my stomach due to excessive laughing). I had two cups or hot water and tried to fart it out but no luck.

“Nighttime”

Everyone started showering, except for me. I don’t shower at night my body is not designed for nighttime showers. Jenny was told to order beer – five beers for two hundred riyals. Everyone had except for me, not because I am a good girl but I have gastric issues and I know it will worsen the pain I am in. Confetti popped by Jen.

“Sing along with Spotify lyrics”

I have used the rotating tv as my stand for the tripod. First song selected was “All this time” a song that has always been sang by my neighbor in my hometown back in Angeles city of Pampanga. Followed by “Total eclipse of the heart” by which it was a controversy and also a mystery as Carmel got also confused who has the correct lyrics – if it was Me or Tata. I told her that – As long as the intention is pure, and we are not stepping on other people lives, then it is fine. Same tone will hurt no one – and this has made me and Carmel go insane, we were out of breath and even gasping for air as we find it so hilarious! While the other two – Maria and Jen was busy munching the popcorn I brought and gulping the cold beer.

What a night? Thankful for this memorable event gurl. I want to thank you for inviting me in this beautiful hotel with beautiful people. We had fun and we have got the relief from all the worries and stress accumulated from both work and life. This signifies a true bond is possible when at least one of your friends is generous. We are just funny but Carmel has the money, it seems be that way at this trying times.

“By the Morning of 16th of July, Saturday”

I woke up first as I have “Panata” (Devotional Prayer) for our upcoming Midyear Thanksgiving, connected from webex at five thirty early morning. Even the chickens are still asleep and wearing pajamas too.

Meanwhile, tata left while both Carmel and Jen are still asleep.

Right after tata left, Jen woke up as well – leaving Carmel alone in the bed. Then finally! The thirty-five-year-old female gurl has risen. Good morning sunshine.

We had the only food available in the fridge. Cake for breakfast? Why not. So, we had chocolate cake from Chef Julius while I drink a hot water, and a tea for Carmel and Jen. We had a healthy conversation about our love life, politics – Guanzon more specifically, and to the plans that we have in the future. By Ten we are all packed up and ready to check out. It was my first experience to ride your red car, I just hope you will not drive the same way as the gulf cart driver did to us. He was a bad example.

Other notes

All expenses paid even for the car lift, and a Big chocolate cake for my family in Bin Mahmoud. Cheers on your thirty fifth Birthday, Carmel gurl.

May God bless you and be with you wherever you go.

May He guide you which path to take and for you to make the right choices.

We love you always and for a lifetime. You are our sun and moon.

I hope you had a lovely time reading the summary of your thirty fifth birthday celebration. It was, indeed - a delightful experience. Cheers to more years!

From your true and witty friend.

– Sheena Miranda, 27 years old.

#hilton #hiltonpearl #doha #qatar #2022 #35 #nohusbandYET #friends

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