Our grandson Zion turned five on October 27

Rozmar and Jinny began preparing for his birthday party two days in advance.

A feast with two whole roast pigs

There was plenty of food, including two lechon baboy: whole roast pigs, a favorite centerpiece at celebrations in the Philippines.

Preparations began late on the night of October 26, and the pigs were slowly roasted for about six hours.

The two piglets cost ₱6,000 (approximately US$93.75). They had been raised and fed for about three months.

Video: Preparing the lechon baboy

Watch the pigs being slowly roasted.

So many guests came to celebrate

We prepared three tents, five tables, and 30 chairs. Two tents were rented, and one was borrowed from a friend.

Around 60 guests joined us, so there were not enough chairs for everyone. It was a lively celebration!

More presents than he could carry

Zion received so many birthday presents that he could barely hold them all.

Apparently, turning five is not considered a special milestone birthday for boys.

In the Philippines, a girl’s eighteenth birthday celebration is known as a “debut.” The tradition has roots in Spanish colonial influence and European debutante balls, which marked a young woman’s introduction to society.

The celebration formally marks her transition into legal adulthood. It is regarded as an important family milestone, with preparations sometimes beginning months or even years in advance.