Traditional 'Mananita' birthday celebration -unexpected but deeply appreciated!

Team leader, Ian's birthday was celebrated in the traditional  'Mananita' Philippine way last Tuesday. However, the team and host families had 'hatched' a plan in secret the week before!! They arranged to be outside his bedroom door at 5am ready for a 'happy birthday', Filipino style!!
Stumbling out from a deep sleep from a loud knocking on the door, he was greeted by a large heart of flowers, candles, musicians and about 20 host family members singing happy birthday and other traditional songs!!! Shock set in!!
The team had to be up at 4 am to do this, as they were all in individual home stays...this surely is a new definition of 'commitment'!! (Bravo guys...very much appreciated).
The idea is to welcome in the new day with family and friends, watching the sun rise to celebrate the beginning of a new year! Breakfast (with music) was taken at sunrise, on the edge of a cliff over looking Tagbilaran Bay. Absolutely stunning and unforgetable!
'Tradition' also has it that several San Miguel (local) beers are required to 'wash' down breakfast! The team duly followed the custom and we were indeed becoming : "Happy Little San Miguellites"!!!!
More surprise dinner celebrations occurred later in the evening as well!!

Happy Little 'San Miguelittes'!!!

What a day.... memorable, extraordinary and deeply appreciated.