My Birthday

The surprise birthday cake.

Today’s my birthday, and there’s no better place to spend it than in the city of Tagbilaran at the Immigration office. Kenny and I planned on going to Tagbilaran in the morning to renew our visas, get money at the bank, vaccinations at the hospital, and to try out Jollibee—the McDonald’s fast food chain of the Philippines. I normally avoid fast food unless forced to eat it but since it was my birthday, I decided to try something different and make an exception.

My first "Yum" burger at Jollibee—the Filipino equivalent of McDonalds.

We got to Tagbilaran by around 11 AM and were already hungry. Our first stop was Jollibee where I had the 1/3 pounder hamburger with fries and a soda. It took about 15 minutes to get our food because they had to cook it which actually wasn’t a big deal. I like cooked food. The burgers were okay and weren’t as bad I heard them to be. Generally, Filipinos like Jollibee better than McDonalds while foreigners like the opposite. I personally like McDonald’s better because Jollibee puts a sweet sauce in their burgers which doesn’t taste good with the salty meat patty.

After lunch we went to the local ATM to get money and then walked to the Immigration office. My luck, the Immigrations office was closed because it was a weekend. I haven’t had much luck getting to banks and government offices on days they’re open. It’s no big deal, I have time to renew my visa and Kenny’s visa was already expired.

A doctor preparing the HepA and B shots for Kenny and I.

The next chore I needed to get done was to get my last HepA and B vaccination shot. I drove Kenny and I to Ramiro Hospital where I eventually found my way to the doctor’s office I previously used to get vaccinated. That doctor wasn’t in because it was the weekend and she takes a half day. I found another doctor who was friendly to talk to and gladly administered the shot to me. Kenny decided to get the shot also because he planned to travel to other Asian countries after Philippines.

After going home, changing and cleaning up, Kenny and I met up with Eric and Vilma at Alona Beach by 4 PM. We decided to eat dinner with Veronica, Susan, Mae, and Ren at the best Italian restaurant around Alona—Kamalig. Food was good, we had drinkable wine, and Mae and Ren bought a cake for me. I was very surprised they went out of their way to get me a cake. Good friends and good food—good times.

Mae and Ren went out to get me a cake from Tagbilaran. I was pleasantly surprised.

Susan shares her cake with Kenny. Sharing is caring.

Ren and I continue the celebrations at Oops.

Celebrating Swedish style.

Eric and Vilma at Oops.

After a great dinner and little birthday celebration, we walked over to Oops bar to get a few drinks and to go to the disco there. Sander joined us. Fun, fun, fun, times.

- jason