A SILVER SURPRISE

Remember that cute couple I was with at the Garden Show? Yes? Well, they just reminded me once again how we should never run out of reason to make our partner feel special, no matter how big or small; and how a huge amount of effort can amplify the littlest of things.

Last September, Albert asked me to help him prepare a surprise birthday party for his girlfriend, Pearl. I agreed and was too excited about it. But it was one tough job to plan a surprise party. It was hard to communicate behind the celebrator's back. One text read would ruin everything. But we made it, though. We were able to surprise Pearl on her birthday. Yay!

Now, payback time. Pearl asked me to plan a silver surprise birthday party for Albert's 25th. Yes, I'm the universal, go-to accomplice. We were so giddy talking about our plans. We planned all these while having a street food marathon. It's easier to plan with Pearl, though. Bisayaon lang, wa na si Albert uy!

Then days passed like crazy... until there's only a week left. We counted each day with a mix of anxiety and excitement. We booked the place, finalized the guests, worked on the giveaways. On that very day, we we went in early to set up the decors and the cake, cupcakes, wine...etc. We even helped arrange the chairs and tables at the venue. Girl power at its best! Whew! All that while keeping track on Albert's whereabouts. If you're planning a surprise party, the last thing you'd want is be surprised by the very person. We were anxious about the whole thing! Cold hands, accelerated heartbeats. Aaaahhh!!!

Pearl wanted his birthday extra special by holding the event somewhere Albert has never been yet. She wanted it to be a lovely first. We thought of a place so intimate and almost instantly, unanimously, Joe's Italian Restaurant popped out in our minds. I blogged about Joe's weeks back and they were among the people intrigued about the place.

Joe's Italian Restaurant fits the theme so well, how we imagined the event to be. That night, it housed 20 people that made such impact on Albert's 25 years. It was a huge challenge for me to direct all the guests while reading Pearl's text messages which appeared more like a clock ticking, a countdown of something about to explode. "We're on our way." "We're almost there." "We're 10 steps away." It was crazzzzy! Then the door opened ---- SURPRISE!!! Wow, priceless.

Now, the tougher part came in. Me hosting! Oh my freaking gosh! What choice do I have, though? Really, it freaked me out. I told her I can't do it but I did anyway. Hahaha. Ganyan ko lang ka-love si Pearl!

Of course, the whole event wouldn't be complete without the food. Only the best Joe's has to offer. Yay! They look so appetizing! Food porn commencing...

Albert was all smiles that night.  We had 25 silver treasures, 25 tequila shots and lastly, a toast to the celebrator. Cool, huh? Kudos to the master planner! Effort kung effort! Pearl really spent time on the smallest details. The event was a blast! I can't tell you exactly how happy I am for them two. I've watched them grow as a couple and I couldn't be any happier seeing them make such great an effort to make each other feel special. So happy and in love.

Special thanks to the food attendants at Joe's for helping us out in our preparation. Big hugs! Until our next visit, Joe's!

 Telling them that they're special is one thing, 

making them feel special is another.