Celebrating Thirty-sixth year of Brother Adrian Miranda
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 💜
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