Celebrating the New Year is always special for my Mother’s side of the family because it’s also my Ama’sbirthday on the 30th. Half of my relatives from Manila fly down once a year to be with my Ama and welcome the New Year as well :) 

My Dad’s in love with this newly opened Italian restaurant “Linea” so they decided to throw Ama’s birthday celebration there instead of the usual buffet dinner at Shang. 

We were missing 1 family from the Yap clan though. They were still on vacation :))

Shrimp Pasta! Can’t get enough of ‘em :) 

Dad told me to bring over the wine I bought last summer from Australia. Fresh from the Ferguson Winery, I got this sweet rose Merlot. I was saving it for a special occasion, and this seemed like the perfect time to open the bottle! :) 

Ama smiling as we sing her a happy birthday song! :”) May He bless her with healthy long years ahead! Happy 82nd birthday Ama :) 

Ama & Angkong :) 

Chinese and proud :) My Ama and Angkong raised us with values. I’ll be forever grateful for all the hard work they did to put up the family business that made way to a better future for all of our families. Surprisingly, they both still go to the office on most mornings of the week to supervise on things even at the age of 82! They say that they’d rather be there watching over the business than lounge around at home and do nothing :))