72

My mom turned 72 a few days ago. As always, she invited us over for dinner (the kids = me/Bert/TC, my younger sis and bro/GF and their kids).  Even though it's her birthday, she and my dad insisted of cooking everything but we still brought food for her...

My dad's bbq sticks. This is beef marinated with lemon, teriyaki, and Mafran (or Jufran) banana ketchup! These were the most popular items that night.

Meat on a stick is always a crowd pleaser especially with the nephews and TC...

My sis brought tortilla chips and with homemade ceviche (with shrimp)...

My parents ordered food from the local Chinese place. This was Walnut Shrimp which tastes so good but is so fattening! The sauce itself...I shudder to even think about what's in it!

No Filipino birthday party is complete unless you have pancit because noodles = long life. This is my mom's pancit bihon as seen in many previous birthday posts.

My mom was proud of the vegetables in her pinakbet (Philippine vegetable stew). They were all homegrown. The sweet potatoes (kamote) were from the neighbors. The eggplant (talong), bittermelon (ampalaya), lima beans (patani), tomatoes (kamatis). My mom hasn't put bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) in her pinakbet for several years now in her quest to eat healthier. However, I found it ironic that she put in pork rinds (which turn soft and chewy) in her pinakbet!

This was Guisadong Opo (loofah squash) with shrimp and pork (guisado means "sauteed"). The opo was also from the backyard. My parents are totally into their garden and are always trading seeds and crops with the neighbors (their good friend and also my godparents).

This was Gulaman with lychees. Gulaman are various types of gelatins used in desserts. My mom made pandan gelatin and almond as well. She cut them up and put them in a big bowl with evaporated and condensed milk along with lychees and ice cubes (which will melt and also keep the dessert drink cold).

Not shown was my noodle salad. For a nice photo (as well as the recipe), take a gander at Wandering Chopsticks' post on Jaengban Gooksu Cold Buckwehat noodle salad.

I was in a hurry to leave the house and in my haste, forgot to bring the shredded lettuce. I still served the soba noodle salad with the other toppings (julienned carrots, egg omelette, and cucumbers) and brought the dressing.  Also not shown was my mom's chicken adobo. As always, there were at least 5-7 different dishes, something to please everyone.  That's the last of the birthdays on my side until December which is my sister's! Happy bday mom!