I don’t know why the kids at the next table keep staring at me.
I notice the adults steal a few glances, but the children, it’s like when I entered the room someone pointed a remote control at them and pushed the pause button.
Chopsticks suspended in the air, mouths hanging open, they gawk at me like I’m some retard who just escaped from a mental institution.
I mean why would they think that? I look pretty normal, RIGHT?
Besides, I’m just going to attend my own birthday party.
Venue: Ukokkei Ramen Ron, Mabini (yes, the soup nazi has opened a second branch) 
Theme: Cosplay!!! (ooohhhhh…) 
Time to Prepare: Less than 24 hours (PRESSURE!!!) 
Because at 32, I am still fun, spontaneous, and exciting. 
Instead of confusing The Fatterside with too many choices, I created a menu displaying 4 of my favorite ramen. Each fatty fills up the order form with his
Engrish name, Japanese name, and choice of ramen.
I roll up the menu-slash-order-forms and stuff one in each of these cups. With the little Nippongo skills I acquired in college, I hand-painted the cups with our names in kanji. These menu holders are also my birthday giveaways.
Everyone starts with an appetizer platter of Japanese Egg, Yaki Gyoza and Chicken KaraageThen a bowl of ramen of his choice:
Dan Dan Men – nutty, creamy, sesame-y
or
Karamiso Negi Ramen – rich, flavorful, exciting
or
Miso Chashu Ramen – rich, flavorful, tame
or
Tonkkokei Ramen. But not one ordered this so sorry, no photo.
Dessert is assorted Japanese mochi in sesame, green tea, red bean and peanut
And, of course, MY BIRTHDAY CAKES!!! Clockwise from top left: Diamond Hotel’s Baked Cheesecake from the Sorianos, Katherine Yu’s Chocolate Mousse Cake from Nikko, Diamond Hotel’s Supermoist Chocolate Cake from the Soriano’s, and Sweet Bella’s Strawberry Charlotte from Jr & Kim. Thank you, guys!
But NO THANK YOU for the “Happy Out of the Calendar” greeting. Frances, I know you are the mastermind of this!
And this is why I love my Fatterside cousins.
With less than a day’s notice, they all come in the cutest cosplay attire.
And while belching out my birthday song, they surprise me by suddenly holding up these inverted triangular pieces that spell Happy Birthday.
Well, that was the plan, but I guess not all of them know how to spell Happy Birthday 
And then, they give me this Toms shoebox…
… and inside is an iPhone 4 (!!!!!!) complete with all my contacts, notes, pictures, secrets, private messages, plus many other cool new apps!
Special mention to Auntie Babie who “kidnapped” my beloved iPhone 2G
the night before. To all the people who texted and called, now you know why
there was no reply. But now I can text you back with my spankin’ new phone!
Even the Fatterside Hong Kong Edition sent in their photos. Thank you for celebrating with me in spirit, Ritchie, Paul and Johann!
And of course, there will be no jinlovestoeat without Dad and Mom.Thank you everyone for making me feel so loved.
And now, dear Readers, please help me choose the winner for the best costume contest!
Felisse as Minnie Mouse Achi Donna as Grandma Mouse
Diane as an Elementary Schoolgirl Princess as a High School Schoolgirl
Frances as Naughty Schoolgirl Nikko as a Blonde Lolita
Benjie as a Cowboy Jamie as Indianinja
Alexi as Kimono Girl Archie as Japanese Gigolo
Florence as Princess Fiona JR & Kim as Ketchup & Mustard
Some of the oldies dressed up, too!
Auntie Nats as Mama-san Auntie Babie as Piglet
Oh, and Alexi’s iPhone as Playboy Bunny. Hihihi!
I think my Gwama has the most fun tonight! 
Send in your votes now in the comments section! Ukokkei Ramen Ron: 888 Gateway Plaza, 2126 A. Mabini Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines.
