The Cagbananua Family in Chicago honored sibling Gabby with a birthday party on Saturday, February 2nd at the residence of Gil and Dora (extreme left). Sister Aida and Amelita joined the celebrant (second from right). Not shown but very much present were brothers Leo and Ruben. Parents Utay and Titing Cagbananua and bro Rex sent their love all the way from Dapitan.

Just days after a heavy snowstorm, the family and their friends had assembled a “dinner impossible” complete with appropriate “entertainment” (right, Gabs?:) to the delight of the full house. Familiar faces and new found friends mingled round the dinner table, like an informal council – the source of a clan’s strength.

Typical of immigrant families, the Cagbabanuas have stuck it out and have weathered challenges that have come their way and then some. Gabby’s party was a time to let off some steam and regroup for the year ahead.

View the event photo album.