My husband thinks that my siblings are in a better position logistically to host the reunion since they live in the US, unlike us, who are only visiting for a short time. They can easily mobilize to decorate, order catering, prepare whatever needs to be prepared, etc.
But here’s the truth. I was the one who started this reunion more than a decade ago. It was me who initiated inviting the Tans for a once a year family get together. None of my siblings obligated me to be the host. It was my way of remembering our parents and an opportunity to gather in person at least once a year.
It started as a simple birthday celebration and death anniversary of my father.
Even after our parents’ death, with the help of my sister Ayleen, I continued gathering the Tans once a year. I timed the event when we, the Tan-Yees, were visiting, which happens to be in May, when kids were out of school.
It was, and it still is me, who wanted this annual get together. I didn’t mind the pagod. In memory of my parents, to introduce the next generation to their uncles, aunts, cousins, to keep the Tans intact, close. At least not to be strangers to each other. Or just finding a reason to celebrate life and family.
When my parents were still alive, we were around 20, then our family grew to number 50 ++ now.
Naturally, more preparations are needed, more t-shirts, more picking up of trays of food, more chairs and tables, more food, more plates to wash. I don’t mind the work that comes with it. Seeing my siblings and their families gather under one roof, enjoying the variety of food, bingo, and going home with a few lumpia, turon, crab, lobster, pansit, whatever extras we could wrap, is part of the fun.
Hosting this once a year gathering is one of the main reasons why I travel to the US. That is part of my yearly pilgrimage. Even if someone else will host, I will still invite them over for a casual get-together. I don’t need a reason to host and it doesn’t have to be a grand reunion. And this is something that was not clearly conveyed and understood.
Here’s a peak of what we had this year.
Kuya Junior and Ate Linda
Len and Kuya Lito
Dimple and Kuya Lito
Olivia, Justin, Tintin and boyfriend, Sydney and Emily (Elliot), and
Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Amanda, and husband Randy.
Olivia, Dr. Ric, Ricky and friend, Ron and girlfriend, Kuya Lito, Len, and Dimple
To be continued…
