Welcome back! Today is a day of double celebrations here in our mountain home in Ginatilan, and as the title suggests, it’s a bit of a mix between a "real" milestone and a bit of a "fake" one—all in the name of good food and family bonding.
The "real" celebration is for my son, Liam, who is turning three months old. It’s hard to believe how fast time is flying since we brought him home to the mountains. On the other hand, the "fake" celebration is for me! My birthday isn’t actually today, but in the Philippines, any excuse for a gathering is a good one. Since we had the family together and the resources ready, we decided to have an early celebration. It’s the Filipino way—prioritizing the gathering and the joy of the moment over the strict calendar date.
The centerpiece of the day, as it often is for major occasions here, is the Lechon. For those who don't know, Lechon is a whole roasted pig, and in Cebu, we take it very seriously. It’s not just a meal; it’s a process. In this video, I wanted to show you the reality of preparing it from scratch right here on our land. We were involved in the whole process—from the preparation to the slow roasting over the open fire. There's something incredibly grounded about knowing exactly where your food comes from and putting in the work to prepare it for your loved ones. Seeing the golden, crispy skin of the Lechon at the end of the day is a reward like no other.
We gathered our "Ginatilan Family"—the workers who have been helping us build our dream home and the neighbors who have become our close friends. Sitting together in our mountain space, sharing the Lechon, some pancit, and other local favorites, is exactly the kind of life Jessa and I wanted. It’s simple, it’s raw, and it’s filled with genuine laughter.
In the video, you see the contrast between the work and the play. One minute we are discussing the house progress, and the next, we are all crowded around the table, enjoying the "village life." I’m always touched by how appreciative everyone is. Even though we are in a relatively remote area, the sense of community is stronger than anywhere else I’ve lived.
I also took some time to focus on Liam. Seeing him grow up in this environment—surrounded by family and fresh mountain air—makes all the challenges of building in the "bukid" feel worth it. He’s a calm little guy, even with all the fiesta-like noise around him. He’s already getting used to the "Pinas" rhythm.
The comments on this video have been so heartwarming. People from all over—the US, Norway, and even right here in Cebu—have been sending their blessings. Many of you mentioned how much you love seeing the simplicity of our life and the "yummy" look of that Lechon. One viewer even noted that since we are in the mountains, it makes sense that the gathering is smaller and more intimate compared to a barangay fiesta.
This celebration wasn't about fancy decorations or expensive gifts. It was about honoring the milestones, both real and "fake," and showing our gratitude to the people who are helping us make this mountain life a reality. We’re going to keep building, keep celebrating, and keep sharing these unfiltered moments with you.
Thanks for being part of our family today. Stay real, stay hungry, and I’ll see you in the next one!
