To break the somber atmosphere, Aunty Ofelia spoke forward, her eyes sparkling with fond memories of her childhood back in the Philippines.
"It was always the Palabok Fiesta for me. When my mother and father got extra money, they would treat and bring it home to us. And when they do, it's always Fiesta in our home. Hahaha! Did you all get it? Palabok Fiesta." She banters while laughing heartily.
When everyone realized she was making a joke, they all joined in her laughter, and the entire room was ecstatic.
Emily's eyes were misted with excitement as she listened to Aunty Ofelia and the others describe their childhood recollections.
During those formative years, they had the best of times. As a massive family with many siblings, the greatest and worst parts of their childhood were when their parents would bring home food from Jollibee—a unique treat.