N turns 30. Out of town. On an island.

1) Tell him you're in charge of food because, let's face it, you can't hide everything from him given the situation.

2) Proceed by creating a theme because themes are cool. For this party, R and I chose a NEON/BRIGHT everything color scheme... with a hint of Spongebob because those Spongebob party hats on eBay were simply irresistible.

The brightly colored, um, class AA "Ray-Ban" wayfarers were a hit! Piracy is bad, folks. So don't copy our idea. Think of your own damn giveaway.

LANDMARK is the place to be. It really is. More party goodies shipped to R's place in an attempt to be inconspicuous.


3) Wake up EARLY to go to the market. Leave the hotel when everyone is still asleep and return before they wake up. This could be your last shot at making this a real surprise party... until you see how much you've purchased and realize that there is no way in hell you can successfully make 2 large bayongs (one with a dangling fishtail) disappear.

4) Money can buy everything. So buy some help. Friendly Davao cab drivers are more than willing to drive you around and carry your things. For a price, of course.

5) When you get to the island, simply disappear from the group tour and just set up whatever you can. It's a semi-surprise party. He already saw the cake anyway.


Arrival at Leticia by the Sea 


Told you they were adorable

I covered up Dora the Explorer's pictures with a vector drawing of N

6) Remember, music will make everyone happy.
N's trusty Bose speaker enjoying his coconut juice while flirting with the pink toy poodle balloon 

7) Call him and say: "N, come here! Nakita mo na e!" then enthusiastically shout "SUURPRRIIISE!!!" 


To the person with the biggest heart, happy birthday!

8) Congratulate yourself. With the help of your friends, you just ruined the surprise and made it much more fun! 




Like what R said, definitely one for the books.



Soapbox would like to thank Mr. Raymond de la Paz, Michelle, Kate and Ate Vivian for making this possible. We'll see you very soon!



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