Janice at 47: A Vikings Night with High School Amigas

Last January 16, Ralph, Ken, and I attended one of my best friends’ birthday celebration at Vikings Luxury Buffet. And yes—this was my second Vikings invite for the same birthday, just on a different date. Because apparently, when you’re loved, one buffet is not enough.

To add to the calendar chaos, my other dear friend Hazel Tupas (also my second cousin’s wife, because Filipino family trees are a maze) is also celebrating her birthday on January 16—but her Vikings party is scheduled on the 24th and I already saved the date like a responsible adult. So yes, I’m doing Vikings twice in one month. Pray for my arteries.

The Haircut Saga (a.k.a. Ralph Is Not Showing Up Scruffy)

Friday morning before the party, Ralph and Ken both got haircuts. This was non-negotiable. Ralph flat-out refused to attend the party with “long messy hair.” Mind you—this is the same man currently in a wheelchair. Priorities.

Wheelchair Perks and Parking Olympics

Parking at SM North Block was, as expected, full. Ken dropped us off while he heroically went off to park at South Block. Because Ralph is in a wheelchair, the guards gave us… let’s call it special treatment. Doors opened, paths cleared. Honestly, 10/10 experience. Would not recommend the injury, but the assistance? Impeccable.

Surprise! Vikings Opens at 5:30, Not 5:00

When we arrived at Vikings, everyone was just standing outside. Turns out, Vikings doesn’t open until 5:30 PM, even though the invitation said 5:00. So there we all were—125 guests strong—hovering, chatting, and pretending we weren’t embarrassed loitering all over the place.

I went around greeting titos and titas while Janice—looking radiant in her denim dress—floated around greeting guests like the birthday queen she is. Naturally, everyone asked about Ralph and what happened to him, and naturally, I retold the entire story like it was episode 12 of a long-running drama series.

Strategic Seating: High School Amigas Edition

Janice had tables organized by relationship level, which I found both hilarious and accurate. There was a “High School Amigas” table (me, Tintin, Joyce—elite tier), a massive Lopez Family section (because that family alone could fill half the restaurant), Coyo’s Café staff, and Dad’s Barkadas, which consisted of the seasoned, wise, and very opinionated crowd—aka her dad’s longtime friends. I’m pretty sure there were many other table labels too, but I didn’t get to read them all.

One thing I didn’t know—until it was already happening—was that Vikings also makes sure to acknowledge guests who have birthdays in the same month. I had just celebrated my birthday last January 6, and apparently Janice made sure my name was included. The next thing I knew, the Vikings staff were in front of me with a mini birthday cake, a Viking hat on my head, and a big Happy Birthday sign, insisting I blow out candles I did not mentally prepare for. It was unexpected, slightly embarrassing in the best way, and genuinely sweet.

Kristine and Tong arrived fashionably late—about an hour and a half later. Joyce arrived sometime before 7 PM, which in Filipino time is practically early. We used the time to catch up on life updates, latest endeavors, and of course, the necessary gossip. Some traditions must be preserved.

The Early Exit (Because Real Life Exists)

By around 8:30 PM, Ralph started asking that question. “You ready to go?”
Translation: he still needed to clock back in to work.

So we wrapped up, said our goodbyes, and headed out—full, happy, and socially fulfilled.

Despite the waiting, the crowd, the wheelchair logistics, and the double-birthday Vikings marathon I’m apparently committed to this month, I genuinely had a great time. Good food, great friends, and the kind of laughter that reminds you why showing up—even when it’s inconvenient—is always worth it.

And yes, I’ll see you all again on the 24th. At Vikings. Again.