Family celebration · Rooftop deck · Quezon City
The Lim Family
Confetti & citrus · May 2026 · 45 guests
“Only my mother knew. For nine days. She has never been prouder.”
The clinic sealed the result in an envelope. The envelope went to Lola Remy, who guarded it for nine days and told every single person that she was guarding it.
The rooftop
A neighbour offered her roof deck for the afternoon on the condition that she be invited. She was invited. She brought bibingka.
The moment
Both grandmothers pulled the cord together, because neither would agree to let the other do it alone. Blue, everywhere, and a five-year-old cousin who screamed before the smoke had cleared because she had wanted a girl.
What the guests said
- “I held that envelope for nine days and I did not look. Not once. Ask anyone.” — Lola Remy
- “We have a name picked for a boy. We have had it since 2019.” — Marco, father
- “I wanted a girl. I am okay now. Mostly.” — Cousin Adie, age five
- “Best rooftop I have lent anyone.” — Mrs. Villanueva, neighbour
Afterwards
The blue smoke hung over the street for a good minute. Two floors down, somebody who had no idea what was happening leaned out and shouted congratulations anyway.
The palette
The team
Everyone on that roof had their own photos before they got down the stairs — and the short clip of the two lolas pulling together was cut on a phone that evening.