Mañanita
The young people from our church made a surprise Mañanita serenade on the eve of my hubby's birthday that happened yesterday. They came to our house at 4 am, my hubby was still wide awake at that time and he was surprise when they sang some of his favorite songs and of course the jolly birthday song.
Mañanita, by definition is a serenade done on the eve of someone’s birthday while Las Mañanitas is a traditional Mexican song that is sung on birthdays and other important holidays. It is often sung as an early morning serenade to wake up a loved one. At birthday parties it is sung before the cake is cut. We are not familiar with the Las Mañanitas song that's why we just prefer to sing my hubby's favorite songs.
My hubby looks like he's removing some morning star from his eyes...hahaha! but he was actually touch and he's happy for what they did. I think all of us will be happy if someone's serenading you specially on your birthday since you feel that you are being loved and you are special to them.
We have been practicing this Mañanita serenade a few months ago every time when somebody celebrates his or her birthday. We usually bring hot breads such as pandesal or monay and also bring some 3 in one coffee so all of us could share and enjoy the happiness together with the birthday celebrant.