Lannie Armstrong

This year’s birthday didn’t come with balloons, a big party, or a cake surrounded by guests—and honestly, it was just as special. I don’t usually host large gatherings, not because I don’t enjoy them, but because our home is small. Instead, we celebrate with simple, meaningful moments, often just my husband but this time hubby invited one of our close friends.

In past years, that’s meant a nice dinner or a cozy breakfast out. But this year, we wanted to do something different. We decided on a little road trip.

The Original Plan… and the Change of Course

We were all set to head to Buc-ee’s—a place we loved when we visited Texas few weeks ago. My husband heard there’s one in Virginia, so we’d been curious to check it out. But the day before, we decided to change course for a shorter ride.

Our friend had been talking about Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia for months, saying we’d absolutely love it. We figured—why not?

And you know what? He was right.

On my birthday morning, the three of us hit the road toward Pennsylvania, ready to try new foods with music playing in the background. We didn’t know exactly what the day would bring, but that was part of the fun.

Foodie Heaven at Reading Terminal Market

Walking into Reading Terminal Market was like stepping into a feast for the senses. This historic market has been around since 1893 and is now home to more than 80 vendors serving everything from fresh produce and Amish baked goods to international street food and tempting desserts.

It’s definitely a busy place—so if you’re not into crowds, it might not be for you—but if you love sampling amazing food and soaking up a bit of history, it’s a must-visit.

As a gardener, I was thrilled to find a produce stand overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. We picked up corn, blackberries, and plums. And to my delight, I even found a vendor selling seeds and garden products like dried flowers and herbs—a fun and unexpected bonus in the middle of all that delicious food.

A Little Taste of Home at Tambayan

One of the biggest highlights of the market was discovering Tambayan, a Filipino food stall tucked among the vendors. It felt like finding a piece of home right in Philadelphia.

The staff greeted us warmly, and I had the chance to speak with the owner, Kathy Mirano, for a short interview. Kathy is a Filipino immigrant who worked at the market for 21 years before opening Tambayan, which means “a place to hang out.” Her journey began during the pandemic, selling small cakes to essential workers under the name “Runners Sweets and Treats,” inspired by her love for running.

Her restaurant now features traditional Filipino dishes, many inspired by her grandmother’s recipes and by the love of her father, with a focus on beloved flavors like ube. The way she spoke about her food, her inspiration, the presentation, and of course the taste—it all brought back so many memories of my childhood in the Philippines.

Finding Tambayan wasn’t part of our plan, but it turned into one of the most special moments of my birthday.

From Philly to Maryland—The Filipino Food Tour Continues

After leaving Philadelphia, we made two more stops before calling it a day.

First was Manila Mart in Beltsville, a Filipino grocery store that’s like a treasure chest for anyone missing the flavors of home. The shelves were lined with familiar snacks, sauces, and ingredients you just can’t find in regular supermarkets. I stocked up on a few favorites I haven’t had in ages.

Our final stop was Jollibee in Wheaton. For Filipinos, Jollibee isn’t just fast food—it’s an experience, a taste of childhood. We ordered all the classics: crispy Chickenjoy, sweet and savory Jolly Spaghetti, and of course, peach mango and ube pies for dessert. The place was buzzing with laughter, conversations, and the mouthwatering aroma of comfort food.

A Birthday to Remember

I’ll admit, I do miss spending my birthday with a few close friends, but summer schedules are always busy, and I don’t really plan parties. Still, this year’s celebration was far from ordinary.

I made new connections, enjoyed food that reminded me of home, and felt so loved by the way my husband planned the day to honor both me and my Filipino roots.

From exploring the bustling aisles of Reading Terminal Market to ending the day with Jollibee comfort food, every moment was filled with joy. Sometimes the best birthdays are the ones that aren’t planned down to the last detail—they’re the ones that unfold naturally, with good food, good company, and a heart full of gratitude.