As we toasted the birthday celebrant with Champagne and tequila, we all agreed that we'd never had a piece of chocolate cake that tasted any better than this one.

Just before we arrived, birthday celebrants had hired a band and invited everyone to dance after dinner.

Part of the celebration involves the children of the birthday celebrant; starting with the eldest, they bow and offer wine to their parents.

Other birthday activities may include entertainment (usually by a hired professional, i.e. a clown, magician, or musician), and a special toast or speech by the birthday celebrant.

All the relatives of the birthday celebrant are expected to wear red clothing which symbolize respect for the celebrant.

During the reception, relatives offer ang paos (red packets containing money) to the birthday celebrant, especially if he is still unmarried.

There was also ample audience participation, a hallmark of the new variety: birthday celebrants were called to the stage to experience the "spanking machine."

Another poet, Virgil Teodorescu, combined his enthusiasm for both birthday celebrants, claiming they were 'the historical couple whose existence merges with the country's destiny.'

For an additional $95, Pizza and Brew will arrange for a clown or magician to entertain the birthday celebrants.

There was a six-top of birthday celebrants in the front of the house and a bachelor event in a private back room.