Pope Francis surprises Vatican journo with Pinoy-made birthday cake in papal plane
January 20, 2015 10:32pm
Often described as a "man of surprises," Pope Francis lived up to this billing after surprising a Vatican reporter with a Filipino-made birthday cake.
 
In the middle of the his press conference with the Vatican-accredited reporters during the flight back to the Vatican, the 78-year-old pontiff brought out a birthday cake for journalist Valentina Alazraki. 
 
"We can’t say how old you are but you’ve worked here since you were a child, as a child, as a child. Best wishes," the Pope joked before concluding the press briefing. 
 
Pope Francis had asked Filipino pastry chef Tippi Tambunting last Friday to bake a birthday cake for his surprise. He also asked additional cakes for the rest of the media people on the plane. 
 
 
"He wanted to bring a cake for her that says 'Feliz Cumpleaños Valentina,' who's turning 60," Tambunting said in a "24 Oras" report that aired on Tuesday. "But since she's a female and we found a bit it awkward for the six to be there, he just wanted a zero candle on the cake."
 
During the Pope's stay in the Philippines, the pastry chef saw the Holy Father thrice. 
 
"Na-shock ako. I didn't know what to do. I was in awe. I kissed his hand. I was supposed to kiss his ring but I couldn't find it only to find out my hand was covering it," Tambunting said. Trisha Macas/JST, GMA News

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