Model, host, and Nike NTC trainer Sam Rodriguez or “Sambie” to her close friends, celebrated her 25th birthday yesterday with a refreshing take on the usual parties. Tagged as #SambieBQ, the poolside party was held at their family home in South Forbes. The casual celebratory mood ran from the cute little jars of Ice Gem biscuits on white tables to the striped paper straws tucked into mason jars. No high heels and suits here: Guests were dressed in picnic chic as they grabbed grilled chicken and drinks in this casual garden setting.

Sam wore a breezy midriff-baring pantsuit by Charina Sarte and welcomed everyone with a warm smile. “I just want to celebrate this time with my friends who are also like family to me,” she says. We spotted Dominique Cojuangco, Katarina Rodriguez, and Kiana Valenciano partying the afternoon away with the rest of Sam’s guests. “What made the party great apart from the ambience were really the people who carved out time from their busy schedules to come and spend time with Sambie,” shares Sam’s brother Miguel of the festivities.

A chill soundtrack eased the late afternoon into a night that saw more of Sam’s friends laughing over drinks, mostly of cooling cucumber lemonade and others that were a bit more intoxicatingly adventurous in taste. True to the birthday girl’s attitude toward her life, the gathering was more about shared stories than frenzied dance moves and loud beats, making the party last until that final shot.

Who else joined the fun at #SambieBQ? View our slideshow above!

Photos by Anton Aguila and Renz Reyes