I felt blessed that when I was younger, I grew up celebrating my special day with our close family, relatives and friends. My celebrations were not something grand. They were just simple and very intimate. My Mama made sure that every year, I could have the "best birthday ever" she could possibly give me despite our financial situation. Having spaghetti and cake on the table, okay na. As they say, "mairaos lang." For the rich kids, that may be small, but for us, that was already special.
Perhaps it is the upbringing that made me feel excited each year to spending my birthday with the very people that make me feel special.
P.S. The whole week, I was wearing the color that truly makes me happy. RED!
First celebration was in our office, July 14, a day before my natal day. My HRDearies were so creative to surprise me. I went out of the room and when I got back, they all together greeted me with a cake and hand me their gifts.
In return, I ordered delivery food that we devoured for our afternoon snack. Thanks, HRDearies!
The following day, July 15, which is my real birthdate, I woke up to lots of birthday greetings and messages on SMS, Viber, Twitter, Facebook, Facetime, and the list goes on. I wish I could treat each of them but I can only thank the words they sent me!
Since it was my special day, I planned to do the things I enjoy doing. Anything that would please no one but myself. I started with a quick workout and then I dressed up in red (again) for my birthday lunch at Vikings.
The people who know me so well know how much I love eating. From cold cuts to desserts, Chinese to Japanese, Korean to Mediterranean, and all other cuisines, I like them all. Good thing, Vikings has them all in their buffet spread.
My brothers were in the office so we were the only ones who ate like Vikings.
The simple joy of having a birthday cake. In my eyes, it's magical!
I am a cake-lover but that little kiddo is truly an ice cream monster! Haha.
Then I had coffee and desserts. Lots of it, actually!
Then we killed time malling/shopping. Too bad I forgot to ask them to take a photo of myself buying some stuff.
By the time the sun has set in the skies, I headed to the church to thank God for the 29 wonderful years of existence.
With both a wish and a prayer, I thanked Him for all that is here and now. I may not have everything that I want, yet I was granted with all the things, family/friends whom I need. That is more than enough.
My day started good and I planned to end it better. My brother got back from work and so we decided to cap off the night in BF with his wife. First stop was at Central Bar & Grill.
Food trip, music trip and bad trip. Haha. But because we felt like we are likely becoming "Tito's and Tita of Manila," we hopped to Bacaro, where we enjoyed good conversations, strawberry margarita, pizza and mozzarella sticks.
Thanks to these two for making me a third wheel. LOL. Seriously, for keeping me company on my birthday.
The following day, Saturday, the Parrilla's gave me a cake, which made me feel so happy. Perfect for coffee & cake and quiet afternoons.
Sunday, our family day -- all July celebrants sponsored our family lunch. Here's the flatlay of the food we wolfed down.
Thanks for the gifts and for coming, guys. Your presence was my best present.
I have yet to meet some of my friends for my post-birthday celebration. To end this entry, I would share with you the wishes I made as I blow the candle of my birthday cake:
"I wish that I may always have opportunities to do the very things that make me feel alive. And that I may continue to make and chase new dreams."
Soon I'll be 30 years old. But for now, I will enjoy my last year of being 20's. Thanks to everyone for making my 29th birthday not just special but FABULOUS!
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