Chapter 27

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. ~Oprah Winfrey

I am not the type who makes a great deal out of my birthday. Of course, every year I make it a point to thank God for the gift of life and the good and bad experiences of the previous year but I am never the type to throw a grand party.




This year, I still followed tradition and by that I meant hosting dinner for friends before my birthday, going to Carmelites and spending time with my family. 

Days before my birthday, I asked Eda if she can help me with my "pictorial" this year. Yeah, vanity of vanities it is. These "pictorials" which I have done in the past two or three years are really just because I want to dress up. LOL

This year's theme is vintage chic. If you know me enough, you will know that I am a sucker for everything vintage. 

Someone's too eager to post the photos we've been posting "teasers" before the big day. 

And where the pictorial happened will remain a mystery. Hahaha

Pre-birthday Dinner

As I have mentioned, I prefer having birthday dinners with friends instead of throwing a party. I like intimate gatherings. 

Tips: 

1. If you want to host a dinner for friends and you have a sizable budget, make reservations with a restaurant first. Now, if your budget is limited or if you are not the type who are really into "formal" dinners, pick a restaurant that serves food you all can enjoy. 

2. Always think of an accessible place. Choose a place where you can all commute easily. 

3. Create a Facebook event and set it to private if you don't want other people to feel bad that you are not inviting them. 

4. Text your guests to confirm their attendance. Some of them may be offline for some reasons so they were not able to confirm their attendance through your Facebook invite. 

5. Opt for the barkada meals/feast of the place where you will be dining because this will give you value for your money and will mean everyone can enjoy more varied food options.

So my friends and I had dinner at Greenwich, Gaisano Island Mall Mactan. The place isn't so big but for a group of 10, this should be fine. 

I ordered a Barkada Feast for us which everyone enjoyed. For less than 2,000 pesos we feasted on two big pizzas, lasagna and chicken.

I am glad that almost all of those I invited came, even Gretchen and Rimbee who are both known for being busy and passing on gatherings like this. 

Louie and Gresha weren't able to come as they just came off a vacation.

My girls. Friends for life.

The two tots who came with their mommas.

I was in for the surprise of my life when Lloyd came back from his "CR excuse" carrying a cake. I was "pleasantly" embarrassed when he sang the "Happy Birthday Song" so loudly while all other diners probably felt annoyed by our loudness. But I admit it was really a pleasant surprise. 

Melanie's and Harvey's gifts. I have a feeling my friends are praying I find a husband already.

Birthday Celebration

On my birthday, I beg off from work because it has been a long time since I came to Carmelite Monastery and I think my birthday is the best time for me to go back. The place is still fresh from the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel when I, Kim and Lyra went there.

Carmelite's chapel has always been my place of refuge. It has been a witness to all the tears and the biggest heartfelt smiles of the past decade. 

As always, I knelt to utter a silent prayer thanking God for the new year. I also lit candles before leaving.

I took the girls to Tablea at JY Square Mall where we enjoyed Cebu's puto maya + mangga + sikwate combo. We had mango tarts, too. Delisyoso!

Salamat Sun.Star sa pag-sponsor. Hehe

The girls are so sweet they took the time to give me these equally sweet gifts.

I also came to meet Rubie. I took her to Sunburst for lunch. She took me to Moshi in return and let me eat the healthy offerings there.  True enough, spinach and fruits never tasted so delicious. She probably knows I will like the quaint arrangement, too.

I headed home after lunch while Mama prepared pansit (a staple for every birthday celebration because, you know, you always wish for long life) and humba. She also got me a cake in all its pink glory. Haha.

Kate got so confused why there were two candles on my cake when she said there should be just one. Hahaha.

I have always loved simple birthday celebrations as I am never the type who wants the grand things in life. What I love most about my birthday celebration this year is that I felt so loved by many people. 

I got a lot of Facebook greetings too and unanimously my true friends and virtual friends wish that I find the "man who deserves" me already. Nakakaloka!

I chose to spend time with my friends because they are the ones who saw me through all of the good and bad things that happened in my life. Louie and Gresha even hosted dinner for me when I was so heartbroken. On my big day, I felt so blessed that God gave me lifetime friends. 

I can't thank God enough for my family too. 

And then there are also people who stay with you and in your heart just like this tearjerker. 

                        

So while other people may feel bad about adding another year into their age, I feel nothing but gratitude. I am a firm believer that those who live to have the most birthdays live the longest. :P

Here's to another year of being a childish adult. So much for #adulting. And of course, to more adventures.