My 27th

Do you lie about your age? Well, I don't. I just celebrated my 27th birthday last September 3. The people around me gave me two separate surprise birthday parties. One of which, I didn't get the chance to see the surprise because I was not able to go to the venue.  The other one was in our house.

How did I celebrate my birthday?

I started celebrating my birthday by talking to the one I love -- my husband who's thousand miles away from home. This wasn't how I exactly planned my birthday to be. I was planning of us (my husband and I) to go somewhere. However due to unwanted inevitable events which happened, he had to stay in Afghanistan for work. And as for me, I had to stay home.

If I were to answer this question: Where would you like to celebrate your birthday? My answer would be either HOME or ANYWHERE MY HUSBAND AND SON WOULD BE -- because my husband and our son is my home. I am more than happy being with them or extremely joyful if I have them with me during my natal day.

Earlier that day, I simply went to the church and prayed to thank God for all the blessings He gave me and for the additional life or year in my life.

The white candles represented the people I love and who love me back. These candles were dedicated to those who have helped me through the years, to those who never left me when I became too hard to handle and to those who continuously supported me in whatever endeavor I am facing in my life. I also prayed for these people to be blessed in every way possible. "Sana pagpalain ang mga taong tunay na nagmamahal sa akin."

This may sound awkward for some, but I also prayed for those people who caused me harm and gave me severe emotional pain for this year. Forgiving is really good however, forgiveness doesn't come along easily. I could not say much about this part but all I could say for now is .... You may probably be forgiven but NOT FORGOTTEN. "Sa mga taong kunwari kunwariang nag-aalala saken.. Inyong paka tandaan.. Ang nag babait-baitan ay pupunta sa langit - langitan".

After my visit to the church. I really took the opportunity to finally visit two of the men I really love and cherish the most.

I visited my grandfather and my father at the cemetery. It really amazes me still to find serenity in this area. I really appreciated how solemn the place was during my visit. This was always and is always the place I go to every time I am in pain or when I'm happy or whenever I drew out out-bursting emotions because I had always trust these people to keep my secrets.

At this point, I felt like I had a family picture taken with them (my father and my grandfather). I just miss them so much. Things have literally changed. "Kasabay ng pagbabago ng mga infrastraktura ng Heneral Santos ay ang pagbabago ng mga taong nasa paligid ko. Maging ako man ay nagbago. Subalit ang aking lolo at ama ay batang bata pa rin sa aking alaala at walang nagbago."

When I got home finally after a long day with a lot of travels, I saw messages on my phones and facebook. I saw this photo. My friends in school decided to give me a surprise. I really appreciated how they planned everything with a little conspiracy with my husband but too bad it didn't work because I was not able to go to school that day. Nevertheless, I would like to thank everyone who really prepared this for me. I knew so well that you guys really did this because you truly care for me and somehow appreciated my existence in your life. Thank you ARISTOTLE 2013- 2014 for the present! (Roevi, Fevie, Chariz, Fremie, Rj, Meo, Roger, Joel, Jian, Naomi, Jenny and everyone who was there. I apologize I really do not memorize who were there because I wasn't there.)

This part of my life is the JOY OF GIVING area. The next photos below are photos of books and dictionaries which I have decided to give to selected students of some rural areas in Mindanao, Philippines. This point is not about bragging or lifting my self. This point is about ENCOURAGING others to give or impart what little you have to others who are in need. You may never know who would be happy with what little you can give or HOW MANY COULD BE HAPPY with what you could offer.

Our country, the Philippines is very well - known for corrupt public officials in the government and a lot of corrupt people feeding on the taxes of the many. Probably that's one of the reasons why books intended and budget allocated  for the poor areas of Mindanao did not in fact, reach the needy. This is one way of showing them that, if THEY the RICH could not do anything for their countrymen, why NOT -- WE, US, the LESS FORTUNATE SHOW THEM HOW HELPING OTHERS SHOULD BE DONE!

If you really want to help others, there are so many ways with a very minimal means, you can if YOU ONLY WANTED TO and if YOU HAVE THE WILL.

These are my two friends Teacher Jessa and Teacher Leah who helped me fulfill my dream of helping the kids in the rural areas. Thank you girls!

Lastly, I spent the end of the day with my family who also gave me another surprise party! Thank you everyone!!!

Thanks everyone! God bless you all! I had fun with my 27th.