For the past few years I’ve celebrated the actual day of my birthday quietly with just myself and a few friends, and this year was no different. I consider it one of the best birthdays I’ve had in a while, though. Or maybe it’s because it was one of the best days I’ve had in a while, period. I woke up loving who I am and who my family and friends are, and feeling thankful for everything I have. Ü

Thanks, Papa, for letting me spend the day how I want, and thanks, Mama, for always keeping me in your thoughts even though you were off on a trip. Thank you to all the people who spent time with me — Marielle and Clark; the nice baristas at Gloria Jean’s Megamall who let me use their WiFi for 6 hours straight; my Genesis family who really love when I order pizza for them; Gelli and Laqui and R.A.; Susan, Blanche, Mitch and the squad of BodyBalance Challenge attendees; and James and Doni for having dinner with me (I know the free meal had something to do with it Ü).

I hope next year’s is even better!

UPDATE, JULY 7:I held my birthday party on July 7 with my family and friends. While not all the people I invited were able to come, I’m glad that the ones who are important to me came. 🙂 Here are some pictures.

Here I am ecstatic that people started showing up.

You know I love gifts.

With Ralph, Gem, and Don, my friends from my second stint at UP

Holding wine bottles with my sister Marielle Louise

With Tin, James, and Doni, my buddies from Body Balance and Boracay (remember them?)

Striking my best bombshell pose with my wholesome friends Ellaine and Vanessa 😀

These are three of my oldest and dearest friends: Julia, Rachel, and Paolo

With two of my favorite couples from Fitness First: hubby-and-wifey team Menchu and Brian, and Ethel and Clark

It was a great way to end my birthday week. I hope the time between now and next year will be filled with many such happy moments. God has really blessed me with so much, and I’m thankful.