Another year has been added to my life, and I'm truly grateful for it. Last Monday, I turned 15 with 20 years of experience. However, we held a small celebratory dinner last Sunday instead.
People are usually busy on a weekday, so holding the dinner on a weekend is a better choice. I was able to spend it with my aunt, uncle, cousin Nicole, and Kathryn. My close friend from the first high school I attended also came over to celebrate with us, alongside her family. She's the one who introduced us to our current landlady.
with family and aunt's family...
with my friend's family...
Last Sunday morning, while we were preparing the food we were going to share, I was having a video call with my cousins. Unfortunately, Godwyn couldn't come because we live further away now, and he has to defend his research at school the next day. However, Nicole and I are planning to surprise him soon. XD
Also, my parents were quite curious whether my friend's family, especially her husband, would come. He's a singer in the Philippines, and they're his fans. My late grandma (grandpa's sister) used to sing his songs because they were so fun and catchy. hahah
I had to ask my friend about it, and luckily, he just came home that morning from a gig... and since we invited them for dinner, he could sleep and relax the whole day.
I've seen him perform once at our university. I like his songs and enjoyed singing them. It was also my first time talking with him... and he's fun and crazy. Now I understand why my friend chose him. hahahah
My parents prepared some simple yet delicious dishes for us to share. I also helped with the preparation while video calling my cousins. hahaha
My cousin and aunt also bought me this birthday cake! It was delicious. That night, we sang, ate, and enjoyed each other's company. My cousin's family had to go home earlier, though, since they still have to travel a bit, and they have work the next day.
My friend and her family stayed a bit longer because they just live nearby. We caught up and talked about our crazy high school memories with her kids. Her daughter was so interested in our stories and laughed at how crazy we once were. XD
It was a fun and interesting night!
The next day (which was my actual birthday), Mama accompanied me to the Divine Mercy Shrine after breakfast.
✨
It has been a tradition for us to go to either a church or a chapel on our birthdays to offer some prayers and light some candles.
We walked to the shrine. It's just around 25 minutes away on foot, and even though it was a sunny day, the wind was cool and comfortable.
The view from the shrine has always been fascinating for me. I want to come here on a late afternoon to see the sunset someday. We usually come here in the morning, so I haven't really witnessed the sunset from this point, but I believe it's going to be beautiful!
While we were there, I saw an old friend... It's Shary!!! She was still a tiny puppy the last time I saw her with Papa, but now she has grown! She came to us and sniffed us as if saying her greetings before moving away. She's still a cutie!
✨
Mama and I took some photos of our shadows on our way home.
When we arrived, my parents and I bonded over karaoke and the leftover food from last night. It was just the three of us, but we had a great time.
My aunt lent us her Bluetooth speaker and microphones to enjoy karaoke, and she also gave us her spare Bluetooth speaker. We lost ours in the flood, but it's all good. (Thanks myyyy~)
We were also able to share some food with our close neighbors, and my new friends (some teenage neighbors) greeted me, and we played some mobile games together, too!
Now, I'm back to work, and it's going to be a pretty busy week ahead! I hope for the weekend to come, so I can work on some art-related stuff after my classes.
Anyway, I'll end this post here. Thanks for reading, and see you around! (^^,)/
