Celebrating Life @ 15

Happy birthday to the small, awkward 15 year old me! Each year, I look back at life and think of all the great things I’ve accomplished, experienced, learned, and lived through. And each year, instead of being worried that I’m growing older, I am sincerely, wholeheartedly thankful. I don’t always throw big parties or gatherings. I simply celebrate life with the people who are close to me-- it isn't that hard to do since I'm at school on most of my birthdays and I can have dinner with my family after I come home from school.

But this year, it's different. I didn't plan anything special on my 15th birthday. But little did I know, my friends and the people who are close to me did. It was one of the most unforgettable birthdays I had, and I couldn't have felt all the birthday love without the efforts and birthday wishes of my friends. Because memories fade a lot faster than photographs, I promised myself to make a blog post that will help me express my gratitude to my friends and family... so here it is.

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First off, I want to thank the sisters my mom didn't give birth to. Thank you, michimicnimaeryzaria, for the best birthday surprise I've ever received in my fifteen years of living. It's amazing how our friendship started back when we were still in grade three. In fact, I couldn't help but feel my heart melt into a little puddle of happiness as I look back at all the memories we shared together. Now that I'm fifteen, there is one thing I'm sure of-- no matter what phase of friendship we're in, some people just earn a permanent place in my heart. Just like how I will never forget the time the handkerchief was removed from my eyes and all I could see were the LED balloons glowing in the darkness, and how you guys sang my favorite Filipino love song "Stuck" by Darren Espanto (Nicole Cheng, thank you for the guitar cover hehe you were suuuweeg! *Weightlifting Fairy KBJ accent*) Not to forget the cake, glow in the dark jar containing my pictures, and the quotes & to do list placed inside three small buckets!

From left to right: Micole, Nicole, me, Henrie Mae, Ria, Khryza

While I was having lunch at the canteen, my good friends, Steisy and Jocelyn (thank you for the little stuffed toy too, Joce!), surprised me with Yellow Cab pizza. They surely know the way to my heart <3 No words can suffice how thankful I am to have them. So I dedicate this post to the two of you. Even if I was only able to eat one slice of the pizza, I know all the thought, effort, and time you guys have put through just to give me a little something to enjoy on my birthday.. which is why I want to thank you:) Not only that, but without the two of you, I would not have been blindfolded and assisted to the basement gym where michimicnimaeryzaria planned their surprise haha! Thank you also to John for the cake and Blue Magic pillows :)

From left to right: Jocelyn, Steisy, me, Patricia, Nicole

This one's a separate post for Steisy, who gave me a giant container with my pictures on it. You are the best, and one of the most genuine people I've ever met. Thank you for all the effort and also the gift! By now I hope you know how much I treasure you and our friendship just like how I treasure that container.

To the friends I've only met this school year yet already feel so comfortable with, thank you Linnel, Herchel, Nicole (thank you for the handbag too, Nicole! <333) & Jasmin for the blueberry cheesecake and the one week supply of my favorite chips and snacks! We may have only met for less than a year, but you girls have no idea how happy the fifteen year old me was because you guys knew me so well given the short span of time >:)<

From left to right: Herchel, me, Linnel, Nicole, Jasmin

This one goes out to my childhood best friend, idol, and present neighbor, Mika. Despite the convenience since we are neighbors, I really want to thank you for the annual birthday surprise you give me. Thank you for the krispy kreme, the golden letter, and the mini me statue <3 Actually, I want to give you a big fat bear hug to show you how much I treasure your gifts and surprises every year.You will always be my BFF, my human diary, and my other half.

Lastly, my day wouldn't have been special without the presence of my family. Thank you for always making me feel the love and company I deserve. Ending the day with a sentimental birthday dinner with the people I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life without--my family--is what makes my 15th birthday something worthy to be posted on this blog.

To those who greeted and sent their birthday wishes, thank you! <3

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