A Funny Birthday Surprise

February 6, a very normal working Monday after my birthday. Two of my office friends were gone for quite a long time but I didn't have any suspicions that they were up for something. I was quietly sitting at my workstation and was busy working when suddenly the guard approached me and handed me a letter. The letter says:

"Hi Ms. Long Legs, Belated Happy Birthday! There's a cake waiting for you. Hope you had a wonderful celebration and wish you all the happiness in your 26th year of existence."

Of course I knew that the letter was from my friends. But the problem was it didn't state where and what time I should get the cake. So I remained sitted on my workstation and pretended that I was busy doing my work. After a couple of minutes, my friend who was sitted right next to me finally told me "kunin mo yung cake sa 7th floor, matutunaw na kasi yun". 

So I went up and when I was already at the 7th floor, the janitors were all greeting me. I was wondering how they knew that it's my birthday. But of course, their greetings made me smile. When I was already about to "claim" my cake, the guard said "Ma'am happy birthday po. May package po kayo dito, pinadala ng friend niyo from Canada". Doesn't he know that I wouldn't believe him? But of course I didn't want to spoil the surprise so I pretended to not to know anything  :)

Jim, Edan, Peewee, and Dolly, thanks again for making my birthday very memorable. I really appreciate your efforts for making this 'surprise'. You made me so happy! :)

A very happy 26th birthday to me! :)

Korean Birthday Dinner @ Sam Won Garden

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Korean side dishes :)

Planning how to celebrate my 26th birthday was a bit hard. I wanted to make it special, something like a thanksgiving celebration for all the blessings I received for the past year. For 2012, I decided to celebrate my birthday with my office mates in CTOM Alabang. A simple birthday dinner with the people who makes my work life less stressful and who makes me very happy for the past months.

Japchae

Just to give a short background regarding this group, I have been with them for almost 5 months now. They are my team mates in one of my projects in CTOM. They have turned to be my coffee buddies in the morning, lunch buddies in the noon, merienda buddies in the afternoon, and most importantly I have already considered them as friends for keep.

Choice of restaurant for my birthday dinner was at Sam Won Garden at BF Homes, Aguirre Ave. Every time we pass by at this place, there are lots of cars parked outside. Hence we thought that the food probably taste good that's why a lot of people dine here. We ordered for the following: Japchae, Sulungtang (beef bone soup), Spicy beef soup (forgot what the korean name is), Usamgyup (grilled beef belly), and grilled pork belly.

Sulungtang

Spicy Beef Soup

There were lots of dishes on our table that night. I could say we all enjoyed our Korean dinner and we all had a "happy tummy". The food was great and this restaurant deserves a second visit. A very happy birthday to me! :)

For dessert, I made them try the Korean ice cream Melona. Most of them enjoyed the milky taste of it.

We had a continuation of my birthday celebration at Tides Bar and Restaurant also located at BF Homes, Aguirre Ave. I don't have the pictures with me yet so I can't post any. Definitely, it was a super fun night. I also received surprises from my handsome and pretty friends. Yehey! A very very happy birthday to me! :)

I am still wondering how they were able to prepare this without me having any hint about it :)

Thanks Reg and Edan for this! :)

Thanks Jim for the Iphone Apps magnet... 
I thought you're giving me a real Iphone :)

It was a night full of fun and laughter. A night that I would surely remember for the rest of my life. Thank you Jim, Edan, Peewee, Dolly, and Karlo for celebrating my birthday with me. I love you guys! :)

As I Turn Another Year Older: My Wishlist

A few minutes to go and I will turn another year older. Yes, I am not getting any younger. And of course, I'd rather call it "growing up" rather than "growing old". Last year, I remember making a list of the things I want to get on my special day. This year, I thought of making something different and I got this suggestion from a friend: list 26 things I want to have or to happen the entire time that I am 26 years old. It could be a material thing, a travel opportunity, a new job, an out of country vacation with family or friends, and etc. Indeed, this sounds very interesting!

Days passed and I couldn't think of a thing that I want put on my wishlist. I've been trying to imagine how I would want my 26th year on earth to be spent. Then I suddenly realized something. My 25th year on earth has been tough and very challenging. Yet, the Lord showered me with a lot of blessings. There were days that I was sad and depressed but He surrounded me with people who cheered me up and lifted up my spirit. I went through a lot of difficult things but here I am, a happier and stronger person.

And so I decided not to make my 26th year wishlist. The Lord has already given me a lot of incredible gifts that I am really thankful for. For me, that is enough. I am contented with what I have and what I am. I have my family who loves me so much and who takes care of me when I feel sick, I have my CCF friends who are helping me build an intimate relationship with the Lord, I have my KFORCE buddies who listens to my stories and who makes me feel good all the time, I have my DLSU barkada who loves me like family, I have my CTOM friends who are my food trip buddies and who makes me laugh all the time, I have my NAVI friends who has never forgotten me and who checks on me from time to time, and lastly I am surrounded with other special people who always make me feel appreciated and loved. You know who you are, apologies if I wasn't able to mention all your names. Thank you. Thank you for the awesome friendship we have built. I may not be too expressive of how I am happy to have all of you but one thing is for sure, I will definitely treasure our friendship until my next life. :)

For this year that will be added to my life, I pray that I can spend more quality time with all of you while I can. Let's live our lives to the fullest! :)