Here Comes The Sun

Yesterday, one of my closest cousins and her boyfriend of more than three years got hitched. It was the coolest, most beautiful, and by far, the most lavish wedding I've ever been to. The wedding ceremony took place at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, Makati, and the wedding reception at The Blue Leaf, McKinley Hill, Taguig.

The last time my whole family attended a wedding was in 2005. Seven years is a long time to wait for another wedding. So we were all very excited. It was a black tie event, so imagine the stress we all had to through - the hunt for gowns/coats, shoes, and bags, setting up salon appointments and booking hotels. But in the end, it was all worth it. 

Attending a wedding is the perfect excuse to feel in love the whole day. Haha. It makes you giddy about tying the knot yourself. Not that there's anyone in the running to tie the knot with me :)

My cousin met her groom when she least expected it. I was there when they first met. In fact, it was the reason she asked me to give a speech during the reception. My new cousin-in-law got really excited when I offered to tell their story.

Their wedding wasn't the most traditional. There was no bouquet throwing (thank God because I'm sure to be a candidate. Haha), no doves and garters. The bride and groom arrived at the reception wearing leather jackets and aviators. Cool, right? 

The leather jackets and aviators don't exactly match the vintage theme, but everyone enjoyed the cute antic. Kaye Cunanan, on the other hand, did a very good job of sticking to the theme. She deserves a slow clap for the way she designed the whole place. And the food was to die for. The guests definitely went home with happy tummies and smiles on their faces.

I look forward to celebrating another milestone in the happy couple's life together. Nothing beats being there during the most important events in the lives of people who mean so much to us. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds! :)

Candles and Cakes

I'm not used to celebrating my birthday with parties and gatherings. It's because it falls on the day after All Soul's Day. My friends are usually in the provinces visiting their departed loved ones, or spending their semestral breaks with their families. 

I usually spend my birthday in the province with just Mama and my two siblings (because Papa used to work abroad). We'd hear Mass and then go straight to Zymurgy, the local cafe/restaurant, for dinner. That's usually how my birthday goes.

Thankfully. this year, I was able to spend it with my whole family - including Papa. I consider it a blessing since I haven't celebrated my special day with him since 2004. Another welcome change was spending it here in Quezon City. I didn't go home to visit my departed loved ones in the province because my sister, cousins and I needed to work on something during the long weekend. The last time I spent my birthday here was when I turned 10 years old, I think. 

On my 24th birthday, I went to Mass, spent the day shopping/ window shopping, and had dinner with my close relatives.

What makes me the happiest on my birthday are not the gifts I receive, but the people who remember me on my special day. 

This may sound pathetic, but I used to count the number of people who would greet me via Facebook, Twitter, SMS, and even BBM. I used to feel really giddy when the number of well-wishers increase and bad when they decrease. Don't worry, I don't do that anymore. Haha.

It makes me happy knowing that people take a minute out of their time to send me a text message, a tweet, or a BBM just to wish me a happy birthday. Bawat isang message, may dalang kilig. To show them that I appreciate the effort, I reply to their messages one by one. Kahit nakakapagod. If they took time out to greet me, I should take time out to say thank you, right?

What's important is not how many remember, but that they did. To everyone who remembered, here's a virtual cake and cupcake for you. Thank you for making me feel extra special. Best gift of all :)

To my brother and sister who made sure I had a cake and a candle to blow, I love you both to bits. Wish come true :)

To my parents who fed me with so much on my birthday - love and food alike, I love you to infinity and beyond. Your 24-year-old is a happy kid. With a happy tummy to match :P  

The only thing that made me sad on my day was the realization that I no longer belong to the early 20s age bracket. Hello, mid-20s! :)

Much love,

Gellie