January 7: Birthdays!

I know a lot of people who celebrates their birthday during the month of January. And last January 7, I went to two different celebrations. It was a crazy day, because I had to make sure that I'd manage my time correctly and be able to make it to the second celebration without compromising the first one.

First Stop: Buffet 101 with the family for Sam's 13th Birthday. My baby brother is officially a teenager. Aww. Did I mention that he's actually taller than me? Our family loves buffets, I actually grew up eating at different buffets, so we tried this one at the SM Mall of Asia. It was my older sister who suggested the place to my mom. At first, I thought it was a bad idea since we live in Quezon City and MOA's in Pasay; plus the fact that the buffet rate is a bit high. However, the universe loves proving me wrong. It's sulit! Definitely the best buffet I've eaten at. Buffet101 actually serves international cuisine, and from the looks of it, their chefs are Cantonese (based on their physical appearance and language). You could even ask them to cook for a certain dish, free of charge! And yes, overflowing drinks! While eating lunch, I actually had two watermelon shakes and a cup of tea. I loved the ambiance of the restaurant, too. The whole place seems like a dining area taken from a posh hotel.

Before digging in. Awkward smile is awkward.

The infamous mirror shot. I was supposed to take a picture with my brother when they came out of the restroom and saw us. Do I even look like my siblings (or mama)?

BEST BUFFET EVER. I would definitely go there again if given the chance.

Rode the MOA Eye with siblings and Lorraine. Guess who cried.

Pretty lights

After a mini-road trip, we finally got home around 6PM and I rested for a while before preparing for the evening. Good thing, my sister offered me a ride to Tomas Morato for the party. 

Second stop: Thaipan for Cath's 18th Birthday party. I had no clue where the restaurant was, so I had to google it before leaving. Fortunately, it happens to be at the exact street as Starbucks Morato. Thaipan has this homey feeling, plus the fact that Thai food is one of my favorites, makes me want to visit that place again. Cath's birthday was also a mini-gathering for our class. I really missed my high school friends! I rarely see them, or even talk to them. It was great catching up with them. 

A panda themed debut!

With Janine, Bianca and Susa!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATH :*

Some of Avellana's pretty ladies :) 

SUPERSTARS <3

I love celebrating birthdays simply because it shows how blessed a person is. When we celebrate our birthdays, we are usually surrounded by family and friends. They're the ones who'll stick to you no matter what, who'll stand by your side at all times. Birthdays show how you are loved by these people. And above all, a birthday is a celebration of the hope that life brings.

Buffet 101
Bldg K, Seaside Blvd, San Miguel by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Contact No: 556-2888, 556-3888.
Buffet Rate:
Mon-Sat Lunch P699
Mon-Fri Dinner P950
Sun Lunch,Sat-Sun Dinner P1050.
Eat/Drink All U Can!

Thaipan
120 Scout Dr. Lazcano, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Contact No: 352-4926, 0917-808-0718
Price Range: P110-P360

Best Memory of 2011

I was checking out what's trending on Twitter, then I saw the hash tag #bestmemoryof2011. Come to think of it, I can't choose one, this year's jam packed with both sweet and bittersweet memories. HAHA. So I'm listing my top 10 memories for this year.

1. CD and Bilibid Trips with USTSS. So okay, I'm neither the VP-Ex nor originally part of the CD committee, but I got involved with these projects anyway. HAHA. Being part of these things made my year extra-meaningful, and also made me appreciate my life a little more. It showed me how even the simplest things in life could bring joy to another person. I'm looking forward to more CD and Bilibid trips in the future, because I know that there's a lot more to learn in each trip. Being involved made me feel like a Sociology major more than any activity that we had this year (sorry, just being honest) and I want every Socio major to experience this as well. Tiring, but worth it.
2. Being an online delegate during ILC CDO. Oh yes, those epic 3 days that I was in front of my lappy, listening to every session and singing worship songs like everyone else in the conference. It proved that no matter where you are, He will always make His presence known to you. It doesn't matter if you don't feel the conference as long as you experience it. I managed to stay up late, tweeting lines from the conference like crazy, updating my HS babies on FB whenever a sesh or a worship would start. I feel blessed that I heard His messages, I feel blessed as an online delegate.
3. Saying YES to a greater service/mission as an ate to YFC NBHS. I still remember the day that Kitin asked me if I'd like to step up, and I said yes in an instant. If given the opportunity to travel back in time, I'd yes there and then again. It is my honor to serve HS based, my home and my family. The moment said YES to Kitin, I said YES to Him. It was a proposal from God, the sign that I was waiting for during that time. It opened a lot of opportunities, things that I have never dreamed about before. I met a bunch of awesome friends from all over the Metro, served in the MMC and went places. It was just amazing and still is. Plus the fact that I've been blessed with a great partner who is patient with me and understands me. Well, not everything is perfect (almost bankrupt, heartbreaks, failures, not giving my all, being unfaithful to my prayer time, etc.), and this is the year my brother stood up for Him. I'm looking forward to serving more and more and more, all for His Glory.
4. UST Quadricentennial Celebration. HEY! I'm studying at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines. I'm lucky to be a quadri baby, being a frosh during the Quadricentennial season or when the University celebrated 400 years of unending grace. The concert was great, featuring alumni and guests, not to mention the pyrotechnics at the end. 
5. Valentines 2011. I also forgot to include this one! It's not special because someone gave me a rose but it's one of the best memories that I have this year because I had no idea that he'll give one. In short, I was surprised! And just to be clear, I did not assume anything then. It was sweet, but back then I know everyone's just teasing us so things can't be serious.
6. Admitting to someone that I like him. Okay, this was just awkward. I could not tell him personally, so it happened over the phone. Other than that, I'm not willing to tell any detail regarding this. HAHA. I don't regret telling him my feelings, at least I could say that I told him. After that, I never wished that I did otherwise and kept those feelings to myself (and my trusted friends). If that affected our friendship in anyway, it was a way of testing us. If it's meant to be, it will be.
7. Team Building Seminar 2011. Epic TBS is just epic! Minus the creepy humming during the 1st night and the misunderstandings, it was great! Great food, great program and great sociology family <3 Our batch got reshuffled, and so the TBS became a way for me to adjust to this change.
8. My 18th Birthday. I had no plan for my birthday. I don't believe that girl's 18th birthday is special, that's American mentality! I mean, I'll only have one 17th and 19th birthday, so why is the 18th so special? The first greeting that I heard was from Howell, I was only asleep for about 10 mins when he called. After that, it took me 30 minutes to sleep again. What made my day special was all the birthday greetings and hugs (from my friends, blockmates, professors, etc.). My senior ates even excused me in the middle of the class just to greet and hug me. I was not able to hear mass then, but I went to two churches that day, hoping to catch a mass.
9. Listening to Johnoy Danao. LIVE. TYL! I was supposed to cancel with Luis on our Moonleaf Katipunan hangout last Thursday because of my migraine. I messaged him and told him that we should push through, I needed to get a planner and I needed my dose of milk tea. I was online during lunch time when Moonleaf shared a photo of Johnoy Danao's Dapithapon Sesh, only to find out that he'll be playing at Moonleaf Katips. And oh my, I just love his voice!
10. When I decided to stay. As the year comes to an end, I decided to stay. I decided to stay in Sociology (in UST) and grow more as a person who sees things beyond the surface. I decided to stay as a friend to everyone, and to stop giving myself heartaches. And lasty, I decided to stay faithful to His promise and wait for the surprises He has in store for me.

I was telling Lyka earlier, 2011 was filled with such great memories that I have a hard time choosing the 'best' one. I guess to sum everything up, 2011 was a great year because of the opportunities and surprises that came.

Y U NOT 18?

My friend, Susa, celebrated her 19th birthday a day before Christmas at their home. I almost forgot how to go there, glad to reach their place in one piece. HAHA. I'm looking forward for more celebrations and reunions this 2012 with my dear friends. Good friends and good fun makes for a great day!

Friends from high school and the celebrant

I missed them! And Berna, too! That girl's growing fast!

Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold.

Happy 19th birthday, Jesusa Pauline Marasigan! Thank you for inviting me! I owe you a gift!