Cathartic

My inclinations on how to celebrate my birthday parties has evolved over the years. Years back, I had loud-bam-music parties at popular nightspots with 30 or more guests. A couple of years later, I'd plan my celebration on an eat-drink-chat concept at well-hidden bars for 20-30 guests. This year, I changed it (again): formal dinner in a relaxed setting with a dozen well-selected friends.

Thinking in retrospect, I've been becoming more reserved (or mature? hehehe...). I don't crave anymore for the loud music or the bititty beats that make my shoulders hop to the rhythm. I'm now just contented, no let's change that... I'm happy with spending some 'quiet' time in the company of friends, for a change.

I did something for the first time again. I gave my first formal speech on my birthday, towards the end of dinner, with the Makati evening skyline as my backdrop: "I am truly grateful for everyone here. Each and everyone of your presence, in more ways than one, is a testament to who I am now, what I want to become, and who I will be. This is the main reason why I look forward to celebrating my birthday with friends and peers every year. Thanks, and happy birthday to me!"



------------------------------

Best gift so far: an apron. :D Yup, and it says "Kiss the Cook" on it.