Hola friends! Back at it again with another blog.
Last February 19, it was Saturday, my grandmother and I traveled to Cebu City to accompany my sister on her birthday. After graduating college, she sought a job and worked as a Customer Service Representative in the city, where she lived independently, facing the challenges of adulthood. Given that it's her birthday and she has the day off from work, I chose to celebrate with her. That morning, we traveled from our province to the city, which took about 3 hours to reach. The duration can vary depending on traffic conditions along the way. We reached her place around noon. She had already prepared lunch for us, so after we ate, I advised my grandmother to take some rest, especially since we had just completed a long trip.
As we took the time to rest, it dawned on me that as one age, birthday celebrations take on a different meaning. As kids, we used to enjoy celebrating birthdays. Always excited to blow out our birthday cakes, receive presents, and feel loved on our special day but as we grow older it hits differently. The older we get, our attitude towards our actual birthdays feels like the opposite of being excited, the less we care about presents. The number of presents declines and the joy we get out of those isn't the same as when we were younger. We tend to be more practical, offering gratitude in church for another year of life and indulging in good food as a simple yet satisfying celebration. We talked about my thoughts and we decided to celebrate her birthday that way. Simple but memorable!
We left my sister's place late that night. We need to commute going to downtown Cebu. First on our agenda is to go to church, in Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. As we arrived, we found out that the church was already closed with no ongoing mass at that time. So we just stayed outside, and that's when the candle vendors came up to us, offering their candles for sale. So we bought and lit the candles and prayed. Afterward, I told them to roam around outside the church.
This is the rear exterior of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. It is giving me a Spanish-era vibe! A short history about this, it is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country. It was established in 1565. It is built over the spot where the most famous religious icon in the Philippines, the statue of the Santo Niño de Cebu was found.
This is the Magellan Cross Pavilion, it is situated on Plaza Sugbo beside the Basilica del Santo Niño. Many people who visit this historical place leave a memorable photo of themselves.
Opposite the location of the Magellan Cross, you can behold the stunning Cebu City Hall.
Despite the church being closed, there are still vendors outside selling fresh coconuts. Though the Christmas season is over you can still feel the essence of it by looking at the sparkling lights in the place. Seeing this at night completes the perfection of it.
So after this, we decided to search for a restaurant to have our dinner. We walked along Colon Street and looked for a fast-food restaurant which is still open during that time.
We agreed that we would go to Greenwich Emall for our dinner. It was just a quick dinner date, right after we ate we went back to Colon Street to eat Street Foods which I missed doing in the City.
This is my sister, the Birthday girl!
I am very happy to be with her during her special day. I didn't purchase a gift for her, but I believe the greatest gift I can offer isn't material things, but rather my presence, making her feel that I am always here for her. Sisters need to be there to support each other through both good and bad times. I can also feel and see that somehow she was happy with her special day though we were not complete during that day but least we made her happy.
It is entirely up to you how you choose to spend your special day. Whether you prefer a lively party with family and friends or a more simple celebration, what truly matters is your happiness and contentment.
Always choose to be happy!
Gracias!
Up to my next blog! Until then, take care!