We started the day by going to the market and bought important ingredients, searched for food, and had a birthday tarpaulin printed at the nearest and cheapest printing shop. Walking around the hot and chaotic market of our town drained me so much that I couldn't take a photo or two during our search for essentials.
Long story short, we had our morning filled with chaotic cooking of dishes, grilled a lechon belly, designed some balloons for the beach, and then prepared ourselves and others to head there. One thing I observed in our household dynamics when we have a celebration is that the preparation is always chaotic but fun. Sometimes, it is frustrating but memorable. It always includes two exact polar opposites of emotions, and we always end up having the best celebration of our lives.
This was our setup on the beach. Just a simple one. A tarpaulin bordered with balloons, a group of visitors who happened to be family friends, and food on the table that made us hungry when the aroma spread with the sea breeze. Speaking of the breeze, this beach made our celebration more peaceful and refreshing. The day was so vibrant, the water was bluer than usual, and the clouds were like cotton candy—it made life taste sweet. The coconut trees that surrounded us added to the coolness of the wind, and while we were celebrating, it felt like a very perfect retreat from responsibilities and just pure enjoyment and bonding with the people who matter to me the most.
This is my boyfriend holding my niece, who is the birthday celebrant. At first, my niece was hesitant to be carried by my boyfriend, but a little while later, they had a cute bonding moment. My boyfriend was a bit nervous at first because it was his first time meeting my family. He was tiptoeing at first for a good impression, but later on, when my family interacted with him, he became so pure and true to himself.
I learned that I didn’t ask for a family that would love me and my boyfriend, even if we have this different but still human kind of love. I can even kiss him on his forehead and him on mine without judgment. And in that moment, I realized how rare and comforting it is to be accepted in the simplest ways. Love did not have to be explained that day—it was just there, present in every laugh, every glance, and every small gesture. It made me appreciate not just my relationship, but the kind of family I am blessed to have.
And as the sun slowly set and the waves softened, I found myself holding onto the quiet happiness of that day. It wasn’t grand or perfect, but it was ours—filled with chaos, love, and moments that I will carry with me for a long time.