On the 8th of October , I turned 20 in a simple yet meaningful way this year. It was just a week and a day after the earthquake, and instead of throwing a big celebration, I chose to spend my time doing something purposeful.
I went to San Remigio to help facilitate the Child Friendly Space, where we organized fun and safe activities for children affected by the disaster. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter reminded me how strong and hopeful kids can be, even after such difficult times.
After returning home, I made sure to catch up with my friends. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so it felt nice to sit down, share stories, and laugh like we used to. Sometimes, the simplest get-togethers turn out to be the most memorable, especially after everything that happened.
It felt comforting to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared and understood.
To end my birthday celebration, we ate at BBQhan, one of our favorite go-to spots. There was nothing fancy—just grilled food, laughter, and heartfelt conversations.
Turning 20 made me realize that birthdays don’t always need to be grand. What truly matters is spending it with good people, doing things that make your heart full, and being grateful for another year of life.
