#independencedayph

My birthday falls on the 12th June but I thought I was not going to be able to celebrate it properly since I have to work until noon and I was living alone. My friend and I planned to celebrate on the 13th instead (virtually, with having to eat the same  food on our respective homes). We decided to prepare samgyupsal (korean bbq) as we did last year kind of starting a tradition.

I did not hesitate to celebrate the 13th since it’s my rest day and I also love taylor and I like the idea of celebrating that way. 

Came the 12th and I was not feeling well so I have to cut my work short and rest. Then, my friend called me up and checked in on me. She asked me what I want to eat since it’s my birthday lunch and it should be something I really love. I ordered my food online which is Kare-Kare and Crispy Pata all for me to enjoy. I really loved it. 

Came 13th. I woke up early to exercise/run to prepare for the main event of eating a lot. everything went according to plan except my food was all burnt but still a little edible. My friend, her husband and I enjoyed a nice lunch (PH time; dinner on theirs in US time). They sang the birthday song and played Taylor’s music on the background I really appreciate it since most of the days they don’t really do it. I loved every moment and I loved celebrating my day as simple as that

Even though they are with me virtually, my family and other friends are not with me, I felt their love and care, and that is what matters the most. I did not feel alone at all. I am just really grateful for all the blessings I had this year. Everything this year was unexpected and lord kept showering me with awesome things. 

I love this life and I hope God will be with me all the ways and always.

Love,

Jen

I may not be as fluent as I should be in Tagalog or Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a (my two mothertongues) as I am in English—and truthfully, I feel sad about that—but I am proud to be a part of an unwavering culture, and a descendant of people who never stopped fighting for their freedom.