and to all the personal emails you guys sent. <3

The kids & I were really thinking hard about my Birthday Give-away. I was adamant that I wanted a “meet & greet” although of course, I’m far from a popular rock star -again, hindi po ako sikat!. :)) But I really want to meet as much of you as I can sooner or later. One big problem was I know most of you are working, so it was really suntok sa buwan when I finally decided on the day & time. It was the best I could do without crossing any of the kids’ schedules. I am first & foremost, a mommy. 😛

Frankly, I was quite surprised there were still some who joined.. at least hindi naman ako napahiya kahit papaano, haha! ;))

But before I tell you who the winner is, let me share with you what I did on my very special day. 🙂 It’s really nothing over the top. Being a weekday, we can’t really do anything exciting. The kids have to wake up so early. But what’s important is that we celebrated my birthday together & I was surrounded by the people I love the most.

Woke up to this beautiful GIANT cupcake by my lovely friend SHAWIE who really brightened my day with her beautiful & yummy creation!! <3 I started my day in tears! Tears of joy for feeling so loved & special! 🙂

Then THIS waited for me on my vanity as I went to the bathroom to prepare for my day. The kids are really sooooo SWEET!!! <3 They never fail to let me feel how loved, special, and cherished I am! <3 <3 <3 Of course, more tears pour in. As in MORE! ;))

Ate, being so creative & artistic, made me this beautiful flipbook. <3

Not to be outdone is my babyson. 🙂 Every little gesture from him is a BIGGIE for me because he is not the showy type.

and of course.. more sweetness from my baby girl. I am her world. and I love it. <3

For lunch, my kapitan K treated me to a lovely birthday lunch in Escolta at The Pen. One of my favorite buffet places. Not too much variety, but enough to keep me happy & satisfied. <3

I just love the ambience of Manila Pen’s lobby, and their cheerful bellhops handsomely dressed like white tin soldiers .

My 1st happy plate! <3 I love love love their succulent cocktail shrimps & the giant mussels. Their sushi selection is so fresh! <3

My 2nd happy plate! <3 The roasted chicken was really tasty. The pork belly skin was sooooo crunchy it made me smile with every munch. The lapu lapu was a bit over cooked but fresh & wonderful nontheless. The crab shell filling was a disappointment though, but the calamares more than made up for it’s lackluster taste.

I was really feeling the pressure in my tummy already with my 2 full plates. So I just stole some mouthfuls of the mongolian yumminess from my hunny bun’s plate teehee. I’m glad he didn’t mind me sharing his food. I also stole a bite of his medium well steak. (not shown) Oh so heavenly, but I’m afraid my stomach can only hold so much! @_@

But of course, full or not, I can never let my cheeseses pass! @_@ I made a mistake of asking for 3 varieties of nuts to be included in my mango crepe. I so did not like the outcome. Next time I’ll make sure to keep it light & simple.

Thank goodness for cups of cappuccinos in between meals to keep the suya at bay! <3

My handsome date! <3

and lookee!!! <3 How sweet!!! This is why Manila Peninsula remains to be one of my top favorites!

I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.

Misua for long life! 🙂

succulent Peking duck

juicy Roasted Asado

With my mommy! <3 and my plenty of cakes!!! The red velvet giant cupcake given by Shawie remains to be my favorite! <3 <3 <3

So without further ado.. congratulations hazeleaf (sheila.opulencia@gmail.com)! 🙂 I’m so looking forward to our date next monday. I just know we’ll have lots of fun & chika. See you on the 25th at 3 p.m. I shall be contacting you regarding other details via email! :-*

Thank you again everyone, for all your well wishes. It was truly an amazing birthday! <3