Goddess of Light: <div align="center">Happy Birthday to Me! (Part I)</div>

Another year has come and gone. Indeed, each year has brought its own share of new experiences and wild adventures, joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. And throughout all these, I have been blessed with great friends and family who have always been there for me. But before I get all sentimental, here is a list of my most memorable birthdays:

December 21, 1994 (12 years old). My parents gave me a thick hard bound journal where I wrote my first diary entry. I have been writing consistently in my journal since then and I am now up to 11 volumes!

December 21, 1996 (14 years old). My crush, M, greeted me a happy birthday. It was the first time he spoke more than a few words to me. He eventually became my friend and has greeted me every year since then. :-)

December 21, 1998 (16 years old). Dinner and dancing with Ate Cha and my high school friends at Hard Rock Cafe. I was made to stand on a chair and had whipped cream splattered on my face!

December 21, 2000 (18 years old). I've always dreamt of being serenaded. I got my wish on

my 18th birthday party when my good friend, Nicky, sang "She" by Elvis Castello (She may be the face I can't forget... A trace of pleasure or regret... May be my treasure or the price I have to pay...) It was his first time to sing in front of a crowd but his voice could rival that of Josh Groban. Now, he sings, plays the piano, arranges, and composes music for our church choir, Hangad, and the Ateneo Chamber Singers.

December 21, 2002 (20 years old). I attended Simbang Gabi that morning and when I stepped out of the church at the end of the mass, my unitmates were there to surprise me! I was so touched because we had gone caroling the night before and ended at almost 1 am already. Plim even woke up extra early to fetch Crystal in Makati and Ann in Pasig. Some of them don't get to attend prayer session regularly and yet they were there during my birthday. Some had other engagements to attend to, but still they were there despite having only a few hours of sleep!

December 21, 2004 (22 years old). I spent my birthday going around the cool and romantic province of Dalat, Vietnam with SIF-ASEAN fellows Neuy, Tat, Plim, Richard, Nats, and Cuong. It was the annual flower festival and the place was bursting with lights and colorful flowers.

December 21, 2005 (23 years old). I had a simple celebration at home with my ACLC friends whom I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with while I was busy working for Candy and climbing mountains. These are the people I spent four years in college praying, going to Payatas, studying, and partying with. The current members of the org graced us with their angelic voices and heavenly carols—something which I really miss doing!