My Birthday Tribute Post: Grateful Beyond Words

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This birthday tribute is long overdue. At first, I decided to do this ‘thank you’ post on my Enzo’s Point You Tube channel. I changed my mind. For sure, I won’t last a minute without being too emotional (yet again…lol!) I had enough so no more of those ‘crying’ moments, please!

My 40th birthday soiree last May was also meant to commemorate my 10th year in Thailand. I intended to celebrate it in the Philippines with my family in April but because of the outbreak of Covid 19 all my plans were called off. However, despite the cancelled itineraries and the missed opportunities brought about by this pandemic, there were still so many reasons to thank God for so I pushed through it.

Filled with gratitude

The party was a blast. I was definitely moved by the efforts my friends put into the surprise presentations. I used to organise and host parties but I never had one in the past. The closest I had to a grand frolic for my birthday was in 2008, but it wasn’t for me. It was to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. To have that kind of attention felt surreal and I still feel I’m unworthy of the honour. Everything was beyond my expectation thus this birthday tribute (although this came almost two months after).

On top of my friends’ presence, I am also grateful for their generosity. Before that ‘fortyfied’ birthday bash ended, we were able to raise a total amount of 10,800 baht for our chosen birthday charity. In peso, we were able to send Php 17,000.00 to the Parish Disaster Response and Relief Team of Mary Immaculate Parish which was the beneficiary of Mr. John Ray Pagalan’s online concert.

birthday charity — *The first set of the Php 17,000.00 cash donation we sent to the Parish Disaster Response and Relief Team of Mary Immaculate Parish in Levitown, Paranaque City.*

Mr. John Ray and the charity

Mr. John Ray Pagalan, a premiere saxophonist and a recording artist, guested on my You Tube channel live stream session a week before my birthday. On that live chat he promoted his upcoming online concert scheduled on May 23. It was also then that I decided to turn that celebration even more meaningful. In lieu of material gifts, I requested for monetary donation to the Parish Disaster Response and Relief Team of Mary Immaculate Parish in Levitown, Paranaque City.

So far, this charity organization has extended assistance to at least 500 families who were displaced during the Taal Volcano eruption last January. They have also aided more than 2,300 families during the Covid-19 situation. Here’s hoping that the little amount we shared would go a long way to help those in dire need especially during these times of difficulty.

Grateful beyond words

My heart is full and it overflows with gratitude for everything that life has brought me. I’m blessed to have more than what I’ve prayed for. Ten years in Thailand has been a gift not only to me but also to my family. I don’t have all the luxuries in life, but I appreciate every little thing I get to enjoy now because I never have them growing up.

I’m single but not alone and lonely. I am surrounded with genuine people whom I consider family. There’s an adorable pup, Jaydee, who leaps to and fro every time I come home from work. I teach for a living and travel occasionally. These are the sources of my simple pleasures. I sleep soundly at night knowing I am at peace with myself. Yes, I’m older and bolder. All the life’s lessons have made me stronger and I strive to be a better version of me each day. I am fortified!