…bLoW tHe CaNdLeS

As we savored the luscious food, some also enjoyed singing at the same time. I felt like I was at home, doing the same thing the moment we have a celebration like this. Homesickness was gone. It was diverted into happiness. Thanks for that feeling.

In the middle of the celebration, they let me sing two songs. They all clapped their hands. You know, only few English songs here. Then, we continued eating. Laughters surround the place all through out the entire event. I can see every one was also happy.

“Blow the candles, time to blow them now,” that’s what I heard from them. Yet, one Chinese teacher programmed the sound system before blowing them. So I still have to sing again, 25 minutes by MLTR ‘coz they said I am already 25. Well, I got no choice. Everyone stood up as I sing the song and clapped their hands altogether. I was really touched. Then, happy birthday song followed.

Darkness covered the room that time as I lit the candles while everyone was singing. I blew the candles of the two cakes after I made a wish. Then, they clapped their hands the more, even louder. Slicing of cakes succeeded afterwards. I handed each one a slice of cake. I indeed had a fun time. I was genuinely happy, too like everyone else. Then, eating, laughters, singing and talks continued. We all had a fantastic time. Around an hour later, we parted ways. Thanks for the time guys. I somehow forgot home. Thanks a lot everyone!.

…gIfTs I rEcEiVeD

I couldn’t imagine why they were able to have a such wondrous presents for me. They have no time. I made it a point not to tell them in advance so that they won’t bother to buy some. But I was amazed. They made it in just less than an hour. My boss phoned them an hour before dinner and told them the restaurant. Yes, they came with their respective presents. They entered the room and greeted me HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY and wished me the best in life and here in China as they handed their gifts. I was filled with gratefulness and thanked them one by one.

Amazing gifts amused my eyes and diverted my feelings, for I was a little sad reminiscing those times I had with my family during this time. I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness of these people around me here. With my students, too, they are indeed worth calling, true and real friends. Thanks for the friendship you are offering.
I was filled with laughter as I opened each
of their presents. They, too enjoyed watching me opening them and capturing pictures at the same time. They also explained why they planned to buy them as I tore the wrappers. I couldn’t put in words what I felt that time. Indescribable! Well, thanks to all of you. I am in truth happy for your gifts. I just don’t know how to give back the kindness you showed me. I just wish you the best in your state of life, too. May all your labors be fruitful and successful. Thanks a lot.

…MiXeD fEeLiNgS

I barely couldn’t understand what I felt to my colleagues and adult students last night, as we celebrated my 25th birthday. Mixed emotions ruled all over the night. I was very happy with them. I wanna cry or something for like, they are real my families. I also felt like I was surrounded by my loved ones. But I still couldn’t take away the sadness for missing my family on that very day. But thanks to all of them for filling in the times where I should have spent with my family. You were there. Thanks a lot.

I don’t know how to thank you enough. Words are not sufficient to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Thank you and thank you so much. You really were there during the times I badly need someone to be with, talk to and enjoy my day. To my adult students: John, Chris, Linda, Jupiter with his lovely wife and super talented daughter, you are not just my students, but also my real friends. I won’t forget those times. Thank you so much. Thanks also for your presents, I do love them. To my headmaster, to my immediate boss, Mr. Wang (whom I call dad), to my fellow teachers; Joana and Doris, and Matthew (an American guy), to our staffs; Susan and Joy, my warmest gratitude to all of you for being there. Thanks to all of you for your wonderful presents. I highly appreciate them.

It wouldn't be a such happy moment if without you guys. I would just be like an island celebrating my day if you weren’t there. I sincerely express my fondest thanks to all of you. Thank you and thank you. Have a good time and take care always.

…OnLiNe GrEeTiNgS

This is what I was just expecting from my family and friends back home. And they did. A lot of them did. With my friendster account, many tried their best to greet me on my special day, no matter how busy they were, they really spent time just to send their greetings to me. Highly valued guys! I do appreciate your efforts.

With my facebook account, quite a few spent their precious time just to greet me that time. Thanks to all of you people. I just couldn’t reply you all at the same time, ‘coz I am also a little busy. I am just going to tell you, I do appreciate what you did. Thanks for that.

With my yahoo account, e-mail and my messenger, super many of them greeted me. Since I wasn’t online for the entire day, I just opened this morning. A lot of offline messages from my dear family members and friends. E-mails also were sent that day, but I just read them today. To all of those who are so concern about me and truly remember my special day, it’s an honor to have you all. I am so lucky to have you, so precious and dear to me. Thanks for you comments and greetings. I just wish and pray that you are also happy everyday just like what you wished for me. Thank you so much everyone. Let’s pray for one another. Have a good time everyone!

My mobile phone also was very busy beeping. Many, too tried to greet me through my phone. Others even called me up just to express their sentiments. Very well fellas, thanks a lot. Take care always.

…mY fIrSt TiMe

You might be thinking of my birthday again celebrated away from home. Yeah, t’was my first time. Yet, it’s not what I am talking here this time. For almost a year now of staying here, I haven’t eaten mangoes, one of the best fruits in my hometown. It’s just that they weren’t worth eating as I saw them before. Wrinkling peelings discouraged me to buy them.

So as to mention, every time I go to grocery store, I never minded looking at them, for I knew the fact that they are not that pleasing. I always have this in mind, though I truly want to buy even a kilo.

When I passed the fruits section, one time, April 16, my birthday exactly, I was astonished as I looked at them. They were somewhat saying, “Look at me now.” They were very beautiful that time, so smooth, so yellow and so fragrant. I felt somehow it’s a nature’s gift on my birthday. With no disinclinations, I did buy one and a half kilograms. Kinda expensive, yet they are worth it. I do miss eating them. It was my first time eating mangoes here in China, on my birthday. Thanks for passing there that time that my longing of eating mangoes vanished. I relished that time eating them, as if I didn’t want that moment to end. Thanks for the wonderful gift!