Candlelight, cadena de amor, and frangipani. A pink cake and colorful decorations. Phone calls and video messages from Palawan and Manila. And best of all, the love and laughter of friends.
It’s February already but I’m still not over the surprise. You guys just blew me away. Let me just say thank you to these wonderful people once again:
TO MY FAMILY: For everything. Especially for muddling your way through the complexities of cyber technology so that you could send those videos to Dumaguete. I love you, technological cluelessness and all. I am so proud of you. You are the most amazing people in my universe.
SHANE, CANDY CANE, JUNIE, & JANINE: For making that night a perfect ten. For knowing exactly what makes me happy. For getting in touch with the important people in my life and making them part of that night. For willingly going through the stress of keeping major secrets from someone you live with and talk to everyday. You shouldn’t have worried that I’d suspect anything – I was as clueless about your plans as my mom is about the internet. 
Thank you so much, anak, apo, and apo sa tuhod. You made me really happy. (Here I go again – I must have told you that a hundred times already. Sensya, major party hangover syndrome yan.)
ROO: For producing that video presentation. Shane can tell you how many nights I played it before going to bed. You’ll get that academy award someday.
RAPSQUARED & KANGA: For literally running around trying to make everything all right. Nganong nagdagan-dagan man mo? Nasamad hinuon si Kanga. But on RapSquared’s part, ok ra because he got to stay in the “hotel,” otherwise known as the Silliman University Medical Center. But seriously, thank you, tall people.
KIM: For making the day wonderful even before the party. For showing me the rainbows. For allowing me to add a new word into my vocabulary: “perfect-est”. For indulgently listening to me say over and over again that I’m really happy. And for a successful mission in keeping me distracted while the others were setting up the surprise. Best actor lage ka, Luwag…hehehe…
K.A. & MAAN: For doing the festive interior decoration. K.A., thanks so much for being there despite such a short acquaintance. Bunso, I delight in you. You both made the night really colorful.
PSALM PALAWAN: For your love that knows no limits. For your prayers and friendship. I miss you, mga palangga, now more than ever. Thank you for the messages, comments, and videos!
KUYA & CAZ: For not letting mere distance stop you from being with me that night. Wow, iba na talaga ang may superpowers. Caz, your secret identity is safe with me (and the approximately 30 other people who saw that video). Kuya ko, you will always be my personal superhero. I love you both. You really know how to make me feel special.
GARY V.: Of course I’ll marry you. Let’s do it next week.
SOLID ROCKERS: For being there. For the successful pretension that nothing out of the ordinary was afoot. Either I’m really dense, or you’re all very good actors. I prefer to believe the latter.
ORENZ: For the video. For wishing me a lifetime free of orcs. For the tour of your room. For the greeting from Kimura. For being who you are to me. Hanon le, Legolas. I am so glad I’m not the only Elf left in Middle Earth. I miss you.
WEN: For climbing that tree just to pick flowers for me. Bilib na jud ko nimo.
NIŇO: For being there. For the amazing pictures you took (I’m using one as my wallpaper for Trans). For being such a sweet friend. Thanks, Nin!
PATRICK: For that gift that took you so long to choose. For your presence that night. For being such a wonderful brother. I know that day in the Hibalag when we first met was one of the best parts of God’s plan for my life. You are such a blessing. Thanks, bro.
ANGEL & SOULMATE: For those unexpected phone calls that really took my breath away. It’s been so long. I miss you, girls. You still have the place in my heart that I gave to you, and you always will. There are so many stories waiting to be told, and I’m looking forward to the time when we can do so. I love you both so much. Forever.
PASTOR NITZ: For the most profound birthday message I have ever heard from a pastor. I will always remember to “go, grow, and glow.”
PASTOR ALONG: For planning that second surprise. It’s not your fault the weather did not cooperate. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Balik na lang ka next year diri sa Dumaguete.
NINUNO & NINUNA BERS: For making me feel like I was a guest on Boy & Kris. For being my kuya and ate ate here in Dumaguete. The Lord knew that I would need people like you even before we met.
PSALM BERS & BER FRIENDS: For being both the coolest and the hottest people I know not only in here in Dumaguete but everywhere. You guys are amazing. Thank you for being more than just friends, but my family. I love you, I love you, I love you – to infinity and beyond. You are so precious to me.
There are so many others who were not part of the surprise but nevertheless made my birthday special through their greetings. The Psychz. PSU and SU Psych people. PSALMists from everywhere. Friendster friends. Past and present churchmates. Thank you so much. You made me feel so loved. Hanon le.
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