A Different Kind of Celebrating My Birthday this Year

More than any other birthdays I have had, this day has to be the most meaningful. I was skeptic about attending the Chrism Mass this morning at 9 because of my sprained right foot. Yesterday Kuya Manny encouraged me to hear the mass and as a gesture of my thanksgiving, offer something in the Holy Eucharist. But when it was about to be 9 am, I finally decided to get dressed, prepare the gift and proceed to the church. I saw Kuya Manny there and I thought he really was delighted to have seen me bringing my offering. He and his wife, Ate Lourdes greeted me a happy birthday. It was an amazing moment to see almost all the priest in the prelature converged at the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass, and even more special for me, celebrating my birthday at the Church. The mass was highlighted with the blessing of the oil. I went home once the mass was over. I received a text message from Kuya Manny that Bishop Joy was appreciative of the Psalms that I have been putting melodies with. We would have a practice at the church for the Easter Vigil, as our choir will have a big part during the upcoming celebration. The Bishop was indeed nice, that he even greeted me. He heard some of our Psalms and he said they could be compiled on an album and may be marketed. As I was about to leave, my close friend Fr. Jim (who will be celebrating his birthday tommorow; today is his mother's birthday too) greeted me also. Darlene, who is a choir member accompanied me for a halo-halo snack at Ati-Atihan. I brought her to her place and I went home then.

This evening, I attended the last night of Lenten Recollection. Bishop Tonel was still the speaker, and he delivered a very interesting and relevant talk on God's Commandments. I was with the Interlude Choir for we were rendering musical service. Pamela, one of the choir's precious voices, gave me a custard cake, which I brought home later. My best friend buddy Dwight was my companion after the recollection. We drank (ooops, not alcohol!) L-carnitine containing juice at the ONB. Then I went home at once.

Oh, before I forgot. I received birthday greetings from these great friends - Pamela, Mam Glo Canillas, Kuya Roger (our choir president), Allan (my best friend in the entire world), Dyan (my closest sibling, who's in Cebu), Dwight (my little bro), Jenny (the pretty and sexy one), Ciara (who's in CDO working as HRMO in Coke)..