Happy Birthday To Me!

I welcomed my birthday with warmth in my heart as Yobs and I waited for the clock to strike 12am. December 7 was so special this year - from dawn to dusk.I had sleep for less than 5 hours after Yobs left the house fresh from our Mt. Pinatubo adventure. I woke up at past 5am to prepare for our trip to Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban, Quezon this time with Dad and Mom. I really included Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center in my to-visit list before the year ends. I am glad I was able to be there on my birthday.

And so my birthday was a family day for the three of us: Dad, Mom and I. I made sure both of them will take their leave from work and spend the whole day with me. I don't consider myself as a spoiled brat, but since it was my day, I should get whatever I want. Without any hesitation, Dad and Mom accepted my invitation.

The trip from GMA, Cavite to Lucban, Quezon took us 4 hours, via Pala-Pala, SLEX, Sta. Cruz & Luisiana (Laguna) Route. We arrived at 11am. My parents were very cooperative as I didn't hear any complaints from them while we were taking the 228-steps staircase up the Shrine. We stopped by at various stations of the cross and statues to pray, make our wishes and take photos. I even discovered that Daddy is afraid of heights. For 28 years, I only learned about it just now. Oh, did I say I am 28? Hahaha!

We also ate Pansit Lucban a.k.a. Pansit Habhab at a nearby restaurant. It was Dad's first time to eat this specialty. Mom also loved it and preferred to eat it with toasted buttered bread. Weird combination but yes, I was salivating...

For lunch, we took another ride from Kamay ni Hesus to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan (New) in Tayabas, Quezon. It was recommended by friend-officemates Adel and Heart. They said the food was great so again, I put it in my where-to-eat list.

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is a compound of floating nipa huts with a fresh, quiet and relaxing ambiance. There are also bars on the side but I think they open only at night. The food is mainly Filipino and the crews are indeed accommodating and friendly.

We ordered crispy pata, ginataang suso at pako, sinugno and blue marlin steak. The crispy pata was really crunchy and when dipped in sweet and spicy vinegar, you can almost forget your name. It is Dad's favorite while Mom enjoyed the ginataang suso at pako. Mommy loves to cook anything with gata and so having this for lunch for free was really a treat for her. Sinugno was new to me. I asked the waiter what their specialty is and he gave us sinugno, it was grilled Pla-Pla cooked in coconut milk. I also ordered blue marlin steak with buttered mushroom gravy.

Fresh coconut juice for me and Mom while Dad had pineapple juice, something to fight the effect of crispy pata. Anti-high blood, eh? Hahaha! It was a delightful meal for us three. Then it was time to go home. Another four hours to travel back home. Tired? No.

Dinner was for my bestfriend and her kids. I texted some other friends but they were unavailable, sad because Cindy, Kathrina, Kathy and Zarah were not there. However, it was ok as Bestfriend Abhie was present together with my inaanaks, Nicole and Nico. (Check our table number out!)

After having dinner at Jollibee-GMA, we went back to Abhie's house. Zarah has arrived from her dance practice and Kuya Marlo was there too. The treat? Oishi and Clover chips plus a bottle of 1.5L Coke. They were already happy and satisfied with my little treat. Now that is what you call simple happiness ♥ *wink-wink*

I got home at 11:30PM very thankful to God because I had a really happy birthday today. Small things like this truly make my heart jump; being with family and friends are precious moments for me. I wish I will have more birthdays to come to share with my loved ones.

Again, happy birthday to me!