On my 34th birthday celebration – spent it just like the old times

On my 34th birthday celebration- I wanted to spend the day just like the old times- to be with the people I love and give back the love I receive. And in daily life- especially on special occasions, I try to be more generous with the blessings I give away in any way I can – to the people I don’t know and have or never met, especially children. Despite living abroad, my sister Amber and sister-in-law Ana made everything possible for me. Here’s how my 34th birthday celebration went and how it inspired others to do the same.

On my 34th birthday celebration – just like the old times

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully,everyone is blessed

Maya Angelou

I am not fond of grand celebrations myself. Hence, making something simple has always been my theme.

Similarly, Children feeding isn’t a new concept for me. On my 30th birthday, I celebrated the day with the cancer patients at the Philippines General Hospital with the help of my dearest friend, Asha. That was extra wonderful and memorable for me.

This time, my sister Amber and sister-in-law, Ana ( I will be calling her sister as well for the sake of uniformity), were the ones who undertook child feeding. They went to the market, chopped the vegetables, lit the fire, and prepared everything for the 34th birthday celebration in Nilentap San Carlos, Pangasinan.

Super mighty thankful for these two.

While in Germany, my husband and I had planned nearly everything about what we wanted to do on this day. Things like going to our parent’s house and having a Korean bbq dinner with them, baking a cheesecake, and going for a hike. The old routines never get old in me, and I wanted it nearly the same. Perhaps, just a little twist. It’s my preference.

But sometimes, things don’t turn out the way we wanted them to be; sometimes, it’s better.

A few days before my 34th birthday celebration, my husband had to go on business trip in Korea, resulting in his inability to join the day. And because of that, I would be all alone at home in Munich.

Then we decided that I would go to my parents’ house in Allgau to celebrate with them. We called them if I could come over alone, and they gladly said of course! I took the S-Bahn train, they picked me up at the station. And it was the best thing ever.

The main highlights of the birthday

Receiving messages from dear friends and family was an ingredient to make my day beautiful. And having my parents beside me, not to mention that they prepared sweet surprises and presents and cooked for me, made it even more lovely, that I could not ask for more.

Yet, I would say that the main highlight of my 34th birthday celebration was the feeding. Children always hold a special place in my heart. This is why children are always my recipients on all occasions.

I woke up that day receiving all the photos of the cooking, preparation and feeding from my sisters, and I couldn’t be more excited, even though I was not physically present there.

Seeing the children happily receiving the home-cooked sopas with egg and sandwich absolutely made my day. Ultimately, I would do it often if I could.

Inspiring others to do the same

Tears nearly streamed down my face as I told my father-in-law every detail of the feeding.

That morning of my 34th birthday celebration, I showed photos of what my sisters were accomplishing – the feeding of the children around the neighborhood. We’ve talked and discussed about what’s like and the process, and the not-so-complicated details.

It’s as simple as cooking soup sopas, preparing a sandwich, and boiling eggs. They were delighted and thought it was such an open-handed endeavor. I never thought that they would appreciate it. For them, it was kind of a new idea, and they never thought it was possible- to have kids happily receiving home-cooked sopas.

I have also mentioned to them that there is a learning activity, such as drawing or reading a book daily at Ana’s house. We have already bought a few coloring books and chairs for the kids to use on.

Eventually, he believed the idea is such a kind act that he thought one day he would also love to give back this way. I coulnd’t express my gratitude.

No acts of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

Aesop

If you would like to be part of it

I’ve been doing this “read a book and get a free” snack since 2019. Before I moved to Germany in the same year, I had set up a small place to come by, watch a movie, read a book, study, and learn together for the children in our neighborhood. It was one of the best things I’ve ever achieved in my life, even though it’s small.

You can check the facebook page here.

And now, living in Germany, I make sure that this part of me will never die. Hence, I’ve kindly asked Ana to carry it out for me. I usually send her some small cash to buy books for reading, drawing, and snacks – because that’s a reward I promised for the kids. Proud to say we have also purchased 5 pieces of chairs and an old table from the neighbor, and still planning to purchase more.

Cash doesn’t have to be a big amount. If you would like to be part of this deed, you are more than welcome. Let me know, you can send me a message anytime. All donations will surely go to the children of Nilentap, San Carlos, Pangasinan.

How to have the best birthday celebration for all ages

In today’s world, there are hundreds and thousands of ways to spend your birthday. Spending with your family and loved ones, going on a trip to a new destination, doing some charity, volunteering, and many more. The possibilities are endless.

But the best thing is simply, that it is all up to you.

There is no perfect formula to celebrate your very special day. You can celebrate it any way you want it. Be doing it all alone or give back, adopt a cat, go all night partying or on road trips, get naked, swim the Atlantic Ocean, or whatever comes to your mind. Really.

No one can dictate how and to get your birthday celebration done. It could be lavish or otherwise.

Make your birthday like you’ve never seen before. And may your birthday be as special as you are.

Most of all, have plenty of gratitude.

Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improves their health.

Harvard University researches

Final words for my 34th birthday celebration

No words can express my gratitude for giving back and sharing my blessings.

There are many, many ways to give back. Giving back doesn’t have to be big. Giving back means a lot when it comes from the heart. Whatever you feel like doing or giving, I hope it’s because you love to carry it out and feel happy not just about the outcome but also the entire process.

Most importantly, you give back not because you expect something good in return but because it brings you joy. Joy is always better shared.

On a personla note, I wrote this piece not to boast about the feeding activity, but because pursuit is very close to my heart, and it does bring a gigantic joy in my life.

Thank you for reading. I hope you liked it, and if you somehow feel a good vide through this post, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who you think would love to read it, too! Cheers. 🌸🌸🌸