As an
August baby and I can’t deny, this is my favorite month (of course!)
As I mark
another trip around, the sun, I wanted to share a few ways I’m celebrating this
year. Not just with cake, but with presence,
intention, and genuine happiness. Although yes, there are cakes. All thanks to
my lovies – Kiwaii
my sis and Joseph my man
(we’re trio!)
Here’s
what I’ve been doing, and maybe it’ll inspire you to add more meaning to your
next birthday too:
Trying
something new
This year, I’ve been eyeing the idea and finally tried free diving! It was completely a new experience that challenged both my body and mind. It’s great to learn new things. I discovered that you could prolong your breath underwater with various techniques. One of the key challenges I faced was something called equalization, and it’s an area I need to keep working on. Thank you so much SiLak Davao for your genuine guidance. It really helped us make the most of this free driving experience!
My sis is
a fast learner – check her video here.
I also
discovered the cozy Open
Space Café + Bar, perfect to spend time alone journaling, bond with fam or
friends, or if you just want a good view with some coffee, this is the place!
Their space is wide, with plenty of seating for customers. They just opened in
July 2025. My family and I went there and had dinner in the open space at
Baracatan, Toril, Davao City. The night breeze was quite cold, so it’s best to
bring a jacket.
If you’re looking for a truly relaxing spot to enjoy fresh air, the café is worth a visit!
Birthday
ideas:
·
Take
a solo day trip to any nearby town or café you’ve never been to.
·
Try
a new skill that scares you a little – pottery, pole dancing, surfing, even
aerial yoga. Whatever is in your mind!
·
Start
a “birthday tradition” of doing one new thing every year, no matter how small.
o Letter to myself – you can reflect on
your future goals and expect for the year ahead.
o Birthday photo – you may go to a
self-portrait studio, hire a professional photographer, or just use your phone.
You can visually track your journey year by year. I was looking for a self-shoot
with aathegallery, but they’re already fully
booked that time. You may also want to check them.
Treat
Yourself
I treated
myself with a little fashion moment – a coffee-toned, elegant outfit inspired
by Shein finds that made me feel confident and put-together. Dressing up for
yourself just hits different. I think I nailed the fit. Why so?
My sisters
kept complimenting me, saying I looked beautiful, and the outfit suited me
well. I know they’re my sisters (so a little favoritism is expected, lol), but
I feel confident and that’s what really matters!
Even my
lovely 10-year-old niece, who never holds back here opinions, told me “You
look so elegant!” I was so kilig!
Wanna know
where I got the pieces? Check the links below:
Long
Sexy Satin Skirt
1pc
Lace Bustier Corset Tops
One
Shoulder Underarm Cute Bag
Open
Back With Buckle Strap, Kitten Heel
You may
try this:
·
Curate
a “birthday look” that reflects how you want to feel – powerful, cozy, elegant,
or feminine.
·
Invest
in a small but meaningful gift for yourself: a customized jewelry, a book,
skincare products, a ticket to concert, a spa day. Whatever you think that excites
you!
·
Do
something indulgent: that fancy dinner or dessert, a solo walk/jog then brunch,
or even just a sleeping guilt-free.
Spending
Time with Who Matters
I set out
time for family and loved ones, even if it was just a simple meal or deep
conversation. Birthdays remind me it’s not about the crowd; it’s about connection.
My
favorite time is really about spending time with loved ones. I was already
satisfied when I spent breakfast with my fam. My brother brought Jollibee, with
the cake and flowers at the table surprised by my man and sis. Plus, our dogs
giving me much dopamine.
It’s where
I feel most at home. I feel so relaxed and feel rested from all
responsibilities and overthinking.
You may
try this:
·
Plan
a small get-together with people who truly make you feel seen – a picnic setup,
karaoke bonding, fishing, or a simple dinner.
·
Write
letters or send messages to those you love and tell them what they mean to you.
What I Learned
this Year
This year reminded
me that wins don’t always come, and real growth doesn’t need an audience
— for me, it has always been slow, quiet, and personal. I realize that I was
never fully ready this year, but I kept pushing myself to show up anyway – and better
things always happened just because I did. I always approach things with
intention, fully convinced that all my efforts will pay off any time soon.
I have allowed
myself to try things for the first time. Although sometimes I feel behind, I never
let the society define what success should look like in my life. I keep an open
mind and embrace new ideas, believing that better things lie ahead.
There are
times when I feel overwhelmed with so much going on — in my own thoughts, my
family, the community, and even the world. Sometimes, I think I already understand
things, but I realize I don’t always understand enough. I keep reminding myself
to have compassion not only to the people around me but also to myself.
I need to show more empathy, listen more, and seek to understand others better —
just how many times I’ve need chances for myself.
Lastly, I’ve come to understand that things don’t always happen the way I expect. I just keep doing what I’m doing, without taking shortcuts, because I will reap what I sow. I’ve learned to be patient - nothing is too late for me.
Why
Celebrate at All?
The version
of you today deserves recognition, and life is never guaranteed. You’ve been in
good health this whole year; you’ve survived, you’ve been blessed, and you’re
alive. You get to spend more time with your loved ones and still have the chance
to achieve your dreams.
Final Note
Birthdays
aren’t just about getting older; they’re about becoming more you. However you
choose to spend your next one, I hope you make it truly yours.
***
birthday moments :))
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