“Even if the cupcakes got crushed, the memories were whole.”
Let me tell you about one of the most unforgettable birthdays I’ve ever had filled with food, laughter, meaningful conversations, and yes, smashed cupcakes (thanks to my brother 😭😂).
July 28, 2025 - I turned a year older. And maybe a little wiser. But definitely still goofy.
🐝 Jollibee, Joy, and Just Us
We kicked off the celebration at Jollibee (where else?). It’s not just a fast food chain to us Filipinos it’s a happy place. With Elaiza’s family, my family, and our dear relatives all gathered around buckets of Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, and sundaes, it felt warm and chaotic in the best way possible.
There was laughter, nonstop kwentuhan, and a lot of “Uy, tambok na ka ha!” greetings you know, the usual Filipino birthday comments. 😅
But what I was really excited about?
My birthday cupcakes.
Not just any cupcakes Oddbods themed! My favorite!
Until I opened the box…
🧁 The Cupcake Tragedy (Insert Dramatic Music Here)
There they were smashed, smushed, and sideways like they went through a rollercoaster ride before arriving at the party. My heart broke a little. Okay, a lot.
Apparently, my beloved brother was in charge of bringing the cupcakes. Let’s just say… balance wasn’t his top priority. 😭 He handed me the box like he had just finished a marathon with it.
“Gikuha ra nako og dali,” he said casually.
(Translation: “I just grabbed it quickly.”)
Quickly nga daw oh 😩
Still, we laughed. Because how could I not? It was so bad it was funny, and in the middle of all the smashed frosting and crumbling toppers, I remembered:
"It’s not the dessert that matters, but the company you eat it with."
(But still, RIP to my Oddbods. You deserved better.)
☕ Starbucks + Secrets + Silent Smiles
After Jollibee, we headed to Starbucks the grown-up side of the celebration. With everyone mellowed out and caffeinated, we settled into deeper conversations: catching up on life, work, changes, and dreams.
Of course, someone eventually popped the golden question:
“So, how’s the visa application going?”
Insert poker face.
We smiled, nodded, and gave vague answers. 😬
Because nope, we weren’t about to spill the full story just yet. We’re lowkey superstitious. We didn’t want to jinx anything.
But here’s the real tea:
👉 We’re flying to Manila on July 31, 2025 at 1AM,
👉 Our biometrics appointment is at 3PM to 4PM on the same day,
👉 And we are fighting hard and hoping harder for a positive result.
It might only take less than an hour to process at the center, but this moment?
It’s a big deal for us. It’s the product of prayers, effort, tears, and hope.
🎒 Cousin Curiosity and My Little White Lie
Now, this part made me laugh too hard
As I was packing and carrying my luggage, my cousins were instantly suspicious.
“Uy, where are you going?”
“Why are you dragging that big bag?”
“Are you leaving for good?” 😳
I could’ve said:
“Oh, we’re flying to Manila to process our visa biometrics.”
But instead, I panicked and blurted out:
“I’m going back to Cebu, then Bohol. Staying for 4 days with Elaiza. We’ll just do some coffee hopping while I work.” 😅
Smooth, right? HAHAHAHA
But sometimes, you have to keep things close to your chest — especially when they’re precious and not fully certain yet. I guess I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of something that still needed grace, patience, and good timing.
💌 Birthday Greetings That Made Me Smile
Two very special messages made my day even brighter:
🌟 Vanessa sent a sweet birthday greeting that made me feel so seen and appreciated.
🌟 Casey also reached out with warm wishes that added that extra spark to my day.
When the people you work with also celebrate you as a person, not just your tasks — it hits differently. It reminds you that you’re not just doing “work,” you’re part of something bigger, and surrounded by genuinely good people.
💬 Birthday Realizations (While Looking at My Poor Cupcakes)
This year taught me:
Not everything goes as planned. (Cupcakes, anyone?)
The people around you matter more than any “perfect” detail.
Sometimes, you don’t have to explain everything. Protecting your peace is valid.
Faith is quieter than we think, but it moves mountains.
You can laugh through the mess and even make it the best part.
🌟 Favorite Quotes That Hit Different This Year
“Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans… and smashing cupcakes.” — Me 😆
“Faith means trusting even when you don’t understand the timing.” — Unknown
“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” — Tom Peters
“Sometimes the journey takes a suitcase, a Starbucks coffee, and a little white lie.” — Also Me 🤭
🎈To End…
This birthday reminded me that joy is not always found in perfection sometimes, it’s in melted frosting, long hugs, sleepy 1AM flights, and those little moments where we just show up, love hard, and keep moving forward.
So here’s to smashed cupcakes and whole hearts.
Here’s to biometrics and bravery.
Here’s to hoping without fear and laughing through the chaos.
Here’s to July 28, 2025 and whatever beautiful, wild, unexpected thing comes next.Fighting! 🧁💪🌍✨
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