January 3, 2024
"A birthday is not only a celebration of the past year, but also an anticipation of new adventures, lessons, and growth that the coming year holds."
-Unknown
It's a happy new year and new life at 35. I feel too old this time. Just what my friend said, Midlife is waving!. Truth be told. Life is short and uncertain. I couldn't tell my period of living as things happen unexpectedly, so I'll consider this as my midlife. I was again reminded of the beautiful gift of life and I couldn't help but feel grateful for it. Although at some point, I felt FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) at this age, especially when seeing my former colleagues and classmates succeeding in the fields they chose, and being happy with their respective families, I felt challenged and determined to welcome whatever life gives me. It may be a solo flight, but I'll take it fearlessly.
On the first day of the new year, I celebrated my early birthday blast. A friend of mine invited me to join her pals for a New Year's celebration, telling me that I should go because it's my birthday soon. As I dislike interacting with new people, I was at first hesitant, but in the end, I was convinced. For me, the New Year's Eve party with fellow Filipinos turned into a happy early birthday celebration.
The event took place in Cyberport, a beautiful neighborhood in Hong Kong Island's Southern District. I was in awe of the harbor's beauty since it was my first time visiting the place. One of Hong Kong Island's luxurious complexes is located in this district, and after visiting the area, the price seems reasonable.
I didn't know how to get to the location, so my friend and I met up beforehand. I followed the hidden path toward the sea and came to a secluded grilling area. Numerous Filipinos, as well as Chinese and Indonesians, were gathered in the vicinity. A feast was being prepared by some, tents were being set up by others, barbecues were being grilled, and some catch up with their friends.
The sun was high at midday. Since there wasn't as much shade there, my friend's group decided to move to the waterfront park. After gathering the food and other things, we proceeded to the Cyberport waterfront park. We arrived at the seaside park and took a position beneath the enormous tree. We arrange the food on the mat and set up the tent. Most of the food was cooked by my buddy's aunt and her friend, almost everyone brought their own. However, as I didn't want to arrive empty-handed, I bought a cake. It surprised me that my friend also purchased a cake. I discovered later that it was for my birthday.
I was ashamed to take photos of the food, so I took them randomly and quickly. We had a little feast and I enjoyed savoring Filipino delicacies and viands. I so missed them, especially the spaghetti, chicken caldereta, lumpia Shanghai, suman, and buko salad. There was macaroni too, maja blanca, pansit bihon, Bikol express, adobo, yema cake from my friend, and the black Forrest cake I bought for my birthday. There was some wine and different drinks to quench our thirst. Some bottles of beer came a moment after. All typical foods are prepared on Filipino special occasions.
This event made me feel like I was home with the comfort of Filipino foods I missed the most. While my friend's friends having fun by singing using their portable speakers and microphones, we received a complaint from a residence living at the complex, so we then again moved further because of the noise. Despite the annoyance, we just made a joke about moving thrice on New Year's Day. It was fun, though.
We relocated to the farther area of the park away from the residential complex. There are several acacia trees at the waterfront park and lush canopies provide shade to the visitors. We found a good spot by the seaside where they set up the tent and food. Then the feast and fun continued. All we did was eat until the food was last. But they were too many to finish in one day of eating.
The park is spacious and there were other visitors day-camping and picnics while doing different leisure activities. Others were simply resting. Aside from our group, more Filipinos were celebrating the first day of the new year with fun, some even had games.
The place is also pet-friendly. Some dogs were freed, so they could walk freely and play with other pets. They were so cute to look at.
I was enjoying myself while sitting by the sea and observing people having fun and ships passing by. Since it was a public holiday, we had the chance to relax, so I cherish every moment with newly acquainted people.
In the afternoon, my friend announced that it was my birthday the next day, which was the 2nd of January. That's when we took out the cake, and it was quite melting already. Some toppings had fallen off, probably when it was being moved. They sang a happy birthday song for me and I felt elated. For over six years abroad, it was the first time that I celebrated my birthday with a group. An unforgettable birthday event that I will cherish.
Later in the afternoon, the exchange of gifts happened and I was glad to receive some gifts more than I expected from other people.
Thanks to these people for making my day not so typical and mundane.
As the day passed by, the sunset started to paint the horizon with a beautiful tangerine hue and shimmering path in the water. It was a beauty I was waiting for before ending the day. The place was truly a perfect spot to catch the beautiful sunset.
It's another year of existence, another year of challenges, growth, and opportunities. But most of all, it's another year of lessons and adventures, and another year to create memories and moments to cherish. Celebrants usually have three wishes, I only made one. That's to allow me to live with good health, so I could pursue what I started and do even greater things.
May this year be full of joy and success for all of us ☺️.
Happy New Year once again.
(All photos are mine)
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