When my English teacher told us that we’d have the creative freedom to choose our third blog post prompt, I knew I had just the perfect idea in mind: birthdays. As my 14th birthday is coming around the corner, I thought it would be fitting for me to write about every womb-eviction anniversaries I’ve experienced so far. At least, the ones I remember. Let’s get started, shall we?
According to my parents, my first celebration was held at Jollibee, a well-known Filipino restaurant. My second to sixth birthdays were celebrated privately, mostly in the comfort of my home. I believe there was a time when my family went on a road trip during one of those years, but I don’t trust my toddler memories much.
The earliest birthday I remember clearly is my seventh. My parents went all out and paid for a restaurant party at Max’s for my celebration. The theme was “cooking”; at least, something similar. Vague memories of chef hats and rolling pins float around in my mind palace when I think about this birthday.
What I loved most about this party was the chaotic ‘mission’ I pulled off with my best friends. Throughout my first to second-grade years, I was obsessed, and I mean obsessed with chocolate coins. My friends slowly started sharing my love the more they hung out with me. By the time my cooking party rolled around, they were ready to pull off some tricks to get some coins. So, we devised a plan— two of them would cause a “distraction” while another and I would grab the chocolate coin jar. Our distraction ended up being quite anticlimactic, though. I don’t think anyone bought our crying acts, but let us have the coins nevertheless. Ahh, nothing like childhood innocence to get you by.
I can’t seem to remember the following parties during my eighth, ninth or tenth, but I know they were a splash. All of those were celebrated from home with few of my friends at the most. In spite of the low guest count, I’m sure I appreciated every moment.
My eleventh birthday was the first one I spent without my parents. I was whisked off to a winter wonderland with my sixth-grade class for a week, where I received a lot more birthday wishes than I had anticipated. It truly magical; surrounded by friends I had just met but adored nonetheless. The cake wasn’t too grand yet iconic, though — I mean, who would forget blowing out a candle on top of a cute red velvet cupcake? I ended up not liking the taste of the cupcake, though, so I discreetly passed it to my best friend. Sorry, teacher! The thought was very sweet, I swear!
My twelfth celebration was less climatic but enjoyable anyway. I spent this one with family, even my grandparents who had been overseas for a good few years. I distinctly recall waking up to loads upon loads of birthday messages; what a fun memory! I went to school and was bombarded with love and even got two versions of Happy Birthday, one in English and one in French. Then, I went home with a hop in my step, eagerly awaiting a food galore. I can’t believe that was two years ago now; I’m old…
Finally, we’ve reached my thirteenth anniversary! Gosh, this one was a nightmare and a daydream all in one. I was fortunate enough to join my eighth-grade schoolmates in a winter field trip up north. There, we spent five whole days bonding over hot chocolate and playing around in the snow. That Wednesday, I was handed a freshly-baked red velvet cake, which I barely got a slice of due to the heavy dinner I’d eaten prior. Nonetheless, the recognition was great. I do describe this year as a “disaster”, though, because I promptly fell in a snow pit whilst heading back to my dorm. Not exactly a great way to start my teenhood, but an iconic one, at least.
Though technically my fourteenth birthday should be on this list, I don’t think this year will be too different. Being stuck inside during the pandemic, I only see extra food and virtual classes in my future. Oh, well, I will simply have to make up for the lack of festivities next year. (Crossing my fingers that the crisis will be coming to a close by then!) Here’s to hoping for many more memorable birthdays.