To Thea, Happy Birthday!

Most photos are from our Montreal trip this weekend! :)

To my dearest baby love,

I'll try to make this short and sweet because I still feel a bit wobbly from our long drive and all I wanna do right now is sleep and rest, as it's almost 12 midnight (so excuse the grammEr as well, people). I wanted to write this in your birthday card, but I won't have enough space (this is how I write "short and sweet"). You only turn 25 once, so I'll make this heartfelt and cheesy and honest. ;) This is my birthday gift to you; you get a special post in my blog!!! This is a once in a lifetime experience kaya.

We've both grown as two women with different personalities, but having grown up together and shared many years with each other, we do share a lot of things in common as well... like how much we love cookies and anything sweet; how we like to rummage each other's closets and borrow clothes from each other (so that we can make everyone think we have an unlimited clothing resource. LOL.); how we randomly sing and dance like the feelingera performers we are; and how much we love our parents and appreciate their sacrifices for us (although you already know I'm their favourite... may Allen ka naman! Okay lang yan. Haha kidding only!). 

You grew up copying your Ate, until one day you decided it was time to be your own person. At first, it was hard for me. At times it annoyed  and hurt me when you did not listen to me and you made mistakes. Now I understand that those were mistakes you had to make on your own, as they were necessary for your growth and learning. It was hard because it could have saved you a lot of pain if only you listened, but I knew I had to step back so you could create your own journey. Thank you, though, that as you mature you listen more to my "wise" counsel, which I charge $$$ for. Hihi.

Even if sometimes you still hide secrets from me (because you know I will always tell Mommy and Daddy except if you give me 20... and don't worry I sense it when you're hiding something anyway, you little rascal ;P), know that despite that, I will always be here. In spite of my perfectionist tendencies, I sincerely only want the best for you. Mommy had repeatedly told me to love you no matter what, so as selflessly and unconditionally as possible, I will love you. 

Even though you talk more to your boyfriend and lean on his shoulder more often than on mine now (no, I'm not jealous), Ate will always be here to protect you (because I am your angel named Lucifer. Hahaha!). People may come and go in your life, but I promise Ate will always stay. Even if it's hard to love each other sometimes especially when you're so maldita, I will make sure we never break our bond. 

Being 25 is fun... I still know how it feels because I stopped ageing at 25. Lol. As I was saying, being 25 is fun. It is monumental to a woman; it is a turning point, a big thrust forward to a more adventurous life. I hope that you enjoy what's next to come in your life. I pray that all your goals come true and even if they don't turn out exactly the way you planned, keep creating new goals and we'll continue praying for you. We'll be here to guide you. I think I told you this before when you were worried that your career plans may not work; be humble by being aware that there are others who aren't making it well, so do not forget to be grateful to God for your accomplishments -- big or small. This is not me telling you what do with your life, but as your big sister, it will always be my responsibility to guide you the best I can.

Thank you for being there for me, as well, when I needed you most (if yah know what I mean).

I'm proud of our friendship and our sisterhood! I think I've said this in the past: you are one of my favourite flowers in my garden of love, sister. 

I love you, Thea -- to Pluto (oha) and back! Happy Birthday! :)

-Ate