My Cousin's Post Celebration of her 23rd Birthday

I want to share to you guys this event that happened on a weekend, September 8, 2024, Sunday.

One Sunday morning, I woke up to a very familiar voice. I got up from my bed feeling a little sleepy as it was still 6 in the morning. When I reached the door, there I saw my cousin who has been living in Cebu for years due to her studies (already graduated) and currently reviewing for her Nursing Licensure exam. She seldom goes home because of that.

To my delight, I immediately went to her direction and hugged her and greeted her "happy birthday". Her birthday was on September 6, Friday. It's been a while since I last saw her. She brought some pasalubongs for us and she showed us her graduation pictures. We then excitedly hang it on the wall. I asked her how she celebrated her birthday to which she answered that she celebrated it with my sisters who happened to be in Cebu for work and some appointment. I was glad to hear that.

I then followed a proposal to her, a post celebration of her birthday.

"Let's go somewhere" I suggested.

"Where?" she replied.

"Is there anything you want to do? Maybe let's go to the beach."

She smiled from ear to ear, a sign that she agrees. She also planned to visit the Odlot Church to send her prayers for her upcoming licensure exam. Since there is a public beach at the foot of the church, it was a date.

We hurriedly had our breakfast and prepared all the necessary for our trip to the beach. We brought rice and water and we just bought a half roasted chicken for our lunch. Since I love road trips or long rides, I had another suggestion - a long ride to our neighboring municipality, Medellin. I wanted her to try the Treehouse Cafe and experience sunset. That will be my treat for her birthday.

We got ready at 10 in the morning and off we went to Odlot Church.

We paid respect and send our prayers. Right after, we walked towards the public beach. It has been years since my last visit to Odlot beach. I have made several visits to the church but not its beach so, setting foot on it gave nostalgia. It used to be my go to place when things go sour. It has been my comfort place. A lot has changed though but still the very same beach or sea that gives me peace and serenity.

We quickly change to our swimming attire and took a dip to the water after finding a good spot to place our things. The beach was a bit crowded since it was Sunday, a lot spent their family day. Thank God for the beautiful and sunny weather, we got to enjoy the beach despite of its intense heat. And it was high tide. I can feel my face burning but nonetheless, it was worth it since I got to spend quality time with my cousin.

After an hour in the water, we got hungry and had our lunch. Then took another swim at the beach. Another one hour has passed, we decided to wash and change to our dry clothes for our next destination.

We rode our way to Medellin and passed the Medellin Aisle as planned. However, we did not stop to take a picture due to the scorching heat of the sun. It was still 1 in the afternoon. I decided that we will do the picture taking at 4 in the afternoon during our ride home. My cousin was excited during our ride to Medellin as it was her first time visiting the municipality more so, the treehouse.

When we reached the treehouse, unfortunately, it was closed as it has been booked and they will be open to customers at 5pm. We could not wait that long as we have other plans so, we took a spontaneous and unplanned ride to Daan Bantayan. She was shocked when we passed the arch sign which is the boundary of Medellin and Daan Bantayan.

We don't have any plan B for the trip so it was just a go with the flow moment. I have been back and forth to the said municipality but I don't know any cafes in the place that much. I only knew a certain restaurant and might as well try it. I somehow made a research beforehand on its location.

The place is called Villa D'Claire. I know this place since the owner is the sister of one of the restaurateurs in my hometown. Daan Bantayan just celebrated their annual town fiesta thus, they have a festive decoration. It was already 2 in the afternoon when we arrived at the restaurant and since we already had lunch, we opted for some snacks. It was my birthday treat to her.

We just had a clubhouse sandwich with fries and a chocolate lava cake then some shakes for refreshments. We just stayed there and bought some time as it was still hot outside. We did some catching up about her future plans, my sister's wedding and anything under the sun. When the clock clicked to 3, it was time to go home as it would take an hour ride to Bogo City. Our uncle asked us to buy some food for our dinner so we better be home early.

But before that, I toured her to their public plaza and their municipal hall.

She was so amazed as it was her first time in the municipality. Then just about 20 minutes of strolling, it was time to go home. We passed by a certain part of Medellin where the scenery is a beautiful landscape. The green surrounding provided peace. If you happened to read my previous blogs, these kind of sceneries give pure bliss to me.

Of course, a photo opportunity should not be a miss. So we stopped over and took numerous pictures.

And most especially to the famous Medellin Aisle.

After the road trip, she kept on saying "thank you, she had fun" to me. It was her first time experiencing those and for me, it was my first time doing road trip with her. It was fun and I was glad that I was able to make her experience what I had experienced during my long rides.

Though we are cousins by blood, we are sisters by heart. We treated her as our youngest sister as she is an only child.

Santing, you are already 23 years old. Already an adult and soon to enter the world of employment. I pray that all your heart's desire shall happen in accordance to God's will and give you strength and wisdom in conquering challenges. The world is beautiful yet cruel but I hope that despite of the cruelty, you will still see the beauty in everything and appreciate all the good things in the world. Please know that we won't pressure you. Just follow your heart and your dreams and we, your family, are in full support. We love you.

Belated Happy Birthday!! 😘

With so much love - XOXO,
Bev 😘