i would like to thank…

it was a happy birthday. seriously. just ignore the pout. it seemed funny at that time.
i’ve been thinking what my birthday post should be. the last week has been really hectic, preparing for the Nocturnal Awards (thanks for those who came), staying up all night (and dozing off on the couch in front of the laptop) and running around the city for my other rackets. i’m glad people greeted me to remind me that this wasn’t just another hell week at work, but last tuesday was actually my 27th birthday.
27th birthday! (why does dread hang over my head like Poe’s pendulum whenever i say “27″?!)
i had great plans for my birthday (involving a night at the beach, lots of food, fireworks, sunrise worship by the water with my friends…), but because of work, i guess i’d have to postpone those plans for next year.
i wanted to honor my friends (the tribute should have gone with the fireworks). and i had a list of people to thank for this awesome year. God has used you guys to make sure i learned my lesson, and gained wisdom each day this year. i know i haven’t spoken or seen some of you for a while now, but i thank God for you, just the same. (and if ever your name doesn’t come up on this list, please forgive me and don’t take it personally, i tend to forget important people sometimes.*end of disclaimer*).
i would like to thank (in no particular order unless indicated):

my dad and mom (i love you! you guys make me proud).
sherieninnamarti (yes, you guys make me proud too, and i love you, even when it’s not so obvious sometimes).
ailene (still my strangewonderful best friend). deus (my specialstrange perpetual 17 year old brother). the bautistas (my second family). ianjoshuajordan (the brothers i didn’t think i’d choose to have but thank God He has better taste in friends than i do. i love you guys).jorem (my near future-bro-in-law. for being the love of my sister’s life. awww… hahahaha)
the law (my great encourager). ida (one of the best byproducts of my a past relationship. hahaha. you know what i mean.).
tatum (my barney).
dane (the little sis i never had).
sam (the most sincere person i know).
jacs (my motherboss).
janineteddy (my bosses, who are a joy to work with). gabrielleciara (awesome girls).
ayelle (my friend, all grown up and who’s now in vallejo and married!).
timmy paredes (it’s great watching you grow up).
tim paredes (our tourguide and bodyguard at the east coast!). titomandytitaloida (for your generosity while we were at the east coast).
tim lingenco (i’m glad i met you again. and you still owe me a beer).
mike (for encouraging and challenging me with your passion for God).
moks (for saying that you’re sorry, thus giving me closure.).
boy blue (for being my imaginary friend who’s gone away when your job was done.)
rhea (for your prayers and for being constant. and for introducing us to joshua harris. hehehe).
rheeagilraine (i love you guys. and for making me Tishpy).
Imus Unida Church– my home church. Union Church and Victory Christian Fellowship — my churches away from home. (for blessing, for sharing and teaching His Word, for a place to serve.).
milton and his family (for sharing with us the blessing of serving at the PMA, even for just a weekend.).
myla (for the quiet strength and my 121).
jen (my cell group leader, for your wisdom, for rejoicing with me with all the blessings and craziness since i joined you guys).
liz (for being the steady one in awkward moments, you have no idea how much you’re teaching me).
anj (for being my little sister hahaha. yes. and for the prayers and shared experiences).
matt (you’re still my best friend. thanks for taking me around san diego for two weeks straight, for letting me drive your car. glad to see you growing up and preaching!).
bawbwa (my kindred spirit. thank God i met you).
rodneyjoffalikim and the rest of the beatdown guys (for showing me around for two straight weeks in san diego, the random beach trips, for your encouragement)
the amargos (my second family). ivan (my crazy friend. thanks for joining us at vegas. it’s so awesome that you’re a pastor now!). izainaisaacfaithandrew (you guys are all grown up!!!). titaleititobayin (you guys are awesome! thank you for opening your house to us, and for all your kindness and the amargo wisdom). titoiratitairma (thank you for your strange stories, sharing the hulahoop with me, and for the amargo wisdom too) .
tita lizzie. lizette. wesley. jon. val. titaglorytitonanding. titabeckytitoleo (for your generosity and hospitality and for being family).
nathan. amy. micah. bethany. (oh, you crazywholesome kids! thanks for taking us to disneyland and around long beach)
tim young (for sharing dong bei with us).
kenji (for the comics insight).
jc (for being honest and grown up and for being there for me). benj (for calling me ate stef. hahaha) .
blake (yes, i will be your wingman).
rainier (for the prayers and advice about Bible School, and being an all-around blessing).
the winnie friends– jamjangkatdaph (we’re all growing up, but i’m glad our bond still remains true).
dangergunns (yes, despite all the teasing, i’m glad you’re still my friend. hahaha. thanks for the book).
my chum (even when you’ve gone away, you’re still my chum. God bless you and your wifey).
jordan escusa (for keeping the Jesus Freak alive in you. you’re a great blessing, bro).
the frontline people! jae. liz. clark. jon. donna. bindu. (i only got to know you guys for a weekend and a day, but you guys are a great blessing.)
The Xchange kids. (keep on growing! it’s such a blessing watching you guys continue with the vision of the Xchange.)

I thank God for all of you, not just on my birthday, but every day.

And to my God. You are awesome. You are beyond all that I could hope for and imagine. this is what i want– that my whole life be dedicated in the pursuit of You. i want to know You more. to see you in everything. to praise You. to know my place in Your will. to be all You want me to be. Lord, be my one pure and holy passion, my magnificent obsession.