Itβs odd how every year seems to go faster as you get older. Here I am, almost a year later feeling blind-sighted by the entire 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8765 hours, 525,600 minutes and 31,556 seconds that made up this year. Amazing how a day becomes only a blip in our lives!
So I just turned 24. I can’t believe it. When I was in my early teenage years, I thought 24 were far too old to be having fun in life. But now I feel like itβs just the beginning of my enjoyment. I get to travel, pig out and experience the world β without worrying about school assignments and deadlines left behind.
More Blessings, More Joy
I remember last year when I defined βgreetings by colleaguesβ a bonus. It was my eighth day at my new workplace, and I had lunch alone on my birthday. Oh, scratch that. The truth is, I shared a table with people I donβt know and pretended I was with them so I wonβt feel much alone, in our wide-spaced office cafeteria. I quickly finished my food, held hands and prayed. I knew that moment that loneliness would not creep in any longer because in any moment I try to escape sadness, I sing praise songs in my head β and I see Jesus. π₯
Lunch arrangement was the same this year; I was alone at my table. However this time just got better. My teammates surprised me with a birthday cake and a gift after high noon.
I realized more blessings come my way as I begin to open up to more circles and let other know what I can offer. I have the people whom I share laughter with and receive hugs and kisses for all nourishment. I have great jobs that pay the bills and get special invites to events while enjoying the perks of being a blogger. So despite that there are occasions where road blocks fall on the map of my dreams, Iβm still pretty well-off with joy in my heart. π
Where I Celebrated My 24th Birthday
One of our favorite buffet restaurants in SM Mall of Asia is Buffet 101, and Mom thought itβs the best place to celebrate the occasion. This was my third time to eat here so Iβm already quite familiar on how to go about eating almost everything I want without feeling too heavy and full easily.
My sister and I usually scout the buffet together and get food by section while considering healthy choices that wonβt put guilt right on our chests. On a clean canvas of plate, what we get all the time are mini-tasting proportions of the expensive stuff. We donβt take even a small portion of rice, bread, pasta or potatoes and drink lots of liquids because these are guaranteed to take up valuable real estate in our stomach. We went home feeling so full. Obviously, we had a blast.
Moment for Gratitude
To everyone who’s been a part of my twenty four wonderful years, I cannot be thankful enough.
ε€θ¬ζ. ιεΈΈζθ°’. Thank you so much. Maraming salamat! π
I look forward to making more memories, deeper friendships and meaningful existences with you.
And yes, it has been a very happy birthday today. π
Also, since it’s the half of the year, I’m done with warm-ups! I’m more prepared to dig my claws into treats and adventures worth blogging for, especially now that I’m driving. Only one question: Which restaurant or travel destination would be in line for my next review and which reader is next to get inspired?
The dice in the board rolls.
The Dice in the Board’s Birthday Giveaway
To give away a token of appreciation, I’m glad to announce my first-ever giveaway here. π Prize is a PHp 3000-worth of gift certificate that’s good for four (4) people, for a lunch or dinner treat at Hacienda Isabella.
How to Join
1. Be a fan of iHeartSpills on Facebook
2. Follow me on Twitter: @rochkirstin
3. Tweet this giveaway by using the plug-in at the bottom of this post.
4. Add me to your circle on Google Plus
5. Comment below your name, email address, Twitter handle, link of your tweet and reason why you want to win (can be a simple short sentence).
Notes
1. This is open for Philippine residents only.
2. The giveaway raffle will run from today until July 4, 2013, 11:59PM so this gives you three weeks to stand a chance and win! π The winner will be chosen via Random Picker and will be contacted via email on July 5, 2013 (the following day).
3. Failure to do any of the above requirements will be subjected to disqualification.
4. Failure to reply/acknowledge the notification email sent to the winner within 48 hours upon receipt of notice means forfeiture of the prize and Random Picker would be ran again.
Good luck to all! π
***
Updated July 5, 2013: Winner is Nicole de Dios! Congratulations to you! Hey Girl, I sent you an email. π Please respond immediately!
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
name: Arienne Mae D. Barron
email address: yhen1110@gmail.com
Twitter handle: @yhen_barron
link of your tweet: https://twitter.com/yhen_barron/status/345350285528535041
reason why you want to win:
You gave Hacienda Isabella a positive review that makes me so curious about it. I also want to experience it. It will be such a great treat for me who is finally on my 5th year in BSA, for my daughter who just started at school, she’s now a Kinder. Time flies so fast. and of course, for the love of my life who just loves us and a great provider. π
And… Belated Happy Birthday to you. May the Good Lord continue to bless you and your family. π
Thank you very much, Yhen. π Good luck to you as you deserve to win and unwind with your family this time!
lovely giveaway for your bday sweetie!! happy bday again! that’s very sweet of them surprising you with cake! i am sure your feel so blessed that day! plus a buffet! God bless dear! x0x0
Thanks again, Jane. Haha yup, dining in a buffet has been a classic way to celebrate one’s birthday.
Yey! Best wishes on your birthday π A good surprise from your teammates ha. Opps I will join!
Thank you! Sure, please. π
Happy birthday π If only I’m near there, I’d surely join π Anyway, wishing you more years and more blessings to come.
Thanks, Cheryl. π Hehe maybe next time.
I’d love to join but Hacienda Isabella is kinda far. Hehe I i’ve messaged you on Facebook na but lemme say this again one more time, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tin!!! I wish you all the happiness and love. π
Hey Yamito, thanks for the greetings! It’s kinda funny that you call me “Tin.” Haha you’re the only one who calls me that! :)) Yup, I agree it’s far but worth the visit anyway.
Good luck to all who will be joing. Speaking of which, I’ll join na rin. π
Yay, thanks! π
That was a fun, I like how you shared your
sadexperience on celebrating a birthday last year as a newbie in new work. And the happiness of celebrating it ,this time, with your teammates.Of course, I’ll take this chance to greet you, Happy Birthday, Rochkirstin! =)
Thanks for dropping by and for your greeting as well, Jerome. π
happy birthday dear! i love the dress you wore π will join this once i get rid of reports to do in my work π
The dress was selected by Mom. At first I didn’t like the odd shape of the neckline but then I liked it when I saw the pictures. π Sure, please do join!
happy birthday and hope you have more birthdays to come! i’m sure a lot of your readers will join your birthday giveaway π
Thank you! π I hope they do hehehe.
Happy 24th birthday!!! I haven’t tried buffet 101, I may try this the next time I am in MOA.
Hi Franc! Thanks. π Buffet 101 also has a branch in Robinsons Magnolia (New Manila), so if you’re near there, you might as well visit the place and obtain the benefit of accessibility. π
I’m nearer the MOA branch so will try it there. Buffet places are becoming more common now.
Buffet 101 tops the buffet-style restaurants, according to Ang Pinaka. π So better try it out soon!
That makes visiting Buffet 101 even more enticing. Buffet has started to be popular again lately.
Happy Birthday!! We’re on the same age but I’ll turn 25 this November though. I would love to join the giveaway but it seems like I can’t use the GC since I’m too far away from where I’m living right now. π
Ohh yup understood, of course! π We’re young, so wild and free. Haha, thanks Jonas.
happy happy birthday roch. more blessings to come your way!
Thank you, Sef. Let’s catch up next time. π
Again, Happy Birthday dear! π Although we haven’t met each other yet, I’m quite happy for your achievements in life. You are one smart woman. you’ll do more great things in life, without a doubt. π
Thank you, Mai. π We will meet each other soon, I hope, with travel events. π
This is a great giveaway but I don’t live in MM so I can’t join this π but this is quite generous of you to sponsor this giveaway for your birthday π Have lots of fun and more years to come π
Thanks, Joy. π Yeah haha I want to share and offer what I can give.
It is always a great blessing to share to others – the more you give, the more you receive π Good luck to the participants π
I believe so, too. The gospel of giving is that whatever God gives, give back more.
Happy Birthday! You have a whole life ahead of you. Stay happy.
Thank you, Tess. π My ultimate wish indeed is happiness..and good health!
Twitter handle: @RBTangonan
link of your tweet: https://twitter.com/RBTangonan/status/346128944958935040
reason why you want to win:
I would love to win because I haven’t been to the place and I would love cto explore and blofg about it too.
Happy Birthday Sweetie!
Hi Rosalie! Thanks for joining and thanks for the greeting. π Good luck to you!
happy birthday to you!!! more power to your blog and of course, a lot of happiness!!
Thanks, Justin. π
name: Joel Baluyot
email address: akosijoeyboy@gmail.com
Twitter handle: @joeyboy0820
link of your tweet: https://twitter.com/Joeyboy0820/status/346350006334275584
reason why you want to win: I’ve heard such good stories about Hacienda Isabella and if I win, I’d love to treat my family there (planning to go to Tagaytay soon! ;)) Happy Birthday!
Yay thanks, Joel! π If you haven’t read my travel post about Hacienda Isabella, you may read it via the link on the post. You might feel more compelled to visit the place in Tagaytay. π
You’re only 24… you’ve got a long way ahead of you. Just enjoy life and every detail it may offer you. Let me take this opportune time to greet you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. May your heart’s desires be yours if not today… I’m sure, in GOD’s perfect time.
Yeah right now I feel quite young pa naman hehe. Thank you, Marri and God bless. π
Happy Birthday young lady. More frutiful years ahead for you. Stay humble and make God the driver of your life.
Thank you for your greeting and words of guidance, Papa Leng. π
Thanks for the giveaway! I will come back later and join for a chance to win something great π
Sure, Algene. π Take your time.
Jayne Marie Wu
jaynemariewu@gmail.com
Twitter Name: @jaynewu
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/jaynewu/status/346854917035683842
Hi Jayne. Thanks for joining. π
Aww.. happy birthday dear! Pareho tayong June babies? Anyway, your turned 24 but I turned 33. Wow! I can’t believe I’m that old na!! :/
Hi Mrs. Kolca. Those are 33 wonderful years naman and I am also up to that in the future. π Thank you.
name: stacy lyn liong
email address: crumpyliciousblog(at) gmail.com
Twitter: @crumpybblog
link of your tweet: https://twitter.com/crumpyblog/status/346915346164379650
reason why you want to win: I need a break from my boring life
Hi Stacy, thanks for joining. Your reason sounds sad. Good luck to you. π
Love that red dress you’re wearing when you celebrated your 24th birthday. It’s chic, classy and elegant and you dressed it down by wearing those sandals, love it!. π
Haha, seems that my mom really has good taste in clothing now. π Thanks, Michael.
Here’s to a beautiful life ahead, young lady.
Embrace it and fall in love with life, head on.
Thank you for reminding that life is beautiful.
Wow, June ka rin pala! Hehehe Happy birthday, Rochkirstin! Stay awesome! =)
P.S. Love the dress you wore on your birthday! =)
Yup, we are the June Rangers. π Thanks, Kim!
You’re welcome! π I love how you described Buffet 101. It made my stomach growl!
Name: Leigh Santos
Email address: leighann.santos@gmail.com
Twitter handle: @leigh_santos
Link of your tweet: https://twitter.com/leigh_santos/status/347957079924940800
Reason why you want to win: It’s simply because I’d like to visit the beautiful place and bond with my pretty, cute, diligent, patient, intelligent, caring, kind and GIVING sister. :>
Hahahaha. Are you serious? Okay, I’m including your entry for real. : ))) Thanks for the praises, btw. π
Nicole de Dios
nico_xxviii@yahoo.com
@nicolededios
https://twitter.com/nicolededios/status/348028619433594881
Belated Happy birthday to you π And thanks for sharing your blessing!
To be honest, I would want this treat for my parents. Our family have been thru a rough time and they deserve a treat like this. All the drama, trials, hardships, everything that you can think of have been running to my parents mind for years now. This treat would definitely lift up their perception in life and just deal with everyday smiling. I hope to win not for me but for my parents π 1 big happy family π
Yay. Thanks for joining, Nicole. π I understand the gravity of your desire to win this for your parents. They really deserve to be treated once in a while. Have you read my post on Hacienda Isabella both on the place and on their food? I wish you did, so your excitement would grow. Hehe π All the luck to you. Bow.
Belated happy birthday! π I’m sure there are more blessings in store for you this year and in the next years to come. Anyway, bookmarking your post. Will be joining your giveaway π
Thank you. OK, hope you can make it before the cut-off! π
Julius B. Romero
julius_romero@yahoo.com.ph
@MineJulius
https://twitter.com/MineJulius/status/348340169218342912
I want to have a post celebration with my Miel for our Silver Monthsary and experienced how wonderful this Hacienda Isabella is!
Thanks for joining, Julius. π Good luck to you and your Miel!
name: Jim Marlon A. Macaraeg
email address: cyber18sg@yahoo.com
Twitter handle: @Macaraeg_JimMA
link of your tweet: https://twitter.com/Macaraeg_JimMA/status/348448009119477760
reason why you want to win:
I always hear positive feedbacks and comments from my friends about BUFFET101. I want to try and experience how superb their dishes are.
Haha hi Jim, sorry for thinking that the GC is for Buffet 101. I hope you’d revisit the content because it says that the prize is for a treat to Hacienda Isabella. π Thanks for joining the giveaway anyway.
Wow! sweet 24. Nice choice of buffet place. We love that place, because there are really a lot of dishes to choose from.
More blessings to come, happy 24th birthday!
Thanks, Rogelio. π
Happy Birthday sis. Good health and more blessings and giveaways to come. Though I am very far from Luzon and your giveaway is for Hacienda Isabella, I am still making my LUCK to join you here.
PAL RAINE
raine_pal@yahoo.com
@DancersRaine
https://twitter.com/DancersRaine/status/349875852395298816
Thanks for joining. You may transfer the prize, when you get it, to your friends anyway. π
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