FYI: My birthday was last January 26, 2012. I didn’t have much time to blog about it that’s why I just posted it now. This is another of my photo-heavy posts, I’m warning you.

So basically, I spent my 19th birthday at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila with my high school barkada since Cha was also celebrating hers (We were both born on January 26, 1993). Well anyway, my parents didn’t actually allow me to go that’s why I lied and sneaked out, telling them I just went to SM Pampanga. But at the very least I had fun as I tried to ignore my conscience. Haha. (Yeah I know I’m such a stubborn kid. But it would be boring to play by the rules all the time, right?)

The ride was actually fast. It took us only an hour and a half before we reached UST. And we were in time for it’s neocentennial year.

It was actually hard to get inside if you aren’t a student. Aix told us to pass by a certain gate where we should act like students and go in straight. She also told us not to go in groups. So there, we followed what she said and got in.

Did I tell you that UST was my dream school? And for the information, I passed the USTET with my first course choice as Nursing. I even went on an interview with Aix. Unfortunately, my parents disapproved of enrolling me there. But anyways, I don’t regret anything. Although you can’t deny the fact that this university (UST) is very united in a sense that the college spirit is seen in all of the students walking around the campus.

By the way, we went to a restroom by the parking lot and we paid 5php after. (‘Pag probinsyana talaga. Lahat nakakapanibago. Haha.)

Anyway, as we got back, the others greeted us and sang a Happy Birthday with these cute Angry Bird cupcakes.

Okay don’t mind my pimple marks. Ugh.

We headed to Greenwich for lunch. Unfortunately, the service was so bad and the food was just so few. Good thing, the others were still in a good mood at the very least. (Sobrang nahiya kami ni Cha. Palpak yung birthday treat namin.)

Magkamukha kami ni Bok (Cha) dito. Hehehe.

After lunch, we went to the booths to look for a UST shirt. I even saw my former grade school classmate who greeted me too. Oh, and we also had our photobooth picture taken.

After years (Kidding! Haha), I found the UST shirt I wanted.

After UST, we went to visit the Quiapo Church. It was so big, you could double the size of the Holy Rosary Parish Church here in Angeles City, Pampanga. We walked to Recto after that and ate for a while. Then, we got to the LRT station and rode the train. (Kahit haggard na haggard na ako, go pa rin!) Had our stop at Cubao and went to the Gateway Mall for Cha and I to change shirts.

Betch and her boyfriend, Hans standing inside the LRT. Hahaha.

We went back to Recto after that. We were supposed to get back to UST to bond with Aix but the bus was already about to go. So we boarded and just explained to Aix about the bus’ departure.

Going back home <3

I’ve realized that I am satisfied living in Pampanga. I may like Manila for having better innovations and latest trends in different aspects, but I think I can’t bear living in a busy city where all people are rushing to places. (Like in the LRT station, a lot of people were brisk-walking in front of me, saying “Excuse me.” and I felt like I was blocking the pathway.) In Pampanga, everything is laid back. And I think I am used to that kind of lifestyle.

But it was nice to spend a day in Manila with my friends. It was tiring, but I had fun.

PS. Photo (c) Aix Pineda & Cha Maghinang

Love,

R.