They Made Me Sing at Cafe La Carmela.

It's past midnight and I can't go to sleep. Why? Because my mind kept replaying what happened at Cafe La Carmela. It was probably the craziest thing that's happened to me since I turned 23...and that's only 2 weeks ago.

Crazy! I wasn't prepared for something like this. Last month, I blogged about the 23 things I'd like to do when I turn 23. Number 3 was "Sing a great song in front of an audience." While it wasn't how I envisioned it to be, I still did it. I sang. I sang in front of my officemates and in front of other people I don't know while we were having a birthday dinner celebration for Ms. Joy. I told them I didn't want to do it but my officemates still gave my name to the band.

So when I heard them call my name up on stage, my heart was certainly pounding. I could feel it as if it wants to beat out of my chest. The feeling was terrible. There I was up on stage with my mind absolutely blank. Literally. They asked me what I was going to sing, and I kept telling them, "I don't know." They were throwing random song titles, unfortunately, though I know the song, I couldn't remember the lyrics. It happens when I'm being FORCED to perform in front of a live audience without my knowledge. All of a sudden, the keyboardist started playing the melody of "Through the Fire" -- which made it harder for me because he was playing the original version of the song, while I got used to singing Renee Olstead's version of the Chaka Khan song. Before I knew it, lyrics were come out of my lips...

I look in your eyes and I can see

You love so dangerously

But you're not trusting your heart to anyone...

Hooboy! I am so going to kill my officemates for this! My heart was pounding like crazy. I wanted to leave. But I kept singing, making sure I wouldn't sing out of tune, although I'm sure I had some off-key moments. After the song, I immediately stepped down from the stage and went back to my seat. I could still feel my knees trembling from the nerve-wrecking "performance," if I could call it that. Yes, there's a video. My officemate recorded my stint while I was singing up on stage. But rest assured, no one's ever going to see it. Over my dead body!

Do I cross number 3 out of my list? The verdict: No. First of all, it's not what I wanted to sing. Secondly, it wasn't the song I had in mind when I thought about singing in front of people. So yes, there will be a next time to sing in front of an audience. When that will be, I can't tell yet. But for sure, there will be. And by then, I will be ready and I will be singing with the people I want to be there to hear it.

Hopefully, I can finally rest.

Until next time,

Birthday Aftermath.

Let me just start this blog entry by thanking everyone for making this year the BEST birthday I have ever celebrated. It was certainly a day to remember. For those of you who don't know, let me just give you a rundown of what transpired during my 23rd birthday...

I prepared a mini-handaan for my officemates from the LEP and InFlight departments. Pancit bihon, fried chicken, mechado and blueberry cheesecake. I made sure that everything was good for 25 people (although we're less than 20 in the department). I was very happy to hear that everyone enjoyed the food and even had enough to let other people get a taste. I distinctly remember people from other departments giving me a praises for the great food. Apparently, because of this I was told by everyone that I'm so ready to be married. Hahaha! As if I've never heard that before. Cooking is, and will always be, a passion of mine. Fret not, this is not the end of home-cooked meals from yours truly.

Although my birthday was a very busy day for me as I had to pull out clothes from Nullah and make sure everything's been handed over to Sir Jocas for their Batanes flight the day after, April 13 was a very eventful day. To my officemates, I love you all to pieces but let me just say, you certainly are a crazy bunch of people! How do I put this in a way where people can clearly visualize? Haha! What you made us do (and by "us," I mean me and Van) is by far the most insane thing ever! The commotion you've caused by your paparazzi moments! Hahahaha! You just wouldn't let up...not give up at all! Hehehe...

Hahaha! I admire your tenacity, LEP people! No, I'm not mad. For sure, it was one of the "highlights" of my birthday celebration. But you've managed to make me blush until the time I went to meet my family to celebrate my birthday with them. Kudos to Van for being a sport at a time when they were ganging up on us.

Here's the real deal...it really was the best birthday ever! Everything was beyond my expectations. Not in a million years did I imagine to have a birthday celebration like this.

So to everyone, thank you all so much for giving me a birthday that's so much more than what I bargained for. I only asked that my special day will be filled with lots of laughter and lots of love. What happened was so much more than I could have ever expected.

Thank you!

Maggie Celebrates Her 23rd Birthday.

Before the clock strikes midnight, I wish to say to those who...
...have greeted me...
...have shared this day with me...
...have given me several reasons why to love this special day...

Thank you so much for making my 23rd birthday one of, if not the most, memorable days of my life.

My Gift to Bez on Her Birthday...

It's That Month Again...

It's the month of April and that means...BIRTHDAYS GALORE! I have to say, this month is probably the second most expensive month for me because I've a lot of friends celebrating their birthdays during the summer heat. Hahaha!

See what I mean?

Woohoo! In a matter of days, I'm celebrating my 23rd birthday. I'm pretty sure my birthday's going to be a day to remember.

Happy Birthday, Kuya Rom!

Let me just post a very short blog as I greet Kuya Rom...

May you have a fun-filled celebration on your 32nd birthday!

Don't worry, Kuya Rom...

even if you're way up there in Los Angeles and we're way done here in the Philippines...

We'll be celebrating just for you.

Love you lots,