I was working late. It felt a little weird to go home by myself so I decided to drop by the first floor to see who else I could walk with on the way to the train station. A few minutes later, there I was in the company of strangers and it got me thinking. 

At some point, everyone in my life (except my family) started out as a stranger to me. But I always had this gut feel about who would stay and who I would just be casually acquainted with. And I am rarely wrong about my intuition when it comes to this. Sometimes, I ignore it and end up having friendships end or find myself in questionable circumstances. And this was no futile exercise as it taught me so much.

I've learned to listen to my intuition and filter the people I let in deeply into my life. I'd like to think that I chose them. But often, I am grateful that they chose me. And the biggest reminder was found in the smallest of things during my birthday. This year, I wasn't counting gifts, I wasn't even counting the number of people who remembered (ok, I counted until 10, then after that I didn't care, I was too happy! Lol!), I decided to just be happy that my family and friends gave me their time and their love and it was a gift that can never be bought nor stolen from me. (Oh and by the way, I wasn't really expecting all these surprises for my birthday you guys! :) )

So here are the people I am grateful for. I may have missed out on a few names as I'm very very sleepy

To my family, who I love so much, for being there unfailingly, for the small things and the big things, for the unconditional love and for making me who I am today from Mama and Papa to my three wonderful caring brothers and my adorable kind talented little sister. My Tito Tis who is forever a source of strength and inspiration, for teaching me about grace and generosity. My Aunts, Uncles and cousins who will never read this blog but will always be an essential part of my life. 

To my greatest friend Jessa, for EVERYTHING. Through all the highs and the lows. For seeing how I've grown from an angsty rocker wannabe teen, to my nerdy insomniac college self to the person I am now and who will continue to be part of the person I will become. :) 

To my high school friends. We will see each other soon. We've been through so much and we've come so far. Thank you for the best 4 years of my teens. Rye for always silently being there, Steph, for keeping in touch and still being the amazing person I know, Cy, Isay, Jorai, Talens, Tiu. 

To my college friends Joan and Ceena. For all the late nights, dinners, desserts, birthdays, trips, happy moments, sad phases, weird conversations. I am forever grateful for your understanding, your silences, our laughter, the trips, the advice, for always knowing when to talk, when to keep silent, for always being there through the ups and the downs, the diets, the gluttony, the craziest things. We can stay away for months and when we see each other, it's like no time has passed. I love you both! 

To Odessa, Jaezell, Tel and Jarlyn, we may not see each other much lately, but you guys are such a huge part of me. Thank you for the irreplaceable memories. 

To Raizyl, I'm sorry I haven't had much time lately. I miss you! You were always always there :)

To my Radio Friends, Leeza, Mark, Thera, Amor, Davin, Rya, Daniel, Migs and Maan (whom we miss so much) and the rest of the gang, those were days of unadulterated love for music that they can never take away from us. Leeza and Mark especially, thank you for always bringing me along and teaching me the value of optimism and friendship.

To my friends who have welcomed me so warmly. I admire you guys for the strength of your friendship and loyalty (and the strength of your livers. hehe). I'm so happy that you extended your friendship to me.  :) 

To the WAGS (wives and girlfriends! hahaha!) Mich, Jends, Lex, Ann and Karen. Thank you for so many things that I dare not share in public. This post is already too cheesy as it is! I appreciate everything you've done for me and I am always here for you girls! :) 

To Ms. G, Yellie, Rose, Rosella, Ms. Carol, Ms. Thess, Yani, for the cute birthday surprise, for all the lunch stories, for all the small and big favors, for the thoughtfulness, for listening to my corny jokes, for the 5pm syndrome and for not posting pictures of my foot on the internet. Hihi! :) 

To Ate Len, Kat and Clyde, you know how much you did for me. :) *hugs*

To Nicole, Jimmy and Joyce, for the invaluable friendship during tough times, funny moments and hungry times. :) Extremely grateful! :)

To Tricia P.D., for teaching me the value of honesty and being straightforward, for plunging me headfirst into an abyss of things I never knew I was capable of doing and trusting that I would come out of it so much stronger and wiser.

To Tin, Kay, Acie and Zands. You are true gems! I miss you guys. Show yourselves this week!!!!!!

I may have missed some people, but only because I'm sleepy. :) 

This is a count your blessings kind of post and you guys ARE my blessings. :)