Birthday Greetings!

Until about 5 years ago, I was an only child. My half brother is the same age as my daughter so I really can't say that I have a sibling - he's more of a son to me than a sibling.

Growing up alone had its perks and downsides. I had all the toys to myself, I didn't have to agree on what game or what TV show we had to watch and more. But it was lonely. I didn't have anyone to talk to, to interact with and to share things with.

Then, when I was three, I met my Kuyas for the first time. Kuya Mark and Kuya Dave came from a place where one had to ride a plane to get to Manila. They came, speaking in English ( a language I knew how to speak and where most of the people where I lived didn't) and wearing these snazzy shiny clothes. I was excited to meet relatives that could talk to me without looking pained.

I don't remember if we ever saw each other again when we were older kids. I only remember the time when we went to Boracay - back when Boracay was a beach and not a status symbol and highly commercialized.

Kuya Dave and I combed the beach, swam, snorkeled and just had fun. We lay on the beach and traced the stars with our fingertips, making up new constellations just for fun.

Next time we met was just last year. I had so much fun roaming around NYC. Who knew that getting lost in the subway would turn out to be a real adventure?

Happy birthday Kuya Dave! You will always have me too.