Welcome to my blog guys!!! I’ve been wanting to start this since like years ago, but due to my lethargic behavior, didn’t really have the drive to pursue it. I just can’t contain my happiness right now that I finally did it after persistently researching and asking questions (see I’ve changed. Hahaha). Well, today is my birthday, actually the reason why I made my first blog, since I wanted it to be something remarkable. I don’t have any intention of revealing my age, but since I’m a believer of “age is just a number” thing, then might as well prove it, just turned 30+ but still looks and feels like 25 (I’m right, these are really just numbers! Hahaha!).

For my first blog, I decided to write something about myself. More of an introduction about me, the things I did on this special day and my hopes in the future. So before anything else, let’s make a rewind 30 something years ago, in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. My amazing parents had me, their cute and lovable first born child (this is my blog, remember? Haha..). I was named Maria Ingrid, Maria from Mama Mary’s name and Ingrid from my father’s favorite actress Ingrid Bergmann (Now I know why I look like this.. haha). Before long, she had two beautiful sisters named Mawi and Mau.

Now, back to present time (2016), I am currently residing in Doha, Qatar. Had my usual weekday routine, woke up at 6:00 am, cramming to make it to the office by 7:00 am (I am usually successful with this). Arrived at the office, had my coffee, sit in front of my computer and do my usual office work (Don’t get me wrong, I like what I do). Birthdays are not really a big thing here, though I still received greetings from some of my friends and officemates (thank you guys). This always makes me miss birthday celebrations at home (People of the Philippines, you know what I mean). Anyway, I still had my birthday lunch with my closest officemate at French Olive Resto, where we had salad and pizza. Our office ends at 3:00 pm, so I went back home.

Thank God for this day and for the technology that we are enjoying now. I was able to get in touch with my family and friends, received their wonderful greetings and respond to most of their messages. Also got the chance to do a video call with my family at home, where they prepared a lovely dinner to celebrate my birthday, and they bought me 2 yummy cakes.

Afterwards, I dressed up and fixed myself for the dinner that Tep and I will be having. We went to Trader Vic’s in Hilton Hotel, since its one of the nearest resto in his office (he is so busy right now with work, that’s why I’m thankful that we were able to have this dinner). Everything went well, from the food, ambience of the resto and the birthday song that I received from the band. We enjoyed our dining experience here, that’s why I will be blogging this next time.

When I was younger, gifts and parties are the stuff that I am always looking forward to during my birthdays. But as I matured and age gracefully, I realized that the warm greetings and love of my family and friends, are more important than anything else (though I’m still open to receiving gifts, if you insist..hahaha..).

Before I end this day and my first blog, I would like to make a fast-forward 10 years from now, it will be 2026, I’m on my 40’s (shocks). Hon and I are now living in the Philippines, with our 5 children (I included my little angel Matteo on my count, you will meet him soon). We are running our own business (I’m excited to find out what it will be), successfully. I am still doing my blog, hoping to touch lives and be an inspiration to others. And just like any other stories, we will live happily ever after.

Thank you for taking the time to read my first blog, and I hope to see you again next time.