"Only two days hold the most significance within one's life: the day one is born; and the day one finds out why," read a text message from a friend. I have yet to cross paths with the second, but each year, the day of my birth never fails to remind my heart that no matter how cruel and scalding life can be, there will always be something beautiful, something powerful telling me to keep breathing -- just keep breathing.
Last Friday was fun, despite being tagged as The Day Of The Curious Incident Involving The Flush In The Male Washroom. My teammates gifted me with a shirt and blueberry cheesecake and lots and lots of Pancit Malabon! My boss even made a large jar of buko pandan salad! There was enough love around to eclipse the emotional fatigue caused by The Incident, and no scar was left visible in the four chambers of my heart.
Several people also called me up who, to be honest, I didn't think would remember it was my birthday, but they did and it made a world of difference to my day. Among them was Jeff, whom I haven't talked with in a long time, and was calling from Australia to wish me a happy birthday. R also called when I was having dinner with the team, and he wouldn't let me interrupt his singing.
And in the evening, despite my better judgment, I answered the summons of my Sutherland brothers and sisters for a night of booze and videoke at Cable Car in Pasay Road. There were Jimmy and Ken, Donnie and Gabby, and Czai who automatically became my date for the night. The festivities ended at about 4AM, when I knew I really had to go since I still had to prepare for work that day. We all parted reluctantly, but still brimming over with love and light and ears ringing of alcohol-induced videoke masterpieces. Life has always been one great party whenever I get together with this side of the family.
Saturday night was fabulous. I met up with Hono'o-chan and Fire for the 8PM showing of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal in RCBC Plaza. It was a magical, amazing musical, adapted from an equally magical and amazing graphic novel. Watching it made me absolutely proud to be Filipino, and imbibed a much deeper pride in being gay. It affirmed my belief that yes, we are the next step in evolution. LOL!
The night was made even more special since I was able to see and exchange tight hugs with Kuya Carl again! I was surprised to see him present, since I thought he'd seen enough of the musical to last him several lifetimes, but he was there and I was thrilled to be able to see him again! And just when I asked Hono'o-chan if we'd see someone famous that night, Xochi came and greeted us! Being with Hono'-chan, Carl, and Xochi, there was enough wavelength to take me back during the Bohemian days of poetry reading, and dancing during Saturday Nights at the now-defunct La Dida in Malate. I wish I could get to hang out with them again.
But it doesn't end there! Sunday morning, Hono'o-chan and Fire picked me up 9AM from my place and from there, we drove to Tagaytay to have lunch in Sonya's Garden. The place was beautiful and the air was clean, and there were enough flowers to make me think fairies resided in the various nooks and crannies of the wide expanse of fragrant and green things.
We were supposed to go with Eddie, but he had to cancel at the last minute since he needed more time to catch up on his readings. I was a little irked at this sudden change but I more than made up for it by teasing him throughout the day. Hehehe.
The three of us headed back to Manila at around 3PM, and we arrived just in time in the Bunnies' place for dinner. Hono'o-chan cooked up a storm, and made wonderful stuffed peppers with cheese, and beef with asparagus. Fire's friend, Abby, made it in time to join us for dinner, and the four of us enjoyed Sunday night stuffing ourselves with food, good conversation, and reality TV. The night ended 10PM, and I got home 30 minutes after where I spent the rest of my waking evening talking with Eddie on the phone.
Now how do all of these relate to the title of this entry? Ikaw Ang Super Hero Ng Buhay Ko is the final song in Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal. To everyone I have spent my birthday with, to everyone who greeted me, and to all the souls who have made a difference in my life during my 25 years of existence in this sick, sad, eternally beautiful universe, Kayo Ang Super Hero Ng Buhay Ko. Maraming Salamat!
