Eighteen years (and a day) ago, at 7:10 AM, a baby girl was born. Her dad wasn't anywhere near her at that time but it was he who gave her her rather unique name that sometimes get people tongue-tied, or frozen out of cluelessness of how to spell her name: Lawreanne, or more commonly known as Weanne.

Yesterday, as she turned 18, she entered the realm of adulthood, letting go of her childish plays and trying to act like a lady that she should be. She wore a dress. She walked with poise. She was girly.

She started her day right. Weanne woke up early, got herself ready and then went to church with her parents. As it was also her first day of classes, she went straight to her 7:30 am Statistics class that turned out to be a free-cut. Was it a blessing? Could it have been annoying? Or both? We don't know. What we do know is that it was where she got her first horde of greetings from her MAC blockmates; it was, afterwards, also a time for her to sleep more in the air-conditioned room where her parents were staying--the dorm infirmary. :)

By 10:30 am, she went to a meeting. There at the four corners of the COA room, she got her second horde of greetings from COA CB officers. It was also there that she got her first rose: from her SP mommy, Les. Minutes later, a second "rose" in the form of a small bouquet of yellow flowers came in as given by Pia; and much later on, a third rose, accompanied by a cupcake was given to her along the hallway by Jo. On the way out, she saw OSA professionals and got greeted by Sir Chris and Ma'am Rica.

Lunch came and Weanne was having a hard time carrying the roses, cupcake, and her lunch. Her parents came to join her for a brief five minutes at the Zen Garden but that was just that since she had her PhyChem lab at 12:30. She went to her class. Nagkakagaramo la gihap.

The Physical Chemistry Laboratory was a small air-conditioned room. But no, it wasn't cold at all. Everyone was just noisy. Then, the class was about to start when her non-Tuesday-lab-blockmates suddenly came inside with pink, blue, and purple balloons, singing a happy birthday song to Weanne. Four mountaineers trudged along with three more roses for her--Elle's, Niquo's, Raisa's, and Pia was with them. Then, a huge box covered with brown paper and accented with a purple ribbon was brought into the room. Tears started flowing on Weanne's cheeks. What was she thinking? Was it a painting inside?

"Open it! You'll get to use that in the mountains!" was the chant inside the room. So the idea of a painting was probably scratched from her thoughts. Weanne ripped off the gift wrapper and what she found inside was a white box. It was light. Peeking inside the box, she could see pink crepe paper all over; when she did get to finally open it, she found a very sparkly pink and purple dress. It was as if she was given a dress to wear to a prom! It was just too much. Tears. EVERYONE of her blockmates and co-mountaineers deserved a hug. No, they deserved MORE than a hug.

After all the sweet ruckus and hullabaloos, the class continued on. Weanne was given the first syllabus as it was her birthday. A privilege! The rest had to endure the "Get one and pass" routine; well, not that it's that hard.

By the end of the class, Weanne went back to the dorm with Jem and Jon. Yes, she needed that much help to carry the gifts she had been receiving. As they went back, ideas of eating in McDonalds came to their minds. When they got there though, that idea vanished. Jem went with Weanne to her room. Apparently, Nice and Joana were also in the dorm so they went up to UDS 701 to be with the celebrant. There, they insisted on Weanne's wearing of the dress.


Such stage mothers! Jem, Joana, and Nice were all taking pictures of Weanne. She looked really pretty. The dress fitted perfectly. Nothing seemed to have gone wrong. And so the day went on.

By 4:30 pm, Ces and Nile went to the dorm with two more roses. By then, the debutant had eight roses. And since a meeting was called for by the LM president, Miko, the three girls went to the LM Pillar, the usual tambayan.

On their way they met a lot of her friends: her roommate Sheena and some recweek core members: Jobo, Ivy, and Dave. Though it may seem to be assuming of her, Weanne noticed the stalling attempts of Jobo and the suspicious origin of the direction of Sheena's walk.

When she arrived at the pillar, she was met by LM friends. Seven roses were added to the previous eight: Ryan's, Luke's, Emilio's, Glenn's, Rod's, Maki's, and John's. And a cake carried by the only person she can call "Kuya" in LM, was in the middle of the showcase of roses.



18. Wish. Blow the candle. Tears. No one was saved from a hug.

So that was the meeting. Coincidentally, there was an ice cream vendor by the LM Pillar. Everyone who wanted got some for free, all on Weanne. She treated them. And of course, the cake was eaten. Her brother took (or more like stole) some utensils from the cafeteria. Everyone ate.

By around 5:30 pm, rain started to pour. No, make that HEAVY RAIN. Weanne thought of bathing in God's blessings but figured otherwise. Her parents might not be so pleased with the idea. So while waiting for the rain to stop, they hanged out at the pillar. By 6 pm, Weanne and her Kuya had to go to their parents. A celebration awaited.

It was not until 6:30 when Weanne's family got on board a cab. The destination? Eastwood City. There, they watched the dancing fountains move to the beat of the music. "Love Story" was once again in the air, just like our débutante's 17th birthday last year. As her cousins and uncle arrived, they went and ate at Crisostomo, a Filipino-cuisine restaurant. The food was superb, but Weanne's roommates and bestfriend haven't arrived yet.

When everyone was stuffed, Karlo's box was given to him by Weanne's mom. She insisted on Karlo to opening the box just so he could see what his mom brought for him. When he opened it, he hesitated. Then, as with all other hesitations, he revealed the contents of the box. And with much surprise, it was a boxful of presents for Weanne!



Everyone else knew about it except her. Everyone was smiling at her reaction. Weanne was still dumbfounded. But to continue the momentum of the event, she opened some of her gifts, starting with her siblings'. And so on. . .

Her roommates arrived: Ingrid and Rona and they were both carrying a rose each. Two were added to the already 15 roses. Sheena couldn't make it because of another event. Soon after the two arrived, Mara, Weanne's bestfriend, arrived. The three ate while the rest ate Black Forest cake, which by the way was Fina's gift. After dinner and a lot of chit-chats, the family, including Weanne's friends took pictures.



After the so-called pictorial, everyone went separate ways, depending on their destinations. Weanne's family and friends went to DQ as his brother was craving for some. It so happens that DQ was at the back of the events area's stage and Richard Poon, a great singer, was having a performance. While enjoying ice cream, Weanne's friends dared her to ask the singer if he was related, in any way, to another Poon that they knew of in Ateneo. Although the dare seemed impossible at first, impossible became the most inappropriate description since Richard Poon finished his performance and went backstage. Hah! See how the universe conspires to make the impossible happen!



After DQ and the Poon experience, everyone went back to Ateneo. It was a tiring day.

But nothing seemed to stop Weanne's friends. Again, the universe has conspired for yet another act. By the time the cab arrived in Ateneo, Weanne's eyes went blind. She was stumbling into a lot of things, although led by her bestfriend and roommates. The walk wasn't unfamiliar to her, though, because of the very familiar terrain. This, instead, questioned the blindness that Weanne was in. "Are you sure you really can't see where you're going?" :)

What happened next was really something. To set the scene, let us talk about this: In the recent past, everyone made a fuss about everyone else's 18th birthdays. Jethro was given 18 shots and Irwin had 18 mouthfuls of healthy food. So, as a form of revenge to the co-mastermind of those previous birthdays, Weanne was given 18 unhealthy foods. Yes, because of the face that she's become a health buff--sort of-- she was given these 18 unhealthy-calorie-rich foods; well, something to that extent: ice cream, chippy, corned beef, french fries, sausage, chicken fillet, gravy, coke, taquitos, something, burger, rice, chocolate, butter, oishi vinegar chips (?), chips, cup noodles, red horse beer. PICTURES. SMILES. SMIRKS. YUCKS. LAUGHTER.

And apparently, this was the only group picture that they had. AND THEY WEREN'T EVEN COMPLETE :| Jethro and Erz aren't here.



What happened next was DEFINITELY A SURPRISE. Weanne was clueless about the whereabouts of the new venue where they transferred from the Cervini Cliff. Finally, her blindfold was taken off. Her eyes got blinded by her friends who were surrounding her and by the light that was emanating from what was in front of her--the COA EB in a video, projected on the wall. Her ears were deafened by the birthday song that reverberated in the hallway. Everyone was singing. Everyone was talking and smiling. And then came her 18th, and final rose, from her roommate Sheena and/or bestfriend Mara. While all of these happened, Weanne was obviously overwhelmed and taken aback; she got teary-eyed again--more so when a mini-slide show/video/message/card was played for her. It was amazing. After all, why would she have thought that they'd be doing something like that for her? It was yet another highlight of her birthday.

It was definitely a long day for the new lady. They returned to the dorm full of laughter and smiles. Happiness could be seen on Weanne's eyes. They forgot to take a group picture though--well, who could actually think of that when you're all enjoying each other's company? After the surprises, Weanne's mom insisted on a photoshoot. The night ended with lots of pictures, smiles, laughter, and tears.

____

That's right.

On the eve my birthday, I was just so tired; my classes the next day would start at 7:30 am, well supposedly; and we had decided to go to church at 6:55 am . . . so my parents wanted to put me to bed immediately. However, by the strike of 12 MN (a little earlier, actually), birthday greetings started coming in. My phone was ringing ecstatically and calls were also coming in. I thought to myself, "This is gonna be a lot." I wasn't able to reply to all and I was only able to answer one single call (that of Mara's) because mom told me to turn my phone to silent, otherwise, I wouldn't get any sleep at all. HAHA

So yeah, the next day happened. And shave my head if you don't believe me: I WAS OVERWHELMED AND TOUCHED. I couldn't have asked for more. This was too much, seriously. For sure, a debut party wouldn't have overthrown the happiness I felt yesterday. I don't care if you claim to be corny and I don't care if I'm sounding cheesy. This was definitely much better. This was just. GAAH.

The moment I stepped into the chapel, I prayed to Daddy God. I thanked Him for making me reach 18. I thanked Him for my friends, my family, everyone who loves and cares for me, and everyone so dear to me. I thanked Him for the people who remembered. I thank Him for loving me despite my shortcomings. I thank Him for EVERYTHING. And I prayed that my day would go so well.

It did.

The moment I stepped into that classroom, I was happy everyone greeted me. I don't care if Facebook was the one that reminded you or if you really knew that it was my day. I WAS HAPPY!

The moment I received my first rose, I was surprised. That was, honestly, unexpected! Then roses were coming in randomly, in terms of time, but from people so dear to me; and I FELT LIKE A LADY! :)

The moment my blockmates/the B-committee came into our Chem Lab Class, I was taken aback and tears were seriously falling. The balloons were cute! LM was there! And this huge gift was given to me!

The moment you guys (well, girls) made me fit that dress, I was freaked out that it fit me snugly! And you were even taking pictures! It was funny how you scouted for that dress, telling me stories of how you fitted it. Nice, Joana, and Jem, you are awesome stage mothers! (And let me just share, my mom let me fit it, too!) Hey, wearing that dress transformed me. From a lady, I WAS TURNED INTO A PRINCESS!

The moment people stalled me, you made me assume. HAHA. But I didn't know what would happen. Kuya, I wasn't expecting you to be there in the middle, holding the cake with the candle "18". We're you the one behind it? I wouldn't know. And you even contacted my roommates. KINIKILIG AKO.

The moment the rain started to pour, I knew Daddy God was showering me with blessings. I seriously wanted to bathe in those blessings. The rain was so heavy that I knew it was proportional to the blessings I've been receiving that day. Just imagine me getting drenched and wet in that my dress. It would've been great of a feeling for me! But I hesitated because I wouldn't want my parents to worry. :|

The moment my mom and dad gave me their present, I was so happy and thankful! Mom and Dad, you are the so thoughtful. I didn't have earrings on at that time, so you gave me a pair! And they were just in theme with the other gold jewelry I was wearing. HAHA.

The moment the dancing fountains in Eastwood jived to the song of "Love Story," I felt that yesterday was a continuation of my 17th birthday. HAHA. And well, well, well, if it were, I did get my "18th" dare (the continuation of the 17 dares last year) that was associated with Richard Poon. :)

The moment that boxful of presents were given to me, I WAS SHOCKED. I honestly didn't think you'd be giving me that. I didn't think my relatives would be sending me presents and I thought that box was really for Karlo. Wyonna, you are the most thoughtful of all. You even made sure I'd get at least 18 presents. Your's were the best and most thought of; yours were the most effort-made ones! You should've been with us that night! You were missed! :)

The moment I accepted that dare, I thought to myself, "Here we go again." But I don't regret it. Richard Poon is a good singer and a friendly one at that! He's a La Sallista and he wished me a happy birthday! :)

The moment we arrived in the dorm, I was annoyed by the fact that I was blindfolded while replying to one of the birthday greetings/texts. HAHA. But worry not, I was excited! Although I hated the fact that I had to stuff more food in my already-stuffed stomach with unhealthy bite-size foods, I was eager to know what you had under your sleeves; and it felt like a guessing game! :)

The moment you brought me to the Cervini hallway, I didn't know where we were; and when that video was shown, I thought it was live. HAHAHA. COA EB, that was so unexpected! You all are so thoughtful! And you all deserve a HUG! >:D<

The moment you sang me a happy birthday, and the moment you showed me that video/message dump, I FELT LOVED. I read the messaged earlier and I was crying. Jethro, you got what you wanted. "Umiyak ka ah" (or something like that).

The moment my mom and dad let me have a pictorial/photoshoot, and the moment my mom let me wear the dress that was given to me, I laughed at the stage-motherly presence. Mom and Dad, you are not normally like that. That's why I laughed. And here then, I knew how much you value me as your daughter. :) I LOVE YOU BOTH.

So yesterday was just awesome, superb, overwhelming, breathtaking, . .  A BLAST. I can't believe how lucky of a girl--now supposedly a lady-- that I am.

And by the way Donna, your present is just so adorable! I LOVE IT! :) http://robo.to/dohonnah?iid=401292

MORE THAN WORDS. All these that I’ve been typing in the past several hours are not enough to tell you guys how happy and thankful I am. You don't know how happy HAPPY I am. I'm so joyful, blissful, terrific, jolly, and whatever synonyms you could think of. My 18th birthday will forever be treasured in the deepest and darkest (meaning, it's really deep. haha) depths of my heart.

So, THANK YOU EVERYONE!! Thank you for all the surprises! The balloons, roses, cakes, presents, gimmicks, your presence, and even just by your greetings. YOU ARE THE BEST SET OF FRIENDS ONE COULD WISH FOR. YOU ARE THE BEST ORGMATES ONE COULD HAVE. YOU ARE THE MOST AWESOME FAMILY ONE COULD EVER ASK FOR. AND DADDY GOD, YOU ARE JUST THE BEST! I HUG YOU ALL! I LOVE YOU ALL!

Labels: 18th birthday, weanne