Turning 21

I celebrated my 21st birthday in Singapore with my brother and sister-in-law and a couple friends who came with me on the trip (which I will write about in detail in another entry). It was the first time I didn't celebrate with my parents, or my girlfriends, since for the last 3 years, we had always gotten together for my birthday. It was different but it was fun, mainly because I was still able to enjoy my day with family and friends, even though only a small number of them were there with me.

I had my birthday dinner at Marché Restaurant, a Swiss place, which is probably one of my favorite places I've eaten in Singapore, besides local ones. I had the savory crepe with roasted chicken filling and it was so good! I also got to try the rosti, a Swiss potato dish, among other delicious food on our table. Those are probably what I'll be coming back for! And their sumptuous desserts, too!

After dinner, we already headed home since my friends were to leave for Manila very early the next morning. We stayed up until they had to leave, that was, of course, after I blew my candles out and opened their presents for me.

(1) A keychain with Rihanna's 'R' logo; (2) Shirt printed with a Rihanna quote ("It's tougher to be vulnerable than to actually be tough."); (3) A bottle of Rihanna's fragrance, Reb'l Fleur

It's funny how they know how much appreciative I am of anything Rihanna-related. Hehe.

Looking at these photos, I can't help but get nostalgic and look back at my previous birthdays. Like what my friend, Ina, said, it seems just like yesterday when it was my 18th birthday she was documenting! I am starting to get old, indeed! But with age comes wisdom, as they say. And I'm so glad and thankful that I get to live my life the way I want to (still with certain limitations, but those are a given), that I get to experience such wonderful things at a young age.

I will soon be starting a new chapter in my life -- yes, the part where I officially become a member of the adult world -- and although I am slightly anxious, I simply can't wait! I am looking forward to new experiences, new friends, new mistakes (hopefully not so much of these!), and most importantly, new lessons in life.