Llorene

I sit here on the balcony which overlooks the coconut trees and other tropical trees, contemplating about what to include in my reflections with regards to turning 22. Though I tease about the fact that I’m getting old—I truly am grateful.

I turned 22 years old 2 days ago, and I am taking this time to reflect about the past year. Where to start—as I have had an incredible year full of blessings.

I am grateful for my amazing family and friends who have given me so much love, support and encouragement over the last year. My nephews who have put a smile to my face; my sister for continuously being my role model; my parents for ensuring that I am provided with whatever my heart yearns for- and all of my other family members who have continuously given me so much love- and have shown it one way or the other- I am grateful.

Memories of the past year has also included numerous moments with my friends. Whether it is the late night stroll through Montreal, or perhaps the late night talks that I have had with several people- about our future plans, what stresses us out or perhaps any other gossip that we would like to share. I am grateful.

How can I forget the wonderful new people that I have become friends with- through CCY and also the new faces here in India. I truly am blessed.

Of course I am grateful to the One above who has made it possible for all of these to happen- for without Him, nothing is possible. One of the many blessings was that He has given us Zack Zack, the great bundle of joy – an addition to our family. I am truly grateful.

It’s definitely hard to find the words to describe how lucky I feel and how grateful I am for the many people that have been there for me- and also the vast opportunities that have come my way.

Thank you. Thank you. Words may not be able to express what you all mean to me, but surely I will try to thank you many times over.


How I spent my Birthday

I was having a bit of an identity crisis- well maybe not an identity crisis, but I was not certain where I belonged for a bit—let me explain. At the stroke of midnight on May 23rd, here in Mumbai, I began to wonder—Is it really my birthday yet? Due to the time differences, that would mean that it would only be 2.30pm May 22nd in Toronto, but since I was born in the Philippines, it would already be 2.30 am May 23rd there. I quickly got over my confusion, and just decided to celebrate my birthday as long as I can.

I was deeply touched at the warm wishes that I received at the stroke of midnight from the new friends I have made here in AIESEC Mumbai.

Left: Being fed with a brownie cake by Sonam. No worries, the knife is just for the cutting of the cake- no bloodshed that night for sure. In my right hand, I'm holding my very own Rang de Basanti DVD.

We traveled to South Bombay for an appointment with the head of an NGO called Clean Mumbai. I have to say, this CEED experience really does open up one’s perspectives on the world. This lady is truly passionate about cleaning up this city- however, with over 12 million people in the city, and a huge stretch of the city which contains unkept roads and overrun with slums- many have told her that it cannot be done. But she perseveres. She is determined to clean up the city, by initiating projects that would educate the storekeepers to keep their surroundings clean and ensuring that they have ownership over their nearby surroundings.

After our meeting, I had told Sneha- the AIESECer that we are currently staying with, that if possible, I would like to attend a church mass, as I usually do on my birthday. And so, on our way to ChurchGate station, we found a nearby church. However, since the mass was not to start until an hour later, we walked to a nearby WestSide store, and I treated myself to a couple of kurtas. Yup the shopping has begun.

Following the shopping and the mass service, we made our way up to Santa Cruz again, to get freshened up and go out for dinner with the rest of the gang. Dinner was at a place called Pop Tate’s in Andheri where we were served with sizzlers. I was surprised with a cake- and of course the birthday song was sung. I was also surprised with a gift—a dvd for my collection- Rang de Basanti.

When we finally got back home, I really wanted to watch Rang de Basanti as a lot of people here have been talking about it. And so, Sneha and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning and tackled the 3 hour long movie. After which, at 4am, I got a late night phone call from my sister.

It was truly a great Burrrrday.

Right: In front of Pop Tate's. Back row: Abbas, Bhuvan, Advait. Front row: Sonam, me, Angela, Vivek and Nakul. Sneha took this picture and is therefore not in it. Shoutout to her.