Today’s my forty-first year on earth and it’s just like any ordinary day. No party or any semblance of a celebration. I just spent the day with my family at home- that’s the best day I will always have.

I don’t know if it comes with age, but of late I seldom look forward to a celebration for my coming birthday. When you grow older, you simply would just like the day to finish fast. Because as Paul Simon says “…still tommorow’s gonna be another working day, and I’m trying to get some rest. That’s all I’m trying to get some rest.”

What made this day quite eventful is that it was a delightful day for motorists in Metro Manila. A transport strike greeted my birthday, so the streets that are usually traffic infested during weekdays were suddenly free from restraint. Do you want to know who’s behind this traffic-free day for Metro Manila? - Click here…

I’m quite satisfied with my life at 41. I have learned to appreciate what I have in my humblest existence. I have learned to find happiness right where I am now. A loving family to come home to. The company of my friends and brothers in a sacred band among whom no contention ever exists but that noble contention, or rather emulation of who best can work and best agree. Now at 41, I no longer have to reach far and dream big. I am now at peace with myself. What remains of me now is to start making my bucket list.

Ah, this is what I like about my birthdays now, and I hope, for many more to come - spending the special day with my family…

It’s now time to turn to the next Chapter of my life…CHAPTER XLI