Happy Birthday A!

Dear A!:

Congratulations! You are now a tween! Time really flies no?

I remember when you were just an idea. It was a very exciting time for me, for a lot of people. There were tons of meetings and equal number of misunderstanding and 'tampuhan' among your moms and dads. Yes, you were conceived not just by one set of parents but hundreds of brave women and men who fought real hard to have you.

Do you even know that Akbayan was not your original name? hahaha

You have grown and developed so much for the past 13 years that it is no wonder that you gained so many friends. I heard that you are now in the company of very important people. My only hope is that you will not go astray. Never lose focus. I believe you. We believe in you. You have grown up consistently on the straight path that we know you are less likely to succumb to a friend's bad influence.

People say that the teenage years are difficult. Be strong and continue to ask for discernment from the people whom you trust. One other thing, do not forget the men and women who reared you. They may not be with you now but they still love you.

Cheers!