Stepping Into the 30th Chapter of My Life and 5 Lessons I Learned Along The Way

Some birthdays are meant to be simply celebrated. I found the true essence of celebrating my new chapter last Friday.

I wore red just to match the vibe of the day because, well… it was my day! It was my 30th birthday, and I still can’t quite grasp the reality that my age is now nearing the end of the calendar dates. 😅 I used to hear people say that line all the time when I was younger, and now I find myself saying it too. Haha.

Now, as my third decade of life unfolds, I’ve finally decided to start writing again. Not to impress anyone or chase numbers on social media, but simply to create something that my family and I can look back on as the years go by.

I like to think of these posts as the breadcrumbs of my life—little pieces of my journey where I can preserve every thought, every experience, and every moment that reminds me this life is worth living.

Nowadays, it’s so easy to snap a photo and upload it to social media in a matter of seconds. But my biggest concern is… what if one day I forget the stories behind those photos? 😅 Why were we there? What were we celebrating? What made that particular day so special?

As I grow older, I’m beginning to notice that I’m becoming a little more forgetful, even at just 30. So perhaps this is my way of keeping those memories fresh and alive—not just for myself, but for the people I love, and maybe even for my future self who’ll one day stumble upon these little breadcrumbs and remember exactly how it all felt.

The day itself was simple, yet incredibly special. Our lovely staff surprised me with their thoughtful gifts, each presented in their own heartfelt way. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but it made me feel truly appreciated and loved.

My hubby also wanted to make the day extra memorable and planned to take us somewhere special. His initial idea was to have dinner while enjoying the beautiful night lights of Rockwell. It sounded romantic, but the kid inside me wasn’t quite ready for a simple dine-and-wine kind of celebration.

Instead, I suggested that we head to the Mall of Asia and finally experience the MOA Eye—something I’d been wanting to try for the longest time. Besides, I figured the view of the city lights from up there would be even more magical than simply admiring them from below.

We arrived at SM by the Bay Amusement Park at around 6:30 PM, and finding a parking space along the bay wasn’t easy. There were lots of people that evening, probably because it was a Friday.

After a few minutes of strolling around the park, it was finally time to ride the MOA Eye! Thankfully, the queue wasn’t too long, and I must say, the ticket price was well worth the breathtaking view waiting for us at the top.

What surprised me the most was that all six of us went to a single cabin. 😂 I won’t lie—the first thing that came to mind was, “Can this thing really carry all of us?” Hahaha! Thankfully, the ride was smooth, and after a few laughs (and realizing the cabin wasn’t going anywhere 😅), we simply relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful panoramic view of the city lights.

If you’re also planning to visit SM by the Bay Amusement Park, here are a few things you might want to know:

Key Rides & Attractions

SM by the Bay Amusement Park offers a great mix of family-friendly and thrilling rides for visitors of all ages. Some of its most popular attractions include:

MOA Eye – A giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the Manila skyline and Manila Bay, especially at sunset and during the evening.
Grand Carousel – A colorful, classic merry-go-round that’s perfect for both kids and adults.
Bumper Cars – A fun attraction where you can drive around and gently bump into your family and friends.
Pirate Ship (Vikings) – A swinging ride that gradually builds up excitement as it reaches greater heights.
Drop Tower – A thrilling ride that slowly lifts you high above the ground before giving you a heart-racing free fall.

Since we visited mainly to experience the MOA Eye and didn’t want to head home too late, we decided to skip the other rides. Instead, we spent some time playing the carnival games, which turned out to be just as fun while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the amusement park.

Single-ride tickets typically range from ₱60 to ₱250, depending on the attraction. However, if you’re planning to try several rides during your visit, I highly recommend getting the Ride-All-You-Can Pass, as it offers unlimited access to selected rides and gives you better value for your money.

👉 You can purchase the Ride-All-You-Can Pass by clicking HERE.

By around 8:00 PM, all the walking had finally caught up with us, and we were feeling hungry. 😂 We decided to have dinner at Seafood Island, where we waited for about 15 minutes before a table became available.

Since there were six of us, we ordered one of their group meals, which turned out to be more than enough to satisfy our hungry stomachs after a fun-filled evening.

You can check out the menu and prices in the photos below, or visit their official Facebook page for their latest offerings and updates.

As we made our way home, my legs were aching from walking along the stretch of Seaside Boulevard. Somewhere between the exhaustion, the city lights, and the quiet ride home, I found myself reflecting on a few things.

Here are five realizations that stayed with me as I welcomed a new decade of my life:

1. Sometimes, your own mind is the only thing standing between you and your dreams.

Fear, self-doubt, overthinking, and the belief that we’re “not ready yet” often become bigger obstacles than the challenges themselves. More often than not, the first battle we have to win is the one happening inside our own heads.

2. There is almost always a solution—you just may not see it yet.

Whenever life feels overwhelming and every door seems closed, I’ve learned that taking a step back helps. Pray, ask for wisdom, and allow yourself the time to think clearly. The answer may not come immediately, but guidance often arrives when we stop trying to carry everything on our own.

3. Taking care of yourself is non-negotiable.

Whether it’s your physical health, mental well-being, or simply allowing yourself to rest, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. You can’t continue showing up for the people you love if you’re constantly running on empty.

4. As you grow older, quality matters more than quantity.

Whether it’s friendships, experiences, work, or even the things we choose to spend our money on, I’ve come to appreciate depth over excess. I’d rather have a handful of meaningful moments than a hundred forgettable ones.

5. If there’s no genuine connection, don’t force it.

Not every friendship, opportunity, or relationship is meant to last forever, and that’s okay. The right people, conversations, and experiences will feel natural. Sometimes, walking away from what doesn’t fit creates space for what truly does.

Conclusion:

As I begin this new chapter in my 30s, I’ve come to realize that life isn’t measured by grand celebrations or extravagant moments. Sometimes, it’s the simplest days—the unexpected adventures, heartfelt surprises, meaningful conversations, and quiet realizations—that leave the deepest mark on our hearts.

Perhaps that’s why I’ve decided to start writing again. These posts aren’t just stories to share online; they’re the breadcrumbs of my life. A way to preserve the little moments that I know my future self, my children, and maybe even my grandchildren will one day look back on with a smile.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for spending a small part of your day with me. 🥰 Here’s to embracing new chapters, collecting beautiful memories, and choosing to live a life that’s worth remembering.

Now I’d love to hear from you. What’s one realization you’ve had in your 30s—or, if you haven’t reached your 30s yet, what’s one lesson life has already taught you that you’ll never forget? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d genuinely love to read your stories. Or simply send me a message. 💛