Notes

You spell your name 'Antonella,' but when I think of you, I spell it my way:

A is for the amazing person you are.
N is for the natural beauty that shines like a star.
T is for the talents you share with such grace.
O is for the optimism that lights up your face.
N is for the nurturing soul, warm and kind.
E is for the energy that’s one of a kind.
L is for the laughter you bring every day.
L is for love in all you do and say.
A is for all the joy you give. A bright and beautiful life you live!

Happy 18th birthday, my love! Today is your special day; it's your debut! You know, from the moment you walked into my life, you brought joy, happiness, warmth, and light. You're the brightest star that shines for me in the darkest nights. You came into my life just like an angel who would help me, support me, care for me, be there for me, and love me unconditionally for who I am.

This may not be as long as the letter you gave me last time, but hear me out. I know you know where our relationship started, but let me recount it again. Remember the first time you saw me playing basketball? At that moment, you weren't looking for love or a partner; you were just enjoying your day and having fun. But when you saw me on the court, you thought I was pretty cool. Just admit it—I was cool. Then you decided to add me on Facebook. I wasn't looking for love either, but it was fate that brought us together. You were a bit silly when you said it was like a red string connecting us. HAHAHA. I still vividly recall the time we watched basketball together. That was one of the moments when my friends started to suspect something was going on between us. I didn't want to tell them we were talking because I didn’t want to jinx it.

Then, things progressed, and one day I invited you to join us on a museum visit for academic purposes and to take you out and spend some time with you. I wanted you to come because you mentioned you hadn’t been to a museum before. Imagine we were in Manila to visit just one museum, but luckily, we ended up exploring three! Throughout those visits, we never let go of each other's hands. We walked through the hallways like a couple, savoring every moment together. We spent almost the entire day together, and to be honest, as soon as we parted, I immediately missed your presence. I enjoyed your company. I was so happy that day because it was our first date, and it was your first time visiting a museum.

I already told you that I always get teary-eyed when I think about our moments at Central Park. Those times when we were still shy around each other, and I had to ask my friend to call your name because I was too embarrassed to approach you myself. I also remember when we wanted to get closer but couldn’t because there were so many people around us. I had to secretly pass you the sweets I bought for you. HAHAHA. It's fun to look back on those nights when I watched you during every practice, as if I was practicing too, even though I wasn’t part of it. It was silly, but also so exciting. Those nights when I walked you to the tricycle stop after your practice, just to make sure you were safe.

You made me feel wanted, loved, and appreciated when you gave me a souvenir that your friend asked you to pass along. But especially when you gave me your picture, letters expressing how much you like and appreciate me, and how thankful you are to have met me, along with my favorite snacks.

Time flies so fast when you're in love. We've made countless memories—having breakfast together in our room, hanging out at 7/11, going to concerts, attending church, spending time at your place, video calling when we couldn't meet, our endless getaways, watching movies together, and so much more. I'm incredibly grateful for all the moments we've shared. Every time I look at you, I can't help but feel blessed to have met and to deserve someone like you. I'm also so glad I decided to court you, because look at us now—we're together.

Thank you for saying yes to me, my love! Thank you for loving me and always being there when I needed someone the most. Thank you for choosing me and for giving me something to look forward to. Thank you for being my rant buddy, even though I know you have your own problems too. Thank you for always being patient with me, even when I constantly tease you. And thank you for always spending your time with me. Thank you for not giving up despite the negative thoughts in your mind. Thank you for being everything I need. Again, thank you!

As we celebrate your special day, I can’t help but feel proud of you for reaching 18 years. Even though your past birthdays may not have always been the happiest, I’m here to tell you that this year marks the beginning of truly joyful celebrations. Not just because of the gifts you’ll receive, but because you'll be celebrating them with me by your side. I’m excited to create more memories and experience many firsts with you. Together, we’ll grow, become better, and build a life filled with love, laughter, happiness, and contentment.

I promise to love you, to always be there for you, and to be your number one fan. I’ll laugh with you in every situation we face, and I’ll be there to hug and cry with you during the tough moments. Through thick and thin, I’ll stand by your side, reminding you of how brave, incredible, amazing, and beautiful you truly are.

Do you remember the times when I would arrive earlier than usual just so we could have breakfast together in our room and spend even a few moments together? Even though it was a bit risky because we could have been caught for PDA, it's still one of my favorite memories. We didn’t care if the staff saw us sitting close or hugging. We always found ways to be together, and that’s what I love about us—we would take every chance just to see each other.

Watching you grow into the mature and gorgeous woman you are today has been such a gift. Your strength, generosity, and toughness inspire me to become better every day. I’m beyond proud to be your partner and to stand by your side, and I can't wait to witness all the fantastic things you'll achieve. I'm sorry if I keep annoying and frustrating you with my teasing. I hope you can be even more patient with my playful side. Words can't fully express how much I love you and how deeply in love I am with you. I love you more and more each day, and there's nothing about you that isn't lovable. I love you unconditionally, my baby. I can't wait to celebrate not just today but every occasion in our lives together. Happy birthday, my love—you are truly the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're irreplaceable and priceless. I will never stop loving you, and I will never stop making memories with you. I promise to love you like nobody ever has before.