32.

In terms of age, it is said that when one turns 32 he or she is already beyond the calendar since the most number of days for certain months is only 31. As such, the term is "lampas na sa kalendaryo". Thus, many who go beyond 31 do not already reveal their age.

In my case, I am proud and happy to say and share that last August 11, 2011 I turned 32. I believe that age is only a number and the years ideally show and reveal that we become more experienced, more mature, more ready to face bigger challenges and more willing to grab great opportunities. What remains the same is the celebration of my birthday with and for others.

Since 2008, I have celebrated my birthday with kids and families. It is my way of sharing my blessings and celebrating my special day with those who will appreciate it the most. My twin annual birthday special projects are called the Kasadyahan Pangkabataan ni LEX yr 4 and the Pabunyag sa Syudad ni LEX Tupas yr 4. For this year, the beneficiaries of the Jollibee kids party are the special children and their parents with the help of CSWDO. More or less we served smiles, laughter, games, food and drinks to 100 people. The feeling is priceless to see children smile and laugh as we gave importance to these children as well as the parents and day care workers who find the time, courage and wisdom to take care of them well. In the afternoon of my birthday, we were able to help baptize 32 indigent babies and kids at the Alta Tierra Parish. The babies and kids were accompanied by their parents and God parents. These new God sons and daughters of mine add to the more than 100 God Children that I have as a result of the mass baptism. After the baptism officiated by Msgr. Jamuyot, we treated the parents, God parents and other guests who were more or less 450 people to a reception, unlimited drinks and shakes, gift balloons and diapers, and many more.

What was different this time is that I celebrated my birthday on the day itself. For the past 3 years, I celebrated it on the day of my age but since 32 goes beyond the days of August I decided to do it on the day itself. What stayed the same is the support of generous individuals and groups who want to help in these noble endeavors and this time many more offered help in making the celebrations bigger. I would like to thank my wife, Dr. Candice Tupas who made sure these projects continued and were made bigger, to my Nanay (fmr Mayor Myrna Causing Tupas) and Tatay (fmr Governor Niel Tupas) who always support me in my endeavors, to my parents in law for the strong support, to Cong. Jerry Trenas and Mayor Jed Mabilog who supported the projects, to Fruit Magic for the unlimited shakes served, to Jollibee UPV Branch for the support, to PEPSI, to Aldente and Steps of Rome, to Bayani Cafe, to Zip-O purified drinking water, to my staff, to Glicaz that even on a short notice accepted the job of catering the event, to my media partner for this project ABS CBN Iloilo and also to GMA Iloilo for featuring the event, to my friends from the media, to Randy, to the Alta Tierrra Parish that has been the home for this project for 4 years already, to the people who would like to stay anonymous and just would like to support this endeavor, to my leaders, friends, relatives and supporters and to everyone, the gratitude will always be present.