TWO days ago we celebrated by best friend's birthday. It was one of the best! You see, my best friend was born on Christmas Eve. My friends and I and her family planned a surprise party for her in my house.

I cooked the burgers and baked her a pie. Her mother set the tables and cleaned the glassware. Everyone helped in any way they could. There were decorations everywhere, I hardly recognized my house!

Lights were here and there, lanterns adorned every corner of the house, the Christmas tree was overflowing with gifts under it and a two-foot banner was hanged on the gate. It said, ''Surprise Alexandra, Happy Birthday!''

How did we hide it from Alexandra? All we did was ask Jeanette, another friend to shop with her in SM Megamall.

Everything didn't go as we planned though. By 5:00, Jeanette paged me that Alexandra was still shopping and she already went home. By 5:30, I was so exhausted, I went to Roosevelt Park to relax and watch the sunset. I was so surprised when I turned around. Alexandra was crying because she thought nobody remembered her birthday. I was so surprised, I almost told her about the party!