My 64 birthday message

 64th birthday reply letter


Dear Family, Friends, and Fellow Fry-Lovers,


Wow. 64 years old. That’s 64 years of laughter, learning, hustle, and, of course, a whole lot of fries. To everyone who took the time to send me birthday wishes, whether through messages, calls, or silent good thoughts, thank you from the bottom of my (still very much beating) heart.


I’ve always believed that every year of life is a gift, but this one feels extra special. My Dad - Peping left us at 59, and my older brother - Iking at 61, so I take every year beyond those numbers as a divine bonus round 😊🙏— like extra fries in your cup when you weren’t expecting them. And while I do have hydrocephalus and a VP shunt keeping things in check, I’m still here, still moving, and still functioning at almost 100% (I say almost because, well, I should not be pulling my 53 pound compound bow to be competitive in archery, I should not go SCUBA diving, I stopped hard enduro riding — but let’s blame age and not the shunt!).


Your messages reminded me how blessed I am, not just to be alive but to be surrounded by such amazing people. Some of you have been with me since the early days, ICPS days, Ateneo days, DLSU days, AIM days, Harvard days, some from my Potato Corner journey, Mister Donut journey, Philippines Franchise Association journey, Wendy’s Hamburger journey, some from my new and current adventures in business, franchising, education, mentoring and some just love to have a tequila or a coke zero with me (you know who you are). No matter how we met, you all hold a special place in my heart.


So, here’s to more years of friendship, fun, and making life extra crispy. If I’ve learned anything in 64 years, it’s that life is best enjoyed like fries—with good company, lots of flavor, and an extra-large serving of gratitude.


Thank you, Thank you from your Jojo, Joe, Jomag—whatever name you’ve known me by, just know that I appreciate you.



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