19/09/2008 03:58. They say that the 40s is the new 30s – it’s the new mantra among the current crop of middle-aged adults (the same who said before that the 30s is the new 20s) who refuse to be slowed down by age.

But personally, being in the mid-40s age range is like driving on the middle of a long highway where everything appears so ordinary. This realization occurred just last week, when I turned 44. Thinking that such event will be another common day, I slipped into my faded jeans and old T-shirt while I prepared to go to work. As I faced the mirror and checked the smirk I felt flashing all day, I received a text message.

"Good morning, Sir Aris. The Mazda CX9 will be delivered to you today. Enjoy driving!" from Minnie Valencia of Mazda Philippines.

That perhaps made my birthday... // Manila Bulletin