MANILA -- Sharlene San Pedro rang in her 18th birthday in a way that reminded her that she already has found her friends for life.

What started out as a simple party with kids from a charity organization turned into an emotional affair, with San Pedro brought to tears by her friends' touching messages.

"Grabe ang motivation mo na kapag mayroon kang gusto gawin na isang bagay, ginagawa mo talaga iyong best mo para mapatunayan sa kanilang lahat na kaya mo," Miles Ocampo, San Pedro's best friend, told her. "Nandito lang ako for you lagi at love na love kita."

"Ako ang pinapangako ko sa iyo ay never na never kitang iiwan. Mahal na mahal kita. Happy, happy birthday," Igi Boy Flores added.

The celebration was held at Ibarra’s Garden in Malate, Manila. Also present were her family, Jairus Aquino, and CJ Navarro.

Check out the photos from the party below.