Hanoi, August 25, 2021

Dear readers,

CHICKEN DAY is how I call my birthday. And every year, it’s a tradition of mine to bake cupcakes and cookies—not for myself, but as little gifts for my friends and the people who’ve made an impact on my life. It’s my way of saying thank you. Of sharing a bit of joy.

But on my 22nd birthday, things didn’t go as planned. Vietnam was in the middle of a Covid-19 outbreak, and suddenly, the warm, familiar rituals of celebration weren’t possible.

Still, I didn’t want to let the day pass without giving something. So, instead of flour and frosting, I turned to my sketchbook. I stayed up for days drawing portraits of my friends—37 of them in total—and sent them out digitally, just as the sun came up. A quiet, hopeful gesture to start the day with smiles.

This small act, born out of distance and longing, reminded me that joy can take many forms—and that giving doesn’t always need to be physical. Sometimes, a drawing, a message, a simple thought can brighten someone’s whole day.

I hope, as you look through these portraits, they bring you a bit of that same warmth. And maybe, on your next birthday, you’ll feel inspired to give something back too—no matter how small.

With love,
Phích.