MONTHS after shying away from the showbiz limelight, megastar Sharon Cuneta shared to fans photos of her 49th birthday celebration.

Sharon, who turned a year older last January 6, described her birthday as children-like event, but with better food.

She added that it was only during that special occasion she got to laugh so much in the company of close family and friends.

"It was my first time to laugh so much so often since -- and this is no exaggeration -- around May last year pa. Thank you, Lord Jesus for real friends old and new! I so needed this get-together," the actress said.

Among those who attended the intimate party are close friends Judy Ann Santos and her children, actress Agot Isidro, composer and arranger Louise Ocampo, director Joyce Bernal and longtime friend and makeup artist Fanny Serrano.

Sharon also blew a cake alongside husband, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Secretary Francis Pangilinan, and their children Frankie, Miel and Miguel.

The actress had a tough 2014 after admitting she went through midlife crisis and depression because of her weight gain and professional disappointments.

Her mother, Mrs. Elaine Gamboa-Cuneta, also passed away last November. (Sunnex)