My Fitness Journey - Part II

I didn't plan on working in the fitness industry; more so as a Personal Trainer.  This was just something that was thrust to me that in the beginning I was very reluctant to accept. However, I realized that when you welcome new challenges, dreams could change and we get to have a new shot at life. When I braved this profession, Youtube, Google and other forms of social media were my primary sources of knowledge. As days passed by, my performance was gradually progressing. Thankfully, my clients were also very patient with me. On my second year, I immersed myself in a formal education.

Here's the story...

It was about October last year when I decided that I would take a Fitness Instructor's Course at Gold's Gym Fitness Institute. I got disappointed when I was not able to enroll for Batch 33 which was scheduled to start January 2019. The class was closed approximately two weeks after it was announced open for enrollment. Lesson learned, I made sure I secured a spot for the next batch. But God had a different plan, I got in at Batch 33 via switch. Truly, I was meant to complete the cast.

Without a single idea on what to expect, I was too preoccupied prior to the first day of class. I was overthinking. Seriously. I dislike Science. I hate recitation. Introducing myself in front of a crowd gives me jitters. And the thought of having a failing grade does disturb me (in a way). To sit, listen and go home more equipped have always been my ideal class setting. At my age, going to school is synonymous to a war. My heart was always pounding. Really. I even had my share of embarrasing moment. Fast forward, I finished the theoretical course after fourteen crucial, boisterous and tedious Sundays. Truly, a roller coaster ride of emotion.

Prior to the next and last chapter of this course, I took some time off from browsing my handbook. I rested for a while; just long enough to prepare myself from physically challenging battle ahead of me - an 85 hour On-the-Job Training. Everyday, I was alloting seven hours at work and 4-7 hours at training depending on my stamina. I finished my OJT in 16 days. My journey with Gold's Gym has reached the homestretch when I got the Manager's signature. It was my ticket towards having the certificate that will give color in one corner of our 40 sqm gym. But more important than a piece of paper are immense learnings, experience and good memories which are within me. I was armed with integral foundation to be better in this field. I am forever grateful of the people I came across who generously shared their expertise. Although this entire training has been overwhelming, I know I still have tons to soak up to go beyond. I shall continue to educate myself if I desire the following years to look brighter. Now, I am on my third year as Fitness Coach. I am still quite nervous and excited but no longer skeptical.

Life really has a staggering way of surprising us. I have found my niche in a field I was not pursuing for many years. Why do I sound so sure? Because I am not earning much yet I am generally at peace and happy serving where God has put me. I believe He designated me this job to share His love. I know God also has a plan to prosper me financially because He knows exactly the other desires of my heart. I choose to be patient and faithful.

For this is God's plan for my life.

I know.

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My Fitness Journey -- Part 1

June 12, 2018. I mark the first year of traversing a path that I never thought would be part of my long list of work experiences. This is also the first business venture with my younger brother as my partner in crime. Who would have thought that we would run a fitness gym together? Specially, me?! Whose definition of a workout is either washing the dishes or doing laundry by hand. 

Unimaginable, really! But I have become a fitness trainor first by FATE and later on by FAITH. Cliche as it may sound, but really, everything happens for a reason. 

To narrate the back story would be long and emotionally draining. At the beginning, I felt I've got a lot on my plate. Let's just put it this way -- it's FATE. This is a sample of a situation where the option has no gray area. The number of times I said NO has no match to this destiny that has brought so many lessons and good memories in just a year and so. I call this my Courage Zone even up to this day. But as time passes by, it has become my choice to be where I am now. I have learned to embrace the challenge of doing the unthinkable. 

Just a Speck of History.

A preview of myself during the first few months: 

(1) I was a waiter, waiting for our clients to come and after an hour will hand me over two orange bills hidden in the compartment of their motorcycle. 

(2) I was the official utility person in charge of returning weights to its place, shining the mirrors, general cleaning, and doing the errands.

(3) I was the chat option of a man catching his breath after finishing three sets of bench press. 

Unlike my brother, I literally started from zero. I was so adamant to learn my job description as "Fitness Trainor." I thought being here during my shift would be enough. For months, I was simply a "bantay." Until one day, a young man with explicit fitness goal entered our gym and tweaked my stubborness. Suddenly, I felt I was oblige to mentor. The truth was, I was challenged because he was big boned and had to work some fat off. His arrival caused a stir for me to embrace my new role. It was a wake up call. And so... I researched day and night, I studied and tried the exercises myself. Everytime we would meet, he treated me like a teacher, like a real one. Unknown to my student, I, myself, was just like him -- a novice, a newbie. 

Fast forward, one year after, my student's waist line of 45 inches is now 32 which means a new set of clothes in his closet. But the result didn't come easy for my very first student. I bet a slice of pizza and a stick of barbeque took the backseat in most days. Temptation is strong. Struggle is real. Today, he is my biggest loser who is truly worthy of praise for the patience and perseverance.  Anyone who has witnessed his journey to this dramatic physical change will surely be happy for him. And like this guy, I also got my own transformation stories. I already gave away some of my large size clothes because I've been wearing small to extra small since last year. The better news is, I am healthier. My sinusitis and asthma attack have been limited. I am able to build a nest egg for some pleasure and other important matter rather than a trip to a drugstore.  Yes, I benefited from my student's fitness goal. Not only did I change physically, my mindset has gained so much more. And I am writing this to express my gratitude. I am grateful that fate brought me here and the faith of this young man in me. Sometimes, it takes just one person to trust (or curse) you to make you change your ways. 

God is good (and mysterious). He has given me an opportunity to serve others through a business I once dislike. I was skeptical, but now I am full of faith that I am here for a reason. Because I believe it is God who has put me in my position. Running this business for a year has neither made me (us) live in the lap of luxury nor an expert in this field. Honestly, I/We still have a lot learn. Meanwhile, I will trust the process. Promotion will come in His time. 

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Just a Short Entry

In my previous post, I listed down a bucket list to fulfill in my lifetime. The list has become lengthy that I forgot to pay attention on my short term goals (Definition of Short-term Goals: must accomplish until 2017), the ones that are important to me now.

1. Be spiritually renewed.
2. Be debt free.
3. Improve my financial investment.
4. Expand my micro business.
5. Continuity of financial assistance to personal advocacies.

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Is This Love? (Part VI) - Her Version

"MISCHANCE"

It’s 11 o’clock in the evening

She pulled her memory stick

Her sister said “let’s go”

She answered “last two minutes”.

The older sister finished her biz

Then settled in one corner

Inserted a pair of earpiece

It’s Papa Jack’s love advice.

She looked at the clock

And revisited her FB account

Nothing seemed interesting

In news feed or pinned posts.

She turned to callout box

Clicked the message button

With a simple greeting

She sent to a strange guy.”

Upon opening the message box

She saw the word “typing…”

Paused for a moment

Eyes frozen on the screen.

In not less than a minute

The word “typing” disappeared

She was surprised to realize

There was no reply to a simple “Hi.” 

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Is This Love? - His Version (Part VI)

"MISCHANCE"

It’s 11 o’clock in the evening

The memory stick was pulled

His brother said “Thank you”

And just jumped into his bed.

The big brother was stunned

By long unproductive hours   

He laid on his single bed

Bored but without a choice.

He looked at the clock

And rushed to the screen

He saw a single numeral

Inside a small red callout.

He clicked the shoutout

And saw a girl’s name

Beneath it is a simple “Hi”

Waiting for his reply.

Without much thinking

He pressed the keyboard

Oblivious of the scarcity

Happening in his battery.

The multi-coloured monitor

Suddenly turned black

He was millisecond late

To respond with a short “Hello.”

To be continued...

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My Bucket List as of January 2016

Few years ago, I had entries about my personal dreams and goals. Some have already been ticked. Others are yet to be realized. A few ones are no longer thought-provoking. Inspired by Krissy’s Ultimate Bucket List 2016, I have decided to list down my dreams and goals once again. Procrastination has always been a major snag for me. This list, I believe, will help me stay focused and stimulated to pursue the desires of my heart. This is going to be a mixture of old and new dreams; a blend of attainable and ambitious; a combination of short-term and long-term goals.

(Drum Roll)

Business/Financial Goals:

Consistently follow my “Income Allocation System.”

Be Debt Free.

Expand existing business.

Learn stock market technical analysis.

Earn from blogging.

Attend business-related seminars.

Own a travel agency.

Invest more in FarmOn or Agricultural-related industry.

Invest in Insurance and Mutual Fund.

Operate a food park Filipino style.

Spiritual/Service Goals:

Read three chapters in the bible everyday

Watch inspirational videos daily.

Pray seriously upon waking up and before sleeping.

Attend mass more often with family.

Bring more people to “The Feast.”

Donate to various charitable institutions.

Send someone to school.

Constantly support church activities for construction of a new church.

Create more jobs with rewarding income.

Teach people basic but effective financial planning.

Give gifts to loved ones in all special occasions.

Visit an orphanage.

Organize a party for homeless people.

Join a pilgrimage to Holy Land.

Provide financial assistance to new mothers of Fabella Hospital.

Teach a kid basic skills or academic-related.

Promote Quezon Province as a tourist destination.

Support and promote Expos.

Promote volunteerism.

Relationship Goals:

Treat my mother monthly.

Massage my father every night.

More sundates with the whole family.

Have a monthly date with my cousins.

Have a regular communication with close friends.

Try new things with friends.

Have annual travel adventures with family and friends.

Spend more quality time with my godchildren.
Attend the Feast with family and friends.

Health/Fitness Goals:
Wake up at 5:15 am everyday.
Exercise daily for 10 minutes.
Limit coffee intake to only one cup a day.
Soda is allowed once a week.
Bike once a week.
Enjoy Zumba dancing at home every weekend.
Run on a treadmill once a month.
Eat more fruits and veggies.

Simple Activities/Extreme Adventure Goals:

Organize a retirement party for my father.

Organize 60th birthday of my mother.

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Binondo.

Renovate our house.

Have a cozy backyard.

Own a mini farm.
Try ride revolution.

Have full body massage.

Have hair treatment whenever necessary.

Win in a raffle promo.

Learn to play drums.

Color an adult coloring book.

Collect toys.

Have a photobook of all my travels.

Have a photobook of family pictures.
Compose a song.
Create a blog for my college friends.

Write an inspirational article in a broadsheet.

Finish story version of “The Last Man Standing.”

Complete poem version of “The Last Man Standing.”

Create a comic version of “The Last Man Standing.”

Make “The Last Man Standing” into a short film.

Write a book.

Have movie marathon inside a camping tent.

Watch at least 10 or more movies every year.

Watch at least 3 Filipino-made stage play every year.

Watch Eat Bulaga live.

Watch a concert near the stage.

Watch a movie in Director’s Club Cinema and 4DX Cinema at UP Town Center

Watch Aliwan Festival.

Watch a fashion show.
Watch dance battle.

Witness various Philippine Festivals.

Witness a movie shoot.

Watch Cebu Dancing Inmates groove.
See Aurora Borealis

Experience Night Sky Cinema.

Experience Antipolo’s nightlife.

Staycation in a 5-star hotel.

Spend a night in a private resort on top of a mountain.

Laugh in a comedy bar.

Be part of the production team of an independent film.

Visit more museums.

Visit more old and historical churches.

Watch a volleyball finals match.

Witness Olympic games.

Get spa treatment.

Play in snow.

Ride a carabao.

Ride an elephant.

Ride extreme rides in an amusement park.

Try target shooting.

Experience archery.

Bike on air.

Ice Skate.

Solve a mystery challenge.

Join a fun run.

Go Kart Racing.

Have selfie in Edge Coaster

Zorb.

Ride Habal-Habal.

Walk in a hanging bridge DONE @ Masungi Georeserve 3.12.2017

Climb a mountain.

More zipline adventure.

Go mud karting.

Explore caves (1) Sumaguing Cave 

Bike on air (Anicycle)

Have a selfie in an edge coaster

Overcome Giant Swing.
Selfie at man-made spider web DONE @ Masungi Georeserve 3.12.2017

Glamping.
Paraglide.

Rappel.

Skywalk.

Wall climb.

Bungee Jump/Plunge.

Feel the breeze in Fly Fish.

Ride PNR train.

Ride Pasig river ferry.

Ride 4x4 ride to Mt. Pinatubo.

Tour Albay thru ATV.

Tour Batanes thru biking.

Day Tour Subic.

Day Tour Tagaytay

Trek Cavinti Falls.

Parasail.

Walk on sandbar.
Watch whale shark. 

Get wet in water tube.

Bathe in kawa.

Watch the sunset in Manila Bay cruise.

Watch dolphins.

Watch a fire dance on the sea shore.

Watch the sunrise in a beach.

Bathe in hot and cold spring.

Food Adventure Goals:

Food trip in Binondo

Food trip in Maginhawa Street

Food trip in Pasig Kapitolyo.

Food trip in Lilac St., Marikina

Food trip in Tagaytay

More Cebu lechon
Lechon Belly

Ripe mango of Guimaras

Ice cream from various ice cream parlors
Estrel's Caramel Cake

Palabok of Little Quiapo

Torta delos Reyes Sansrival of Aristocrat Bakeshop

Fresh cow’s milk
Lasagna of Bhest Lasagna

Tornado Peri-peri Chicken 
Cheesecake by Maria's Kitchen Manila

Authentic mang inasal of Iloilo

Dine in at Loboc river cruise

Dine in at Don Henrico’s

Dine in at 100 Revolving Restaurant

Dine in at Caffé Piansa 04.02.2017

Dine in at Chef Laudico Guevarra’s Buffet Restaurant

Dine in at Sky High Bar, Ace Hotel and Suites, Pasig

Dine in at Spiral, Sofitel Hotel, Manila

Dine in at Movie Stars Cafe

Travel Goals:

NCR:

Venice Piazza, Taguig - 03.21.2016

Circuit Makati

Solaire Resort and Casino, Pasay

The Henry Hotel Manila, Pasay

Robinson’s Magnolia

Rockwell, Makati

Art in Island, Cubao

Bamboo Organ in St. Joseph Parish Church, Las Piñas

Manila Ocean Park

Yexel’s Museum, Las Piñas

Mystery Manila, Libis

Future Park, Makati

Malabon Zoo

Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay

Music Museum/Teatrino, San Juan

Centerstage, MOA

Luzon:

Batanes Island

Callao Cave, Cagayan 
Palaui Island, Cagayan

Sagada, Mt. Province - DONE (April 21-24, 2016)

Puerto del Sol Resort, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Anawangin, Nagsasa Cove, Capones and Potipot Island, Zambales

Thunderbird Resort, La Union
Monasterio de Tarlac, Tarlac

Kart City, Tarlac
Sandbox, Porac, Pampanga

Corregidor, Bataan
San Rafael River Adventure, Bulacan

Philippine Arena, Bulacan

Pinto Museum, Antipolo 04.02.2017

Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo
Masungi Georeserve, Tanay, Rizal 03.12.2017

Pililla Wind Farm, Rizal 03.12.2017

Ten Cents to Heaven, Tanay, Rizal

Calaruega, Batangas

Fortune Island, Batangas

Casita Ysabel, Batangas
Nuvali, Laguna

Mountain Peek Resort, Laguna

Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna
Cavinti Falls, Laguna

Villa Escudero, Laguna
Puzzle Museum, Tagaytay
Taal Lake, Tagaytay, Cavite
Aguinaldo Shrine, Cavite
Caleruega, Nasugbu, Batangas
Balesin Island, Quezon

Padre Burgos, Quezon
Cresta de Gallo, Sibuyan Island, Romblon

Bellarocca, Marinduque

Maniwaya Island, Marinduque

Palawan Island

Mayon Volcano, Albay

Calaguas, Camarines Norte

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Visayas:

Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu
Tumalog Falls, Oslob, Cebu

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Mahogany Forest, Bohol

Loboc River, Bohol

Rolling Hills, Nagtipunan, Quirino
Calanggaman Island, Leyte
Sambawan Island, Leyte

Mac Arthur Landing National Park, Leyte

San Juanico Bridge, Samar/Leyte

The Ruins, Negros Occidental
Campuestohan Highalnd Resort, Negros Occidental
Manjuyod White Sandbar, Dumaguete City
Lakowon Island, Bacolod

Gigantes Island, Iloilo
Guimaras Island, Panay

Mindanao:

Camiguin Island
Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur

Siargao Island

Dahilayan, Bukidnon

Rivers of Cagayan de Oro

Camiguin Island
Aliwagwag Falls, Davao

Buenavista Island Resort, Davao City

Abroad:

Join a pilgrimage in Jerusalem

Be like a child in HongKong Disneyland
Witness Loy Krathong, Thailand

Skate on Ice in Korea

Experience Spring in Japan
Shiver in Formula Rossa, Dubai

Ride an elephant in Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Witness Dubai Fountain

Explore Santorini Greece

Selfie in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Russia

Set foot in Eiffel Tower

Hear mass at St. Peter Basilica, Rome

See Christ the Redeemer in Brazil up close
Slide at Kandersteg Alpine Slide, Switzerland

Pass by Golden Gate Bridge

See Grand Canyon, Arizona

Walk on Great Wall of China

Stay in Fairmont Hotel, Canada

Freeze in Niagara Falls, Canada
Pass by in Jasper Skywalk Canada
See Aurora Borealis, Canada/Norway

Hear mass at Sagrada Familia, Spain
Stroll at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, California

Things to Buy:

Folding bike
Hula hoop
Jigsaw puzzle

Handy camera

DVD

Toys

Washing Machine

Watch
Rashguard
Running shoes

Oven

Heavy duty mixer

Food processor

Personal car

More jeans and shirts

Flat screen tv

Watch

Aircondition

Play station

Hair dryer

Truck and jeep for business

Sala set
A bed designed by Woodstackph
Two Story house with backyard

The End (for now).

But dreams constantly occupying your thoughts are nothing without faith and action. I am aware that I have to supplement my bucket list with perseverance and hardwork. Strive to be an eager beaver. With God’s grace, I believe, these dreams will be fulfilled…in its own time…in God’s time…One step at a time. 

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This Blog is not Dead

This time last year, I shared an iota of the remarkable events that I experienced in 2014. Today, billions of people are actively engage in various social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to personal stuff and be updated with the hottest news in town. I’m no exception. But this crib is not dead.  After a lengthy hiatus, I’m going to speak once again with words supplemented with mixed emotions converted into a blog entry. 

Dissecting 2015

I splashed out money on major health issues. It was a lot and mostly severe cases. Normally, we look at the mirror to inspect our look and fix what needs to be fixed. Many times during my virus-infected days, I would look at the mirror to view the nasty transformation of my appearance. Sadly, there was no quick fix. Here are my top three worst health cases last year:

Stye. I had the most awful and excruciating stye that lasted for many weeks. My brother’s shades became my best buddy. Mind you, when the pain has started to spread almost all over my face, I consulted two different ophthalmologists from two different hospitals to be certain I got the right medication.

Infection. My middle finger underwent a minor operation. Because I was too coward; because I was too unmindful of my mother’s advice; because I didn’t want to seek doctor’s assistance; because I chose to follow my “not so wise prescription”… the pain I was enduring for several days became unbearable that only a minor operation can stop the infection from further damage. 

Dengue. Just when a huge financial crisis started to haunt us, I had skin allergy, UTI and a severe case of dengue all happened in almost two weeks. While consulting a doctor  and undergoing blood testing for two consecutive days, I was also continuously rejecting medical professionals' recommendation to have myself admitted in the hospital. I thought I was superman that only kryptonite can take my life. And then, boom! On one Thursday night, flat red rashes occupied my whole skin. The itchiness of the rashes was complemented with on and off high fever. I had the most bothering sleepless evening ever. And after five days of cheating myself, my doctor’s trembling voice on our second meeting finally convinced me to have serious monitoring and treatment in the hospital. 

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 I had a lot of travel plans that went pear-shaped including a birthday getaway in Tarlac, Tanay or Tagaytay. I wanted to experience kart racing in Tarlac, feel the rush and gratify my need for speed; or walk on mountains and see the world on top of it. If I only I knew what others were thinking, I should have followed my collective plans. Admittedly, I have not overcome this bitterness even up to this day. Para akong nanakawan pero hindi ko pwedeng ireport sa pulis. Ganon! Pak! But I will move on and forget this eventually.

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I was my mother’s right hand; a shoulder to cry on; her support system. In the 4^th quarter of 2015, financial crisis were left and right. Though not a personal problem, I couldn’t take away myself from it. But with the help of God even in the worst of times I was able to put on a brave face. I guess, through the years I've become more patient and resilient. Sometimes ‘the not so good events’ in our lives are blessings in disguise.

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In my Novena to God’s Love, I wrote: I want to send someone to school. It is still unclear if God has already answered my prayer in the person of a twenty year old high school graduate who wanted to take up a vocational course. Last year, while my mother was desperately juggling our finances, I was using a part of our income from our micro business to help support this young man in finding a job. He wanted to take the opportunity to work and earn while enrollment is still far. I supported him to the best of my ability. It was not only physically draining but financially challenging as well. Two months later, he was able to find a job. The whole process was a test of character. I refuse to stop there. I pray that the Lord will continue to give us patience and strength so we can guide him in his journey towards the achievement of his ultimate dream - to give his own family a better life. 

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In 2015, I realized that my connection with my closest friends has started to narrow. Our eagerness to see each other was no longer as high as compared to the days when most of us were still single and ready to mingle. Sometime in August, an older sister of a dear friend died of cancer. The night before my birthday, some of us had a mini reunion in a wake. Ironically, this sad event made us gather. Fast forward, we met again last December 30 just to catch up and simply chillax. We had dinner, watched an MMFF entry and spent the night in our living room. We were only three but our voices were equivalent to eight. Lol! I also made it a point to see some of my college friends and a former colleague before 2015 ends. Just so our bond will not be completely broken. Ganun yata talaga kapag tumatanda na…tapos may FB pa. :(   

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On a happier note, in April 2015, together with some relatives and a couple of high school friends, I stepped on the grounds of Ilocos. It was the longest road trip I ever had in my entire life. Yes, it’s a long travel and a very tiring one but it’s worth it. The 4x4 Adventure and Sandboarding at La Paz Sand Dunes awaken the thrill-seeker in me. It was pure adrenaline rush. Nonetheless, my most favorite. It was like riding a roller coaster without any protective device. Just hold on tight and call all angels in heaven to protect you. Lol! Kidding aside, Ilocos is a place that offers buffet of things you can do in Ilocos – from exhilarating adventures to historical sites to nature trip. This travel vacation was made extra special for me because I had relatives and friends all in high spirit in one frame. I was the happiest, indeed.

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Of course, my year wouldn’t be complete without attending “The Feast” with my cousins. Nothing beats the feeling of praying and worshiping the Lord beside a loved one. After The Feast, we would eat together and stroll together and take selfies until the sun goes down. Unfortunately, our Sundates were fewer last year. Hope 2016, will be different.  

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To sum it up, 2015 had legion of thorny issues. In the middle of my post, I mentioned bitterness. Honestly, I feel guilty for not allowing myself to completely forgive and forget. This 2016, I hope and pray that I will overcome. The truth is, I have a lot of things to be thankful for in 2015. I've learned to see Christ in different people specially in times of difficulty. In the scripture Matthew 11:28 it says “ Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” God was physically present in every moment I was in pain. I felt God’s presence in my mother’s loving arms when I was hospitalized and at my weakest point. I felt God’s presence in my doctor's genuine compassion to help me get well and lighten our hospital expenses. I felt God’s presence in all medical professionals I met when there was something unusual happening in my system. I felt God’s presence when I have peace of mind under any circumstances. I was never alone in my battle that's why it's perfectly fine to rest. God is good all the time. Kudos 2015!

Cheers to more peaceful, healthier and happier 2016!

To God be the Glory!

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It's a Wrap

It’s the 4th day of 2015 and still a holiday. While many of us are still in hiatus, I’ll take this moment to browse my FB Photo albums and to retrospect to key events last year.

Travel and Adventure

It has been a family tradition over the last couple of years to gather in a place favorable to cluster of kin from the North and those from the Southern part of Luzon. Last April, we spent the summer outing at La Virginia Resort, Batangas. Located on top of a mountain, it’s a great alternative to have an optimum view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake while delighting in water splash and a fairly cool breeze.  A large table for food was an apparent mark of our reunion that at the end of the day every family still has lavish viands to take home. Picture taking was also rampant, as expected.

 

The view from the highest part of La Virginia Resort

Doña Salud Resort in Calamba, Laguna witnessed three celebrations last September. It was our first time to rent a private resort and it was relatively a good experience since the place has more than enough space to accommodate a really huge family at reasonable rate.

My cousins and pamangkins enjoying the natural water of Laguna

2014 was a remarkable year for me and my younger cousins. We had three fun fun fun Sundates last year. Attending The Feast has always been the top most priority of our Sundates. Followed by another feast, literally, where there is food in the table supplemented with stories and picture taking. Strolling and theme park adventure composed the third fraction of our hangout. We’re done with Star City, Bonifacio Global City and Ayala Triangle Gardens. And we are set to conquer more places this year including an out-of-town. Spell Level up--- ILOCOS!!!

 

Getting ready for ultimate adventure @ Star City

Killing time @Bonifacio High Street before going back home

My cousins watching the spectacular lights and sounds @ Ayala Triangle Gardens

In May 2014, I had my second summer getaway with my high school friends. This time, we decided to go North. With limited budget on hand, we opted to try Metrodeal’s voucher for the first time. We bought Camaya Coast day tour with round trip transfer worth P1,400.00. It was a mixture of good and bad experience but that’s another story. My friends and I had time well spent, nonetheless.

 

I think we were the only group who was using a real camera (yung pinapatong sa kung saan saan para kasama lahat sa picture)

Since I failed to give my goddaughter a Christmas gift last December 2013, to spend time with her was another option. At least few months before Joyous Visual Trick Arts 3D Gallery at SM North finally bid goodbye, I together with my kumare and inaanak explored the world of fascinating illusions and optical spectacles. At the end of the day, we were able to bring home a number of uncanny snapshots.

 

This photo is one of my favorites 

After x-years of not seeing each other, I saw some of my college Tropatits during the christening of our newest inaanak. Nothing beats the moment catching up with old friends and talking about the latest buzz. After few days, I accompanied two of them in a financial literacy seminar that hopefully can be useful to boost their hard-earned money if ever they decide to take the risk.

Before the year ends, finally, I ticked one dream destination in my bucket list – Cubao Expo. Haha! Yeah! It was a simple dream but it means a lot since my first attempt to find it over a year ago was a huge failure. Thanks to a college friend for withstanding that long walk from Kamuning to Cubao Expo. Fortunately, we still had the endurance to stride after attending a very amusing Jollibee kids birthday party.   

 

Cubao Expo at night. I would like come back when there is still sunlight for better appreciation.

Of course, my year wouldn’t be complete without going through the streets of Divisoria for more than x exponentially raised to the nth power mostly for business purposes. Being the sole workforce (in Manila) of my brother’s events company in Surigao, I singlehandedly carried the burden of negotiating or making tawad here and there. Hehe! Kidding aside, every visit in Divisoria entails new discoveries, it is so easy to fall in love despite the fact that I had to brave crowds, endure long walks and carry heavy loads. I received my ultimate reward when my brother and gf visited Manila – Casa Verde’s gigantic Brian’s Ribs, colossal chocolate shake Milky Way, a taste of their best sampler and a bite size of a humongous burger.

 

Almost everything here is BIG!!!

Financial Investment

Last year. I discovered a number of FB group tackling matters about the stock market. As an investor with high risk appetite, I made too many experiments. I was brave to test the water. In effect I was gaining and losing money at the same time. Unfortunately, the former is more extensive than profits coming in. The most common scenario: after selling a stock which I was holding for months the price of that stock would suddenly skyrocket and I couldn’t do nothing but sigh. Blame it to my impatience. Therefore, if one has a high risk tolerance he/she must supplement it with long thread of patience. Studying the market is also a key. Do not completely rely on others judgment, otherwise you might fall in a pitfall and realize that you just have been victimized by hypers, bashers, strategist or should I say wiser?. But this year, I remain positive and cautious. Plus my Chinese astrology sign say so. Hehe!

Crayola Moments

May 24, 2014, our home was enveloped with silence and mourning. Our beloved dog, Mio, whom I dearly called “bata/bebe” died of certain illness. As much as I wanted to share every bit of my agony hours before he died, I’d rather recall the good memories he left with us. As I am writing this post, I couldn’t help but be emotional. I extremely miss Mio. He was not just my pet, he was my bestfriend and my child. He was a blessing to this family.

 

My Mio, bebe

In the middle of this year, our grandfather suffered a severe case of arthritis due to old age. He couldn’t stand. He couldn’t walk. Sometimes, even small movement was too hard for him. We all felt bad because his target age was 120. He’s 84. Thinking about the possibility of losing him was terrifying. But God is so good. After months of therapy and finding ways to cure his illness, he is now back to his old form. I thank God for giving us more opportunities to serve him.   

2014 was probably one of the most challenging years for almost the entire family. Simple disagreements resulting to squabble day after day were just too many to count. Emotional struggles were just too difficult to handle specially when suppressed. There was even a day I wanted to move out and just breathe somewhere else where I can find the courage to pick myself up quickly. My plan to spend a night in a friend’s house, however, was hindered by someone comparably frail as me. For the first time, in the midst of emotional crisis, I felt important. But more than my inner catastrophe, a lot of unexpected turn of events just happen so abruptly that no one in the family was prepared to comprehend the situation sensibly. Emotions were too over-the-top, most of the time. We were all consumed specially our mother. Things seem better now, at least more peaceful for the time being. I gather strength through prayers. I know there is God who understands our core being. Last week, before I go to bed, I was weeping while talking to God. I asked for God’s embrace. And God answered my prayer --- I had a really good sleep. This year, one of my ultimate goals is to renew my relationship to God. I have been inconsistent in my faith. I want to return so I can feel God’s loving embrace everyday even in the midst of a storm.  

2014 is over and there is nothing I can do but look back; cherish the good memories; and pick valuable lessons from the bad experiences. 2015 has just started. I have plenty of time to write the goals I want to happen this year and I’m going to claim it. In Jesus name. Amen.

To God be the glory. 

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