I have so many things to thank for last year. I was able to meet new people, learn new things and travel different places.

Highlights:

March 2014 – Went to Japan (Tokyo then to Osaka), then got engaged to the love of my life

Going to Japan was my dream since a child. On March 2014, my dream came true. I arrived at Narita Airport and fetched by my girlfriend. I stayed in her place in Shonandai. I also proposed to her and she said yes!

I also experienced the transition from snow to the cherry blossom season. My travel was on the right timing.

I also rode the shinkansen and met Ashley’s family in Befu.

April 2014 – My paper was published in Asia Pacific Chronicle

Thank you APC for supporting!

April 2014 – Baler Trip with APC colleagues and friends

I was invited to join my very good and nice Atenean colleagues (haha, majority of them) from APC. They are actually from the School of Accountancy and Business (SOAB) but we became friends when my work cubicle was placed near them. We stayed in Bay’s Inn. The food and beach were very awesome. We went to the Mother Falls, visited the Baler Museum, heard mass in their church and visited a very old tree in Aurora.

I also attempted to do surfing. But I really need to lose weight before attempting another one. hehehe

April 2014- Pagsanjan Trip with the family

We went to Pagsanjan for the Holy Week. We rode a small boat to go to Pagsanjan falls. There were so many Korean tourists there! Pagsanjan has a good LTE signal but the lodging places there are not so good.

We stayed in Lagos del Sol (the place was very peaceful and elegant). I recommend it for those who would like a serene and clean place.

We did some polo barong shopping in Lumban and slippers/shoe shopping in Liliw. We stopped in Los Banos to buy the original buko pie and cow’s milk and chocolate drink. The traffic in Los Banos to Calamba, however, was stand still. (more family bonding time!)

May 2014- General Santos Trip with the family

It was my first time to go to Mindanao and I find it peaceful and progressive. I think the media is responsible for giving us a very negative impression of Mindanao.

We went to the famous KCC Mall of Gensan. We alo went to SM and Robinsons. The Pacman Gym is just across SM Gensan.

We went for a 2-hour drive to White Haven Beach Resort in Glan. We were at the bottom of the Philippines! The beach was very natural and the place was far from the city. It’s not commercialized. It’s a virgin place and a quiet one.

May 2014 – Pico de Loro Trip with the family c/o Coca-Cola

We went to the annual company Family Day at Coca-Cola in Pico de Loro. It was a long drive from Makati to Batangas. The place looks very elegant but the beach is not good compared to the one in Glan. haha The White Haven beach resort set the standards. 🙂

There was plenty of food prepared by the company. We did some kayaking and used the swimming pool. There were plenty of Coke giveaways in the end. It was a tiresome day for us.

August 2014 – Attended Joan’s Wedding in Subic with friends

Congrats to Joan Diaz-Ruiz, a college friend of mine who got married to Jordan Ruiz. It was also a reunion with the Plaridel friends after a long time not seeing each other.

August 2014 – Move-in at current home in Quezon City

After 3 years of saving money, I have finally moved in my current home here in Quezon City. The renovation was very costly. At this point, there’s no money left in my wallet haha

August 2014 – Birthday celebration with the Lolas in Cavite and family

Actually, I do not anymore want to have a big celebration in my birthday. But my grandmas always want to have a celebration. So I stayed in Cavite and spent time with them on my birthday which fell on a weekday.

I went for an afternoon mass in St. Alphonsus, Magallanes. Then we went for a KTV night with the family.

September 2014 – Ashley’s sponsored trip to Manila

It was a late birthday gift but it was planned. Ashley’s visiting Manila for an event called “Kawaii in Manila.” The event was a success. I met her new friends, Kaila, Anne Kate, Kaye, Erick and Tricia.

She was able to meet my colleagues in Coca-Cola. We had a post-birthday celebration in Elias, The Fort BGC.

October 2014 – Housewarming with friends and family

There were 2 batches of housewarming. I don’t have pictures of the second batch with my Coca-Cola officemates. But I have to acknowledge Sheryll for bringing in some food. Thank you!!

The visitors in the first housewarming were my college friends plus Lance (boyfriend of Kenwin) and Jordan (husband of Joan). We had a simple pot luck and played the board game “Resistance.” It was a very fun game!

Special mention to the following donors haha:

Jonna – for the Ikea alarm clock

Ninong Erick – for the wall clock

My dad – for the induction cooker and expensive pan haha

November 2014 – Watched IPTL with my Dad at MOA Arena

I got tickets for the IPTL, thanks Coca-Cola! My dad and I watched the IPTL featuring Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray. I’m not a fan of tennis but they were superb! The 2-hour drive from BGC to MOA Arena was worth it.

December 2014 – Conducted a workshop in SSS

I’m happy that I was commissioned to conduct a workshop. Actually, the primary reason why I accepted the worksop was for experience. The workshop was a success!

December 2014 – Various Christmas parties and family days

I always consider December as a thanksgiving month. It’s not the food and the prizes in Christmas parties that I enjoy. What I enjoy in Christmas parties is that I am able to see and chat with friends and relatives that I haven’t seen for some time. Also, it’s gift giving too! I’m glad that I have a little extra money to buy gifts for everybody in my list. 🙂

I hope 2015 will be better. I have so much plans and goals to meet this year.

Thank you Lord for supporting and guiding me all the way.