Wrapping up 2014 - A Lovely Journey

I had learned to value memories - may it be small or big as these are the reasons why I am what I am now. 2014 had been fairly one of the best year I ever had. It is time I reflect and look back to all the blissful events and some shortcomings that I had for this year.

Journey to Self-Discovery

After trekking Taal volcano in 2009, I summon my courage to hike Mt. Pico de Loro (trail difficulty: 4/10) which posed quite a challenge since I was not that fit. There were various times that I want my friends to leave me somewhere in the middle of the mountain for I cannot continue anymore. Reaching the last base camp before the summit was already an accomplishment for me.

No matter how steep and complicated the road might be, the endpoint will always be worth it. I may not be that brave to attack the summit nor climb the monolith, but being able to go out of my comfort zone by hiking Pico de Loro is something I will always be proud of.

Challenging myself did not stop. I knew that surfing could be a dangerous sport, but sometimes we really have to try things first so we could evaluate if we will enjoy and love them. Waves weren't that high during our visit so it's perfect for beginners. I learned that listening to the smallest details from my instructor played an important part why it was so easy to surf.

Beach Bumming will be 100 times happier and enjoyable when shared with your friends. I was very fortunate to have visited few of the best beaches in the country this year. My experience became a lot better because of the companies of great people.

Jump shot and Sunset view at Burot Beach in Calatagan, Batangas 

 By far the best KEM05 experience at Calaguas Virgin Beach in Camarines Norte

Finally some quality out of town trip in La Luz Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas with my best college girl friends

Break from our stress in Boracay Beach. Such a calming view to keep our mind off work!

Journey to Nature and Cultural Appreciation

Maybe it comes with age that I have this fond of loving the beauty of mother Earth. I was so happy to be able to see the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano, to witness the wonders of the Chocolate Hills, to view the majestic Tumalog Falls, and to appreciate the habitat of Tarsiers in Bohol and Butanding in Oslob. Nature has its way of awing you in so many ways. 

Perfect cone of Mayon Volcano

Exploring Bohol's Chocolate Hills with BFF Popples

Awesome Tumalog Falls

A sleeping Tarsier in a Sactuary in Bohol

Amazing experience in Oslob, Cebu with the Butanding. Truly one of a kind.

Churches aside for being a sacred place is also a venue where you could appreciate the architectural style of a specific era. I was very fortunate to see the oldest Basilica at the Queen City of the South and the destructed ones in Bohol affected by the earthquake in 2013. Art is indeed everywhere to entertain and amaze us.

Aside from the churches, I was also fortunate enough to have visited some of the nicest architectural works.

Journey to Job Maturity

I came to realize that having a job is like loving someone, commitment is very important and you must be passionate about it. Politics won't be out of  the equation so I must be strong enough to be motivated to still give my best on what I do. With all the storms I had encountered this year, I am glad that it made become a better employee.

This year was also the time I took more responsibilities at work. Accountability and Integrity are the two values I always honor, and I am trying my best that I always practice that. I was blessed to be assigned to work outside the metro and the country. It is such an honor to be trusted to work on projects that have a vision to improve our technology at work.

Hainan, Sanya, China 

Boracay Island

Journey to Bringing out the kid at heart

I had the solo trip to Hong Kong back in July to visit the happiest place on Earth. I just felt that I should find the things that make me happy - the magical world of Disney. Even the toughest person, has her soft spot.  

Journey to Staying Fit

I realized that it's time I took care of my body. Health is Wealth. The best motivation to stay healthy is to think of the future. Would I be one of those people who struggle financially because of all the maintenance medicine needed to stay alive? Would I not want to witness how my children grow up?

Journey to Loving my Family More

I had always been close to my parents and siblings. Every day of our lives just keeps getting better. Yes, there are days that obstacles face us. That is how life is supposed to be - spices make it challenging. At the end of the day, what is important is we value each other more and more.

Journey to knowing who your Real Friends Are

Being a sociable person, I never find it difficult to befriend others. That's why I used to get thousands of heartaches from people. I tend to always see the best in everyone but sadly that's not how life works. People will not be always good - no matter how much your try to understand them. A few of those so called friends will be considered genuine - the one worth keeping. Those who will have the courage to say straight to your face that you suck at something and still be there to support you in your deepest fall. Distance will never be a hindrance to the friendship and even if it takes only once in a blue moon moment for meets up and catch ups, you know deep inside that they are your treasures.

Journey to aiming for Higher Knowledge

I was also fortunate enough to pursue my dream on getting a masters degree in Environmental Engineering. I was able to enroll my 1st sem in my beloved university - UP Diliman. Going back to college was quite challenging having a full time job. Luckily, I was able to surpass my first semester. This is me taking small steps to reach my career goal. Knowledge should be constantly updated so you could become a competent individual.

Journey to knowing what your heart desires

When it comes to the matter of the heart, I think it is still a working progress. I am at the phase that I don't wanna play games anymore. It is true that I am still enjoying my single status, but I know deep inside that it's time I commit to someone who will compliment my personality. Someone I could share my fondness of travelling and eating out, someone I could share the laughter and tears. Someone who will appreciate me as who I am. 


Journey to dreaming what the future may hold

It just never stops - the vision of the future, my future. I am a planner. I used to write everything down and  figure out the steps and methods to execute my plan and achieve my goals, but sometimes spontaneity is what we need for a perfect ending. 

This year had taught me a lot about myself. There is still a long road for me to take to truly discover my capabilities. There might be detours and road blocks along the way. It is with my faith in God, support with my family and friends that I could surpass the journey and reach the pit stops of life smoothly.

2014 had truly been one of the best! Thank you for being part of my journey. I could not make it without you. I am claiming that 2015 to be more awesome than ever. Happy New Year! :)

On channeling strength after a break up

Many times had my fragile heart been broken but it still amazes me how I was able to see the rainbow after the rain (or storm?). Indeed, undergoing that stage is one of the things I wished to deflect for the rest of my life but it is a process we cannot avoid if the feeling isn't meant to be.

They said first love never dies, true for my case. My first love was a young love, up until now we remained good friends. The romantic love that we felt turned into an unbreakable friendship. I can say that I consider him still one of my best guy friends until now. The second and third  time I fell hard for someone did not turn out to be that good. We are just casual to each other, but good thing is we don't hate each other.

Now I am dealing with the latest. After 6 years I had given my heart the chance to believe in love again and to trust someone to take good care of it. It was all in a blur as I recall. It might had happened too fast but never did I regret that I shared a few moments of happiness with him. I underwent a lot of doubts, questions for the past days because I had been caught off guard. I knew there was something wrong but never did I imagine it would end all at once. I just wished it had ended on a more formal one where we could talk face to face, after all we had been friends since a long time ago before we entered the relationship, so I think I deserve better.

I had been in shock then denied that it was happening. I underwent Isolation for a while. The worst part is me being angry and mad at him. I might have saw all the negative things in our relationship already, and made me think there's no need to bargain anymore. So yeah, depression followed. I was down, thought of the moments we were together and what went wrong. Maybe the one month relationship is also proportional to the phase of the break-up stages I am experiencing, too fast..

BUT it is also possible that I just cannot keep grudges, I had forgiven myself. Regretting will never help. I had to accept that things happen for a reason. This all happened for me to learn something. Maybe I should had guarded my heart more, or this is just to show me again that it is alright to love and be hurt again.

I always find comfort in my family, relatives and close friends. They were the ones who kept enlightening me that life doesn't stop because I was hurt. Ultimately, I surrender my faith to God, I know he understands me most and will not give me any obstacles I cannot surpass. I have to be brave. I have to forgive. I have to let go.

Truly it is only ourselves who can only say if we are ready again. No one can dictate or pressure you when you are ready to forgive and move on.