what to do in 2012

I will be sharing a secret here. 

Every year in between Christmas and New Year, I do a sort of personal retreat. After the Christmas rush and just before the fireworks explode, I enjoy the lull of the cool silence. I look back through the year that was, thank God for the blessings, identify my mistakes, figure out how to work on them, and write down the things I want to do the following year. It's a fun exercise and somehow I feel this keeps me moving forward and growing. 

This year, I kinda worked on this earlier. My friends and I started to look at our life and be thankful for the things we accomplished and received as early as 24 November, Thanksgiving Day. :) Yes, Thanksgiving isn't a Filipino tradition, but we just thought it would be fun to celebrate it anyway. (Seriously, we're just looking for reasons to be together...and eat! Hahaha!) At the same time we also wrote down the things we want to happen in our lives for the next year. It was just about creating the energy and excitement for the new year and also come up with concrete actions on how to make them happen .

Next year, I decided I will work on loving myself more and earning more money. I figured that it's time that I start building a new phase of my life as an adult. Besides, 2012 will surely be the turning point of my professional life. I am just so excited to do the things that I really wanted to do but I am just keeping at bay. NOW is the year to make them come true! Yiiiii! This is really going to be a blast!

________________ 

I found this article on creativity by Alessandra Lanot from her blog Life After Breakfast. She shared a list which can help identify the things you're passionate about and maybe help us discover your life path/direction. Here it is:

1) I really enjoy... (list 15 things)

2) I am very good at... (list 15 things)

3) I am very interested in... (list 5 things)

4) I don't do it much, but I like to... (list 5 things)

5) When I was a child, I wanted to be... (list 3 things)

6) If it weren't too late, I would... (list 3 things)

7) If money were not an object, I would... (list 5 things)

8) If my parents wouldn't object, I would... (list 5 things)

9) These are the people I admire... (list 3 names)

10) These are the people I secretly admire... (list 3 names)

11) The world is in need of more... (list 5 things)

12) I think God wants me to be... (list 2 things)

And while you're at it, make this last list:

The 10 Things You Accomplished This Year 

I will work on it too and maybe I can post my answers. :) Hope you'll come up with your own things to do! :) Have a productive and purposeful life, everyone! :)

the people of my 2011

This is the second year I will create this list of people who spiced up my year. As I got my pen and paper to draw see who these exceptional people are, I realized how blessed I am to have met, experienced, influenced, moved and be loved by as many. To start of...

Kathleen Madula

Kath and I have been friends for almost 10 years now. At the beginning of the year, however, we were given the chance to get to know each other better. Thanks to the proximity of our offices, we get to hang out more often this year. Kath or Bunso, as I would fondly call her, would be my constant chat mate at the beginning of the year. I admire Bunso for her love for life and adventure. She's ever dependable and independent also. :) I miss this girl a lot especially now that she'll be working in a different city already.


SCA Lawyers

I have always prayed to be part of  an excellent but fun law firm. Thank God I became part of SCA Law. These people are the ones who unquestioningly supported me during the time that I did not make it to the Bar. They are my inspiration. I hope this time, I make them proud. :) 

Cecille, Mia and Denise Rebollos

I am so inspired of how these three sisters have fostered good friendship, worked in synergy and just enjoyed each other's uniqueness. They are pictures of love, beauty and character--same yet different. 

Cecille is the eldest of them three--a carefree spirit who commands respect in a very cool and fun way. She is definitely an icon of power and passion. Her red hair is an understatement. Mia, the second, is a mother of three kids and a very loving and supportive wife to her husband. She must be described as gentleness, vulnerability and grace. She draws people to her effortlessly. Whenever you are with her, you just let your walls fall down and you'll enjoy yourself as much as she makes you feel how she enjoys your presence. Denise, the youngest of them three, is love in action. If love is service, that is her. Denise will not settle of anything less than "Pwede na!" but she'll work her way to excellence--whether it be work or relationships.  The moment, she considers you as her friend, bank on it! She'll love you till both of you shall live...or beyond. 

The common denominator: They just be. They live their persons and they inspire others to do just the same. ;)

Nancy Sia

She lives life with the mantra: My love creates miracles...and she does. Coach Nancy was more than a life coach to me. She like a mother who instead of carrying me in her womb, carried me in her big heart until the time of awakening. She cared, guided and supported me. Although I saw her as a tough lover, she let me experience her gentleness which in turn allowed me to open up and taught me to love once again. She was a very loyal friend who will always protect you from anything that might harm you. I am just to blessed to have met her and I am sure we'll carry on a very meaningful friendship in the years to come. 

Power Voice

These six people changed the way I loved. Our relationship was unconventional. For around seventy days,  we all journeyed together as we re-discover our persons. Fyne, Merce, Lit, Pam, Tito Bobet and Coach Nancy completed my council during my LEAP journey. It was a challenging council in the beginning since half of it were deaf-mutes. But at the end of it, I know I am so blessed to be part of this group.

They challenged, stretched and nurtured me. They served as my mirrors and reflected who I am, my relationships and my dreams. They all showed love in different faces. Fyne taught me gentleness and care; Merce taught me responsibility and fun; Lit showed me vulnerability and strength; Pam exuded passion and gratitude; Tito Bobet taught me how to trust and give second chances and of course, Coach Nancy sparked miracles through her love. For the six of you, I will forever be grateful. :)

Audee Villaraza and Kristel Tiangco

In their relationship, I am the third wheel! That's what I always tell them. My friendship with Audee and Kristel started from being mere acquaintances to movie-buddies. For several times this year, they have been my refuge to escape the tortures of work and review. :) Our favorite: Horror movies. Haha! More than that, I am so grateful to have shared a friendship with these two very loving people. To more movie dates, friends! :)

Time Of My Life (TOML) LEAP Team 49

53 students, 9 coaches, 1 head coach, 7 facilitators, 1 love. LEAP Team 49 surely lived the Time of Our Lives as we journeyed for 10 weeks realizing and owning our greatness. I am so grateful to each soul that I have met in this team. You have led me to love and trust myself and ultimately share that to others. Thank you for helping me see my blind spots and supporting me to correct them. Thank you for cheering me on as I went through every challenge for the past months. I am so grateful to have true and vulnerable friends in you. May we share a lifetime of greatness together. From the bottom of my lovingly bitchy heart, I am so grateful for each of you. ♥

Julian Lancelot Caius

Finally, a baby in our family! Juju is my brother's first born. I have always felt happy for my friends' kids, but I never knew that having a baby in your family brings much more joy. 

african safari and writing a book

Since I am bedfast for the past few days with nothing to do but sleep, flick the remote, watch dvds (or let the chattering put me to sleep) and tweet, I felt so useless. I thought of doing a lot of things. Now that I feel a little better yet still incapable of going out and doing stuff, I thought of re-writing the things I wanted to do in my lifetime. I recall writing them down but I am not sure where I have placed it. Perhaps, that list is in one of my diaries piled in my stash in our other house. I usually cross out the things I've done already.

Now, I will re-write them as I can remember. 

1. Experience the REAL African Safari.
2. Zoobic Safari
3. Backpack in Europe (Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Greece and UK)
4. Southern Exploration (CDO, Davao, Bukidnon and Camiguin)
5. Lead sing for a full live band
6. Sing with an acoustistic band
7. Have a kiddie party on my birthday
8. Participate in a WYD abroad (Canada 2002)
9. Learn conversational French (Gahd! I have been wanting this since 2005. All I now is how to count! )
10. Travel in Japan eat in one of their Izakayas, bathe in one of their hot spring pools and see the cherry blossoms.
11. Meet Mickey Mouse
12. Have photo with the Merlion
13. Visit Universal Studios
14. Swim with the Dolphins
15. Travel alone for at least a week outside the Philippines.
16. Shop in Thailand. 
17. Ride an Elephant
18. Sleep all day
19. Have my dream house
20. Own a beach house
21. Kiss in the rain
22. Bathe in the rain
23. Whitewater raft in CDO
24. Bathe in a falls
25. Go to Coron
26. Go back to Coron. ;)
27. Eat authentic Lechon Cebu in Cebu
28. Lounge in Boracay
29. Set foot in Japan  (actually, just a stopover)
30. Own an all-day breakfast resto
31. Own a bookstore
32. Japanese food overload
33. Pen Pals @Manila Peninsula
34. Date JLC and Derek Ramsay.
35. Finish working on the photobook
36. Top the Bar
37. Learn to play the guitar
38. Polish playing the piano
39. Climb Mt. Pulag
40. Climb Mt. Pinatubo
41. Visit Mayon Volcano
42. See Mt. Fuji
43. See Mt. Mayon for real!
44. Eat authentic Bicol Express
45. Experience Batanes
46. Spend a White Christmas
47. Get over my fear of the deep
48. Learn to Scuba Dive
49. Pagudpod
50. Sky Dive!
51. Write a book
52. Act in a play
53. Sing in a choir
54. Play Ultimate
55. Play Ultimate (Frisbee) again
56. Marathon
57. Run
58. Watch World Cup Finals Live!
59. Glide through a zip line
60. Work in a fun law firm
61. Grow the tshirt printing biz
62. Grow the atchara biz
63. Red Ford Escape
64. Eat Durian Ice Cream
65. Get inked (henna at least)
66. Volunteer for Gawad Kalinga
67. Become a life coach
68. Love like crazy
69. Have a photo shoot
70. Have a glamour photo shoot
71. Read all day
72. Cook a feast
73. Throw a party for my birthday
74. Give free hugs
75. Box
76. Plant trees
77. See Wicked
78. Watch plays
79. Be gadget-free for a day
80. Learn how to jump rope
81. Bike
82. See Halong Bay
83. Eat street foods
84. Shop til you drop
85. Die rich
86. Invest in stocks
87. Become a multi-millionaire
88. Send kids to school
89. Adopt a dog
90. Teach
91. Dance 
92. Record songs
93. Fly a kite
94. Jump in a trampoline like crazy
95. Randomly give money away
96. Carry a bag with lots of money inside

Hmn... I guess that's all for now. I'll keep updating this list.

the people of my 2010

For the past two years I have wanted to make an entry such as this, but I fail. Magazines, blog entries, articles would feature the most popular figures of a particular year-- people who sometimes we do not even know but in one way or another affected or influenced us. I chose make one that is personal to me. This blog entry is for all of those whom I have met, made impact, inspired and I found very interesting for this year.

...and the winners are:

Joanne Fajardo

I have known Joanne since college days. Since then she has ever been a fun-loving person, always finding things to laugh about. She has always been cheerful, bright and happy. This year Joanne and her family surely went through a very tough year because of an accident that her sister met. Joanne is the one personally attending to the needs of her only sister to the point of resigning from work. She gave up a big chunk of her personal life just to for her sister and her mom. Through all these, you will not hear any complain. This is love--selfless and never asking anything in return. 

Carlo Lorenzo and John Ben Rodriguez

John Ben and Carlo

If you would see Carlo and John Ben together, you will know immediately that they are opposites but inseparable. Carlo is snotty, John Ben is funny. Carlo can be very engaging while John Ben can be quite reserved at the start.  Individually, they have their own light to shine, but together they make each other's light shine better and brighter--a perfect team. I admire these two men for their faithfulness to each other as friends and co-ministers in God's vineyard. To date, they have raised two campus feasts, several caring groups and have definitely touched a lot of people's lives. I was super blessed to have counted them as my friends for this year. 

Tita Mina Ramirez

I have always wanted to meet a Proverbs wife (one who possesses the qualities described in Proverbs 31: 10-13) and I was blessed to have met Tita Mina Ramirez this year. Tita Mina is the mother of my friend and campus missionary, Miguel Ramirez. The first time I met her I already knew how beautiful a woman she is. She speaks of the blessings. She is generous with affirmations, truth and counsel. She is very gentle and loving. Her spirit is so calm that you just enjoy being yourself whenever you are with her because you know you are enjoyed as well. I thought, "I wanted to be like her when I reach her age." Thanks Tita Mina for the friendship. :)

Fr. Clarence Marquez, OP

Our friendship dated from long ago and it peculiarly started with slippers. Through the years we have evolved from acquaintances to trusted friends. Fr. Clarc has been one of the my faithful hope-givers, cheerleader, and prayer partner this year especially during my Bar Examinations. I would always borrow his words describing me during my bar season: "soaring in grace" and that kept me flying. :) He'd always assure me that he's taking the exam with me. I have found a new meaning of God's love in the friendship we share.

Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

I grew fond of Rissa 1) because she leads worship very effectively during Feasts and 2) she is the sister of my classmate in Fr. Jocis' class,  Ronna. This year, when I was blessed to serve the the Single's stream of KCon 2010, I got to listen to her talk: Waiting for the One and it ministered to me big time! I now wish to have the same resilience that Rissa had in waiting for God's will and choice for your life partner. :) I resolve not to be an impatient bride anymore. Hihi.

Obet and Joie Cabrillas

This couple took me as their spiritual daughter and their love brought in overflowing healing and love in my life. :) Thanks Mommy and Daddy. To more years of serving God! :)

Carlisle Marie 

2009 wasn't very good for me and Carlisle but 2010 brought us close and renewed our friendship. This year, I saw how tough she is, how she's grown and how you can just be yourself with her. I admired her perseverance in Faith and her desire to seek God and His goodness. Carlisle is one of the very few people who walked with me through the toughest exam I took in my life. Through this she has been my hope-giver and friend. :) Thank you Cai! To more years of friendship! :) 

Julius, Jon and Em

This year my siblings and I reached notches higher in closeness. And it is surely a great, great blessing for us. :) We've learned to share our stories and involve each other in the lives one another. I was happy to know that the love we shared healed us all. :) More years of healing and love, guys! :) And more photobooth tripping! :)

top ten blessings for 2010 ++

Although 2010 isn't officially over, I took the liberty to enumerate the blessings I received this year and pick those ten that blew my mind away. 

1) Finishing Law School

After five long years of reading Supreme Court jurisprudence, books and annotations, memorizing provisions of law, enduring classroom recitations with cruel professors and having cups (or even tumblers) of coffee, I have finally reached the end of this journey of learning. I finally graduated from law school. My law school story was not a smooth one. Somewhere in the middle, I had to stop, take a break and continue three semesters later in a different school. Law school was where my best and worst was let out. It was also where my dreams where sifted. It was one of the toughest paths I took, but surely it was fun. Getting up the stage and receiving my awards was tops. It was truly a crowning moment!

 Receiving my Leadership Award from Mr. Cayco

 With co-awardee, Carlisle and our parents

My Batch! 

2) Coron 

Paradise. Good times.

Coron was perfect to cap law school and start the review for the Bar. Together with my friends from law school, we wasted four days on the beach doing nothing but rest and make good memories. Beer. Good food. White sand. Waves. Warm sun. Laughter. And lots of pictures. Truly a piece of heaven. 

3) Bar Review

Almost half of my 2010 was devoted to reviewing for the Bar Examinations. I spent my days (and nights sometimes) re-reading my old text books, devouring review materials, seriously squeezing in my brain every bit of material information that I think I can use during the exam. Almost six months to prepare for the eight bar subjects. It was a season of perseverance, self-discipline and grace. It was hair-splitting, sometimes boring because day in and out I was doing the same things over and over. It has surely pushed me to my limits. Thank God for friends and study buddies for keeping me sane. :)

4) Bar Examinations

These are the four Sundays of my life that I will never forget. The longest September I ever had. Awesome. Outstanding. Mind-boggling. Nerve wracking. Emotional roller-coaster. The beginning of the fulfillment my dreams. :) 

5) LOJ Campus Missions

This year I was blessed by God with seven men--Carlo, John Ben, Migs, JYo, Chao, Raser and JC. These men possessed hearts which are devoted to Jesus and His ministry.

One week after the Bar Examinations, I received individual text messages from these men telling me that they have chosen me to be the Admin Head of the LOJ Campus Missions. I was floored! It was an honor to serve God through this ministry of touching the lives of the young people in campuses. Truly humbling. Working with the brothers was challenging considering that I have to relate with seven different personalities (plus our director, Daddy Obet). My blessing though is that I was able to be establish friendships with them before I took on the job. :) This is my first time to say this: These seven men changed my life, brought me healing and filled me with so much love. Thank God for the seven of you, guys. I love you all from the deepest of my heart. :)

 UST College of Commerce Retreat, Tagaytay

 Visiting Migs at the Hospital

Missionaries Meeting, Lighthouse

6) Birthday Surprises

I love surprises and this year....I got three. :)

7) Carlisle

This year, I renewed my friendship with Carlisle. Our friendship was greatly tested last year, that almost made me give up on it. But the Lord was faithful to give us the chance to restore, rekindle and renew it. The Bar season pulled us closer and she was my hope giver then. :) 

8) Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP)

I would have been an Iskolar had my mom not refused the idea. Although for years now, I have grown a certain affinity to this University. I had friends who allowed me to make good memories in its campus. This year UP has become a big part of my life--my study buddy and I would sometimes visit and attempt to study here; isaw trips; Rodick's detox moments; UP Campus Feast; tambays with friends. UP = Good times. :)

9) Light Of Jesus Family

Need I say more? :) 

I had a convo with Niki Yokingko and I have expressed how blessed I am to have been blessed with people who walk with you through life like family; people who pray for you; people who desire Jesus as much as you do; people who wish the best for you; and people who just simply make a little heaven down here with. :)

10) My sister, Margareth, a.k.a Bebe

She is my favorite sister, because she is my only sister I got. :) This year our relationship leveled up and got deeper than ever. She's the first person I tell how my review day was. She took care of my during the Bar even if she was younger than me. Alabyu bebe. :)

....and just to end the year

God gave me a bonus. I got work as Christmas gift. :) I'm starting in January! :)