13.

My first UN Christmas -- just a little less than five months since I arrived in Manila from Cebu.
I just turned 26 in this picture. I was 30 pounds lighter. I had big dreams.
And no, I can't remember why I was the only one who looked very happy in this picture. Haha.
Here with colleagues Masako, Dr Vic, Adam, and Angela.

. . . . .
It has been 13 years since I left Cebu to work here in Manila.

Those who know me long enough know I celebrate my anniversary every year. This year, I totally forgot! It was only last week when I remembered. So last weekend, J and I celebrated with an unhealthy meal at Chili's -- it was already a month and a few days late.

My journey has not been very easy, that is why I celebrate every year. I celebrate in gratitude for the all the blessings, experiences, lessons learned, adventures, misadventures, and friends I met along the way.

Last year, I wrote this and I feel more grateful now for everything.

Happy Anniversary, Self.

And THANK YOU to everyone who witnessed my beginnings and loved me since.


Took a leap of faith about five years ago and pursued what I always loved -- photography.
That's me taking pictures during our Bali trip. Thank you, Rissa, for this! :D

. . . . .
I am very hopeful about the future.

While I have plans, I am also open to serendipity. I am allowing life to surprise me. I am utterly excited about the next 13, 14, 15 years.

I have also been ticking off items in my Life List and I know that I will be ticking off more items as I go on with my journey. I know there will be more adventures, more learning, more friends, more blessings, more worlds to conquer, more memories to keep.

THANK YOU, Universe.