As of writing, it is the last day of the year, December 31, 2023 – fondly coined as “123123”, iykyk. 😉
I feel like this year also turned as fast as 123 just like how the previous years have been. Although, there was a phase that the months seemed slower and nights seemed longer. Despite the challenges and a plot twist, I am still choosing to look back to a year of unexpected turns and highlights.
I feel like this year also turned as fast as 123 just like how the previous years have been. Although, there was a phase that the months seemed slower and nights seemed longer. Despite the challenges and a plot twist, I am still choosing to look back to a year of unexpected turns and highlights.
Abby, senpai era 😝
It was 2019 when I applied for graduate school and barely had a month to review for the admission test. Honestly, I am not expecting that I’ll pass and so I am overjoyed when I received a congratulatory email confirmation. Since then, I said to myself that I will never waste the opportunity given to me since earning another degree has been a long overdue project of mine.
I thought entering graduate school will be easier. However, I realized that it was more challenging given the uncertainties brought by COVID. It was never a walk in the park and along the journey, I have given up a lot of my leisure and personal time just to meet all the academic requirements. Hindi madali lalo pa’t hindi ako matalino, I must make extra effort because the subjects are pretty much math intensive. There have been sleepless nights, a lot of overthinking, a lot of crying, and a lot of comparing my progress with others… Nonetheless, I continue to move forward. “You did not come this far to only come this far”, as told to us by one of my favorite professors. February 18, 2023 will always be a memorable one for completing my Masters Degree in Applied Economics. Salamat, La Salle! 💚
I thought entering graduate school will be easier. However, I realized that it was more challenging given the uncertainties brought by COVID. It was never a walk in the park and along the journey, I have given up a lot of my leisure and personal time just to meet all the academic requirements. Hindi madali lalo pa’t hindi ako matalino, I must make extra effort because the subjects are pretty much math intensive. There have been sleepless nights, a lot of overthinking, a lot of crying, and a lot of comparing my progress with others… Nonetheless, I continue to move forward. “You did not come this far to only come this far”, as told to us by one of my favorite professors. February 18, 2023 will always be a memorable one for completing my Masters Degree in Applied Economics. Salamat, La Salle! 💚
Living her PHIXO era
This year, my fan girl mode got reactivated due to various concerts/fan meets held in Manila. It started with EXO-SC’s Fancon in Manila (May), K-Pop Overpass Music Concert (June) – Baekhyun was part of the line-up of artists followed by On Festival Off: Manila – saw an emotional (cutiepie haha huhu) Suho entering the stage, and the most recent one was held last December 16 which was Penshoppe x Chanyeol Fan Meet. Ang hirap kapag tingi-tingi, to be honest, since it’s costly! While those moments are worth it, I plan to be more intentional when buying tickets next year and (hopefully) prioritize those other EXO members I have not seen perform live – cannot wait for Lay Zhang’s concert tour.
As part of her “getting some culture” this 2023
Of course, we did not miss the chance to watch the international run Hamilton which kickstarted in Manila! The tickets are obviously expensive, but the view is good and I enjoyed the performance of the superb cast. We’re also able to watch Rachel Ann Go perform as Eliza Schulyer-Hamilton.
Meanwhile, watching The Last Five Years was quite a spontaneous one because Jassy just recommended it to me previously and coincidentally, the show dates got extended until November – I feel the need to grab those tickets LOL. While the storyline only involves two characters all throughout – the dialogues were beautifully executed and I was able to grasp the story, very much relatable too. After which, we had a filling dinner and delicious hotpot at Jiang Nan and coffee at nearby Starbucks for catch-up and post-play discussion. 😅
Being a Pinoy stand-up comedy "advocate"
Was glad to watch more live comedy shows this year with a total of four! First is the Absolute Mega Best of Comedy Manila which features four main headliners namely Red Ollero, Victor Anastacio, GB Labrador, and James Caraan. Last August, I invited my other friends to watch the solo shows of Red and Victor which are Mabuhay is a Lie and Birthday Set, respectively. I capped off my birth month by watching the Best of Comedy Manila with some of my closest friends – Eunice, Keene, Rods, Jassy, and ate Joy. Proclaiming myself as an advocate since I introduced them into watching the local stand-up comedy scene. 😂 Looking forward to watching more comedy shows with them next year.
Witnessing celebration of love
During the last quarter of 2023, I attended my college friends’ weddings. Kim and Tom’s wedding at the Manila Cathedral was so simple and elegant at the same time. I am also very much delighted to be part of the entourage for Ange and Resty’s wedding this December. Last August, I was also invite to my former officemate, Lisa’s wedding; we also used the time to catch-up and share a good laugh with her and other officemates, Lau and Kevin.
This year I am not too sentimental about weddings as compared with the last. I am happy for for my friends who finally met the love of their lives and finally taking the next step. I am honored to be a witness as they enter a new chapter of their lives, I continue to wish them better years ahead as newlyweds. 💫
Abby, in her traveler era ✈
Started my 2023 with a domestic travel, Cebu-bound! I had a day exploring the city while spent the next three days to Bantayan Island. It was so calming to be staying near the beach, the seafoods are also cheap and delicious. There was a storm during our trip but thankfully we did not experienced any delays or other mishaps.
Early May 2023, I also visited the beautiful provinces of Dumaguete and Siquijor – thanks to Cebu Pacific Ceb super pass vouchers LOL. The beaches in Siquijor are also to go for. My experience in Cambugahay falls was one for the books, many thanks for our tour guide for ensuring that I’ll be safe all throughout the activies.
Japan was my first international travel after the pandemic, I had fun flying solo! I was freezing as soon as I step outside the Kansai International Airport towards the express train. I stayed there for almost a week and the experience was truly memorable, so much so that I wanted to go back to Osaka to explore more places and experience it differently this time.
Little did I know that booking that Singapore trip early on is just timely as I was going through “that” phase in my life. I went back to Singapore last September as a solo traveler this time – it was a much-needed time off; the trip contributed to my healing process and self-discovery – as cliché as it may sound but believe it’s true. I had a liberating time away from home and was able to get a breather too.
Always a work in progress
Kung si Taylor Swift ay may Eras Tour, ako naman ay may end of an era.
(This is an attempt of me trying to make a joke amidst a sad situation. Yes, just like Matthew Perry.)
Moving on from a long-term relationship is never easy but as always, kakayanin. This year was not my best but I definitely learned a lot from it. First is protecting my peace – I avoided things and people so that I won’t be triggered. Second is related to the first one which is “out of sight, out of mind” – this one is pretty much straight forward. Masakit man sa una ngunit alam kong kinakailangan ko itong gawin para sa aking sarili… ako naman ngayon. Lastly, I am still in the process of healing and a work in progress. Quoting one of my favorite local store, Linya-Linya: May katapangan sa pagsisimulang muli.
Salamat
Salamat sa aking mga kaibigan na patuloy na umiintindi at umaalalay sa akin.
Salamat sa pakikinig, sa pagsama, sa oras, sa presenya.
Thank you for the assurance.
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
Thank you, next!
I also celebrated my 30th birthday this year (#AbbyBirthday hahaha). I started my day serving the Lord and saying my gratitude and wishes. I always hope and pray that he continue to heal and guide me - it has been a crazy journey lately but I chose to accept, readjust, and realign. Every day I learn to get through. 💛
As to conclude this meaty blog (thank YOU for even reading up to this point 😄), allow me to quote an excerpt from one of my favorite books for 2023, Charlotte Freeman’s This Was Meant To Find You (When You Needed It Most).
New Beginnings
I know that you’re wondering if you will find happiness again, but I also know that you can. I know that it’s hard to see past this moment, but this moment is not forever. If people can be temporary in our lives, then so too can feelings. Feel everything you need to feel at this moment, as this feeling is necessary for your healing. Hold onto the hope that you can carry yourself through this pain and uncertainty, until the days feel a little brighter and your soul feels a little lighter.
Here's to powering through 2024 with new beginnings.
Magpapatuloy,
Abby 🌻
