1. At home, we had our traditional New Year’s Eve celebration (2011), but this time with a new member of the family, Princess Reigne my niece.
2. When I was finding inspiration and time to write again, I was introduced to blogging. I now maintain three blogs: for personal reflections, for travel experiences and for old literary attempts.
3. I started a new hobby - photography. Three factors encouraged me to do photography: my passion to travel, my desire to document the events of our growing family, and my yearning to have a creative activity that I would sustain for a long time. After consultation with friend-photographers and reading of reviews, I finally got in January my Nikon D3100, a beginner’s camera. Throughout 2011, my DSLR served as my travel buddy and together we captured many of my own and my family’s most memorable moments. The results have inspired me to learn and grow in the hobby.
4. I volunteered for Ma’am Jude Vergel de Dios, College Freshmen Formation Program facilitator, in the immersion activity of students at Cagsao, Calabanga. There, I had my first attempt at photography. First scenes: sunset and mangroves.
5. My grandmother, Simplicia San Buenaventura, died of old age. Her nine daughters, all living, had their reunion at the funeral and burial. I volunteered as the event’s photographer.
6. I had my first domestic travel with my mother in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. There, we were amazed by the Underground River which later in the year was voted worldwide as one of the Seven New Wonders of Nature. My mother bought a lot of pearls and ube hopia, the best I tasted, for pasalubong.
7. On February 3, my trip from home to work was not an ordinary one. My parents and I had to go out of the car to see a long rainbow hung across the morning skies of San Rafael, Cararayan. A neighbor, also watching it, said the rainbow appears when a storm has passed. Good thing, I brought with me my camera.
8. Trish Penelope Arana, Janice Tresvalles, Herold Pelonio and I went to some places in Sagnay as area visit for the Alternative Class Program activity, Captured: Picturing God – a Nature Photography Workshop. The best part of it was when the parish priest brought us to Odiongan, an elevated road overlooking Atulayan Island.
9. At Nato Port, Sagnay, we met boys who allowed us to take pictures of them diving fearlessly to the sea. My album of them entitled Leap of Faith, is one of my first albums I am most proud of.
10. Together with Office of Student Affairs staff, as a send-off for Jen Fernandez, we went to Donsol for firefly watching, which was one of the new and fascinating experiences I had this year. We also visited some spots in Albay like the Lignon Hill, Embarcadero and Cagsawa Ruins. Jen was eventually replaced by Lax Gasga who used to work as student assistant of OSA.
11. The dandelions - Fr. Ritche, Janice, Francis, Trish, Lax, Herold, Vince Atos and Errol Pederio - embarked on a long road trip from Naga to Manila to Baguio and finally to Sagada, Mountain Province. Together, we walked on the edges to reach Echo Valley, Sagada Terraces, Bomod-ok Falls, Lumiang Cave and Kiltepan Viewpoint. The most challenging and unforgettable part of the adventure was the spelunking at Sumaguing Cave. The most rewarding part was retreating at the Lemon Pie House for the delicious pies, tea and omelet. We also had the chance to witness the traditional Balangbang Dance for the Etag Festival. Indeed, it was for me the most adventurous getaway I had this year.
12. From Sagada, we went to Mirador, Baguio. Trish, Herold, Janice, Errol and I had to stay there for our day-day silent retreat.
13. It was my fourth silent retreat, the second at Mirador. With the guidance of my retreat director was Bro. Bong, I had meaningful prayer and reflection sessions. I shared to the big group during the last mass: “…in my reflection, the prayer of St. Ignatius came to mind. It is his response to God’s great love, his interpretation of Jesus’ challenge to the rich man: Kunin mo, O Diyos, at tanggapin mo ang aking kalayaan, ang aking kalooban, puso at gunita ko… Ang lahat ay tatalikdan ko…
“Beautifully written, but the prayer is easier read, said or sung than done. I would be dishonest and hypocrite if I tell the Lord that at this time or sooner… ang lahat ay tatalikdan ko. Truth is, deep inside me, there is selfishness and so much self-love. Truth is, after this retreat, I will sin.
But then again, God reassured: I am loved. I am loved despite my sins, my inadequacies, my excesses. But then again, as the ending of St. Ignatius’ prayer, I am reassured: Just give me your love and your grace, it is enough for me. And I know very well, how loving my God is. I am reassured.”
14. As if the Sagada trip was not enough, the dandelions, minus Fr. Ritche, Vince and Lax, plus Len Tipay, roamed Baguio for a day before going home.
15. I signed up for my fifth retreat in 2012, still in Baguio.
16. On Maundy Thursday, Herold, Janice and I had our Visita Iglesia – from Quipayo of Calabanga to Christ the King Church of ADNU. We were able to visit 14 churches.
17. On Good Friday, my family had an excursion at Panicuason Hot Spring, with baby Princess Reigne and brother John’s friend Billie from Manila Water.
18. As part of my photography practice, on some days during the Summer I waited for the sunset at Basilica/Eternal Gardens and outside the SM. I compiled the good shots in my facebook album Suns in the City.
19. I served as small group facilitator of The Transporters at A-WILL. One morning, we went to interview transport group leaders in Naga City.
20. Early morning, while going home from the A-WILL, I spotted a beautiful sunrise from outside the ADNU gate.
21. I was conferred with the City Excellence Award, Mayoral Awards 2011, by the Naga City Government for my representation of the Philippines in two international conferences in 2010, namely the World Youth Congress in Turkey and the ASEAN+3 Capital Youth Festival in Vietnam. I was elated to be recognized by the City Government as a Nagueno. But more than a gift, the award was a reminder and challenge for me to embody everyday what the recognition truly means to me as a citizen and worker.
22. I had my fourth international travel in South Korea which allowed me to roam practically all the major cities and provinces in the country. The entire International Youth Forum experience, despite some not-so-met expectations and minor inconveniences, challenged my tolerance and patience; strengthened my personal faith and humbled me; and opened my heart a bit more to build friendship that transcends cultural differences and language barrier.
23. I wrote in my blog 101 Interesting Things About My International Youth Fellowship Korean Experience.
24. I met new Filipino and Korean friends in two groups I had in Korea: Truth 5 and Truth D3 teams. I have maintained contact with them to this day.
25. While in Korea, Janice helped Mama create her Facebook account. I was not able to use my phone so we had to communicate through e-mail and Facebook.
26. Still while in Korea, one of my lovebirds died.
27. I got frustrated over ‘something’ at work, which did not necessarily affect my work disposition. I just thought that I deserve ‘that’ consideration.
28. I joined the fun run (or walk) for the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
29. I helped organize the feast’s Community Merienda.
30. To my surprise, I was appointed OIC of the Director of Athletics for Intramurals 2011. I did a lot of troubleshooting before the event. But when it started, the staff led by She Nacario were able to take on the responsibility.
31. To my surprise again, I was appointed chairperson for the University Safety Committee. But as I accepted it, I have considered it an opportunity to serve.
32. After my Korean experience, in July and August, I felt many feelings, mostly recurrent. On August 9, I articulated these concerns in my blog. I wrote:
“I am happy to have lost some weight, but I still feel so heavy. It must be the extra baggage that went along with me when I came home from Korea two weeks ago. It must be some issues, mostly recurrent, that have been trying to disturb the happiness that I feel right now.
“I should be happy but these issues are more pronounced by the fact that September is just around the corner, and what it means for me: my 29th birthday, and my fourth year in Ateneo de Naga. Work can effectively make me busy and forgetful, at least in the nine to ten hours that I am in the office. But these issues are so persistent they know when I’m unguarded: when I’m at peace, when I’m alone, when I’m home.
“But I am happy, happier than before. Yes, I still feel weird about my position in the University. My compensation is still frustrating. My lovelife is still dull. Nevertheless, life has been more good than unjust to me. Results of my work have been very satisfactory. My colleagues and friends have been inspiring. Outside my work, I have been so blessed with rich and meaningful experiences like travels and friendship. Many joyful events have happened in the lives of my family, in my relationship with them.
“For these I am happy; I know I want more than a happy life. I am grateful; I know deep inside me something is wasted, something is stagnant. I am loved; I know I have a life to taste, with all its sweetness and bitterness. I am good; I know I can do, give and be so much more. I am safe; I know I have to go out of my comfort zone, take some risks, change some plans.
“Still, I am happy, but then I worry that loneliness would strike very soon when the movements inside me remain unattended. Twice I tried to reflect on these issues, but work concerns have found their way to distract me, to keep me busy, as if slowing down or delaying something I should have done before.
“Happily I know that change is coming sooner or later. I just need to make decisions. I just need some courage and will. I just need some plans. Or maybe, I don’t need to plan. Maybe I just have to wait for life’s surprises. Maybe in September I’ll know.”
33. As my birthday neared, I went through deep and long retro and introspection. I wrote my reflection in my blog, entitled To be 29. Part of the long essay said: “TODAY, at twenty-eight, I am still underpaid. I still feel underappreciated. I am still not romantically in love. I am still having thoughts on leaving or not the University or the country. But today, I recall having earned Mayoral Award at a young age. I have traveled four countries abroad in the last two years. I have 788 Facebook friends from 35 countries. I have found a new passion – photography, and organized 44 albums in eight months. My brother has just been promoted Associate Manager of Manila Water. My mother is in the peak of her career as a teacher and school administrator. My father is still the kindest father a son can ask for. My sister has been blessed with a child, Princess Reigne, who has made home livelier and the grownups happier. Today, God affirms His great love for me, through the love of my family and other people and the many gifts I have received all these years. It would be too ungrateful and unjust of me if I rant a lot. After all, I am not underpaid.”
I concluded: “Tomorrow, at twenty-nine, I will seize the chance to be stronger, wiser, more grateful, more forgiving, more loving than today.”
34. I celebrated my 29th birthday. I cooked spaghetti for my family and officemates. My colleagues bought a cake with a candle for me.
35. Colleague and friend Francis resigned from OSA to work abroad. As a simple send-off for him, the OSA team had a videoke session at Music Box. Jan Agna replaced Francis.
36. This year I had my most memorable Traslacion. For the first time, I witnessed a river of humanity live (not on TV) bound by Marian devotion, captured it in my camera, and ingrained it in my memory. With Herold, Tin Dihiansan and Errol, we were allowed entry to the overpass along Penafrancia Avenue even without securing ID from the City hall to have a good perspective of
the Traslacion.
37. With friends, I ate a lot of cheese waffle at a food stall beside DITO, along Elias Angeles Street.
38. I had my fifth international trip, the first with my mother, in Thailand. I felt a little frustrated because Mama decided not to join me in our planned Ayutthaya tour because she was already tired after the tour at the temples in Bangkok the first day. So without Mama, I continued with the Ayutthaya tour, which was the best part of the Thailand trip. There, I reached Bang Pa-in Palace complex and experienced river cruising along Chao Phraya.
39. My niece, Princess Reigne, celebrated her first kiddie party at home, with all the party hats, balloons and clown! I cooked the food and served as photographer.
40. Friends and I wore the Doreimon cap Janice bought from Baguio, and had ourselves photographed. I created a Facebook album for the photos, entitled: Ang Mahiwagang Sumbrerong Tagginaw ni Doreimon.
41. I received a ‘message’ to which I really did not know how to respond or react for a time. I realized my immaturity in the matters of the heart. But after some reflection, I replied as honest and kind as I can be.
42. Uncle Uben died.
43. I bought two office plants which remain healthy today.
44. Janice, Lax, Trish, Jan and I went river boating and railroad skating at Lupi-Sipocot. Thanks to Manay Min of Lupi’s anti-dam group and Shane of INECAR.
45. I was the speaker on Copyreading and Headline Writing in the Journalism Seminar-Workshop for school paper advisers organized by the Division of Naga City Schools. It was such an honor and challenge to have teachers as my audience.
46. I was speaker on the same journalism field at University of Nueva Caceres’ school paper, Trailblazer. It was my pleasure to be part of my alma mater’s campus journalists’ training.
47. I attended the necrological services for Dr. Dolores H. Sison. I posted my thoughts on Dolly’s passing on Facebook: “I remember singing, whether in solo or in choir, in some of her usually grand birthdays, October 2, at the UNC Gymnasium back in elementary and high school in the mid-90s, and writing few some stories about her for the UNC Trailblazer. I remember she was the one who personally handed my high school diploma and Loyalty Award. Eleven years later, as a staff of the Ateneo de Naga University, I remember interviewing her for the citation for the Archbishop. She was happy and sincerely interested in our conversation. She even made me so comfortable that she initiated talking about my mother towards the end of the interview. As my mother usually described her, she was still the glamorous and confident woman maintaining unity and strength within the family and the school her father founded. It was my last recollection of the matriarch and Bikolana icon, Dr. Dolores 'Dolly' Hernandez Sison, 1919-2011.”
48. One of the most surprising and inspiring moments for me this year was when, upon invitation by the ADNU Deputy Academic Vice President, I shared regarding magis during the Characteristics of Jesuit Education seminar. I told the new employees of ADNU: “Today is a chance to be better, stronger, wiser, more grateful, more forgiving, more loving than yesterday. Imagine the possibilities. Imagine what will become of you if you do this everyday. MAGIS.”
49. Close to 1,300 Ateneans, officials from various local government units, student leaders from other schools and local media filled the ADNU Gymnasium on November 18 for the grand forum on House Bill 4820 dubbed To Divide or Not: What’s in it for us? which I organized. The event was featured on national GMA News TV.
50. As a consequence of No. 27, I had no choice but not to attend an activity which I never missed the past four years. It affected me emotionally. Again, I thought that I deserved some ‘consideration’. But then I also realized that I was not being objective about my feeling.
51. Again with OSA staff, I helped organize the Xavier Community Merienda in ADNU.
52. I experienced nosebleeding for two nights after the Community Merienda and Dugong Atenista preparations.
53. I had my second national TV exposure on GMA News TV for the Dugong Atenista feature (The first was in 2001 on TV 5’s [?] 5 and Up).
54. I promoted Dugong Atenista on DWNX FM.
55. I joined the Xavier fun run.
56. Dugong Atenista. Being the program coordinator of this outreach/formation activity has allowed me to be a gift to other people. This 2011, the program which I redesigned and formally wrote in 2008 reached its fifth year as a life-saving and sustainable program for Ateneans and people in need in the province.
57. Lax, Janice, Jan and I went to Cold Shack twice for a ‘celebration’.
58. I was invited to attend the orientation for new members of the Naga City Jaycees. I said yes to the invitation.
59. After some time of reflection, I formulated my stand on the PNoy v. Chief Justice Corona and Gloria controversy. I posted this on Facebook: “I did not vote for Noynoy for President. Today, I still don't like him. True, he is popular with popular decisions lately. But I am not swayed by argumentum ad populum. In fact, I am one of those ordinary people who keep on complaining about his leadership style, his populist discourse which I don't find connecting through his monotonous and sometimes not-so-presidential speeches. He has talked more than than he has performed. His promises remain unfulfilled today (e.g. support for RH Bill). His tales of love life have been more exciting than the economy which slowed down to 3.4% this year's second quarter. BUT, I have to credit his serious campaign against corruption. Yes, his recent moves to persecute Congresswoman Arroyo and her allies and to oust Chief Justice Corona have raised controversies and created an unhealthy conflict between the Judiciary and the Executive. Some fear a constitutional crisis, while Noynoy enjoys popularity. To be honest, I am more inclined to be conservative in my opinion. That is, I would go for what is constitutional/legal, not political. But my pro-change personal vision also tells me that maybe, just maybe, we have to trust Noynoy's serious vision in fighting corruption in the government. His ways may be odd and a bit revolutionizing. Some people and institutions will resist and be hurt in the process. But in instituting change in an already dysfunctional democracy and highly untrusted government that we have, this pain may be necessary. And maybe, just maybe, after this crisis, the country's pillars of democracy will be stronger; the people will finally learn to trust the government.”
I posted further: “Revolutionize'. This is not the time to be conservative. I don't mean an armed movement here, but a vision-inspired, pro-people and liberating one aimed at BREAKING SWORDS and CHALLENGING POWERS and STATUS QUO protected by structures and even laws. I don't know the end or the real risks of this. I can only hope that it's a new perspective in building a new kind of democracy that is necessary and timely. I know there are fears since the movement is coming from the President himself. But that's the novelty in this case. Come to think of it, real changes in the government are more possible if they are led by a President perceived to be good - not perfect, not brilliant, but good - and if his powers are well handled.”
60. I volunteered again for Ma’am Jude for the CFFP immersion activity, this time in Bocal, San Fernando. With another volunteer, Kinno, we were welcomed by a barangay councilor to his home where I did a lot of cooking. I helped the students cook 15 kilos of spaghetti for their feeding activity.
61. My mother and I had a good chat with Ate Carouselle Talabis, a nurse from London.
62. We had our OSA Christmas Party with the student assistants and volunteers at Regent Hotel on December 16. We had our exchange gifts; I picked Janice and bought her red tumbler (which she did not appreciate) and mugs for her coffee drinking.
63. The next morning after the OSA party, I attended the Formation and Student Support Offices A One Big Sporty FSSO Party. Again, OSA did not have a presentation. Consistent!
64. I attended, passed and enjoyed the First Aid and Life Support Training by the Red Cross on December 19 to 21.
65. I organized a Basic Technical Presentation Skills Training for OSA and other interested staff from FSSO on December 21.
66. My mother and I organized the second Trailblazer Alumni Homecoming on December 27. Francis Sison, Trailblazer editor of Batch 1987 hosted the occasion. Some 20 editors attended, shared food and memories in the paper, and planned for future activities. One of which is the publication of literary folio featuring the works of alumni.
67. For the very first time, I invited friends/colleagues – Janice, Herold, Lax and Errol – at home on December 28 for a simple merienda, chat and drink.
68. I watched crime dramas Criminal Minds, Lie to Me, Bones.
69. I watched supernatural dramas True Blood, Vampire Diaries, Being Human and Walking Dead.
70. I watched historical/epic series Rome, Spartacus, Tudors, The Borgias, Game of Thrones, Ben Hur and Pillars of the Earth, among others.
71. I watched The Lakehouse and Il Mare for the second time.
72. I watched some sad and horror movies.
73. I bought some twenty novels from Book Sale. I have not read some of them.
74. I bought four segunda mano bags.
75. I have collected more than twenty Coke special glasses and more than ten tumblers.
76. I listened to Paul Mccartney’s This Never Happened Before more than ten times one day.
77. I did not romantically fall in love this year.
78. I did not get ‘something’ that I believe I truly deserve.
79. I got frustrated with some ‘injustices’.
80. I found it hypocritical for some people to question my faith and spirituality through my lack of religiosity.
81. I got disappointed by some people’s incompetence and denial of their incompetence.
82. I did not push through with my plan to enroll in Master in Public Administration this year.
83. One of my long-distance friends got mad at me. It was my fault. She has not accepted my apology to this day.
84. I was advised not to study Masters outside ADNU.
85. By choice, I did not use my cellphone most of the time.
86. I realized I got more development opportunities (e.g. training, travel, etc.) outside work in 2010 and 2011.
87. My diet failed.
88. I lost my Sun Broadband kit and bought a new one.
89. I found myself working during many weekends instead of staying home.
90. Despite my shortcomings and frustrations, as an overall assessment, I was still so blessed in 2011.
91. In almost all aspects, I was better in 2011 than in 2010.
92. On Christmas Day, I booked my sixth international destination: Hongkong.
93. I have 1,010 friends on Facebook (as of December 31), though I don’t personally know many of them. At least, they like my photos :)
94. After eleven years of detachment, I found connections with many of my high school classmates and friends.
95. Despite my imperfections, I have friends, few but true.
96. In terms of career and finance, my parents and siblings had significant achievements this year.
97. My family experienced good health this year.
98. My family is complete for the New Year’s Eve.
99. I believe that, despite not being religious, my faith, spirituality and personal relationship with my God improved.
100. I have continued to live, to love, to hope, to dream.
101. I have been loved unconditionally.2. When I was finding inspiration and time to write again, I was introduced to blogging. I now maintain three blogs: for personal reflections, for travel experiences and for old literary attempts.
3. I started a new hobby - photography. Three factors encouraged me to do photography: my passion to travel, my desire to document the events of our growing family, and my yearning to have a creative activity that I would sustain for a long time. After consultation with friend-photographers and reading of reviews, I finally got in January my Nikon D3100, a beginner’s camera. Throughout 2011, my DSLR served as my travel buddy and together we captured many of my own and my family’s most memorable moments. The results have inspired me to learn and grow in the hobby.
Photo courtesy of Marlon Razon
4. I volunteered for Ma’am Jude Vergel de Dios, College Freshmen Formation Program facilitator, in the immersion activity of students at Cagsao, Calabanga. There, I had my first attempt at photography. First scenes: sunset and mangroves.
5. My grandmother, Simplicia San Buenaventura, died of old age. Her nine daughters, all living, had their reunion at the funeral and burial. I volunteered as the event’s photographer.
6. I had my first domestic travel with my mother in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. There, we were amazed by the Underground River which later in the year was voted worldwide as one of the Seven New Wonders of Nature. My mother bought a lot of pearls and ube hopia, the best I tasted, for pasalubong.
7. On February 3, my trip from home to work was not an ordinary one. My parents and I had to go out of the car to see a long rainbow hung across the morning skies of San Rafael, Cararayan. A neighbor, also watching it, said the rainbow appears when a storm has passed. Good thing, I brought with me my camera.
8. Trish Penelope Arana, Janice Tresvalles, Herold Pelonio and I went to some places in Sagnay as area visit for the Alternative Class Program activity, Captured: Picturing God – a Nature Photography Workshop. The best part of it was when the parish priest brought us to Odiongan, an elevated road overlooking Atulayan Island.
9. At Nato Port, Sagnay, we met boys who allowed us to take pictures of them diving fearlessly to the sea. My album of them entitled Leap of Faith, is one of my first albums I am most proud of.
10. Together with Office of Student Affairs staff, as a send-off for Jen Fernandez, we went to Donsol for firefly watching, which was one of the new and fascinating experiences I had this year. We also visited some spots in Albay like the Lignon Hill, Embarcadero and Cagsawa Ruins. Jen was eventually replaced by Lax Gasga who used to work as student assistant of OSA.
11. The dandelions - Fr. Ritche, Janice, Francis, Trish, Lax, Herold, Vince Atos and Errol Pederio - embarked on a long road trip from Naga to Manila to Baguio and finally to Sagada, Mountain Province. Together, we walked on the edges to reach Echo Valley, Sagada Terraces, Bomod-ok Falls, Lumiang Cave and Kiltepan Viewpoint. The most challenging and unforgettable part of the adventure was the spelunking at Sumaguing Cave. The most rewarding part was retreating at the Lemon Pie House for the delicious pies, tea and omelet. We also had the chance to witness the traditional Balangbang Dance for the Etag Festival. Indeed, it was for me the most adventurous getaway I had this year.
Photos courtesy of Fr. Ritche Elot, S.J.
12. From Sagada, we went to Mirador, Baguio. Trish, Herold, Janice, Errol and I had to stay there for our day-day silent retreat.
13. It was my fourth silent retreat, the second at Mirador. With the guidance of my retreat director was Bro. Bong, I had meaningful prayer and reflection sessions. I shared to the big group during the last mass: “…in my reflection, the prayer of St. Ignatius came to mind. It is his response to God’s great love, his interpretation of Jesus’ challenge to the rich man: Kunin mo, O Diyos, at tanggapin mo ang aking kalayaan, ang aking kalooban, puso at gunita ko… Ang lahat ay tatalikdan ko…
“Beautifully written, but the prayer is easier read, said or sung than done. I would be dishonest and hypocrite if I tell the Lord that at this time or sooner… ang lahat ay tatalikdan ko. Truth is, deep inside me, there is selfishness and so much self-love. Truth is, after this retreat, I will sin.
But then again, God reassured: I am loved. I am loved despite my sins, my inadequacies, my excesses. But then again, as the ending of St. Ignatius’ prayer, I am reassured: Just give me your love and your grace, it is enough for me. And I know very well, how loving my God is. I am reassured.”
14. As if the Sagada trip was not enough, the dandelions, minus Fr. Ritche, Vince and Lax, plus Len Tipay, roamed Baguio for a day before going home.
15. I signed up for my fifth retreat in 2012, still in Baguio.
16. On Maundy Thursday, Herold, Janice and I had our Visita Iglesia – from Quipayo of Calabanga to Christ the King Church of ADNU. We were able to visit 14 churches.
17. On Good Friday, my family had an excursion at Panicuason Hot Spring, with baby Princess Reigne and brother John’s friend Billie from Manila Water.
18. As part of my photography practice, on some days during the Summer I waited for the sunset at Basilica/Eternal Gardens and outside the SM. I compiled the good shots in my facebook album Suns in the City.
19. I served as small group facilitator of The Transporters at A-WILL. One morning, we went to interview transport group leaders in Naga City.
20. Early morning, while going home from the A-WILL, I spotted a beautiful sunrise from outside the ADNU gate.
21. I was conferred with the City Excellence Award, Mayoral Awards 2011, by the Naga City Government for my representation of the Philippines in two international conferences in 2010, namely the World Youth Congress in Turkey and the ASEAN+3 Capital Youth Festival in Vietnam. I was elated to be recognized by the City Government as a Nagueno. But more than a gift, the award was a reminder and challenge for me to embody everyday what the recognition truly means to me as a citizen and worker.
22. I had my fourth international travel in South Korea which allowed me to roam practically all the major cities and provinces in the country. The entire International Youth Forum experience, despite some not-so-met expectations and minor inconveniences, challenged my tolerance and patience; strengthened my personal faith and humbled me; and opened my heart a bit more to build friendship that transcends cultural differences and language barrier.
23. I wrote in my blog 101 Interesting Things About My International Youth Fellowship Korean Experience.
24. I met new Filipino and Korean friends in two groups I had in Korea: Truth 5 and Truth D3 teams. I have maintained contact with them to this day.
25. While in Korea, Janice helped Mama create her Facebook account. I was not able to use my phone so we had to communicate through e-mail and Facebook.
26. Still while in Korea, one of my lovebirds died.
27. I got frustrated over ‘something’ at work, which did not necessarily affect my work disposition. I just thought that I deserve ‘that’ consideration.
28. I joined the fun run (or walk) for the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
29. I helped organize the feast’s Community Merienda.
30. To my surprise, I was appointed OIC of the Director of Athletics for Intramurals 2011. I did a lot of troubleshooting before the event. But when it started, the staff led by She Nacario were able to take on the responsibility.
31. To my surprise again, I was appointed chairperson for the University Safety Committee. But as I accepted it, I have considered it an opportunity to serve.
32. After my Korean experience, in July and August, I felt many feelings, mostly recurrent. On August 9, I articulated these concerns in my blog. I wrote:
“I am happy to have lost some weight, but I still feel so heavy. It must be the extra baggage that went along with me when I came home from Korea two weeks ago. It must be some issues, mostly recurrent, that have been trying to disturb the happiness that I feel right now.
“I should be happy but these issues are more pronounced by the fact that September is just around the corner, and what it means for me: my 29th birthday, and my fourth year in Ateneo de Naga. Work can effectively make me busy and forgetful, at least in the nine to ten hours that I am in the office. But these issues are so persistent they know when I’m unguarded: when I’m at peace, when I’m alone, when I’m home.
“But I am happy, happier than before. Yes, I still feel weird about my position in the University. My compensation is still frustrating. My lovelife is still dull. Nevertheless, life has been more good than unjust to me. Results of my work have been very satisfactory. My colleagues and friends have been inspiring. Outside my work, I have been so blessed with rich and meaningful experiences like travels and friendship. Many joyful events have happened in the lives of my family, in my relationship with them.
“For these I am happy; I know I want more than a happy life. I am grateful; I know deep inside me something is wasted, something is stagnant. I am loved; I know I have a life to taste, with all its sweetness and bitterness. I am good; I know I can do, give and be so much more. I am safe; I know I have to go out of my comfort zone, take some risks, change some plans.
“Still, I am happy, but then I worry that loneliness would strike very soon when the movements inside me remain unattended. Twice I tried to reflect on these issues, but work concerns have found their way to distract me, to keep me busy, as if slowing down or delaying something I should have done before.
“Happily I know that change is coming sooner or later. I just need to make decisions. I just need some courage and will. I just need some plans. Or maybe, I don’t need to plan. Maybe I just have to wait for life’s surprises. Maybe in September I’ll know.”
33. As my birthday neared, I went through deep and long retro and introspection. I wrote my reflection in my blog, entitled To be 29. Part of the long essay said: “TODAY, at twenty-eight, I am still underpaid. I still feel underappreciated. I am still not romantically in love. I am still having thoughts on leaving or not the University or the country. But today, I recall having earned Mayoral Award at a young age. I have traveled four countries abroad in the last two years. I have 788 Facebook friends from 35 countries. I have found a new passion – photography, and organized 44 albums in eight months. My brother has just been promoted Associate Manager of Manila Water. My mother is in the peak of her career as a teacher and school administrator. My father is still the kindest father a son can ask for. My sister has been blessed with a child, Princess Reigne, who has made home livelier and the grownups happier. Today, God affirms His great love for me, through the love of my family and other people and the many gifts I have received all these years. It would be too ungrateful and unjust of me if I rant a lot. After all, I am not underpaid.”
I concluded: “Tomorrow, at twenty-nine, I will seize the chance to be stronger, wiser, more grateful, more forgiving, more loving than today.”
34. I celebrated my 29th birthday. I cooked spaghetti for my family and officemates. My colleagues bought a cake with a candle for me.
35. Colleague and friend Francis resigned from OSA to work abroad. As a simple send-off for him, the OSA team had a videoke session at Music Box. Jan Agna replaced Francis.
36. This year I had my most memorable Traslacion. For the first time, I witnessed a river of humanity live (not on TV) bound by Marian devotion, captured it in my camera, and ingrained it in my memory. With Herold, Tin Dihiansan and Errol, we were allowed entry to the overpass along Penafrancia Avenue even without securing ID from the City hall to have a good perspective of
the Traslacion.
38. I had my fifth international trip, the first with my mother, in Thailand. I felt a little frustrated because Mama decided not to join me in our planned Ayutthaya tour because she was already tired after the tour at the temples in Bangkok the first day. So without Mama, I continued with the Ayutthaya tour, which was the best part of the Thailand trip. There, I reached Bang Pa-in Palace complex and experienced river cruising along Chao Phraya.
39. My niece, Princess Reigne, celebrated her first kiddie party at home, with all the party hats, balloons and clown! I cooked the food and served as photographer.
40. Friends and I wore the Doreimon cap Janice bought from Baguio, and had ourselves photographed. I created a Facebook album for the photos, entitled: Ang Mahiwagang Sumbrerong Tagginaw ni Doreimon.
41. I received a ‘message’ to which I really did not know how to respond or react for a time. I realized my immaturity in the matters of the heart. But after some reflection, I replied as honest and kind as I can be.
42. Uncle Uben died.
43. I bought two office plants which remain healthy today.
44. Janice, Lax, Trish, Jan and I went river boating and railroad skating at Lupi-Sipocot. Thanks to Manay Min of Lupi’s anti-dam group and Shane of INECAR.
45. I was the speaker on Copyreading and Headline Writing in the Journalism Seminar-Workshop for school paper advisers organized by the Division of Naga City Schools. It was such an honor and challenge to have teachers as my audience.
46. I was speaker on the same journalism field at University of Nueva Caceres’ school paper, Trailblazer. It was my pleasure to be part of my alma mater’s campus journalists’ training.
47. I attended the necrological services for Dr. Dolores H. Sison. I posted my thoughts on Dolly’s passing on Facebook: “I remember singing, whether in solo or in choir, in some of her usually grand birthdays, October 2, at the UNC Gymnasium back in elementary and high school in the mid-90s, and writing few some stories about her for the UNC Trailblazer. I remember she was the one who personally handed my high school diploma and Loyalty Award. Eleven years later, as a staff of the Ateneo de Naga University, I remember interviewing her for the citation for the Archbishop. She was happy and sincerely interested in our conversation. She even made me so comfortable that she initiated talking about my mother towards the end of the interview. As my mother usually described her, she was still the glamorous and confident woman maintaining unity and strength within the family and the school her father founded. It was my last recollection of the matriarch and Bikolana icon, Dr. Dolores 'Dolly' Hernandez Sison, 1919-2011.”
48. One of the most surprising and inspiring moments for me this year was when, upon invitation by the ADNU Deputy Academic Vice President, I shared regarding magis during the Characteristics of Jesuit Education seminar. I told the new employees of ADNU: “Today is a chance to be better, stronger, wiser, more grateful, more forgiving, more loving than yesterday. Imagine the possibilities. Imagine what will become of you if you do this everyday. MAGIS.”
49. Close to 1,300 Ateneans, officials from various local government units, student leaders from other schools and local media filled the ADNU Gymnasium on November 18 for the grand forum on House Bill 4820 dubbed To Divide or Not: What’s in it for us? which I organized. The event was featured on national GMA News TV.
50. As a consequence of No. 27, I had no choice but not to attend an activity which I never missed the past four years. It affected me emotionally. Again, I thought that I deserved some ‘consideration’. But then I also realized that I was not being objective about my feeling.
51. Again with OSA staff, I helped organize the Xavier Community Merienda in ADNU.
52. I experienced nosebleeding for two nights after the Community Merienda and Dugong Atenista preparations.
53. I had my second national TV exposure on GMA News TV for the Dugong Atenista feature (The first was in 2001 on TV 5’s [?] 5 and Up).
54. I promoted Dugong Atenista on DWNX FM.
55. I joined the Xavier fun run.
56. Dugong Atenista. Being the program coordinator of this outreach/formation activity has allowed me to be a gift to other people. This 2011, the program which I redesigned and formally wrote in 2008 reached its fifth year as a life-saving and sustainable program for Ateneans and people in need in the province.
57. Lax, Janice, Jan and I went to Cold Shack twice for a ‘celebration’.
58. I was invited to attend the orientation for new members of the Naga City Jaycees. I said yes to the invitation.
59. After some time of reflection, I formulated my stand on the PNoy v. Chief Justice Corona and Gloria controversy. I posted this on Facebook: “I did not vote for Noynoy for President. Today, I still don't like him. True, he is popular with popular decisions lately. But I am not swayed by argumentum ad populum. In fact, I am one of those ordinary people who keep on complaining about his leadership style, his populist discourse which I don't find connecting through his monotonous and sometimes not-so-presidential speeches. He has talked more than than he has performed. His promises remain unfulfilled today (e.g. support for RH Bill). His tales of love life have been more exciting than the economy which slowed down to 3.4% this year's second quarter. BUT, I have to credit his serious campaign against corruption. Yes, his recent moves to persecute Congresswoman Arroyo and her allies and to oust Chief Justice Corona have raised controversies and created an unhealthy conflict between the Judiciary and the Executive. Some fear a constitutional crisis, while Noynoy enjoys popularity. To be honest, I am more inclined to be conservative in my opinion. That is, I would go for what is constitutional/legal, not political. But my pro-change personal vision also tells me that maybe, just maybe, we have to trust Noynoy's serious vision in fighting corruption in the government. His ways may be odd and a bit revolutionizing. Some people and institutions will resist and be hurt in the process. But in instituting change in an already dysfunctional democracy and highly untrusted government that we have, this pain may be necessary. And maybe, just maybe, after this crisis, the country's pillars of democracy will be stronger; the people will finally learn to trust the government.”
I posted further: “Revolutionize'. This is not the time to be conservative. I don't mean an armed movement here, but a vision-inspired, pro-people and liberating one aimed at BREAKING SWORDS and CHALLENGING POWERS and STATUS QUO protected by structures and even laws. I don't know the end or the real risks of this. I can only hope that it's a new perspective in building a new kind of democracy that is necessary and timely. I know there are fears since the movement is coming from the President himself. But that's the novelty in this case. Come to think of it, real changes in the government are more possible if they are led by a President perceived to be good - not perfect, not brilliant, but good - and if his powers are well handled.”
60. I volunteered again for Ma’am Jude for the CFFP immersion activity, this time in Bocal, San Fernando. With another volunteer, Kinno, we were welcomed by a barangay councilor to his home where I did a lot of cooking. I helped the students cook 15 kilos of spaghetti for their feeding activity.
61. My mother and I had a good chat with Ate Carouselle Talabis, a nurse from London.
62. We had our OSA Christmas Party with the student assistants and volunteers at Regent Hotel on December 16. We had our exchange gifts; I picked Janice and bought her red tumbler (which she did not appreciate) and mugs for her coffee drinking.
63. The next morning after the OSA party, I attended the Formation and Student Support Offices A One Big Sporty FSSO Party. Again, OSA did not have a presentation. Consistent!
64. I attended, passed and enjoyed the First Aid and Life Support Training by the Red Cross on December 19 to 21.
65. I organized a Basic Technical Presentation Skills Training for OSA and other interested staff from FSSO on December 21.
66. My mother and I organized the second Trailblazer Alumni Homecoming on December 27. Francis Sison, Trailblazer editor of Batch 1987 hosted the occasion. Some 20 editors attended, shared food and memories in the paper, and planned for future activities. One of which is the publication of literary folio featuring the works of alumni.
67. For the very first time, I invited friends/colleagues – Janice, Herold, Lax and Errol – at home on December 28 for a simple merienda, chat and drink.
68. I watched crime dramas Criminal Minds, Lie to Me, Bones.
69. I watched supernatural dramas True Blood, Vampire Diaries, Being Human and Walking Dead.
70. I watched historical/epic series Rome, Spartacus, Tudors, The Borgias, Game of Thrones, Ben Hur and Pillars of the Earth, among others.
71. I watched The Lakehouse and Il Mare for the second time.
72. I watched some sad and horror movies.
73. I bought some twenty novels from Book Sale. I have not read some of them.
74. I bought four segunda mano bags.
75. I have collected more than twenty Coke special glasses and more than ten tumblers.
76. I listened to Paul Mccartney’s This Never Happened Before more than ten times one day.
77. I did not romantically fall in love this year.
78. I did not get ‘something’ that I believe I truly deserve.
79. I got frustrated with some ‘injustices’.
80. I found it hypocritical for some people to question my faith and spirituality through my lack of religiosity.
81. I got disappointed by some people’s incompetence and denial of their incompetence.
82. I did not push through with my plan to enroll in Master in Public Administration this year.
83. One of my long-distance friends got mad at me. It was my fault. She has not accepted my apology to this day.
84. I was advised not to study Masters outside ADNU.
85. By choice, I did not use my cellphone most of the time.
86. I realized I got more development opportunities (e.g. training, travel, etc.) outside work in 2010 and 2011.
87. My diet failed.
88. I lost my Sun Broadband kit and bought a new one.
89. I found myself working during many weekends instead of staying home.
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Photo courtesy of Jan Victor Agna |
91. In almost all aspects, I was better in 2011 than in 2010.
92. On Christmas Day, I booked my sixth international destination: Hongkong.
93. I have 1,010 friends on Facebook (as of December 31), though I don’t personally know many of them. At least, they like my photos :)
94. After eleven years of detachment, I found connections with many of my high school classmates and friends.
95. Despite my imperfections, I have friends, few but true.
96. In terms of career and finance, my parents and siblings had significant achievements this year.
97. My family experienced good health this year.
98. My family is complete for the New Year’s Eve.
99. I believe that, despite not being religious, my faith, spirituality and personal relationship with my God improved.
100. I have continued to live, to love, to hope, to dream.
