Another year has ended, another one have begun. It has been a great year. And as I start anew with 2012, here’s a look back on my 2011 – some personal stuff, achievements, events, people, characters, and songs that shaped the year that was.
Travel. I make it a point to explore new places each year. 2011 blessed me with an opportunity to travel again here in our country and abroad as well. Me and my family went to Hong Kong last May, and I also got to visit Boracay again last February. I was able to go to Bataan with my officemates, and capped off the year with a trip to Dipolog.
Personal and Family. One of the major highlight for us this year was my twin brothers’ high school graduation. They finished 2nd and 3rd Honorable Mentions in their class, that’s why Mom and I gave the trip to HK as a gift for them. Also last year, we bought a condo-type house in Montalban which is now under construction and hopefully we’ll move in late this year or early next year. Another event worthy to be noted was when our house got a taste of typhoon Pedring’s wrath and blew off a roof on our third floor.
Conquered. Doing outdoor activities is one of my 2011 highlight. Never have I felt proud of myself when I conquered the summit of Mt. Natib, the highest peak in Bataan (1,253 meters above sea level), during the Freedom Climb last June. I also tried spelunking and traversing when we went to Mt. Manalmon in Bulacan a month after. Thanks to my officemates and climb mates ABG! It’s not everyday you get to say you reached a mountain’s summit. More climbs this year!
Wedding Bells. I was able to be a part of the wedding of two of my dearest friends from college Jay and Alfred. Jay got married last February 14, and I was one of the secondary sponsors. Alfred tied the knot with another college classmate and friend of ours, Aurora, on his birthday March 19, and I was the Best Man and wedding singer. I wish these friends of mine all the best in the coming years ahead! And babies soon, too!
Staying Fit and Healthy. Well, at least I tried last year. I actually started mid of 2010 when I enrolled in a gym and played badminton three months before I went to Singapore. Then last year, I tried MMA or Mixed Martial Arts and also jogged around the Quezon City Memorial Circle weekly with family and friends. Although I wasn’t able to do it on a regular basis, experiencing it at least for a month or two is good enough. I really hope to be more serious in losing weight and living healthy this year.
Concerts and Shows. A lot of foreign acts visited the Philippines last year, and I was lucky enough to catch four. I was able to watch Bruno Mars with my best Popoy bud Niña, Maroon 5 with some Rushers, American Idol season 10 finalists with my Mom, my brother and friend Gly, and also Cirque Du Soleil’s Varekai with my Mom as well. Biggest regret, though, was not watching The Script.
Fun at Work! I’d like to believe that I have always been blessed with great people to work with. Even at my previous office, one major factor why I stayed for 5 long years was its people. And 2011 did not fail me. Last November marked my first year with Stellar, and it was fun and productive altogether.
Buffed Up. As a movie buff, I see to it that I catch a lot of films as I can. I wasn’t able to update myself last year due to budget constraints, but I try whenever I could. As usual, I went out and participated at the annual Spanish and French film festivals with Aden and Lei. 2011, however, was a strong year for Filipino independent films. Most movies that earned support were indie films. I am glad more and more Pinoys are embracing it. I was able to see Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank, Zombadings, Senior Year, and some other Cinemalaya entries.
On Repeat. I know there are a lot of great acts last year, but I only had four on repeat in my iPod – Adele, Bruno Mars, The Script, and OPM’s best new artist of 2011, Zia. They’re addicting!
Glued. How ironic that these TV shows I loved the past year were never watched on TV. Most are online and downloaded, so I watch them either on the computer or my portable DVD player. I am now on the third season of Modern Family, and fourth on both Chuck and The Big Bang Theory. American Idol and Glee became kind of bland for me last year, but I enjoyed The Voice! I was also able to watch two Korean series, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (nine-tailed fox) and Dae Mul, and I am still following Budoy, a local TV drama.
Books-ing. Nah, not boxing. I can’t think of any title haha! Well, I didn’t get to read much books last year. Only got a hold of Jessica Zafra’s Twisted 9 and some short stories collection at a book fair, and also Bob Ong’s Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin, one of his best I’d have to say, and of course The Best of Chico and Delamar’s The Morning Rush Top 10 book.
Rushers! I put this last because they have been a big part of my 2011 (Naks, special!). I’ve been a Rusher since 2002, and the TMR family is getting bigger and bigger. I’ve met a lot of new ones, and although we most of the time stays in touch through Twitter and Facebook, they’re like family to me. 2011 was indeed a year of building friendship. I hope it will last until our twilight years. Of course, Chico and Delamar plays a big role in this. If it weren’t for them and their show, I would have never met these crazy, funny, and smart people!
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Looking back, it was indeed a great and blessed year. As I enter a new one, I hope and pray for continued blessings, guidance, good health and safety for my family, relatives, loved ones and friends. Thank you to everyone who became part of my 2011! Here’s to a more blissful and fruitful 2012! Cheers! 🙂
The P Spot 