Echoes

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But that's the thing about almost: you can be ninety-nine per cent there, you can be an inch away from doing it, but if you stop yourself from stepping over that, nobody will ever know how close you were.

The Road Trip, Beth O'Leary

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Maybe love shouldn't be built on a foundation of compromises, but maybe it can't exist without them either. Not the kind that forces two people into shapes they don't fit in, but the kind that loosens their grip, always leaves room to grow. Compromises that say, there will be you-shaped space in my heart, and if your shape changes, I will adapt.

Book Lovers, Emily Henry

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I'm gonna tell my kids this is the Lawyer's Oath ✋🏼

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Well, you're quite the worrier, aren't you? But it always helps to have a chat about it. I find. Picking the right people to share your worries with – that's the important bit. These things have a way of coming out in the wash anyway.

Flora, Kid Normal

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A lot's been going on the past months and I'm barely keeping up!

Before I go blank, I just want to say how ecstatic I am that we finally moved into a new office space! 🤩

Since my transfer to PAO Oras DO last year, I've been dreaming of a better, nicer work station. The one we had back at the Hall of Justice was pitiful, to say the least. I always had to drag myself to work because I dreaded staying there for 8 hours!

To be fair, the old HOJ has served thousands of Estehanons for decades. It has survived a lot of disasters, including Super Typhoons Yolanda and Ruby. It has witnessed the birth and death of many political dynasties. It's no wonder that it's now falling apart.

For months we had to connect to the nearest residential house to turn on our computers because the building had no more power supply. Apparently, the power transformer blasted so we had to use a 20-meter long extension wire to electrify our office. Of course, we could not use the AC so we were always sticky especially in hotter months. It did not help that the windows in the office were stuck!

Lack of power resulted to lack of water in the common restroom. Without electricity, water pumps could not work. So, we had to collect rainwater through a pipe that was inserted into the gutter. Imagine what it was like during dry season? Actually, don't! I was diagnosed with UTI later because I kept holding in pee as I refused to use the toilet! 🙅🏻‍♀️

Thank goodness, we're done with that!

Last July we settled in our new home courtesy of LGU Oras. The move was exhausting, it took us 3 days to organize everything! But we were happy. At last, an office space that we can be proud of — clean, cozy and spacious. And with a scenic view, to boot! 😭

The old HOJ is scheduled for condemnation and soon a new one will rise. Grateful for the short memories we had there, but honestly, it's about time that it bid us all goodbye 👋🏻

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Stopped by to smell the flowers, or in this case, sea breeze 🌊

I will be celebrating my 4th year with the Public Attorney's Office this Saturday. Can you believe that? 4 years! Incredible how time flies so fast! 😱

Just this afternoon, I was informed that my demurrer to evidence was granted. I previously moved to dismiss 15 counts of qualified theft of coconuts filed against my clients, one of them detained.

About half an hour later, I confirmed the news to my detained client. He was smiling, beaming. His face was gaunt — he had lost so much weight. But he was happy.

I explained to him what the decision meant. I begged urged him to steer away from trouble to avoid similar incidents. "We don't want to see you in court again," I joked. Or did I? 😆

Before we could say anything more, he asked if we could give him money to pay for his fare going home. The release of the decision was such a surprise; he did not have anyone to fetch him. Since we live in the same municipality, I told him that I'd just drive him home. He thanked everyone in the office and left to pack his bags. He'll be coming home for the first time in 10 long, arduous years.

The ride home was interesting. He commented about how things have changed. There were no gas stations yet when I entered the prison; now there's a lot of them, he said quietly. 10 years is a long time, I added.

There was no fanfare when we reached their place. I could see the joy in his relatives' faces, but there was no big celebration. They have a lot on their plate, I could see. I reexplained the court's decision to them. They expressed their gratitude and asked what they could do to repay us. I answered, avoid conflicts — that's how you'll help us 😅

I bid them goodbye and drove off. As I traversed the coastal road, I realized that I was just a law student when my client was detained, stripped of his civil liberties. Now, I'm married, almost 7 years in law practice. Was it really a favorable disposition? I can't help but wonder.

My client will be celebrating his 74th birthday this April. I hope he gets to spend more. I hope he enjoys his freedom. At long last.

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I had quite an adventure yesterday, February 19th.

We went to Jipapad, Eastern Samar to notarize SALNs and PDS of the teaching and non-teaching staff of Jipapad School District, barangay officials, and other LGU employees.

We also made a quick courtesy call to Hon. Benjamin E. Ver, municipal mayor, who expressed his gratitude for our service.

We enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at the residence of SBM Nonong Montallana upon his daughter Atty. Kessey Montallana's invitation.

We were able to serve around 150 clients who were all thankful that they did not have to travel or spend for notarial services.

Before going home, we took a few photos for posterity.

The municipality of Jipapad is situated in a low-lying area in the northernmost part of Eastern Samar. When it rains heavily, the place gets easily flooded as the river surrounding it overflows. Kaya we were happy we were given a sunny day for our legal outreach! 🌄

Thank you, Jipapad, for your warm hospitality!

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Welcomed my birthday with a romantic staycation with the husband 👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻

Ambin and I drove to Tacloban City to celebrate my 33rd. He booked us a room at the fancy Ironwood Hotel. It was pouring hard when we arrived, but we got lucky as soon as we checked in because were upgraded to their Signature Suite for free!

We then hopped onto the elevator to dine at the Leaf Lounge on the 5th floor. It was our first time both in the hotel and the restaurant, so we were a bit taken aback by how dramatic it was.

I had already forgotten what we ordered. Was it pad thai and laksa? I'm not sure, but I do remember feeling stuffed until we hit the sack. Talk about heavy meal!

Barely two days after our mini getaway, we drove back to the city to return the sofa we bought from Wilcon Depot. It turned out to be too huge for our small living room. Me and my eagle eye, am I right? Such a hassle!

My consolation was that I was able to celebrate my nephew who turned 17 that day. I texted them to join us on my birthday but they were busy at school - thesis season!

Then, another two days after the Lunar New Year, I invited my friends over for dinner. It was just a simple gathering, I just ordered food trays. Pagtuman, as we say in our vernacular. It was our first get-together in a while and their first time to visit us at our relatively new, hopefully forever home, so it was a bit hectic. Needless to say, I was delighted to catch up with my high school girlkada! 💃

I have many things on my mind now but I never forget how blessed I truly am. So many dreams have came true and still coming true - only by God's amazing grace. Thank you, G! 🙏