MY 2017 FAVORITES ♡
Just like any other year, 2017 is a year of ups and downs. This year, we faced many challenges, conquered them and learned from them. Another year that brought us new opportunities to grow and learn something about ourselves. As the year comes to an end, let me share everything that made my 2017 extra special!
ONE: My Family
My Family will always have a special place in my heart. Just like any other family, mine isn’t perfect but this year I’ve come to terms with it. The past few years have been rough for my family but I’m glad we have survived those struggles and remained intact. I love how my family can be so forgiving, loving and accepting. Never take yours for granted! (Also, a short shout out to my dog, Max. Mommy loves you!!)
TWO: My Graduation and College Diploma
First from my bucket list this year is to officially finish my degree. This is probably one of the things I’ve been looking forward to this year. My five-year stay in the University really did prepare me for what is to come in the corporate world so I didn’t really feel lost. In fact, I did feel a little bit excited. My diploma is my ticket to adulthood and independence and I didn’t waste any time using it. I am so glad that all my hard work paid off and finally, I made my parents really proud. I’m still so grateful to all who have helped me: my study buddies, my professors, my academic adviser, my parents, and of course, the hot flavorful coffee who kept me awake!
THREE: Finishing my Term as Primera
Graduating college also means I get to finish my term as president to my organization. My term did help me a lot to know more about myself and my potential. I really did enjoy my term despite of my meltdowns. To be perfectly honest, nothing will ever compare to the wisdom and love that UP Photographers’ Society brought into my life. I am so thankful for this bunch and I promise to always be supportive of its endeavors and ideologies.
FOUR: My First Job / Career
Okay, here’s something exciting! I have my first job. Wow! I really feel such an adult saying it. Haha! But kidding aside, my first job in a publishing company would have to be on my top favorites this year. It has always been a dream of mine to work in a magazine and the experience didn’t disappoint at all. Besides the amazing and creative office mates, I do enjoy the fact that I am able to contribute something wonderful and see my work being published. I do have other career-related plans in life that makes me more excited for 2018!
FIVE: My College Friends
I made some pretty awesome friends this year!!! I wouldn’t elaborate much on this part but I am grateful for these people because they are my home away from home. I don’t know where to start but I’d like to let you all know that you should always cherish your friends. Introverts like me tend to take them for granted but I hope you make time for your friends and the people you love. Make sure you surround yourself with people who will help you stay grounded and will inspire you to become a better version of yourself.
SIX: My High School Barkada and My Childhood Best friend
College took a huge chunk of my time and so this year, I am so happy that I get to spend a lot of my time with my high school barkada. We practically grew up together and they are my best friends. These people always motivate and inspire me to be better and to never give up on my life goals. When I was in college, I’d feel guilty when I couldn’t open up or even spend time with them, so now, I make sure to communicate and invest my time whenever I could to make this friendship work because I love them to death.
SEVEN: Travels and New Adventures
I went to see more places this year! I went to Baguio with my high school barkada last January. It was a great year starter and I feel like this trip inspired me to make this year significant and memorable. I also went to Real Surf in Quezon with my college friends. It was probably the most chill hangout place I’ve been to so I recommend you try it. We took photos, swam in the ocean, ate delicious food, and waited for the sunrise and sunset. It was an amazing adventure! I celebrated my 22nd birthday at Tagaytay with my birthday buddy aka my boyfriend. We love staycations and we did just that. I also did short visits to Navotas and Malabon this year. I met so many people and they were all nice to me.
EIGHT: Moving out and Living in Makati
One of my greatest escapes this year is probably moving out of our house and living on my own. (Well, not really on my own because I have roommates which I’d admit are so nice and caring.) But this is the first time I’m living away from my hometown and I am enjoying it. Every day, I get to have new experiences and I get to learn to be independent. I get to manage my own time, look out for myself and explore new places even if I’m alone. I’m glad I can have more ‘me’ time now.
NINE: My Love
This year is the year I overcame my fear of commitments. My plot twist of 2017 is actually me entering in a romantic relationship. It’s actually funny how my boyfriend and I already planned to ask each other to be boyfriend and girlfriend on the same day. We were watching the sunset while listening to classical music by PhilHarmonic Orchestra. It was so romantic. After that, he asked if I wanted to grab coffee from this new local coffee shop (our favorite coffee shop now) and I can tell from his eyes and hands that he’s so nervous. The entire time, I was waiting for him to ask me. It was cute and lovely at the same time. We were walking home while holding hands. It was raining when he finally said ‘will you be my girlfriend?’ I stopped for a moment. Looked at him and smiled. I nodded and said ‘yes’. It was the first time I saw him with a really big smile on his face. He leaned forward to kiss me. We were quiet the whole walk home each wearing big smiles on our faces. It was simple, but all we ever need.
TEN: Mastering Self-Love
Lastly, this is the year I did love myself so much not because there’s no one out there who cares for me, but because I know I deserve the love and care I am willing to give to other people. I am proud to say that I am my own best friend now and I love myself. I am not perfect - far from it even but I am confident, I am stronger, I am free and most importantly, I am loved.
I hope your 2017 is as wonderful and amazing as mine. Let us not forget to appreciate the small things in life, celebrate our victories no matter how small they may seem, and to cherish the people around us. May you all grow in love and wisdom. See you in 2018!
Love always,
the great escapist.
