I last set my foot in maple tree country last July 26, 2004, thanks to this blog entry for documenting that part of my life. That is close to 22 years today! Will I ever see The Great White North again?
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| still my favourite season... fall! photo memory of Roy Ivor Crescent, Mississauga |
24 years ago, I started writing my diary... online. It was under PEx Plus Private. Yes, PRIVATE. I can not fully recall how we can share our musings back then . Can any PExer friends recall how? But diaries are supposed to be private since your (everyday) life is documented there. One year after, I started this blog. March 3, 2003 to be exact. This blog is now officially 23! Here's my first post.
In the recent days, the middle east has been in a state of war again, this time involving Iran x Israel + US. This is stressful to the people in the region, and for us here in the Philippines as we know what the impact of this conflict will bring us: higher oil prices, to be followed by higher price of basic commodities. More inflation! As if life is not hard as it is already, and when you observe the PH government since last year, it is even more chaotic. Truly, we can not put our trust in men, even if how pleasant they present themselves to the voting public with promises very pleasing to the ears of the people. And while there are countries at war, and most countries are preparing for their own defense and safety, our government focuses on politics and even more focused on the 2028 elections. Perhaps only the people of the republic can truly drive the change that we need for our country, with the help of the Lord Almighty.
On a lighter note, we are anticipating a blood moon tonight.
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| This rare phenomenon should be witnessed in Manila, granting clear skies. Photo by pixabay |
If there’s one thing 2025 taught me, it’s this: life doesn’t slow down. It unfolds — beautifully, painfully, faithfully — month after month. And when I look back, I see a year that stretched me as a father, a husband, a son, a brother in faith, and a professional.
Here’s how my 2025 went:
The year opened with a proud dad moment — my little boy started choir practice. Seeing him step into that space of service filled my heart in ways I didn’t expect.
At the same time, our brotherhood conducted a national rally for peace — a powerful reminder that unity still matters.
On a more personal note, my collar bone started acting up. The pain hinted at high uric acid — a not-so-gentle reminder that I’m not getting younger. My body was already whispering: take care of me.
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| needles and hospital |
One memory stands out — bringing my daughter to her school activity. Halfway through a remote town, our trusty Vios suddenly cranked up. No dramatic rescue scene. Just reality. We commuted the rest of the way.
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| a collage saying: "life's like that!" |
I hosted a digital literacy talk at work — something I deeply enjoy, sharing what I’ve learned and helping others navigate the online space more wisely.
Then came the wisdom tooth extraction. Amazingly not painful, kudos to the dentist!
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| some reminders after a tooth extraction |
That month carried both impact and grief. It reminded me that even as we build and speak and lead, life remains fragile.
Our SG x Malaysia vacation was a much-needed pause.
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| waiting for sunset |
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| JB, Malaysia--- always an important obligation |
Traveling with family always resets something in me. Ate B celebrated her birthday with us this year, very seldom occurrence nowadays so I'm thankful for it.
I turned 49 this year — and celebrated it with Dad. That alone made it special.
We watched Kailan Ba Ang Panahon Ko Sa Isang Mundong Pabago-Bago? a musical. Originally planned to take my daughter with me to appreciate musical stage plays portrayed by students but ended up bringing the whole family.
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| interactive games for PNK booth |
Our street’s road and drainage rehabilitation works also began — progress, dust, inconvenience, and hope all rolled into one.
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| long and winding road |
June was full.
DJ had his first choir performance — and it happened during my wife’s 40th birthday celebration. Watching him sing while celebrating her milestone? Core memory.
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| 1st day of the month, blessing kaagad! |
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| the resort was very good, but not the weather. |
At work, we joined a family fun run with celebrity guest Dimples Romana. The community was thrilled. So were we.
July was flood month.
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| baha ka lang, tutupad kami! |
The kids led a Pasugo drive.
We got a new ride. woot! woot!
And by month’s end, I was back in Iloilo conducting a crisis communication seminar for colleagues — a reminder that no matter the weather, the mission continues.
I commuted from Rizal to Tanza, Cavite for social media content work — tiring, but fulfilling.
We got a new fridge. Even upgraded our toilet bowl — now automated. Small wins at home feel big. Big winner: wifey! haha
Ka Rene visited our locale. Blessed!
I joined our CSR at Kawa Pilipinas. Took a photo souvenir with Juana Change for a change (kakampink ito but we don't talk politics)
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| with colleagues Mela & Arlo |
We hosted a video presentation as missionary work and even facilitated a brethren meeting at home.
But August also carried grief — Ka Vicky and Ka Jesse passed away. Loss seems to have visited often this year.
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| an epitome of humility & dedication: Ka Jessie |
The street in front of our home was finally cemented — after months of dust and disruption. Progress looks beautiful when you’ve waited for it.
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| finally! after more than three long months! |
I led another crisis comm seminar in Cavite and joined the MPT South tour in Lancaster with vloggers.
Then gout attacked again. Parked for a day. But my choir mates visited me at home. That meant more than they know.
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| work from bed. |
Bro AAT visited our locale. This is a weekday surprise... and blessing, of course!
I covered the Westwind topping off event with media roundtable interviews.
Then tragedy struck — Gemma passed away in a motorcycle accident.
The Philippines was also rocked by a series of earthquakes.
Highlight of this month, we finally met Alicia during one of her PH visits — with the whole family.
We launched our first batch of employee tours with CAM and HR.
We visited Pampanga to catch up with Tita Rina and Tito Bay who hails in CA for many years. Good to have time to pay them a visit.
I had my first other locale assignment in CWS: Brookside.
Political drama: A family issue involving Manang Imee’s brother became public in a rally broadcasted all over social media — one of those moments that remind you how fast narratives travel.
And then — a double rainbow appeared. Reminds us that in every gloomy situation, there is still beauty and HOPE.
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| Hope has a way of showing up when you least expect it. |
Kim & Justin got married — and I finally had the chance to have a photo with THE Ka Loren. I also had my first photo with Jon Lucas after years of simply seeing each other.
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| Ka Loren has been the choir leader in Cubao for decades |
Then, a fire broke out near our home. We lost electric power for a day. It could have been worse. Thanks to Jamie and Dex, who lent us a super power bank, we stayed connected online and had temporary ventilation and lights. In moments like that, you realize brotherhood is everything.
We ended the year visiting Dad again and stopping by what’s dubbed as the “largest cafe” in the city of San Fernando.
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| Villagers friendships |
We met old-time friends during the holidays, and welcomed two more wedding inaanaks to my growing list. We visited Auntie Joy, who is now bed-ridden. Hoping for her restored health so she can once again host birthday parties and year-end get-together for our relatives.
And if 2026 asks the same of me?
I’ll show up again. HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
(this blog entry is mostly composed by chatgpt)
Happy 22nd!
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| Mr. Lansangan gave vibrant life to our Music subject. |
I had the privilege to be a student of a brilliant musician, Mr. Meynardo Lansangan, when I transferred to University of the Assumption in my last year of grade school. No K-12 program yet then, I was in grade 6, a graduating student. He was our music teacher. It was through him I learned to appreciate a number of Kapampangan songs. To name a few titles: Iniang Malati Cu, Ating Metung A Dalaga, Oyana Ing Papel. When he lets the class sing, he accompanied with a silindro. Always lively singing sessions!
Mr. Lansangan was the composer of our University Hymn, Hail Assumption! It really is inspiring to see him in front of us all when the hymn is being sung during school programs and ceremonies.
One song he taught us that marked in my heart is this "I Would Be True" with a very nice lyrics. The melody was soothing and Mr. Lansangan made it a little upbeat. Ending my tribute post with the song and lyrics below:
I Would Be True (by: Howard A. Walter, Samuel R. Harlow)
It's our holy supper at church today. It usually is a tiring day after a week of devotional prayer and weeks of choir practices. But as always, everything is all worth the preparations. God is full of love as He always gives us an opportunity to start anew and get things straight again.
Had the chance to invite my dad to visit our home and see his grandchildren again. he stayed overnight until lunch time the following day.
Tomorrow, April 15, 2023, will be the last day ONLINE of the best forum website in the early 2000s--- PinoyExchange.com. It will go offline after more than two decades. Here's their announcement via their official Facebook page:
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| PExers turned real-life friends: mauve_2002, mckoolit, HeartBreaker200, BabyFATS, and BadAssGoddess |
