...and that concludes 2014

Just like most of the people in my social media friends list, my 2014 can also be considered not as the best but still one of the most colorful years in my whole life.  After a blog hiatus for a few months, I will try my very best to summarize my 2014 in this year-ender post.

My career took a big share of my roller coaster ride this year.  A new department head came, my immediate boss resigned, our table of organization was changed, the number of "immediate concerns" sky-rocketed and became too exhausting to handle, the team held on  in spite everything.  On the brighter side of things, I got my retro, I am supposed to be promoted (as a manager), and I finally got the salary increase promised 10 months back.  Work-wise, media relations with some major media companies became stronger, establishing a more personal relationship beyond the professional call of duty.  One major project for the year was the partnership with ABS CBN for its very own realiserye, I Do.  I am proud to be a part of this pilot program as main coordinator between our company and ABS CBN's I Do production team.  Met awesome new friends in ABS, and finally got in touch with one of the couple grand winner, Ms. Kring Elenzano, a blogger and also a good friend of my late brother, Coy.

I Do is ABS CBN's realiserye featuring couples ready to wed.  Their stay inside the I Do Village enables them to know each other better and test their compatibility.  Counselors are available to strengthen their relationship and make them understand the roller coaster ride of being a couple.  At the end of the season, one couple will emerge as the grand winner.

Lancaster New City, the flagship project of Property Company of Friends, Inc. is the official home of I Do village Season 1.

Work has also led me to two places I haven't been to in my life.  And the year 2014 has to bring me there.

I am delighted to see Cagayan De Oro for the first time.  The place offers a lot of things to discover, including the popular white rapids where water rafting is common.  Too bad we only have limited time and the visit was only consumed doing official business.

Cebu--- one of the places in my bucket list.  I wasn't able to round the place and was just confined in the hotel and the very nearby places for the work that I need to do during the visit.  There is always a 'next time.'  There will be a next time.

I have grabbed the opportunity to visit Coy's resting place in Cebu.  This is the best time to do it since I do not know when I will be able to come back there again.  His brother, Jet, accompanied me early in the memorial park where Coy's remain was buried.

It feels so tranquil in that place.  Thank you, Jet, for bringing me to your kuya's resting place.   Speaking of business trips, I was also able to take my mom with me in one of my business trips in Iloilo, particularly in the early month of 2014.  Of course I need to pay for her air fare and meals but it was great bringing her there and let her see the beauty of the city.

My mom with me and Arn during one of our business trips in Iloilo.

My boss and I were also able to take some media friends to Iloilo.  We went to common tourist spots and had a good taste of local foods.  This trip is not the usual business trip we do in Iloilo since it was also the first time that we were able to visit these landmarks.

Cafe Lata FTW! (top middle photo)
Netong's Original La Paz Batchoy tastes heavenly! (rightmost, bottom photo)

Work also allowed me to have a series of "selfies" with known personalities:

SELFIES with:  (from leftmost, top clockwise) Jason Gainza, Jing Castaneda, Mon Tulfo, Bianca Gonzales, Sen. Nancy Binay, and Ms. Miriam Quiambao.

Health-wise,  I was diagnosed with kidney stones twice.  First check up was as early as January when I had to undergo a CT stonogram to determine the number and size/s of the stone/s.  I first noticed a stain-colored urine but felt no pain at all, even around the area of my kidneys.  The two young resident doctors who first questioned me about how I felt when I urinate are puzzled why there was no pain felt so they recommended the procedure over just the usual ultrasound.  Early urine tests say that blood is present with the urine which explains the color whenever I discharge liquid.  I was prescribed to take a 3-month medication hoping that the stones, biggest at .05cm, will dissolve.  I turned a 180-degree turn on my diet.  Less salty foods, more water & these three juices:  buco, apple, and cranberry.  The stones temporarily "vanished" but after a few weeks just before my birthday, I needed to undergo a shock wave procedure to dissolve the stones.  It was an unforgettable experience and I just have to thank my wifey and dad for taking care of me after the procedure, when I felt really dizzy.

diet-changing experience. 

On spiritual aspect, a major shift has come this year as my family migrated to a newborn locale extension (which will very soon be an independent locale already) that will bear the name "Centennial."  This year marks the 100th year anniversary of our church, the Iglesia Ni Cristo.  A series of big activities were made not only in the country but overseas as well.  These activities were led by the most popular of all, the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko (My Countrymen My Brethren).  A milestone event that benefit the victims of typhoon Haiyan, the church-initiated Worldwide Walk earned two world records in just 24 hours.  The activity which was not only held in the Philippines brought one battle cry among the brethren who participated the said event: "we walk so they can stand."

Of course, congregational thanksgiving worship services are always the best, and most anticipated occasions annually.  This time, July thanksgiving is extra-special because of the centennial anniversary.

PNK Thanksgiving: July (left), December (right)

Family bonding is the next best thing after fulfilling church obligations.  This year, I can say that I had a pretty good, quality time with my wifey & little girl.  Little Aya went to formal school for the first time, after a few short pre-nursery courses in summer.  Her school, Divine Angels Montessori of Cainta is presided by celebrity and former child star Camille Prats.  We were able to go boating in Nuvali with church friends, and enter Tagaytay's Sky Ranch for the first time.  Some other first times for us, we dined in 100 Revolving Restaurant.  The place is ideal for one special date, no entrance fee required.  You only have to pay for the food you are going to order.  But make sure you call for reservation especially during peak days and time. Another first, and finally, we were able to dine in Vikings.  There's a branch near our place and the three of us enjoyed our dinner!

Summer Pre-Kindergarten Program graduation, Egyptian during United Nations Program, Buwan ng Wika performance... our school girl enjoys school so much. :)

dinner date at 100 Revolving Restaurant, Vikings on another occasion, and family trip to Nuvali.. all happened in 2014.

I would like to thank all the people who made a difference in our lives this 2014.  May the coming year 2015 bring us more joy, prosperity and contentment in all aspect of our lives.  Most of all, I thank God, our loving Father, for the continuous blessings He pours to me and my family.

Ending this year-ender blog post, thank you to my long-lost friends who I got the chance to meet again this 2014:

top, left to right: with HS classmate Maricel, blogger friend Alex, Glee Club colleague Mitch.
middle, left to right:  with churchmate Homer, blogger pal Flowell, former radio colleague Ener.
bottom, left to right:  with former radio colleague Ka Eric, former DKT colleague Judith, and former SUN colleague Juvy.

Three of the most treasured "selfies" for the year 2014 are the following:

left to right:  with overall choir mentor Ka Fausto; minister/debater Bro. Joe Ventilacion; and choir mentor Bro. Michael 

God has not forsaken me this passing year and for the upcoming year, to Him I entrust my life again and as always.  FAITH, LOVE, HOPE... 2015!