If there is one word that describes this year, it would have to be love. NOT purely in the romantic sense of the word, but in every way possible that it can mean to anyone. The year before, 2007 was a defining one – difficult, challenging and emotional. It may sound corny, but 2008 and I felt more like a whirlwind romance, with grandiose and modest stories to share and cherish. I took the plunge and found myself in an incredibly exciting ride. Allow me to be my corny, sappy self as I look back into the wonderful relationship I had with 2008. Because I have nothing but love to share as this year draws to a close.

Here's to falling a few times more with 2008...

• They say love is all about taking risks. This year, I've had more than a few overwhelming share of taking a lot of risks through my many responsibilities. I became a part of COA as a cluster head for PAC, and I also got to be the Associate Editor for ÆGIS. That meant risking time, effort, transcripts, sleeping/studying/social hours and a whole lot of yourself for others. Ultimately, the risk is more than worth it.


• Relationships afford new, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I had the most eventful and busiest summer of my life, as I took my OJT stint in Congress as part of the technical staff of a Congressman. And although I don't think I could ever be a staff member full-time, the experience was truly valuable. It was PolSci in action and the exposure was definitely good for me. I got to meet and converse with a number of influential people. Not to mention, it gave me a little taste of our legislative system. There were a lot of disheartening realities, but it still left room for a spark of hope. I'm still an idealist, and according to some of my PolSci mentors/professors, I shouldn't lose that.

• I was reunited with a few old loves like writing, designing and performing. I couldn't be more thankful and grateful that I got the chance to do another play once again with Summer of 42. And although it was a challenge to juggle all that together, my experience there is truly memorable. Who knows when I'd ever be on stage again?

• The year gav me a reason to follow my passion and build the nation (also COA's sort-of tagline). I think this is the year that I really got the chance to believe in the change I am capable of doing. Perhaps because I had all the opportunities to share and give back - may it be through my time, efforts, talents and skills. In my case, I got to fall heaps in love with the arts and recognize once again its richness, beauty and ability to tell a story and share meaningful messages. Planning our super collaborative project, PACisama was truly a learning and fulfilling experience.

• Inspiration takes hold of me every chance it can. I am fortunate to have worked with brilliant and equally passionate leaders. More than that, I got the chance to actually meet incredibly inspiring people, who are out there - making their mark and changing the world. The inspiration was quite overwhelming, and I found all those opportunities with the people I got to work with in Ateneo, COA, ÆGIS, PAC, Polsci, etc. as God-given blessings.

• I got to make more meaningful relationships with other people - old and new. New friendships, especially the ones that have positively enriched my college experience are truly beautiful gifts. I've gotten to be really close with a whole new bunch of people that deserve all the love in the world. These are brilliant, wonderful, interesting people, and it fills me with so much excitement to wonder how they will change the world someday. I say that with much conviction because I know they will.

• And lastly, for my romantic, exciting, fun-filled year filled with sweet and crazy surprises. Thank you for constantly sweeping me off my feet everyday.

This has been a year of love for myself, for others and for the things that should matter in the world. I bet 2009 will be an even more interesting year filled with more changes, big adjustments and greater risks. I'd be graduating and bidding farewell to my wonderful undergrad life, while opening doors to a totally different life. There were so many surprises that hit my way this year, that I believe it is better to just look forward to more. In between all those, I'd like to remain optimistic.

Happy New Year! 2009!

It's hard to go back in detail how I spent the past month. It was by far the busiest month I've ever experienced my entire student life. Last summer came pretty close, but just because this one involved all facets of my entire self, it exceeds everything I did then by a mile. It was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting. I had quite a few breakdowns along the way, but as soon as everything wrapped up wonderfully and successfully at the end, I had to say it was all purely worth it. I have proven a lot of things to myself, and quite proud of what I have accomplished. Here are a few snapshots from some recent celebrations. I wish I had all the pictures with me to share, but these will do. Happy Holidays everyone!

( Lots of pictures behind this cut )

How am I spending the rest of my holidays? For now, I want to catch a lot of downtime possible after all that. Staying at home while enjoying a nice, quite holidays is just right up my alley. Thank God for my awesome Guitar Hero World Tour skills to beat any kind of brewing blues away. Not that there are any. This year has been pretty wonderful to me. I am full of love and incredibly happy. Merry Christmas to everyone!

(cross-posted entry from my weblog)

The long weekend was refreshing. It allotted me time to relax and spend on more leisurely activities. I've been working very hard since the semester started. And while I feel like the things I've somehow started are not even close to what I'm supposed to accomplish in the nearing weeks, I'm taking time to appreciate some of the things that I do tend to overlook such as the nearing holidays.

December comes knocking on my door so fast and somehow catches me off guard. Apart from all the usual darling festivities and holiday cheer I adore, I do have a busy month ahead. Squeezing in Christmas shopping amidst all my holiday projects while I continue to keep my grades up is a challenge I'm going to take. Let's just hope the positivity manages to keep my spirits high everyday.

I'm trying to be as productive as I can be. While that is quite admirable, I am tempted every time to just stand back and take a breath. I've been quite sick a week ago, and it was a wake-up call to my body. Thus, I've been sleeping at least 8 hours a day and trying hard not to skip any meals. I'm also doubling up on vitamins when necessary. I can't be sick, and I also want to live a healthier lifestyle. The result? It does wonders on my skin.

The sun in the early morning is wonderful as it keeps me energized to take on the day ahead. And as nights seem to be longer now that it's December, I marvel at the Christmas lights and decorations adorning the streets. It leaves me all warm and fuzzy. It makes me crave for bibingka, sweet ham and cranberries every time. Christmas is also the ultimate holiday to be reminded of generosity and love. I feel like I need to share all the love I can with everyone, just because this year has allowed me to meet more people to love and share my life with.

Now that the Seniors are counting down the days before graduation and the reality of 'what-lies-ahead,' every day seems to be priceless. And Christmas just makes me feel like the sentimental schmuck I really am. All the made-up, disease-sounding Senior syndromes affect me every now and then. I feel like there is a need to be running around, making the most out of the fleeting moments.

Or maybe. Just maybe. I need to continue those moments of standing back and taking those deep, comforting breaths. More than the craziness of all the hustling and bustling, there is a need to relish those moments. Oh wonderful, sweet, love-filled moments that make up the seconds we continue to take for granted.