It's time for my annual review of the previous year. 2025 was absolutely incredible. For the first time in a really long time, I went on two trips. I took my family to Taiwan where we had an absolute blast getting to see Taipei (including Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall), Jiufen, Shifen, Yelhiu Geopark, and Taichung. I also went on my first business trip since 2018 - and my first international one since 2009 - to Gold Coast in Australia. Interestingly enough, it was also my first time to both these countries, giving me an opportunity to see a bit more of the world.
There were also lots of great moments with family. One of my nephews graduated from college and I got to watch my other nephew perform twice, first during the Kaliwa't Kanang Kalabitan event at St. Scho and then again at the Natividad et Familia Christmas concert of the UST Guitar Department. Uncle Albert celebrated his 88th birthday. Tito Erwin and Tita Maritie celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding. I attended the first birthday of Andrei, who is the grandson of my cousin. I took my family to enjoy afternoon tea at the Manila Pen lobby. My mom and I visited the Ramon Magsaysay Library before enjoying afternoon coffee at Diamond Hotel. And of course my family had our wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrations. These are only the ones I wrote about but of course there were many more.
Last year was also filled with art, both visual and performance. Aside from the guitar shows where one of my nephews performed, my mom and I also got to watch Dionne Warwick's concert One Last Time in Manila. We watched Don Quixote staged by Ballet Manila at the Aliw Theater. We also saw two galas - ballet and folk dance - of the International Dance Day celebration at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. We I got to see a few art exhibits - Of Grit and Steel at the Ayala Museum, the Ortigas Art Festival at Greenhills Mall, and Manuel Baldemor's European Journey of Discovery. I also started on my art collecting journey, acquiring a couple of Manuel Baldemor artworks from Art Circle Gallery and a couple of Pancho Piano pieces from Nami Art Gallery. I haven't been able to write about this yet but before 2025 ended, I also purchased a Yeye Calderon painting from ArtAsia in Megamall. Since I started on my art journey, I have also started to pay more attention to art on display everywhere - in lobbies, hallways, hotel rooms, and many other places - and I feel that this has made me a lot more appreciative of the beauty that surrounds me.
I also got to spend a lot of time with my friends. I attended the wedding of my friend Michelle in Pico de Loro (which was also my first time there). I spent a weekend in Punta Fuego at the beach house of my friend and we got to play lots of board games and eat great food. I attended the first All Aboard Expo sa QC. I got to try a few rooms at Mystery Manila and that was lots of fun. Then of course there were the many board game nights and the many brunches, lunches, and dinners I had with friends.
Speaking of, I had several great dining and food-and-drink experiences. I wrote about most of the places that I got to try for the first time: Lusso, Dohtonbori, Crepe Glazik, Sourdough, Mixue, Mamacita, Made Nice, La Latina, Bolero, and Sicilian Roast. I also wrote about a few places I had been to before: Prologue and Aperitif. I also got to eat again at a couple of places that I hadn't been two in ages: Trellis and Little Tokyo.
Work was tremendously busy last year so I went on a couple of staycations for some me-time: once at Dusit Thani and then at New World. That said, I didn't get a chance to read a single book the entire year. Considering that I have a couple dozen books that I haven't read yet, I need to make sure I carve out enough time to read again this year.
It wasn't all happy memories though. My Uncle Albert passed away. We also lost Wolf, our family dog who passed on after being with us for almost 14 years. I also haven't written about this yet because it happened just right before the New Year but Uncle Cesar, who is the brother of my grandfather (dad's side) also passed away.
Writing a blog on a somewhat regular basis takes a lot of effort but I still do it because it helps remind me of my experiences and sometimes, I also get to read something that I have completely forgotten about. So after more than 20 years - and yes, I celebrated my blog's 20th anniversary last year - I continue to write. Hopefully, I can keep doing this for many more years.
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