An unexpected trip to the Philippines end of July/August. Must say it was one of the best times I've ever had. After a couple of years of just chatting with NSSians, my CHARMS, and King I finally got to meet them ALL. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so welcomed during my short stay there. I wish I could've stayed longer. Firsts: straight to Robinsons from the airport, met my CHARMS & King, Valenzuela Experience, NSSian dinner & KTV, Taho, Sisig, Chicken Bacolod, Manila Hotel, Glorietta & Gerrys Grill, Taxi Drivers, Roxas Blvd & Baywalk, Text Conference, Injuring my ankle, MOA, Greenhills, Enchanted Kingdom, 1st phone call from Niquee on my way to the Philippines
The end of August was one of the roughest times of my life. I felt that all the happiness I felt on my vacation was replaced with all the worst things that could've happened. Within the span of 2 days I lost 2 people who meant so much to me. When I learned Niquee passed away, numbness came over me and I couldn't believe it. I shed some tears, but still couldn't comprehend that she was gone. 2 days later at 2am I heard the phone ring and knew my worst fear had come true. Mamay passed away and at that moment I felt weak & numb all over. I cried myself to sleep and didn't want to wake up. A couple of days passed and I didn't cry anymore, I didn't know what to feel or think. Not until the night of Mamay's funeral did I let everything out. All the pain & sadness I was feeling from Niquee & Mamay passing away I let out that night. I prayed so hard that everything was just a dream. That I would go online and see Niquee's 'On the Phone' status and we would chat again. That we would call the Philippines and hear how Mamay was. But my wish never came true. With the help of family & friends I slowly got back into the swing of things. I've never lost a friend in my whole life, nonetheless one who gave me so many good memories & lessons to take. I thought I would be okay with Mamay passing away, since when my other 2 grandparents passed away I was pretty okay. But this time was different, I realized how important he was to our family and how he truly instilled so many things in me and my cousins. There's not a day that passes that I don't think about the 2 of them. I miss them both so much.
My inspiration for finishing up my MBA was Mamay. I worked hard this last semester to make him proud and I hope he saw that.
This past year I also gave up on certain things, but realized it wasn't worth it. There are certain battles we must face and in the end there's always a reason for why things happen.
Thanks to cuz, shine, joy, myra, feensan for always being there for me. We're all in this together, no matter what happens. This friendship has stood the test of time and I doubt anything will break it. Thanks for being there for me at my lowest times, for always making me feel that you girls are there for me. You don't know how much I appreciate it.
In March went to California with my cousin to watch Nina & Nyoy. Our 1st time to go away alone haha. First time to meet Kath & Ate Charade. Our trip was super worth it. Watched a great show and finally met my fellow UNSSians. Even got to stroll around LA and San Diego. So many memories made on that road trip. :) ... Gear Shift . Matching Jackets . Shakeys . Jollibee . Pumping Gas . Hotel & so many more.
