Moments

At the start of the year, I made a silent vow to be more involved with my family. So in almost all occasions this year, may it be big or small, I made a sincere effort to be around and make my presence felt. I must say that I am quite pleased with the results of this decision. Not only did I rescue myself from the eternal guilt of being an absentee family member (father, sibling, son and all), I also succeeded in including myself with some of the moments and experiences my family will forever remember and treasure.

I must admit, at first, I thought I am doing my family a favor by being their driver, host, sponsor, supporter, additional help or headcount and what have you in all those occasions. Little did I know that it will be me who will enjoy each and every moment the most. Little did I realize that there is still as much growth and learning to find within my family as there is with my work and the life outside it.

Jeio's 3rd birthday

An afternoon at Fun Ranch

Jianna's Christening

Jianna at the hospital

UN Day at Jeio's School

In an inflatable playpen at SM Baguio

At Strawberry Farm

At Club Manila East

Team "Love More"

Team "Love More"

At Ans' Wedding

To Bora Peak

At Bora Peak


At Macau Tower

At HK Ngong Ping

At HK Kowloon Bay

Thanks to my entire family:) I am looking forward to spend more moments with you this coming year!

Update

I realized the first 6 months of my so-called new life is about to close. The ride was so surreal and so exciting I barely noticed the time pass by.

Here are some of the things I learned so far, in no order of importance:

1. Cebu Pac Go-lite is right. It's better to go w/o baggages.
2. You can still build new friendships even in your late 20s.
3. Work-life balance is for real, not just a concept.
4. Joining the rat race is a choice..
5. Don't be negligent in trusting. See those big companies crumble?
6. A house is not an investment.
7. Choose Mutual funds on the basis of risk you can take.
8. Happy wife. Happy me.
9. Let go of the not-so-good stuff in life to give space for better things.
10. Help comes in many form. Discern on what others/you really need.
11. Do not forget your mistakes in the past.
12. Routine ain't bad. Coffee on Sundays w/ wife & bud ain't bad at all.
13. You will not lose anything if you give compliments everyday.
14. Use simple words as much as possible.
15. Don't sell your credentials. Let your work do the talking.
16. Friends are friends forever until you decide otherwise.
17. Invest now. "It's not about timing but a matter of time."
18. Write down as many dreams as you can. See how it feels.
19. Keep track of your successes in life. Celebrate it.
20. If beer is bitter to your taste, it means you don't need to drink.
21. "One for the road" means 3 beers, at least.
22. There is joy in going to an out-of-the-country trip without itinerary.
23. Keep a picture of your kid/wife. It can keep you sane.
24. Love life and it will love you back.
25. Learn to be comfortable with your own skin as you age.
26. A fancy dinner date never goes unnoticed.
27. Give back.
28. Share and donate.
29. Learn. Share some learnings, if you must, but do not preach.
30. Remember your roles (father, brother) & be reminded of your worth.

I must admit I am enjoying my life now. I am looking forward to the next 6 months.