2011: Milestones and Memories

I was not able to publish my 2010 year-ender blog and in fact it is still in the drafts folder. Well, right now, I don't want just to keep them to myself. 2011 has been so good to me. A lot of things happened even outside the plans I have set to myself. Through this post, I would like to thanks the Lord for keeping me alive and giving me chances to live and not just exist. I'd like to thank Him for convincing me to come out of my shell by and by. Filled with grace, let me share with you the top ten blessings I have received this year.

10. The Climb
It was my first time to reach a mountain peak. With new friends, I experienced one of the most blissful moments of adventure and prayer at the same time. During that climb, I was able to reflect as I appreciate God's wonderful creation. I also promised to myself that I will be climbing more mountains in the future.

9. Bacchanalia
I won't really know my alcohol tolerance if not with these guys. Just kidding. I just can't help but thank the generosity of our Aussie boss for giving us the quarterly team buildings, better called Bacchanalia. LOL. Lots of my office memories are with these guys whom I consider one of the groups I'd really love to hang out with.

8. DiMAS
Last year, in my unpublished post, I expressed my longing to some of the guys I have known through the Ministry of Altar Servers. Some would even bet how sentimental I could be when my closest friend from the group entered the military last year. Well, this year has seen a lot of hope and understanding. God has paved way for me to release the grudges in my heart towards the biggest spiritual culprit I have encountered. With the success of some of the guys I have once taught as proteges, God made me realize that all the things that happened in the past were not in vain. I am also happy that for this year, we've had the more frequent reunions. Some are just instant drinking session invites.

7. Hangad Workshops
I have been entrusted to coordinate the workshops facilitated by Hangad. With this, I have notice significant growth in me not only in my relationship with Hangad but also in my personal ministry. The reason of joining the choir I have been admiring for years has been reinforced and I now accept all the challenges I will be facing with them openly and confidently. Well, I just have to work on my punctuality issues. Just as I reminded myself last year. LOL

6. Driving!
Wohoo! I can drive now! Haha... Nuff said. Thanks to Tatay even though I had to really really really convince him in every session. LOL.

5. Samuel
He is the first pet I bought and took care personally from his first month complete with all his medical needs. I have always dreamed of having a Labrador Retriever but he came in in unexpected circumstances. I just love how stresses are relieved even though he has peed in my room a number of times. With that, I can say that I am now capable of having my own baby. Just kidding.

4. Family Dinners <3
My closest friends know how cold my relationship with my father is. But this is one of my 2011 goals which I can say I have succeeded in implementing. I never missed a birthday without a family hangout. Well, as a kuya and the only one who is capable of initiating this, I am thankful that God filled me with lots of good vibes. In times when I was about to let loose of my role as panganay, God reminds me to hang on, assuring me that everything is paying off. True enough. And as I write this, I am confident to say that my family has never been well-bonded as before. More hangouts in the coming years! How about a Singapore trip next?

3. Advent Retreat
This is the best retreat I have attended so far. I think this is the most life-changing one with a powerful effect on my personal life. The lessons of desires and waiting - this weekend with Hangad is one of the most memorable moments in my life that I will always remember. And so, I shall be facing 2012 not only with an optimistic tone but a hopeful one.

2. Singapore - Kuala Lumpur Tour
No. This is not number one yet. That's how blessed I am in 2011. I am speechless. Just read my previous blog about this. God, you rock!

and tentenenen!

1. This Time With You
I am a musician. Finally, I can embrace that. From the tiring yet rewarding nights of recordings and rehearsals, this album is considered the best gift Hangad has to offer in 2011 and probably in 20 years of existence. And I am a part of it! (tears) Oh God. I am humbled by this experience. Not only have I joined the recording of an album for the second time, I was able to contribute two songs and record one solo. It's like hitting so many birds in one stone. These things are just dreams that I did not even think of making realized. I have been thinking so small and constrained about myself. Now, with this project and the encouragements of Hangad, friends and other people around me, I am finally convinced of what I am capable of doing with God's help. I bow down in awe Lord.

Just ten? Of course not. I can actually give you an endless list. Some of which might include my birthday retreat in Manaoag Pangasinan, my wedding gigs in Barasoain Church, my Guimaras-Iloilo Trip, a jingle I wrote for an episode in Maalaala Mo Kaya, dating and many more! But as of now, let me just tell you that 2012 is gonna be more blessed! So better get ready for more!

Komikon 2011

My sister with Gerry Alanguilan
signing my Elmer book

On November 19, I got introduced to Komikon, an annual convention for Comic artists in the Philippines. I was never really a Comics fan but a couple of weeks before that, I bumped into Wasted, a Comic series created by Gerry Alanguilan. Getting hooked, the next thing I know, I was googling some more of Pinoy comic artists especially those who made it (unknowingly to many Filipinos) to the international scene.

My sister asked me to accompany her to Komikon 2011. There were many booths selling their stuff and some well-known comics were discounted. I bought some comics from the seasoned artists and tons from the indies. My sister told me that it would be a great idea for us to have a booth next year. Why not? It would be so much fun to add something unexpected on my bucket list for next year.

Total Lunar Eclipse Happening Now - Last One Until 2014

If you are reading this post on the 10th of December 2011 or dawn of the next day, you are just in time to witness the last Total Lunar Eclipse to happen until 2014. Good thing I happened to bumped into NatGeo site and learned about the news just tonight.

This astronomical event will be visible in East Asia, Australia, and the far western pat of North America including Alaska and Canada. For more information kindly visit the NatGeo site.