Thank you 2011

"Grateful for 2011, excited for 2012".

There went my facebook status update last New Year's day.  The past year could have been really tough, in fact a turning point in my life, yet I am greatly thankful for every experience, lesson and friends I gained along the way.  Let me share with you the year that was that greatly affected who I am today.

The first quarter saw a liberating light as I decided to take on drastic changes relationship-wise, irrespective of the painful consequences.  That experience is pivotal in my life as it opened my eyes and hearts to a whole new world of opportunities in career, business, relationships and self development.

Before the first quarter ended, I was offered a job less stressful and more challenging than what I previously had.  It was actually an answered prayer and was a surprise.  That job offer was one of the least expected, since I had no plans of moving to a new post last year. But truly, God knows what is best and I am more than grateful for the career shift.

pictorial after my violin recital

I also had my second violin recital the last week of February.  It felt good because I know I sounded far better than the first time I had my recital, thanks to my ever patient teacher and well-wishers who were present during the event.

By mid-year, I got to participate for a showchoir competition during the Singles for Christ Metro Manila Conference.  And as a bonus, our team won the grand prize.  It really felt good to know that through the endeavor, I helped some people feel good and confident about themselves and at the same time, share the talent the Lord has given me for His greater glory.

baby Jerone at 2 months

Also coincident with the Gloree showchoir preparations, I had my first public violin performance in GMA--a dream come true.  My classmate requested me to play along with her the Mga Kwentong Pambata ni Jose Rizal theme during the General Assembly.  After the event, I felt so elated to receive a lot of positive acclaim from friends and managers in the office.

September1, a new baby in the family was born.  Jerone Andrew, my sisters second son, is the cuddly bundle of joy who now takes most of my weekends.

By September, I got accepted for graduate school but eventually did not enroll due to schedule conflicts. Hopefully, this 2012, I can have my workshift adjusted to accommodate plans to pursue my MBA.

October, my business partners and I launched Sublime, a clothing line for the young, chic and budget-conscious fashionista.  My friends from Singles for Christ and I had put up our company GALZ and started joining bazaars to kick off our clothing line.

To end the our bazaar season, we took a quick break and headed far north in Ilocos.  Here I experienced more of God's love through the breathtaking beauty that was presented in front of me.

at the Paoay church in Ilocos

in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I got to celebrate the Christmas season with my family, and hosted our first reunion in years.  I know that wherever Mama is now, she is very happy with the way things turned out in our clan after her death.

As of my lovelife, I know 2012 will be a very good year to work on that.  With fervent prayers, I know will find the one I can share my passion with.  For now, I will just continue to enjoy life and relish every moment in love and service of the Lord.

Love and Music

My violin teacher announced the dates of the assessment and recital. I should be nervous. But I am not, really.

I am in fact thankful I have a lot of time to practice. Though I will play happy tunes for the recital, contrary to what I’m feeling right now, I welcome it as a good balance to my lovelife’s traumatic aftermath. And at least there is something to be excited about. This March, I will walk up the stage again to perform in front of fellow musicians, hoping I’d do better the second time around. Less pressure since I don’t expect any fans or well-wishers to attend my recital. But of course, I’d love to see someone holding out a bouquet for me after the performance *wish*. The whole Abelardo Hall will light up a thousand twinkling lights, like it’s just him and me there, not minding the teachers and other students gathered in the auditorium. That’s so magical! Then poof! Back to reality. I shouldn’t expect so much, I’d just enjoy every minute of the recital.

The jitters are different from that I get everytime I have a theatrical performance. And this is not the first time I’d step into the limelight with a broken heart. The last time, I even got a best actress nomination.

What does that tell me? Relishing this current state of aloneness gives me more time to focus on my craft. I should not be distracted by the past, and the upcoming romantic interests especially now. I should get my priorities straight. I need to regain every inch of self esteem I lost. And I hope this performance is going to help me a lot.

happiest thought of 2010

Yesterday, a friend asked me what my happiest memory of 2010 is. And for me, it is a very hard question to answer.

This year, my Mama died and lost all my savings from her treatment. Because of that, I also incurred a lot of payables. I wasn’t able to join my friends in our annual summer outing. I wasn’t able to attend the Davao conference I’ve been planning to go to.

At work, I wasn’t considered for promotion. Instead, there spread some nasty rumors about me and a feud against a co-worker.

If I will focus on the heartbreaking memories and not think of the good I gained from those experiences, I can never move on. I will only encourage negative thoughts to fill me and I don’t want to welcome 2011 like that. And despite everything that happened this year, I still want to enumerate the blessings I received so I can come up with my happiest 2010 memory.

With the death of my mother, the bond between me and my sister strengthened. Now it is like, me and her against the world. It is said that through hardships you will know who your true friends are and with the experience, I realized that my real best friend in life is my sister. We stood by each other through thick and thin, and I can say that nothing can ever destabilize our sisterhood, our friendship.

I also learned a lot, from being independent and strong-willed to being compassionate to the people in need. I learned my lessons the hard way, nevertheless thankful that I gained so. I realized I should live each day as if it’s my last and never hesitate to show loved-ones that you care for them or it might be too late. Cliché but these are the most important things everyone should’ve realized long before.

Though I wasn’t doing really good at work this year, I recognized my priorities. With my free time, I can attend Singles for Christ activities for spiritual nourishment and still have time for my business. Last July, I got to attend the Metro Manila Conference in Silang, Cavite and felt so refreshed with the insights I got. Last August, I headed the Unli-Love Fully Loaded anniversary event of SFC-Claret. I was more elated to know that some of our Christian Life Program participants were actually inspired to join us after watching the concert.

I also continued my violin lessons and I am just so glad to have the time I need for practice. Last February, I had my recital and my super loyal fan Joel came to UP Diliman all the way from Las Piñas just to see it.

Work isn’t so much stressful and demanding these days, one the perks of staying in B2 position. Of course I still would want to be promoted given the chance, I miss the hectic workload I used to have. Anyway, this year I handled Q11’s Buhay Q Kumpleto station ID, Christmas campaign and a handful of corporate AVPs in a breeze. Not even my bosses noticed we’re doing a launch.

I still can’t point to a single memory but I can say that my 2010 has strengthened my grip to the Lord. Each experience has pushed closer to God. And with the trials I faced, I became more dependent on His providence, thus counting each time I wake up a blessing in itself. Every morning is a step closer to reaching my goals and a day away from my depressing past.