(And 1 month of 2020 lol)
This year I turned 26, still pretty much single, working the same demanding job in the same bank, trying to survive junior MBA year one breakdown at a time, a middle-income working class hating Metro Manila traffic, tough outside but inside a crybaby, always hungry, will kill for airline seat sale.
My year started slow in terms of travelling, primarily because I'm still recovering from the huge amount of money I shelled out for #Europe2018 (It's a thousand percent worth it though!). The first one was in June during my sembreak when I went solo again to Boracay, my favorite place in the entire Philippines (even besting Batanes for me) to just enjoy the sunset, rest and chill. I remember sleeping for a good 30 minutes to an hour under the sun, on my pizza-designed mat. The following week we drove 11 hours to Ilocos with the entire family, including my dad and my sister who are home for my cousin's wedding. I'm 26 and can you believe this counts as our first out-of-town trip together? I'm glad everyone had fun, especially during our 4x4 sand dunes adventure. Over three months later, my mom and I spent a week in Tokyo, Japan for my forced/mandatory leave. My favorite part would be watching the Fantasmic! lights and sounds show at Tokyo Disneysea. Plus, legit Japanese cuisine is to die for. I don't recommend going during the summer though for obvious reasons that I'm tired half the time because of the heat, but I will definitely go back soon. My dream is to see the Philippines have at least half as good as Japan's transportation system, hopefully in this lifetime. A few weeks after, I extended an official trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan for some fresh air and some quiet at Dos Palmas island.
My US visa remains unused for almost 3 years, and I've always wanted to go to the US (who doesn't, really) but I didn't actively entertain the idea yet, in view of many considerations: budget, leave credits, MBA work load to be specific. Until I booked a flight anyway. Seeing the "Welcome to the United States of America" sign at the airport gave me the feeling of disbelief and happiness both at the same time. It was a short 2 weeks but until now it feels unreal to be stepping foot in a country which used to be just a dream to me. I particularly liked the scenic view going to and from Las Vegas and San Francisco. Thank you again to the Valera family for adopting me. (US edition knock knock jokes here: https://www.facebook.com/1290594135/posts/10221568318419226/?d=n)
2019 is also the concert year for me. I got to see my favorite artists Lauv, LANY, Westlife, AND ARIANA GRANDE perform live. I understand not a lot of people appreciate live music (moreso spend for it) but as a person who puts so much value on experiences, these are kind of a big deal. Especially that December 22 Ariana Grande concert in Los Angeles, which happens to be the last day of the *entire* Sweetener World Tour, to literally start my US trip right - the perfect example of "right time, right place"/meant for me. She sang at least 21 songs from her 5 albums and it is hands down the best concert I've ever been to, and the realest #AnakNgDiyos moment.
But what happens on at least half the year? The normal days?
I guess one upside to Instagram Stories is our inclination to document things we find interesting in our usual, normal life-- the little things. So while I was starting to get bored during my ~20 hours LAX-MNL flight (and correcting my sleep pattern at that), I felt like looking at all the random 2,400+ videos I have on my phone. Some notable ones I compiled into a 4-minute video: https://www.facebook.com/1290594135/posts/10221527174390651/?d=n
I guess one upside to Instagram Stories is our inclination to document things we find interesting in our usual, normal life-- the little things. So while I was starting to get bored during my ~20 hours LAX-MNL flight (and correcting my sleep pattern at that), I felt like looking at all the random 2,400+ videos I have on my phone. Some notable ones I compiled into a 4-minute video: https://www.facebook.com/1290594135/posts/10221527174390651/?d=n
The little things make up our days, our weeks and our months - a new music discovery, the calm while driving without music, or dancing and singing along to good music while driving, homecooked lunch or the breakfast prepared by mom, a nice dress or a new pair of shoes, a good hair day, power-dressing or dressing down, sleeping more than the usual 5 hours, a good coffee, a smooth commute or free parking, overlooking rooftop bars and a relaxing massage, long weekends or a government halfdays and holidays, random dinner out and catch-ups over Samgyup or Mendokoro and the likes, birthdays and videoke nights, study dates, a nice sunrise or a good weather, funny selfies, boomerang or filters, watching cute celebrity babies online, sharing random memes, attending weddings, or a sumptuous breakfast buffet, or approved loan accounts.
The regular work days. Normalcy.
There is absolutely no concept of slowing down when you work in a bank. Especially not as a Lending Account Officer. I am now a few months shy of my 5th year in DBP, or 6th if you count the MAP training. This year I got conferred to the rank of a Manager, not so much a big deal but worth mentioning, too. After all it is a result of hardwork, resilience and not giving up despite many challenges along the way. You see, my job inspires (and it pays the bills lol) but sometimes I also feel like I'm about to leave soon - a combination of wanting to try something more exciting, but also staying and doing what you do best. Adulting, basically. Well the truth is, DBP remains to be a comfort zone to me and it might take quite a lot financially, emotionally and mentally for me to decide exploring somewhere else...at least for the next 5 months. 1/2 joke.
There is absolutely no concept of slowing down when you work in a bank. Especially not as a Lending Account Officer. I am now a few months shy of my 5th year in DBP, or 6th if you count the MAP training. This year I got conferred to the rank of a Manager, not so much a big deal but worth mentioning, too. After all it is a result of hardwork, resilience and not giving up despite many challenges along the way. You see, my job inspires (and it pays the bills lol) but sometimes I also feel like I'm about to leave soon - a combination of wanting to try something more exciting, but also staying and doing what you do best. Adulting, basically. Well the truth is, DBP remains to be a comfort zone to me and it might take quite a lot financially, emotionally and mentally for me to decide exploring somewhere else...at least for the next 5 months. 1/2 joke.
Except my MBA life is no joke. Not at all. There is zero chance of slowing down when you are part-time UP student-- working strict 8am-5pm office job, driving 3 hours and sleeping for only 5 on weekdays and reading/writing at least 2 cases per week on weekends. I'm just so happy I belong to the best groups for both my classes this year, lightening the burden and sharing the work load. For this year we also organized the 2019 Master's Night, which is a gathering of the entire UP VSB-BGC community. It will be an understatement to say this is one of the best parties of my life. This journey ends in about 14 months, and I plan to finish this one strong. I can tell you now and this early, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Ironic to the concept of slowing down though, I’m pretty much occupied with the side hustles aka helping my mom sell her very addicting Pastimallows (thank you to my ever supportive friends for patronizing!! Hahaha) and of course, managing The Milk Tea Lounge (www.themilktealounge.com) with the whole family. Every inquiry excites us to the core and we’re very happy to secure a few bookings here and there!
Overwhelming. You see, for this year I realized the importance of idle time, the slow downs, the randomness, and especially the little things. I’m entering 2020 with a super grateful and rested heart (not mind coz forever praning???) while looking forward to experiencing more of those that make us feel alive, and appreciating all those in between.
(A super belated) happy new year to everyone! Just in time, Kung Hei Fat Choi!
I’m not sure why you do, but thank you for reading!!!
Love,
KRTRT 💕
