2021: Mapa

What better way to describe my year 2021 other than the lyrics of easily one of the best OPM songs ever released, a song called "Mapa" released by rising P-Pop group SB19. You may listen to the original version: "MAPA" Official Lyric Video or listen/watch their collaboration with Ben&Ben on YouTube: "MAPA" (Band Version) Official MV (No copyright infringement intended.)

Needless to say, this song resonated with me in more ways than one, so I'm making it the theme of this year's yearend blog. Read up on my amazing 2021. 

*****

"'Wag mag-alala. Ipikit ang 'yong mata, ta'na. Pahinga muna, ako na'ng bahala. Labis pa sa labis ang 'yong nagawa. Ma, Pa, pahinga muna. Ako na." My dad is finally back for good in the Philippines after working for 14 years in Italy. Even until now, I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for my parents to raise a family that is physically apart. And so the words "Ako na." in the lyrics specifically hit differently, knowing the responsibility is now on my shoulders. Major adjustments must be made not only financially but also on household dynamics. A role reversal, simply put. Admittedly, I was very anxious about this at first, assessing if I'm ready. I guess my conclusion is: I will never be, but in my heart I am confident that things will turn out fine eventually. True enough, God always more than provides. It is especially at a time like this that I best appreciate having a really stable job which not only pays the bills, but also provides a secure present and future for me and my family. I am also grateful for the help of my sisters, who despite having their own household to manage, never faltered in giving support for the family. Eight months in, I'm just happy that with their retirement, my parents are now able to rest as they please, spend and make up for lost time together. 

"'Di ko na sasayangin pa'ng mga natitirang paghinga. Tutungo na kung sa'n naro'n ang mahalaga." The family was unfortunately not spared from COVID-19 this year. We tested positive shortly after my birthday trip to Boracay in July, though we are not sure where the exposure was exactly. We are grateful that the symptoms were mild and that it only warranted home quarantine. Best believe it was largely because of the protection provided by the vaccines. As in the lyrics of the song–this experience served as a reminder that life is short, that our time in this world is limited, and that we should not waste our time on temporary things. I used this time to reflect and reevaluate some life choices and to focus on what is really most important including those we normally take for granted like health, family time, human connection and friendships, self-care, self-love, rest, and peace of mind. 

As human beings, we are designed to adapt to extreme situations for survival but not for an extended period of time, definitely not for two years or more. This pandemic exhausted the hell out of us physically but moreso emotionally and mentally. Which is why this year, I try my best not to be guilty for doing nothing and not being productive–"wasting" time listening to non-stop Spotify, watching Hometown Chachacha repeatedly, or fangirling over KSH for an unhealthy amount of time, as my way of taking sanity breaks.

The sanity breaks I look forward to the most though are my trips alone, with friends or with family. I went on several spontaneous trips this year, and by spontaneous I mean impulsive booking simply because "I need the beach" or "I need a break" or I feel like "I deserve this". While this is a privilege I am thankful about, I also acknowledge not a lot of people get to enjoy the same at their disposal. The safest/easiest destination to reach given the situation includes the likes of Camaya Coast, Antipolo, Tagaytay and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, all of which I enjoyed considerably. In December, my parents and I went for another spontaneous trip this time to Bohol, with just the three of us, sealing the deal for my Best Daughter of the Year award. (Haha) Kidding aside, the highlight of course is my birthday trip to Boracay which as you know by now is my favorite place on earth, with my most favorite people in the world. This trip really got me emotional especially after hearing my dad randomly say, "Hindi ko na-imagine na mararanasan ko ito sa buong buhay ko." referring to the parasailing and helmet diving activities that we did earlier that day. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming to me. TYL for giving me the chance to give back to my parents this way, and I pray that I get to do this with them for a much longer time. 

"At kahit na kailan pa ma'y 'di mawawala 'pagkat dala ko ang mapa. Sa'n man mapunta alam kung sa'n nagmula." This year, I got promoted to the rank of a Senior Manager, which is quite a feat at a young age of 28 with only 6 years of stint in the bank. It feels great to be recognized this way, and I'm truly grateful for those who helped me achieve this, especially my AOA, the bosses, colleagues and the clients. I will forever be grateful to DBP for providing me the best years and opportunity early in my career. I promise to do my best for the remainder of my stay in this beloved institution. 

Perhaps the biggest personal milestone this year is finally finishing my MBA, and with flying colors at that. As I have been saying in the past, my MBA journey has been the most enriching three years of my life, hands down. It stimulated my love for learning, as I enjoy hearing insightful inputs and discussions from my classmates and professors. It allowed me to see things differently using perspective from various fields. At first, I dreaded the idea of shifting to online classes but on the hindsight I appreciated it turning out to be a very unique experience to have a mix of both offline and online classes. It was not easy at all. It required a lot of sacrifices, time and energy. It would at times even reach a point of questioning your whys. I may have cried more often than I should, but indeed hardwork and perseverance really do pay off in the end. It was damn worth it. More importantly, here I gained amazing friends who I will treasure forever. Special shoutout to Bad Genius, my ever dependable support system. I cannot imagine going through this hell without your help. Not to mention, we are also the first and only batch with 100% first-take passing rate in the Comprehensive exams in the history of UP MBA. So congratulations, BMBE. I am extremely proud of everyone. I will keep on praying for a face-to-face graduation next year so we can march and celebrate together. Personally I can't wait to wear my Sablay for the second time around. Malayong lupain, amin mang marating, 'di rin magbabago ang damdamin. Salamat, UP Naming Mahal. I would not have it any other way. 

Finally, "Sa'n man mapunta, alam kung sa'n nagmula." It may seem like I have my life all figured out given these accomplishments, but as in this lyrics, it is important to always go back to our values, our core. I am happy to have a solid support system: my parents, my family, and my circle of friends who kept me grounded at all times. Thank you for being my rock; for serving as the "map" which guided and provided me direction. I am looking forward to a lot of things this coming year 2022, for example my transfer from one great employer to another (a dream 8 years in the making! 😭). I am both excited and scared, but I'm ready.

Thank you, 2021. It was a good year, full of life lessons which I will bring with me going into 2022. Finally, let me share the single biggest lesson that is particularly evident to me this year: everything really does happen for a reason, regardless whether that is revealed right away or not. Life's delays, denials or detours are just God's redirection towards something even bigger. And that His plans and His perfect timing are exactly that–perfect. At 28, I still live by the concept of delaying gratification, and my friends would attest to how patient I am on things that matter to me. What I'm trying to say, I have embraced the idea that waiting seasons are not wasted seasons. Indeed, Tutungo kung saan naroon ang mahalaga. Entering 2022, may we never lose focus on the things that matter, to set our goals straight while being open and flexible to making mistakes–towards a better version of ourselves, achieving greater milestones and finding happiness.

Thank you for reading. Happy New Year!

With love, 

KRTRT 💕

While you're here, let us all together share a very specific prayer for next year: for #LeniKiko to win the elections. May the Philippines be redirected towards the direction of competence, respectful discourse, and overall progress. 🎀