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| Condo blessing, 12 April 2025 |
This year marks my first full year of solo living. What literally is the biggest decision in 2024 changed the trajectory of my life this 2025, definitely for the better. It is liberating to depend only on myself and to establish a routine that makes sense or works for me. Especially for someone like me who is not used to doing chores before–doing the laundry, pressing clothes, washing the dishes, throwing out trash and overall maintaining a household while working full-time can get overwhelming. Not to mention the mental load from constantly having to make little, tiny decisions like figuring out what food to eat from breakfast to dinner. It didn't take much to fully adjust to the current set-up though, because I truly enjoy having the liberty to do things my own way.
As if solo living is not enough alone time, I booked another solo trip to Boracay as early as January for my annual life planning. Likewise, I visited Tokyo during peak autumn in November for my first ever solo international trip. Seeing the Mt. Fuji with my own eyes for the first time is unreal. The colorful leaves in yellow, orange or red are likewise so beautiful and dreamy. Of course there are pros and cons to solo travel, but it was an experience worth trying at least once. Nevertheless, I believe this itch to do solo travel has started to subside since me-time is practically my default now. I realized that it is better to share wonderful experiences with friends and family. And so I did just that with repeat trips 10 years after to Sagada and Camiguin with my best friend's family and team FML, respectively.
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| Nanay's 60th Birthday, 25 January 2025 |
I also look forward to coming home to my parents in Malabon for at least one weekend every month, just to relive my previous princess life for a few days. This is on top of special occasions, like the celebration of my mom's 60th birthday where we were all complete. Perhaps feeling the need to maximize such limited family time, we got even closer and we engage in lesser arguments because we are no longer picking on each other's annoying little habits. Every year, I also make sure to tag my parents along for an all-expense paid trip, this time in Iloilo. It was nice seeing my mom happy to be meeting an old friend, while I'm out there trying out legit Iloilo food like chicken inasal, la paz batchoy and pancit molo to name a few.
All these trips were taken in consideration of my schedule as a full-time bank examiner. Almost onto my fourth year at the BSP, the learning curve remains steep. Every examination is the same but also very different as there will always be something to learn and uncover. This year I was also tapped to deliver a short lecture to a bunch of overly competent audience. I don't necessarily consider myself well-equipped to do this, so best believe I panicked, but luckily pulled through. Like I always say, it is important to simply show up regardless of circumstances. Along with that, I believe my work disposition has significantly improved over the years, knowing that work attitude is key in succeeding especially in a highly technical environment. To be honest, I'm just very lucky and grateful to even be here at all. And while this job rather sounds serious, there is always room to have fun with workmates and to fit some enjoyable activities in between assignments.
If you've known me long enough you'll know I am a sucker for trying out new things, although I'm not exactly good at following through them. This year, I started posting random things on Instagram stories with caption, "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" to refer to various activities that I find interesting enough to try. This includes doing a pottery session, getting a Japanese head spa, going to a gay bar for a bridal shower party and watching various improv and stand-up comedy shows. Other activities I've tried this year revolved around wellness such as aerial hoop (definitely bruised!), reformer and chair pilates, bungee dance, virtual golf/golf simulator, spin class, and a 5-kilometer Minions run to cap it all off. I have yet to figure out which activity would best fit my interest in order for me to develop a more sustainable hobby moving forward. Until then, I will continue to discover and explore new things.
Except I do not have to do them alone any more.
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| Gallery by Chele, 10 December 2025 |
I met Janno through a multiverse of friendship. He is a banking professional so it is not surprising that we have a lot of common friends being in the same industry. Not to mention his very outgoing and extroverted personality. Literally put him in one room full of strangers and he will end up being friends with at least one of them, if not more. This is also probably one of the reasons why we clicked right away, starting from our first date which lasted for at least 6 hours of yapping and laughing with (or at?) each other. For once, I never have to carry the conversation because it just flows naturally. Second, third, fourth and fifth date followed in a span of one week, a Google calendar date invite funnily included. Landi professionally, as we would call our shared calendar. Fast forward to today, we have been together for 7 months and counting. We take turns planning our dates–trashtalking during the UAAP games, watching movies and comedy shows, visiting the bestie-in-law's newborn, or introducing each other to our many circles of friends. Another core memory for us is our first Michelin star experience at Gallery by Chele for our Christmas dinner. We even met Chef Chele himself. I have been meaning to try fine dining/tasting menu for quite a while now, and I am happy I now have my favorite person to share the experience with. In the mundane, we would share memes and reels all throughout the day, yapping, and simply enjoying every conversation and never running out of things to talk and laugh about.
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| NYE, 31 December 2025 |
I remember at least five people sent me reels related to a trend that's blowing up on social media during the latter part of last year: eating (12) grapes under a table at midnight of the new year to manifest a love life. Although harmless, it sounded pathetic at first. Turns out I am gullible af, so I tried it. What is there to lose, right? Only everything to gain.
So the next time a seemingly stupid Tiktok trend goes viral, it is important you jump on it. Who knows it can lead to something really special. I knew from the start I got myself a great guy–someone who matches my energy and genuinely enjoys my company, as I do his. The relationship was a pleasant surprise to the both of us, but one that I have always wished for: simple, mature, healthy and most importantly, light and easy. This whole relationship thing is new to me, having been single for practically my entire adult life. I hope I am doing a good job navigating through it.
Although full of hope, my expectations were kept at a minimum when I manifested "my best year yet" on my first IG story for the year. Little did I know, 2025 will surprise me with everything I've been praying for: a newly renovated condo unit, a stable job, a pending promotion, and a life partner...all in one year. I still don't know what good I have done in the past to deserve all these blessings, but right now I am just TAKING IT ALL IN. Surely it will be hard to top 2025 but 2026 is already looking promising with a niece or nephew on the way, four trips booked, some weddings to attend, and more interesting things to try. As with the usual theme of my past 18 years of writing year-end blogs, God's timing is always perfect. Let my story this year be a testimony that everything will align eventually, but it is important that you continue showing up.
Wishing 2025 treated you well, like it did me. Happy holidays and cheers to the new year.
Thank you for reading!
In my girlfriend era,
KRTRT
