My 2026 Manifesto

The Year of Living Deeply

As 2026 unfolds, I am not looking to reinvent myself into someone unrecognizable. Instead, I am refining the person I’ve always been—polishing the edges so I can shine without burning out. This is the year of the "Balanced Me."

Boundaried Kindness

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My core remains rooted in kindness, but this year, that kindness includes myself. I have learned that being "too kind" can sometimes be an invitation for others to overstep. In 2026, I will be a person of grace, but also a person of boundaries. I will give generously, but I will no longer allow my well to be pumped dry by those who do not respect the source. By protecting my peace, I ensure that the kindness I do give is sincere, not born of obligation.

Efficiency Over Exhaustion

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I have always valued hard work, but this year, I am redefining "efficiency." True efficiency isn't just about how much I can produce; it’s about how well I can sustain myself. I will work with focus and drive, but never at the expense of my health. Sleep, movement, and stillness are no longer "rewards" for finishing work—they are the fuel that makes the work possible.

The Return to Self

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For too long, I have put my passions on the shelf to make room for the needs of others. This is the year I pick those hobbies and collections back up. Whether it’s dusting off an old project or reorganizing a collection that once brought me joy, I am reclaiming the parts of my identity that have been sidelined. Caring for others is a virtue, but caring for "the self" is a necessity.

Stewardship and Legacy

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My gaze is also fixed on the horizon. I am saving—for my family’s comfort, for a secure future, and for the peace of mind that financial stability brings. But my responsibility extends beyond my front door. I commit to being "good for Mother Earth," making conscious choices that honor the environment. To be good for the world, I must first be good to the planet that sustains us all.

The Goal: To Truly Live

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I will hold fast to my core values—integrity, love, and resilience—but I will apply them with a new sense of vigor. 2026 is not about just surviving another calendar cycle or checking off a to-do list. It is about the radical act of living. I will breathe deeper, laugh harder, and exist with intention.

This is my year. And because I am taking care of the "me" at the center of it all, I will be better for my family, my community, and the world.

New Year Message for Fellow Marista Educators

As the curtain closes on a year fraught with trials, let us not dwell on the shadows, but rather bask in the light of lessons learned and triumphs we have achieved.

Like St. Marcellin Champagnat, who led his flock through adversity with a shepherd's heart and a burning torch of education, we too have overcome, emerging stronger, wiser, and ever more devoted to our Marist mission.

But our journey, my dear friends and colleagues, is far from over. The second semester unfolds before us, promising fresh challenges and the boundless potential for growth. And in this endeavor, we stand not as individuals, but as a united #kapitBCg family.

To the faculty, whose tireless dedication sculpts young minds, to the adjuncts who bring their unique brilliance to our classrooms, and to the acads & admin team, who ensure our ship stays steady--- my deepest gratitude.

In the days ahead, let us be guided by the spirit of St. Marcellin. Let his humility be our compass, his faith and his love for education the wind that propels us forward.

Together,
let us create a learning haven where students blossom, where they feel seen, heard and loved, where dreams take flight, and the marista flame burns ever brighter.

May this New Year be a testament to our collective passion, may our efforts bear fruit a hundredfold. I am yours, with heartfelt appreciation.

Year-end Chain Message [didn't require readers to pass the message though]

There have been times I've had just Php50 to feed myself 

and I've also had over a thousand pesos 

to go out to eat with family or friends. 

I’ve had a house full of food and other times 

I didn't have any. 

I’ve been in stores cashing out with no worries 

and I’ve also had to add it up in my mind and 

put some back on the shelf. I’ve paid my bills in full 

and other times had to pay late. 

I’ve given money and sometimes, 

I too have had to ask for it. 

We all have highs and lows in life, 

some certainly more than others, 

but we’re all just trying to make it through this crazy life.

No one is better than anyone else, 

and my heart is sad for those who think that they are. 

No matter how big your house is, 

how new your car is, 

or how much money sits in your bank account - 

we all bleed red and will eventually fade from this earth. 

Death has no discrimination 

neither should your actions in life. 

A reminder: Be kind to others.

failed attempt in welcoming 2010

of welcoming 2010, of dengue and paranoia and of hypnotizing

it's been a while since i last updated this page...
but i intend to, hopefully today or within the week.
2009 went by and now another year to enjoy (life or something like it).
god is good. life is good. i am good. this is good.

2017: the secret

Hello 2017!



Secret to a happy life:

Assume nothing.

2nd 10/366

11/366. the new year calls for new beginnings. some people have made resolutions and will try to better themselves. if we cant support them nor believe they will succeed, we can at the least not mock them. the littlest effort to change is achievement enough to some. may we all have the courage to do so.

12/366. if each one of us gets to do one random act of kindness each day, what a wonderful world this will be.

13/366. each new day is a chance to overwrite a disgusting past. when it is overwritten, we must stop talking about it. we must start anew. do better. be better. we must waste not the chance this new day has in store.

14/366. when you're feeling down and it's taking you so long to get up and move, just think about (among others) the tasks left undone, the praises for teammates left unsaid, the people still unhelped, the items in your bucket list that needs to be accomplished.

Donald Shimoda: 

Here's a test to find out if your mission on Earth is finished: 

If you're still alive, it isn't.

[as for me, i tried counting the reasons... 

i am on 1, 475...and i'm still counting :)]

15/366. whenever i feel like am short-changed, i always take time to look back at when i had nothing. the heavens has given me more than what i deserved already. it pays to be reminded of these gifts. [whenever we have enough, we are grateful. more so whenever we have more... we share.]

16/366. when i started working at jollibee, i receive 14.75 per hour. even before that, i always knew that time is valuable. it was just better to have numbers to back that up... think: how much (time/money) will we earn/waste today?

17/366. each time i see how the sun rises or how the waves move or think about how the trees grow in the sand, i cant help but praise our creator. tapos, i see myself pa in the mirror... wow! hahaha. (walangbasaganngtrip)

18/366. first of all, most of all, be kind to yourself.

19/366. another sunrise. another day. it always pays to be aware that we have the power to make someone's day better and the power to ruin someone's day too. choose wisely. act kindly. happy chooseday!

20/366. never underestimate the power of a prayer.

happy new year!

good morning ...
 too much to do yet too little time?
whats new? check it. sort it. tag it.
move and work on it
but not at the expense of your health okay?
heavens wouldn't like it if you take your body for granted,
it's the temple of your soul. 

everything in moderation please. 

a friendly reminder 

from one who most need to learn that 

haha :D
god bless this day. god bless us.
lets be kind... to others
and to ourselves.

aja!

anticipating a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

from our home to yours...

It is difficult not to believe 

that the next year will be better...

And this illusion is not wrong. 

Future is always good, 

no matter what happens. 

It will always give us what we need 

and what we want in secret. 

It will always bless us with right gifts...

[Kersti Bergroth]

new year

all the same

you come

you go

you come again

and say you'd go

apologies

accepted though

back to where

you were before

you and her

once more...

when you need to

when you want to

sound mind says

not fair

coz

it's all the same

you come

you go

you come again

and say you'd go

don't let her go

don't let her

don't.

new year...new rules

this will be short.
yes. 'coz from now on, i'd try
to write 'everything' as short as possible.
that's my rule #1.

rule#2. throw away trash (as in daily! from my room and from my life).
rule#3. sleep (this will be hard but it's worth trying).
rule#4. accept (esp.when i have no control over things/events/people).
rule#5. love (as if i have never done this before).

happy new year everyone!

33 is just a number

22nd of march, i turned 33, oh well, earth years. i, as usual received lots of greetings (not lots of gifts though: the number of gifts received is inversely proportional to the age of the celebrator). even as i managed to feel well and do some little celebrations, it was nothing compared to the stresses i had. thanks to the finals exams, exit papers and the ever-dreaded (so far) comprehensive exams.

it's been 4 days since then, and only now have the birthday material sank in my thoughts (it's funny how it managed to squeeze in during times of fever and wishing-you-were-numb-moments). i have turned 33, i always feel 13, now i feel 53. it's been 2 years since i decided to pursue a postgrad that's somewhat far from what i intend to www.sakura-withdrawalpangs.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-life-so-far.html . it's been a year since a crying-almost-angry-young lady called and asked me to halt the curse to her father (turned out that this year, she's the sweetest greeter ever) www.sakura-withdrawalpangs.blogspot.com/2009/03/birthday-blast-indeed.html .

what is in store for this year? i have been feeling pains in some parts of my body which the paranoid in me might insist as a sign of cancer or tumor or 'dying soon' disease. i have been hearing the same thing happening to some people who are close to me. apparently, my mind-disease is contagious (that's the punchline, laugh now). i have found "one true friend" and several good others; them, just enough to keep my sanity on hold. my boyman and manboy are managing well without me, so they say and sadly make me feel at times.

okay, this is the time when i have to battle with my inner demons and finish what i have started. it's a long long walk. i'd run if i have to. but for now, i need some peace. may i rest in peace?