My 2018: A Recap of What Has Been
my2018·@ybanezkim26·
0.000 HBDMy 2018: A Recap of What Has Been
December 31, 2018 - Last day of the year that was full of happiness, memories, realizations, and future projections. It has been a long time since I had a formal post, so I tried to get up and gather all the motivation I had to create this post. This is to signal the end of my 2018. <center></center> Be warned because it will be a long read ahead as I try to recount what happened to me this year. As I have said, this year is full of realizations and one of those is that I should focus on the good things that happened and never mind those that are out of my control. I also realized that 2017 was hard on me not because it was a difficult year in general, but because I tried to control even those beyond my reach. In the process, I became exhausted and down. This year, I tried to let go and learn to just go with the flow. On happiness and memories: I guess you all know by now that I really love to travel. As what Gail (@thegaillery) had told me before, I love novelty and I enjoy the idea of exploring new places and trying new things. I had a great year because I was able to go out a lot more than usual. Here are some of the memories each month: <center></center> ##### Steemnulog and Ancestral Houses Tour ##### <center></center> For those who have been in Steemit since the beginning of the year, you all know that January was the height of all activities related to cryptocurrencies. Thanks to that, I was able to treat my workmates using my earnings from Steemit. It was a great time for everyone as meet ups and casual gatherings were abundant. <center></center> Attending meet ups at Dolce Cafe and Steemnulog was interesting. It made me go out from my shell and socialize. I realized that meeting new people is not actually bad, but it takes a lot of energy for an ambivert like me. I tend to be outgoing and loud on the outside, but it really was taxing and hard for me to maintain. But I had to do it and I'm glad I was able to overcome that challenge. <center></center> Steemnulog was special as it was the first meet up where people from Steemit actually know who I am, so I was able to enjoy every moment we had. Everyone was elated and enjoying each other's company. It was the first time that I was able to chat in person those Steemians who interacted with me in my blog. <center></center> Thanks to Steemit, I was able to fund my Ancestral Houses Tour in Silay and Talisay, Negros Occidental. It was also my first time in Bacolod and I enjoyed every moment that I was there. Their culture is really unique that is related to the high class people during the Spanish era. The food there is exquisite. It made me crave to go back and taste every available dish they have. I really made a promise to myself that I will go back. <center></center> ##### Nalusuan Island Hopping, Steemian's Meet Up at Marisse Patisserie, and Project LIBRO at Calbasaan Elementary School ##### <center></center> Nalusuan Island Hopping was one memorable experience as I was able to see a nudibranch. I'm a great fan of nudibranchs or sea slugs due to their vivid colors and adaptive behaviors, but I only see them in photos. Thanks to Xayd (@xaydtrips), I was able to see one even just for a few seconds. The current was so strong that we were not able to take photos. It was one of the most surreal experiences I had. <center></center> Steemian's Meet Up at Marisse Patisserie was historic as it was the meet up in Cebu with the largest number of attendees. I guess I'll just let the photos speak for themselves. <center></center> Project LIBRO is a community extension activity of USC ChES that is closest to my heart. It aims to establish a library system in far-flung barangays in Cebu. Calbasaan Elementary School is the third beneficiary school and it was our first time to visit. It was one of the craziest rides I had since the road was unpaved and always uphill. We were standing in a dump truck as it traversed in an unpaved road. It was crazy, but it made me love to join Project LIBRO even more. <center></center> ##### Holy Week in Siquijor Island ##### <center></center> I still haven't made a blog about this trip because I don't know how to approach it. There are a lot of blogs and stories about Siquijor, but I don't want to copy them so I don't know how to start. Siquijor is one of those islands with an attached vibe into it. Everything was eerie in Siquijor especially at night, but I was not afraid. The eeriness made me respect the island even more. They are deeply rooted into their culture and they know how to turn a negative story into one of their strengths when it comes to tourism. I hope I can write something about Siquijor in 2019. I have a lot of stories to tell, but I just can't start. Maybe because I feel that I don't have the capacity to give justice to its stories yet. <center></center> ##### Steem Summit and Bantayan Island ##### <center></center> Steem Summit was my greatest achievement so far and I'm proud to include it in my portfolio. To gather like-minded people and let them showcase their talents is not an easy task. It was a successful event in which I had a direct influence. A million thanks to Darryll (@legendarryll) and Gail (@thegaillery)! Without you, I know that there would be no Steem Summit. To the people who have been involved in one way or another, thank you so much! To Tom (@donkeypong), thank you for your invaluable inputs and backing! It was due to everyone's collective efforts that we made history in Steem. <center></center> After Steem Summit was a much needed break in Bantayan Island with the constants of my life. Kara, James, Joanne, Queenie, and Bryan, thank you for being with me in the happiest moments of my life. I hope you know how much you all mean to me. To more adventures with you in 2019 and beyond! <center></center> ##### USC ChES Acceptance Party in Carcar ##### <center></center> USC ChES has been my family since 2011 and it is still close to my heart even if I'm now one of the alumni. That acceptance party was special not only because we were welcoming new members to the family, but also it was my acceptance of that I have no control. As the new dawn was looming into the horizon, I was able to rethink, reassess, and recalibrate my focus. It was a needed retreat. <center></center> ##### The AWESOME Smile Project ##### <center></center> The AWESOME Smile Project was a Steem funded outreach program that was spearhead by Claire (@indayclara). Another great project that was made possible by the kindhearted steemians from all over the world. It was another feat and real world application of blockchain technology. <center></center> ##### Muffin Peak, Plantation Bay, and Project LIBRO at Amancion Elementary School ##### <center></center> Muffin Peak hike and overnight camping was initiated by Zaniel and Xayd as a way for the team to bond and unwind. It was another great time with friends and colleagues. For me, it was a way to re-energize and face another day at work. I realized that I only need to have a hike to keep myself focused and motivated with work. <center></center> Farewell and Welcome Party at Plantation Bay reminded me of the constant change that will happen in an institution or even in ourselves. It was a Farewell Party for Mr. Yokoyama, our Executive Manager, since he will go back to Japan and a Welcome Party for Mr. Tatar, as he will take over as in-charge of the whole LRS and LG team. <center></center> Project LIBRO at Amancion Elementary School was my fifth time to be with the children of Amancion. It was Project LIBRO's Phase 5, the last phase, on that beneficiary school. We made a promise to go back to Amancion at least once a year even if the project has been done on that school. Seeing the smiles of the children made me realize that it's not the amount of help that you extend, but the hope that you instill in them that made the project worthwhile. <center></center> ##### Second Time in Bacolod, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Campuestohan Highland Resort ##### <center></center> I can say that I'm really in love with Bacolod. I made a promise to be back and I fulfilled it within a year. This time was different as it was more of a food tour. Calea Cakes and Pastries is one of my favorite places when it comes to desserts. Pecan pie and cheesecakes there are to die for. Manokan Country chicken is also a must in Bacolod. It was a culinary, as well as a cultural experience. <center></center> Going to Bacolod for the first time, we passed by Don Salvador and even when I was the bus, the scenery of that highland municipality captivated me. I promised to be back just to explore and I did! Don Salvador Benedicto has a special place in my heart. If you are a person who loves mountains, highlands, and terraces like me, then Don Salvador is for you. Even a joy ride there will not disappoint. I hope I can go back to visit Malatan-og Falls. <center></center> Campuestohan Highland Resort is one of those places I have prejudice with. I initially inclined not to go there as it was all man-made. But everything changed when we got there as the place will certainly awaken that sleeping child in you. <center></center> ##### Farewell Dinner at Marina Seaview ##### <center></center> Nothing much to share for September. Maybe because I was so busy with work that there's nothing much going on or maybe because there's no long weekend in September. Farewell Dinner at Marina Seaview for our outgoing colleagues was one of those times that made me realize how easy for people to come and go. It's inevitable since we always aim for greener pastures or pursue our dreams. What's important is that we enjoy each other's company as long as we can. <center></center> ##### Promotion to Product Engineering Supervisor ##### <center></center> There's nothing much to share for October either. Again, maybe because I got so caught up with the new responsibilities. I got promoted to Supervisor from Product Engineer so I guess it's just understandable. Working with a new job deliverable is not easy. It was a struggle on my part especially that I'm more of a technical person. Handling people is not my cup of tea, so I had to make necessary adjustments when dealing with work. Good thing my superiors are always understanding. Sir Anthony and Mr. Yatabe, thank you for showing me how to deal with things. I realized that managerial tasks are much different and difficult compared to technical tasks and it will never be easy when you are dealing with people. <center></center> ##### Napo-Babag-Pamutan-Spartan Trail ##### <center></center> It was one of the longest trails I had. It was our preparation for Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin. It was a whole day hike starting at Sitio Napo, then assault hike to Mt. Babag, then to Muffin Peak, then to Bagsakan in Pamutan, and then Spartan Trail, ending in Good Shepherd in Banawa. It was a complete activity with uphill and downhill hike, rolling hills, river trekking, and rock climbing. To complete the day, siomai and halo-halo in Tisa is a must. <center></center> ##### Camiguin, Balamban-Tuburan, and Joshua and Sunshine's Wedding ##### <center></center> Camiguin was planned ahead and it was epic! It deserved one complete blog so I will have the details included in that blog. These are the places we visited in Camiguin: 1. Tongatoc View Point 2. Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross 3. Sunken Cemetery Memorial 4. Old Guiob Church Ruins 5. Tuasan Falls 6. Sto. Niño Cold Spring 7. Mt. Hibok-Hibok 8. Mantigue Island 9. Ardent Hot Spring 10. White Island <center></center> One unexpected trip last December 26 was to Balamban as I was invited by a very good friend. I didn't expect anything from it, but I enjoyed every minute of my stay there. We went to Molobolo Spring in Tuburan and it was a blast! <center></center> Another great event that happened was the wedding of my close friends, Joshua and Sunshine, and I was one of the groomsmen. It indicated one thing: I can't deny that my days are advancing. I was glad that I was invited to that solemn ceremony as they enter another chapter in their lives. Those are just highlights. What's not included are chill outs with Ivana. She's been with me whenever there's something in our lives to talk about. Also not included are Cebu Writers' Guild meet ups. I missed those people! ### Projections for 2019 ### <br>I hope to continue what was started in 2018. My discipline when it comes to self care should be intensified. I hope to have more travels and maybe at least one international escapade in 2019. My 2018 has been great so I hope to have great year ahead! Also, I hope I can have a travel buddy and a photographer. 😂 Let's claim those like how Pia and Catriona claimed to be Miss Universe. Happy New Year, everyone! All for the best! Kim
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