It's a day before New Year's Eve...
Finally, I’ve allowed myself to slow down after the whirlwind of emotions that carried me through the past weeks. The holiday season has arrived, and with it, a 15-day pause from work—a moment meant for rest and reflection. Yet, in the quiet, I’m still unsure if my heart is truly at ease. For now, I hold on to prayer, trusting that with every whispered word, life, hope, and strength will find their way back to me.
Me and life lately....
I’m still working and teaching, and STI College continues to be good to me. I truly love what I do and very grateful to my workmates and new boss. Yet, as the years catch up and I turned 57, the aches and pains have become impossible to ignore. I have trigger finger on my both hands. I was able to complete my flu, pneumonia and a bonus shingles vaccines which was a bit pricey. Even so, there’s a bittersweet beauty in this season of life—especially now that Lorenzo is halfway through his third year in college. Watching him grow reminds me that while time moves forward, it also brings meaning, gratitude, and quiet pride.
My Lorenzo
Chuy turned 21 in March. Together with kuyas Allen and Kim, he became a champion in the third round of the Tagisan ng Talino Local Competition and advanced to the Cluster Level held in Calamba. More than the victory, the experience itself was what truly mattered—a humbling reminder that learning, growth, and character are far more valuable than winning.
My Luigi
Luigi celebrated his 33rd birthday this September, marking a truly special season in his life. Earlier this year, he finally asked his girlfriend, Alyssa, to marry him, and they were engaged on July 8 at the Manor in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. My heart is full as I look forward to their wedding preparations—excited to witness their love unfold into a new chapter filled with promise, joy, and shared dreams.
My Family
2025 was truly a joyous and grace-filled year for our family. My mom got sick with pneumonia and had to be confined and rest for several weeks. By God’s mercy, she recovered well, and we were able to have her receive flu and pneumonia vaccinations for added protection as she continues to age gracefully.
In July, my brother Louie and my sister-in-law Hayk came home to celebrate his 55th and our mom’s 86th birthday. What followed was almost a month of togetherness—traveling, vacationing, and sharing countless meals in Baguio City, Zambales, and Manila. It was a season filled with laughter, stories, and cherished moments.
Adding to the joy, our cousins from the Virtucio side—Lowie and Catherine—came home from Australia. Seeing them again after more than three decades was nothing short of a blessing. Even my high school friends and barkada were finally complete after over 30 years, making our reunions even more meaningful.
To close the year beautifully, my niece from the Alicbusan side, Nicole, tied the knot with Evan Ramos on December 26 at the Madre de Dios Church in Midlands, Tagaytay City.
Truly, the Lord God has been so good to our family and friendships, granting us these precious opportunities to reunite, celebrate life, and be reminded of the love that binds us all together.
As I look back on the past 12 months, I realize how truly blessed I still am. Despite the challenges—the stress, the worries, and Mommy getting the flu and colds lately, which kept me from fully enjoying the holidays—I remain grateful and hopeful. Life wasn’t perfect, and there were moments of heaviness, but through it all, I was surrounded by grace, love, and quiet strength. In the midst of everything, I choose to hold on to gratitude, knowing that even difficult seasons carry reminders of how blessed we truly are.
Hindi pa naman tapos ang bakasyon ko, I still have 6 more days to celebrate Lord Jesus' Birthday and I have my kids with me... that is the most important now.
at Manigong Bagong Taon sa ating lahat!
God be with us always.
