🏔 My 2025 Hiking Era: Chasing Summits and Sunsets

Breathe. Step. Repeat. That’s how you reach the top.

Hiiiiiiii!!! How’s everyone going?! It’s been so loooong!! How’s your October so far? How’s your 2025 going?

Remember those goals we set at the start of the year? Has anyone achieved theirs already—or almost there?

Well, I’m here to share mine. This year, I officially declared 2025 as my hiking era, and I’ve been embracing it fully—heart, soul, and sore legs included! 😆

Since sinabi ko nga na hiking era ko na ‘to, nag-invest talaga ako sa hiking gears: I bought hiking shoes, a sturdy bag, and a trekking pole. And honestly? I am so damn happy!

First Summit: Mt. Batulao | Month: January

New year, new heights—literally! When I said to myself that 2025 would be my hiking era, the universe must’ve heard me because my friend randomly messaged, “Hike tayo sa Batulao!” So I said, “Let’s goooo!”

Since it was January, the weather was cool, but the trail was a bit muddy from the previous rain. Still, it was a beautiful hike. Medyo hingal at first (it’s been a while since I last climbed), but the cold breeze made everything easier. Our guide kept reminding us to take it slow, rest if needed, and just enjoy the journey.

Super nervous here! (lol)
Oh I so love! 💕
Fight meeee!!
There she goes….
Rest for a while and enjoy everything.
Wohoooo!! Summit!
Old and new trail.

Mt. Batulao has been on my bucket list for so long—and finally, thank You, Lord, I made it!

Second Summit: Nasugbu Trilogy — Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Apayang, and Mt. Lantik | Month: February

Now this one… whew! This was my struggle hike. 😂

Three mountains in one day, under the blazing sun, with open trails and almost-summer heat. This hike tested my endurance and my willpower! But it was also extra special because more friends joined after seeing our Batulao adventure.

Despite the exhaustion, every step was worth it. The views, the laughter, and that feeling of accomplishment—priceless.

Oh, hey there!
The gang!
Take a rest and take a pic! 😉
Let’s swim after the long trail!
Hi.
I know you’re smiling.
Mt. Talamitam
Trio
Gorgeous.
We-hee! I love the adventurous me.
Thank you Lord for this.

Third Summit: Mt. Ulap | Month: March

This one stole my heart. 💙

Mt. Ulap is hands down my favorite so far. The weather was cool, the trail was relaxing, and everything about the experience felt spontaneous and magical.

As I said, the trio.
Oh I love the sunrise, the colors, the feelings and all of it!
This girl is happy.
❤️
Another summit.
Ang ganda mo naman.

Funny thing is—it wasn’t even our original plan! We were supposed to hike Mt. Mariglem, but due to some circumstances, our organizer suggested Mt. Ulap instead. Best. Decision. Ever.

One of my friends, who had always wanted to climb Mt. Ulap, joined us too, which made the experience even better. I fell in love with the mountain views, the crisp air, and the peace that only hiking can bring.

Fourth Summit: Mt. Mariglem | Month: July

Our Mt. Mariglem hike was another beautiful adventure! Thankfully, it didn’t rain (a small miracle in July 😂). The weather was perfect, not too hot, and we started early.

This hike had everything I love—gorgeous views, a river crossing, and an amazing group of people. It’s my second favorite for sure. By the end, my body was screaming in pain, but in the best way. The kind of tired that makes you feel alive.

I’m beyond grateful for the privilege to explore, for the strength to keep going, and for the freedom to chase summits. I’ve met so many wonderful people on the trail—each with their own stories, smiles, and reasons for climbing.

Before the year ends, I’m manifesting one more mountain… Mt. Pulag! (PLEASSSSSEEE!!!) 🙏✨

Huge shoutout to my hiking buddy, Jun — salamat for always guiding me, encouraging me, and making every trail lighter and more fun. Can’t wait for our next climb!

Forever Intertwined

In realms of hearts entwined, a tale of love,
Where stars above do shimmer and shine,
A bond that’s woven deep, like skies above,
Two souls in harmony, forever intertwined.

With every beat, a symphony of grace,
Love’s gentle touch, a tender embrace,
In laughter and in tears, a constant space,
Two lives together, finding solace’s embrace.

Through trials and storms, love stands the test,
A flame that burns, enduring and blessed,
In whispered words and gestures, confessed,
A journey of two hearts, forever pressed.

Oh, love’s sweet magic, a force divine,
In every touch, in every glance, it shines,
A dance of souls, an eternal sign,
In each other’s arms, forever, they recline.

Happy Endings

Teletech has been my home for the past 7 years. I started with a US account which is healthcare. The account is straightforward I would say, especially when we are speaking to providers. We will have to quote the patient’s benefits and explain why their claim was denied. I’ve spent four years on this account, I just got tired, and I realized that I am no longer growing professionally. I lost my motivation back then, so I decided to take a break. I resigned.

After 5 months, I applied again and got re-hired in an Australian account. With this, I struggled a lot. I got frustrated that I was not able to hit my metrics unlike before on my previous account. I cried multiple times, and I will not be able to make it without those people who helped me to cope up. To my supports and SMEs, to my team leads who always checks on me, does one-on-one coaching, who motivates me every day and who believes that I can excel on this account, I am so thankful.

I’ve been transferred to EPR which handles repeat callers and resolves complaints. It’s quite easy for me now, I guess I already got used to it. With that, I was able to get awards as Top 10 consultants every month, Top 10 with the Highest FCR and Most Improved Agent. I am so happy.

We’ve transitioned from complaints to one service wherein we’re going to generate sales as well. With the guidance of my supervisor and our Sales Champ I was able to generate sales though.

We know for a fact that a certain account can be just temporary, and there are also some instances that are already beyond our control. Our account got dissolved, so we have to transfer to a different account again. And then a pandemic happened, some of my teammates were able to work from home under a different account while me and the rest of the team were transferred to collections account.

In this account, the volume of calls is just way too much. And the metrics that you need to hit also add to the stress. I was totally burned out and drained, I guess that is the reason I resigned on this account. The way I felt way back then is also the same feeling that I had now when I resigned last Friday.

That is my TeleTech journey. TeleTech has been my comfort zone for the past 7 years of my life. Because of this company, I met a lot of wonderful people who are still part of my life until now, and friends who are really for keeps. I also gained life experiences which mold me for who I am today. I obtained enough knowledge because of my previous accounts that I can use for my future endeavors. And with that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you TTEC. Oracle ID 2107965 is now signing off.

Life Lately | 02

This should have been posted last August 01, 2020 around 8:50PM.

Whenever people ask me kung kumusta na ba ako, I always replied, “Okay lang.” “Okay lang naman ako.”

And someone asked me, “musta ka naman dyan?” And I replied, “Kumusta na nga ba ‘ko?”

That hits me. Kumusta na nga ba ako in the real sense of it.

So here’ s my life lately.

It’s almost half of 2020. August na. Maya-maya lang 30 years old na ‘ko. (OMG!)

So yeah, how’s my life at the start of the year? Or how’ s my 2020 so far? A lot happened! As in! Pandemic. Lockdown. New normal. New lifestyle. New life routine. Closure from the past. And everything else.

Start of the year is a blast. Why? Because someone important to us came back. Inay is so happy. Tatay is here. Finally! After 10 years I think of not being with us, andito na siya ulit. Bit awkward at first, kasi hindi ako sanay na he’s around. But as long as inay is happy, then I’m good. I know I’ll get used to it soon and I know I’ll get there.

Taal happened.

Then COVID-19 happened. Damn. I never imagined that I would get to experience this global pandemic. You know, lockdown. Minimal movements, a mask is a must. Mass gathering is a no-no. No leisure activities. No travel diaries this 2020, I guess. From ECQ to GCQ to MECQ and MGCQ, oh boy name it! This 2020 is crazy!

And then this someone from the past who got to say sorry and tell his reason why left back then. Though his reason is still quite vague to me, it’s fine. As long as he is sorry for what he’d done, it’s all good. I just want him to be happy.

And I’m starting to open up to other people. I can now somehow tell my stories to them bit by bit.

All in all, I would say that I’m doing totally fine. Though may mga changes sa life routine ko, like hindi ako everyday nakakauwi sa bahay dahil nga sa COVID-19 na ‘to, it’ s okay. Kahit na wala masyadong gala or wala talaga, okay lang. Kahit napostponed yung pagpunta ko sa concert ng Ben&Ben sa Clark, okay lang. Kahit na walang travel goals, okay lang. Kahit na wala pa rin akong jowa, okay lang. (HAHAHAHA) Kahit na mukhang dito ko sa apartment, magse-celebrate ng birthday ko, okay lang.

There are still a lot of things to be grateful for. Walang nagkakasakit sa family ko. I still have my job. I still able to pay my bills. Seriously, I’m happy and well.

So, for the question “Kumusta ka na nga ba?”, my answer is, though may mga moments na nadi-disappoint ako, napu-frustrate ako at times, umiiyak ako minsan, I’m doing well.

This twenty-something gal is still happy, still loved and still beyond grateful! 💛

P. S. This 2020, I also got my first tattoo. (on my next blog soon)

Sunday Currently | 09

This is such a fun-filled Sunday. Had a lil chit-chat with my bestfriend and sobrang epic lang ng mga hanash today. Sobrang epic lang pag kaming dalawa ang magkasama. Anyways, here’s my entry for Sunday Currently. It’s been a while though.

CURRENTLY

READING
All the tweets from the VP debate. Talagang everyone is participating in this #PilipinasDebates2016. The power of social media. So happy that there is something like this, para mas makilala pa ng mga tao kung sino ba talaga ang karapat-dapat para sa posisyon sa gobyerno. Wag tayong sumabay sa kung ano ang uso, dun tayo sa totoo.

WRITING
Sunday Currently 09. 😊

LISTENING
To Jessica Soho, technically our TV is on while I’m writing this blog post so since di naman ako nanonood, pinapakinggan ko na lang ang mga featured stories sa KMJS.

THINKING
Ano ba magandang negosyo? Yung maliit lang muna. My bestfriend and I keep thinking on what kind of business should we put up and until now, wala pa din kami maisip. Of course, we have to consider lot of things; capital, market, accessibility, visibility. But we’re damn serious in putting up one.

SMELLING
The coffee’s aroma I’m sipping right now. Hindi makokompleto ang araw ko kung hindi ako makakatikim ng kape. Bisyo ko na to.

WISHING
To finally meet Alden and Maine. PLEASE. Since AlDub started, I already included this on my bucketlist. Yung makita sina Maine at Alden up close, makapagpa-picture and all. Makapag-fangirl ng sagad!

HOPING
To finally enroll this year for masteral’s degree. Sobrang dapat mapush ko na talaga to this 2016.

WEARING
The ordinary; old shirt and pajamas.

LOVING
My new schedule. 11 working hours for four days and then three rest days. Fri-Sat-Sun. S-A-R-A-P!!!

WANTING
New shoes. Probably new converse shoes or running shoes. But I’m considering more to have running shoes instead coz I want to start a healthy lifestyle. Running shoes for me to be fit, for jogging and exercising. (Chos!)

NEEDING
Nicholas Sparks’ new book ‘See Me’. Grabe hindi sya available sa Batangas at sobrang nasa-sad ako. Sana naman magkaroon na sa bookstore dito.

FEELING
Happy and blessed.

That’s it for me today. How about you guys, how’s your Sunday going?

Sunday Currently | 08

It’s been a while since I posted the last edition of my sunday currently, mainly because these past few days, I don’t feel like writing. And here I am, on the mood to express myself and assess what’s going on in my life right now. ☺

Currently

Reading
‘The Edge of Winter’ by Luanne Rice, I’m trying to read new books, aside from the books written by Nicholas Sparks. Last week I read ‘Heartbeat’ by Danielle Rice, yeah, the story is quite good but it’s way too predictable (not my kind of story) and now a book written by Luanne Rice. I’m on the 8th chapter now and so far, I’m enjoying it.

Writing
my sunday currently edition 08.

Listening
Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson!! Playlist is on shuffle and it’s playing now. This song is one of my favorites, it’s just giving me a kilig feeling. 😍 Everytime I hear this song, all I can see is a couple getting married in a beach, sunsets, flowers. This song reminded me of love. ❤

Thinking
My long term goal is finally happening, we are renovating our home. Little by little, we’re gonna have our dream house. It’s not mansion like or something so grand, we just fixing it the way we want it.

Wishing
Adventures please! Travel please! Now I wanted to pursue Sagada and Sombrero Island.

Hoping
For a lot of things. Be it big or small I’m hoping to make it happen. Let me just give you a glimpse on what I’m hoping for, hope to have our home fully furnished, hope that my brother is doing fine, hope that I can start my short traing in baking, hope that I can start my masters as well. Urghhhh!!! And a lot more!!

Wearing
My usual pantulog. Hehe

Loving
Sam Smith and his songs. Ngayon ko lang sya naappreciate. 😁

Wanting
Iced Mocha and Oreo Cheesecake.

Needing
Massage and vacation. Haha

Feeling
Happy ang blessed. HAPPY AND BLESSED.

Thank you Lord for endless and countless blessings. Thank you for loving me and my family. Thank you everything. God speed!

How’s Life Entry vol. 01

1. Rate your Life:
4/5 stars

2. Reason for Rating:
Though there are flaws, still this week has been good. I’m not really feeling well this past week but still I can cope up.

3. Happy memories from the past days:
Last week, Joyce had to file a resignation and she had a little despedida. Why I consider this as a happy memory, mainly because I realized that there’s no need for some things to be grand, just being with the people you love and always got your back are the best feelings in the entire world. Yes, maybe we’re no longer in the same company, maybe Joyce really need to said goodbye, but still we know that our friendship remains. *happy thoughts*

4. Things you’ve Learned over the past days:
Texas Chicken Barbeque of KFC is not that good. (Haha)
PDA is a big NO NO!! Really!

5. Things/People you’re starting to like:
Saturday shift. Just pure chill.

6. New learning about Yourself:
I can be more patient in some things.

7. Quote You Live By:
“It’s okay to be crazy and scared and brave at the same time.”

8. Achievements & Compliments You Have Received:
Last week, there was a recognition held in the office and uh-oh, I’ve got the 1st Top Associate for the month of August! Yeah! Kaya ko pala!

9. Current Favorite Song:
Worldwide by Big Time Rush
Playlist and Apologies by Matt Nathanson

10. What’s taking your time nowadays:
Blogging. Stalking Alden and Maine’s twitter accounts. Reading random things and articles in the internet.

11. Plans for the next days:
We’ll be having our team breakfast this week.
Since all the tickets para sa tamang panahon were already sold out, me and my friends are planning to go to hotel to watch this most awaited event together. Team bahay? Nope. Team Hotel. Haha

the sunday currently | 05

I just got home from a little chit-chat with my bestfriend and in just a snap I feel like to write about something. And since it’s Sunday, my sunday currently edition 05 came to life. ☺

CURRENTLY

Reading Inside Showbiz for the month of October in which Alden Richards, The Comeback Kid is in the cover. ☺
I went to National Bookstore to look if the latest book of Nicholas Sparks is already available, unfortunately not yet, so I come up with this magazine. Haha No second thoughts, binili ko agad-agad. Haha

Writing my sunday currently edition 05! It’s been a while since my last post.

Listening to one of Jovit Baldovino’s songs, it’s up on the TV right now because of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho I don’t know the title though hahaha.

Thinking how stressful this past week has been. A lot of issues came up, sunod-sunod, thank God I got a three-day off. Life is still good after all, right?

Wishing for Maine and Alden’s forever. Eto na naman ako. Hahaha forever hopeless romantic!

Hoping for stress-free week. No overtimes please!!

Wearing pajamas and sleeveless. I’m ready to sleep!

Loving my friends even more. Alam ko na kahit ano mangyari, may sasalo at sasalo sakin.

Wanting hot coffee. I know it will really make my Sunday night close to perfection. Hahaha

Needing a hug. I just feel I need one. :))))))

Feeling sentimental and nostalgic….. eh kasi umuuulan!! I just missed my college buddies, our kwentuhan na walang humpay, our asaran, our tawanan and all that. Hmmmm…

It’s one rainy Sunday night, and I just want to lie on my bed and listen to Ed Sheeran. Hahaha sarap magmuni-muni ng very light! Happy Sunday!

Behind Those Pages

This lil notebook sums up my whole 2011. I browsed it earlier today and I realized that my 2011 is about my college life, finding a job and dismantling feelings over someone.

I ran through the pages and I found out that this journal has a roller coaster of emotions. There’s so much in it.

There’s joy when we got our thesis signed and approved. In addition to that, it is the year I graduated with flying colors and the year that I got my first job. It is damn satisfying that you achieved some things.

This book also contains depression. Why? Let’s admit it, it’s not easy to find a job and where you fit in and honestly, I’ve got my first job not that quick. It took me months to have one. I juggled from one place to another just to submit job applications. I’ve rejected many times before I got hired. It’s quite depressing when people surrounding you are pressuring you at times. Didn’t they know that I’m trying my best? But in spite of those, I’m always reminding myself that I should not give up. Yeah, I may be struggling now but it does not mean that I should quit. As long as I’m trying my best, as long as I not quitting, then I’m not a loser nor a failure.

This journal also knows my sorrow. Sorrow that my friends and I will part ways to find our own place in the real world. Not just that, sorrow about some family problems and sorrow about a love drifted away.

Honestly, he’s been very special to me and it’s quite funny that I’ve invested so much feelings for him. As I read what I’ve written back those years, it seems that even though he left me hanging, just a call from him and I’m out of my league again. I’m ready to give in again. I’m ready to take him back again. It’s way back then, but now it’s all over between us. I must accept that I just met him for a reason and that reason maybe is to have my heart broken into tiny pieces. Yes, he still holds a special place in my heart, I still miss him, I still cared for him, but I don’t want him back. I know better now.

Why would I take back the person who just sees me as an option? Why would I take back the person who just knew me when everything went wrong? Why would I take back the person who was just taking me for granted? Why would I take back the person who left me without telling me the reason is?

And of course, this journal knows my way of letting go and moving on. I’m always encouraging myself so that I can be better. I can do so much more.

Now, it’s already 2015, four years had passed and here I am, blessed and happy for what I have now. I’m contented for what’s here in the moment and at the same time, I’m working on my other plans towards my bigger dreams.

Way to go!

the sunday currently | 03

It’s Sunday again, the last Sunday of August actually and I must say that this month has been good for me. T’was awesome, happy and blessed.

This Sunday, I am

Reading the on-going story by Jonaxx in wattpad (hihi) entitled Give In To You.

Thinking about so many things like when will I go to Makati to pursue applying abroad, does AlDub becoming real, yung mga ganyan.

Listening to Your Song by Parokya ni Edgar, I really love this one not just because of the melody but because of the lyrics as well. Sunday is also #SentiSunday.

Wishing that I could turn back time (artiiiii, hahaha) no, but kidding aside, yeah I wish I could. Kasi kung kaya ko, ibabalik ko yung panahon para di maghiwalay ang nanay at tatay ko, ibabalik ko yung panahon para maayos ang direksyon ng buhay ng kuya ko, ibabalik ko yung panahon para makapagdesisyon ng mas tama. (#hugoooot)

Hoping to get my track back, you know what I mean, I’m always saying na sana makabalik na ko sa hospitality industry at mapractice ko na ulit yung course ko.

Wearing my You Love Me shirt and pajamas.

Loving what I have right now, where I am right now, yeah I always wanted to have a better job but I can’t deny the fact that somehow, I enjoyed and loved what I’m doing.

Wanting to have my own house, my own car, my own resto bar. (Longterm goals, huh!)

Needing massage.

Feeling blessed and delighted. (As always)