I somewhat anticipated previously that the first half will lead me to an emotional turmoil due to several personal issues. It even nearly came to a point that I decided to return to the Philippines permanently. But miraculously, things took quite a turn by the second half like a saving grace. So, Does 2025 ever felt like that retro snake game? This year has led me sliding through dead ends and rewarding baits. Truly, you win some and you lose some. And here’s to share my highlights on how I savaged this year.
Lisbon to start the year
—and it was my last trip before I felt being prisoned in London 😆 It was awesome to finally visit one of the EU countries that I was longing to explore. It was a quick 4 days of riding vintage trams, climbing endless steps and eating unlimited versions of pastel de natas. Unfortunately, it was rainy all throughout so I’d loved to come back and tour another city next time!Read my Lisbon itinerary here.
<I inked my goal to learn a new language
I was unemployed for quite some time; It was fun at the beginning but the pressure took a toll when job opportunities start to diminish and it gets difficult to get approved. So I decided to enroll for a Spanish beginner’s class at the International House Academy. It was fun and interactive; I knew I have an edge to learn the language as most words in Filipino are derived from Spanish (thanks to colonization, kidding!). I would’ve continued after I completed the first level during Spring but work conflicts has occurred. Hopefully, I’ll get back on track someday! But since then, I try to understand and learn more about Spanish culture.
One with the Flowers
As I stayed the whole Spring in London, I ventured around some of the popular floral places and events in the city. There was the cherry blossom bloom in Swiss Cottage, the Tulleys' Tulip Farm in Three Bridges and the Chelsea Flower Show.
Seeing these blooms before were simple joys for me to be strong and that every challenge is part of one’s growth. 🌸
#NihaoTAIWAN
After so many years of thinking and planning to tour this country, this finally happened! It was one thrill of an adventure to go on a long haul solo travel here as I felt the challenge for language barrier and modes of transport. But I enjoyed Taipei mainly because of the food because you can’t go wrong with Chinese street food,right? Y’all can read more about my trip and itinerary here.
I can still recall my last summer spent in Bournemouth
I’m never a beach person but there came a point where I was desperately looking for a change of scenery. So on one double day off, I went on a staycation in the beautiful coast of Bournemouth. I’m so glad that my tita has toured me around there even for just a very short time! I will definitely visit again soon ♡
My British Citizenship journey
This has been the biggest plot twist of my year as like I’ve said, I was really close to leaving the UK for good. It was a risk and the biggest decision I’ve made in my life so far. This may be the reason why I wasn’t able to travel much this time since I mostly have to stay here while this was in process but everything was worth the wait.♡ Sometimes, I still can’t believe that I’m now in possession of a passport that I can use to travel everywhere without needing a visa but I’m ticking my list slow this time 😉 You can read more about my citizenship journey as a Filipino nurse here.
#CiaoITALY
I can’t imagine that I spent my birthday week this year in one of Europe’s most popular destination! I honestly love Italian food and its historical structure but it never really crossed my mind to go there often. However, I’m not complaining with this opportunity because on this trip, I happily got to return to the historical Rome, had a short pilgrimage in Puglia, went shopping at the leather market in Florence, a stop-over in Pisa and wandered around the outskirts and canals of Venice. It was lovely that I got to share this experience with my family. I’ll be sharing my full itinerary about this on my next blog entry so stay tuned!
The London Film Festival & Sydney Sweeney
The moment I returned to the UK from Italy was another busy yet fun-filled week because of the London Film Festival. In Filipino, I would term that week as “lagare” as I juggled these extra-curricular activities of mine with work. I could’ve watched more than 2 films but I just went with my priorities since this was my first time attending the fest. From there, I was somehow reminded that I’m living in one of the world’s largest entertainment hub next to America.🙈 It was a pleasure to watch “No Other Choice” as a fan of Son Yejin. And moreover, Sydney Sweeney has been the very highlight of this event for me. ♡I can’t help reflecting that I was given another opportunity to meet her since I missed her event in June for “Echo Valley” and now this happened on my birthmonth!😭
Her 2 campaigns also had pop-up events earlier this year which I attended. Back then, I only used to take a selfie on her posters to show support.♡
She has the sweetest soul and she will always be my idol. ♡ Y’all can read my blog entry about this here. Indeed, I keep saying that it’ll be a very long time before I get to move on from this! Haha
With all said and done, I guess my takeaway for this year is to never lose hope no matter circumstances you have. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. I have more blog contents to share and I thank everyone who has been reading my posts! It will just keep getting better. ⭐️
Shall we gallop to the next season?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!🐴
‘til then!
