2022 has been really good for me. And all I can say that it’s definitely included in the best years of my life. It has been a remarkable journey with so many surprises.
To be honest, I didn’t have any expectations for this year. I don’t even have definite goals, as I am afraid to be disappointed again due to the ongoing pandemic. Yeah, this situation really gave me a lot of anxiety because things are uncertain. But then again, amidst that, I tried to focus more on myself and not mind the things we can’t control.
I started listing the things I wanted to do. Most of them are just simple tasks that can lead to building healthy habits, and others are just hypothetical. Looking back, I was surprised that I was able to make those things happen this year. To commemorate them, I’ll be listing them and the things I’m grateful for.
✿ Finally got to travel to South Korea ✿
Well, not just for once, but TWICE!! Yes, you read that right. I went to South Korea twice this year! I can’t still believe that this happened. I’ve been dreaming of it since high school! After countless failed attempts, from the time I didn’t get my student certificate on time for the trip when I was in my second year of college, to the denied visa application last 2019 (even though I had already paid for my plane tickets and accommodation), to the cancellation of flights due to the travel ban in 2020 and 2021. There was a point when I thought I was cursed already, and South Korea doesn’t want me to go there. But here we are—I finally went last October and last December.
✿ Attended my FIRST-EVER BTS Concert ✿
I’m still very much elated about this!!!! Another dream come true for me. If you have been following me on Instagram, I’ve mentioned there that I never really planned this. I got my plane ticket during the Cebu Pacific 7.7 sale which was on July 7. Then I applied for my South Korean visa in August. And just timely when I received my approved visa, Hybe announced the concert date. AND I WAS SO LUCKY THAT IT FELL DURING MY TRAVEL DATE!!!! I was literally screaming and crying that day. It was like destiny for me.
My journey to being able to attend a BTS concert was truly unexpected. And I can finally attest that they do sound SO GOOD live! Ahhhh their vocals were heavenly! THE MICS ARE ALWAYS ON!!!! I was even crying already even during their first song and it was Mic Drop. The way it is one of my favorite songs from them even to the point I made that my alarm ringtone. Then it was followed by RUN BTS which they never performed before. I was part of the lucky ones who have seen it for the first time ever. And the list goes on. That concert was definitely one for the books. And truly there is no bad seat in a BTS Concert. I’ll write about the whole concert experience next time.
✿ First Solo Travel ✿
Traveling solo is at top of my bucket list. And I’ve been so lucky to experience it on my 30th birthday. It is feeling like I’m a legit adult now. At first, I was scared and anxious. But I’m so glad that I did it! I can say I don’t feel lonely at all. In fact, I enjoyed it so much! I’ve discovered a lot about myself. From carrying 2 heavy luggage, getting lost numerous times, and just feeling the moment. It was totally liberating!
✿ Celebrated Jin’s Birthday and Send-off in Seoul ✿
I was with my family the second time I went to Korea. And this time I intended the date when I can celebrate Jin’s birthday there. I’m so glad I did it as it was his last birthday before he entered the military. The announcement of his enlistment is when I was at the airport for my flight going back to the Philippines during my first travel there. I felt down during that time but surprisingly I didn’t cry. I don’t know, I think I felt relieved that he will finally get this through as it has been weighing him down for so long. I was just looking forward to the time he will finish his duties and I’m excited about his upcoming projects.
During his birthday, I was just happy that I was there breathing the same air as him. Haha! And during the Send-off day, which was actually our last day in Seoul also, I decided to go and visit the Hybe Insight Museum. There were a lot of greetings around the Hybe building, especially at the bus stops. And after my Hybe Insight Museum tour, IT SNOWED!!! That was really an emotional day for me.
✿ First Time to experienced Snow ✿
Ahhhh!!! I know sounds completely ignorant buuuuut my home country doesn’t have the four seasons. This means snow is non-existent. And yes I was excited to experience it. To see the little snowflakes falling was so magical. However, it was quite a struggle for me to adjust to the cold temperature as I don’t own any winter clothes such as those puffer jackets. We were able to purchase some there already. Still, I wouldn’t exchange the experience. I felt like a kid at that time. My inner child was jumping with great joy.
✿ Reached 45k followers on Instagram ✿
INSANE!!!!! Right?! I’m beyond blessed that my post reached your newsfeed. A lot of them followed me because of my South Korea trip, the BTS Concert, and unboxings of BTS merchandise. It’s the first time that my Instagram reel gained 1.1M views. I’m forever grateful to everyone who has been visiting my profile and dropping a view or a like. I really appreciate it. Because of you, I have checked some items off my bucket list.
✿ Collaboration with Local and International Brands ✿
Alongside my Instagram growth, I’ve been working with a lot of local and international brands this year. I have partnered with some before and there are also some new ones. I’m very honored that these brands have given me opportunities. I’m also thankful to them, especially to those I’ve been working with for many years already. I’m so lucky that I can do the things that I love and still the brands are happy to support me.
✿ Completed all the Requirements ✿
For this one, I can’t disclose all the details yet. But all I can say is that I’ve been working on something for the whole year. And it has been a RIDE!!! Yes, it was quite challenging for me. But now I’m so happy that I have completed and submitted all the requirements. And I’m just waiting for something so that this will push through. This would be my upcoming biggest change in life. I hope I can pursue this in 2023. 🙏🏻
To be honest, there are a lot of things that I am grateful for this year. But overall, I would like to thank all of you who have been there for me always. I appreciate all of you and all of these happened to me because of your support. I hope I’ve brought you some inspiration and joy this year too. So let’s close this book entitled 2022 and welcome the year 2023 with open hearts. THANK YOU SO MUCH, SWEETIES! CHEERS TO MORE ADVENTURES TOGETHER! 🥂
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