“2011 has been such a roller-coaster ride” - Understatement of the year. If there’s ever a ride that brings more ups and downs than that of a roller coaster, then I guess it would best describe this year. It has been a year of firsts, lasts, and everything in between. To mention a few:

It was first time my sister left the country to work abroad (January 2011) and she was reunited with my mom after almost 10 years!

The first time I ever got to go on a tour, an island away-in the beautiful Luzon. Thanks to JMA tour 2011! :) Stepped foot on Baguio and Laguna for the first time and then Manila afterwards. It was such a memorable experience with my college friends, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!

The photos above were taken at Mines View Park in Baguio..

and then the photos above shows us sampling the strawberry taho (It was delish!) and posing at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

I also got to visit the Senate of the Philippines! I was behaving like such a curious little kid.

It was also the first time I got to appear on national television!! hahaha! A few of my family&friends attest that I was seen on TV (for seconds) when we watched the noontime show Happy Yipee Yehey. So much for my four seconds of fame :))

Sadly, I have only a few photos since most of them haven’t been uploaded yet because the files were left in Manila. (Calling Paulo, the culprit! My new year’s wish is for the photos to be uploaded. haha!)

I also turned 19 this year and got to celebrate it with my co-birthday celebrant, my dad!

For the longest time, I haven’t celebrated my birthday with my dad. We got into a little misunderstanding for a while but somehow, we’re better now. I’m glad that we’ve rekindled our father-daughter relationship and that he’s doing well in his business. Whatever issues we had in the past is forgotten and forgiven. I’m happy that we’re both slowing it down and taking it easy in terms of trying to understand whatever is happening to our lives. I have always looked up to my dad and he’ll always be my hero- no matter what. :)

Next stop- Love matters. haha! *insert my cheesy, mushy self* This year also marks the 3rd year of my relationship with my first boyfriend, Paulo.

We’ve shared an amazing history of growing-up from proms, to college, to graduation and career hopes and dreams. Thank you, Pau, for always respecting&valuing my principles. For respecting me not just as a person, but as a woman. For never making me do things I’m not ready for, for understanding my priorities, and for loving the people that I love. You may not be the sweetest and mushiest boyfriend, but I appreciate every bit of who you are- no holds barred. I hope next year will be just the same. I love you and you know that. ♥ *end of mushy-ness* :))

Moving on, one of my cousins also got married this year! I have always loved weddings and I love it even more when I’m part of it. hahaha! Being the youngest in the Uy side of our family, I always got to be the flower girl. This time however, I’m all grown-up (I think. Nye!) so I got into the bridesmaid category. (Can I hear an applause there? Yes naman!!)

That’s me right there! Do I sound so vain? haha! I’m sorry, I was just really excited to be a bridesmaid after being a flower girl all these years. Makes me feel like a true-blue dalaga. haha!

Moving on, 2011 was not just a year of fun. Albeit, it was also a tough year for our family.

After 5 months of battle with so many sudden sicknesses, we lost our beloved angkong. At 85, he finally rested in peace.

We were also a victim of Typhoon Sendong. If you wanna know the whole story, click here.

Our home was slightly wrecked and the floor tiles in our rooms have yet to be replaced. At the moment, most of our things are placed outside. We’re still in the process of cleaning and disinfecting the things that have been affected by the muddy water. We are still grateful though, because what we experienced was nothing compared to those who already have no homes to return to, or lives taken away.

This year also marks a very silent but meaningful Christmas. Because of the calamity that struck our city, celebrations were kept at its simplest and the true meaning of the season- helping out each other, valuing the family, and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ - was kept in mind. Hence, we have no Christmas pictures this year.

When I try to look back, I can finally say…

WHEW. (You though it was some profound, full-of-wisdom conclusion? haha! Kidding.)

What a year that was. Amidst everything that has happened, I still have a lot to be thankful for. God has blessed me with an overflowing cup that sometimes, I don’t think I even deserve all of it. Thank you, to my family and friends who stood by me every step of the way. You guys know who you are. ♥

Thank you for the memories, 2011. Thank you for the year that was.

I am definitely ready for 2012. :) Happy New Year everyone! God bless us all! Cheers!