Hello everyone! I am back here on my blog for my year-end post, which I have been doing for eleven (11) years now.
Well, these past years, I have only been visiting this blog to write my year-end posts, and there were times when I contemplated to stop writing, but I decided to just continue with this since I am a nostalgic and sentimental person and I thought it would be nice to be able to look back on how my life went throughout the years, so here I am.
This year has a lot of firsts and new experiences, both good and bad, some of which were also unexpected.
If you're interested in how my year went, feel free to read more.
@vanananice Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026! 🙌🏼 Not my best year, but at least it taught me some lessons on how to deal with life better. Here's to being wiser and older. Happy New Year! 🎉
♬ 2025 Season Recap - Liam Conner
I once again made a recap video for this year since it seems like a convenient way to document and organize my moments for the year. Thanks to Capcut templates, editing is easier. I just had to take the time to outline my highlights for the year and find pictures and videos relating to them, then combine all of them in a video.
So yes, here are the stories behind the pictures and videos I put on my 2025 recap video:
January
First time at the City Council Session Hall
The year 2025 has opened me to a lot of new courts and quasi-judicial bodies, such as the City Council Session Hall. I usually just see this session hall on TV, but I never thought that I'd be able to set foot here. Unlike normal courts, there are photographers and videographers to document the hearing, so I believe that we always have to look our best, or at least put together, whenever we have hearings here. Haha
First Media Interview with Oca Moreno
January 24, 2025 - Overtime with OCA Moreno
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be interviewed like this. Actually, my senior lawyer should be the one interviewed here, but I ended up being the sub. Hahaha
Honestly, I was so scared since I do not like public speaking at all, and I hate the thought that I might be subjected to public scrutiny since I would be on a platform where many people could possibly watch it and might harshly criticize me. I wanted to escape from this since I was so unprepared, considering that I was just informed on that day that I would actually be the one to be interviewed, but I had no choice, so here I am. I was really afraid that I would make a mistake in answering questions, and that there may be those that I do not know the answer to, and be bashed for it.
But anyway, my experience wasn't that bad after all. I had fun during the interview. The host, Ms. Connie, had a knack for making me comfortable during the interview. I liked the flow of it.
After the interview, that was when I checked my phone, and I went to see the comments to see if there were any negative comments, but thankfully, I was met with some good feedback, which was surprising. Some did comment on my weird mannerisms, so I would like to apologize for that. I really could not help it. Huhu. I'll try to work on it, though.
Nevertheless, Papa, who is usually so frank and would really say things as they are, told me that I did well, and that's all that matters.
So with that, I thank the host and the crew of Overtime with OCA Moreno for allowing me this opportunity. Thank you for making my first media interview experience worthwhile. I am thankful also to God for guiding me with this, and at least, things went well.
IBP Natcon and First time in Cebu
When I saw the post about the IBP Natcon (Integrated Bar of the Philippines 20th National Convention), I was so eager to attend because I've always wanted to go to Cebu and have another experience at solo travelling, so I saved up and grabbed the opportunity to attend.
Well, the experience did not disappoint. Since I went alone and was not able to drag along my close lawyer friends, I had the opportunity to socialize with other lawyers at the event, despite being an introvert. I was also able to explore Cebu and went to malls alone, but I still had a bit of fear since, again, I was all alone. Thankfully, though, I was safe.
Since I went to Cebu, I bought a lot of pasalubong, which are mostly snacks, especially the Shamrock otap, my Papa's favorite.
In Cebu, I stayed around the Cebu I.T. Park, which is a busy place, both during the day and night, and I also love the condo where I stayed, which I booked on Airbnb.
So yes, my stay in Cebu was worthwhile, and I had a good experience attending the IBP Natcon. I hope I can once again attend more events like this.
Thank You, Lord, for the experience.
February
Busiest travel (Cebu > CDO > Ozamiz)
I believe that this is the first time that I became so busy, and this is when I knew how other people feel when they have business trips with packed schedules.
Imagine this, I just came from an almost-a-week trip in Cebu, went back to CDO to once again pack my things, then had a long road trip to Ozamiz City for an out-of-town hearing.
Despite this being tiring, I loved the feeling of being busy, and how I wish that I'd have more busy schedules like this in my career.
Panguil Bay Bridge
In anticipating my trip to Ozamiz City, I was so excited to pass through Panguil Bay Bridge since it used to be so popular when it was newly built.
So, when I was finally able to pass through the bridge, I saw how aesthetic the lights are, but I really do hope that the road passing through the bridge could be smoother.
Asenso Global Gardens
After the hearing, my client invited me to visit Asenso Global Gardens since they say that it's a good attraction nearby, and it did not disappoint.
The sceneries are nice, and we took a lot of pictures and videos. We were also able to eat at the OG Purple Yam, where they serve not only cake, but also some fries and sweet drinks.
Valentine's Day flowers
I am not that bitter on Valentine's Day because I have someone to give me flowers.
Thank you to the man that I love, who always wants our relationship to stay lowkey, because he believes that privacy is power, and what people don't know, they can't ruin.
Although I am someone who likes to flex, he also has a point, since I also believe in this thing called jinx, which I don't want to happen as well. I understood later on that since he has a risky career, he's just keeping me safe.
At least I knew that he talks about me fondly and makes it known to his close peers that I'm his woman, and that is enough for now.
New iPhone 16 Pro
Aside from the fact that I’ve always wanted an iPhone, my travel experience in Cebu pushed me to buy a new phone, since at that time, I got lost because my phone ran out of battery, and the charging port kept acting up, so I had a hard time plugging my phone into my power bank.
For almost an hour, I just kept walking until I decided to use my remaining 4% battery to book a Grab so that I could finally go home.
Since I never wanted to experience this again, I bought this new phone instead, and I have no regrets. I took the opportunity to use my GGives credit limit to buy this iPhone, so that is how I was able to buy this.
March
Getting started with working out
My boyfriend gave me an Apple Watch, and due to his insistence on pushing me to have a healthier lifestyle, I decided to start running and signed up for Strava.
When I first started, I didn’t have running shoes, and I only had my old gym shoes from 2023. But at least, I was still able to get myself going.
April
Getting consistent with running
Strava has been my go-to app in documenting my runs and workouts, and I love how it is able to assess my progress as well.
Looking back, I realized that I was indeed really slow when I first started running, but due to being consistent, my pace gradually became faster.
I hope that soon enough, I will be able to achieve sub 30 for a 5 km run and sub 1 for a 10 km run.
For now, I am still slow compared to elite runners, but I hope that I become faster like them.
New running shoes
My boyfriend is so supportive of my running journey, and he even offered to buy me new running shoes, the Anta PG 7.
I am so happy that this is my first ever running shoes, because this pair never failed me.
I love how it feels whenever I run, and I’m glad that the reviews I watched about this pair of running shoes were trustworthy. I highly recommend this pair for beginners.
Of course, I am also thankful to my boyfriend for buying me these shoes.
First fun run (KBP Night Fun Run 5km - April 26, 2025)
This is my first ever fun run.
Well, actually, I was able to attend a fun run back when I was in 1st year college back in 2012, since it was mandatory for our First Year Formation Program (FFP) subject, although to be honest, it became a "fun walk" since we were just walking for the most part. That was also a 5K run like this one. It was a run for a cause since the fun run was for the victims of Typhoon Sendong.
So yes, it felt nice running for a noble cause.
Now, almost thirteen (13) years later, I once again ran for a cause, this time, for those who have Leukemia, as the proceeds from this fun run will go to these Leukemia patients.
Honestly, though, I only belatedly knew about this noble cause when I listened to the orientation before the run, and I mainly attended this run to challenge myself, since I am used to running on a treadmill, so I'd like to try running outside. I just wanted to set some PR.
But, once again, I'm glad that this isn't just a mere fun run, as it was also a run for a cause.
So, with this, I am thankful for this experience.
Thanks to my boyfriend for inviting me to this fun run and for being supportive of my running journey. I wouldn't have attended this fun run if it weren't for him.
Here's to more fun runs, I guess? Congrats, self, for surviving this without collapsing. Haha!
May
Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia Leg 2 (5km run - May 4, 2025)
This is the first-ever major race that I attended.
Thankfully, I was able to tag along with my law school friends who used to be my library mates, and now they’re my running buddies for the race.
Joining this race made me want to attend more running events, since I was able to get a lot of freebies and eat food after, and most importantly, I got a medal for the first time. I also love the challenge of only being able to get the medal when we finish the race. It felt fulfilling.
So, with that, I’m really thankful for the experience.
First stint as an election lawyer
Last May 2025, an election was held, so I was tasked to be an election lawyer for my cousin who ran for Mayor in a municipality. Being an election lawyer was a good experience, though, since I was able to observe what it was like to oversee the conduct of elections and the tallying of the results, which took a very long time, since it was past midnight when the tallying was almost done.
Our candidate did not win, but despite that, it’s a learning experience for everyone.
June
Freedom Run 2025 (First 10km run - June 15, 2025)
Honestly, I haven't trained myself in running 10k, and I haven't reached that distance before, even on a treadmill. But I still chose to run 10k primarily because it's the category that has a medal (the 5k category didn't have one), and I wanted to look forward to such a medal when I finish the race.
Thankfully, though, I survived, safe and sound.
This marks my first 10k run. I even achieved multiple PRs.
I'm glad, though, that I was still able to keep my usual pace despite the unwarranted delays, such as my race bib falling off and the random side stitches.
While I was running, I made it a point to just run slowly but surely. Maybe that's how I survived.
Here's to more fun runs and races.
Thank You once again, Lord, for this experience.
Papa's hospitalization
This is the start of my darkest part of the year.
My Papa initially just wanted to be admitted to the hospital because of his persistent LBM, but he was suddenly diagnosed with end stage Chronic Kidney Failure. However, during this time, we thought that this would be manageable since a lot of meds were prescribed for my Papa, but for some reason unknown to laymen, his condition worsened instead.
But we continued to trust the doctors who treated my Papa, because what else can we do?
July
Continued hospital admission of Papa
During this time, we were in and out of the hospital because the condition of my Papa kept getting worse, which we could not understand. Some doctors who attended to my Papa even kept recommending that he be admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and be intubated, but we kept refusing because we could not afford the hospital fees that come with it, and either way, there is no guarantee that my Papa will survive.
Papa also started undergoing dialysis because we were told that the normal life expectancy would be 8 to 10 years, which would have been enough for Papa to witness my youngest brother’s graduation from law school or passing the bar exam.
We were so hopeful back then, but along the way, there were more complications, and my Papa’s condition once again worsened.
Won another case
Yes, judgment was promulgated, acquitting my client. A favorable decision indeed.
Thank You, Lord.
First time at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
I went to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, for the first time to attend another out-of-town hearing. However, it didn’t push through. I still learned some lessons, though.
Papa was still at the hospital during this time, so I instead rushed back to the hospital after my Malaybalay travel.
August
First time at Libertad
This is another out-of-town hearing, and thankfully, the case was settled. I was also able to commute on my own, which is my first time commuting long-distance. It’s good that I was able to manage.
Papa's death
I had hearings scheduled for the day, so I thought that I would be resting to prepare for a supposedly usual work day.
However, fate had other plans.
At around 3am, I received a phone call from my Mama, telling me that it had been an hour since my Papa’s oxygen dropped and couldn’t rise despite the oxygen tank, where oxygen had already been administered at its highest level.
My brother and I immediately rushed to the hospital. When we arrived, Papa was still alive, but many nurses already gathered. We were asked by the doctor if we wanted to have Papa undergo CPR to resuscitate him, so we agreed.
However, for almost 20 minutes, despite the CPR, Papa could not anymore be revived, the doctor told us that the ribs of Papa have already fractured due to persistent pushing of his chest, and there has been internal bleeding, and that even if Papa eventually gets revived, the cycle of him being revived over and over again will continue, so we decided to just stop the CPR and face the unavoidable eventuality of Papa’s death.
What was supposed to be my usual workday became a long day of funeral preparations.
I couldn’t stop crying back then, whenever I remembered my Papa and how he was so good to us. He was always my number one cheerleader and supporter. He was always the first one to cheer on me and be proud of me, and now, he’s gone.
There were times when I randomly cried in public places while I did what had to be done for my Papa’s funeral and burial.
That is how broken I was, and still am as of this day.
Won another case
There is this case which I thought I couldn’t win, but miraculously, judgment was promulgated, acquitting my client. I felt that the spirit of Papa helped me. Whenever I won a case, I would tell my Papa about it, but unfortunately, he is not around in this world anymore. But I believe that Papa is now watching over us from above and cheering us on.
September
Back to running
When Papa died, part of me was broken, and I stopped doing my usual routines, such as documenting my meals for the day and tracking my calories, and I even stopped working out as well.
But, as days went by, I realized that despite the loss, life must still go on.
So, I decided to go back to running, and I signed up for more upcoming races.
Birthday photoshoot for my 30th
I have booked this photoshoot before Papa’s death, since I initially thought that turning another decade old should be special for me, and I should treat myself for it.
So, despite my Papa’s death, this photoshoot still has to push through, because I didn’t want to wallow in sadness on my birthday.
The photos did not disappoint, though. I love how the pictures turned out. The price I paid was worth it. The photographer was really good at taking pictures and directing poses. For those who do not know how to pose, he is the best photographer to work with. Too bad I didn’t get his name, but I had my photoshoot at Gerloff. The makeup artist there is also really good, and he did a great job in making me look my prettiest.
I can say that it was worth it, and I now have some great pictures to browse through whenever I want to remember my 30th birthday.
First birthday without Papa
It dawned on me that Papa never got to witness my 30th birthday. I lost my Papa at 29.
My birthday was supposed to be happy, but I’m not really at my happiest because Papa is not around to greet me and celebrate with me. But then, that is just how it is.
Women's Virtual Run PH (10km run - September 14, 2025)
This was supposed to be an in-person run, but I erroneously signed up for a virtual run.
Nevertheless, I still decided to push through with it.
I also realized that if I really attended an in-person run, I might actually collapse since I lacked ample training, and even on a treadmill, I kept pausing, and I was always out of breath.
So, everything happens for a reason.
New geese
After losing all my silkies to vicious dogs, we finally dared to get a new set of animals, which, this time, are some geese. I enjoy having them because they are like guards who would make some noise whenever a person passes by. I got these geese as my attorney's fees.
Thank you once again to my client who gave me these.
Papa's 40 days
All of this is new to me.
We kept praying for Papa’s soul for days so that he could finally rest in peace and ascend to heaven.
First was the 9-day prayer, and this time, 40 days.
I never knew that we would have to deal with Papa's death at such a relatively young age.
But at least, there is no more suffering for Papa, although I would have wanted Papa to get better instead of dying.
Papa's first birthday in heaven
When Papa was still admitted to the hospital, I desperately wanted him to get better, and I even promised him that I would buy him his favorite foods, but unfortunately, he never got to celebrate his birthday this year in this world.
But, it is so timely that by the time he was supposed to celebrate his birthday, it had already been more than 40 days since his death.
Well, witnessing how every prayer session for my Papa's soul was peaceful, I believe that Papa is already in heaven, celebrating his birthday with his loved ones.
October
First long walk
I had a client who is conscious about being fit and making it a point to walk 10,000 steps, so she invited me to walk around her neighborhood, since she offered to sleep over at her house, as we will be going to Iligan the next day for an out-of-town hearing.
I really enjoyed the long walk, and we walked a distance of almost 10km.
I am glad that I got to experience this, and I would have wanted it if there were more neighborhoods like this.
Trip to Iligan City
I went to Iligan City for another out-of-town hearing.
This is actually my second time here since I first went here for an interschool quiz bee back when I was still in high school.
Now, Iligan City has more establishments, and it has become busier than before.
New hair
I've been wanting to fix my hair because it is already looking really dry, and I'm glad that I finally had the opportunity to have it cut and treated. I love how my hair turned out, and I am satisfied with the result.
November
Finally learned how to swim (Coconut Bay and Marco Hotel)
I used to be so afraid of drowning, and I always found it difficult to float, but miraculously, this time, I just tried to float, paddled my legs, and moved my arms, and I was able to swim. Despite the heavy rain while we were swimming, I was able to enjoy myself because I could finally swim.
Now, I have to work on catching my breath while swimming so that I can swim longer distances.
Puma PH Half Marathon Series (10km run - November 23, 2025)
This is my 3rd 10k run, and although I lack training because I became too busy these past few weeks, I was still able to achieve multiple PRs.
This is also my fastest 10k run so far.
Thank You, Lord, for the strength.
Congrats, self!
I, then, treated myself to a swim at the condo I was staying. Hihi
December
IBP Year-End Party (won a raffle)
I am not really someone who would attend a party just for the sake of it, so my main purpose for attending this is because I bought some raffle tickets, and I also want to eat a lot of food. Haha.
Well, although I didn't win the major prizes, I was able to take home a door prize.
It has been years since I won a raffle, and I'm glad that I won this time.
Inspire Nation Run (10km run - December 7, 2025)
A week before this, I was not able to train at all because my muscles were sore for a few days, to the point that it became difficult for me to even sit down and walk. By the time I was fully recovered, if I were to train, I might overexert myself, so I decided to just run today instead and see how it goes.
Thankfully, though, I was able to finish the run. I just kept on telling myself that I should take it easy. I did not mind my pace that much because my main concern is being able to finish.
Nevertheless, thank You, Lord, for the strength. Till the next run, and many more to come.
First Pilates Private Cadillac + Reformer session
Attending this pilates session made me realize that I really do have weak mind and body coordination, since my instructor became frustrated in teaching me because I had a hard time following her movements, and she did her best in keeping me from injuries. I am thankful, though, that my pilates instructor was patient with me despite everything.
I hope that I'll have more pilates sessions to come, but for now, I just do not have the time and resources, as each session is expensive.
Either way, the experience is still worthwhile.
Salcedo Clan Reunion at Apple Tree Resort
This is one of the many gatherings that we ended up attending because we were cordially invited, and I'm glad that my family was able to attend because we had so much fun, and we were even able to take home some prizes. With that, I am thankful.
Pryce Gas Run (13km run - December 14, 2025)
This is my longest and most challenging run ever!! There are so many elevated paths which made it harder to run.
Thankfully, I was able to finish the run. I did not mind my pace too much while running. In fact, I only had a few glances at my smart watch this time.
Once again, the goal is to survive, finish, and not get injured.
But, despite everything, I was still able to keep my pace, or at least, it didn’t deviate too much from my usual pace.
Thank You, Lord, for the strength, protection, and safety.
This is my first time running more than 10km, and yes, I pushed myself to my limit this time.
Congrats once again, self!
Nike Pegasus 41
I had a PHP 1,500 voucher from Nike, which I got as a freebie from the Women's Run PH. So, I treated myself to new running shoes, and I didn't regret it! Because of this, I vowed to save up more so that I could buy more running shoes. Who knew that buying running shoes could be this addictive? If I had more money, I could have gone to Adidas to buy the Adidas Evo SL. Haha
First time at Gingoog City
I went to Gingoog City for the first time to attend another out-of-town hearing. I am happy that I was able to go to a lot of new places this year just to attend hearings, and I hope I can go to more places soon, preferably, farther ones.
Don Narciso Cafe/Restaurant at Claveria
After the hearing, we then went to this café and restaurant. The food was delicious, and the sceneries are so nice. I am glad that this is becoming the trend among cafés.
Christmas Party at Koi De Oro Café
My siblings and I are already able to attend these kinds of gatherings with relatives, but this time it is different because we finally got to bring along Mama. I am glad that Mama is finally able to have a great time attending gatherings. I hope that there will be many more to come.
Night Swimming at Coconut Bay
This is another one of our bonding moments with Mama and my brother, and I am glad that we are enjoying ourselves instead of wallowing in sadness from our loss.
I really hope that soon enough, I can treat my family to better and more enjoyable trips, where my Mama can take more pictures. Hehe
7 races, 6 medals
My race bibs and medals look so pretty, don't they? I hope that I can add more to the collection in many more years to come. I may not be an athlete, and I may just be running for fun and for the challenge, but I love the thought of being rewarded for finishing my races.
Thank You, Lord, for keeping me safe during these races. I am thankful that despite being out of breath and feeling like my heart is about to burst every time I run long distances, I am still able to finish the races.
I hope that in the upcoming races, I will remain injury-free, and who knows? I might finally be able to run a half-marathon, if God permits.
So yes, what a year it has been.
If it weren't for my newfound hobby, which is running, and the countless opportunities in my career, as well as bonding moments with my family, I would have thought that life is not worth living anymore because of our loss.
But I also realized that Papa would not want us to become depressed, and he would instead want us to go on with life, in such a way that we should try to be okay without him.
Nevertheless, I believe that Papa is always watching over us, like he always did when he was still alive.
Despite everything, thank You, Lord, for keeping me strong.
I hope that I won't have to deal with negative things like this for a long while, Lord, because I am not your strongest soldier.
Once again, thank You, Lord.
I sincerely hope that the year 2026 will be better for all of us.
Till here ;*
No comments
What can you say? :)