The Monster's Year in Photos

So, here is my 2012 in photos.

I had to choose a photo out of the hundreds of photos I took this year to represent a significant event per month. Luckily I was able to pick one, BUT, I had to cheat for the month of November because, really, both photos represented a lot for that month.

Also, this blog post is a version of Facebook's Year in Review feature. Mine wasn't as, well, significant if you saw it. Most of the pictures in that review were mostly of business proposals (ie. travel agency promos, fishball cart franchise, and the like.

Okay, let's begin:

January

 

Boracay. That fateful day where your hair gets pulled by a jealous female monkey. It all happened so quickly I did not have time to react! haha. Good thing (??) the photographer (of whom shall not be named) did a quick shot of capturing this very candid moment before running out to help me.  Not sure it's a good thing though, but anyway, i'm still glad he did. HAHA. This was plain leisure trip without the hassles of work. We also did the fly fish, helmet diving, and ATV driving.

The next time I go to Boracay, it shall be a trip that would mainly consist of beach bumming, drinking, then beach bumming again. Haha.

Read more about my Boracay trip here.

February

Legaspi, Albay then Donsol, Sorsogon. What about these places? Mount Mayon and the famous butandings (whale sharks), respectively. We set out here for a weekend away from stress at work. These are officemates I'm with, mind you.

Mount Mayon was an exhilarating sight to see. I never thought I'd see it with my own eyes. I only used to see it in post cards when our science teacher asked us to submit pictures of the different land forms. HAHA. I would've posted a picture of the volcano itself but, I just can't resist NOT posting a picture of myself with the gang. HAHA

After a day tour at Legaspi (omg, I have just realized that I have not done a Kux Stop post for this!) We went to Donsol to dive in with the buntandings. Its an amazing feeling to somehow be able to "meet and greet" (and almost be swallowed alive, not really) by these gigantic but friendly creatures. This was the experience that made me decide that I MUST own an underwater camera. It would have been cool to be able to have my own version of the experience captured in a photo.

March

It has been a rough start for our family for the year 2012. You see, my dad had a stroke come December of 2011. We spent our Christmas and New Year in the hospital. Well, not everybody knows my story but the family decided to put him in a nursing home back in our hometown. Anyway, after checking him in, we had some time to ourselves so my Ninang and I decided to stroll around. I asked if we could go to my old school. 

Nostalgia. Memories from before came creeping back. Much has changed around the campus but old buildings remain. I remember that it was on that stage that I first sung the Lupang Hinirang in front of a whole quadrangle for our flag ceremony. That was back in Grade 2, I think. :)

March is also the month we moved in to our new home in Kamias, Quezon City.

April

April is my sister's birth month. We decided to have a little family dinner at Eastwood. Visiting Eastwood is a first for everyone in the family. Haha. Ignoramus 101. It wasn't our destination of choice before because we lived on the other side of Quezon City. But now that we live somewhere nearer, we'd still opt not to go to Eastwood because of the heavy traffic. HAHAHA!

Anyway, I think Eastwood is a place for the higher-ups in the society. Well, the place seems fancy and almost everyone around are English-ero/as. Not that I'm prejudiced or something, it's just that I'm not comfortable with, well, the environment. Haha. But, Eastwood's pretty fine, especially, the, watchama-call-them?, moving statues(?). Give them some coins and they start to move and even have a photo op with you!

May

May is my birth month. I was debating between a photo of my birthday celebration or this. Well, I gues you already know which won. Haha.

This shot was taken in one of the wonderful islands in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. We went there for our annual Waywanel UBE. When you get there, it is evident that Caramoan is still one of the lesser blessed places in the Philippines. But don't let that hinder you from visiting the place. Caramoan boasts some of the most wonderful islands (of the few) I have ever visited. Locals of this place are also oh, so, welcoming which compensates for the not so fancy place. With its booming tourism, I sure do hope for this town to progress. This won't be the last visit for me.

This was also the first time I rode a train. The frigging PNR train. Good thing nothing happened during OUR train ride. Thank God for that.

June

June was a pretty much boring month for me in terms of travel dates. Might think God is telling me to take a break for a little, physical and financial-wise. Hahaha. 

Anyway, I guess one significant event that month was Yhani's i quote, despedida lunch. HAHA. DROWIIIING. Yhani was supposed to leave the country and work in Finland. That meant she had to leave baby H for about six months before she could petition him and Aldrine to come live there with her. A higher pay and a chance at a better career was the trade off for leaving her family. She chose to stay. I think na sayang ang opportunity but then again, if I were to choose between the two, I'd also choose to stay considering that H was still months old. He'll be needing his mom. I'm sure there are other opportunities that will come. For us, I guess it's always family first.

July

Macau. An incentive trip granted by the company. An incentive trip I think I well deserve. LOL. We landed in Macau and did a side trip to Hong Kong from there. This photo was taken at the Venetian Hotel Lobby. There were other highlights of Macau and if you want to read about them, just go and read it here.

This must be the highlight of my year. Lots of new places to discover, few money to spend, and a heart that fell. Say what? haha. Yup you read that right. And I'm not going to repeat it. LOL. It is kind of weird talking about this all over again, and finally admitting to myself that, I did, or might have, actually tripped. *wink wink*

August

Coron, Palawan. Exploring the shores and islands of Coron, Palawan is another breath taking experience.  Unlike Boracay, there are no water activities (ie parasailing, jet skiing) other than island hopping and snorkeling (or diving for those who are more adventurous). But take note that these activities are worth it! The islands are worth the trip. Never have I seen beauty in its rawest form.

Too bad right after landing at the airport from Coron, I went straight to the hospital  and got admitted for infectious diarrhea. Ugh, plain bliss then sorrow afterwards. I was hoping I could get thinner out of my sickeness, but no, I did not.

September

Puerto Galera, Mindoro. A weekend trip with my gals. Just chill moments away from the city. Mind you, we are the members of the "I'm going to die alone" club. This is our pioneer meeting. Anyone who is intersted to join and be a member of the said club can just freely express their intent to join in the comments box below. HAHAHA.

Check out my separate post about this place here.

October

A close office friend's wedding is the highlight of this month. during this wedding was when I showcased my, ehem, innate talent of self-make up and my fine choice of wardrobe. Hahaha.

It was also during this event that I had my MOST embarrassing moment of my entire life. What did I do? Well to make things short, well, I sort of peed in front of the gate of Camp Crame in EDSA. Yeh. Haha. I was tipsy! It was traffic! What should a girl like me do, right?? Nyahahaha.

Read more about this wedding's blog post here.

November

Here we go... my cheat month. I have two significant events for this month that i must include. One cannot be without the other. Char, Joke lang.

November is bonus month and what more could I do than to spend my money on family. I treated them for a whole day trip to Ocean Park Manila. Everything on me. ;) Well except for our dinner, but nonetheless, I mostly shouldered everything. I fell kind of, hmmm, jubilant(?) to see the happy faces of your loved ones. Just like in the Citibank commercial, it was priceless.

Towards the end of november, we (officemates) had a trip to Roxas City. I did not know Roxas City would be that of a significant place for me because it was in this place that I, Kux Carino, have hugged and slept (rested my head) on a toilet bowl. This is also where I got strip naked in front of my friends beacuse they had to change my already puke-soaked shirt. Another one for embarrassment. Ding ding ding! It was also in that drunken state that I finally had my heart back. ;)

More about Roxas City here!

December

Finally, December. It's my youngest niece's birthday. A party that if I missed attending, i would not hear the end of it. You see, I'm Abbie's (youngest niece) godmother (aside from being an aunt). And godmothers should be attending their goddaughter's christening, right? But no, i chose to leave for see_above_for_febuary__entry_here. Haha, si my sister said that I had to be in this party or else... Didn't let her finish. I'm just glad I came beacuse, well, family is family.

Abbie's birthday bash can be read here!

So, there you have it folks! The monster's year in photos. ;)

I hope 2013 shall be as (or more) great as 2012. I'm ready to face the whirlwind life 2013 has to bring. Ehem, boyfriend, ehem.