A Cozy Holiday to End a Challenging Year

As the final days of 2024 slipped away, I found myself embracing the holidays with quiet gratitude. It had been a challenging year, but the festive season brought a sense of warmth and renewal that I desperately needed.

Christmas was a visual delight in our home, with a purple, gold, and brown theme that added a unique elegance to our celebrations. The tree shimmered with these colors, and even the table decor matched perfectly, creating a cozy yet regal atmosphere.

Our buffet bar was the heart of our gatherings, lovingly decorated and filled with dishes I had prepared. This year, I tried out new vegan holiday recipes, and they were a delicious success.

My fur babies joined in the festivities, dressed up in adorable holiday outfits. They brought endless smiles and laughter, prancing around and stealing the spotlight. Their energy was contagious, and they truly felt like part of the family celebration.

The holidays were quiet and private, just how I like them. As an introvert, I cherished the moments spent at home with my family. There were no big parties, just the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones and enjoying the little things: laughter, music, and the twinkling lights on our tree.

However, not everything was perfect. A few days after Christmas, the cold weather got to me, and I fell ill. It was a reminder to slow down and take care of myself, something I often forget in the rush of life. Thankfully, I recovered just in time for New Year’s Eve.

On New Year’s Eve, we kept the traditions simple yet festive. We sang our hearts out during karaoke, lit firework sticks, and watched fireworks burst across the night sky from the comfort of home. We opened presents together, each gift a symbol of love and thoughtfulness.

As the clock struck midnight, I reflected on 2024. It had been a tough year, filled with challenges and lessons. But as I stood there with my family, my fur babies by my side, and the promise of a new year ahead, I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

2024 may have tested me, but it also reminded me of what truly matters—love, resilience, and the joy of being with those who make life meaningful. Here’s to 2025, a year I’m stepping into with hope, gratitude, and an open heart.

Mountain Escape: My Unexpected Trip to Sagada

My twin sister and I spontaneously planned our Sagada trip in just two days. Everything happened so quickly that before we knew it, we were hopping on a bus at Dangwa Terminal (located behind Centermall, Baguio) during the last week of November. It was on twinnie’s rest day, the morning of November 26th, that we set off on our 6-hour journey to Sagada aboard a Lizardo bus.

We weren’t even sure we’d make it to the 8:30 AM trip, as finding a Grab ride from our home in Baguio to Dangwa Terminal was a challenge, good thing sissy drove us off to the terminal as a last-minute decision. November is peak traffic season here in Baguio, with tourists flocking to enjoy the cold weather, which lasts through February.

Sagada, a serene town nestled in the Cordillera Mountains, is also known as Sagada, Mt. Province. I didn’t expect to be traveling so close to Christmas, but twinnie was determined—even if it was just for a few days. I hadn’t traveled in a long time, and honestly, the thought of a 6-hour trip felt exhausting. But in the end, it was worth it. This trip turned out to be quite the adventure, especially since it had been 16 years since twinnie and I last visited Sagada.

Back in 2008, I swore I’d never return. The narrow, winding roads triggered my fear of heights, and the rough, dusty ride on an unpaved road was something I never wanted to experience again. But a lot has changed since then. The road to Sagada is now fully cemented, making the journey far less nerve-wracking. Maybe it’s not just the road that has changed—maybe I have too. After living in Baguio for over a decade, I’ve grown accustomed to mountainous terrains, and they no longer scare me the way they used to.

Reflecting on this trip, I’m glad I gave Sagada another chance. It reminded me that time changes not only places but also perspectives.

Before our trip to Sagada, I did some research to make sure everything would go smoothly. I looked into the best months to visit and what the weather would be like. I also searched for homestays located in the town proper to make it easier for us to get around. According to my findings, the best time to visit Sagada is from November to February. During this period, the town is less crowded with tourists, offering a more relaxed experience. It also happened to be the perfect time for us, as there were no typhoons forecasted for the last week of November.  

My twin and I reached out to a few homestays to inquire about their rates and availability. After comparing options, we found a place we liked and booked it through their Facebook page. The process was seamless—we paid a deposit online, which secured our stay. While we weren’t entirely sure if booking in advance was necessary, we didn’t want to risk arriving without accommodations, especially since we wanted our trip to be stress-free.  

For anyone planning a visit to Sagada, I’ll share our travel itinerary for our 3-day, 2-night stay. While the Internet was incredibly helpful in planning, not all the information was up-to-date or accurate. Traveling always comes with a bit of learning on the go, and I’m happy to share our experience to make your trip easier.  

Upon arriving at Dangwa Terminal, we quickly spotted the booth labeled "Besao-Sagada." We purchased our tickets for ₱330 each. The bus company operating the route from Baguio to Sagada is called GL Trans Corp.

Baguio to Sagada 3D/2N Trip | November 26-28,2024 

D.I Y. Itinerary

Day 1:

8:30 AM: Travel to Sagada via Lizardo bus. There was a 30-minute stopover two hours later.

2:30 PM: Arrived in Sagada. Register at Tourism office. We paid P50 each for the environmental fee and P100 each for the registration fee. 

3:00 PM: Checked-in at Lodge Labanet. Freshen up before heading out for dinner.

4:30 PM: Dinner at Gaia Cafe. We rode a tuktuk and paid P25 per head to get to Gaia from our homestay. 

6:00 PM: Back at the homestay.

Day 2:

10:00 AM: Breakfast at Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant

11:00 AM: Visited Church of St. Mary the Virgin.

11:30 AM: Visited the Sagada Homemade Whole Wheat Bakery. 

We rode a tuktuk again and paid the same fare which was P25 per head. The store was closed when we arrive, but the owner saw us outside and let us in. We bought whatever wheat bread was available at that time since there was no fresh bread available yet.

12:00 NN: Lunch at Sagada Brew.

This restaurant is just walking distance from the bakery.

1:00 PM: Visited Sagada Lemon Pie House.

We just walked here from Sagada Brew since it was just close by. We bought lemon pies as pasalubong. 

1:30 PM: Back at the homestay. Free time. 

We bought pasalubong at the souvenir shop just in front of our homestay during our free time. 

4:30 PM: Dinner at Yoghurt House. 

This is also just walking distance from our homestay.

5:30 PM: Back at the homestay.

Day 3:

3:00 AM: Wake up and get ready for our trip back to Baguio. 

4:30 AM: Checked-out at homestay.

5:00 AM: Travel back to Baguio.

We walked over to the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, thinking it was the GL Trans bus terminal, but the gate was still closed. The gate was scheduled to open at 6 AM, so we were a bit confused. Thankfully, we spotted the bus waiting for passengers at the nearby waiting shed. We managed to catch the 5 AM trip back to Baguio.

To sum it up, our Sagada trip was both memorable and exhausting. A lot has changed since we last visited—the town now has more commercial establishments and homestays. While the food was on the pricier side, it’s understandable given that Sagada is a popular tourist destination.

One thing that stood out, though, was the limited dining options for vegetarians like us. It was a bit of a challenge to find suitable meals. I hope that in the future, more restaurants will include vegetarian options on their menus to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.

Sixteen years later, Sagada remains the serene and peaceful haven I fell in love with, and it’s definitely a place I’ll return to again.

Life Lately

It's been three months since my last update, which means I missed my goal of posting monthly. Now that we're in the BER months, a lot has changed. Our adopted feline family has fully adjusted to indoor life, and they seem to be thriving. Luna, the mama cat, was spayed last month, and the kittens are growing up fast. Skye, our Siamese, lost his baby teeth, which was a relief because he had "retained deciduous teeth"—a condition that could have caused problems if the baby teeth didn't fall out. Finn, the other kitten, has gained a lot of weight and is loving all the new toys, especially the cat tree I got them recently.

As for our two older cats, Atari and Katsu, they’re getting along well with the kittens but not so much with Luna, who’s developed a bit of territorial aggression. I’m hoping Luna will eventually learn to co-exist with everyone.

On a different note, I’ve started my Christmas shopping early, focusing on ornaments and gifts to avoid the last-minute rush. We’re planning to set up the Christmas tree next month, and I’m excited about our holiday color theme this year: purple, gold, and coffee brown. It’s keeping me busy, but in a good way!

That’s it for now. More updates to come soon!

A Busy May: Welcoming Furry Friends and Celebrating Milestones

May has been an incredibly busy month filled with new furry additions, unexpected vet visits, and joyful celebrations. Our home has become a haven for a stray cat family, and we’ve experienced the highs and lows of pet parenting. Here's a look at the eventful month we've had.

Welcoming a Stray Cat Family

One of the most heartwarming highlights of May was the adoption of a stray cat family. My older sister and niece came across a mother cat and her two kittens in desperate need of a home. Sadly, animal rescue shelters were overwhelmed and unable to take them in. Determined to find them a safe place, my sister and niece fostered the little family for a month. Their journey didn’t end there; they traveled 12 hours to bring them to our home, which will now be their forever home.

Meet our new "pawmily" members 

Adopting stray cats is a cause close to my heart. It's vital to provide these animals with loving homes rather than purchasing pets from breeders. Every stray cat deserves a chance at a better life, and adopting them helps reduce the overwhelming number of homeless animals.

Katsu’s Unplanned Vet Visit

Our 2-year-old cat, Katsu, gave us quite a scare this month. She developed a high fever and had to make an unplanned visit to the vet. After a thorough check-up, Katsu was put on medication for a week. Thankfully, she’s now on the mend, but it was a stressful time for all of us. Regular vet check-ups and prompt medical attention are crucial for our pets' health, even when unexpected issues arise.

Celebrating Cooper’s 2nd Birthday

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, we celebrated a special milestone—our dog Cooper turned 2 years old! We wanted to make his day extra special, so we gave him a cake, a cake that I baked using dog-friendly ingredients. Cooper also had his fur groomed just days before his birthday. Unfortunately, this led to razor burns, but we quickly treated them with cold compresses and wound spray. Despite the minor setback, Cooper enjoyed his birthday celebrations with lots of love and attention.

Cooper turned 2 years old

The Importance of Adopting Stray Animals

This month has reinforced the importance of adopting stray animals. There are countless cats and dogs in need of loving homes, and by adopting them, we not only save their lives but also make room in shelters for others in need. Stray animals often have a lot of love to give and can become loyal, grateful companions.

Our new cat family has already brought so much joy into our lives. Watching them settle into their new environment and seeing them thrive is a rewarding experience. It’s a reminder of the difference we can make one adoption at a time.

Conclusion

May has been a whirlwind of activities and emotions, from welcoming new feline family members to celebrating Cooper’s birthday and ensuring Katsu’s health. Through it all, we've been reminded of the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership and the importance of adopting stray animals. 

Back at It: A Long Overdue Update

It's been three months since I last sat down to write, and I've missed this more than I can express. Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and for me, it came in the form of taking care of a senior cat who needed extensive vet care and a temporary return to the graveyard shift for work.

My senior cat, a beloved member of our family, needed extra care and attention due to health issues. This required frequent vet visits, medications, and round-the-clock monitoring. It was a challenging time, but I wouldn't have traded those moments with my furry friend for anything in the world.

In addition to caring for my cat, I also found myself back on the graveyard shift for a short-term job. The change in schedule was abrupt, and adjusting to the nocturnal lifestyle once again was tough. But I knew it was a temporary situation, and I had to give it my all.

Despite these challenges, I'm grateful for the experiences and lessons learned during this time. It's taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and the value of cherishing every moment, whether it's with a loved one or in the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

As I return to writing, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the simple joys in life. I'm excited to share more stories, insights, and adventures with you all in the days to come. Thank you for your patience and understanding during my absence. Here's to new beginnings and the journey ahead.

Year-End Blog

As 2023 gracefully approaches its finale, I find myself marveling at the swift passage of time. In the blink of an eye, Christmas festivities unfolded, and now we stand on the threshold of bidding adieu to this remarkable year. Embracing my introverted nature, I relished the quiet joy of a private Christmas celebration among a select few.

The meticulous efforts invested in cooking and decorating, though exhausting, yielded a sense of fulfillment that made every moment worthwhile. Reflecting on the journey of the past year, I am engulfed in gratitude for the myriad blessings that have graced my life. It has been a year of personal triumphs and growth, leaving me with a profound sense of accomplishment.

Looking ahead, my aspirations for the coming year include a renewed focus on health and other areas deserving attention. Despite the challenges, the tapestry of 2023 has been woven with threads of greatness, and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. As we collectively bid farewell to this chapter, I extend warm holiday wishes to all. Let's savor the remaining days, making each one count in the tapestry of our lives. Cheers to the memories of 2023 and the anticipation of a bright and promising future in the year to come!

A Month Before Christmas

Counting down the days to Christmas, I'm bursting with excitement! Despite the lack of fall in the Philippines, I still decked out early in September, minus the Halloween decor—no four seasons, no spooky justification, haha! The holiday spirit kicks off with the BER months.

Juggling a bustling Etsy shop and diving into new passions has kept me on my toes. Starting a business solo is no walk in the park, but the thrill is real. Here's hoping my efforts turn into something amazing.

Gift shopping for the fambam is underway, and I'm all about that early-bird strategy, even if it's all online. No last-minute chaos, just smooth sailing towards a stress-free celebration. The holidays are sacred family moments, and I'm determined to make each one special—after all, it's a once-a-year deal.

Reflecting on 2023, it's been a year of blessings, and gratitude fills my heart. Every year is a celebration because each one is unique. What about you? What's lighting up your holiday season?

August is Here

The onset of the rainy season brought challenges as Super Typhoon Egay wreaked havoc in northern Luzon. Our village experienced power and water shortages for days, compounded by a week-long internet outage. The aftermath resembled a movie scene with closed roads, fallen trees, and landslides. Fortunately, my siblings and I had stocked up on essentials, though we initially underestimated the typhoon's impact. Living in a non-flood-prone area spared us, but my heart goes out to those severely affected, especially those who lost loved ones during Typhoon Egay. Grateful for our safety amidst the challenges.

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Residing in Baguio, the coldest part of the country, presents both blessings and challenges in my perspective. The constant cold is a joy, with hotels forgoing AC as you invite the refreshing breeze through open windows. After 11 years, I'm still captivated by the descending fog, transforming the surroundings into an entirely different world. The serene chill effortlessly eases worries, and despite occasional summer heat, it's a haven compared to Metro Manila. Plus, the abundance of affordable veggies led me to embrace a vegan lifestyle – veggies are life for me.

Yet, the curse reveals itself in the rainy season. Relentless downpours lasting weeks or months can lead to a clothing dilemma, and battling mold becomes a constant struggle, particularly with beloved wooden items. Rainy day blues affect some, but for me, it's an excuse to indulge and, thanks to my hyperthyroidism, weight fluctuations are inevitable – a genetic quirk. Living in a cold place like Forks from Twilight evokes a bittersweet emotion, akin to a happy kind of sadness. Finding bliss is essential, acknowledging that happiness is a state of mind, not solely dependent on location.

Chapter 6 of 12

I'm back, hey! I've been M.I.A. (missing in action) once more for four months since I've been so busy with life in general, home renovations, and DIY projects. I am really thankful for the year so far since it has been so full of benefits. In April, I had my birthday. We had birthday pawties and other celebrations for our newly adopted dog and cat when they turned one this year. As responsible pet owners, we also brought them to the veterinarian to have them fixed so they may enjoy a long and healthy life. It's been a challenging but rewarding few months, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

2023 is halfway passed. Although it seems impossible, time truly does pass in the blink of an eye. I prefer to keep myself active all the time, so the fact that I still have a ton of stuff to do makes me happy. I'm also considering starting new businesses, which I hope will succeed. My doctor informed me that I had subclinical hyperthyroidism, which means I will likely have to deal with it for an undetermined amount of time. However, I am grateful that I am still alive, and at this point, that is all that matters. 

The year has been fantastic, and I have high hopes that it will continue to be so. I anticipate learning more.

Happy New Year

I can't believe we survived 2022.  Last year was quite difficult for me after I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism, but I made it through and I am grateful for all that transpired. 

I had a simple New Year's eve celebration with my family. Sissy and I set the dinner table and decorated our Media Noche buffet bar as usual which was pretty exhausting, but satisfying at the same time. We had dinner and stayed awake until 12 midnight to watch the fireworks and opened our New Year's Day presents. My siblings and I decided to extend our gift giving every year until New Year's Day so we have something to look forward to, lol. I enjoyed watching the fireworks with my cats although there's not a lot of fireworks this year, at least I get to watch it for free. I made a video on how my Christmas and New Year's eve went sand you may check it out on the video below. 

A new year has begun, and every new year brings with New  Year's Resolutions. I should clarify that this year, my priorities are to preserve excellent health and to improve my financial situation. A new year's resolve is a fantastic idea, and I have a lot of plans for this year, including investing in a project I hope will eventually flourish. Nothing good comes easily, but nothing is impossible if you have the will to succeed. I am looking to buy a bunch of stuff, but I also want to be able to control my spending. Additionally, I'm considering renewing my passport this year in order to, hopefully, resume traveling. Although it's not a priority, I still yearn to travel abroad. I'm hoping that, as my sister and I used to do on our birthdays, I'll get to travel to new places once more.

Happy new year! I wish you all good luck and health in the coming year. Welcome 2023, bring it on!

2022 Yearender

There are just a few days left in 2022, so before I bid this year farewell, I want to thank 2022 for the blessings, difficulties, and memories this year has given me. It is a bitter-sweet year for me compared to the years that have gone by because I learnt and tried new things that I had previously believed I would never be able do.

I tried my hand at working from home earlier this year and discovered that nothing is impossible if you have the proper abilities and job experience. Without the stress of commuting, I was able to earn more money while also expanding my knowledge. Since there would be less interaction with people, I had assumed working from home would be simpler and more enjoyable. However, nothing is ever easy as long as you are rewarded for your efforts. Similar to working at BPO, I had to put up with issues with some of the people I worked with. I persisted in working hard and maintaining my focus, though. Because working graveyard shift still pays significantly higher, most people still favor this schedule despite all the health risks that it entailed. Because I believed I was "healthy enough," I was actually fine working night shifts until I started experiencing muscle cramps, which grew worse in just one month. To cut a long tale short, I had a hyperthyroidism diagnosis and spent months on medicine. Even after taking a new brand, I experienced allergic reactions, requiring me to run to the emergency room. Thankfully, I am feeling better now and have stopped taking my medications, but I am aware that I am still not completely cured because it could return at any time. Since it is usually advised to see a doctor if symptoms continue, I will do that.

I must admit that this year has been quite the rollercoaster. As soon as I started to feel very down because I had to stop working due to my illness, one of our houses sold, which was a big blessing for our family. We have sentimental value for this property, but it is also pretty difficult, therefore I would prefer not to discuss it because it is so private. God is good and he listens, and his timing is always right, so don't be upset when he doesn't grant your request immediately. So to speak, it was still a good year.

Even though Christmas is done, this year hasn't ended yet, and I'm still excited for New Year's Eve. Speaking of Christmas, I spent it with my siblings as usual, which is every introvert's fantasy, hehe. It was somewhat taxing but also enjoyable to be in charge of preparing supper, setting the table, and decorating the buffet bar. After dinner, we unwrapped our presents at midnight. I had a straightforward but special Christmas this year. We did not have a difficult time locating decorations, therefore we made a wonderful choice with our theme, "Winter Woodland Christmas." A few weeks before Christmas, we also purchased a new tree, which required us to decorate it once more. Its taller and skinnier, which made me and my siblings extremely happy. In addition, I like how our table setting came out. Our dinner table seemed so festive and Instagram-worthy to me that I felt compelled to take numerous pictures before it was gone, hehe. Despite spending a lot of money on decorations, I was content overall. They say you can't purchase happiness, but since I'm happy right now, it doesn't really matter, lol.

This year, I am also thankful for a new puppy and kitten. Even though they occasionally cause us pain, it is nothing compared to the delight they bring. Because there are so many animals in need of homes, we prefer to adopt animals rather than buy them. Our newcomers are a gift from God because they were delivered to our door and came from our neighbors, saving us the trouble of searching elsewhere.

Katsumi

Cooper

You all should always keep in mind that with every ending come new beginnings. The year 2022 is almost finished. Since each year is unique and cannot be replaced once it has passed, let's make the most of every moment we have left in 2022. Cheers to creating new memories and taking on new challenges as we look forward to a successful new year.