Gratitude.

I don't think I want to talk about how my week went, or how my day was, because I want to take this moment to be grateful.

Grateful to be alive.

Grateful to be finally be 25 years old.

Grateful to hold a job.

Grateful to be healthy, to be loved, and to be surrounded by loving and caring friends and a family that supports me and loves me for who I am.

I'm grateful to my mom, who loves me in her own way; and to my brothers, who I know I can count on, even on difficult days. Thank you mom, for supporting me in my crazy endeavours, I love you :'<

I'm grateful to my friends Matty, Astee, Justine, Gavin, Chelsea, Cha-cha and Mckent for always being there for me when I needed them, and for spoiling me even when I didn't want to be spoilt. I'm grateful for the love I received whenever I am with them; even grateful for the tough and firm love of both Justine and Chelsea. 

(Left to Right: Matt, Astee, Cha-cha, Jerome, Gavin, Justine, Me, and Rey)

I'm grateful for Astee, for, despite having difficulty in the nuances of what love is, loved me as a friend, and to Matt, I now see as a brother, a dear brother, and someone who also makes my day awesome; for helping me feel safe and have a better perspective of life in general.

It's funny how life works; I never even thought I'd get close with these two! (Matt on center, Astee on Right) - these two guys are slowly becoming my constants. 

I'm grateful for Blanche, my lovely, sweet, kind, and wonderful girlfriend, who, despite the distance, found ways in letting me feel her love and care. 

(Blanche sent me a cake for my birthday, and she lives an Island away. Usually I get to visit her but due to lockdown, I can't, still the cake reached me)

And to my family in Duma; brothers borne through the blood of the covenant of life's trials: Jeff, Hervey, Edcarl and to those who still impact my life, though they have moved on to new chapters: Bam, Jamaica, Florena, Helena, and many more to count. 

(Last picture before Covid-19 happened. Jollibee definitely lets you have wonderful memories!) 

I'm grateful for my friends in the office, for their support -- both emotionally, and officially, when it came to difficult projects and holding seemingly daunting workshops.

I'm grateful to Ms. Rheena and Lloyd, my two ever so supportive partners who have risked a lot just to help our mountain cafe grow; despite the multiple difficulties that we are currently being presented with.

(I smile like crazy when I'm with these two! They've given me 10 years worth of memories in a span of one)

And I'm grateful for Jerome, Kit, Macoy, and Jay for the stoic silence, allowing me to remember to sometimes take my pace, slow down, be silent, and observe. Their introvertness has helped me take a better look at myself and other people.

(No pics here, they're introverts. Introverts fear the lens that capture their visual essences, thus rarely are their pictures taken.)

Im grateful to coach Rhenz, Al, my gym team, the Mr. Bohol team, my family in Dumaguete, and everyone else who always have shown their support and care, for being there when I needed them. 

And perhaps I am most grateful to my mentors, mothers, guides: Lj Lumayag, Marjoe Yamada, Raul Gatal, and Dr. Armi Apalisok. They have impacted my life so largely, with so little effort; that I cannot say that I am who I am now through my effort alone; for my confidence comes from the stride of LJ, whose cool cannot ever be burnt; my self-assurance comes from Marjoe, who taught me what it is like to live alive; or "vivere". Kuya Raul, who taught me how to write more gracefully and tactfully, and taught me that I have value as a person. Last, but not the least, Dr. Armi, whose cheerful confidence and young outlook in life reminds me that one can be an adult; but still enjoy the little things in life.

(Left to right: Lj and his Wife, Dr. Armi, Raul Gatal, and Marjoe)

Despite how things have gotten shitty lately: Covid-19, no face-to-face classes making life even more difficult, and the inability to travel due to lockdowns and viral outbreaks, I have found little silver linings here and there through connecting with the right people, things one can be grateful about

And I think it's good, you know, to see these little happenings in our life be able to connect us to appreciate more of what's around us. There are so many things to be mad and sad about all around us, but I want to focus on what's giving me joy, who I can appreciate, and how lucky I am to be able to see these things. Perhaps maybe it could be bad that I'm seeing life through the lens of rose-colored glasses, but just for today, l want to be grateful.

And to you, my dear reader. I'm grateful to you too, for always letting me share my thoughts with you.