The days in between Christmas and New Year often gets me in a sentimental mood, reminiscing about the past year and how I’d always write essays during this “in-between.” This has always felt like the right time to let a stream of memories—the highs and lows, the meh’s and woah’s, ebbs and flows—cascade and remind of me God’s faithfulness.

As we sang, “I’ve got joy like a river, joy like a river in my soul,” at church earlier today…

Tears were flowing down my cheeks because as I tried singing it, it doesn’t feel true to me.

Last October 4 and 5, I had the opportunity to showcase my art and k-pop inspired merch in Komiket. It’s a community of komikeros, artists, writers, and merch makers that champion Filipino creativity through art markets and creative conventions.

It was around 2023 when I started joining these events to sell my merch…

I can be at my most productive going full speed, but if the projects I’m working on doesn’t align with the direction I want to take, it’s meaningless…

A pastor once told me that I have a gift of encouragement. Since then, I try to find ways to encourage people with my words. A way I’ve done this in my creative business is I always write notes for my buyers and patrons—gentle reminders, scriptures, and prayers.

Sometimes I find year-end essays a bit cringe and cheesy… but I write it anyway. Writing this gets me reflecting and it always ends with thanksgiving.

Stripped-down and built up. That’s how I’m summing up this 2024.

“So please, please, please, tell me, it’s okay to be happy”

This is the last line of the song, Happy by DAY6. It’s a b-side from their comeback album after 4 years and it’s also holder records for topping South Korea’s music charts. I guess asking for permission to be happy is something that resonates with the public a lot.

I may have written this to comfort myself… because I’ve been feeling really stagnant lately. But I also think this is my way of checking my heart…

Something about the 30s that really changes your mindset. There’s even a study that states that the part of our brain crucial for decision-making, planning, and impulse control continue to mature during our early 30s!

My prayer is that God continues to mature not just my brain, but also these specific areas of my life…

10 years ago, I went on different adventures every month to experience God’s creation in new ways… climbing mountains was something I frequently did back then. While I miss it, my 30-year-old body will have to train and prepare well if I ever decide to climb one again. In lieu of conquering a mountain, here are mini letters for some of the memorable ones I’ve climbed.