2025, for me, is a year of purging and resetting. Not only because I finally got rid of 90% of my old stuff, but also because I feel like I am restarting again, in a good way though.
For 2025, I’ve had my heart and mind set on specific goals and deadlines, and so far, I’d like to think I’m kind of on track. That said, I’m not hell-bent on pressuring myself. I try to take everything one day at a time and allow things to unfold at their own pace.
And now, as an annual tradition, exactly a decade since I started this back in 2015, here are some of the highlights of my 2025.
VISITED JAPAN (for the nth time), SIQUIJOR, AND TAIWAN (again!)
Just like this year-end post, it has become a tradition for me to return to my favorite country every year, whenever I can. Maybe visiting Japan, my happy place, is my way of recharging.
For 2025, we went back to Tokyo to celebrate Lucile’s birthday. We experienced an unexpected snowstorm in Nikko (Nikko Travel Guide) on the one day I was least prepared, which probably means no winter trips anytime soon. Hahaha! I underestimated Nikko that day and was seriously underdressed, since the last time I went there, the snowfall wasn’t that heavy.
Another thing I loved about our 2025 Tokyo trip was that I got to experience Disney Sea’s Rapunzel Lantern Festival at Fantasy Springs. I love the movie Tangled, so needless to say, waiting for our 7:00 PM time slot (mind you, we arrived early in the morning) was worth it. To kill time, we even took a nap at the Mermaid Lagoon. Hahaha!
I’ve wanted to visit Siquijor for the longest time, even before the “fairy walk” trend began. Between the pandemic and my busy schedule, this trip kept getting postponed. So in 2025, I was really happy to finally visit this small island, even if only for a short stay. We toured for half a day and spent most of our waking hours at the resort. There was still work, but no complaints. Spending my birthday in Siquijor is already enough.
I know I’ve been to Taiwan countless times, always with different groups of people. This year, I traveled with Lucile and two former colleagues turned friends, Pepper and Kaye. It was a pretty chill trip. Despite the downpour the entire time, we still had a lot of fun.
FINALLY GOT MY SAKURA TATTOO IN JAPAN
Getting a sakura tattoo has been on my bucket list for a long time, along with getting inked in Japan. After a lot of research on studios, finalizing the design, and weighing whether the cost was worth it, I finally decided to go for it at Studio Muscat in Shibuya.
The tattoo features a sakura paired with the kanji 一期一会 (Ichigo Ichie), a reminder to treasure each moment as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
If you’re also considering getting a tattoo in Japan, you can check out my Tattooed in Tokyo, Japan article.
BAM AQUINO WON!
Even though I had planned to join the 90-day campaign, my previous work made that impossible. I’m still grateful though that during the final weeks of the campaign period, I was able to join sorties, this time as part of the Political and Sherpa Teams.
It was a great experience, but as an introvert, it confirmed a long-held inkling that I’m not really cut out for those kinds of work. I’m definitely more for Comms. Hahaha!
Long story short, Sen. Bam Aquino won, securing the 2nd spot with almost 21 million votes. A sweet comeback after our heartbreaking loss in 2019.
Cherry on top: after years of hiatus from politics, I’m now back at the Senate.
MORE DRAG SHOWS!
I’ve been a drag fan for three years already, and as much as I can, I try to watch drag shows—or even invite queens to perform at our summits back when I was still with Go Negosyo. Hahaha!!!
For 2025, I’m so happy that I finally got to experience live viewing parties and a drag brunch. My heart is so happy. Thank you so much, Mika!
NOW, LET’S ASSESS MY 2025
- Finished all my pending travel guides.
I think I only have one left, if I’m not mistaken. I’m still debating whether to write guides for Bantayan and Elyu now or revisit them to make more updated versions. Most of what’s left on my plate involves updating existing guides. - Practice my driving skills.
NOPE!
- Boxing or gym.
Also NOPE. During the first six months of the year, when I was still in my previous job, I walked to work regularly, around 1–2 km daily on an inclined road. For the last six months, I’ve been walking five floors up and down at the Senate. Maybe that counts, or at least makes up a bit for the lack of exercise. - SAVE!
I guess so. I managed to shade the other eye of my Daruma doll already.
AND FOR MY 2026 BLUEPRINT
- Transfer my housing loan from BPI to PAG-IBIG
- SAVE!
***
2025 reminded me that letting go doesn’t always mean loss. Sometimes it creates space, space to rest, to refocus, and to return to things with clearer intentions. Progress or change doesn’t need to be loud or dramatic. For me, it’s quiet, steady, and only obvious in hindsight.
In 2025, I tried my best to practice slow living, and I hope to carry that forward into 2026 by being more intentional in whatever I do or purchase.
Thank you, 2025. Let’s see what you’ve got, 2026.
