2024: Goals Met, Plans Changed, Coffee Drunk

As the year 2024 draws to a close, it’s time for my annual tradition: a little stroll down memory lane to recap some milestones and those moments that left me saying, “Well, that escalated quickly.” This is my way of celebrating the year that’s been—because every win, big or small, deserves its moment in the spotlight. Let’s dive in, shall we?

VISITED JAPAN, BOHOL, SIARGAO, AND BAGUIO.

My 2024 started on an incredible high note with a trip to Japan—my favorite country. But the adventures didn’t stop in Osaka. What was supposed to be a choice between Bohol and Siargao turned into visits to both. The Cebu Pacific Super Pass took us to Bohol in April, and I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday last July than the one I spent in the beautiful Siargao. Our trip to Baguio in June was short, as I was there for a wedding, but I’m still grateful to be back in the cool mountain air for a non-work-related event.

FINALLY CAUGHT THE WAVE.

For years, I’ve been contemplating whether I should give surfing a shot. So, as a birthday challenge to myself, I finally did it—I rode the iconic waves of Cloud 9!

Surfing in Siargao — Caught some waves for my birthday!

CHECKED MORE TRAVEL GUIDES OFF MY LIST.

It may not seem like a lot, but compared to previous years, I’ve made real progress with my travel guides. This year, I wrote not just to check them off my 2024 blueprint, but to finally get them off my plate. By next year, I think I’ll be able to wrap up all my pending guides—just El Nido and Elyu, if I’m not mistaken. As for Boracay, I’ve been there thrice, but I’m debating whether it’s worth writing about since it’s been a while, and my info might already be outdated. Let’s see how it goes!

Oceanica, Bohol — READ my Bohol Travel Guide

Miyama,Kyoto — READ my Kyoto, Japan Travel Guide

Shinkyo Bridge — READ my Nikko, Japan Travel Guide

LET GO 70% OF MY STUFF.

If you were to check my closet in my house in Laguna, you might wonder if I even need a walk-in closet anymore—there’s barely anything left to house! I’ve even given away some of my shoes, bags, extra tableware, and more. It’s been my rule for a while now: once I buy something new, I make sure to give away or declutter one or two items. While I used to sell some of my stuff, now I’ve completely given them away for FREE. I found Kilo/s Kyusi Store through Paulo, where you can donate almost anything, and in return, they sell it in their charming store beside Quezon City Hall Gate 1, at the QC Lagoon. The proceeds go toward supporting the city’s Zero Illiteracy Program. Go check them out and DONATE! 🙂

Also, I threw away all the CDs and DVDs I owned. I don’t have a CD-ROM drive anyway, so what’s the point? If you’re a ’90s kid, you’d understand why I had so many. They were filled with burned music, movies, and photos.

Time to assess my 2023 Blueprint and see which goals made it to the finish line!

Practice my driving skill. Nope! Sorry…traffic is vicious and the motorcycles are unbelievable. I don’t think I can. 🙁
Go back to boxing. Just inquired a nearby boxing gym but wasn’t able to start.
Declutter. YES!!!
Visit 2 local PH destinations. Yep! Bohol and Siargao.