2018

Before the year ends, here's a quick recap of my favorite memories of 2018.


Bought my first Midori Traveler's Notebook, and discovered the joys of journaling.


Also tried a bunch of other new activities like archery, drawing, and watercolor painting.


Passed the JLPT N5 exam.


Boothed at Komiket, which was the first time we boothed at a con in a long time.


Went to our third Bon Odori festival at Manila Japanese School in Taguig.


Got to re-visit UP Diliman after a long time, thanks to Aian being invited for a talk at CFA.


Saw Drum Tao in Manila with Aian and Allysa!


Went to San Juan, Batangas with the family and got to swim in the strongest waves I'd ever seen in my life.


Took the JLPT N4 exam, and ended up failing (lol).


Got absolutely hooked on Produce 48, and ended up falling for a lot of 48 girls in the process. Also ended up hardcore stanning IZ*ONE after the show.



Lost one of our precious babycats, but also gained another.


Boothed at Komiket again, and sold a bunch of kitty stickers.


Turned 29.


Saw the Natsume Yuujinchou movie, Tied to the Temporal World.


Flew to Malaysia once again for Comic Fiesta.


Finally got to visit Stickerrific! Also bought my second Midori TN.

And lastly, I spent my 9th year with Aian quietly at home, surrounded by all our babycats ♥

2018 was a year of immense growth for me, in a lot of ways. I learned a lot of new things, and grew to become more like the ideal person I envision myself to be. But despite all the good things that happened, Aian and I also went through a massive heartbreak. We lost Buchi, one of the kittens I practically raised after being born on our doorstep. He passed away just a month short of his first birthday, just half a year after he started living with us. His passing is still a bit hard for us to completely accept until now, to be honest. But we're healing.

I guess if I could describe 2018 in one word, it would be 'bittersweet'. Overall though, I became a much happpier person than I was in the past—something I wouldn't have imagined myself becoming before. For that, I'm thankful. Hoping 2019 would be much brighter for all of us. See you in the new year, friends! 👋