GRATITUDE BOX 2013: MY LOVELY SISTERS

Ate Rose and Ate Mel, I would have not made it this far without you two. 2013 saw me almost crumble from the difficulties and painstaking circumstances but you were both there to support me and egg to move on. Here's to a better 2014 ahead of us.

Ate Rose, you have been through tough situations this year as well but I admire your strength and will to continue. I know what I have experienced in 2013 is uncomparable to what you have gone through this year. Still, you remain as strong and determined. It is a sad day that someone close to your heart has to leave you in the person of a lovely daughter as Gwyneth but as the year comes to a close, more and more blessings come abound at your doorsteps which only proves how wonderful a person you are. Always remain as good as you are and I know things would only get better. My most sincere of love and gratitude, Ate Rose.

Ate Mel, 2013 is also a challenge to you but like all of us we hanged on. Tough challenges have rocked your world and our entire family but you have always stayed strong. We may be a bit far from each other now but deep in our hearts we remain as brothers. Tears may have fallen but I know in the end, God has some great things planned for you - for all of us. I love you Ate Mel and thanks a lot.

GRATITUDE BOX 2013: MY LOVING PARENTS

2013 was a challenging year for me but I would have not made it past through the year without my loving parents. Though it's already my dad's 3rd year to be without us these holidays, my mom remains to be there as my cornerstone providing strength to me in times I need it the most.

Nanay, I love you so dearly. Time and time again, you have proven that I am so much loved. Your overpowering emotions of love and care has carried me through the difficult times. Forever it will be etched in my heart that I would have not braved through the storms if not for the guidance and assistance you constantly provide. I so love you nanay.

Tatay, wherever you may be, I know you were always there everyday of my life. The idea of having you by my side has kept my head aloft despite being stuck in a drowning situation. I love you tatay and I miss you so much. I know you are extremely happy wherever you may be.

13 THINGS TO LEAVE IN 2013

2013 was a rough year and I have 13 things I am leaving behind for the year that was.

1. Bad Health - you've dragged me long enough so i'm leaving you behind
2. That Special Someone - it has been long years with you till you decided to let go
3. Empty Wallet - wishing for better finances in 2014
4. Blank Planner - time to plan for new things, bigger and better ones
5. Bad Karma - let God do the rest
6. Empty Soul - have a renewed relationship with God
7. Untrue friends - nice to know you but time to move on
8. Enemies - leave the bad vibes behind
9. Tired heart - time for a fresh start, may it be with someone else or staying single
10. Tears - time to dry up the eyes and look for happier days
11. Worn Feet - need to re-energize and be back on track
12. Bad habits - stay away from the bad, look for the good
13. Old me - stronger, better, revived and renewed ME

The road towards 2014 is clear. I shall resume my journey and once again live my life.

10,000 HOURS TAKE MAJORITY OF AWARDS IN MMFF

The Joyce Bernal film "10,000 Hours" starring Robin Padilla swept the majority of awards in the recently concluded 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival. The action film won "Best Picture" and Best Director for Bernal  as well as Best Actor for Padilla. In total, the movie grabbed 14 awards which was way above all the other entries in this year's edition.

2nd Best Picture went to Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy which also got the Best Actress trophy for Maricel Soriano. 3rd Best Picture went to My Little Bossings which also won the Best Child Performer Award for Ryza Mae Dizon and Best Supporting Actress for Aiza Seguerra.

MY 2013 IN A GLANCE

No words could actually express how whirlwind of a year it was in 2013. Time was just so fast that I never got to feel this year - not a single bit. It was a challenging and oftentimes heartbreaking year for me as I suffered from one blow to the other. Things were just as chaotic and melancholic as it can be. But the year will come to a close with me feeling more determined and much happier - looking forward for the new year ahead. Before I move to my 2014, let me do a recap of what has happened in 2013 in my life. A bittersweet year yet a year where I have learned a lot.

January started on a bitter note as I was hospitalized straight ahead and has to stay in Makati Med for more than a week. 7 liters of water was taken out of my lungs and it was one of the painful events in my existence. Trying as I thought I could not make it. If only I was a tad late in going to the hospital, I could have not made it past this year. God is still good.

February saw the celebration of my mom's birthday. We did it in a simple way as I was still on my road to recovery and was still weak after the tragic event in January. Look at how thin I was.

March saw my return to the office thinking that I'm already okay. I was happy to have my return to work and was raring to prove myself once more. It was one of the best days ever. Work once more but I never thought it would last for just a few months - April, May, June and then it suddenly stopped once more...

My whole world crashed anew as I got hospitalized for the second time at the end of June and beginning of August. Another near-death experience for me as I struggled once more and had to dig deep within myself to actually survive. I lost friends, I lost chances/opportunities at work, people deserted me, I was left with almost nothing in me. Only my true friends and my family were there to guide me and make me strong.

August, September and October saw me at home in Batangas - bed rest trying desperately to recover. Time has been lost but my will to be better stayed. I still have that belief that some day things would only get better. By the end of October I am ready once more to face the world once more.

November saw me back in the office. Finances aside, I was better. I have realized how lucky I was with my family and with my true friends. Some of the people who I thought are true have left which marked a new start for my life - fresh beginnings. This time, I am focusing more on myself and the people who stayed by me.

By the end of November, I have launched my fb page on my photography - JA Photography. Of course not all were impressed but I was more than thankful to those who believed and have continued believing. This will be a long journey for sure and I am ready for this new development on my life.

This also marks the first time I am celebrating both Christmas and New Year in Batangas. I am so happy to spend it with my family and this is truly a very wonderful time. 2013 was difficult but towards its end it is turning out to be a very good one - just in time for a very meaningful 2014.

ANDERSON SILVA BREAKS LEG IN UFC REMATCH

The whole world was in disbelief as one of UFC's hottest stars, Anderson Silva agonizes in pain after her broke his leg during a UFC rematch with Chris Weidman. It was one of most horrible scenes ever in mixed martial arts history as people could not do anything as Silva has his left shin bend as he lands  kick to Weidman in the second round of their fight.

The question now hangs as to whether this tragic incident marks the end of Anderson Silva's UFC career. Though already safe and has undergone surgery already, Silva's chances of returning to the ring might be thrown to the air already as his grotesque injury might keep him off the sport for good. Our prayers for Silva.