Before we go to our holiday celebrations, I look back at 2014, when I made some big decisions in my life, and be thankful. The ride wasn’t the easiest, but it was surely fun. I guess I can now agree with two sayings: one is “we only live once” and the other is “the thing that we fear the most, brings us the greatest experience.” I am grateful to everyone who became part of my life not only during my wins, but more importantly during my battles. Thank you for staying and believing. I am more than blessed to have you. I thank the Lord for all the people I was able to meet, for places I was able to see, for family ties and friendship, for opportunities and challenges that we were able to withstand, and for providing us strength and guidance. The love I received instilled lessons, much needed hope and inspiration in me.

As this new chapter unfolds, I wish that we always find time for ourselves and for one another. A time to listen, to explore, to learn, to appreciate, to be grateful, to understand, to love, to hug, to kiss, to be passionate, to smile, to laugh, to heal, to breathe, and to give back. I wish that we have more genuine connections and experiences beyond the convenience of technology.

I can’t wait to create a meaningful journey with you this 2015. May we find success and happiness in each other, as we continue to grow in love.

Happy New Year!

Before this day ends, I want to share some insights from Jobs. The movie showed the life of the late Steve Jobs while narrating the early years of the tech giant, Apple. Steve Jobs was someone who inspired the world, dreamt big and tried to change life, as we know it. I think he lived a sad life, though. Lost his friends and a lot of colleagues along the process. A result of his obsession with his visions, while sacrificing the windows (no pun intended) to deeply connect with people surrounding him. 

Sometimes I think that solitude comes with being extraordinary. You have to defy the tides in order to redirect it. It is an opportunity open for everyone, but not everyone is willing to face the risks in fear of failure. Therefore, making it a path less travelled. Nonetheless, you must be able to draw the fine line between prodigiousness and madness.

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Although the movie did not establish a clear path to take, as it jumped from one detail to another, Ashton Kutcher did a stupendous job playing the title role. This is the first time I saw him take on a serious character and I must commend him for doing his homework, as he really resembles the man. His portrayal was able to deliver the emotional intensity of the visionary, as presented by the material he was given. But after watching the biopic, I personally found it hard to identify or connect with Jobs. Maybe it was his overdriven approach to his dreams and the lack of details that could’ve reasoned why he became an inspiration to many. In the end, I just chose to focus on the milestones that his company was able to accomplish.

When you have the gut feeling and the facts that says you’re on the right track, don’t allow anyone or anything convince you to believe otherwise. This is something I have been experiencing since I was a kid. I remember being told that writing isn’t for me because I was an art guy. However, I knew I wanted to write, and so I did. I became the Editor-in-Chief of our school paper, a year after I joined the organization. The opportunity to make a difference only comes once. The challenges should never come above your passion. It doesn’t matter if there are people who misunderstand you, feel short about your vision or refuse to support your goal. It is important that you stay firm on the things that make you who you are. The right people and the resources will come along the way. We all have to start somewhere, even if it means setting up an office in your garage or even if your initial computer looks like a scratch paper. Great things take time. Neither the present nor the past should cloud the future you want to build. Do not feel impatient and make haste. Someone once said that you make time and give power to who and what you love. The choices we make define us, create our uniqueness and build our greatness.

In my hope to spread inspiration with this blog, I will quote from some of my recent favorites.  Beginning with Saving Mr. Banks, a story of how Walt Disney was able to persuade P.L. (Pamela) Travers to give him the movie rights to “Mary Poppins”, in pursuit of keeping a promise he has made to his daughters. The story revolved on Pamela’s past, particularly how she looked up to her father, how she became uptight because of his death, and how she was able to let go of her pains in the end.

Though there has been a controversy on the inaccuracy of the film, I think there are notable points that came across in its story. One of which is when Walt visited Pamela in her home in England. Walt tried to break through Pamela’s self-built walls that prevented her from enjoying life and exploring her imagination like she used to as a child. Walt, being a constantly inspired and jolly guy, surprisingly shared his fear from his father, and how he was able to see beyond those doubts for a greater outlook we all dream of having.

There’s something about attending weddings that reminds me of Christmas. It’s the overflowing love that binds family and friends together that makes me think of the holidays as a child. The season of giving is also the time to reconnect with loved ones, make new memories together and reminisce the good old days that intertwines us beyond blood and institutions. The same things happen during matrimony.

This particular wedding was special for our family. Everyone was invited and the majority of us were able to attend, thanks to the generosity of the newlyweds. Our ties with the couple can be traced back to elementary days. My sister has been friends with the bride and my brother with the groom for years. They already feel like extended family members.

It was a spectacular sight to finally see friends seal their love in front of the altar. Of all the weddings that I was able to attend, this one left me joyful and a bit emotional. Tears of joy, as they say. Other than personally knowing the couple, I guess the truth in the vows was really heartfelt. A lot of the guests were in tears, even before the bride entered the church. I also think that the mood of the occasion has something to do with the vibe of the couple. Ate (big sister) Kris and Kuya (big brother) Alprince are very kind and thoughtful people. To witness how their love for each other was able to mold them into better individuals is already an answered prayer. To be able to share that momentous event with them is more than what we could ask for.

I do understand that this is also just the beginning of their relationship as husband and wife. However, from how their relationship ran, surpassing the trials and sharing each other’s triumphs, we are all hopeful that this is the start of their happily ever after.

Best wishes, Ate Kris and Kuya Alprince! May you continue to grow in love and faith.

I would also like to thank the couple for allowing me to explore my craft with their wedding. Here is the link to their wedding invitation. #AKAdventure121414 Have a great day, everyone!