THE QUARTER LIFE

25. Twenty-five. Bente-singko.

Today, I am entering the so-called “quarter life.”

It will definitely be tough for me to top my 2017. 2017 was filled with crazy ups and downs, from passing the Civil Service Exams to breaking the internet with my funny “resume.” I just can’t believe that a lot of things had happen this year, and we’re only just on the 3^rd quarter of the year.

THE AWOLISTA

I know it’s wrong to just leave without “properly” saying goodbye to the people who treated you as part of their family. I took the risk and left. I left everything in Manila, the nightlife, the boys, my Manila lifestyle, everything. I went from being a city guy to becoming an island guy, once again.

At first, it was a struggle. I had no savings, no income, and no money. I was broke. Until...

THE HOST OF ALL HOSTS

I got my first hosting gig in a wedding organized by my dear friend, JC of JC Events and Trends. He’s one of the few people who believed in my talent. And a week after the wedding, I got another hosting gig, and another, and another. Just this year, I had 4 weddings, 1 debut, 1 birthday and 2 pageants under my hosting belt, wherein one of the pageants was my dream project.

THE DREAM PROJECT

After honing my skills in a few hosting gigs, the Odiongan Fiesta Management finally noticed me and asked me to host the Miss Odiongan Rose 2017, which is one of the highlights of the town fiesta. There were butterflies in my stomach the moment I knew I got the job. Dreams really do come true.

THE CIVIL SERVANT

They say, “Third time’s a charm.” And I’m one of those people who can attest to that. I tried my luck again in the Civil Service Exams this year for the 3^rd consecutive time. And luckily, I passed! Now, I have all the bragging rights to say that I’m a professional!

MARTIAL LAW

Few days after President Duterte declared Martial Law, I scheduled a trip in Mindanao. It wasn’t my first time to go to Mindanao but this time was different. There were checkpoints everywhere, military men in every corner of the city and fear that something might happen. But nothing has changed; Mindanao is still one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

BREAKING THE INTERNET

I went viral twice this year. The first one was an advocacy post about sexual harassment which I’d rather not talk about because I’ve already forgiven my attacker. And the other one was about my unconventional “resume” which was inspired by another netizen’s resume that garnered more than 37 thousand likes and more than 30 thousand shares. The internet is a good platform of change but always think before you click!

THE SOCIAL WELFARE ASSOCIATE

I’ve always dreamed of inspiring people and becoming an instrument of change and getting a job in one of the government’s offices that caters social welfare and development is the perfect “starter pack” in achieving that dream. It’s always a humbling experience to help other people through your job. And I’m happy to celebrate my special day with these people.

FAMILY REUNIONS

They say family reunions are the best way to reconnect with people that matters in your life and this year, I got the chance to reunite with my sister and her family that has been living in United Kingdom for the past 8 years. I just can’t believe my niece, Victoria, is all grown up now! How time flies!

…

I don’t know what 2017 has in store for me since we still have 4 months left before this year ends, but let me just take this opportunity to say thank you to all those people who took time in their busy lives to greet me. And also, thank you to those people who made an impact in the 25 beautiful years of my existence.

To my family, for the unconditional love and unending support, thank you!

And of course, all glory and honor are Yours forever, G.

-A