2013 is one interesting but very challenging year for me.  I’ve had lots of ups and downs, but looking back I can’t say that I have any regrets.  And if I had to pick just 10 as highlights of my year, this list would be it.  In no particular order, they are:

Bohol + Cebu

Going to Cebu every January had been a tradition of mine but this year I’ve made a quick stop to neighboring Bohol as well.  Little did I know that it would be the last time that I’d be seeing the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in tact as the recent Visayas earthquake later this year damaged its bell tower.

Puerto Galera

After ages of wanting, I’ve finally returned to one of my most memorable beaches, Puerto Galera!  My stay may be short, but those memories won’t soon be forgotten!

Hamilo Coast

So close, yet so far!  Hamilo Coast is just one of those pockets of paradise that are so close to home, yet aren’t that readily accessible.  I’ve had the chance of returning to this place thrice this year: first, as a preview of the Salomon X-Trail Run; second, during the actual Salomon X-Trail Run race itself; and finally, to cover the Pico Tri Invitational triathlon.

Porac

Porac, Pampanga was the venue of a race called Explorac, which was one of those races where you wished you brought along your camera to capture all those majestic sights and fun ordeals.  Regardless of the number of photos taken, it still counts as one of the best races I’ve had this year.

Filinvest City

Filinvest City is practically Metro Manila’s backyard, but little did I know that it has “secrets” that’s simply waiting for everyone to discover!

Visita Iglesia

My Visita Iglesia, runner style!

Midnight Run

This year, Halloween races had been reinvented: set on Halloween itself, and breaking through midnight!  It was made more memorable and fun when just about everyone donned their costumes.  What a night indeed!

Baguio City

This year’s trip to Baguio City was a spur of the moment, even the duration of stay, but it was one of the more special ones as I got to visit quite a lot of new places and tried some new and really good food.  It was also in the middle of the week so we didn’t have to share the city with so many tourists!

Cavinti

Cavinti is yet another new place added to my growing list of great places to visit.  It is just beautiful!  It actually made me wonder why it had been relatively unknown all this time.

Fitness First Ambassador

Probably one of the biggest honor I’ve received this year is being an ambassador of one of the world’s biggest fitness clubs, Fitness First!  It made me wonder what took them so long to find me as I’ve been a member for practically as long as I’m running, but never had the chance to work with them.  Finally, this is it!

* * *

2013 had been a good year overall for me.  It’s not great, but it did gave me the gift of time for myself and my loved ones.  I didn’t wish for it to end so soon (as it felt that it passed by so quickly), but I’m also looking forward to the new year.

To everyone who visited my blog throughout this year, thank you very much for your support!  Hope to see you back again as I look forward to a bigger and better new year!  Happy New Year everyone!  Stay safe and God bless! 😀