2013: The Year That Was

In spite of the November disaster that cut though our core as individuals and as a nation, I still feel deeply overwhelmed by the blessings that the previous year has brought. I feel so grateful that I am able to enjoy the richness of experience that this magical world has to offer.

My year started with a trip to Bangkok in January with some members of my family. We had a great time bonding over food and shopping at Chatuchak and Paragon.

In keeping with the theme of the month, my February was filled with love, no elaboration needed. It was also then that I finally learned how to ride a bike. An unexpected adventure came by way of a trip to Coron and a stay at the Two Seasons.

I finally set foot on the Great Wall of China in March. I didn’t expect to enjoy Beijing as much as I did.

It was a summer to remember as I made it a point to spend more time with the kids during their break. The highlight of it was my brother’s appointment as RTC Judge in Pasig. For me, this may well be the best news I had received in 2013.

During the summer, I rode the bike with the kids and took them to Ace Water Spa and to Sip & Gogh to get them to try their hand at painting. They also spent a good amount of time in Pampanga learning tennis and attending dance fitness classes.

I managed to squeeze in enough Me Time with weekend trips to Sonya’s Garden. At Sonya’s, I completely slow down, spend hours of conversation over lunch, take long walks in the garden, have Dorn alignment or a massage before bed and just rest and do nothing in between.

In May, my mom had a successful laser cataract surgery at American Eye. Dra. Ana Lisa Yu-Mateo took very good care of her.

Something special happened in August, which has no place in this blog ;-)

In September, I went to Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. One of my best trips ever in my book.

In October, I celebrated my 40th birthday! I invited some of my closest friends for dinner at home, catered by Alba’s (must mention because I was so happy with the service). My family finally got to meet the people who are dearest to my heart, including my long-lost Ateneo college friends. A few days later, I flew to Bali with friends to relax in one of my most favorite places in the world.

I am amazed that I managed to do all of the above, while managing my team. I even found time to edit a new book that’s coming out in February. More than managing time, I managed my energy by working when I felt I could be most productive. Of course, credit should also go to new technology, which allows me to be productive wherever I may be.

So much happened in 2013 but I think it was just a bwelo year. The real breakthrough is in 2014. May the Universe prove me right. Happe New Year!

Life Happened (Part I)

To state the obvious, this is a long overdue post. I took a respite from writing, but definitely not from living as the past two months have been some of the most activity-packed yet. Prior to our trip to Beijing last March, I was busy learning to ride the bike together with my nieces JM and Jenna. Joaki already knew how. Even Julia joined in the fun.

After the Holy Week, I went home to Solana to visit my folks. It was in time for the fiesta so I had the chance to see relatives and friends I haven’t seen for a long time, and meet new ones.

I also met with the architect who will be working on the improvements to our Family Room. She has shown me her plans and it looks interesting but we’ll be able to work on them only after the elections, as my parents will be coming to Manila to escape the political heat in our hometown.



Prior to my visit to Solana, I received the good news that Che has been appointed as RTC judge. This has been several years in the making. His patience finally paid off. I am so happy for my brother. I can say with pride that it is a much-deserved promotion. Not only is he intelligent; his character is stellar.



We all dressed up for his oath taking before Presiding Justice Reyes of the CA. We celebrated the occasion after with lunch at Cerchio in Quezon City. I loved the food so much that I kept going back week after week (this week, I went there twice). The Singaporean squid heads, crispy pata and sisig are must-tries.

So what else happened?

Good for the heart

A heart-shaped wreath from Ate Neneth

When I go to Tagaytay, I usually have only one thing in my agenda: Sonya’s Garden. Sonya is a dear friend. I call her Mother. She must know how much of me is frittered away by city life because when I arrive at her garden, she always, always has me fed straightaway, as if there’s a hole in me that needs filling. And she must be right because when I get there, I am always, always ravenous.

Missing Sonya

I’m hoping to see you soon…

…In your lovely garden…

…Amidst the lush blooms.

Two kilometers of narrow, flower-paved road from the entrance of Buck Estate, there lies a garden so lush and colorful, it is therapy to everyone who goes there. A sweep of crimson, a wash of canary, a brush of tangerine, a ripple of lavender. Colors spring from their cages, tumbling along vines of green and spilling into pathways lit with stained-glass bulb covers. Magic happens at Sonya’s Garden. Everyone who comes, leaves with a more vibrant plume. - From Sonya’s Garden coffee table book written by me and photographed by Keith Sundiang

You may inquire about the book at her website