When a brand-new year starts, I always look forward to what the year brings. But other than that, I also look back on the year that was. This would be the third year that I would share the highlights of the past year. I have shared the highlights of 2021 and 2022 before and it’s time to do the one for 2023.

2023 had been a year full of different kinds of emotions. I have already mentioned that previously, but I just want to say it again for those who haven’t been here on the blog recently. There were excitement, happiness and joy. Then there were also anxiousness and sadness. The thing is, such is life. I’m happy to report that although sadness still lingers, we are still getting good news which are surprising. Things are still working in our favor which we are so grateful and thankful for.

New year, new start. So, bring it on 2024. I am so ready for you!

Trip to the Philippines

After almost five years, we flew to my home country again, the Philippines for a 30-day vacation. We flew in mid-March and came back in mid-April. It was spring when we left and came back, but as you know, my home country is a tropical country, so we enjoyed a full month of hot and humid weather but we wouldn’t change it.

GenSan

We spent 25 days in my hometown of General Santos City or GenSan for short. My niece got married and she asked us to be part of her entourage. My husband and I were their Godparents, and my son was the Bible Bearer. The wedding was actually the main reason for the trip. But we did more fun things other than that. We don’t get to go home as often as we want to so we made sure to make the most of it.

I also hung out with my girlfriends which I only get to see when I come home. But even though we are thousands of miles apart, the friendship is still there. And thanks to social media for keeping us in touch despite the distance.

My son also turned 20 while we were there so we celebrated him with good food, family, and good friends. It was also last year that he had finally decided on the path that he wanted to take. We couldn’t be more proud of him and we are here to support him all the way. I will share more about this in the future.

Below were all the stories that happened in my hometown:

• It Feels Good To Be Back
• Welcome Back Get-Together
• Showering Our Beautiful Bride-to-be
• A Milestone Day-His 20th Birthday
• A Good Friend’s Delicious Surprise
• The Wedding
• Dinner On A Hill with A View
• My Great-niece’s 2nd Birthday Party
• Sea You at the Beach
• It’s Buko Halo Time
• Kakanin: A Delightful Filipino Delicacy
• Cheers to Good Friends and Good Food!
• Korean Bun and Purple Yam Cake
• Cousins’ Day Out
• Savor the Flavor
• Korean Dinner Vibes
• A Surprise Despedida Party

Batangas & Manila

The rest of the 30-day vacation was spent in Batangas with my husband’s best friend, Lewis and his wife. It wasn’t the first time that we stayed in their place, but it was the first time that we stayed for five days which was a request from Lewis. They took us on a Batangas road trip and we got to see the Taal Volcano which is one of the famous landmarks of the Philippines.

Also took us in a tour of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, before finally taking us to the airport for our trip back home. They were just the most hospitable and we couldn’t thank them enough.

Below were the stories that happened in Batangas and Manila, and our trip back home:

• Linguini with Red Clam Sauce
• Trip to Taal Volcano
• Lunch in Tagaytay
• Batangas Road Trip
• Impromptu Coffee Break at The Manila Hotel
• Riding High on the MOA Eye
• The Magnificent Sunset Over Manila Bay
• Unexpected Trip to San Francisco

Friend’s U.S. Visit

By the summer, it was Lewis’ turn to come to the U.S. He visits the U.S. almost yearly and he always pays us a visit whenever he’s here. Other than always treating us to good food, he took us on a road trip this time to places we’re never been in North Carolina. We took the back roads and went up to the mountains which was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Below were the stories that day:

• A 1.4 Mile Hike to the Summit of Max Patch
• Just Munching and Lunching Before Hiking
• A Good Lunch and A Trinket
• It Was a Good Day for Mexican Food

There you have it!

How about you? What were the highlights of your 2023?

2023 Monthly Recaps:

• January
• February
• March & April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December