As the clock ticks closer to the end of 2024, I can’t help but reflect on what an incredible year it has been for our family. This year wasn’t just about celebrations; it was about growth, stepping out of comfort zones, making bold moves, and seeing long-held dreams start to take shape. And so, as I sit down to reflect on 2024, I feel a mix of emotions. Though the latter part of December saw me struggling with a wave of depression, I now realize it was likely hormonal — my period suddenly arrived after a delay, which made me wonder if I might be entering perimenopause.

It wasn’t just hormones, though. My VA business has grown exponentially this year — I now have 12 clients! On top of that, I juggle multiple roles in our businesses: as co-owner and Chief Marketing Officer of our hotel, restaurant, café, and catering business, all while trying to keep up with the many business and personal development courses I’ve enrolled in. Somewhere along the way, I over-fatigued my already overloaded system.

Thankfully, I have my husband, Hanz, by my side. His unwavering support, his constant reminders to take breaks, and his effort to make sure my “love cup” is always filled to the brim helped me push through. Looking back at all that we’ve accomplished this year, the sadness has lifted. It’s been replaced by a deep sense of gratitude, hope, and joy for every big and small blessing that has come our way.

Here’s a month-by-month look back at the highlights of this unforgettable year. (Note to self: I hope to blog about each of these things in more detail this coming 2025…)

January

We welcomed the New Year with a serene stay at Costabella. Later, we celebrated Hanz’s birthday at Tambuli Beach Club, a perfect start to a year filled with cherished moments.

February

We marked the month of love with a long, delightful stay in Bohol, celebrating Valentine’s Day, our monthsary, and my birthday. It was a reminder of how love truly fuels everything we do.

March

March saw the soft opening of Lami-an Restaurant, a significant milestone that brought our vision to life.

April

We explored what our restaurant could become by hosting live band shows and Tuesday Mic nights, including performances by the iconic Bruno Mars of Cebu. We also finalized the purchase of a 3-hectare mountain property, paving the way for our Mushroom and Vegetable Farm Resort dream.

May

A long and sunny Boracay stay highlighted the month, celebrating our 1st Beach Wedding Anniversary and Mother’s Day.

June

After 7 years, I revisited Alabang to see the renovations and repairs done to our home. It turned into a Luzon adventure, taking us to Tagaytay, Bicol, and Leyte. We capped it off with a luxurious Father’s Day stay at Sheraton Mactan.

July

This month was all about beginnings. We started laying the groundwork for Kubo Café, dreaming of a warm and rustic space for locals and travelers alike.

August

Dreams turned into reality as we opened Kubo Café! Seeing it come to life was nothing short of fulfilling.

September

This month was all about prioritizing health and expansion. We underwent executive health check-ups and renewed my annual chiropractic package to ensure we’re doing everything possible to keep illnesses at bay. On the business side, we began materializing our catering services, which officially launched the next month.

October

This month was filled with festivities and achievements. We celebrated Halloween, launched our catering business, and reserved two new mountain plots for a future processing plant.

November

We traveled to Hong Kong for Tuz’s birthday and our 2nd Civil Wedding Anniversary. But before that, the trip was made even more special by visiting first the Duolos Hope ship, where we indulged in a book haul. And when we got back, Hanz successfully finished his half marathon.

December

The year ended with Christmas celebrations and a personal milestone as I began designing my dream bedroom. We also finalized the purchase of land for the processing plant, adding another layer to our future plans.

The Lesson of 2024

Looking back, this year has taught me that even during our lowest moments, there’s always a light waiting to shine through. My struggles with overfatigue and depression reminded me to slow down and cherish the love and support of those around me. Hanz, our family, and the sense of fulfillment from all we’ve achieved have been my anchors.

As I step into 2025, I feel blessed, grateful, and hopeful for the road ahead. It will be a continuation of our dreams — managing life and our businesses with more wisdom, focusing on health, and welcoming every blessing, big or small, with open arms.

What about you? How did 2024 shape your year? Let’s celebrate the highs and grow from the lows together.