2012 - Fireworks and Some Thoughts

The connection between fireworks and new year has been known since time immemorial. It is believed that the lights produced by these fireworks will illuminate the way for the whole year and the sounds they produce will drive away bad luck.

But for the typical Juan, a decent firework could cost them an amount that will better be spent for a simple meal for media y noche. Just to compare, a 30-second fountain or a 3-piece roman candle cost about 100 pesos, and by that amount, a family of four can have half a kilo of pork for their new year meal.

Good thing there are fireworks displays around the Metro that are open for the public to see. And one of them is the SM Mall of Asia New Year Fireworks Display that promises to be the grandest fireworks display to start 2012. So, at exactly midnight of transition from 2011 to 2012, a 15-minute spectacular fireworks show filled the sky of Manila Bay.

Let me share some of the photos as well as random thoughts I have, be it resolutions or wishes for 2012. Of course, reading the text parts is optional :)

FAMILY - oh mom, I promise to call you more often and when you get back here in Pinas by September, I do promise to spend more and more time with you. Even if I quit work! Haha. To my brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces... I know, I know... "In time of test, Family is best."

WORK - you are a rubber ball. The past year, I gave my best for you to the detriment of the other aspects of my life. This year, things will definitely change because I want my Saturdays back. (crossing fingers) "Looking back at the times where I allowed my work to create stress and frustration in my life I now realize what I thought was important really was not. I am not saying you should not take your work seriously, what I am saying is that we need to realize that life is all about balance."

TRAVEL - I am aiming to add at least 10 new provinces in my list this year. Ilo-ilo, Guimaras, Cagayan are now booked. Surigao Provinces are in the works and would probably add Abra, Kalinga, Apayao and Quirino for good measure. Of course, another international travel would be a big bonus. “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

FRIENDS - To the old ones (highschool friends and former officemates), I promise to find more time to rekindle the relationships and friendships we had; To the new ones (travel bloggers), let us have memorable trips together :) "Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day."

PHOTOGRAPHY - wish list this year is to regain back the type of lenses I lost in Baler. I would probably start with a wide-angle and hopefully, this summer :) “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."

LAW - so many fields, so little time... political (check), corporate (check), taxation (check)... hmmm trial court practice is not a bad idea this year hmmm! "Lawless are they that make their wills their law."

SPIRIT - may our lifelong bond continue to fluorish. YOU kept me alive in 2010, YOU continued your guidance in 2011 and I do hope that YOU continue to bless me in 2012. "I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is."

LOVE - it is a hit and miss thing but I am never giving-up. I know that 2012 will be big and I just can't wait! "Those that go searching for love, only manifest their own loveless ness. And the loveless never find love, only the loving find love. And they never have to seek for it."

Peace in your heart, warmth in your soul, contentment in life and joy in your home. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

2uwhomisharedthelasthoursof2011andstartof2012thankyouandireallyhopeandpraythatwhatwehadcouldlastalifetime.