A Retrospect with the Last Sunset of 2013

Sunset at Basco Port, Batanes

It rained for the past two afternoons in Basco making shooting sunset not possible. But on this last day of 2013, the weather was more promising. Although, dark clouds scatter in the horizon, still, the sun shone brightly while intermittently hiding itself from these clouds. Thou I hope that the sun will uncover itself again, the dark clouds prove to be unforgiving. It was not a perfect sunset but definitely hundred times better than the days before. And just like the year 2013, this sunset echoes hope and promise for a better day... or a year ahead!

My 2013 is a year of hellos and goodbyes and here are the gist of my year:

WORK. Early in the year, I bid goodbye to Motortrade and said hello to The Medical City. Saying goodbye to my staff and people that I have become friends was the most difficult part but life is all about moving-on and I am up to the challenges that this new job will bring.

FAMILY. It was September when my father joined his creator. It was all too sudden and unexpected that I just hope that he left the world peacefully. I didn't grow up with my father and even though our relationship wasn’t the best, it doesn’t take away the fact that he was my father and without him, I wouldn’t be. He will be missed. On a brighter side, my youngest sister got married in July to a fine young man JP. We are expecting a baby girl soon this January so our family welcomed JP this year and another baby by January of 2014.

PLACES. Due to the devastation of earthquakes and super typhoon, some of my favorite places have suffered great destructions. Bantayan Island, Coron, Bohol, Tacloban City just to name a few. I wouldn't want to say goodbye to these places for I know that I will be a witness when these beautiful places rise again. Also, I have discovered new places for the first time in 2013 most notably Batanes and Guimaras. I will have a separate post of my Top 10 Places that I have visited in 2013 to cover this.

2013 at most part is a year of struggle, it is adage to say that we have seen better years. But we all need to be optimistic for 2014 because as William Ward puts it... "it is another fresh new year... another year to live! to banish worry, doubt, and fear... to love and laugh and give!