It is true that being employed takes away most of the free time that ever existed in your life. Vacations are a rarity, and it’s a fact grown ups have learned to accept. Anyway, much to my surprise, I realized that I actually had an eventful summer despite my hectic work schedule! Although there was no “break,” I got to experience some things that more than made up for my lack of “free time.”

1. I got to travel on my own for the first time.

Last March, my editor sent me to a media familiarization trip (my first ever!). It was the first time I was away from my family and friends, so I was initially scared. But the trip proved to be very worth it, as I not only got to see, taste, and experience the best of Davao, I also made new friends! Plus, I got to tick one thing off my 2011 Bucket List! :)

At Eden Nature Park with the Marco Polo Davao Media Fam Team/Delegation.

2. I watched two basketball games live.

When I was in college, I never found the time nor exerted the effort to watch a summer game of my school’s basketball team even if I’ve always planned to. It’s really funny that I finally found the time to see them live in action in a pre-season tournament—-even if I’m very busy with work. Oh, and guess what? They won both games!

Tickets to the UP vs. Letran game (left) and the UP vs. UE game at the recently concluded FilOil Flying V Pre-Season Invitational Cup.

3. I bonded with my brother and my cousins.

My cousin Mica had tickets to one of the Philippine Fashion Week shows, so we decided to go together (with our brothers!). Although the fashion show itself wasn’t a good experience for them (haha!), we had a great time during the (late) dinner we had after. We haven’t really gone out by ourselves in the last four years or so, so it’s pretty cool that we got together this time.

Mica, Mike, and I at Army Navy (Mig took the shot).

4. I made my own Havaianas.

Although I’m not a big fan of flip flops, I was really happy when my managing editor tagged me along to this year’s “Make Your Own Havaianas” event. It was fun seeing the line of friendly assemblers who were ready to assist us in creating our very own customized pair of Havaianas. After much thought, I decided to go classic and went for a black sole with hot pink slim straps. I went gaga over the pins and charms (I would’ve gotten everything, but it wasn’t practical since the slipper will become too heavy with all of them on it)! After another round of much thought, I finally settled on the MNL pin, the Limited Edition pin, the I (love) NY apple pin, the Eiffel tower pin, the Harajuku doll pin (for every purchase of this pin, P100 was donated to the Japan disaster fund), and a pink crystal charm. I’m proud to say that my creation reflected my love for sophistication, as well as my goal to visit the places represented by the pins I chose.

Half of my customized Havaianas pair.

5. I attended the graduation of one of my closest friends.

For Anne and I, graduation last year wasn’t complete because Ela wasn’t there with us. But things were finally set in their proper place, and last April, Ela finally got to the finish line. Of course Anne and I were there to witness it! Seeing all those hopeful graduates reminded us of who we were a year ago, and of how much things have changed (now we both agree it’s for the better).

Anne, Ela, and I after the CMC graduation at the UP Film Institute.

Thank God summer is over (the heat drains all the energy out of my system!), but I’m even more thankful because He gave me a fun-filled one. We might not realize how much we’re blessed at times because of how busy or stressed we are, but no matter how crazy things get, we must learn to look at them through optimistic eyes, because God has a reason for everything and He only wants the best for us. :)