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Pokémon Room at MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo, a Review

2026-07-03T10:32:33.543+08:00

It was around five in the afternoon, and after settling into our Pokémon Room at Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo, Christian went out to grab food and supplies at a grocery store nearby. He returned after a while and was surprised to see Akira and me slumped on the sofa, fast asleep—and Snorlax, right beside us. He grinned and unpacked our stuff, hoping that we’d wake up for dinner. That never happened; we both woke up the next day.

For the past thirteen years, Christian and I have spent school breaks on backpacking trips. These trips help me reboot from my work as a teacher. This annual thing went on even after we had our son, Akira. It’s usually a mix of local and international trips for two months. And although we’ve been to Japan a few times already, we still chose to spend our 2026 school break here. This time around, we spent two weeks in Kyoto, Himeji, Kobe, Nara, and Osaka.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Hotel Overview
How to Get There
Facilities
Checking In
Pokémon Room
Checking Out

►CHECK MIMARU KYOTO RATES HERE!

It was just recently that Akira found his newfound love for Pokémon, and so we thought of surprising him with a Pokémon-themed room at Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo.

Hotel Overview

Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo is a branch of the MIMARU hotel group, known for its apartment-style hotels. The rooms are spacious, by Japanese standards, and have their own kitchens. The rooms vary in size from roughly 40 to 100 sq.m. and can accommodate four to ten guests—perfect for friends and families traveling together.

They also have 29 locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, all of which offer different room types, including Japanese-style rooms, bunk beds, suites, and Pokémon-themed rooms.

What I like about the Kawaramachi Gojo area is that it’s located near the Kamo River, Kiyomizudera, and the Higashiyama Area. It’s practically on the quieter side of the city, and Christian loved his morning walks around the area—see his MIMARU Kyoto review.

How to Get There

We arrived at Kansai International Airport in the morning, headed straight to the train station, and hopped on the train that brought us to Kyoto. I love how efficient the train systems are in Japan, but it can get confusing, especially if you’re in a big city, so it’s better to plan ahead.

We got off at Kiyomizu-Gojo station, the nearest subway station to the hotel, and walked for three minutes straight to our home for three days.

Facilities

The first level of Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo is dedicated to its well-curated public spaces: a gym, kids’ play area, coin-operated laundromat, ice and water dispensers, vending machines, a theater, and luggage storage.

Akira, of course, had to try the play area and used the huge brick pieces to build a castle. There were also some books, shape sorters, and other stuff.

Checking In

The check-in time is three in the afternoon, but our room was already available when we arrived at around two, so we got to settle in right away. I was asked for all of our passports and was then provided information on the facilities and other stuff in the hotel.

As with some of the hotels in Japan, coffee and tea facilities were available at a nook in the reception area. There’s also a 100-yen UCC coffee vending machine.

Other bath amenities such as toothbrushes, bed slippers, and disposable shavers are available at the front desk upon request. Board games and a calf massager were also available for you to bring into the room.

Upon confirming our reservation, we were given the keycards to our room. We all went up to check it out.

Pokémon Room

Akira was speechless when we opened the door to our room. This is very unusual for him ‘coz he’s the kind of boy who’s constantly yapping all the time. He told us later on that he felt overwhelmed and thought that everything was just a dream.

We were going around the room while I was telling Akira about the 100 Pokémon characters around, but he was engrossed with everything; he was unable to pay attention to a word I was saying. Only when I handed him a printed copy of the 100 Pokémon characters did he start to respond.

An open-type wardrobe can be found near the main door, and next to it is a door leading to the toilet. As expected, it’s the Japanese type of toilet, which had the remote controls fixed on the wall.

Opposite it was the door that led to the bathroom. The lavatory was spotless, and there were some towels, a liquid hand wash, and a vanity mirror. Next to it was the door to the bathroom with a fixed bathtub. It also has a shower area complete with bath amenities of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. What stood out were the water-type Pokémon characters on the wall, whose names Akira recited one by one.

The kitchen was my favorite part of the room because it’s complete with a fridge, microwave oven, water heater, induction cooker, cookware, cutlery, and utensils.

Akira was surprised to see the dinnerware set that featured the Pokémon logo, which was a really fun detail. There's also an exclusive Pokémon Gift which includes a laundry bag, drawstring bag, small purse, and a sticker.

The dining area doubles as the lounge area with comfy sofas and a TV set; too bad that it only came with local channels and cannot be connected to the internet (which was really fast, I must say).

The sleeping area was Akira’s favorite, as it featured bunk beds and two double beds with the accent piece of a traditional Japanese shoji window shutter.

There’s also a huge Snorlax Pokémon stuffed plushie sitting on the bed, which is so cuddly that Akira immediately got it off the bed and let it sit beside him in the lounge area.

I handed him the list of the 100 Pokémon characters scattered around the room and let him do the hunt. He loves puzzles and games, so he easily found all of them.

We had a quick late lunch/early dinner at a nearby restaurant and went back to the hotel right away as we wanted to take a rest before exploring the city at night. We were so tired that day that our supposed nap turned into a 13-hour uninterrupted sleep, which kick-started our Japan adventure really well.

We prepared our breakfast meals for the next two days in the room and bought all the stuff we needed at the 24-hour grocery nearby. Akira also enjoyed his nightly bubble bath in the tub together with all his water-type Pokémon friends.

Checking Out

After checking out at eleven in the morning, we left our luggage for free at MIMARU’s dedicated storage, which featured a combination lock that you could set on your own. It’s open from seven in the morning until ten in the evening. Depending on availability, they also accept long-term storage for 500 Yen per piece of luggage per day for storing it outside of the above hours and days.

It was truly the perfect way to start our fourteen-day trip around Japan. The funny thing, though, was that it felt like Christian and I enjoyed the Pokémon Room more than Akira.

©Pokémon.
©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo ►BOOK ONLINE
17-1 Hirai-cho, Gojo-sagaru, Nishitakasegawa-suji,
Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8118
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Philippines Travel Tips: Staying Prepared for Long-Term Health Needs

2026-05-05T22:30:00.002+08:00

Planning an extended stay in the Philippines takes careful thought. Visitors who stay for months or years need to understand how healthcare works in this island nation. Getting ready for long-term health needs means knowing what medical services are available and how to pay for them.

One of the biggest challenges for expats is understanding healthcare coverage for long-term visitors in the Philippines. The good news is that several options exist. International insurance options can protect against expensive medical bills. Local health maintenance organizations offer another path forward. These organizations provide affordable care to residents who join their plans.

Expat healthcare planning also means organizing medical documentation for expats before arriving. This paperwork becomes crucial if someone needs to see a doctor. Having records ready makes visits to private hospitals in the Philippines go more smoothly.

Finding English speaking medical professionals is easier in major cities like Manila and Cebu. These doctors understand the needs of foreign patients. They can explain the Philippine medical system clearly. This communication matters when dealing with outpatient care costs and health insurance for retirees.

Managing health abroad takes effort. Maintaining wellness while living in a new country requires planning and smart choices. Learning about healthcare access for foreigners helps expats feel confident. This guide walks through each step to help visitors stay healthy and prepared throughout their time in the Philippines.

Understanding Healthcare coverage for long-term visitors in the Philippines

Planning an extended stay in the Philippines requires smart decisions about medical care. Visitors staying for months or years need to understand their options. The right healthcare coverage for long-term visitors in the Philippines protects both health and finances. Two main paths exist for those managing long-term health needs: international plans and local providers.

Choosing the best plan means comparing what each option offers. Travelers should think about their specific medical requirements. Budget matters too. Getting organized now prevents problems later.

Evaluating International Insurance Options

International insurance options provide wide coverage across countries. These plans work well for people with serious or ongoing medical conditions. Expat insurance companies like Cigna Global and Allianz offer flexible packages.

Coverage in multiple countries
Access to English-speaking doctors
Higher costs but broader benefits
Good for those with complex long-term health needs

These plans help visitors feel secure away from home.

Benefits of Local Health Maintenance Organizations

Local health maintenance organizations serve the Philippines well. These HMOs include providers like Maxicare and Intellicare. Local health maintenance organizations offer lower prices than international plans.

Affordable monthly payments
Networks of local hospitals and clinics
Quick appointments and simple processes
Perfect for routine care and common illnesses

Health insurance for retirees works especially well through local HMOs. Many retirees find these plans meet their needs at reasonable costs. Comparing local health maintenance organizations with international options helps visitors pick what fits their situation best.

Essential Medical Documentation for Expats

Staying organized with medical records is a cornerstone of smart expat healthcare planning. When moving to the Philippines or any foreign country, having proper documentation makes accessing care much easier. Medical documentation for expats serves as a critical link between patients and local healthcare providers, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation during medical emergencies.

Expats should prepare their medical records before arrival. This preparation prevents confusion at clinics and hospitals when seeking healthcare coverage for long-term visitors in the Philippines. Doctors can make better treatment decisions when they understand a patient's complete medical background.

What Medical Documents to Prepare

Creating a comprehensive medical file takes time but pays off when needed. Here are the essential items to include:

Complete medical history with past surgeries and treatments
Current medication list with dosages and frequencies
Blood type and known allergies
Vaccination records and immunization dates
Recent lab results and diagnostic reports
Insurance policy documents and coverage details
Contact information for previous doctors

Philippines travel tips recommend keeping both digital and physical copies of these documents. Store digital copies on cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Keep physical copies in a waterproof folder at home.

Medical documentation for expats speeds up emergency response times significantly. Doctors spend less time gathering background information and more time treating patients. This quick access to records prevents dangerous medication interactions and allergic reactions.

Expat healthcare planning becomes simpler when records are organized and accessible. Whether visiting urgent care clinics or scheduling routine checkups, having proper documentation ready makes every appointment smoother and safer for long-term visitors in the Philippines.

Navigating Local Private Hospitals and Clinics

Long-term visitors to the Philippines benefit greatly from understanding how to access quality medical care through the private healthcare sector. The Philippine medical system offers many reputable facilities that cater to international patients. Knowing where to find reliable institutions and understanding how they work helps ensure visitors receive proper treatment throughout their stay.

Private hospitals in the Philippines maintain high standards and modern equipment. Major facilities like St. Luke's Medical Center and The Medical City serve thousands of patients annually. These institutions understand healthcare access for foreigners and have developed systems to support international visitors. They provide transparent information about services and pricing to help patients make informed decisions.

Finding English-Speaking Medical Professionals

Communication is crucial when seeking medical care abroad. English speaking medical professionals are widely available at private hospitals in the Philippines, making it easier for American visitors to explain symptoms and understand treatment options. Many doctors in major cities received training in English-speaking countries and are comfortable working with international patients.

Ask your hotel or accommodation for doctor recommendations
Contact your travel insurance provider for preferred provider lists
Use online directories that list English speaking medical professionals
Visit hospital websites to check staff credentials and language capabilities

Managing Outpatient Care Costs

Understanding outpatient care costs helps visitors budget for healthcare coverage for long-term visitors in the Philippines. Most private clinics offer transparent pricing before treatment begins. Outpatient care costs in the Philippines are significantly lower than in the United States, making quality healthcare affordable.

Request itemized quotes before appointments
Compare prices between different facilities
Ask about payment plans or discounts for multiple visits
Keep receipts for insurance reimbursement purposes

Maintaining Wellness While Living Abroad

Living in the Philippines requires visitors to take charge of maintaining wellness through daily habits that support long-term health needs. The tropical climate brings unique challenges that demand attention to basic health practices. Staying active with regular exercise helps build strength and endurance. Eating nutritious local foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish provides essential vitamins and minerals. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps the body hydrated in the hot weather.

Managing health abroad goes beyond treating illnesses when they arise. It means building a lifestyle centered on prevention and wellness. The Department of Health recommends regular screenings for tropical diseases that visitors may encounter. Getting these checkups helps catch potential issues early. Making wellness a priority shows visitors can enjoy their time in the country without health worries.

These Philippines travel tips work best when people stay consistent with healthy routines. Maintaining wellness becomes easier when visitors understand their environment and adapt their habits accordingly. Local markets offer fresh produce that supports good nutrition. Walking or biking for daily transportation provides exercise and helps reduce stress. Getting enough sleep supports the body's natural healing and keeps energy levels high.

Managing health abroad succeeds when visitors combine medical care with personal wellness choices. Regular physical activity, balanced meals, and proper hydration form the foundation of a healthy lifestyle in the Philippines. By embracing these practices, expats and long-term visitors can experience vibrant health throughout their extended stay and return home feeling stronger than before.

Keep Your Caravan Cool All Summer: Simple AC Habits and Pro Tips

2026-03-24T12:26:00.000+08:00

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Summer road trips mean fun, laughter, and potentially a cabin that feels like a greenhouse if your caravan's air conditioning isn’t up to scratch. There’s nothing quite like getting into a cool, comfortable caravan after it's been sitting under the blazing sun – your AC is not just about comfort, it’s about keeping your focus sharp when the heat tries to drain your energy. Lower humidity and a bearable temperature can make the drive far more pleasant for everyone inside.

A good air conditioning system even helps with safety, keeping you alert and stopping tiredness before it takes hold. Believe it or not, using your AC in the smartest way can also trim your fuel use – keep it on the lowest temperature setting, skip pre-cooling, and make sure air flows well through clean filters. With a little care, your caravan’s air conditioning can make those long summer journeys all the more enjoyable and refreshing.

Optimising Air Conditioning Performance

To get the best from your caravan’s air conditioning, resist the urge to run the AC before you’ve even turned a wheel. It may sound like a great way to jump into a cool caravan, but your AC system actually works harder and cools faster once you’re driving. That’s because the AC compressor is linked to engine speed, and a moving caravan means a faster-running compressor.

Instead, set off as soon as you can. For the first 10 to 20 seconds, roll down your windows to let out the stuffy, hot air. This short step helps the cooler air circulate more quickly, and gets you comfortable faster whilst using less fuel.

Another trick? Set the AC to its lowest temperature. Most caravan systems chill air down to about 38 degrees, and if you pick a higher temperature, your caravan ends up reheating the cooled air using extra energy and fuel. Leave the temperature on low, and just tweak the fan speed to your liking. This way, you lighten the load on your caravan and save money, all while keeping things blissfully cool.

Effective Use of Air Conditioning Features

If you’ve got people sitting in the back, switching off the recirculation mode is your best bet for keeping everyone comfortable. While recirculation helps cool things down faster by using the same air, it has a tendency to leave back seat passengers with stuffy or uneven temperatures. Turning this feature off lets fresh air flow through the cabin, so no one is left sweltering in stale air. Everybody gets a proper breeze, not just those up front.

In heavy traffic, consider switching off your vehicle’s auto start/stop feature. While this function can save a bit of fuel in normal conditions, it tends to make the air conditioning less effective when you’re stuck at a standstill. That’s because, when the engine switches off, the AC compressor usually pauses too. You’ll notice the cabin warming up—especially during a stop-and-go crawl on a hot day. Leaving the engine running keeps the air chilled, so you and your passengers stay comfortable, no matter how slow the journey gets.

Maintaining Your Vehicle's Air Conditioning System

Give your air conditioning a little workout every week, no matter the temperature outside. Running it for about ten minutes stops moisture from lingering and keeps that unwelcome, musty smell at bay. Besides making things more pleasant, it could spare sensitive passengers any trouble with their breathing.

Switching it on regularly also helps the parts stay oiled and moving smoothly, which means your AC won’t give up on you just when you need it the most. It’s a small effort for a big payoff in reliability and energy use.

Following the right steps for maintaining your caravan air conditioner not only prevents nasty surprises, but also ensures a cooler, more efficient caravan, lowers strain on your engine, and provides extra comfort whenever the mercury starts climbing.

Cabin and Climate Care Tips

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Leaving your windows slightly open when you park can make a real difference to the temperature inside your caravan on a hot day. With the windows fully shut, your vehicle quickly turns into an oven, as all that hot air gets trapped and the cabin heats up in no time. Even a small gap lets hot air escape, which helps stop the inside from feeling unbearably stuffy. This little trick means coming back to a caravan that’s closer to comfortable and puts less pressure on your air conditioning when you set off, so things cool down faster once you’re driving.

To help your dashboard and seats stand up to strong sunlight, put sunshades on your windscreen and windows whenever you can. Sunshades block a large amount of UV rays, which are the main culprits behind faded, cracked interiors. Using interior protectant sprays designed to guard against UV will help keep your cabin looking fresher for longer. Together, these steps can save your materials from ageing before their time and keep your caravan looking its best, even after a summer of sunshine.

Ensuring Comfort and Performance

Keeping yourself hydrated on long summer drives is just as important as topping up your caravan’s fluids. Water helps your mind stay sharp, stops tiredness creeping in, and makes the journey much more pleasant. Pack a few water bottles and give yourself time for regular breaks. It’s good for you, and it gives your caravan a chance to cool off, too—so neither you nor your engine ends up overheating.

Before you set off, take a moment to check your cooling system and fluid levels. Look over the coolant, as a low level can cause your engine to get too hot, especially in warm weather. It’s also smart to inspect the radiator, hoses, and water pump for any leaks or wear, since these bits all play a part in keeping things running at the right temperature. If you spot anything odd, get it sorted before you drive—it might save you from breaking down later on.

Keeping an eye on things, especially on those roasting days, really can stop your plans from being derailed and your wallet from taking a hit. Giving your caravan this kind of attention boosts performance and helps each trip roll along smoothly, no matter how high the temperatures climb.

Professional Maintenance and Weekly Habits for Cool Comfort

Getting your caravan’s air conditioning checked by a professional is simple yet effective. Regular inspections can catch potential leaks and ensure the cooling system has enough refrigerant, so your AC keeps running smoothly through the hottest weeks. This small bit of attention helps your system stay efficient and lessens the chance of it packing up just as the sun comes out.

It’s also worth building a couple of easy habits. Run your air conditioning for about ten minutes every week, even in winter, to stop moisture building up inside. That’s a quick fix to ward off musty smells and keep things fresh for everyone who hops in.

Another handy tip: turn off the AC a few minutes before you switch off the engine. This reduces pressure on your battery and helps everything start up with less strain next time. Together, these steps keep your caravan’s air con working reliably, so you can just enjoy the open road without breaking a sweat.

Responsible Credit Card Use: 5 Tips That Start During Applications

2026-03-02T13:25:00.002+08:00

Most people think that responsible credit card usage begins when you have the card in your hands. After all, how can you manage it wisely if you don’t have a card, right? However, with all the responsibilities that come with becoming a cardholder, being aware of a credit card’s requirements, conditions, and considerations before you receive one can greatly improve your experience with the card and your financial well-being in general.

For instance, the application stage provides the perfect opportunity to set healthy habits from the start. Knowing what factors to review during this stage can help you make the most of your credit card’s advantages while avoiding overspending and unnecessary debt. If you’re unsure what to prioritize, here are some practical tips that can help you choose the right product when filling out a credit card application Philippines’ financial institutions offer:

1) Understand the Terms and Conditions of Each Card You’re Prospecting

The terms and conditions of a credit card define exactly how it will operate and what it will cost to maintain. They often include key information like interest rates, fees, and payment rules. Reviewing these details at the application stage ensures you’re fully aware of the obligations you’re agreeing to. It also allows you to compare different cards objectively and select the one that best suits your financial situation.

Furthermore, if the card features introductory offers, such as 0% interest for a limited period, you should know exactly when the offer ends, plus the standard rate that will follow. Doing so helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures that the card remains affordable in the long term.

2) Check If the Card’s Perks Can Improve Your Spending Habits

Credit cards often come with rewards programs that are designed to give cardholders extra value for using the card regularly. Some of the most common perks are cashback offers, rewards points, and travel benefits like discounted flights or free use of the airport lounge. While these perks can be attractive, their real value lies in how well they align with your actual expenses. As such, choosing a card that has a rewards structure that aligns with your typical spending habits enables you to maximize the card’s advantages and reinforce positive spending habits.

Take the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, for example. This card gives cardholders up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions. Once the cardholder reaches 500 points, they can start redeeming them at checkout at any Landers Superstore. Due to this rewards structure, Landers members can get the most out of their regular shopping trips while earning meaningful rewards on other everyday purchases.

3) Consider the Card’s Credit Limit and How It Aligns with Your Needs

A credit limit determines the maximum amount you can charge to your card and can have a direct impact on your financial discipline. While a higher limit may provide more flexibility, it can also increase the temptation to overspend. On the other hand, a limit that’s too low might restrict your ability to use the card for larger, planned expenses.

To determine an appropriate credit limit, review your average monthly expenses and identify how much of that you plan to charge to the card. This ensures the limit is sufficient for your typical spending without creating unnecessary room for unplanned purchases. Next, compare this amount with the limits offered by different issuers so that you can find one that matches your comfort level and repayment capacity. With these strategies, you can rest assured that you can get a credit limit that aligns with your actual needs, supports responsible use, and helps maintain a healthy credit profile.

4) Assess the Interest Rates and Fees Beyond the Annual Fee

Many first-time applicants focus solely on whether a card has an annual fee, as this cost is often the easiest to compare across options. However, if you overlook the other charges, that can all have a bigger impact on the card’s overall cost.

Interest rates, especially for cash advances and balance transfers, are often higher than the rate for regular purchases and can quickly add to your balance if not paid off promptly. In addition, cards may carry fees for late payments, over-limit usage, or transactions in foreign currencies. Some issuers also charge processing fees for certain payment channels. Reviewing these costs before you apply ensures that you select a card you can afford to maintain, not just one that appears attractive on the surface.

5) Evaluate Your Current Financial Situation

Suffice to say, applying for a credit card is a significant financial decision, and like any major commitment, you need to make sure that you’re financially ready to manage it responsibly. Taking this step without a clear understanding of your finances may lead to difficulties in payment obligations and could compromise your overall financial stability.

Start by taking stock of your income. Knowing how steady and predictable it is will determine your ability to meet monthly obligations without undue stress. Once you have a clear picture of your income, examine your regular expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, transportation, and any existing loan payments. Compare your income to these fixed costs, and you’ll be able to identify how much room remains in your budget for additional credit card payments.

It’s also good to consider any outstanding debts you may have. Adding a new credit card could affect your debt-to-income ratio, which in turn impacts your financial flexibility and creditworthiness. Finally, assess your overall financial goals and how a credit card fits into your broader plans. Evaluating these factors carefully before applying allows you to select a credit card that fits within your financial means and supports sustainable credit management.

In the end, responsible credit card use is rooted in the decisions made before you even receive the card. The choices you make during the application, for instance, can significantly influence how well the card fits your spending habits and financial goals. That said, approach this process with careful evaluation and awareness of your personal finances to avoid the most common pitfalls. With proper preparation during this stage, you’ll be more confident in your credit card selection and establish a solid foundation for managing your credit effectively.

15

2026-01-12T14:55:00.048+08:00

Minimum bus fare. A decade and a half. Fifteen minutes of fame. Junior High. Cheers to fifteen years here in my own tiny spot in the blogosphere.

Even if I don’t write as much as I did before, I’m still keeping this blog, yes, for memories.

Last year, 2025, was probably our most traveled year as a family. Hopefully, we could get the chance to do the same this year.

It was in January when we traveled to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur to celebrate my birthday. We basically ate the whole time, devouring Vigan longganisa, bagnet, empanada, and all of Ilocos’ yummy food in between. We loved walking around Vigan City, and we’ll surely come back next time.

We also had the chance to visit the historical area of Taal in Batangas, as it was the venue for the wedding of Christian’s cousin. It was my first time there, and we got to see the old bahay na bato houses that are now turned into museums.

We spent the Holy Week in Cabangan, Zambales, where we did our tradition of spending the week on the beach with family and friends—like how we used to when we were kids. Akira’s older cousins prepared an egg-hunting event for the kids at the beach, and it was so much fun.

For our annual backpacking trip during the school break, we went to Fukuoka in Japan for eleven days, then went to Iloilo, Guimaras, and Capiz for thirteen days. We aptly called this trip #MoshiMoshiGid2025. It was a very memorable trip, as Akira learned to swim on his own on a public beach in Guimaras. He learned it on his own, as we weren’t too keen on forcing him to learn when he’s not ready. Apparently, he was practicing by seeing us swim.

We spent a night in Tagaytay in June for an aunt’s birthday, where Akira showed off his newly acquired skill of paddle swimming to his cousins.

I also did a solo trip in August, wherein I explored the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro—my first time in these areas of Mindanao. People would often call me buang or crazy, upon learning that I’m doing this trip alone, usually the older ones.

In September, we celebrated the birthdays of Christian and Akira in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It’s Akira’s first time in the province, and we did the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour. Of course, Akira showed off, again, his swimming skills. We also enjoyed the local food scene and, of course, our favorite chao long.

We spent the All Saints’ Day holiday in Laguna, where my brother is currently residing. We got to enjoy local food and knick-knacks, as well as more playtime for Akira and his cousin.

We ended the year with a trip to Baguio City. We started this tradition of spending the week between Christmas and New Year there to simply let Akira run freely as much as he wants. We bought him a Frisbee, which he happily used at the city’s open fields. We also noticed that he wasn’t as keen to go to the playgrounds and only did biking once—he said he was bored with doing the same thing all over again. He just turned six, and he’s already bored. What more in the coming years? Haha.

Akira mentioned several times that he wanted to experience snow in Japan, not any other place but Japan. He wasn’t pushy, though; he never was. He’s the kind of kid who never asks for anything for no reason, like a toy in the mall.

Got inked again at my favorite tattoo studio in Baguio, MNMLST. A wave tatt on my left rib and a sparkle tatt on my nape. I already have eight tattoos in a span of twenty months.

The past year was all about trying my best every single day. I’m 42 right now, and what I love about being in my forties is that I do not even try to prove anything to anyone anymore. I’m way past that feeling of being validated by other people. I guess it all stemmed from having a strong support system from my husband and my friends—we even have a group chat where we can be ourselves and not be judged by any of them. We could also dump whatever thoughts we have there and not get any reaction, but we’re all so secure with the friendship we have that we don’t take it against them if they do not react at all.

If I could say one thing to my past self, it would be, “Stop being so hard on yourself by pleasing everyone. Just be true to yourself and do the things that make you feel alive, and the right people will come to you eventually.”

Happy 15!