Merriest Christmas, Happiest New Year

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step," (Martin Luther King, Jr.). Habang binubuksan natin ang bagong kabanata ng ating buhay, magpasalamat tayo sa mga aral at biyayang natanggap noong nakaraang taon. Ang bagong taon ay isang pagkakataon para sa panibagong simula, punong-puno ng pag-asa, pangarap, at mas magagandang posibilidad. Punuin natin ang 2025 ng pagkakaisa, pagmamahalan, at kabutihan. Sama-sama nating harapin ang hamon ng bawat araw nang may lakas ng loob at pananampalataya. Alalahanin din natin na bawat maliit na hakbang ay mahalaga patungo sa ating mga layunin.

2024 is about to end and looking back the past months, I have many things to thank for. I know that some plans didn’t go well, others didn’t even materialise, and some blessings were accidental. Nevertheless, I am eternally grateful and thankful. Cheers to new beginnings, as we step into a brand-new chapter, let’s embrace this year with hope, gratitude, and determination. Every ending is a chance for a fresh beginning, and 2025 holds endless possibilities waiting for us to discover. Let’s carry forward the lessons we’ve learned, cherish the connections we’ve nurtured, and pursue our dreams with renewed passion. Here’s to growth, resilience, and finding joy in the journey ahead! May this new year bring you good health, meaningful moments, and countless reasons to smile.

Maging masagana, masaya, at makabuluhan ang taon na ito para sa iyo at sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay. Enjoy, have fun, and keep on dreaming! Arat na mga Ka-barangay, sabay-sabay nating gawing makulay at puno ng kahulugan ang bagong taon! Happiest New Year!

Maligayang Pasko

Image c/o RMO

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year," (Charles Dickens). My Christmas wish is for us to attain peace and unity worldwide, continuous well-being of my loved ones, and the strength to overcome challenges. I wish for love and kindness to fill every heart, bringing peace to troubled minds and joy to weary souls. May joy, love, and kindness fill our hearts and homes, and may we all find moments of gratitude and connection. May families reunite, friendships strengthen, and communities thrive in harmony. Let generosity overflow, touching lives in meaningful ways, and may we all find hope in the spirit of giving. And above all, let’s put Jesus at the centre of this joyous festival, for He is the reason for the season! Wishing everyone a hopeful and brighter future. Merry Christmas to one and all.

National Eggnog Day

Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling" (Edna Ferber). I've never had this drink back in the homeland, plus the fact that I wasn't a huge milk drinker at all. Christmas drinks back then were usually fizzy drinks and a huge volume of buko juice (coconut water) to drink. Coming to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2008, exposed me to eggnog.

This is a popular drink throughout the United States and other parts of the developed world during the holidays. It is also known as egg milk punch used to raise for a holiday toast once a year on the day before Christmas. I've seen movie scenes that have incorporated this iconic celebratory toast to life and good times ahead.

Online radio station

“It’s not true I had nothing on, I had the radio on," (Marilyn Monroe). Radio has always been my first-love. From the moment I witnessed a radio station built from the ground-up, right beside my ancestral grandparent’s home in Zamboanga City, Mindanao, Philippines. I think I was only 9-10 years old back then, but I was hooked for life!

Fast-forward to 12 December 2024, when my online radio station went officially on-air, well actually on test-broadcast! There’s no programming yet, just a mix-mash of music from different genres. At least 80% of the music is OPM-Original Pilipino Music, either in English or Tagalog. I’ve also added some popular tunes in English that I personally like. And to have an edge or a niche, I’ve incorporated music from the wonderful of cinema (soundtracks, etc.). We’re now signing on! Oh by the way, we’re known as Say Hi FM, just Say Hi to Filipino Music.