I tucked myself in my brother’s room filtering all the things I’m grateful for and the main highlights of 2016 for a year end blog post.
We all know that 2016 is about to end (4 hours to go as of writing this post). Another year is about to start. New beginnings and opportunities already awaits. This year was surprisingly full of obstacles and challenges. It pushed me to my limits, questioned my capabilities, and tested how long will I be able to hold my patience. I fell few times on my feet, scared to look up and to stand up again. There were also times when I feel that I’m lost and started questioning what I have been doing in my career as an artist and entrepreneur. It has been a tough battle between myself, but before the year ends, I know I have won the battle. I became more brave and stronger, again.
Besides the challenges and obstacles I went through, 2016 also surprised me with opportunities. I am grateful for these opportunities that were laid in front of me because it keeps me going and stay on track.
For Moon & Dreams, there are lot of things I’m grateful for.
Moon & Dreams turning 1 year old last March 20.
Re-branding of Moon & Dreams by the end of the year.
Brand partner invitations to different shops such Wander Space, Hello Manila and Hey Kessy. I took a baby step and applied as a brand partner for Wander Space store located in Maginhawa, Quezon City. That step was a risk but I’m not regretting it.
Enormous amounts of emails asking Moon & Dreams to join different events and bazaars. My last event of the year was the Katipunan Weekend Market at Estancia mall last December 21-23. I did a total of 35 on the spot lettering for customised notebook and by the end of the event, my notebooks and paper goods were all sold out.
An achievement unlock moment when Moon & Dreams joined Global Pinoy Bazaar by Yabang Pinoy last August. It was a dream come true and I wasn’t expecting to tick it off on my bucket list this year.
On the other note, joining bazaars had brought out my inner extrovert personality. Bazaars and events allows me to meet new people that shared their experiences, stories and advices that are useful for me as an entrepreneur newbie and as a struggling artist. These people took part in my growth not just as an artists and entrepreneur but on my overall being. I know that someday, I’ll be inspiring others to turn their passion into business.
Meeting artists and idols
Another opportunity and unforgettable memories was meeting different artists and idols! This year, I was able to meet:
Timothy Goodman, one of my favourite author/artist and Gemma O’Brien in this year’s Graphika Manila.
I was also able to attend the first concert of EXO in Manila, and fell in love with Chanyeol’s biceps.
I also met GFRIEND from their fan meeting.
APINK in MTV Music Evolution.
Lastly, I saw Lucky in flesh! I remembered when I went to Penshoppe and shopped till I drop just to win a pass in the meet and greet of Lucky.
It was rewarding to see these artists. I’m proud to spent my money on these kind of experiences. I’m not even regretting on cashing out money just to have these unforgettable and once in a life time opportunity. Hoping to see more this coming 2017!!
For this year, there wasn’t much of travel but I am thankful to been to some few places and discovered unique cultures.
Last January 1, I greeted 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with fam.
Went to Makati back in forth for movie dates and discovered A++ cafes.
Tagaytay for our retreat.
La Union for a quick escape from school and from the congested Manila.
Went to Sagada for our thesis. Fell in love with the people, with the place and with their culture and tradition. It will be my 2nd home this 2017.
Spent Christmas in Taipei, Taiwan.
The craziest thing I did this year was booking a flight to South Korea for next year. Me and my friends availed the seat sale of Air Asia last September. I was thinking of going on a solo trip to Japan and Korea after I graduate, but I think having my closest friends with me will be more memorable.
Moving on, I have seen myself growing from the opportunities, blessings, and challenges 2016 had brought me. It was still a mystery to me on how I was able to stay strong despite all of the problems that were thrown at me. When do I stood up and continue my fight? When do I stop crying? When do I started pursuing what I want? When do I started living my dreams? The answers to this questions are still unknown to me. But, I’m sure of one thing, I keep on going forward that leads me to where I am now.
There are still lots of things I am grateful for, such as:
Passing the level 1 of my thesis after all the hard work, sleepless nights, and stressful days.
Getting into Dean Lister.
Being more responsible author of my life.
Compliments and appreciation for my work from different people on social media and on events of Moon & Dreams.
Embracing the adult life seriously but with no pressure (for now).
Being brave enough to completely get out of my comfort zone to pursue what I have envisioned for myself.
Finally mastering time management.
Growing to this matured Patricia every single day.
Being more aware of the small things and appreciating them.
In a nutshell, 2016 is a good year for me. If my 2015 was a year of adventures, then I say, 2016 is a year of accomplishments. Things may not go according to what I had planned but it was an amazing journey. My journey throughout the 12 months had taught me so many lessons and realisations in life. I am very grateful for it, every single one of them. I am thankful to the people I met along the road, to the experiences that taught me, to the problems and challenges that mold me to a stronger me and to my 20 years old self for doing her best in every scenario and finishing the 2016 with proud look on her face and with braver heart, mind and soul.
Arigato, 2016. I will surely remembered all thing things you taught me. To all, Happy New year!! May we all greet the 2017 with positive mind and soul.
Lastly, this 2017,
DARE TO BEGIN.
