The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world, with the festive spirit kicking off as early as September. As soon as the “ber” months begin, malls start decorating with Christmas lights and trees, and familiar holiday tunes begin playing—ushering in four months of joyful anticipation and cultural warmth.
Kat recently celebrated her milestone 40th birthday with a blend of simplicity and intimacy. The day included a Japanese lunch, a shopping trip to Uniqlo, and a cozy family gathering at home. After 25 years together and 12 years of marriage, the celebration reflected deep love, shared growth, and excitement for the future.
Joyce participated in a district-level inter-school chess competition, finishing 4th out of over 40 female players and earning a bronze medal. She had a 3–2 win-loss record, and a win in her final match could have secured silver and a spot in the nationals. Her school, St. Cyr Academy, won overall gold by points against 20 schools.
Interestingly, a physical exam was required for the chess tournament—a surprising but understandable precaution given the scale of the event. With students traveling and competing for long hours, organizers likely wanted to ensure everyone’s health and safety, even in a mentally focused sport like chess. Joyce also celebrated Araw ng Wika at school, proudly wearing a Filipiniana outfit that honored Filipino heritage. The event featured performances and activities that celebrated the richness of the Filipino language and culture, allowing students to connect with their roots in a meaningful way.
On the entertainment front, two K-dramas made it to the watchlist: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Unlock My Boss. The former was a new release with a whimsical mix of food, royalty, and romance, while the latter was a quirky tech-mystery series picked up while waiting for other episodes. Both added variety and charm to the viewing experience.
Meanwhile, internet connectivity has been spotty in the area, with GLOBE/GOMO fiber experiencing intermittent issues. The recent heat and rain may have affected the infrastructure, causing slowdowns and dropouts. Users are hoping for swift diagnostics and repairs to restore stable service. These moments—whether festive, personal, competitive, cultural, or everyday—paint a vivid picture of life’s rhythm: celebrations, challenges, and small joys that make each season memorable.
This Month's Quote
Markets are driven by fear and greed - know which one’s in control.
Ber-months Christmas is Near
Longest Christmas...
The Philippines really does have one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. It’s only the start of the “ber” months, and I can already feel the holiday spirit. Some SM malls have Christmas trees and lights up, and even a few Christmas songs are starting to play in the background. It’s funny but also heartwarming—four months of anticipation, decorations, and little reminders that Christmas here isn’t just a day, it’s a whole season of joy and togetherness. It’s Christmas in the Philippines, and yes, we know—it’s only September..
Katrina's Birthday just turn 40s
Mid-life literally...
Kat just entered her fabulous 40s, and we marked the occasion with a mix of simple joys and heartfelt moments. We kicked off the celebration with a cozy Japanese lunch—her favorite—followed by a relaxed shopping spree at Uniqlo where she picked out a few stylish pieces. Later in the day, we gathered with her family at the apartment, sharing laughter, stories, and a thoughtfully prepared food set that made the evening feel extra special. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was intimate, meaningful, and very us.
It’s incredible to think that I’ve known Kat for 25 years now. We’ve been married for about 12 of those years, and the journey we’ve shared has been nothing short of transformative. A lot can happen in a decade—career shifts, family milestones, quiet victories, and the kind of growth that only time and love can bring. Through it all, we’ve built a life rooted in trust, humor, and shared dreams.
As we look ahead to our fifties, sixties, and beyond, there’s a quiet excitement in knowing that the best chapters may still be unwritten. We’re embracing the future with gratitude, curiosity, and a deep commitment to each other. Here's to growing older together—with grace, adventure, and love that keeps evolving.
Medical Exam for the Competition
Medical for chess competition...
It’s quite amusing that a physical exam is required for a chess competition—after all, it’s not exactly a physically demanding sport. But considering this is a district-level inter-school event, I understand why the organizers would implement standard precautions. These requirements likely ensure that all participants are in good health, especially since the event involves travel, long hours of concentration, and interaction among students from different schools. It’s part of a broader effort to maintain safety and accountability, even in activities that are primarily mental rather than physical.
Chess Competion for Primary Students in Private School
Chess for kids...
Joyce earned a well-deserved bronze medal, placing 4th out of more than 40 female chess players who competed in the district-level inter-private school tournament. Her performance was impressive, especially considering the level of competition and the pressure of representing her school. She finished with a 3-win, 2-loss record—just one win shy of securing the silver medal. Her final match was a nail-biter, and had she clinched that last victory, she would have moved up to second place, qualifying for the city-level competition. Still, her achievement speaks volumes about her skill, focus, and determination. St. Cyr Academy, the school she represented, also had a stellar showing, winning the overall gold by points against 20 participating schools. Their collective effort and strategic play across all boards made them the top-performing school in the tournament.
Araw ng Wika and Filipiniana
Celebrating a heritage...
Joyce recently celebrated Araw ng Wika with pride and elegance, joining her school’s festivities in full cultural spirit. She wore a beautiful Filipiniana ensemble, perfectly capturing the essence of traditional Filipino heritage. Her outfit reflected the rich history and artistry of our culture—graceful, dignified, and vibrant.
The event itself was a meaningful tribute to the Filipino language and identity, filled with performances, speeches, and activities that honored our roots. Joyce’s participation wasn’t just about dressing up—it was a celebration of national pride and a chance to connect with the values and traditions that shape who we are.
Kdrama Bon Appetite Your Majesty and Unlock My Boss
Monthly drama series...
We recently wrapped up two K-dramas: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Unlock My Boss. Both offered something unique and kept us entertained in different ways. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty was a fresh release, and we dove into it right away. It had a charming blend of romance, food, and royal flair—lighthearted but surprisingly heartfelt. The culinary scenes were a treat, and the storyline had just enough whimsy to keep us hooked. Unlock My Boss, on the other hand, was a spontaneous pick while waiting for new episodes of other shows. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The mix of tech, mystery, and humor made for an intriguing watch, and the concept of a CEO trapped inside a smartphone was both quirky and thought-provoking. It’s always fun discovering new series and seeing how different genres play out. These two definitely added variety to our watchlist.
GOMO Fiber Intermittent Internet Connection Issues
Terrible telco service
The GLOBE/GOMO fiber connection in our area has been quite unstable lately. We've been experiencing intermittent slowdowns and occasional dropouts, which have made online tasks more frustrating than usual. It’s possible that the recent bouts of intense heat and heavy rain have affected the outdoor fiber infrastructure—moisture intrusion, thermal expansion, or even minor physical damage to exposed lines could be contributing to the issue. Given that fiber optics are sensitive to environmental conditions, especially in tropical climates like ours, it wouldn’t be surprising if the weather played a role. Hopefully, the service providers are already working on diagnostics and repairs to restore consistent connectivity soon.