They say old habits die hard and this is one that has been on my mind for a very long time now. I might not be able to answer everything with as much gusto as before but I will try.
I keep saying one day I’ll change the questions to this answer but heck, we all know I’m sentimental and something about reading what I wrote when I was 16 now that I’m 35 is the epitome of that.
So let’s go…
1.Will you be looking for a new job?
Answered in 2006: i will try to find another way to make money so, yeah, i guess.
Answered in 2007: uhm, i think i’ll just add whatever i can think of aside from selling munchkins cuz i can’t do that in COLLEGE. so yeah, maybe. i’m always trying to find different ways to make money anyways. lmao.
Answered in 2008: no. i see myself as a nurse now. amazingly. yeah, i am as SHOCKED as you are.
Answered in 2009: as much as i appreciate my parents for sending me to college, nursing will never be something i love and i won’t stop reaching for that thing that’ll bring me contentness so yes, i will. but i’m speaking ahead of myself.
Answered in 2010: I have been unemployed all of my life, unfortunately. But this year I am going to try to make some extra income. I have my hopes set high for being a certified blogger in the Cebu scene.
Answered in 2011:It doesn’t really matter what I’m doing specifically. I just want the passion and the drive to do it and to keep doing it for a very long time.
Answered in 2013: I hope not. I am FINALLY working for the family business, the business I’ve been wanting to work under for as long as I can remember. I’m here now, I’m going to make the most out of it.
Answered in 2014: Ironically, last year I was in love with a job I currently hate so I guess life really is full of surprises. I like my NEW job and I intend to open up a few businesses so hopefully next year, I’ll be able to say that it was a success!
Answered in 2015: If there’s anything I’ve learned about myself, it is that I cannot keep a day job to save my life and that I like to manage my own time. So for as long as what I do allows me to do so while paying for the bills, then count me in!
Answered in 2016: https://issatalks.wordpress.com/2016/12/
Answered in 2017: Last year I entered 2017 with very little expectations. I had no plans, no dreams- just the hope that something interesting would happen. I took 2017 as my year of figuring out what I really wanted to do because I never want to look back at a missed opportunity knowing that I never tried. Growing up I always said I wanted to be an actress so in 2017, I tried it out and was able to get a non speaking role for Adober’s original series, Unspoken Rules which has gathered over 3 million views on Facebook. I also auditioned for an indie movie, worked in a commercial (which I mistakenly thought was my first but was actually not)- I’ve explored the world and industry of film and acting and am confident to say that if the opportunity comes in 2018, I would willfully take it head on. I dream of writing something beautiful one day and working in production and what not- we’ll see.
I took on more blogging and vlogging projects last year, which I realized is my true passion. I have been lucky in this industry to have been given the opportunity to take on great projects and although I often deal with your everyday entitled, stuck up millennial, I have also been blessed with the abilities to choose the right people and detach myself from the asses so despite all the drama the world of “influencers” and their constant fight for popularity, I have remained sane and immune.
In all these endevours, plus working online, I was able to balance and have time to do more. I was still bored, I was craving for more creative outlets and this is how my podcast, IssaTalks started. It was a running idea which I jumped into head on and just a few months in, I was able to represent the Philippines’ (for the first time) during International Podcast day and it’s just been an awesome time since then.
But it still wasn’t enough. I still craved for more and this is how H&S Clothing came into play. H&S Clothing is not anything amazing, it’s simply me taking over our family business, the business that was able to put me and 2 other siblings through college while providing us with a good life and in 2018, I’m going to work extra hard to provide for my 1st family and eventually for my own.
Answered in 2018: Yes and no. My line of work requires me to work with multiple brands & companies so this year, I wish to continue to grow my portfolio both for H&S and issaplease. I wish to create better and smarter content and to become a well- known brand and also for H&S to be recognized as a leader in apparel manufacturing.
I wish for more opportunities and experiences in terms of my client base and of course, I want to keep giving public talks hopefully on an international platform.
Answered in 2019: I never addressed it publicly but this year we closed down H&S Clothing. At the middle of the year, when the decision had to be made, I was absolutely devastated. I felt like I had let myself down & the many things I had planned for it and the business my parents created.
In 2018, I was given the opportunity to have my own show and I jumped into it head first without even second guessing it. I was willing to juggle H&S Clothing, wedding planning and eventually a marriage, blogging & vlogging because tbh, I wanted to have it all- at my own expense.
In 2019, when Bayhana launched, we realized that something had to give and we chose H&S for multiple reasons. I don’t regret it but I often times miss it and feel immense remorse for the livelihoods that I no longer provide for but for the most part, I am extremely contented and relieved with my decision.
Next year I am taking on the role of Chief Talent Officer for BaiTv while continuing to do Bayhana, I will work beside Paolo for our now businesses (internet cafes & a couple cafe’s) and who knows, I might even be a mom! So… I think that’s a lot.
Answered in 2025: Life update: I am now a registered *content creator*- do with that what you may.
It’s nice that my industry is finally seen as a “real” profession and I am more than blessed to be able to do what I do and make what I make from the comforts of my own home.
To sustain the dry months I also create content for a few brands & personalities and as fun & frustrating as that can get, I am content.
I intend to keep this job, hopefully for a long time while adding a few other notches to my belt. Maybe help out in the poultry? Maybe open my own business? Everything is a possibility.
2.Will you be looking for a new relationship?
Answered in 2006: i don’t know if i wanna put myself in a “serious relationship” situation or if i like playing around. so, right now, i think i’ll take whatever comes.
Answered in 2007: no. i’m happy with the one i’m in now.
Answered in 2008: no. i love having a boyfriend. and most of all, i love james. no matter what.
Answered in 2009: i hate reading my previous answers. i was so naive. yes, i will be looking for a new relationship. hopefully this time it will be a healthy one and this time i will be truly happy.
Answered in 2010: Well, it’s nice to know that SOME dreams come true. I did find myself a good and happy relationship and I do hope that this is the one for me. Since I’ve started, I’ve never really liked speaking so soon but with Paolo, he makes me believe in a forever.
Answered in 2011: I’m in a relationship now and I really don’t feel the need to find another one. Hopefully not though.
Answered in 2013: God, I hope not.
Answered in 2014: HEEEE. NO. :>
Answered in 2015: 4 years and I am still in love with the same man. I like where I am.
Answered in 2017: No, because we’re ENGAGED!
Answered in 2018: I now see that I’ve been looking at this answer the wrong way. Al this time I’ve always related this question with romantic inclinations but I think this year I’m going to answer it a bit differently. This year our family is going to grow so I do look forward to creating deep and meaningful relationships with my new family. I also look forward to better friendships with the friends I already have and fruitful relationships healthy for business & growth.
Answered in 2019: Gimme a second to say this… WE’RE MARRIED!!!
2025: 6 years in, 15 (?) years together and Paolo is still the best thing I have ever chosen in my entire life. He’s a great partner, a great father- he drives me nuts and sometimes I wanna kick him out of the house but if I ever did, God knows I’d chase after him the second I do.
3. New house?
Answered in 2006: hopefully. i wanna go back to apas.:(
Answered in 2007: god knows how much i want to.
Answered in 2008: oh god. i wish!
Answered in 2009: for the first time, i’m happy in this little house. i’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how big my house is as long as i have a happy family.
Answered in 2010: No. Sun Valley is growing on me. Lol
Answered in 2011: I’m hoping to move out. But we’ll see if I have the money and the willpower to do so. If not in 2011 then maybe the next.
Answered in 2013: If the pay is good, the rent is cheap and place is close to work then yes, by all means!
Answered in 2014: Maybe, maybe not. BUT IN YOUR FACE 2013, I MOVED OUT!
Answered in 2015: Truthfully thinking about it. Very, very much.
Answered in 2017: Looking and hoping while having severe separation anxiety from the thought of leaving our little haven. I love it here.
Answered in 2018: This year Paolo and I moved from our studio unit apartment to a 2 bedroom apartment to a 85 sqm condominium in the heart of the city. It was generously lent to us by Paolo’s parents so we could save money for the wedding but in truth, I wish we could stay here forever. We haven’t really talked about moving because in reality, property is sooo freakin’ expensive but we’ll see.
Answered in 2019: We are currently living in the same condo from last year. We’ve been talking about moving but we haven’t made any concrete plans yet. I know this is gonna sound so tacky but honestly, it doesn’t matter where I live as long as we are together. I love Paolo so much. Even he just walked by me saying, “ok, it’s time for pooping”.
2025: 7 years here, this is home. We don’t know until when and I still don’t want to leave but this place is so special. So so special.
4. What will you do different in 07?
Answered in 2006: i will embrace everyday. i won’t let too many things pass me by and I will take more chances. that means, find the guts to sneak out.
Answered in 2007: this year, i’m going to live more. appreciate more, curse LESS, for once in my life i will be OPTIMISTIC! care more, earn more, continue to take more chances, pay more attention, learn to listen, control my temper better, love more, pray more, fight for myself more, be more independent, be better, be stronger, be smarter, be more responsible, PARTY MORE!, mean what i say more and i will not forget to ALWAYS BE REAL. dami.
Answered in 2008: this year, i’m going to focus on my studies and try my best to be a better girlfriend. i just realized that maybe the reasons why i was such a bad gf to james is because i’m selfish. i’ll try to change that. but then again, it’s hard to break old habits ;]
Answered in 2009: for the first time, i’m happy in this little house. i’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how big my house is as long as i have a happy family.
Answered in 2010: . I’m going to try to be a better person in general this year. Less judgmental and maybe I’ll try to not always have the need to have an opinion on everyone/ everything.
Answered in 2011: I don’t know. I refuse to think about these kinds of things either.
Answered in 2013: I really don’t know. To be honest, I haven’t really thought that much about the new year. Maybe I’ll just play it by ear. Oh, maybe in 2014 I’ll try to remember more.
Answered in 2014: Be more diligent with work and business but will also to be sure to reward myself by traveling more.
Answered in 2015: More: work, travel, laughs, exploring more options and practicing my creativity, exercise Less: unwise spending, eating, alcoholing and smoking
Answered in 2017: Definitely a huge change in lifestyle choices. It’s not just about me at this point, as weird as it is to say, it’s about our future children and trying to live as long as possible to see them grow up while living a full life with our future family. omg. am I seriously saying these things??
Answered in 2018: I’ve made a promise to myself to be smarter when it comes to work. I want to increase my knowledge & skills and implement the goals and plans I set for myself and for others. I wish to be more enthusiastic in terms of wedding planning (HAHA), to try and manage my anger in a more effective and less harmful way, I intend to be smarter with my money and to be more fruitful in terms of work. I think I’m a little more motivated this time around since the dust has settled and I know which parts of my life I really want to concentrate on. In the last years everything was trial and error and everything was a bit of a blur but there’s a little bit more certainty.
Answered in 2019: 2019 was really about having to come to terms with a lot of things. (Paolo just screamed TONG ITS! I felt like it was important to document) I had to face the harsh reality that I cannot do everything- which was so painful to do.
So in the next year, I won’t force myself to do everything half heartedly, instead I really have to identify my priorities and focus on that entirely. I still need to figure those things out but I’ll eventually let you know how that goes. lol
2025: I realize that I have a bad habit of either not giving myself enough credit or being completely obnoxious over things I am mediocre at. If there’s anything I want to change about myself next year it’s simply just saying things as it is and owning it.
All I can is- I have a vision board and it’s very specific. Will you see it? Oh yeah, here it is:
5. New Years resolution?
Answered in 2006: not to slouch not to write on myself wear more colors embrace things more etc. etc.
Answered in 2007: i don’t have any this year
Answered in 2008: oh, you just have to wait for that.
Answered in 2009: to do things differently and not based on the fears i have based from past relationships.
Answered in 2010: I’ve realized that resolutions are short lived but so far, I have achieved most of my resolutions and for this year, I wish:
- To be more goal oriented
- To eat healthier (VEGETABLES!!)
- To pay off my debt (Php 6,500.00)
- To find a way to make extra income
- To make my hosting debut (if I get it) a stepping stone for my career
- To stop writing blasphemous entries on my xanga
- To drink at least 5 glasses of water a day
Answered in 2011: I have none
Answered in 2013: To be more accommodating to my mom & siblings and be around more since my papa isn’t around…
Answered in 2014: MAYBE TO EAT HEALTHIER! And to work out. I’m going to sign up to the gym… ON MONDAY!
Answered in 2015: Bitaw guys, true na gyud ni. To work out and lose 10 pounds. :’))
Answered in 2017: To stop smoking, to save money and to lose weight.
Answered in 2018: I have s very, veryyy long list of resolutions or goals, as I like to call them but just to be shallow- I would really like to fit into my wedding dress! HAHA
Answered in 2019:
- To create honest, well thought of content for Bayhana
- To be more conscious in terms of health and lifestyle
- To be a better wife to Paolo
I usually do this bit on a piece of paper on my journals so I’m really gonna have to get back to you on this one, too!
2025: Not resolutions more of things I would like to achieve for myself- mostly work related which should not be the case but I need to know that I have provided for myself.
6. What will you not be doing in 07?
Answered in 2006: kissing random boys.
Answered in 2007: running away from home, getting into HUGE fights with james, slipping away from my friends, having PMS, cursing as much, loosing/ wasting money
Answered in 2008: all the things i said i wouldn’t do last year. Hehe
Answered in 2009: kissing random boys and getting too drunk.
Answered in 2010: I make myself laugh. Getting into trouble because of xanga; getting into any more fights with my family; hitting Paolo
Answered in 2011: Loosing myself and forgetting my priorities.I will not be so angry and temperamental. I will not allow myself to destroy the things that are good for me.
Answered in 2013: I cannot say. There are no limits in this life… or so I’ve learned.
Answered in 2014: Shutting my doors to the possibilities of anything.
Answered in 2015: Getting myself into trouble or rubbing shoulders with the wrong type of people. 2. Forgetting where I came from.
Answered in 2017: Hopefully bankrupt.
Answered in 2018: Filing for bankruptcy. I will not go broke. I will also not shut down any of businesses, lose anything to theft or arson, I will not be getting into any accidents, public altercations and anything of the like.
Answered in 2019: First of all, boop. Sorry 2018, Issa. I did the thing I said I would not do. lol.
Anyways, in 2020 I will not: I don’t know. I will not… die?
Seriously, I will not lose sight of what is important to me.
2025: NO MORE PARKING/ DRIVING CITATIONS IN 2026!! (How bold of me)
7. Any trips planned?
Answered in 2006: moal boal. but knowing my mother, that won’t push through!
Answered in 2007: none so far.
Answered in 2008: none so far.
Answered in 2009: to your heart HAHAHA
Answered in 2010: maybe to go somewhere with Paolo because we’ve never done that before.
Answered in 2011: Manila. Boracay. China. Anywhere good for business
Answered in 2013: China (for business & pleasure), Somewhere local (with Paolo), Bangkok (with friends)… But I’ll have to get a passport first. -.-
Answered in 2014: Siargao, Manila & Korea!
Answered in 2015: Manila, Malapascua, the States (hopefully!), Palawan and hopefully somewhere nice with Paolo. (We deserve it!)
Answered in 2017: Manila, anywhere we can CAMP/ GLAMP, hoping for Hong Kong/ Japan. Dreaming of going back to the motherland.
Answered in 2018: Paolo and I intend to go on a Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon and I also really want to be able to go to the States this year. I also have a Palawan trip planned thanks to Cebu Pacific but I also really want to go to Bangkok, Japan, Korea and maybe back to Singapore. I also hope that all the trips be sponsored. lol.
Answered in 2019: Paolo and I have yet to go on our honeymoon and I still wish for this to happen for us because it feels like things will be in a better place this 2020. I keep saying this and I hope this is the year but I hope to finally be able to go back to the States to visit my family. Honestly, if I could have it my way- I’d be traveling every month. hahaha. Be careful what you wish for, Issa.
2025: Manila hopefully in March for My Chemical Romance and for my US Visa, The US, maybe Davao for work and if I could have it my way I’d go back to Japan, take a trip to Korea, hit up Japan and if I’m insane go to Europe. With what money? Insanity is a currency.
8. Wedding plans?
Answered in 2006: aunt Debbie
Answered in 2007: mine
Answered in 2008: hopefully none of my friends.
Answered in 2009: no ones. hopefully. Still
Answered in 2010: I’m currently engaged and maybe soon. 2019 EDIT: ISSA, NO YOU WERE NOT. HAHAHAHA
Answered in 2011: Definitely not for myself.
Answered in 2013: Yes, but not mine.
Answered in 2014: Yes, but not mine. [same answer as last year]
Answered in 2015: Not mine.
Answered in 2017: This is so weird but yes. A big fat YES!
Answered in 2018: Yes! We are set to wed in April 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the St. Francis Xajier chapel with the reception to follow at the Grand Ballroom of Casino Español. The theme of the wedding will be bario fiesta decided on today and we would very much like cash instead of gifts. If anyone is reading this and does charity work, our house needs a paint job for the dress up so if you’re feeling generous- hit me up! HAHA
Answered in 2019: Can I just say- I am extremely proud of Paolo & I for actually being adults and getting married! I’m tearing up but I never thought me, Issa, one of the most f*cked up people in the universe, actually got her shit together and married the love of her life.
Will we do it again? Probably not after 10 years! (Paolo just won 22k on Tong Its Wars!)
But next year it’s my friend’s turns to get married. We have JV & Yuki, Nina & Chriad, Baril & Ditan and Iway & Matt. I think Mayjoy & Val are also getting married but I also think I’m wrong.
2025: for 2026? Faye’s wedding! Maybe Casey’s? Omg am I claiming it? Claiming itttt.
9. Major thing on your calendar?
Answered in 2006: PROM!
Answered in 2007: GRADUATION!!!
Answered in 2008: the end of my first year of COLLEGE!
Answered in 2009: Bohol with Bayot and just lots of fun trips with friends
Answered in 2010: Garland ceremony, thesis making, turning 21?
Answered in 2011: April 15, 2012 – Graduation! December 12, 2012
Answered in 2013: Maybe a second triathlon, A thrid year anniversary, Uhm… nothing, really.
Answered in 2014: Saying goodbye to my entire family who’ll be leaving for big bad America. THANKS FOR LEAVING ME HERE, BTW!
Answered in 2015: As of the moment: Being an Island Souvenirs’ Sinulog ambassador, applying for my Visa and travelling. But 2016 Issa will have to write about this instead…
Answered in 2017: Wedding planning, living situation planning, baby planning, businesses and the one million things I intend to do with my life.
Answered in 2018: Well, the wedding, of course. Traveling. BaiTv relaunching my Aye Bilat! series. H&S being on its second year of operations. So so many things.
Answered in 2019: Nothing is set in stone but in 2020 I wish to organize a Women’s Month event where we cater to different women and just celebrate! I actually have to start talking to people for this but if I can actually get this to happen, this would be stellar.
I would also like to work with more charities, get more paying projects (your girl’s gotta eat!), travel more, maybe get pregnant & give birth before my 30th and you know, casual things.
2025: North will start school soon and I really, really want to be able to go back to the States next year. I feel like it’s going to happen.
10. What can’t you wait for?
Answered in 2006: summer and sinulog and mega parties.
Answered in 2007: graduating, college, being 18, being able to party like a wild monkey and hopefully having a REALLY nice year with james.
Answered in 2008: good times. a life worth living. success in school.
Answered in 2009: graduation so it’ll finally be over with.
Answered in 2010: This year? Turning a year with Paolo and achieving all my dreams.
Answered in 2011: I cannot wait to graduate and start working and finally be able to go to design school
Answered in 2013: A car, a new place to live, Paolo’s 711 to open, A possible new business
Answered in 2014: Saving enough money to travel and maybe buy a car!
Answered in 2015: Finding out if I can see my papa again, more blogging opportunities and being able to work with bigger brands, a more fruitful year for Paolo and I
Answered in 2017: Honestly, I don’t know. As much as I enjoy the thought of being married to Paolo, it’s not necessarily something I absolutely cannot wait for simply because I want to enjoy being engaged, planning the wedding and the last few moments we have before trying to start our own family. But I am definitely excited to have human babies and fur babies and scaley babies.
Answered in 2018: I just can’t wait to have everyone I love in the same room together. I can’t wait to see Miguel again.
Answered in 2019: I just can’t wait to see where life will take me in the next year. I don’t know what to expect but I know it’s going to be amazing!
2025: I can’t wait for me to decide whether or not we’re going to have a second child. It’s more of a when at this point if I’m being completely honest. I just constantly wonder when I’m going to be ready for it.
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
Answered in 2006: the player falling for the princess and the princess not catching him
Answered in 2007: my relationship with my family. i just want PEACE.
Answered in 2008: my papa’s health fully restored.
Answered in 2009: i just want to be happy this year. no more drama. i would want everything to be easy for me for once. i wanna be the lucky one.
Answered in 2010: I would want to see a miracle happen with my lolo. I want him to be normal again.
Answered in 2011: I would like to actually do something that I am passionate about for once. And also have things change with me and my papa. I can’t always be his little girl.
Answered in 2013: I’d like to be more emotionally in control this year. Meaning, less crying, less over analyzing, bickering, competing. I feel like I have all this negativity cramped up in such a small body and I just want to be a better person- physically, emotionally and maybe even spiritually. I want to be more in control over myself and handle everything in a manner wherein I feel like I’m in killer heels and an expensive dress- even in my sleep.
Answered in 2014: I don’t know….
Answered in 2015: A stronger, more resilient and confident version of myself. Not someone who’s a push over or is afraid of conflict though I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing. Oh, I don’t know, really. Maybe I would just like to see a few people go home to where they’re from. lol.
Answered in 2017: 2017 was the best because I came into it with very little expectations which I think was the best thing I ever did so I’d like to keep doing this, as much as possible from now on
Answered in 2018: While there’s not much that I would change I would like to not have as many financial problems and mishaps. I had so much to learn in terms of money this year as H&S has become my sole property (but of course, mom gets her share.). I want to say that I am financially stable and not just depending on one source of income. I would also really like to not get stuck creatively and be able to balance out my priorities more effectively .
Answered in 2019: I would like to say that in 2020 I would like to not be so emotionally burdened by my grandmother. But saying that would mean that she would actually have to die and we don’t want that so instead, I would like to see myself handle my stress a lot better.
I would like to be able to carry myself with more finesse and not have to feel like I am carrying the weight on my shoulders or if impossible, so burdened by it. That’s asking for a lot. Nevermind. lol.
2025: I want to be a better mom for North. I often feel like the walls of motherhood closing in on me and I need to remember that he’s not going to be this little forever. I want to stop being so pressed for time.
12. What about yourself will you be changing?
Answered in 2006: a l o t
Answered in 2007: a l o t
Answered in 2008: a lot
Answered in 2009: not much
Answered in 2010: how I handle my temper and how I treat people when I’m mad. especially Paolo.
Answered in 2011: Yeah, I refuse to answer questions like this. Completely pointless.
Answered in 2013: Refer to 11. & 5.
Answered in 2014: I need to stop being a pampered princess and rough it up a bit, for sure.
Answered in 2015: I am currently in the process of trying to be more motivated to work and thrive in a very competitive environment. This is not a new year’s resolution, I repeat. This is NOT a new year’s resolution. It is in fact, something that I have been trying to cope with for a while. I used to deal with being too competitive with other people without them knowing it and since I have overcome that, I feel like the opposite of that has turned out to be passiveness. I would like to find the right mix between determination without being too resentful of the things I do not have.. whatever that mix is.
Answered in 2017: Can I please be skinny this year? Oh, my work ethic
Answered in 2018: My weight. My anger. My time management. My priorities. My finances. My health.
Answered in 2019: It is always towards this part of the survey I realize what an angry person I tend to be HAHA Have I never learned to manage my anger after all these years? lol.
But, in fairness to me, I have improved. I can now identify which situations require my attention and what things I allow to affect me. I’ve gotten quite good at that but I still tend to be overly emotional. I’ll admit that and I guess I’ll keep trying to improve that aspect about me. When it comes to my anger, I guess I need to work on how I approach confrontation and listening to what Paolo has to say. I hate to say this but sometimes I blank out when he start talking and I know he hates that. hahaha.
Also, I really need to start creating better habits and routines. I’ve been all over the place lately.
2025: public answer: nothing, I’m perfect.
Between you & me: nothing, I’m perfect. And this question is and has always been redundant.
13. What happened in 06 that you didnt think would ever happen?
Answered in 2006: HAHA. a lot!
Answered in 2007: GOD. first, having a REAL boyfriend, leaving the house, maintaining my grades
Answered in 2008: being hit by james…
Answered in 2009: breaking up with james and picking myself from all the mess. being able to move on and find myself. even though it was such a hard process.
Answered in 2010: meeting Paolo, making it all the way to the 3rd year, auditioning for something in college, my lolo having a stroke. EVERYTHING. i never expected anything to happen this year. Maybe that was the beauty of it all.
Answered in 2011:I never thought that I would stumble and have to pick myself up so many times this year. Too many times.
Answered in 2013: I NEVER thought I would get laid off, The earthquake, Yolanda, My sudden obsession over shoes & dresses, My addiction to board games, Learning how to cook, Given power in the company (the best, by far)
Answered in 2014: Hating a job I had waited forever to get, moving out (again) and more permanently, finding a new job, and just becoming my own new person.
Answered in 2015: Being friends, if not, closer to my biological father. Being given all the opportunities I have been given this year (contracts, ambassadorships, sponsors, features, etc.)
Answered in 2017: Moving into our beautiful home with Paolo (twice), starting a podcast, taking over a business, being in various ads, getting engaged and making more friends despite saying that I no longer needed any.
Answered in 2018: Well for one, I didn’t expect mama & Miguel to actually and finally move to the States. I didn’t expect to have to take over the role of my mother in the familial setting and I didn’t expect to be able to run H&S Clothing and not completely run it to the ground. lol.
Answered in 2019: I never thought that H&S would actually close. It was so easy for me to do and I sometimes feel guilty for not feeling too guilty about it. I sleep better, I’m less angry and I no longer feel like I am alone. I don’t like talking about it though so pls. don’t ask me about it. I haven’t really confronted myself about it. I think it’s shame.
But also, I also never thought that I would have my own show- Bayhana. I never thought that I could positively affect so many people that way we are able to through the show. There were so many hesitations at first- would people understand it, would people like it, moreover, would they like ME. Was I actually going to do THIS, was I actually going to do THAT but now we are 17 episodes in, 4.7 million views on my first video, an average of 50k views/ video, a community of 800 people and counting and just so many things to be grateful for.
I also never thought that Paolo & I would actually get married and in the fashion that we did. It was honestly one of the best days of my life and we remember it so fondly- even if we can’t actually remember the last parts of it. We got f*ck faced, if you haven’t realized the context yet. There were so many things about the wedding that I never thought would happen but I’m so happy that they did and I could truly go on forever and I will. In bits and pieces.
Lastly, I cannot believe that God has given me such an amazing life. I am grateful everyday for the amazing opportunities and I can’t wait for what else is in store for us.
2025: For starters, I never thought I would co-found The Cebu Creators Circle and that it would matter to me so much as it actually does. I love this group so much and I want to do good by it and hopefully, we can.
For another, I never thought that I would make so many interesting friendships this year. As someone who pretty much shut herself out for no apparent reason, I’ve made a lot of good friends this year. And because I want to remember this forever, I particularly mean Angela, Irene, Doyzkie, Dookie, Didong and Bryan. Very grateful for these people.
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about?
Answered in 2006: uhm .. i have to think about it.
Answered in 2007: GOD. first, having a REAL boyfriend, leaving the house, maintaining my grades
Answered in 2008: oh yes
Answered in 2009: yeah, i know who my friends are now and i know who i cherish and i’m not going to make the same mistakes i made before.
Answered in 2010: definitely.
Answered in 2011: Without a doubt in my mind.
Answered in 2013: I will try. The ones we care about are always the easiest to hurt.
Answered in 2014: Even to the ones I don’t.
Answered in 2015: Even to the ones I don’t. (Same as last year). “Kill them with kindness.” or just bug the fuck out of them!
Answered in 2017: Yes, absolutely!
Answered in 2018: Yes, I guess so. lol. I think that my patience has grown a lot this year but I also think that I need to be a little firmer. I need to be more expressive and not always be too scared to hurt others feelings. I’m always so afraid of having a negative effect on peoples’ lives out of fear that I can’t take back the things that I say so I lash out to people I don’t actually care about but I think there’s some backlash in that. It’s hard to forgive someone you don’t know especially when there’s no backbone to your inclination to hurt them but when it’s someone you love, I think it’s different. I don’t exactly know what my point is but basically… I’m going to be speaking up and out a bit more.
Answered in 2019: Here is my concept: I will be nice to the people I care about, I will be nice to those I do not care about but I will not let people push me around and abuse me.
2025: ykw, I am a very nice person now and that’s A BIG CHANGE coming from me.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 06?
Answered in 2006: i hope i gain some fashion sense this year!
Answered in 2007: if i can afford to then, why not
Answered in 2008: i can FINALLY afford to so yes, it will.
Answered in 2009: it depends
Answered in 2010: I’m always up to a challenge.
Answered in 2011: I’ve learned that style and taste are things that you are born with and not really something you acquire. So whether or not I choose to dress up or down, my only wish is to do so with grace and class.
Answered in 2013: No, I still dress up like my cabinet puked on me.
Answered in 2014: Always.
Answered in 2015: I cannot say.
Answered in 2017: I cannot say.
Answered in 2018: As a matter of fact, I do intend to. I want to be more feminine in my fashion. I wanna wear pretty dresses and nice fitting clothes. I swallowed myself in loose garments this year because I was so conscious of my weight. Didn’t help that specific people around me would rub my weight gain in my face so I couldn’t stand to even look at myself in anything that was tight hugging. I’m not saying that I suddenly gained this amazing boost of confidence of 2019 swept in but I plan to try and work on my body and at the same time try and find clothes that look good on me and my body without being so goddamn conscious.
Answered in 2019: We’ll see. I don’t know if I’ve ever said this out loud but I find this question totally unnecessary.
2025: I love fashion- always have, always will and I will continue to dress myself in Shein, thirifted and hand me downs until further notice. But also, mom gave me her Omega watch and Tiffany & Co. bracelet and I’m so soft for that.
16. Will you start or quit smoking?
Answered in 2006: i might start. but idon’t see myself as a smoker, really.
Answered in 2007: if i wasn’t so darn committed to my boyfriend, i’d start.
Answered in 2008: if i wasn’t so darn committed to my boyfriend, i’d start.
Answered in 2009: stop.
Answered in 2010: haha. funny kaayo ni, grabeh! stop na. Stop.
Answered in 2011: Hoping to stop like I do every year.
Answered in 2013: Continue until further notice. (I’m just being realistic!)
Answered in 2014: –
Answered in 2015: Continue to quit! YEY!!! ^_^
Answered in 2017: Quit. It’s funny because on this survey you can trace the moments I decided to start followed by the many years I’ve decided to quit but PLEASE LET THIS BE THE YEAR. FOR OUR CHILDREN!
Answered in 2018: I intend to quit but let’s be honest, I’ve been saying this for the last 7 years. I’ve been buying vapes every year for the last 2 years and here I am, still a smoker. So up until I actually and successfully do- please wish me luck.
Answered in 2019: This year I broke 2 vapes. I barely touched them and yet they still broke. I just felt like saying that. But, I have also continued to quit smoking for the past 7-8 months with a few slip ups but for the most part, I don’t crave for cigarettes or vapes anymore so I think and I hope that finally after 11 years, I am actually able to put this bad habit of mine behind me.
2025: Ok so the REAL, REAL is that I quit all that shit for a while and then I obviously am weak so I started smoking again. When I finally decided that I was ready to have a child, I quit smoking and have been smoke free for the last 5 years. YAY!
BUT motherhood is hard and I have very bad coping skills so I picked up vaping again- sparingly. BUT I got a cough about 2 months ago and somehow forgot to vape and so I’ve been vape free-ish since then except for when Mayjoy came home and I had to speak on a very traumatic issue and vaped that night but other than that, I’m good.
Can’t say I don’t miss it though.
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
Answered in 2006: no. i don’t know. i just want my mm to shut up
Answered in 2007: yeah, i’ll try.
Answered in 2008: so far,i wouldn’t change anything. i like how my relationship with my family is na
Answered in 2009: yes, i’m going to be a better sister to casey and a more responsible sister to miguel. i will try to set a better example for them and most especially, i’m going to try harder with the Chua family. i never really cared much for family before but i guess you’ll learn how important it is in the long run.
Answered in 2010: one thing I’ve realized is that no matter how much you hate each other, family is family and at the end of the day- they’re the only ones you’ve got. If I can make things better than they already are then yes, that’s something I would want.
Answered in 2011: Yes. I will try to have the patience to not want to kill Casey, a longer attention span for Miguel, a more listening ear for my mom and I’ll try to be more understanding to my papa.
Answered in 2013: Yes, everyday I am working on it.
Answered in 2014: Definitely. But God, why is my mother so difficult to love??
Answered in 2015: Yes, always
Answered in 2017: I will be acquiring a new family soon and be starting our own. It’s always been about family and it will be about family.
Answered in 2018: Of course. It has and always will be about family.
Answered in 2019: Yes, and honestly, I really hope to start our own.
2025: You know motherhood is so hard and having a mother you’ve had a tumultuous relationship with while also being a mother is also hard. It’s taken a while but I’ve gotten to a place where I can separate this from that but keep things at bay and honestly- I’m in a good place now, finally.
There’s a lot of things I would like to have more time for and family is always a priority. Let’s put it at that.
18. Will you do charity work?
Answered in 2006: YES!
Answered in 2007: yeah, it’s my humble pie. :]
Answered in 2008: maybe not.
Answered in 2009: proli.i would like to.
Answered in 2010: Ako man ang kinahanglan ug charity oie.
Answered in 2011: If the opportunity presents itself then by all means, yes.
Answered in 2013: Hopefully. Been eyeing a few organizations already.
Answered in 2014: If given the opportunity, always.
Answered in 2015: If given the opportunity, yes.
Answered in 2017: By all means, yes.
Answered in 2018: This year I was given the opportunity to work with various charitable causes whether it was through donations or actual hands on work. Every experience was amazing and I do hope to be given more chances in 2019. I’ve been particularly interested in spreading awareness about Women’s Health and I wish to create an impact in that space whether it be through spreading awareness or through other charitable work. We’ll see how that goes…
2025: Yes, absolutely.
You know surprisingly, this did not take as long as I thought it would but also I don’t think I’m as introspective as I once was. You’d think that wouldn’t be the case but apparently, it is.
I’m close to my 3rd glass of wine now and I’ve already pulled 1 of my acrylic nails out so I think that’s my cue to go.
Happy New Year, bestie.
Luvya
Issa Talks... Alot 