issaplease

Wow. I can’t believe that it’s been 12 wonderful, crazy, long years! I am literally in tears looking back at all the memories I’ve been able to share to the online world and where this thing has taken me.

I started out blogging when I was 14 years old and back then, I was just an angsty teenager bumming off free midnight dial up internet trying to figure out HTML codes and what marquee effect would go best with my awesome customized cursor. Now, I’m not only Issatalks but I’m also Issaplease which allows me to talk about other things I love which are fashion, food, travel, family- LIFE.

I am the most grateful and blessed person in the world right now to have the things and knowledge (or sometimes, the lack of) that I have right now and once again, for the 11th year, allow me to share bits and pieces of knowledge and aspirations for the year that is to come!

2017

1. Will you be looking for a new job?

In 2017, I can foresee myself taking on new responsibilities which could mean a job or which could mean something else… I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to jinx it but you’ll definitely know when it happens!

2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?

We already know what that’s like. Both of us, actually. So, no.

3. New house?

Yes! I moved places in 2016 and as much as I love my tiny room, it wouldn’t hurt to have a bigger space.

4. What will you do different in 17?

I’m definitely going to do a lot of new things in 2017 but I’m going to try and keep 2016’s mindset of never closing my doors and continually discovering & exploring new things.

5. New Years’ resolutions?

To work hard on my craft.

6. What will you not be doing in 2014?

Forgetting to count my sheep, being so indecisive and revolving my world so much around one single person.

7. Any trips planned?

China! (I honestly don’t know why I’m saying this with so much enthusiasm. lol)

8. Wedding plans?

9. Major thing on your calendar?

Lots of vlogging and blogging projects, PAPA COMING HOME & other stuff

10. What can’t you wait for?

For my papa to come home!

11. What would you like to see happen differently?

Right now I just want the world to be a better place- less conflict, superficiality, entitlement, trash and traffic & more opportunities, creative outlets, respect and peace.

12. What about you will you be changing?

2016 was a rough journey which took a lot of self evaluation & reflection in order for me to find this peace which I feel like I now have towards 2017. There are so many things I wish I could have changed from the year that is about to pass but in reality, if I never experienced them, I never would have discovered this new person. So… I don’t really know what I’ll be changing in 2017. Maybe my hair color.

13. What happened in 2016 that you didn’t think would ever happen?

OH LORD, WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?!?

14. Will you be nice to the people you care about?

Always. If not, even more.

15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2016?

Sure.

16. Will you start or quit smoking?

Quit. I feel like I say this every year but the end of this year has been great in this genre. So let’s keep doing it!

17. Will you better your relationship with your family?

Of course, always.

18. Will you do charity work?

If given the opportunity, yes.

19. Will you go to bars?

Never really liked going to bars so I’m going to keep staying away from them.

20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?

I am ALWAYS nice to people I don’t know.

21. Do you expect 2017 to be a good year for you?

Yes because 2016 sucked the life out of me!

22. How much did you change from this time ‘til now?

A whole lot. I don’t even feel like I’m the same person sometimes! Well, not really. But I feel great about myself and I feel like I am so much stronger than I ever was so that’s a great way to feel and to start the new year.

23. Do you plan have on having a child?

We will just have to see. (woah!)

24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with?

I have been blessed with more friends in this life that I could ever need and if God wants to bless me with even more, than by all means, why not?

25. Major lifestyle changes?

Most likely, yes. :>

26. Will you be moving?

Hopefully by the end of 2017 but we’ll have to see how things work out.

27. What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 2017?

No more break ups in 2017, please!!

28. What are your New Year’s Eve plans?

The usual dinner with family. Lots of love & cheer for this festive season ❤

29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?

No matter the circumstances, no matter how much 2016 tested us- I will be kissing the same person I have been kissing for 5 years. Gaaah!

30. One wish for 2017?

For it to be kind, fruitful, travel/ adventure/ family & love filled. Only good things for 2017 and for forever.

[2004-2005] [2006] [2007] [2009] [2010] [2011] [2012] [2013] [2014] [2015]

We all have something to be grateful for this year whether if it’s the opportunity to share your thoughts to the world, to be kind to one another, to be of service, to provide others with a wonderful experience or to even just be alive! This year, Air Asia shares with us a heartfelt reminder of the things we ought to be grateful for and their thank you’s for being able to provide us with a wonderful traveling experience through their world- class service of the world’s best low- cost airline.

I would also like to take this opportunity to share 12 things that I am more than thankful for from the year 2016…

Being able to have a voice.

I am just one tiny person in this vast universe but through blogging and now, vlogging, I have the opportunity to share my thoughts; ideas & talents with the world. I never thought that my opinion or skills would be appreciated or yearned for but through your emails, comments, likes, shares & so much more, I feel like I am someone in this big bad world and that feels so great!

My favorites entries this year revolved around my personal struggles, realizations and experiences- things that I were scared to post online but surprisingly, the ones that garnered your love and appreciation. Here are a few:

2. The ultimate gift of family & friends.

I have been blessed with the gift of family & friends who have supported me all the way. Sure, I get teased a lot for being a “blogger” but they’re not just there for me when I need my photos or videos taken but most especially when it comes to being a shoulder I can cry on, designated drivers when I’m too drunk to function (yes, it’s happened!) and fulfilling my perpetual needs to discover the world.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for these people and I might not be able to name all of you but do know that you make my life so much better just because of your existence!

3. The Issatalks book.

Issatalks is and will always be my firstborn child. My blog is like a best friend, a sponge, an extension of who I am and sometimes, the Issa I wish I could show the world. This year Paolo gifted me with a hardbound copy of my blog entries from 2011- 2015 (but he promises to print the rest. hehe) as a way for me and us to remember our relationship when we lose our way. It’s been a rough (<- biggest understatement of the year!) for us but we’re stronger than ever and this book is more than just a reminder, it’s a dream come true. I can’t wait for the rest of the entries to be printed for my future library! ❤

4. New experiences.

2016 was a year of self realization, actualization and just finding out who I wanted to be and figuring out how to become that person. Along with this mantra, came a lot of wonderful experiences whether through travel, the people I surrounded myself with and just the things I did.

I moved back to the city, I joined more events, put myself out there some more and ventured into a new creative outlet- YOUTUBE.

5. Being under CPA MCN Adober’s Studio.

Gosh, it feels awesome to say it- I’m a Kapamilya! It’s been sort of a slow year for me in terms of vlogging as I’m still really trying to figure out what kind of content I want on my channel but given the circumstances, I am still blessed beyond comprehension as my craft and potential has been recognized by a network that breeds talent- ABS CBN. How many people get to say their under ABS CBN? A lot. lol. But still, I’m one of them!

6. Finding a support system in this industry.

A lot of you must think that being in the blogging/ vlogging industry is so “ma-showbiz” but it’s actually not the case. Sure, we have our moments, like every other group does but for the most part, we’re all just a bunch of normal, semi-crazy, insanely passionate people who share the same dreams and goals and try to help each other out!

I’ve found my rightful place in this world with my Cebu Fashion Bloggers and Adober’s Studio family. I’m at peace, I’m at home and gosh, I couldn’t ask for another support system like them!

7. Being able to work with different brands.

Gosh, I worked with so many brands and establishments this year sometimes I have trouble keeping up! It’s been such a hectic year and thinking about it now, I don’t even understand how I had the time to sulk and have moments of sadness. -.- I was given so many opportunities this year and I am grateful for each and everyone of them. I might not be able to name all of my favorites, but here’s to trying!

ZEE Lifestyle (for the Zee Lifestyle Directory) 2nd year in a row. Thank you always, Patty & Shari! Thank you for always remembering me!

Island Souvenirs (Thank you for giving me my first legit ad campaign and for my first runway show!)

Emporium. BTW, Congratulations on your 2nd and 3rd branch!

Gibbs’ Hot Wings. Coy, you always take such good care of me. I am forever grateful for you!

Paula Jiron of Pixie Dust for giving me the opportunity to work with G- Shock & Shockwear

ZEROTHREETWO. Mad love to the most down to earth people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting!

Pow Bao. If you haven’t tried their bao’s yet… why are you still here? Nah, jk! They’re now open at Ayala Center Cebu- drop by!

Bad Boys Wingz. I can love two wings places, right? Gino, Andrew & David- thank you always for the extra love. BEST BURGER IN CEBU, FOR SURE!

Sugbo Mercado. Thank you guys for always keeping me full! Also, they now have 3 branches: IT Park, Ayala Business Park & SRP. Go. NOW!

Laundry Clothing. Still my favorite bikini til this day. I can’t wait for summer 2017!

Palmolive

Huawei. Again, I’m sorry for losing my P9. It was the best 2 weeks of my life!

Sunnies Specs. Thanks for giving me better vision in 2016! I now have 2 specs from them. #howmanydoyoureallyneedanyways?

Tanduay. I seriously need more of the Silver edition. Yummm.

Beauty & Butter. Thank you for constantly spoiling me.

Rustans & Big Seed. Thank you for all the opportunities this year- the Beauty Addict event was liiiit!

Rustic Steps. Dear Maria, you’ll go far. ❤

Let’s Stylize. Honestly Feline, where would I be without you???

Ziya.

Bibo!

8. Being able to work with different photographers.

Honestly, what would my instagram feed and blog photos be without awesome photographers? Thank you for allowing me to be the subject of your photos, guys. I can’t wait for more collaborations in the coming year!

Nick Santos

Hub Pacheco

Jiri Dinsay

Angela.K

Griffith Solomon

John Ong

Mary Kay Busgano

Chan Tan

Roger Cas

And of course, to my TRIPOD!

9. To the Hair Goddess

Blanche, you’ve taken a break from blogging to welcome a wonderful life form into this crazy world but before your baby, you brought life to a world I never knew of before- CRAZY HAIR COLORS. I want to thank you and Angelique for introducing me to something that has brought me out of my comfort zone and has given me so much fun this year. If it weren’t for you, my hair would be alive, for one (haha), but dull and untaken care of. So thank you, I miss you and please date me soon!

10, 11 & 12. Love, adventure & a million lessons.

More than anything, I am grateful for the gift of love whether it be platonic, romantic or passion for the things that keep us alive. I have learned soo many lessons, gone on so many adventures and loved completely- almost dry. I am so much smarter and better than I ever have and as much as I loathed a lot of parts of 2016, I will fondly remember this year.

To the people I love, spent this year with, no longer keep in touch- thanks for keeping it real!

This post is extremely long and that is because I am extremely grateful!

2017, HERE WE COME!

Issa P.

Dearest eEesSuh (because this is how we USED to spell our name),

You are about to experience what will feel like the worst 4 years of your life but trust me when I say this: although a big part of this will still remain true in the future, it really wasn’t that bad.

Your college experience is going to be a lot different than what you had envisioned it to be because it will not be surrounded with lots of pretty rolls of cloth, tracing paper, draping or designing as you had originally wanted- instead, majority of you college years will be spent in a hair bun (kept together with A LOT of gel), a well-kept uniform, needles and sick people instead.

I know the decision to take nursing over a fashion designing major is as far-fetched as far-fetched can get but the first thing you need to come to terms with is that you are not the only person who had to temporarily but their dreams on hold. The keyword here is temporarily.

As you get to know more people in your short time in college, you will eventually realize that 80% of your peers also share the same sentiments and whether it was because of pressure, the American dream or mere indecisiveness- you are not alone. This truth should teach you a lesson in perseverance amidst adversity which we will discuss more later on…

Right now it must feel like the world is not on your side and that nobody trusts your decisions or sees your true potential. Wrong. The people you love are looking out for you and in a way, they are even setting the bar higher for you. You might not appreciate it now, but when this is all over, you will. You really will. So instead of giving up, try taking this as a challenge and see how far you can go in a situation that you dislike. In other words, make the universe work in your favor. Join a club, audition for the dance troupe, sign up for the choir, run for officer, participate in class- succeed in the ways you’ve always succeeded when the odds were in your favor. Never let the light inside of you burn out because that’s always the one thing you’ve taken pride of in yourself- your passion, your heart, your dreams. There is no reason to stop being that person.

Don’t be afraid to make new friends and stop hiding behind the thought that it’s pointless because you have nothing in common with anyone there. Remember that girl who you constantly catch drawing anime figures in her notebook instead of paying attention in class? Well, she eventually becomes an animator after this. Or that girl who always comes to class with a full face of makeup? She now owns a make up retailing outlet. Or what about that timid boy who secretly carries around a drawing book in his bag? He’s a designer now. And you, who constantly spent hours adoring clothes online or writing in her journal… you become so much more than your fears. There is so much more beyond the surface that you will never know of unless you get out of your comfort zone. Remember, people will surprise you and the same goes for yourself.

The harsh reality is that you’re already here whether you want to be or not and quite frankly, giving up is not and has never been an option for you so you might as well enjoy the ride. The best thing you can ever get out of this is the lessons you’ve learned whether if it’s about human anatomy, taking care of a child, caring for the sick and even for the dead. These are all things that you are privileged to learn so get off your high horse and realize as early as now that these lessons will become useful for you one day. The day will come when someone you love will fall ill and that is the day you will look back and say, “I’m lucky to have learned this” and surprisingly, it will come sooner than you think. So digest every bit of information that you can after all, no one who has learned has ever lost.

Another thing I would want to tell you is to always be kind to the people around you. Your teachers don’t want to spend their evenings at a hospital as much as you do- they’ve got families of their own, things they’d rather be doing, a life they’d rather be living rather than having to watch over a bunch of “kids” so keep that in mind the next time you throw a temper tantrum or decide to be snotty. Their jobs don’t define them as much as your college major does not define you. The bottom line here is respect.

There are a million of things I would like to talk to you about but 1 blog entry will never suffice so instead, we are going to outline a few important things to remember as we enter a new dimension. Please keep these following points in mind:

Always, ALWAYS back up your files. Take photos, scan and photocopy important documents and keep them in a safe place. You will appreciate this when you’re 4 months away from graduation and you lose your requirement notebook that took 2 years to comply. It’s not like you weren’t forewarned.
All-nighters rot your brain. Get some shut eye.
READ. Instructions, your books, your notes, messages- everything!
Invest in a good planner and organize your classes, activities, study periods and your personal breaks. College can be chaotic, learn how to conquer that warzone.
Do not attend class drunk or have someone sign your class attendance sheet ESPECIALLY if you’re not planning on attending that class on that day. Nuff said.
Take an initiative.
Learn how to enjoy the journey.
Make friends with the older kids, they are a Godsend!

Everyone says that college is one of the best times in a person’s life because this is the time where we get to explore, make mistakes and discover ourselves in the process. If you’re ever wondering about the adventures and the mistakes… well, you experience a million of them- fights, heartbreaks, terror teachers, horror stories, you name it! But it’s really the discovering part that makes it all truly worthwhile and let me tell you, you come out of this alive and kicking! So cheer up!

One of the most important lessons that you should constantly keep in mind whether you’re in college or clawing your way through the working world is to stop worrying about the future. Prepare for it, yes. Spend every waking minute stressing over what tomorrow may bring, no. Little girl, let the present worry about the present and the future worry about the future. You will eventually be able to do the things you said you’ve always wanted to do, not because the universe allows it but because you will never allow the universe to have it any other way. You just need to take it a day at a time.

As a student, it is important to take time to understand your student loans. This way, you can be financially set up for the future. Always remember, there is always an opportunity to refinance your loans to fit your college graduate life.

All My Love,

Issa of 2016 (we spell our name like normal people now)

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