12 Things I’m Grateful For After 12 Years Of Blogging #ThankYou
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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:
- How I Got Over My Quarter Life Crisis
- Hotel Rooms & A Short Rant On Beauty
- Becoming Blue
- Getting Over My Slump
- An Open Letter To My 26 Year Old Self
- A Collection of Thoughts, Feelings and Explanations I Probably Don’t Owe Anyone But Myself
- An Open Letter To My College Self
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!
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???
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!
John Ong
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.
