A Quick Recap

Family...
EJ turned 2 this year. He made a lot of firsts this year, his first conversation, his alphabet, his counting to name a few. Biggest achievement for him was withdrawing from his pacifier. When we moved here in KL, it marked a new beginning... a big change. We felt how it was to live with independence, to live like a family should. Back in MV, we were living with friends so the atmosphere was entirely different "parang mga bakasyonista lang na nagtipon-tipon to spend the year..:-)". Also, this year I gave my wife a real gift, a gift that was long overdue. I should have done that a long time ago.

Career...In January of 08 we made one big decision... Farewell Maldives, Hello Malaysia. After several years of service (3 years) to WTM, we moved to Malaysia and accepted the offer of UM thru ES. In Maldives we found a second home, but Malaysia in terms of everything, offered a different lifestyle.

In the middle of it all, I received several offers which were truly appealing. One in SEA, one in NZ and one in MEA. The offers were great, probably the best offers I'll ever receive. But in spite of those facts, we opted to stay in Malaysia for significant reasons.

Friends...My "Barkada" remained the same..:-). I've got two new "inaanak" this year. We also bid farewell to some friends but have found new ones as well. I left behind a great group, but have found new company. Some of my friends went overseas this year, some stayed home.

Travel...
We made several trips this year - Langkawi, Penang, & Bangkok.

Money...
We are considered "MC" in Philippines' social status *grin* meaning we don't belong to rich and famous but we are not deprived either. Our biggest achievement this year in terms of money is that we made several investments... in my B-i-L's business (Star Laser), invested in MF, made some TD's and most of all we hit tiles of M's. *wink*. All of this is credited to my wife's good and proper management... *mwah*

Health...
We are so lucky that we didn't have any health issues & problems (Praise be to GOD).

Spiritual...
This year marks the year when we introduced EJ to our creator. He still cannot comprehend of course but it is actually doing very well. He says "baby Jesus" out of nowhere from time to time.
"if there's one character that can keep a family together... I will say it's FAITH "

10 things list from 2008... 
1. After God, Family comes next
2. Be persistent but don't be too aggressive
3. Be patient in everything
4. Knowledge is best paired with Character but above them all is Wisdom.
5. Don't think twice, think more...:-)
6. Time is of an essence... manage time better
7. Spend today like there's no tomorrow, tomorrow's a new day to do the same... :-)
8. Success is best defined by how you feel towards your achievement not by how others see it in you
9. Best things in life are Free, make the most out of it
10. Enjoy Life...

What lies ahead in the coming year is something that no one can control. There are no guarantee of what will happen other than change. To the business world 2009 is equivalent to crisis, recession, etc., but to me 2009 is just another year that will soon be part of my history just like 2008 :-) so whatever happens in the coming year I'll make sure that my family will enjoy it.

So it's time to close 2008 and start a new page for 2009 with best wishes, good health & prosperity.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!