Words would fall short to describe the overwhelming experience of the last week before the Christmas break and the warm and fuzzy atmosphere that the holidays bring.

I meant to update this thing, but the last week was just incredibly hectic and distracting. Finishing the remaining school work, while finding time to celebrate with friends and family allowed me very little time to rest. So every free time I had (although very, very minimal) was devoted to sleeping in.

But all is well now. I find myself well-rested from the past the past few days of joy, merriment and perhaps quite a few emotional rollercoasters for me and my friends. To celebrate the last day before our anticipated holiday break last Friday, a few of my blockmates and I headed off to our place in Taytay for some much needed unwinding and bonding. It turned out to be all that and more.

The second semester allowed me so much more time to hang out and get to know some of my blockmates. This has become such an exciting and even humbling experience. I say this because I finally had the chance to see them in a different light that leaves me even more fascinated not just with them but with people in general. It’s also very interesting that I’m suddenly one of the guys practically every school day. I’m not complaining. They’re so much fun. I feel like I’ve suddenly gained a wonderful set of smart, funny and interesting brothers that never fails to make me laugh everyday.

From ranting about our majors and professors to soundtrip-influenced, inebriation-induced, emo-sessions somewhere in Katipunan, our friend’s condo or at our favorite place in caf-up, each day feels like an adventure. That’s why an overnight party with them is a guaranteed great time. Apparently, for me, it turned out to be so much more. At the end of the trip, I was left with these overwhelming realizations about myself (perhaps in some way, in relation with others), which has really become the most memorable part of the entire trip.

I am not obligated to divulge any of these, for they are all quite very personal. It is enough to say that these realizations have affirmed the idea of how allowing myself to make all these difficult decisions is worth every darn, painful thing I have endured. I marvel at the thought of an incredibly less impulsive me, capable of making wiser decisions. Of course, to think that I know it all is foolish. Masamang magmarunong. Dahil, hindi natin malalaman ang lahat. Kailangan ng isang matinong katangahan. Haay… salamat, Philo. I’m still learning from myself and others, unraveling these little mysteries, and allowing myself to take part in sharing all these with others.

All these and more are experiences that make me look forward to life in general – to forming and enriching relationships with all these wonderful people. Having that chance to learn from each other is a gift in itself. And the fact that I got that chance with some of my closest college friends is my personal Christmas gift for myself.

To all my family, friends and blog readers, happy, happy holidays. I love you all.

ADDENDUM: I’ll try to update after Christmas. However, my micro-blog will be updated regularly. It’s just so much more convenient. You guys can can always read that for updates.