Good tidings and cheer—and honestly, what a wild ride this year! Amidst the fast-paced shifts and the unpredictable noise of 2025, I still think this year is one for the books. While the world feels like it’s moving at lightning speed, it gave us a chance to slow down where it mattered most. Despite the hurdles and the hustle, the blessings found their way to us.

This was the year I finally made the hardest, most necessary choice: I chose myself. It came with sacrifices I never thought I’d have to make and moments that tested every bit of my strength. But through it all, I held onto my faith—the belief that I would be able to navigate whatever life threw my way. And looking back now, I know I did it. It was hard, and it was heavy, but it was worth it. Life feels better this year because I finally found my freedom.

It’s bittersweet to see 2025 come to a close. We’ve moved so far past the pandemic era—imagine, it has been half a decade already—and look at how we’ve finally stepped into a world that feels both familiar and entirely new. Here are some snippets of our 2025:
Started 2025 exactly where I belong – with the Rañosa family, good food, and our usual games. This month has been a whirlwind of ‘firsts’ and ‘letting gos.’ From the weirdly liberating feeling of finally getting my brows done again to the bittersweet realization at Pista ng Sto Niño that Coco is growing up and finding his own wings with friends—my heart is full. So proud of the U13 team’s Plate Win at the ROPA Cup (that penalty shootout from Coco was surreal, glad he was able to contribute to the win!), and so grateful for the quiet moments too—like our Antipolo road trip date (let’s do it again in 2026, Dada!) and one last meal with Seska before her flight. To top it all off, welcoming our newest little Hemady from Dean and Anne.

Definitely my biggest win of 2025 so far was receiving a brand collaboration with Coleman—that wagon is a total game-changer for the sidelines and honestly felt like a giant hug for my heart. We hit the ground running with the football season, from the Unity Cup for a cause to the first RIFA of the year for the U13s. Seeing Coco clinch 3rd place during his very last grade school sports fest was such a proud moment, though nothing prepared me for the “emo” hit of seeing him take his graduation photos. Time is moving way too fast. In between the sports chaos, there was so much soul-fueling connection. Finally catching up with the Abellars while they were in Manila was a highlight—Almond has grown so much since Seska’s wedding; he went from a tiny toddler to such a fun, talkative little boy! While Coco had a blast at Zoobic Safari, and I got some much-needed laughter therapy at Vice Comedy Club with my mom and aunts.

Coco receive the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation and it was a solemn, proud moment, but the “emo” hits didn’t stop there— as my baby officially turned 12 this month! We kept his birthday simple this year, but seeing that smile on his face made it perfect. On the field, the grind never stops; from the CIFA tournament at Clark to a Plate Win at the CCF Festival, he’s been giving it his all. He even started trial training at Valencia FC for the summer—I’m so ready to see where the field takes him. Beyond the sports and the celebrations, my heart is overflowing from finally meeting my niece, Isla. It’s so surreal—it feels like just yesterday that Ains and I were the Pink and Yellow Power Rangers and now we’re navigating the world of dirty diapers (though mine is very much bigger now!). I also officially became a godmother to Florita on her 1st birthday and Christening, as well! To top it all off, I had my first Uniqlo event of the year where Solenn was the guest, I was so happy to see her again post pandemic, and I even got to catch the Philippine premiere of the Snow White live action—popular or not, I loved it! But truly, the best gift lately is having my sister home for good… or at least for now! 
It turns out it’s never too late to celebrate, and Coco’s 12th might just be the one I’ll remember most. I booked a room at our favorite hotel and invited his best friends over for an afternoon of food and non-stop laughter. My heart actually teared up when he told me it was his “best celebration so far“—since we haven’t done big parties since he was six, seeing him so happy with his tribe was everything. This month was a beautiful blend of core memories and big transitions. We caught the NCAA Year 100 finals to watch the San Beda Red Booters clinch their back-to-back championship (so inspiring for him, actually!), and I finally got some “Tres Chikkas” time with my besties and the kids. I’m also loving this more independent side of Coco—from his first movie date with Jace to joining the Enriques at a car show. Seeing him bond with his “siblings from another mother” makes me so happy. On the field, he continues to amaze me. During the Beyond Limits Football Fest, the U13s found themselves without a goalkeeper for the final game. Without a second thought, Coco stepped up for the team despite having zero training in that position. That’s my boy—always a team player. The month ended on such a high (and emotional) note with a series of graduation events. From practices where the football boys were recognized as Taytay representatives for the DepEd Provincial Meet, to the Baccalaureate Mass, and finally, the graduation proper. Watching him cross that stage… let’s just say my tears were flowing!

This month officially marked the beginning of Coco’s “teenhood” initiation, and wow, it’s been a journey. Everyone warns you that the newborn and toddler stages are exhausting, but let me tell you—nobody prepares you for the post-op care of a son! It’s been a lot of patience and TLC, but we got through it! Before his “initiation break,” Coco was giving it his all on the field. He stepped up as goalie for his San Beda team and played his first DYL for Valetia FC as soon as he was healed, all while juggling goalie training with Valentia FC.  Mother’s Day was exactly what I needed—beautifully simple, just celebrating the joy of being a mom. And because life is better with a little spontaneity, we actually said “yes” to a spur-of-the-moment barkada invite, even though we were literally about to sleep! No regrets there. I also caught the Philippine premiere of the Lilo & Stitch live action with my sister—since she’s the ultimate Stitch lover, there was no one else I’d rather experience that with.It’s all about family roots and watching my boy find his footing in a whole new territory. We’ve been bouncing between reunions—from welcoming the Laughlins back with the Reyes side to celebrating Angelo’s cousin’s wedding with the Rañosas. Of course, a trip to Quezon isn’t complete without our usual stop at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan! Football life shifted gears this month with a photoshoot for the Valentia FC players, and then things got real at the ArthaCup. Watching Coco play goalie for the U13s was—honestly—heart-wrenching. As a mom, seeing your son give his absolute best in such a high-pressure position is a total roller coaster. Even when goals got through, I’m so incredibly proud because he saved even more. His resilience in that goal box is something else. When we weren’t on the field, we were keeping it active — Coco’s been learning pickleball, and it’s been so fun seeing him pick up a new sport with the my cousins. We also made it to the Philippine premiere of Elio, and it was extra special because it was the first time I actually brought Coco’s Rañosa cousins along for a movie outing. And just like that, the summer haze is over and a new chapter begins—Coco is officially back to school and taking on the world as a high school freshman! My 39th birthday wasn’t just about me; it was about family coming home. Having all my aunts and uncles back from abroad at the same time coinciding with Auntie Grace’s birthday was such a rare gift. It was also incredibly moving to see the Hemady siblings finally all together to visit their parents’ and Uncle Jun’s graves—their first time back as a complete group since my grandfather passed in 2019. I spent my actual birthday keeping things fun and light, taking Coco and Robyn to Wetpark and then to The Splat Room a week later. It was so worth it just to see Robyn enjoying his Manila vacay! And as a total K-drama fan, I was so giddy that the Philippine adaptation of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay premiered on my birthday. Seeing my favorite, Anne Curtis, as Mia (Ko Moon-Young) and my Kuya, Carlo Aquino, taking on the role of Moon Sang-Tae was the best birthday treat! The highlight of our random adventures had to be at Shake Shack in Megamall. Out of nowhere, Vice Ganda passed by! We scrambled for a photo, and she was so sweet to Coco. He’s been a fan of “Papa” since he was a little boy, so that smile on his face was the absolute cherry on top of a very special month. Beyond the celebrations and reunions, I feel like I’ve finally stepped into a new chapter—I finally got the freedom that I have been desperately wanting. RIFA Season 1 is officially back! It’s been a busy start to the new school year, and we had ROPA Cup, too. Even though we didn’t get to place this time, the boys played so well and it was such a solid start to the season. I’ve also been stepping out of my own comfort zone—I did my very first fun run via Mommy Mundo’s Milkshake Run! I also had a collab with Sciscape and was able to bring Robyn along for the experience, which made it even more special. Speaking of collabs, the Toy Kingdom clearance sale jumpstarted my Christmas gift shopping and PR gifting of The Sockers football action figures was a total dream for Coco. Seeing his face light up over those figures was priceless! On a more bittersweet note, we had a despedida swim for the football boys, but totally had a fun time as well on his friend, Gavril’s swim party. I also finally saw Donny Pangilinan at a Uniqlo event! I was so fan-girling internally and really wished Coco was with me since Donny is such an idol of his. But the “corest” core memory of this month has to be the San Beda Wash Out Day. It’s like a rite of passage for the freshmen and new students—a total high school initiation. I’m not even sure when they last did this, probably way back before the pandemic, so seeing Coco experience this tradition was such a milestone.
My siblings have been absolutely killing it! From Rissey’s presscon and promos for her Cinemalaya film Paglilitis, to Vic’s powerful re-run of Pingkian: Isang Musical, and Kuya Carlo’s finale presscon for It’s Okay to Not Be Okay—I am just one incredibly proud sister. In between all the proud sibling moments, I had my own little “fan girl” era—I’ve officially become an instant BINI fan! (The energy is just infectious!) at the AkariXBini event. I also felt like a kid again at the Disney Store SM North opening, getting to meet Mickey and Minnie again. For Coco, the high school “firsts” just keep coming. He experienced his very first Pep Rally to kick off the season for the San Beda athletes, followed by an official team shoot. Watching him soak in that Red Lion spirit is so special. He also had his Grade 7 retreat, which I know is such an important pause for them as they navigate this new chapter. We wrapped up the month celebrating Mama’s birthday with a delicious meal at Guevarra’s, followed by a super fun self-shoot session right after.
We kicked things off with Cinemalaya week, and my heart was just beaming during our watch party to celebrate my sister’s very first lead role in a film. Seeing her up there was everything! Speaking of winning, I randomly won the Puregold Hakot Challenge at a Home Credit event—it was such a hilarious, adrenaline-pumping experience that I’m still laughing about. The football drama was at an all-time high this month, too. The RIFA International tournament closed with a 1st Runner Up finish, giving the team its first trophy ever! It was a total phenomenal game, and I’m so proud of how far these boys have come. They also hit the pitch again for the CCF Festival, keeping that momentum going. We made sure to carve out plenty of family time, celebrating both my father-in-law’s  birthday and Angelo’s birthdays in Tagaytay. We also had the Quebrado reunion (my father-in-law’s mother’s side). We squeezed in a quick visit to Sky Ranch, though it was a “foggy foggy” one. To top it all off, Coco had his Grade 7 field trip to Sciscape and Omniverse.
The highlight was definitely that much-needed “Tres Chikas” us-time! Having both of my girls finally in Manila at the same time felt like home. I got to attend the Meet, Greet & Bye premiere together thanks to BDO. Speaking of BDO, I had the best time at the much-awaited BDO Buddies year-end party with all my fellow bloggers. The “football mom” life was in full swing as the kids joined the Conquerors Cup and the boys ended the RIFA Local season with a 2nd runner-up finish—pure happiness for the team! We celebrated Denzel’s birthday at our absolute favorite, Texas Roadhouse. I also attended my very first Nutella event and catching the Philippine premiere of Zootopia 2. One of the craziest adventures was taking a bus ride all the way to Dagupan just to surprise Gretch for his 40th birthday! Definitely a core memory. I also managed to catch Solenn again at the Uniqlo BGC opening.

We finally put up the tree with our new 2025 ornament, just as I was finishing up my Christmas memory balls—I love making these for the special people in my life; it feels like gifting a little piece of a core memory. The football season ended on such a high with the LBC Cup. It was bittersweet because it was the final tournament for some of our Born 2012 boys in the U13 category before they move up to U15 next year. We celebrated all their wins and hard work with a year-end party that was just pure bonding and fun. The holiday spirit continued with a LEGO “Gift of Play” event (honestly, LEGO is always the answer for gifting!), and of course, the MMFF 2025 kickoff. I attended the premiere of Bar Boys: After School and kept the tradition alive by watching Vice Ganda’s Call Me Mother—it wouldn’t be Christmas without a Vice movie! Family celebrations were beautiful, even if it was the second year Angelo had to be away for work. We missed him, but he was definitely there in spirit! I also had a major “full circle” moment watching Disney on Ice—my first time as an adult, and it was every bit as magical as ever (Manifesting front-row seats for us next time!). Between reunions with my Buffalo tropa and PF high school besties, my social battery is drained in the best way possible. And just as the year ends, a new door is opening—I might have a new work opportunity that also started, and I’m really hoping it’s the one I’ve been pushing for. What a way to end the year—surrounded by old traditions and the excitement of what’s to come.

See? A lot to be grateful for, right? It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m standing here—partly ready, partly still processing—but definitely welcoming 2026 with my arms wide open. I’m walking into the new year stronger, steadier, and ready for the best.

Sending you all real-life hugs and so much love!! 💖✨