It’s 2012!

More pictures before this day is over! These were taken today – January 1, 2012! I wish there’s more to say!

3… 2…. 1… Boom! And there goes the fireworks!

Last night was a blast! I had a great time! Met some new great people! And instinct tells me that there’s more firsts loaded in 2012! Whew! Anyway, it’s 10:54am of January 1, 2012… Just want to post some new pictures of the first fireworks display that I saw here in Gib! Fireworks had always fascinated me! There’s a different feeling when you’re watching all the lights and colors scatter accross the dark sky! It’s like new beginnings, new tales unfolding! And I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead! Surely, things are getting better! And then there’s a lot of dancing! Whew! This scares me for real! Dancing with two left feet!?! Arg! I knew I had to learn how to dance!

Looking back to the year that was – 2011

In less than 3 hours, it will be officially 2012 here in Gibraltar… And just before we go to Pete’s flat for a year-ender party, I would like to take a few minutes to write about this year that is soon to pass… In a way, Tolit’s gave me the idea to make a wrap-up… He already have his… And I think that it’s a great idea… And so here it goes as I look back to 2011…. 2011 has been everything… It’s been tiring and exhausting at times… Gone to some worst times… There are things that are better left unsaid… Things that are not meant to be written or blogged about… So let’s make a recap of the memorable events of 2011.

Let’s go first with the worst.

I won’t ever forget this last busy season I had. It’s a disaster. First and foremost is that it felt like I took a cup just because people expected me to and not because it was actually given to me. Had the worst encounters and I knew then that I had to go. Hard to work when you know that people don’t trust you enough to know what you’re doing… I don’t want to sound bitter or anything, but its just how I saw it. If I hadn’t got out, I would have lost the littlest interest I have for audit. That season really made me think of whether I made the right choice of taking accountancy. Not when I can’t even give the basic answers to basic questions. Not when people do not learn from you. I thought of staying but after getting the same accounts, I knew I have no way to make it up already. I’m blogging this now so this will be part of 2011 and no longer of 2012.

The Goodbyes!

Finally, I resigned! Effective November 18, 2011, I’m free! Though I know that its not exactly how I once pictured it to be but nevertheless, this is how it turned out. Better make the most out of it. Said goodbye to that place that took me in for almost 5 years and to bunch of great people! But i know that it’s only for a while! Sooner or later we’ll all be stumbling to each other! And the world seems to be overflowing with new beginnings, new chances, new mistakes where new lessons will arise and a whole lot more!

Next were the opportunities (yuhoo!!!)

This year, despite the struggles during the first quarter opened a lot of doors. I was able to get several job offers. One from EY Jeddah, another from a motor company also in Jeddah. Offers from PwC Gibraltar, Deloitte Malaysia, Moore Stephens Indonesia, and BSP also came in the same week. I knew then that this is it. He’s giving me this year to start a new job where I can make a new start.

All the firsts!!!

1.It’s my first christmas away from the Philippines. It’s a little lonely not because of homesickness but because you simply missed the crowd in the Philippines (who would have thought I will be missing that one). I don’t know but there’s that sense that makes you feel at home amidst the busy crowd. Unlike here, you really stand out since you look different. But people are never racist. They’re cool! I’m just trying to get used to all these. In due time.
2. Another first is my first international flight to Gibraltar. I didn’t notice the entire ride since I was literally asleep for almost all the time. I’m only awake when there’s food. hahahaha. Plus, though I was not able to really check these cities, I’d still like to include it in my list. I’ve been to HongKong and London, although its just in their airports… Funny how we were only in HogKong for like 10 minutes due to delayed flight from the Philippines.
3. My first glimpse of The Rock and the Spain (literally from my window)! And all i can say is “Cool!!!”
4. Also, my first Heineken! hahaha! Plus, I got drunk with just one glass of this drink that’s a mixture of rhum, vodka, whiskey, etc. I just realized that I’m a little chatty when I’m tipsy! hahahaha
5. My first time to wear tuxedo! Not to count that instance when I was making my purchase though!
6. Also, this month of December has been the first time where I’ve gone to a couple of parties where there’s lots of dancing and drinking… And I always wonder why I had to be there when the music and spirits begin to fill the air!
7. There’s a bunch of firsts when it comes to food, too. Baguettes, kous kous, etc! But i’m missing those homemade sinabawang gulay and pinakbet!
7. Lastly, my first time to get real sweet kisses in the cheek from pretty ladies! Everytime you stumble unto someone that you know and everytime you leave a party, then you get them spot on! hahahaha! I definitely can get used to this! hahaha
8. I’m sure there’s more but I just got back from the street party! So I’m a bit tired and I might as well call it a night! It’s already 3:35AM and I started this blog at around 9:30 and left it behind without posting hahahaha… I’ll try to post when I get to remember anything particular!

Anyway! It’s really been a great year! And it can only get better! God bless this new year!