Today marks the second year since this blog sprouted from the seeds of a joke. In 212 entries, I have shared some parts of my adventures, thoughts and life story through photos and words. All of which remain and forever be my love letters to the world.
In Year One, I explained the how and why of wanderingbakya and the insanity of my first 100 entries. Since my 101st entry, I have met the inspiring tandem of brothers Sergio Aznárez and Juan Manuel Aznárez Rosado, seen cute religious images, listened to the first and second movements of a symphony (I still do not know the difference, but I enjoyed it), watched live UAAP and PBA games after so many years, eaten the worst pizza in Quezon City, and sold Día del Libro shirts while sweat glistened on my face. I have stayed true to my promise to watch at least one Spanish film or series (not dubbed and without subtitle) per month to hold on to the last vestiges of my Instituto Cervantes education. That last bit, and emboldened by the positive feedback of my Spanish professor, encouraged me to write film and series reviews more frequently.
Politics is one topic I try to veer away from, but the events leading to the 2016 national elections attracted me to one candidate like a moth to a flame. I volunteered for the campaign of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, and in doing so I actively interacted with people from all walks of life. I listened to personal stories of seafarers, street vendors, janitors, lawyers and businessmen and how and why they supported Duterte, who was then languishing in the fourth place in the surveys. I also experienced the Duterte magic, when people shouted his name as he entered a hot-as-brick-oven room in the middle of a sweltering afternoon. Even my blog felt the magic (and continues to feel it) because all four entries related to him were shared and viewed by many. And I have my brother and Pats to thank for that and more.
Many thanks are also due to Hope, the fairy of films and series and chocolates. To Juan, thank you for reading and giving me feedback that is always nicely written. Happy birthday!!! 🙂 To Marcos, that acerbic Yoda that every not-so-young Padawan needs, thank you for the good, the bad and the ugly. To Jed, thank you for sharing our high school photos and your stamp collection. Last but definitely not the least, thank you to Albert, Ares, my brother, and Pats for helping me from the start and for the understanding and patience if I run into a technical trouble or two. 🙂
See you in Year Three.
Happy 2nd Anniversary Wanderingbakya!
Thank you, Pats. 🙂 You have been a huge help.
Omg Rose every year your blog is better :), congratulation and thank you so much for your greetings :).
I have really enjoyed all your post, but in special “La sonrisa verdadera” it was nice to hear about those wonderful brothers who are able to come true their dreams and live the life with passion, It was a great motivation for me as it was for you :). I will always remember your post about the elections and Duterte and how he was able to win 🙂 “has aportastes tu granito de arena” :). I love the Taxi tales and I am amazed you were able to watch all the star wars saga hehehe :P.
Step by step you have become a fantastic bloger 🙂 the third year will be better and your Spanish friend will be delightful to read all the new stories you write from the far East 🙂
Salamat Rose and carry on doing this fantastic blog :).
Thank you, Juan! 🙂 You are also a part of this blog, with your invaluable suggestions and comments. I agree with you about the brothers, they stood out when I was scanning the posts I made the past year. Being in their presence when they screened the film last year was like in a happy place. They were cheerful before, during and after they embarked on their journey. I requested Sergio to sing a song for us, and he gamely did! 🙂
The campaign election entries are for the other volunteers who exerted much more effort than I did during that time. Posting them was my way of telling their stories to those who wanted to listen/read. I am glad our candidate won.
With regards to the Taxi Tales, gosh, the taxi drivers are just an unlimited fountain of stories and they talk a lot! 🙂 I sometimes tell them that I am going to write their stories and they willingly give their permission.
Again, Happy Birthday. 🙂 Chopsticks FTW! and see you in Year Three.