From Me to You: May Our Paths Cross Again Someday

“You see, sometimes friends have to go away, but a part of them stays behind with you."

—Satoshi/Ash Ketchum, Pokémon: Jirachi—Wish Maker

(Source: Pokémon Masters EX)

👋🏻😌

(Source: Pokémon Masters EX)

Fare Thee Well, My Masters & Multicolored Heroes

October 31, 2025, might be Halloween for many. It's a day when people dress up in crafty, colorful costumes from the corners of their fandoms. The ones that represent mastery and heroism in ways known only to the wearer. Parties and nightmare-themed events are available, held, and organized to be a celebratory experience that only happens once a year. ☠️👻

But for me, the nightmare didn't require any fake haunted houses. They landed on the comfort of my home. First came news from my brother that shocked me to the core, concerning an almost lifelong part of our lives. The next day, before the sun even peeked on the cloudy horizon, an eerie comment haunted me with dazed confusion, only to become a confirmation a few hours later. It shattered my reality, prompting me to retreat into a suspension of disbelief. "How could this even happen?" I lamented. 😫😭

Okay, yes, I admit that sounds cheesy and exaggerated. Isn't that a common reaction on social media nowadays, though? To resort to a hyperbolic response mode, as if one's rights and feelings are being attacked, assaulted, or violated by a cruel party without warning? 👺🙄

Hahaha, wait, that paragraph felt outlandish too, eh? Unnecessary social criticism aside, no, my reaction was far tamer than that description. My mouth did let out an instant yelp of "You're kidding, right?" And although my emotions weren't as vividly intense as described, I was indeed taken aback by both pieces of news. 😟

What news? Let's rewind to what they are, starting with the latter. Because it will be the first to chronologically transpire. And very soon. ⏱️⏳

(Source: Pokémon Masters)

"Our paths they did cross."

I have been using my Fool's Errands section to write about my experience in re-experiencing two Pokémon mobile games so far. Out of the slew of titles I am still playing, however, there's one I've never considered for this exploratory experiment (or pointless project, to some people hahaha 😅). The video featured above probably already spoiled any mystery. It is none other than Pokémon Masters EX. PokéMas, for short, in its country of origin. 🙋🏻‍♂️

Why haven't I tried replaying the game from scratch? The idea alone felt daunting and logistically challenging. The app doesn't allow switching accounts easily like Pokémon GO. While Pokémon Café ReMix shares the same limitation, at least it's available to install on Nintendo Switch, which naturally works as a separate medium from my main gameplay on my phone. Besides, Café ReMix's data size is somewhat small. PokéMas warrants a far bigger space—hence, the need for a separate phone—to pull off. 🤷🏻‍♂️📱

In all fairness, I somewhat regret not looking for a workaround to make it happen. After all, in just two days from now, PokéMas will bow out, making its grand curtain call. In my country, that is. Emphasis on that, so please don't freak out if you've been playing it, too. 🖐🏻😲

As long as your country hasn't received the END OF SERVICE announcement, you're safe to keep playing. Good for you! Please keep playing and supporting it! After all, there's always a risk of it happening elsewhere, too. My country isn't even the first, and it's just joining other countries that already prohibited access to the app (some from day one). 😔🤷🏻‍♂️

(Note: You can probably pinpoint which country I'm residing in from that info alone. Not that I mind, as it's not a scandalous secret anyway. 😜)

The brainchild of Ken Sugimori, the renowned designer who has created numerous characters and Pokémon species in the franchise, PokéMas shifts the focus onto the colorful cast of protagonists, Gym leaders, Champions, and even antagonists by bringing them all to one island. Canonical question notwithstanding (it's practically a multiversal meet-and-greet), that's the primary, and personally, thrilling appeal compared to the catch & collect-oriented Pokémon GO. 😊🙌🏻

Hey, at some point, I proudly declared PokéMas to be the best Pokémon mobile spin-off. Come to think of it, it's still kind of IS? I mean, where else can we see characters from different regions cross paths, interact, and form an unexpected bond? 🤔🌐

For example, the Team Galactic leader, the big baddie Cyrus from Sinnoh. He could exchange tech intellect with Sophocles, a nerdy boy from Alola who has zero interest in creating a perfect universe. How about Johto's resident Ghost guy, Morty, setting up an after-school occult club with Galar's Dark protege Marnie among the students? And don't forget the sweet, found friendship between Paldea-native Arven and Unova-based N, which, mind you, didn't happen so smoothly just because they had similar parental problems. 🤭💛

PokéMas has given these existing characters, along with future ones, the space to thrive and grow beyond the confines of their base games. In those games, their participation pretty much ends once the ending credits roll in, and maybe even earlier in the gameplay. Here, Kalos' renowned Sycamore could reunite (and arguably speaking, mend the bridge) with his former friend turned misanthropic eco-terrorist Lysandre. Steven and Wallace might have hinted there's something more between them beyond passing the baton of the Hoenn Champion title. Meanwhile, Red, Blue, and Leaf proved their battle bond by forming a formidable Kanto Legends trio together! 🥇🥈🥉

(Source: Pokémon Masters)

It's like literal fanfics coming to life! 🤩🥺

With that said, it would be a blatant lie if I claimed that my interest in PokéMas has stayed high. Following a mindful memory analysis, I realized that my enthusiasm started its downward trend around the game's 4th anniversary. At the time, I somehow encountered a difficulty in updating the app, and the customer support, who was usually very reliable, couldn't even assist me. Guess what? It's mindblowing what almost two weeks of absence can do in altering one's attachment to an app. 🤯👍🏻

Another major ongoing issue for me was the pattern of putting the spotlight on the same character repeatedly. Red and Cynthia, the Sinnoh fearsome Champion, are iconic fan favorites, yes. Even so, giving them various new alternate Sync Pair combinations with new Pokémon did NOT work for or impress me. The biggest offender, however, was the introduction of the obviously monetization-aimed Arc Suits (which, again, debuted with Cynthia's other new alt). 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️

Last year, PokéMas added the Terastal gimmick from Pokémon Scarlet/Violet. I enjoyed the Terastalization in my Paldean adventure. So, I assumed that would renew my interest in the app. Sad to say, it has been the complete opposite. Maybe because, once again, the app chose to assign the gimmick to the same faces. I have zero knowledge behind the scenes. However, I wonder if DeNA, the developer, had already shifted focus to Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, which has since become a global hit, arguably more than PokéMas. 🃏💎

To prevent this from rambling into a more detailed rant, allow me to move forward with the other goodbye. Besides, the second one has a more profound impact. 🙁

"And so it goes, on and on."

My first official entry in this (new) blog explored the wonders of nostalgia that, in many ways, served as the start of facing a long-buried grief. The piece centered around a long-running entertainment franchise that has been, in many ways, influential on my growing up journey. It was already on TV before I was born, and has remained on air when this post goes up. Those multicolored heroes have come a long way, huh? 🤔🌈

That's why the irony hit somewhat hard. My brother's startling news a few months ago was, "SUPER SENTAI IS ENDING!" The initial reaction was a giggling, "You're kidding, right?" Even though I'm fully aware the opposite party isn't one for joking. Seeing his firm confirmation, the line turned into a higher tone, "YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?" riddled with a wave of disbelief. 😮‍💨

I mean, I'm pretty sure ANY Super Sentai, or even Power Rangers, fans would react similarly. TOEI is currently airing No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger as the 50th anniversary season. They've been doing this for that long. Why would they suddenly stop a staple show that's been a part of generations of children's Sunday mornings? Have they gone mad? 😱👿

What was first blowing across the globe (from Asia to Europe and beyond) as a rowdy rumor soon burst like a balloon as an official statement. That it wasn't made up, and it was more or less REAL. Hollywood has been flaunting the phrase "Superhero Fatigue" for years. So, is that actually happening to Japan's entertainment industry? Not quite. ✋🏻😅

Although not explicitly confirmed, Kyodo News Agency and The Sankei Shimbun noted that the recent Super Sentai seasons, such as Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger and Gozyuger, have not been selling much. And by selling, that means toys and action figures. Despite the action scenes, compelling characters, and storylines in some titles, the most prominent aspect of the franchise is, no doubt, the live events and merchandise. The sales from those consumer-based practices fund the production costs, thus allowing the franchise to continue running. 🤖💰

(Source: Wotafa)

Regrettably, the country's declining birthrate only means a gradual decrease in viewership numbers. Consequently, that spells less overall profit. Many no longer buy Super Sentai merchandise for their kids. Though, let's be real: who still does that anyway? With the rising cost of daily necessities, healthcare, and education, only super-loaded parents can even afford to buy those expensive action figures. Moreover, the customer market has already switched to adults in general, no longer serving the younger demographics. Why else would The Pokémon Company and LEGO market their recently unveiled collaboration for older enthusiasts? 💵🙆🏼‍♂️

Shinichiro Shirakura, a senior executive at TOEI, has since explained (via Asahi Shimbun) their creative reason. It's a massive Marvel Cinematic Universe-inspired decision, it turns out. A franchise that goes on and on needs to reinvent itself to avoid being run-of-the-mill. The fascinating thing was that he didn't confirm the financial difficulties explored above. Or the fact that the Super Sentai franchise has come to a definitive END. Shirakura called it a HIATUS. 🛌🏼⛔️

Admittedly, I could smell corporate sweet-talk right away, considering the explanation came a month later. Then again, Shirakura wasn't kidding either. In the same week, TOEI revealed the replacement show, which will be called PROJECT R.E.D. 🧧🏮

Cut to the present day, the official trailer and cast names for the project's first title, Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity, have been released. A week ago, on January 18, to be precise. BandaiJP channel has even released a video showcasing the (what else?) toys and merchandise. The new show, which will take over the Super Sentai timeslot, is set to start airing on February 15, 2026. 📅👀  

(Source: TOEI Tokusatsu World Official) 

"Your voice will still remember our melody."

In the end, an exaggerated response is not really necessary, eh? 😛🙅🏻‍♂️

PokéMas may soon become an empty, inaccessible husk in my country. Still, assuming DeNA doesn't wipe out our regional save data from their servers like a super villain, I can always continue playing when I visit or, who knows, move permanently to another country. 🛫📲 

While Super Sentai is officially gone two weeks from now, the sci-fi replacement will introduce a team of three, not five, heroes. Kamen Rider Zeztz has already introduced two Riders with different color schemes, with three more debuting starting next week. Eventually, TOEI will merge Gavan Infinity and Zeztz to follow their Hollywood entertainment-inspired goal. Speaking of which, Disney has taken the baton and is currently developing a new Power Rangers series from scratch. Therefore, if we stop and think about it clearly, Super Sentai isn't really closing for good. Its multicolored spirit continues, albeit with a new name and title. 📕📽

My lingering qualm, if anything, is how I'm bidding farewell to PokéMas and Super Sentai with such an underwhelming emotion. I've never sensed the urge to try PokéMas's new Pasio Towers mode. The Pasio Academy feature, though fascinating at first, is yet another attempt to reuse the same characters again, this time in school-related attire. Apart from several episodes (Yuichi Nakamura's Gaia was a terrific guest star), Gozyuger has always felt like a chore to watch due to its unclear direction and lackluster quality (for my subjective standards, that is). Plus, there's that unsavory cast shake-up happening close to the finish line. Had the Super Sentai franchise concluded with the neatly written and passionately produced Kaizoku Sentai Go-kaiger, I'd probably be crying nonstop. But with Gozyuger? I'm not even sure what to say. Truly, this waning interest of mine has robbed me of the joy of enjoying both their final run. 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️

Nevertheless, do I feel sad about not being able to see more characters appearing in PokéMas or welcome more colorful themes in future Sentai teams? In a way, yes. Do I also feel I've wasted time, energy, and attention on something that in the end ends so abruptly? Yes, I do, and annoyed by it, I suppose. But do I regret playing each battle stage or watching the weekly episodes? That's a big N to the O. So, perhaps the best word to describe it is bittersweet? 🤔😅

Even if those were times that I could never rewind or take back, they weren't nothing or pointless either. One might only accompanied me for the past six-plus years, and the other was all my life. Yet, there was fun, joy, laughter, occasional tears, and genuine excitement just the same. Despite the ups and downs, I enjoyed and appreciated each moment. 🤩😢

PokéMas' delightful personalized musical arrangement will always remain an earworm in my earphones. I'll gladly listen and anticipate new melodies, even if I cannot experience the stories in person. I've grown up with Super Sentai as my heroes, my friends, my family, for every phase of my mortal voyage. Even if a Sunday without it will feel weird, there are five decades of library to rewatch and revisit. Heck, I can still sing the melodies of Dai Sentai Google V opening intro or dance to Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger's catchy ending anytime my heart desires. 🎤🕺   

Really, that's just the thing about life, right? 

"We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye." 

Change is an inevitable part of the cycle. Good things don't last forever. There's a time limit for everything we encounter. But when one door closes, another opens to offer a new, unknown pathway that could lead to more good things. 🚪🛣️🤍

More importantly, let's not forget that the fond memories we've had or shared with them will silently but softly stay inside us. Over time, they may return to greet us with a familiar warmth. Maybe in a new form, maybe as a different shape, but they feel as if a long-lost friend. 💞⌛️

With that, I wrap this piece and whisper this melody:

Farewell, Pokémon Masters EX and Super Sentai. 

Thank you for the years and decades of memories. 

Until the day we cross paths again, 

"Come circle round and grow deep in our hearts. 

As long as we remember." 🙏🏻🎵

(Source: Emiko Shiratori)

Fondue for the Squishy Souls

A cold, chaotic, cumbersome storm is brewing beyond the trembling trellis. Now and then, the tightly shut windows shake, reminding anyone indoors that only the daring daredevils wander the windy outdoors. 🌧

Yet such a worry seems illusory in this small space. Instead, an unusual warmth slowly spreads through the room. Along with that, a waft of savory but familiar aroma begins to build up. Milky but mild, creamy but caramel-ish, it's as inviting as a nutty Netherlands' nudge. 🌬😋

The source? A dimly-lit square dining table that's placed ergonomically against the kitchen's wall. Stationed at its center is a precisely shaped pot, heated by an electric stove. Inside, a thick, light yellow sauce made from a mix of mature, young, and a touch of aged Gouda has started boiling. Cuts of bread, colorful vegetables, and choices of meat products on the side tray complement the curious concoction. 🧀🥖

It doesn't take a genius to piece two and two together. A Fondue Party is afoot! 🥘🍴

Soon enough, three people sit around the table. A young woman, her little sister, and their mother, who are all looking giddy. The lady of the house has the first honor. She picks up a long fork to spear a piece of bread and dip it into the melted cheese. Her grinning nod upon taking the hot bite gets the feast going! 👩‍👧‍👦

Excited, the little girl pokes a cauliflower and uses it to stir the pot. The action triggers a small eruption on the pot, causing her to squeal in surprise. Everybody laughs, adding even more warmth to the mood. Never once do the echoes of thunder or flashes of lightning bother the three. All they know is they're having fun, enjoying a moment of togetherness, so simple, yet savory. 💞💛

Source: primadonna-cheese.com

A Caquelon of Coulds

Doesn't that sound delightful? It seemed like a genuine pleasure, right? Then again, that could also come off as somewhat unrealistic to some people. "That's not how a Fondue Party works," they might argue. 😒

Well, for that argument, my response is: "Guilty of all charges!" Hahaha. 😁

The story might've felt a little too poetic because it WAS, indeed, fiction. A scene that swirled around in my head that whisked a fragment of idealized imagination into typed sentences! After all, I've always been curious about a fondue party. However, as embarrassing or even heartbreaking as it is to admit, I've never even had one! 😅🤷🏻‍♂️

Not the authentic Swiss experience with wine and fancy cheese, at least. I recall vaguely having a smaller-scaled spear-and-dip chocolate dessert at a hotel's breakfast buffet. Or was it an all-you-can-eat restaurant? Hmmmm. Did that count as a fondue, though? Most probably not. 😂🙄

Wait, but a hot pot, or as they call it, fondue chinoise, counts? For real?! 🤯

Considering the possibility of heading to Switzerland to get a proper cheese or chocolate fondue is slim to none (my studies of teleportation haven't produced any result, mind you), there's one feasible option. I could make one myself! There are various easy-to-follow recipes online. Even Switzerland Tourism has already posted a handy guide for it, which they assured, "That's not a crime!" 😛

(Source: Switzerland Tourism)

Better yet, I think that'll make a cool resolution this year! Hahaha... ✌😆

Now, hold it right there! Why go with something so pointless or petty as a resolution, moreover, a New Year's resolution, of all things? This feels like a bucket list level. Shouldn't one aim for something bigger or better in life? 🤔

Fair point! In that case, how about getting a bigger pot for the fondue! That way, the process can welcome more participants to taste together. Or perhaps getting two smaller pots would be the better option? I mean, I'm not a big fan of cheese myself, so I can only eat so much in a day. Having a chocolate fondue to balance it out can be exciting and wise. Besides, it'll add a variety of flavors. 😋🍫

Yes, no "jokes aside" remark this time around! I wasn't kidding with what I just wrote. That's simply the bigger and better part I could think of for a fondue goal. 😂

Not saying I don't have any other goals for the year, of course. There are some others. Regardless, a goal doesn't always need to keep increasing in scale or size. What matters here is the end result: Will it bring happiness? 😌🙏🏻

Source: guide.michelin.com

A Stove of Subjectives

Happiness has always been a curious case. Many have tried to define it objectively. Standards that utilize different perspectives are established to measure the World Happiness Index. Groups or foundations have their own perspective. The Happiness Academy, for example, proposes a framework of 12 (yes, that many!) Pillars that help people explore what leads them to a fulfilling life. 😮

But that's the thing. Happiness refers to one's well-being. And I will never get tired of reiterating that everyone is unique and different. No matter how "normal" some claim to be! 🤔

(The word "normal" is likely meant to mean "average" by the way, but that's an essay for another day.)

Therefore, while the idea can be viewed objectively, it has always been subjective. No, it will always be that way. Heck, the studies about it itself are called Subjective Well-Being. What one considers "happy" may not mean the same for others. Even if they are, the degree or level of happiness alone would always differ. 🙅🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

I know someone who has a great career, a good circle of friends, and a stable financial buffer that allows access to holidays in festive places. In the eyes of many, that's already an embarrassment of riches that invokes happiness. I've joked and teased that there must have been much joy in their life. Still, startlingly so, the person in question has openly admitted that happiness has remained a giant question mark in their life. 😞

On the opposite scenario, I've had the honor of meeting a household helper who was far from luxurious. Yet, there was always this uplifting energy of sheer joy, especially when our casual chit-chat touched upon how their kids had been doing. At one point, the helper asked me to lend out some money for urgent personal needs. Not only was the loan returned on time as promised, but it came with a delicious homemade hometown treat (which would sell almost as much as the money!). Plus one priceless bonus: a SMILE! A genuine "thank you for being there for me" smile that melted my soul. The helper was beyond happy, and it showed without saying. 😆

As another example, some time before the year-end holiday, The School of Life published this intriguing piece. It was funny and eye-opening altogether. Does it really require a vacation to fancy resort hotels to realize someone is unhappy? The problem is, I can see that happening, frankly. Often, people are too busy chasing big things that, once they accomplish them, they're left wondering, "That's it?" 😐

Much like the records of romance or the fables of friendship, happiness has been romanticized as a grand finale. "And they live happily ever after" is a tale as old as time. Thus, people have been unconsciously trained that "the bigger, the better" automatically means happier. 😱

Except that's not always the case, huh? Or, that's NEVER really the case. ✋🏻😶 

Each of us is the protagonist of our individual stories. However, like all enduring epochs, not all are heroes with earth-saving powers and responsibilities. Many are only superstars in their slumber's abode. In daylight, they're living an average life like that next-door neighbor who always fancies bread for breakfast or that gleeful girl on the city bus who reads every street sign like her steadfast mission. The people with nothing extraordinary about them, but with authenticity in their emotions! 🚶‍♂️🏃‍♀️😊

The squishy souls, as I'd like to call them. ☺️

Oh, that's not an insult or derogatory calling, of course! Squishy may sound awful, especially in certain fields (such as politics, which isn't my thing). The squishies aren't the tough nuts that require healthy teeth to crack. Sturdy achievers with a sage-like aptitude? Nope! Business moguls with high-tech, deep-financed dwellings? Far from those. 😅

Even so, in their vulnerable, emotionally soft and tender selves, they could openly feel without even trying. It doesn't require a hike to Mount Everest or purchasing a limited launch Porsche to make them smile. They are easily moved by small moments of warmth and sincerity. And they don't even pretend to be someone they're not, unlike those who are trying too hard on social media. They feel content just being themselves, even when life isn't being kind enough. 🙆🏻‍♀️🧡🙆🏻‍♂️

Source: cookidoo.international

A Fork of Feelings

It's okay to pursue happiness as the be-all end-all. But what if it's not even that hard to find? Chasing bigger and better things in life is admirable and inspiring. But if there's no joy in the journey, what's the point? 🤷🏻‍♂️

(Source: BBC Global)

A Japanese cultural concept, Ichigo Ichie ("One Meeting, One Chance"), invites people to live in the moment. To treasure each experience and every encounter as once in a lifetime. Logically speaking, it's astoundingly accurate. The precise time we spend doing something and the space we share with someone else will never, not once, repeat twice. Even if the situation and interaction create more rounds, the components would be unique in themselves. 💁🏻🙋🏻‍♀️

The fundamental core is appreciation or gratitude. And well, would you look at that, it's the first of the Five Pillars of true lifelong happiness! It doesn't mean that every small thing happening in life will be positive. But with the same logic, the bad and unpleasant ones also don't stay in place. A minute later, that sad feeling already becomes a fleeting past. That's when it can be valued as a lesson learned. 😫😌

That may be, just maybe, why many squishy souls have found happiness without even trying. Despite the challenges of their daily routine, there are times they can smile or let out a good laugh. Because they make the most of every moment, they value every voice, the vivid or vain, knowing it doesn't happen twice. To find pleasure in the journey, not just in the finish line. And when every meal is savored, and each step is strolled, the imperfection creates harmony and blooms into happiness within. 🙆🏻‍♂️🙆🏻

And that's why it's good enough to be squishy souls. In their simple, subjective selves, even a warm fondue shared with loved ones sounds nice! 💛🎵

Moreover, there's a soothing sentimentality in dipping food items into a gooey goop, chomp-worthy cheese. Really, everyone could use a little cheesiness in their checkered life, if you ask me. To just let things that are rough and tough be wrapped with a savory sensation. Or in the case of chocolate fondue, with a sweet sheet that stimulates smiles. 😋😄

It doesn't mean they're burying reality under a facade or a cover-up. Consider seeing it as an optimistic approach. A quiet one that subtly owns the situation but also acts as a proclamation: 

"Life may be bland or tasteless. And there will be hard stuff on the table. But I choose to embrace and enjoy it with a bit of cheese or something sweet. Because by doing so, it might feel a little more enjoyable, if not elated. That there's jolly joy in just living." 😌✨

 

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

From Me to You: Welcome, 2026!

Here's to more elaborate essays and wordy writings... 😆🥂🎊🎆

Let's kick off the year with an overture of optimism, everyone! 🙌🏻🙏🏻

Source: ChatGPT

Flipping the Old to New

All good things come to an end... 👋🏻🔚

I'd argue the line applies to everything, though. Anything with a beginning would likely have an ending. 😅

By the way, this isn't me closing down this blog. It's about the year, naturally. Today, the progression of seconds to minutes, minutes to hours, hours to a day, days to weeks, weeks to a month, and months to a year reaches its grand finale. As this post goes up, it should be December 31 in most time zones of the world, and specifically midday in mine. That's halfway through the last lap, eh? 😲📅

Like tearing or flipping the final sheet of a calendar, which younger people may not know the feeling, due to digital options, this piece is meant to complete or close the cycle. It's my moment to look back so I can look forward... ⏳🔭

Source: For as Far as the Eye Can See

Old Stories to Share

When I started this blog many moons ago in January, the goal was to reclaim and renew one personal habit. An old one, to be precise, considering casual writing has always been a part of my days since childhood. I can't even remember when I started jotting down my ideas. 🤔📝

To reiterate, this spot isn't my first rodeo at blogging! Admittedly speaking, I had written many posts on various platforms before. In poor, laughable quality, that is. Some incorrigible, many incoherent, hahaha! However, this is my first time actually doing it with a better thematic approach, actual planning, and proper research. And does it work? 😮👀

Well, readers should be the judge of that. Then again, a growing audience isn't exactly the primary plan. So I guess that's a bit hard to tell. What is the purpose of all these efforts, then? 😅

As teased above, I've always enjoyed sharing opinions in written format. Abundantly so! Sad to say, due to my previous work, which funnily enough involved writing for and about other people, I actually had no time to do it for myself. It felt like losing an identity, if I'm being fair. That odd feeling of "something is missing" only grew stronger over the years. Yep! YEARS! 😓🤦🏻‍♂️

So yeah, this blog has been a return to form, or at least, a bumpy attempt at that. It's not smoothsailing, no doubt. My ambitious aim was to post every ten days. Eventually, writer's block and the demands of daily duties started delaying the posts. Some months ended in absent silence, considering health issues. And during the second half of the year, work once again took hold of my focus, turning into quite a juggle of jobs. It's a humbling lesson that speed isn't a luxury as we grow older. 👶🏻🧑🏻🧓🏻

Source: For as Far as the Eye Can See

Nevertheless, as I've realized and embraced, imperfection is not a bad thing. Hey, it's the art of life, after all. That means, in many ways, my purpose is still very much accomplished. 😌💁🏻‍♂️

After all, this is me following my inner voice, a desire I set out to do in my premiere post. As such, I'm voicing my voice again, even if there might be no response on the other end. Really, though, unlike posting on social media, at least this doesn't feel like shouting to a wall or an echo chamber. This is a space where I can pour my perspectives, audience or not. A long-form lounging through bundles of brainstorm instead of a descent to doomscrolling! Posting 23 pieces (counting this one) isn't so bad. Right? Hahaha 😜🙆🏻‍♂️

Moreover, as my Amigo Pinguino repeatedly said, this blog has equally functions as a cathartic release. He's philosophically spot on, as always. By writing, I could finally process my emotions and understand them better, especially the guilt and grief that had taken permanent residency. Through written words, I could share the lessons learned that have guided me to keep going. Here's hoping they have helped, are helping, or will help others who may also need some form of closure. 🙂🙏🏻

Source: Personal Photo Collection, December 31, 2025

New Seasons to Start

Aaaaah, closure is a curious word. Is it not? 😐🙅🏻‍♂️

Sometimes, we want or need closure on something or two. That helps us find clarity and move forward. Alas, such a conclusive case does not or, worse, will never come, no matter how long we wait. When that happens, we're left wondering and wandering lost in the woods of uncertainty. 😩🤦🏻‍♂️

The bittersweet thing is: maybe that's already the closure all along. Silence and absence, the fading connection and care? The nonspoken goodbye or the nonexistent farewell. Those have always been the closures that, unfortunately, we don't realize yet. 😨🙄

Similar to TV shows and movies, an open ending isn't necessarily a BAD thing. Often, the ways plot points are left unsolved can be annoying, I know. That said, we can still reframe our lens and view that from a different angle. If done right, an open ending leaves the door, well, open to revisit in the future. A renewal or a surprising new season/sequel is still possible. Assuming there are strong and valid reasons for that to happen, of course. 👀😲

I mean, the early 2000s sitcom Malcom in the Middle will return, with all returning cast, in April next year. Toy Story 5 is out just two months after! Heck, a new The Hunger Games movie awaits, too, and it's welcoming back two main characters who, as far as YouTube has spoiled, already had a calm conclusion back in 2015. And to think I haven't even fully seen every previous title! 😬🤷🏻‍♂️

The same applies to human connection. As I've experienced through my life, including this year, people come and go. Some leave loudly with a weary warning, but others seep away ever so silently like the wavering wind. At times, they may bring a clear closure. But often, there's nothing but wistful wondering. That's the inevitable nature of our fleeting life. Spring turned to Summer, and Autumn heralded Winter. 🍃🍂

On the other hand, life also has a funny way of bringing people back together. A relation might seem like it had reached an end at some point. Yet, the dance of back and forth may restart after a month, a year, or even a decade of nothing. Just like that, things pick up and continue again. 👯‍♀️🕺🏃‍♂️

Perhaps when the parties involved have finally moved on with the struggles in their lives? Maybe once their previous priorities are finally fulfilled, and suddenly, somehow, the bond with us becomes the "new" one. They've matured, met, and said farewells with an array of new people before life directs them to that one strayed soulmate from the past. It's not impossible and has been done before. ☺️🔄😱

Don't obsess on it, though! That's the key to not turning that open-ended possibility into a romanticized reason to hold on to what's gone. Accept that some people never come back, for good. 👋🏻😢 

Instead, we owe it to ourselves to focus on the ones who are around us. Particularly, that honor goes to the loyal, patient, and trustworthy dear ones who are still there for us through our ups and downs. Some bonds don't need a drawn-out detour to a distant land to continue. It doesn't require a roundabout reunion. As Rob & Dianne Parsons would attest about their late friend-turned-irreplaceable family, Ronnie Lockwood, theirs lasted a lifetime. 🤝⌛️

The new year means new seasons of stories. Will that be a fun or frowning one? Oh, maybe there's an enlightening, energetic episode down the line! How about the characters? Will there be new faces to meet or unexpected developments with the old ones? A blast from the past, as I described above, could even be in the scenario. Fresh opportunities and potentials, interpersonal or otherwise, may be in store to explore. 😃🙆🏻‍♂️

A change will happen, whether we like it or not. 

No, let me rephrase. CHANGES, in plural, may be the better form. They will tease us, tempt us, or tire us. Nonetheless, some changes undeniably teach, transform, and transcend us to grow. 🌱🌻🌳

Let's wait and welcome those troves towards thriving together, shall we? Best of all, let's try not to be too hard on ourselves while doing so. To be real and reasonable with our resolutions. Because we are and will always be human with flaws and failures. 🤗💁🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♂️

***

Source: Personal Photo Collection, January 01, 2025

Calling 2025 a spectacular year may be an overstatement. Great? Hmm. Can't say for sure. Good, then? Not always. If I'm being frank, last year ended on a stabler, stronger note in more ways. But has it been meh? Nah! That's also definitely not the case. ✋🏻😐

There's this odd, calming feeling of gratitude and acceptance that's oddly hard to put into words. I guess I'm glad that, in general, my family is safe and sound. Even if there was a final farewell last month (ugh, we need to stop seeing each other only at funerals). And I'm honored to have loyal friends, from far-off continents to neighboring countries. Even if we haven't seen each other in person. 😌💫🌏

Ultimately, I suppose acknowledging that "it's okay to not be okay" helps, one day at a time. Or should I say, one post at a time? 😉📧

If you've reached this point, YOU'RE AMAZING! 🤩🌟

I thank you tremendously for reading through my ramblings throughout the year. The journey hasn't been smooth, yes. But there's no regret! And while the chapter of 2025 concludes today, the next one awaits just around the corner. An ending always marks another, hopefully hopeful, beginning. May 2026 bring a peaceful, pleasant surprise to us all. 😄🙏🏻

Till then, out with the old and nestle in the new. 

Farewell 2025...

See you soon, 2026! 

👋🏻🥳🎉