I initially wanted to write about my new year’s resolution as a year ender post. But I soon realized that it is among my traditions not to do one or a real list. What I only keep in mind as another year starts are two things: to improve or learn from my mistakes and be happier. Sounds simple eh? Being happier would entail being nice, frugal, etc. You see I won’t be happier if I’m feeling and doing nasty stuff, I won’t be happier if I’m spending beyond my means, and the rest follows.
Reading a few random entries that I blogged about in 2009 gave me mixed emotions. I was grinning as it became more obvious that I wrote much about traveling and… eating! Haha. While my blog, of course, is not a diary, it’s definitely becoming one of the easier references of what I’ve been doing. While not losing too much anonymity, it also helps that some people away from me, wherever they are, (and you all know who you are) found another means to keep in touch. At first, it was a little strange (and scary, LOL) when some members of the family and friends would know what I’ve been up to and what I intend to do (the general stuff) without me disclosing to them. It’s the least of my concern, anyway, how they found out about this blog. Heehee. I realized though that I have an added reason to continue blogging. Yes, to keep in touch with them, including my blogger pals. Seriously, at times I get consumed by this sort of community. In 2008, I had a few minutes meet up with one blogger. I’m imagining how it feels to meet more in the future – maybe it would be like meeting an old friend that you’ve not seen for years.
I also appreciate the respect we give each other as online pals considering the differences in level of anonymity. While I evolved from being fully to partially anonymous as a blogger, here’s a bonus: you can ask me anything in this page. I will try to respond to each question which is answerable. 
I suggest that you create an account so that you’re going to be notified of the responses and that I’d be able to ask you, too.
2009 has been very kind and wonderful to me and I thank all of you for being part of it. I wish everyone a happier and more blessed new year!
Popularity: 9%
Singapore’s Chinatown
Universal Studios Singapore (2 of 2)
Universal Studios Singapore (1 of 2)
The most famous ogre
Petronas Towers
{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
i wish you all the best always
more blogs to come for the next year.
.-= upto6only´s last blog ..Skywatch Friday: Friendship Till Dawn =-.
My same wish for you especially for your photography plans.
Wow. Looking at your mosaic, you’ve definitely been busy but in a good way! Here’s to 2010!
.-= Em Dy´s last blog ..mylphone, my phone =-.
I wouldn’t really realize until we look back at the testimonies of the photos. Cheers!
No, thank you for being a part of my life. Although I have yet to meet you in person, I just know that I found a friend in you. I wish you well for 2010!
.-= kayni´s last blog ..Happy Holidays =-.
I am looking forward to meet you, too.
Thanks Jo for being part of my 2009! Happy New year! Sana eh umuwi ka next year ng mag food trip na tayo haha
.-= dyanie´s last blog ..Dumaguete Food =-.
Yes, food trip! :p
i share with you the feeling of being grateful for everything!
i guess people with good hearts are like that.
allow me me to thank you as well, for being one of my blog buddies and let the fun continues to 2010 and beyond! God bless us and our families more!
more power to you and your site! cheers! happy new year!
.-= docgelo´s last blog ..NEWBIE ON HAINANESE CHICKEN =-.
Looking forward to crossing paths with new blogger pals like you (and your family, too).
It’s always nice to do a post like this at the end of the year. You have become easily one of the must-reads in my books because not only do you tackle my favorite stuff (eating and movies and travel) you also encourage me to “read” more.
Hope the coming year and the coming decade would prove to be more fruitful and satisfying. Travels overseas in the offing right?
More power. Take care always.
.-= Photo Cache´s last blog ..My World #53: 2009 – Too Blessed to be Stressed =-.
Re: overseas travel, yes. I have 3 tickets as of now. I hope they will all push through.
happy new year! what a colorful collage of the year that was for you.
.-= forfuitous faery´s last blog ..Faith and Fajitas =-.
I can just imagine how lively your collage would be, too, if you made one. Happy 2010!
Happy new year! A year in review sounds like something I’d like to do. Maybe that’ll be my next post … next month. hehe.
.-= Ping-i´s last blog ..Andre Agassi =-.
I will take note of that post.
yeah…happy new year wits. *cheers*
.-= eds´s last blog ..Just dropping by to say Merry Christmas everyone! =-.
Happy 2010, Eds!
I feel the same way you do about our community of bloggers – our connection may not be physical and non-commital but what we blog about revolve on things we are passionate about and we share them with each other through cyberspace. This is something I’m forever thankful for. All the best to you for 2010!
.-= Nomadic Pinoy´s last blog ..Air Scare =-.
Re: blogging about things we are passionate about, long live to that because we all learn from each other.
and so we wish to have a meet up with you this year. hehehe… nice collection of photos. i can see club manila east (if im right) on one of the photos and the entrance to nagcarlan underground cemetery.
.-= dong ho´s last blog ..batad rice terraces =-.
Yes, that’s in CME. I know you’d recognize that entrance to the cemetery. And it was your post that encouraged me to visit it.
Being happy is really important. It inspires you and the people around you!
Haha, I don’t let anyone know about my blog. Well, some of my friends do but it’s kinda embarrassing to tell something like this to your boyfriend or your Mom and Dad lol!
I’m glad I met you, another Filipino! I’m always hungry for more Filipinos!
Haha, I only managed to blog almost anonymously for quite a time. Now, most of them know about this. But I am glad, it is for the better reasons.
Have a blessed new year!
.-= aLiNe´s last blog ..Corner Tree Cafe =-.
Have a merrier 2010, Aline!
It was a wonderful year for all of us wherein peace and respect reigns in our blogging community and thank you for your wonderful and colorful blogs and we’ll be looking forward for more from you on the coming 2010. God bless.
Happy New Year!!!
.-= The Pope´s last blog ..Thank You Lord! =-.
Happy new year, too, The Pope!
good point you raised there about resolutions. i like your philosophy of keeping it simple because at the end of the day, it’s all about finding happiness in your own way and spreading the joy that matters. have a blessings-filled 2010 ahead
Thanks. I wish you also more blessings including lots of travels for this year.
First, happy new year, Jo. Secondly, thank you for entertaining us with your quality posts (and photos). I’m sure you’ll continue to impress us in 2010.
(Nabasa ko ung Q&A mo sa kabila. The way I rate the questions, I guess takot sila sa yo, Jo. I am, too, actually. But let me see if I can come up with a silly question tutal sabi mo ‘anything you want’. Hehe).
.-= Nebz´s last blog ..May we have the faith of Mary this twenty ten =-.
I am glad to have entertained some, if not all, of you. Heehee.
Re: Q & A (i.e. formspring) I never thought they are probably scared of me until you mentioned. Hahaha. Bigla ko tuloy nareview yung mga tanong nila. :p
Happy new year to you and to your whole family. More blessings for the year of the tiger!
Hello Red! I wish you’d be happier this year!
If there’s such thing as an “OFW bloggers convention”, that would be great!!
Happy New Year, Ms. Jo!
.-= BlogusVox´s last blog ..Samot-Sari ‘09 =-.
That convention is a good idea. And I am wishing that by that time we would all be holding a copy of Buhay Buhangin Series book.
looking at your collage, it shows how interesting and blessed your year has been. i hope you continue to share with us your adventures and life in the Gulf.
we’re cooking a storm here…and before i get my slot in the kitchen, let me wish you a wonderful New Year.
.-= luna miranda´s last blog ..Pasasalamat [Gratitude] – Litratong Pinoy =-.
I will try to blog more about life in the Gulf.
2009 is almost over, so here’s a toast to the coming year (*raises mug*)
Happy New Year
.-= onyxx´s last blog ..last post for 2009 =-.
Cheers!
Happy new year sis.. I wish you a prosperous and bountiful 2010 !
.-= bw´s last blog ..Thoughts for Year 2010 =-.
Happy new year to you and to your family!
happpy new year!!!!! happy to have met you in 2010
.-= ibyang´s last blog ..Thank you 2009! =-.
Aaaw.
I wish you and your hubby happier days there in Sydney.
Nice wrap-up the past year! I wish you the best this 2010 and beyond! Ingat po lagi, Happy New Year!!
.-= dennis´s last blog ..New Year Firecrackers and Fireworks =-.
Happy new year, too! Looking forward to see more photos from you this year especially those that tackle street photography.
That’s a great post of your 2009 in review thru pictures. Glad to visualize that the past year was favorable and quite positive for you. =)
Btw what software did you use to collate your photos in a mosaic? I’ve been meaning to do that with my online photo albums. Thanks!
.-= Daphne´s last blog ..We’re back =-.
For this one, I did the mosaic through bighugelabs.com. You might also want to try picnik.com.