Angelino AF (Asian Flavor)

2025 has been a year I don’t even have the right word to describe. Fires tore through various parts of LA at the start of the year, but I’m grateful that downtown remained untouched. Then came Donald Trump being sworn in as president, sweeping new tariffs under the administration, and ICE raids across Los Angeles and other cities in California. A new American pope was elected—and that’s only scratching the surface. So much happened, all at once.

I don’t want to get too political here. I simply want to take a moment to reflect on some of the significant events that shaped my life this year.

• Let me start with my health. After years of neglect—even though I was deeply into health and fitness before, and even became a fitness instructor—I’ve finally taken full charge of my well-being. Beyond committing to the gym, I’ve become much more intentional about what I eat. I’ve been starting my mornings with green smoothies for over a year now, and I’ve added juicing to my routine as well. What truly stands out in my health and fitness journey, though, is that I’m now able to run 5K to 10K races. This is incredibly meaningful to me, especially considering that I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis. Now I’m saying goodbye to the pain and running my way toward a healthier life.
  
• I finally got a new car—my sixth in a lifetime. What makes this one special is the journey behind it. For someone who came to the U.S. with almost nothing, being able to own a car feels like a real achievement. Before this, I spent so much money renting cars. Eventually, I bought a secondhand sedan and drove it for nearly three years. This year, I upgraded to a brand-new SUV. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially in Los Angeles, where car culture is real. Getting from point A to point B without owning a car is nearly impossible. For me, this isn’t about status; it’s about progress and stability.
  
• I watched my second Mariah Carey concert in Vegas, and it was incredibly special to me. As a longtime Mariah fan—a proud Lamb—the concert centered around my favorite album of all time, The Emancipation of Mimi. I know every song on that album by heart; I can even tell you which track comes next before it starts. Experiencing it live felt like a full-circle moment. 🦋
  
• And speaking of music, I also had the chance to watch three Broadway shows—Hamilton, Les Misérables, and Moulin Rouge. These were major productions, and I felt incredibly fortunate to experience them at the iconic Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. I also attended orchestral concerts at the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall. After experiencing all of this, I know I want to watch even more Broadway and orchestra performances next year.
  
• My two nieces came to visit me, and what made it especially meaningful was that they traveled all on their own—enduring a 14–15 hour flight from the Philippines. That alone was a reminder that they’ve truly grown up… and that I’m not getting any younger either.In time, they’ll make their own choices and navigate life on their own terms, but I’ll always be their supportive uncle, cheering them on from wherever I am. I’m already looking forward to seeing more of my family next year, as they’re planning a visit to the U.S. in the third quarter of 2026.
  
• And last—but certainly not least—I’ve started reading the Bible again. I was once a Catholic seminarian, studying theology and philosophy, and at one point I probably thought that experience made me better than others. Somewhere along the way, though, I stopped reading the Bible altogether.
  

  Returning to it now is a very personal decision. I’ve set a goal to read the entire Bible before the end of 2026. If I can commit to reading all kinds of books, why not this one as well? I truly believe it holds countless lessons—about life, faith, humanity, and history. There’s a reason it remains the best-selling book of all time. I plan to come back to this blog a year from now and reflect on what has changed in me after reading the Bible from cover to cover.

When I look back on my life in 2025, it was actually quite simple. I don’t have major achievements to boast about to the world. I’m neither a celebrity nor a political figure—I’m just someone navigating life on my own terms.

I’ve even chosen to narrow down my circle on social media. Not because the people I no longer follow are “nonsense,” but because I want less noise. Life is already complicated, and I don’t want to add unnecessary distractions. A smaller circle brings more clarity and peace.

Much of my life still revolves around work, but I’m learning not to let it overwhelm me. Life is too short to be consumed by stress, and I’m doing my best to find balance where I can.

As we close the chapter on 2025, may we leave behind its worries and challenges and step into 2026 with positivity, purpose, and renewed energy.