A Happy New Year to all of you and may God continue to bless you and your family this 2025!
2024 has been a challenging year for our families, especially for our moms, as we both lost Rache’s dad and my dad, Popsy, this year. The other night, my son Yugi was crying and asked what would happen to him when he dies. Momsy comforted him by saying, “If you are a good boy, you’ll go to heaven and be reunited with your lolo.” Moments like these remind us of our mortality and encourage us to refocus on what truly matters—our family, our friends and our faith in the Lord.
2025 marks a new chapter in our lives, our blog Our Awesome Planet, and our advocacies. We began blogging in 2005, the same year my first son, Aidan, was born. It was during this time that I realized my desire to be more present in my son’s childhood. This realization ultimately led me to leave my day job in 2008 to pursue a career online—a path that was virtually unheard of at the time.
This year, our theme centers on Cultivating Cherished Family Traditions, Empowering the Next Generation of Filipinos, and Celebrating Authentic Filipino Culture—paving the way for an even more Awesome Philippines.
Balai Indang New Year Tradition
We cherish retreating to Balai Indang to welcome the New Year peacefully with our loved ones. It feels like having your own home in Indang—simple, cozy, and family-style. You never have to worry about the food because every meal is thoughtfully prepared, ensuring you’re well-fed throughout your stay.
There’s no TV, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—bonding with the kids, cuddling in bed, playing chess, and sharing meals together as a family.
Media Noche, a cherished Filipino tradition celebrated on New Year’s Eve, is made effortlessly delightful at Balai Indang, allowing you to enjoy the occasion stress-free. The term, which means “midnight” in Spanish, refers to the grand feast prepared to welcome the New Year. Families gather around a table filled with dishes symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and abundance.
At Balai Indang, the celebration begins with a sunset cocktail at 5 PM, followed by a sumptuous dinner at 7 PM. For those staying up to welcome the New Year, a midnight snack with hot chocolate is prepared to mark the turn of the year.
Last year, we started a family Bingo tradition, and it’s been so much fun playing black-out with the kids to win prizes. We also began a Mahjong tradition with the cousins whenever we visit Ama’s house. We’re focused on creating more analog traditions that strengthen family connections, encouraging the kids to engage with one another rather than just focusing on their mobile phones.
I had a great time waking up to a breakfast mastermind with Marge and Philip—discussing business, kids, and life in Manila. It truly set the tone for an exciting year of awesome breakfasts in 2025.
We always look forward to a solemn new year’s mass at the Little Souls chapel now renamed to Sisters of the Merciful Heart of Jesus at 10am to Thank the Lord for blessing us with 2024 and to offer prayers for a healthy, successful and fruitful 2025.
When my dad passed away, it became clear who his true family and friends were—the ones who went out of their way to pay their respects at his funeral. It also made me reflect on who my real friends are—those who took the time to express their condolences, made the effort to come to the wake despite the distance, and sincerely empathized with our loss.
This year, we’re dedicating more time to nurturing these meaningful relationships, like our tradition of visiting Chef Jayjay and Rhea at the start of the year. It’s a time to celebrate friendship, share in business successes, and support each other through heartaches.
As we celebrate 20 years of blogging, we find ourselves becoming more reflective—sharing insights, heartfelt emotions, and a deeper historical perspective on life in Manila and the essence of authentic Filipino culture.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year and a Blessed 2025!
Live an Awesome Life with Christ this 2025,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Join us next year at Balai Indang.