No Juan Is An Island

2025 was a year of profound contrast. It would be easy to focus on the breakdowns and the heavy, depressing moments that tested my spirit, but looking back, the light far outweighed the shadows. This year, I didn’t just survive—I learned how to feel alive again.

A Soul’s Homecoming

​For almost three years, I was a stranger to the place I call home. Medical treatments for my visual impairment kept me anchored in the heat and hustle of Manila, far from the mist and mountains. But 2025 finally granted me the return I had been praying for.

Returning to Baguio felt like a homecoming for my soul. There is a specific kind of healing that happens in the highlands; it’s in the literal breath of fresh air while climbing mountains again and the quiet joy of cafe hopping between the nostalgic spots of my youth and the trendy new nooks hidden in the hills. I found my rhythm again, punctuated by the simple comfort of quality time with my five dogs, who never stopped waiting for me.

Reconnecting with familiar faces and finding a new community through Shared Tables reminded me of the power of human connection. After years of isolation and medical vulnerability, being surrounded by like-minded spirits felt like a warm hearth in the middle of a cold Baguio night.

​Creativity and the Art of Resilience

​In the face of fading sight, creativity became my sanctuary. I poured my heart into crafting scented soy candles—a medium that allows me to express myself through fragrance and texture when my vision fails me.

​This year, my “hobby” blossomed into a dream realized. I participated in local bazaars and fairs, sharing my creations with the community. The pinnacle of this journey was seeing my Story Candle housed in a luxury hotel right here in the city. I am incredibly grateful to Made Here Artisans Studio, the in-house shop at Wright Park Hotel, for tapping me to showcase my work. Seeing my candles appreciated in such a beautiful space was a reminder that even when our physical world narrows, our impact can still expand.

​The Weight of the Shadows

​I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the scars this year left behind. 2025 was a marathon of setbacks. A painful hand accident temporarily hindered my craft, and the financial constraints of ongoing medical expenses for my check-ups and medicine were a constant, looming shadow.

​The hardest part, however, wasn’t the physical pain or the empty wallet—it was the heartbreak of family. Living with only 20% vision left is a terrifying reality, yet I found a devastating lack of support from those who should have been my closest allies. My relationship with my family fractured; my sister, whom I had helped through her own financial woes, turned her back on me when I needed her most. My mother remained cold, consistently siding with my brother, leaving me feeling orphaned even while they were still there.

There were moments, honestly, where the mental and emotional drain felt insurmountable. I’ll be candid: I might not have seen the end of this year if it weren’t for my anchors.

​The Anchors That Held

​When my biological family fell short, my chosen family stepped in.

• ​My Friends: Who held my hand through the darkest challenges and reminded me of my worth.
• ​My Five Dogs: Whose unconditional love provided a reason to wake up every morning.
• ​Manang Vangie: My cousin, whose steadfast support was a rare constant in a year of upheaval.

​Because of them, I was able to attend the National Convention for Pharmacists, celebrate several reunions, and experience the spiritual grounding of Simbang Gabi once more. These moments of normalcy were my victories.

​Final Thoughts

​2025 taught me that vision isn’t just about what your eyes can see; it’s about the clarity of your heart. Even with the impending possibility of total blindness, I have seen more beauty this year than ever before. I have seen the strength in my own hands, the loyalty of a community, and the peace that can only be found among the pines.

To the friends who held my hand: thank you for being my anchor. 2025, you were tough, but you were also beautiful. Here’s to the wins, the smiles, and the resilience built in the mountains.

Lastly, 2025 Taught Me the Power of Asking for Help
For a long time, I believed that being strong meant keeping my struggles to myself. I thought that handling my burdens in silence was the only way to get through them. But recently, through the wisdom of dear friends, I’ve learned a vital lesson: it is okay to ask for help.
Currently, I am navigating some medical challenges that require consistent care, specifically for my eye health. Managing medical expenses and the cost of daily medications can be overwhelming, and I’ve realized I don’t have to do it all alone.
If you feel moved to extend a helping hand—whether it’s assistance with my specific eye medication or financial support for ongoing medical costs—I would accept it with immense gratitude. Your kindness doesn’t just help pay a bill; it provides me with peace of mind and the strength to keep going.
How you can help:
If you wish to contribute, you may send assistance via GCash or Maya at:
0927-948-6375