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Friendship Travels: Singapore & Bangkok Revisited

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Backstory The original plan for my homecoming in March 2026 was ambitious: to spend Holy Week exploring the Caucasus, crossing borders from Azerbaijan to Armenia and Georgia. But travel rarely goes exactly as planned, and this time, circumstances forced a reroute: Visa hurdles : Azerbaijan required a pre-approved visa through its embassy in Manila, impossible for me since I was living and working in Papua New Guinea. Mixed approvals : My travel companion, Kuya Louver, was denied entry to Georgia but managed to secure his Armenian visa. Global disruptions : The war in the Middle East shut down surrounding international airports, including our planned connections through Saudi Arabia and Dubai. With the Caucasus plan scrapped, we pivoted. And so, my “Friendship Travels” of 2026 found new life in Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. Singapore: A Whirlwind 36 Hours Singapore wasn’t originally on the itinerary—it was a spontaneous addition. While browsing online, I discovered Cirque du Soleil’s...

LOL @ 50: A Birthday to Remember

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On January 9, 2026 , I celebrated my golden milestone—my 50th birthday —with the theme Live Out Loud . And true to that mantra, the day was filled with laughter, music, magic, and unforgettable moments shared with the people who’ve been part of my journey. 🌟 The Guest List: A Tapestry of My Life I wanted this celebration to be more than just a party—it was a reunion of every chapter of my life. Family: My siblings and cousins brought warmth and familiarity, reminding me of childhood roots. My immediately family My cousins - Japzons My cousins - Magnos My cousins - Gastardos My cousins - Empleos My cousins - Japzons My cousins My cousins My baby girls (are ladies now!) Friends: From childhood playmates to school, high school, and college companions, each one represented a different era of growing up. High Schoolmates Collegemates Workmates Surigaonon Friends Manila Friends Colleagues: From my very first job to my current role, including fellow consultants, their presence highl...