Some and sum of last year…

Let me share to you some of how my life-and-work 2016 went through and the little things I learned from each.

1. We set-up and worked on the production of a New Year 2015/2016 countdown. This is not the first time I did not spend the New Year’s Eve countdown with our family.  In 2014, me and my business partners from Redmedia welcomed the 2014 in Singapore where we also did the com-plan.  In 2014/2015, I took a time off and spent it with our family in California. The alone-iest is in 2001/2002 when I stayed in Los Angeles.
2. Winter in Hong Kong. I missed the cold weather but I only wanted a short getaway and Hong Kong is the nearest escape. Some of the usuals are the food tripping, train hopping, shopping, walking and street styling. Having been to Hong Kong in different seasons, I think that the best time to shop there is at least in the week before the Chinese New Year. I had to confess that I may be a fan of Forever 21 success but I was never a Forever 21 shopper until I got 2 pairs of ripped jeans and a blazer that I really liked…and because it was s-a-l-e.
3. In November 2015 I inquired and secretly ordered the full option thunder gray body color with panoramic roof, mini eye camera, Recaro seats, arm rest, and others. I said to myself that if I will upgrade my MINI, I want it to be the best or the full option JCW. After 5 months, my 2016 Mini Cooper JCW finally arrived from Oxford. I got so excited and spotted the difference in handling. I would consider it as a reward, a challenge, and a side motivation. What happened to my 2010 Mini Cooper S that I used for 6 years with a low 25,000 km mileage? I traded it in and I heard it was quickly sold.
4. Summer in Tokyo. Got a multiple Japan visa. I have been to Japan on a transit visa and with several stopovers. Summer may be the best season for many to walk in the streets of Tokyo but not for me. I stayed in Shinjuku, crossed in Shibuya, walked in the alleys. The best part is the ramen eating experience. Mt. Fuji, temple and island hopping, and train rides are the perks. The bottomline, returning there on a summer will be my last option. I still love the cold weather.
5. Projects. Have worked on activation and events, as usual. What is special about a particular project in 2016 is the Christmas party of a BPO company where I had a personal treatment using the multiple and irregular LED walls, visual jock (VJ), and more special lighting effects. I have also started working on the supply and installation of audio, video and lights for a worship hall at the fifth level of a building. It will be finished by mid-2017.
6. Partnership with HUP Clothing. Partnered with my brother Jay-Ar and collaborate with his brand HUP.  We started selling HUP caps, shirts and watches for the south Metro Manila buyers. Observation? Buyers still want the “meet-up” way. However, online buyers are picking up. I see the potential for this business since the direct-to-consumer brands are making their way in the fashion, retail and street style business.
7. Winter in South Korea. It is one of the most fun trip. I arrived with a -4 deg C temperature. It seems that the cold weather is normal to everyone in Seoul. My leather jacket and beanie turned outdated. So, I bought a fur jacket from a store near the hotel I was checked-in in Myeongdong. I enjoyed the street food, people watching, looking at how people work, and how they keep the streets clean. Gangnam is a nice city. You can buy the cheapest finds at the stores underground. The business district reminds me of Toronto and San Francisco streets and sidewalks. Nami Island at -15 deg C is the coldest I have experienced so far. Side trips and tours are the usual. Their highways are like the freeways of California. My ski experience in Yong Pyong Ski Resort is unforgettable. I had to fall more than ten times to learn the rope. I bet it is going to be a fun throwback for PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.
8. Quick Business Feed. Collections from clients are not easy. It is one thing that the Philippine business culture has to change, especially in the service-oriented industry. I am working on personal projects and interesting ventures that have been delayed because of other priorities. What makes it more challenging is there is a continuity. You just have to keep on doing and moving. Before the year ended, there was an exploratory talk about a new business with my California-based friend.
9. Setback. My uncle Tito Boying died. He was the youngest brother of my father. I have had a lot of memories with my uncle. A soft spoken, kind, helpful, resilient and hardworking man that our family will always remember. He, along with my late grandmother and other late uncle Tito Lando, helped through my earlier journey. You will sadly realize that life begins to cut short twenty-five years after you finish high school. Thank you Tito Boying for all the help, to your generosity and for all the love that you showed us.

I am looking forward to meeting new people in 2017. People who are more interesting to talk to. I would like to listen to them, vis-a-vis, whom I can share my vision as well. I would like to talk about new ideas, technology, disruptions and innovations. I will still keep an eye on the lifestyle, culture, and whatever good ingredients are that can give value to both personal and business.