And just like that, we only have a couple of weeks before the year 2026 sets in. This early, we’ve mapped out some travel plans already for the coming year. Siargao in January. Kerala, India in February. Back to Sydney in March for quite a time, till June. And for the 2nd half of the year 2026, a river cruise along the Rhine. God knows where else we’d find ourselves in in between those planned trips. There’s Hokkaido and Medan, Indonesia in the drawing boards. And of course, that forever plan to watch Messi play — either with Inter Miami or with his national team Argentina for the coveted back to back win in the World Cup. Busy 2026? Perhaps busier than this year 2025. I’ve skipped many trips with my travel mates this year — choosing to spend more time and holidays with the family. All good. π
Hiroshima
Started 2025 with a trip to Fukuoka although we stayed in Hiroshima for the most part. Despite the grim reminders of the horrors of war, the white and pink Sakura blooms cheered us up all throughout that spring holiday. For the 3rd time, I visited Miyajima Island to enjoy once more the iconic Torii gate and the succulent oysters and eels the island is famous for. Back in Manila for the necessary preps for a bigger trip to Spain and France. This European holiday is my first trip with a grandnephew based in Sydney, plus a niece whom I wanted to introduce to the camino as well as take to Lourdes, France for some “spiritual experience”. From the Gaudi-inspired city of Barcelona, we took the train to Pamplona and met up with cousins to Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles to Lourdes to Paris. It was time very well spent. The sightseeing, the pilgrimage walk, time with family, the art and culture aspects of a trip and most importantly, the bonding time while experiencing all these lovely adventures and creating happy memories.
Walking out of Saint Jean Pied de Port in France to cross the Pyrenees into Spain.
Soon after this European trip, I only had a few days to pack for another holiday. This time, in Bali, Indonesia where more kin from Sydney flew in to join me for 5 days of sun and sand. We made sure the trip is “senior friendly” as my 81 year old sister and brother-in-law are joining. That is not to say this newly-arrived (from a hectic trip) septuagenarian didn’t need a break. Quite honestly, I actually rested so well in Bali. It was truly a relaxing holiday after a fast-paced holiday with a younger set. Just what I needed!
With family in Bali.
Fukuoka in spring. Fukuoka in end of summer. Yes, I returned to this lovely city in September, this time with my “Apos” to attend my nieta’s art exhibit. But I hardly did anything outside of just being present. The twenty-somethings did all the planning, flight and tour bookings. Including all dining and shopping itineraries. Not bad. I can get used to this. We ate well, even if I thought we had too much coffee and ramen. I sat out the shopping part, but I enjoyed the new spots which the younger sets prefer. Besides, we are actually here for the Art Fair Asia Fukuoka !
Before the year ended, I joined my friends for yet another trip — to Kaohsiung in Taiwan. This is my first time here as I’ve only been to Taipei and nowhere else in Taiwan. Just a quick trip. Aside from shopping and eating, I only managed to visit Pier 2 Art Center. On 2 consecutive days, I visited the area which is just a short walk from the hotel we booked. Just as well. The pier is a massive place dotted with brick warehouses cum shopping and dining areas, and parks with very interesting art installations. I’m sure my young family members would love it here. But next visit, I’d be sure to time it during cooler temps. It’s hard to endure the sun in the open-air art spots. The afternoons by the river are more pleasant though.
Pier 2 Art Center. Kaoshiung, Taiwan.
And so, here ends 2025. How has it been? We look back with gratitude and look forward with hope. In a few, the year 2026 beckons. A third of the coming year is all planned out this early but the remainder is still there, leaving room for exploration. For adventure. For surprises. Oh, don’t we all love surprises? I am ready for the coming year. Are you? ππππΎππβοΈππ³οΈβ±οΈποΈβ°οΈποΈ
It’s our first glimpse of New Zealand as the boat dropped anchor βοΈ on the 4th day at the Bay of Islands. β΄οΈ There isn’t much to see unless you join the shore excursions to view some waterfalls and some historic towns in this northeastern coast of the North Island. We used tender service to reach the island in 20 minutes, then a 5 minute shuttle bus to visit Paihia. There were shops and restos around, along with the Williams House with a neat garden around the historic structure owned by 5 generations of this founding European family including a man who translated the Treaty of Waitangi to MΔori language. Book shelves lined the walls, along with framed portraits of the illustrious and respected Williamses. But most everyone who visited the Bay of Islands particularly enjoyed the WiFi connection within the grounds! Well, after 3 days at sea, you can’t blame us. Unwilling to pay extra for connectivity, we spent a good half hour just checking messages and surfing the Net on our mobile phones. The others checked out the island’s Chinese restaurants and oyster bars. Was tempted to try the 3-seater trike that takes tourists around the island but decided against it and went shopping instead. Perhaps another day for the trike adventure.
Williams Residence
By the time we rode the tender back to our big boatπ’, we had our late lunch at the Oceanview Cafe , this time without the crowd. Many of the passengers were still in the island so the early returnees enjoyed the facilities on the boat almost exclusively. Even the big pool and solarium pool were nearly devoid of swimmers. There were numerous activities to join but we proceeded to the theatre instead for a stand up comedy show which surprisingly, we enjoyed. Then off to the bar for acoustic music and another sunset view seated on colorful swing chairs. We learned of another band of Colombians with a Filipina singer named TJ that we wanted to listen to. We headed there and witnessed a couple of pairs who displayed their dancing prowess to TJ’s tango and salsa repertoire. πΊπ
People watching is both an interesting activity and a discovery of sorts. The cruise director lined up many events — from Veterans Day (there were many seniors and I’m curious about the average age of passengers on this vessel) to comedy shows to bingos to dance and Zumba sessions to games to musicals to art auctions to workshops to self-care and spa treatment. They even gave each passenger a free bracelet where different charms can be bought each day. And a locket necklace with free charms each day. The passengers lined up at certain hours each day for the free necklace charms on sea days. There is always something to do. And to eat. The fine dining restaurants, the grill and pizza place, the bars, the ice cream corners, the sushi place. Le Petit Chef is also here. How does one get bored here? One of my friends signed up for nearly every single event but I chose to relax on sea days and looked forward to our excursions wherever the boat docked. Let’s see what happens in the next few days!
Once you cross 50 years since graduation, you treasure every moment, every minute, every get-together not knowing when the next one would be. Nor who’d be around at the next reunion. This sentiment prompted many based abroad to come home, and for the core organisers to line up as many events. Any excuse to see each other in the limited time everyone is around. Amazingly, the adrenaline of seeing each other again must have pumped up these “energiser bunnies” as every event, every single affair proved to be well-attended, well- organised, and superbly enjoyed! Best of all, that very same energy pushed these senior ladies to brave the long drive to LAIYA, San Juan in BATANGAS and to pull an overnighter in this wonderful paradise of a beach resort.
As one rolls into their 70’s, the service demands grow several notches higher. Food, customer service, cleanliness, convenience and leisure/entertainment option all become mandatory rather than simple wish lists. It would be a nightmare to fail their standards. But The Resthouse truly delivered. The 9-hectare beachfront estate provided the sea breeze, stillness, tranquility and scenic views to soothe the nerves after long drives. The memory of a beach affair among giggly, life-loving, cheerfuland cool, rocking grandmas is a gift made possible by The Resthouse management and staff. Five stars won’t suffice. And the fond memories will last for a very long time.
Thank you, The Resthouse, for granting our wish of this lifetime memory. We treasure our time spent in this slice of heaven on earth. Till our next gathering there!
When I was way younger, I planned on an early retirement. Like age 45. I was off by just a couple of years. I still don’t feel old but in the next so many years, I plan to embrace senior living with a determined zest for living. And BEYOND STEPS makes me hopeful and excited over this prospect. How? First off, there’s this awesome mentor we simply call EJ. She’d put to shame any younger fitness instructor with her energy. She sings, she dances, she mentors, she encourages, she makes us all feel as awesome!
Our journey from 2 left-feet, awkward, fumbling seniors to last night’s performance was loaded with many fun sessions. Check the video link above. The recital is made more memorable by newly-fostered friendships and a shared enthusiasm and excitement over what we, as a group, can muster and master. All thanks to EJ whose energy and talent radiate and compel us all to give our own uninhibited best!
Beyond Steps is not like any other fitness class. While it is essential to improve physical stamina, BS is really more into cognitive somatic fitness. From EJ herself:
“As we mature we suffer a downturn physically and mentally.
Participants, especially Seniors who routinely partake in Physical & Cognitive combined exercises CAN REVERSE the signs of declining years in both brain and body.“
Some may refer to it as “cerebral dancing” or simply, “brain gymnastics“. Whatever it’s called, we like how our brain faculties and body movements are stimulated to act in sync. With both body and mind engaged, we responded as our sensei constantly challenged us.
Here’s more from EJ:
“Body and mental stimuli sets the balance for the individual to function daily with ease, comfort and gratification.
Beyond Steps change arm-patterns, footwork formations, speed and rhythms to keep participants to encompass a constant learning process by recalling the routines under the pressure of time without cues from EJ the instructor.”
EJ was quick to point out that:
“These extra challenges account for the noticeable difference in balance & self-esteem displayed by participants in the group.
1. Beyond Stepsprimarily developed new Mind and Body fitness and wellness program maximising anti-aging effects on the brain and body.
2. Beyond Stepscombine the aspects of physical activities and mental activities through music and mindfulness.
3. Beyond Stepssyllabus takes into account that-
ageing memory reacts stronglyto physical activitieswhen listening to music, sounds, melodies, rhythms and movement.
4. Beyond Stepscontinually sets new, interesting, stimulating challenges for the mind & for the body.
The KEY to a more independent healthy life means going through this regimen with commitment & regularity.”
Done with our recital (ahem), we are now prepping for EJ’s classes to resume. Don’t miss this chance to join us in Sunshine Place at 56 Jupiter Street, Makati City. And go ahead and bring your friends too. Beyond Steps is one “party” you wouldn’t want to miss!
Care to know more about EJ and our “happy place”? Read on. π€
lifeisacelebration 