We don’t mean to sound old but time flies way too fast. Whether you’re preoccupied or having a good time, seeing the big picture or caught up in the daily grind, the days may be long (or too short if you’re one of those multi-hyphenates) but the years are definitely short.
And it’s usually around the holiday season when you realize just how short the years are. If New Year’s Eve 2013 felt like only yesterday, NYE 2012 seemed only two weeks ago.
Between the holiday parties and the Christmas shopping, the thought “It’s-been-a-year-what-have-you-done-with-your-life?” pops up in our heads in a neon sign bigger than last year’s. We’ve come to realize though that whatever your answer is, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you can live with it.
Because we wanted to start the year on a positive note, we asked our friends what they are looking forward to this year (instead of what they are most dreading). We didn’t ask about their New Year’s resolutions—lest they ask what ours were.
Check out their answers. Despite the variety of replies, we think we all agree that we want to do away with the bad to make room for the good, and we all embrace the new year with a sense of hope and optimism that this year will be better than the last.
Before we get caught up in our daily lives once again, we hope you figure out what this year has in store for you and more importantly, what you have in store for the next 12 months.
Shari Quimbo, managing editor, Zee Lifestyle Magazine
A close friend of mine and I are planning this big US trip in the middle of the year. I’m especially excited about chasing some food trucks in LA and partying at EDC in Las Vegas. The trip will also include a stop that I’m especially looking forward to: Texas, where my sister will be getting married. She’ll be the first in the family to walk down the aisle, so I’m getting ready for a lot of (happy) tears!
Marky Cantalejo, Lifestyle & Fine Art wedding photographer
I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife and our less-than-a-year-old baby boy amid all the exciting weddings to shoot in 2014. The year 2013 was busy for us, but 2014 looks even busier!
Golda M. C. King, painter
I look forward to good times, good people and fresh paintings! I also look forward to finding clarity of mind and purpose.
Jiggy Jr., radio personality
I am not a big fan of one-day celebrations, including New Year celebrations. I think if it’s worth celebrating one day, it’s worth celebrating every day. So if I have to answer the question, I am looking forward to all the infinite possibilities that each brand new day will bring this 2014.
Mariia Lysenko, college student
An upcoming year always brings something new. Some go to new schools or get new jobs. Some marry and start a family. Others will build a new business or a house, or get a new puppy or a car. In Russia we say, “The way you meet the New Year is the way you will spend it.”
For me, a new year is a way to start my life “anew”—to know what is unknown, to fix what is broken, to forego what is unnecessary, to improve myself and to accomplish more goals.
The new year should bring me a lot of things I’m looking forward to. I will be going to Russia to see my parents, I will support the Russian team at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, and I will work on gaining the confidence to try modeling.
Kelly “Juno” Urbina Viado, Laguna Group marketing officer
I look forward to new opportunities, new experiences and a more productive Cebu.
Fiona Escandor, MBA student
I’m looking forward to my Singapore adventure with my girl friends. It will be the first time that I’ll be traveling with this bunch, and I’m excited to see what kind of shenanigans we will get ourselves into. Five days, five ladies, and miles away from the responsibilities of work and school—I’m sure this is going to be one memorable trip!
Jeff Knutsen, cook for The Abaca Group
I’m originally from Seattle and moved to Cebu a couple of months ago straight from Bhutan where I worked earlier this year. I have to say that what I am most looking forward to seeing my friends and family for the first time in over a year when I go home in June. Getting to explore Cebu more comes as a close second though!
Andrea Aldeguer, college student/intern at Loalde
I’m excited for 2014 as I’m in the cusp of a new phase in my life—enjoying my last year as a teenager while seeing all the possibilities and opportunities in becoming an adult. Plus, I’ll be going to London in April and traveling is something I always look forward to every year.
Lastly, I’m also looking forward to a stronger country. It would be nice to see the Philippines recover from the calamity, especially with everyone stepping up in the relief and rebuilding efforts.
Rei Escario, fashion designer
I look forward to a new me in 2014. While I will still be based in Cebu, I expect to travel often to Manila for work, I’m excited to meet new friends and peers in the fashion industry there. I look forward to having new experiences and learning new things. I also plan to change old and bad habits, and be more productive and active in my career.