As 2016 comes to an end, I look back and give myself a pat on the shoulder. For tasks done, duties fulfilled, and missions accomplished. If 2016 was a race, I can say I not only finished  it, but I finished it well.

The year started slow. Towards the end of February, I had a wonderful experience visiting my mother and sister in Japan after eight long years. I stayed from February 22 to March 18 in Tokyo. It was a sweet sweet reunion with my mom who celebrated her 60th birthday and my sister Airra. I met my 1-year-old nephews who are twins and my very beautiful niece. My humble Japanese brother-in-law was also there.

 I met old friends again and new friends from the church. As we celebrated mom’s 60th, the sad news came that my uncle died of heart attack. He is PNP General Philomeno Macahilig who has been in service for 34 years – 20 years in the AFP and 14 years at the PNP. He served as chief of police in Santa Cruz, Laguna but sadly, he was not given honors when he died.

Three weeks was not enough but I thank God for the reunion and cannot wait to go back.

From Tokyo I went straight to the US for the Pacquiao-Bradley fight at the MGM Grand. It was a coverage that I am proud to have done, probably the best in 8 years. I stayed at the MGM Hotel suites  through the support of my talent and friend Gemmalyn Crosby. I started a partnership with Jun Aquino, the paint artist of Pacquiao.  I also assisted ABS-CBN’s Kathy Solis and had a long-due reunion with Daniel Guden.

From March 21 to May 15 I was all around – in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Arizona, and Texas. I also went to Vancouver, Canada for some business. 

I found myself in Vancouver again for the Independence Day coverage on June 6 to 16. I was able to interview Consul General Neil Ferrer, Asst. Congen Anthony Mandap, Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver and Mayor Darrell Mussatto of North Vancouver.

Back to homebase where I was in Tacloban on June 27 to July for the Sangyaw Festival hosted by Mayor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez. My media buddies were there – Anton delos Reyes, Anne Venancio, Jan Milo, Vic Sevilla, Rene Bisquerra, and Madz Guerrero. It was my daughter Ichika’s first airplane ride going to Tacloban with my son and wife.

I had a four-day birthday celebration this year. August 17 was my bash in Davao sponsored by YSA. Special thanks to operations manager Belle Cazin and Sir Randz Nazal,  August 18 with the media sponsored by Dr. Far Shamsi and Dr. Nikbin.  Rising star Francinne Rifol gifted me with a song. August 19 was my day with friends and celebrities who sang their hearts out in the videoke. Hollywood actor based in Japan Anthony Diaz was there, also IFBB Pro Gemmalyn Crosby and her family, rap artist Wilson G, model Sarah Polverini, respected actor Manu Respal, my good friend director Gorio Vicuna and his wife Peejay and family. August 20 was a simple celebration with my family and relatives. Red Cross Secretary General Gwen Pang, DARE’s Dr. Jean Marquez, Uncle MVP  and Healthwell Nutraceuticals President Paulo Legaspi and Sir Robert Nazal provided the lechon during my four-day birthday celebration.

On the side, I gave media support to Manu Respal’s fashion show and GlutaMAX’s fundraising event with Rex Navarrete at the Music Museum.

                I was back in Vancouver on October 23 to 30 as I forged a partnership with Christian Cunanan. We signed the contract and oriented new members. Just in time to fly to Las Vegas again for the Pacman vs. Vergas fight. I was with Christian who did good on his very first coverage for our website. During that time, October 31 to November 6, I stayed in 4 different hotels, with the MGM accommodation courtesy of my good friend Marlon Parel from Canada.

I accomplished my mission of interviewing Coach Freddie Roach, Justin Fortun, Marvin Somodio, Manny Pacquiao himself, wife Jinky, and Jessie Vargas and his trainer.

I went back to Vancouver on November 6 to 12 for the launching of Sportsmanila and Etonline in Canada.

This year also saw some firsts. Besides my first partnership in Canada, I was also invited to join the Rotary Club thanks to my kumpadre Robert Nazal of YSA Skin Care Corporation. It was my first time to handle two potential young talents – Yan Yan Lovendino and Francinne Rifol – who I think are future big stars. Francinne’s first exposure was at SMX when she sang during the big Gemmalyn Crosby sports event on September 3; sha also sang at The Calling concert at the MOA Arena on November 11, and launched her Smart TVC and indie movie last November 26. My daughters Jazzy and Ichika also got their first passports and I hosted a successful reunion at my house for the first time.

I also supported brad Richard Gomez and my best friend Atty. Alex Avisado when Mayor Richard filed a case in Napolcom.

Christmas started early as I attended my first Christmas party on December 1 with the team SPEED entertainment editors who have been my good friends for years. I owe to them whatever success I may have. It is because of them that I am here.

Of course my other friends who have been  channels of blessing to me this year – Robert and Sheila Nazal, Paulo Legaspi and trusted brands GlutaMAX, YSA, and Niceday . Philip and Margie Juico and family, Mayor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez and husband Alfred and The Skin Specialist (now DARE) owner Jean Marquez, Rifol and Lovendino Family.

My friends and partners in Canada, Christian Cunanan, Tom Choy, Tatay Tomas Avendano, Madz Mercado, Mayo L, Ferdie Lontoc, Marlon Parel. Kamilla, Abi Salas, Raffy of R’S Bar, Janice Cunanan, Zeala Cortes, Rolly Fortaleza, Mary, Donna and Jeffrey O Sei.

I would like to acknowledge the people who have been a big help to me in my career: my website team – Giovani Juntereal, Mic Rivarez, Aldrin Capinan, Patrick Aninang,  Tom Choy, Christian Cunanan and the rest of the sportsmanila team.

My mentors– Sir Isah Red, Riera Mallari, Philstar  Ricky Lo,  Gie Trilliana, Jojo Panaligan, Dinah Ventura, Pia Macan, Mae Balbuena, Nympha Ang, Tess Lardizabal, Che Francisco, Beth Repizo, Enjel Manato, Nympha Ang, Ed Andaya, Alex Vidal, Jimmy Cantor, Perry Mallari, Noli Cruz and sports icon Eddie Alinea, Giana Maniego and mother Isabel De Leon.

   Our Prayer warriors – Tita Angeli Valenciano, Uncle Anthony and Joseph, ALABANG NEW LIFE Pastor Joey Rafael and Sister Ut, Pastor Paul Chase and Sister Shoddy,  My mother Phyl and my sisters Jannielle, Airra and Beem.

As the year end draws near, I look back to the mission I have accomplished. It was a great year, with successes as the entrée and some sad stories for the spice.

Lastly, a message from Mickie, my cousin, put the cherry on top of my cake this year. She said, “Thank you for everything! It was such a wonderful treat for me to be able to experience the adventure we went on for the Pacquiao fight. (Having you around rekindled) my love for writing and being around for the Pacquiao fight was a great adventure. Thank you! So generous and thoughtful of you to go above and beyond for your cousin. I’m also very impressed at how giving you are. You are very generous in helping others and making a difference in other people’s lives. And the best thing about it is you give without any strings attached, which makes it even kinder and true. No hidden agenda. No in-sincereness about it. You truly are a kind human soul. Very impressive! Also impressed with regardless of what circumstances may be in the way or lemons thrown your way, you are unwavering with accomplishing your big dreams in life! Thank you for being inspiring. Anything is truly possible! Great things happen to good people! This is why your life keeps getting better and better. We are all very proud of you and your accomplishments and what you continue to create for yourself and your life. Keep up the great work! You rock!”

I am humbled and I will continue being a blessing and an inspiration to people I meet and work with. As Mickie said, “Keep on rockin’!” Here’s praying that 2017 will bring more victories to celebrate, more failures to learn from, more fulfillments to cherish, and more challenges to make us stronger. Cheers!