By Jose Guillermo
Let’s make this a conversation, imagine we’re sitting down over coffee, swapping stories about the year gone by. I will share mine, and maybe you will chime in with yours.
Not much happened during the first six months of 2024, aside from celebrating my birthday, which I had hidden on my Facebook profile. Only a few remembered it—just my closest friends and relatives who took the time to greet me. I’m still not revealing when my birthday is. Hahaha.
Another highlight of 2024 was when our company was sold to a bigger entity. There were concerns about job security, but we were assured that we were in good hands. I believe it was in June when this happened. I had a chance to talk to our VP for Asia Pacific before it happened, and about a week later, we were informed of the sale via email.
This was also around the time I reconnected with a former batchmate from high school. We talked about politics and other issues happening in our country, including the Alice Guo case, Harry Roque’s involvement, and so on.
That connection sparked something, like a matchstick to its flint. I started contributing articles from Twitter and Facebook to him as he was preparing to launch the online page of Sunday Punch. His name is Allan Joaquin, my classmate from second-year high school, whom I used to tease for his deep voice by imitating him. Sorry, Allan, for what I did. But he was a good sport about it. Although we have different views on politics, we managed to find common ground and started having meaningful conversations about our country.
At first, Allan just asked me to follow the page and subscribe to the website. He encouraged me to write my article and send it to him for editing. I remember my first three articles published in Sunday Punch were titled “How to Enjoy Camping: A Guide to Embracing the Outdoors,” followed by “First Ever Metabolic Camp Held by PSOD and IHG at Microtel by Wyndham in Pasay City” and “Boston Celtics Win Championship #18.” These were my first three articles, and soon after, Allan informed me about a meeting scheduled for July 21, 2024. However, due to Typhoon Carina, the meeting was postponed to July 24.
Despite the lingering floods and visible garbage on the streets of Meycauayan, Bulacan, I made it to the meeting on time. There, Allan formally offered me a job, which I accepted without hesitation. That marked the start of our employee-to-boss relationship. We discussed several plans, including a livestream program.
We had another meeting with a former classmate, now a lawyer named Victor Longos, known on Facebook as Torney V CL. Together, we planned and eventually launched a livestream series called Batas Natin, Akay Torney. Our pilot episode aired on October 29, 2024, tackling Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). Although we encountered technical difficulties during the initial episodes, our tech guy Carlo helped us resolve them. Now, the show airs smoothly every Sunday at 3 PM. Initially, the episodes were broadcast on Tuesdays at 8 PM, but we adjusted based on viewer feedback.
Aside from hosting the show together with Sharon, I continue to write articles for Sunday Punch. We are going full blast with the show in 2025, with exciting guests and surprises in store. Follow us on Facebook at Sunday Punch and on YouTube at @sundaypunch-n2v.
Other notable events in 2024 included the founding anniversary of our high school alma mater, celebrated on September 7. This event kickstarted the planning for our half-decade high school reunion, which took place on November 23. I wrote articles for both events.
December was a busy month, but we managed to hold a Christmas party with the Sunday Punch Dagupan Team. It was a fun and successful event and we did not come home empty handed. I wrote an article about this.
I spent Christmas with my partner’s family. We hosted games for the kids and celebrated New Year with them as well, enjoying a few drinks to close out the year. Unlike many, I did not prepare a prosperity bowl or round fruits on my dining table. I believe luck is something we create through effort and faith, not rituals.
Looking back, 2024 was a year full of blessings. My partner always says, “If you’re too lazy, nothing will help. But if you work hard and pray for guidance and blessings, that’s all that matters.” I carry this advice into 2025, hoping for even greater success and happiness.
Here’s to a blessed 2025 for everyone. Remember, God loves us and will guide us on the right path. Happy New Year!
How about you? How was your 2024? Let me know in the comment section.