It's time to recap what happened in September and October 2025, along with some side stories and things to look forward to in the coming months.
The months of September and October. September was the month I took my first solo trip, completed another 10-miler race, and attended the Baha sa Luneta on September 21.
I felt a little spoiled in October, as I was able to watch Hamilton in the theater and experience The FRIENDS Experience - The One in Manila. I also officially became a half-marathoner! Let's begin.
September and October Highlights
Solo Travel in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
From September 1 to 6, I took my first solo international trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. How wonderful it is to explore a new place at my own pace and learn how to be comfortable with my own company.
Vietnam is an excellent choice for a female solo traveler. It was loud and gentle at the same time. If you enjoy coffee, good food, and rich history, I highly recommend it. I will be creating a series of content about my solo trip to Ho Chi Minh City, so stay tuned.
Rexona Metro Manila 10 Miler Series - Makati Leg
Another month, another race. Running has truly become a part of my life now. Last September 14, I completed the Makati Leg of the Rexona Metro Manila 10 Miler Series.
Makati feels very nostalgic to me because I spent almost 7 years working at Ayala, Makati. Running along the same streets I used to commute to and from work brought back many memories. Every corner of my run tells a story —a chapter of my life filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable experiences.
I was unable to finish the race in under two hours this time, unlike during the event on August 3 at the Rexona 10 Miler in Parañaque, where I successfully achieved a sub-2-hour finish. Still, I had a great time, and I am just happy we are almost at the end of the series.
Related read - July 2025 Life Recap
Baha sa Luneta Rally Experience
Last September 21, I went with my youngest sister to join the Baha sa Luneta protest. This was a new experience for me, as I come from a state university and had never participated in a rally before. However, the ongoing flood-control ghost project in the country was different.
This was a clear lie and an example of corruption I simply couldn’t accept. Being around a large number of Filipinos stirs up strong emotions in me. I truly hope things will get better in our country. We deserve better governance, especially with the massive tax we are mandated to pay.
It's difficult not to feel a mix of hope and frustration, but I remain committed to believing in a brighter future for the Philippines.
Meet up with Ma’am Lanie and Espren Steph
Before September ended, I caught up with two of the most important people in my life—Ma’am Lanie, my spiritual mom, and Steph, my best friend.
I’ve known Ma’am Lanie since she was the one who introduced me to God back in college. We met to catch up on life, her engagement (waaaahhh), and we even bonded over a derma session. Haha.
Steph, on the other hand, was my high school classmate, and I have been her best friend ever since. I am also her child’s godmother. We try to meet as often as possible, and I’m happy I get to give her my Vietnam pasalubong. We ate samgyeopsal, talked about life updates, and had coffee afterward.
I will always be deeply grateful to God for blessing me with wonderful friends who walk alongside me through life's journey. Their friendship brings joy, support, and meaning to each day, and I cherish every moment we share together.
Watching Hamilton in the Cinema
Last July, I became obsessed with Hamilton. It was nonstop, on repeat, from watching it on Disney to listening to the musical album. I even played Hamilton during my races.
Hamilton celebrated its 10th anniversary and announced a cinema release, initially only in the United States. By the last week of September, lo and behold, the Philippine release happened. I was so happy. I immediately booked the cinema tickets and went with my youngest sister.
The Hamilton in the cinema is essentially the same as what you can watch on Disney+, but I still had a great time experiencing it on the big screen. I was singing the whole time. And what did I do as soon as we were back at home? I watched the entire play again on Disney+ HAHA.
PUMA Manila Half Marathon
On October 4th, I officially became a half-marathoner. Wow! Even as I write this, I still find it hard to believe that I’ve run 21.1 km. It’s a significant achievement for me, especially considering I never saw myself as someone who would enjoy running someday or be capable of completing such a distance.
I tried to follow a training plan for this half-marathon journey, but I have to admit that I missed a few days. When I finished a Sub-3 half-marathon, I was over the moon. The route really motivated me to push through. I always enjoy the Manila route, where I can run along Roxas Boulevard, Luneta Park, Manila City Hall, Binondo, and Intramuros.
I’m super proud of this milestone and excited to see where my running journey takes me next.
Spent the Weekend at My Kuya’s in Cavite
I spent a quick weekend at my Kuya's house in Cavite. They had to attend an important event and kindly asked if I was okay to stay at their place to help look after my nephew, Lyron, and their dogs. It was a short but nice visit, and I made the most of my time there. I managed to run, cook for Lyron, help feed the dogs, and bond with my sister-in-law’s parents.
The FRIENDS Experience - The One in Manila
I feel so excited thinking about The FRIENDS Experience, which I enjoyed with my best friend, Nica. I shared all about the experience in this post.
To recap, the FRIENDS Experience exhibit has finally arrived in Manila, and it's a show where you can immerse yourself in the FRIENDS set. I love FRIENDS and have watched the entire series several times, so this was such an incredible experience.
Related read - The FRIENDS Experience Manila 2025 - Ticket Prices, Tips, and Full Review
September and October 2025 Personal Growth Update
Here are the things I’ve done in terms of personal growth:
- I finished reading and studying Exodus and Leviticus.
- I managed to journal, which supported my mental well-being. I enjoyed writing about my first solo travel experience, things I’m grateful for, and just daily gratitude.
- I had a great reading experience, finishing four books in total: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, Strange Houses, and Strange Pictures by Uketsu.
- I ran 78.36 km in September and 86.19 km in October. It’s a little below my 100 km per month goal, but I still stayed close.
- I spent meaningful moments reconnecting with Ma’am Lanie and Espren Steph. After visiting the FRIENDS exhibit with Nica, we had dinner and caught up on life. I also deepened my connection with my family and stayed close despite the distance. The weekend with my Kuya’s was a wonderful surprise, as well as watching Hamilton with my youngest sister.
September and October 2025 Favorites
Beauty - I’ve been using the Vice Cosmetics Jelly Tint. I just have a different appreciation for it. I love how easy it is to apply and how it adds color to my face. I use it during my run because it’s lightweight, and aside from sunscreen, a lip tint is the only product I usually use.
Check other Vice Ganda makeup products HERE
Movie/Show - I’ve been rewatching the television show FRIENDS ever since I visited the exhibit related to the series. Additionally, in late October, I started watching Physical Asia on Netflix, and I have to say, the show is fantastic. I’m proud to see representation from the Philippines in it, like Manny Pacquiao! I actually watched all the Physical franchise from First Draft to Physical 100 Season 1 and Season 2.
Song - I’ve been listening a lot to Olivia Dean’s newest album - “The Art of Loving.” It’s a fantastic collection of songs that really hits you deep. I can’t pick just one song from the entire album, as every song feels like my favorite.
Looking Ahead to Next Month
November is my birth month, so it’s always exciting. I will run my last race of the year, the Rexona 10 Miler (16 km) in Quezon City. I also plan to catch up on my reading since I am 8 books behind and need to finish 25 books in total for 2025.
I am currently publishing more content. Recently, I have increased my activity on social media, posting more than I did in the past few months.
Since this is approaching the second-to-last month before 2026, I feel a sense of urgency and hope to make every moment count. I will be highly productive during this time, accomplishing as many goals and completing as many projects as I set out for myself at the beginning of the year. My goal is to be highly productive during this time, accomplishing as many goals and completing as many projects as I set out for myself at the beginning of the year.
How did your September and October go?
What was your highlight?
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