November went by quickly, starting with my birthday weekend celebration with my siblings, niece, and nephew. I also achieved a personal milestone by completing the final leg of the Rexona 10 Miler (16 km) race series, which was an incredible feeling. Additionally, I visited Cebu with my coworkers for the Thanksgiving holiday. Let’s begin.
Turning 32 at LarryCille’s Garden, Tagaytay
Last November 9, I turned 32. I had planned a weekend getaway with my siblings starting the night before my birthday. Unfortunately, a super typhoon (Typhoon Uwan) was approaching. I thought a lot about it and asked my siblings if they still wanted to go. Since the accommodation had already been paid for and the weather report showed no rain on November 8, we agreed to go ahead.
Day 1 went smoothly. I celebrated with my siblings, my niece, and my nephew at LarryCille’s Garden in Tagaytay. It was a brief escape from the city noise, yet spacious enough for laughter, karaoke, swimming, and sharing BBQ and grilled seafood. Since my parents were in the province, we called them via video call right before singing the birthday song.
Once November 9 arrived, it kept raining nonstop. I had planned a 32 km birthday run, but I decided not to do it because of the weather.
Overall, I am grateful to celebrate another year of my life with my family.
Read next - Thoughts on Turning 31: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
FRIENDS x McDonald’s Toys: Collection Complete!
When McDonald’s launched the FRIENDS collectible toys, I knew I had to gather every one. It was a great chance to acquire authentic FRIENDS memorabilia at a lower price. I began with Phoebe and Joey, then slowly completed the entire set. As a dedicated FRIENDS fan, it made for a wonderful birthday gift.
Read next - The FRIENDS Experience Manila 2025: Ticket Prices, Tips, and Full Review for Filipino Fans
Reunited at SM MOA with Joey and China
November brought a reunion with my work friends, Joey and China, turned friends for life! We met at SM Mall of Asia, had lunch at Chili’s, played at Timezone, and caught up as if no time had gone by.
There’s a special comfort in reconnecting with those who have seen you through desk lunches, deadlines, and office chaos — and still choose to be part of your life beyond work.
Rexona 10-Miler Quezon City
The Rexona Race Series officially concluded this month, and I crossed my final finish line with my fastest 16km yet during the Rexona 10-Miler Quezon City leg. One reason I participated in this race series was to earn the Conqueror’s Medal. It’s a special medal awarded only to those who complete all six city legs.
Overwhelmed and Grateful. Those are the two words that echoed as I crossed that finish line. I am excited to share more of my running journey in the blog soon.
In the meantime, here are the past blog posts I had about my Rexona 10-Miler race experience:
Rexona 10-Miler Muntinlupa City
Car Camping for My Youngest Sister’s Birthday
We celebrated my youngest sister’s special day in Bridgetown, Pasig City, in a car-camping style. There were no big plans. We simply enjoyed take-out food and dined together in an open parking lot, sharing conversations that led to inside jokes - as always!
I’m really proud of my youngest sister. She’s navigating adult life and making big decisions along the way. I’m glad she’s finding her footing.
Cebu Trip with My Workmates
I work with a US-based company, so I observe US holidays. Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays I look forward to because it includes a paid holiday for two days.
In addition, we usually get together to celebrate. When you work remotely, the times you can gather in person become opportunities you don’t want to miss. This year, we went to Cebu.
It was my second time in Cebu, but it felt like a brand-new destination. Here’s a quick view of everything we did for the November 27-29 trip.
- Lunch at House of Lechon
- Experiencing Cebu skyline at TOPS
- Tasting Siomai sa Tisa. It was soooo good!
- Pungko-Pungko sa Fuentes was a legit Cebu street food experience
- I also had fun at Vivace Art Museum + coffee inside a giant aquarium
- I enjoyed a spa session at Tree Shade Spa. It was excellent, and I will definitely return for another visit.
- Of course, the runcation continues. I finally experienced the CCLEX run, something I missed since the last time I went to Cebu, I wasn’t into running yet.
- I also visited the National Museum of Cebu. It was one of the most enlightening experiences during my trip.
- And the lechon! No trip to Cebu is complete without it.
Noel Bazaar with Nica
Nica and I’s Noel Bazaar tradition has reach its tenth year in 2025. It’s hard to believe. It was Nica who initially introduced me to the bazaars, and I’m grateful for having a regular, meaningful activity we share as best friends.
This year’s highlight? My new training shoes, Adidas EVO SL. Nica recommended I buy the color beige, and I’m so glad I followed her advice because they look A-MAZ-ING. I also tested them already for runs, and I love them!
November 2025 Personal Growth Update
- I started reading Numbers and have been adding Psalms and Proverbs daily as well.
- I finished reading three books: George Orwell's 1984, the novel Small Things Like These, and Cho Nam-joo's Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982.
- I ran a total of 76.99 km in November.
- I had a great birthday and birth month, celebrating with family and meeting friends.
November 2025 Favorites
Beauty - Honestly, I don't have a favorite beauty product for November this year.
Movie/Show - For some reason, I spent the month rewatching Attack on Titan and some episodes of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. I also binge-watched Stranger Things Season 5 on Netflix as soon as it was released and revisited previous seasons and episodes for a recap.
Song - The Attack on Titan Essentials playlist on Apple Music was a fantastic discovery for me, featuring all the theme songs from Attack on Titan.
Looking Ahead to Next Month
Since this is the final month of the year, I decided to revisit and recalibrate my 2026 goals. I began December by listing the key things I aim to accomplish, and I am hopeful that I will achieve them.
I don’t have any major plans for this month and am still uncertain about where and how we will celebrate Christmas and New Year.
How was your November?
I hope you also found growth, joy, and a soft place to land somewhere in its pages.
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