You win some, you lose some.

"You win some, you lose some."

Well, this is a line that will sum up what has been a year of stories for me. So of all the possible lines that a person can think of when writing a blog entry, why this one? Well, I'm here to tell you the story of my 2013. Anyways, this is the first time I'm blogging outside of my humble home since I'm spending the next few days in the province, and I apologize that I won't be able to share photos with this one. So let's get started.

Well, let's start first with the second phrase of the line "you lose some."

Of course, I don't want to start this one with all the good stuff that has happened over the course of the year. I'm saving that for later. So, I'm starting off with the challenging times during this entire year. 

It was indeed a struggle, especially during the 1st semester of my final year of college life. Well, it was something I had to endure for five months, with all the school work from the thesis, term papers, major examinations as well as those daily routines of classes. It was also a point that pushed me to my breaking point. It was indeed a tough time for me on all aspects: mentally, physically and emotionally. Even those days where I'm not talking to people out of deep frustration. Add to that the competitions where I competed, that took a toll on my body. Though I'm not blaming my choice of competing for all the trouble I got into. It was something I love to do and I will keep on doing. But, the grueling struggle took a huge toll as it affected my performance as I ended with my worst finish to a semester in UST. But I made my vow to bounce back especially on my practicum which I am taking at this moment, but I'm currently on break until the resumption of work 6 days into the new year.

Speaking of practicum, it was indeed a challenging learning process. I was still fortunate that I got into a company I would like to work with. Yes, I've learned some hard lessons about working. It was my first experience going to work for something I love to work with. Yeah, there were those days when you were said "You're not good enough." But then again, I'm learning from each day I step on the work place. I'm still a long way there, but I'm sure when it all ends. It will all be worth it.

Since I'm a sports junkie, I got to tell something about sports, 2013 was a year where I suffered a lot of sports heartbreaks. From the UST Growling Tigers losing in the UAAP Basketball Finals for the 2nd straight season, this time against the De La Salle Green Archers. To the Houston Rockets bowing out of the 1st round after putting up a fight against the then-defending West Champions Oklahoma City Thunder. To the heartbreaking loss of Petron Blaze against San Mig Coffee in the PBA Governors' Cup Finals. To McLaren's poor performance in 2013 in which Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull defended their titles. To  There have been a lot of heartbreaking moments throughout the year. But of course, there were some great ones along the way which I will tell later in this entry.

Also this year has been marked with some moments of near misses. Like my failure to secure a certificate in the Galileo GDS software. As well as the two times I almost won it in individual quiz bee competitions, plus a lot more which I cannot remember. But at the end of the day, I've learned from each story.

Well enough of the drama and the challenges, now we move to the first phrase of the line. "You win some!"

Here, I will share some of the great moments of the past year, so here we go:

Well 2013, has also been special for me with all the hardware I was bringing home with all the competitions I've competed in the past year. A total of five competitions over the year. Even though I didn't win in every single competition I competed in, I still brought home either a medal, a trophy or a certificate, even cash money in some competitions. Add to that, the recognition I've been getting from the university and the college. It has been a special ride for me and I got to share it with my teammates which is always more to winning. 

In addition, I've been getting along with my friends nicely which has been great for me. At least I'm enjoying a lot of great company. As well as getting to meet a lot of people along the way. It has indeed been a very special moment in my life, and I'm always thankful for these moments.

Also, in sports there have been some wonderful moments to remember, and one of which was being one of the thousands in attendance at the Mall of Asia Arena for the first NBA preseason game to be held in the Philippines between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers to which the Rockets won by a 30 point margin. It was great seeing my favorite team in action on this historic night. Also, who can forget the run of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship at our own soil as we made it all the way to the Finals, though we lost in the Finals to Iran. We booked our ticket to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. Of course it's worth mentioning that very emotional victory against long-time tormentors South Korea in the semi-finals where after years that the Koreans sent Filipino ballers and hearts crashing, we've finally gotten over the hump. In addition, as a big Houston Rockets fan it has been a pleasure that I got to meet members of Red Nation from all over the world! From those living in Houston, as well as those in other places like New York, Taiwan, Norway, Australia, etc. Even some who are from here at home. I hope we'll have a great season to remember. Hopefully a championship!

Well, there's nothing else for me to say. So to cap this off. I thank each and every one who made my 2013 very special. I'm looking forward to the brand new year in a day and a couple of hours and create a lot of memories not only for myself but for the people around!

Thanks for the memories 2013, Hello 2014 very soon!

K-Smoove