A Heartfelt #ThankYou

Being able to say "Thank You" is rewarding. This 2016 has been a season of gratitude for being able to achieve my goals, fulfill lifelong dreams and meeting the greatest people. And even though the year went by so fast, it brought me a lot of life and love lessons.

Recently, AirAsia Philippines launched their #ThankYou campaign by releasing a video about gratitude and giving from the heart. The World's Best Low Cost Airline showcases the little things that we can be thankful of, especially in these times. 

Working in Customer Care, I was able to experience how it is like to provide service to clients, and even prospective customers. Sure, it was not a piece of cake, especially when a person is having difficulty with something, and you really wanted to help. But it definitely is very rewarding once you fulfilled your duty well, and the person you've just helped, appreciates everything you have done, may it be answering a simple question, or finding lengths just to resolve their problems. 

I have been able to fly with AirAsia on most of my flights - local and international - and I must say that every trip was very pleasant. I remember going on my first international trip, to Malaysia, and I was flying alone, but did not feel like it. It was supposed to be scary going alone on a trip, but AirAsia made me feel safe, and enjoyed every minute of it. 

On 2016, if I have to thank one person, it would be my best friend, Kath.

Writers in action

Rewind to 2002, I met Kath during college in UST. We were four in our group, but then separated on our second year because our class was reshuffled. Thankfully, we never lost touch, despite our busy schedules and meeting deadlines. After college, things got more busier and we just check on each other from time to time.

On board the train to Batu Caves, Malaysia

I never thought in a million years that one heartbreak could make us closer again. When I experienced the loss of a loved one, she was there for me - whether to scheme or fight with my ex-boyfriend. She became my light to what might seem to be a dark future for me. And she was shining so brightly that it paved way for me to meet new friends, being able to further my blogging career and hone my writing skills some more. On my second heartbreak, she welcomed me in their home in Malaysia and that was my memorable first out of the country trip. 

And it did not stop after that. 

After more years of being friends, she became like a fairy godmother of some sort and fulfilled one of my dreams - to have my name written on a cover of a book. Before 2016 ends, we were able to launch a book called "Before I Do Anthology" and write our love, relationship and life stories, for the world to see.

Christmas and 2016 became one of my most cherished year. And like AirAsia, I am grateful that I am friends with Kath, and I hope it will stay that way our whole lives.

How about you? What are you thankful for this season of giving? Let us all practice gratitude in every good experience or even the simple things you encounter everyday.