Hi there, how was your new year? Are you still feeling the holiday blues just like me?

I had the pleasure to welcome 2015 with Papa, family, and friends same as last year. This year’s salubong was quite special for me as it was the first time Ian got to celebrate the occasion away from work.

I still remember back in 2013 when I had to spend New Year’s eve in RIVA as he wasn’t allowed to get a day off. Good thing Papa was also there as his company was in charge of the party’s sounds and lights. Though it wasn’t my kind of celebration (sosyal kasi), we still had fun nonetheless 🙂

For New Year 2014, I didn’t want to go to RIVA anymore as I was too scared to encounter heavy traffic. It actually turned out to be more fun because I had family and friends around.

Moving on…

For this year’s party, we were all asked to come wearing something in Marsala as it was selected as the color of the year for 2015.

According to Pantone Color Institute,

“Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.”

Here are some photos we took while waiting for midnight.

Then just few minutes before 12, we all trooped outside to revel in Burj Khalifa’s record-breaking fireworks display from afar.

The cheerful spirit from everyone was just overwhelming and contagious.

While watching the fireworks, I mumbled a little prayer. I closed my eyes and silently thanked Him for giving us all another year of life, hope, and happiness.

That moment with Him was just magical. Despite the noise and chaos around me, I found peace and contentment in my heart — I FELT REALLY BLESSED!

Then it was time for the most-awaited Media Noche! Thanks to Ate Ligaya, Tita Raisa and their whole household for these mouth-watering Pinoy dishes. Yum!

After dinner, we played some parlor games. I actually begged Ate Ligaya to organize fun party games just like last year so Ian can enjoy the experience as well. Most of the group games were boys vs. girls so imagine the riot! And of course, it was always the girls who ended up winners. lol!

For our exchange gift activity, the agreed price was AED20 so everyone had to be creative to come up with a useful and worthy present. Here’s how our monito monita turned out. 🙂

After exchanging gifts, we all hit the videoke and ended the party wishin’ everyone a happy and prosperous 2015!

It’s true, as you grow older, the meaning of New Year gets deeper. Beyond the firecrackers and polka-dots, you will begin to look at it as a new opportunity. An opportunity to leave all the negativities of the past behind and face the new year with renewed faith that God will keep blessing you with more amazing stories for your already amazing journey.

Happy 2015 to you! 🙂