People of my Year 2011

different publications may have their own list of people who "made the year what it was", but at the end of the day, in life, whether they may be celebrities, heroes, or ordinary folks, its the different people who influenced and moved us that really matter in our lives. 

meet the people of my year 2011.

vina grace g. ybanez

i have known this girl since we were sophomores in college but we became really close not until we became juniors. since then, we're inseparable. we've been through a lot, we cried together, laughed together and do anything and everything together. but our friendship was tested not until this year, 2011. both of us were caught off guard for what was about to happen to us. we both hit rock bottom, we both cried our heart out, we both experienced the saddest of the saddest of all (if there's even a word like that). i really don't know what'll happen to me if it was just me. what i admire most about vina is that despite everything she has, she remains down-to-earth and humble. cliche as may sound, but she's really beautiful inside and out.

aaron lendl zarsuelo

my brother surprisingly made it to my list! hehe! my family actually always makes it to this list (as it would yours too, i believe) but my brother has "some" major life events this year that makes me somehow admire his strong character even more. this year, from reviewing (for boards) to NOT actually taking the boards and heartbroken, to being accepted to one of the most prestigious bank abroad but is based here in the PI, then going back to being in a relationship to heartbroken--again. whew! but despite all that's happened to him, he is still sane, thank God. 

st. paulaine marrie llera

how about a saint for a friend? i've known peachy (as what i call her), back when i was in high school. we were constantly textmates up til now. we sadly don't see each other as often as we want to, but she is one of those who keeps me grounded. (naks!) really if there's what you call a cheerleader for a friend? that's peachy personified. i can tell anything and everything to her knowing that she won't think twice in doing the same way too. she's one of the people who never left my side when i was facing the most difficult time of my life. i admire her leadership and simplicity.

magdalena zabala zarsuelo

my lola. she's one of the women whom i look up to. she's definitely a role model to follow. i love her courageous spirit, her zest for life, her being a responsible and loving wife to tatay (our grandfather, they're married for more than 50 years i think), she's so hands-on in taking care of my deceased grandfather as well. she's very straight forward and frank, she says what's on her mind and she mean it that's why i really believed her when she told me that i am beautiful. <3

marlene cardinales zarsuelo

my mom, of course. i think i inherited a special gift from her but i will not mention it here. :) my mom's a mix of everything. from a very good cook, good housekeeper, friend, adviser, shopping buddy and a foodie to being a teacher and a businesswoman, you name it. she's our supermom! i will never get tired of saying who i am as a person now, i owe it to my mom, and my dad, for bringing me up the way they did. i hope to live up to those values and forever make my family proud.