Let’s just start with the obvious—Calvin is the cutest. That’s non-negotiable. No debate. Just fact. 🐾 But beyond his adorable presence, last night was special for so many reasons. We finally had our batch’s long-overdue celebration, marking another year of being here in the UK—the land that once lived only in our daydreams, the place we whispered about back home, wondering if we’d ever really make it. And now, we’re here.

Somewhere between the shared food and inside jokes, I caught myself smiling at the thought of how lucky we are to have each other.

This anniversary wasn’t just a date on the calendar. It was a full-circle moment—a reminder of everything we’ve endured, embraced, and accomplished along the way. The journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been anything but. There were culture shocks that made us feel like strangers, homesick days that tugged at our spirit, long shifts that tested our limits, and quiet nights where we wondered if we had the strength to keep going. Kaya pa ba? we asked ourselves more than once. But somehow—miraculously, beautifully—we’re still here.

Still standing. Still growing. Still dreaming—with our feet firmly planted on foreign soil, and our hearts forever proudly Filipino. Our celebration was simple, but it didn’t need anything more. It was full—full of laughter that came easy, stories that reminded us of how far we’ve come, and hugs that said more than words ever could. Somewhere between the shared food and inside jokes, I caught myself smiling at the thought of how lucky we are to have each other. This isn’t just a group of colleagues. This is a chosen family. These are the people who walked into the unknown beside me, who started it all with the same hope, fear, and fire in their hearts. We didn’t just survive. We bloomed.

So here’s to the years behind us, and the ones still to come. To the growth that shaped us, the grit that carried us, and the friendships that feel like home. And of course… to Calvin, the real star of the night—soft, sweet, and somehow always stealing the spotlight. 🐶✨