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Alohe e WordPress

AinaBalagtas

Aloha e WordPress,

I miss you all, my friends. But I hope you are fine and well. Also, my sincerest apologies to all our peers who have been visiting my Cites and leaving unreturned comments—sorry.

As for me, 2025 is such a bittersweet year. Bitter because, my mom passed away on January 5 from multiple organ failure and dementia. I failed to say goodbye—that’s the hardest part. Worse, I didn’t have at least the chance to grieve (due to my tight schedule and workload). Although inside, it cuts me deep.

Another bitter, one of my best friends–since I was eighteenth—passed away too on October 7 and from undiagnosed internal hemorrhage. I wasn’t there too. As you know, I am here in Hawai’i, and they are all in the Philippines.

As for the sweet, I am now an American. I took my Oath on August 28th. After nineteen years, I finally got hold and wave the most beautiful and powerful flag in the world, and the free world. Most importantly—since I love music—I get to sing the Star-Spangled Banner, which I’ve been memorizing for so long. 

Another sweet, is I got accepted to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU). Not to mention, I am a humble recipient of a Graduate Merit Scholarship “by a generous donor”. With this, perhaps you’re wondering what happened to my dream of law school? Well, I am not giving it up. My MBA is just my steppingstone towards my dream; at the same time, with my MBA degree, I can do more for my beloved employer, Hawai’i Public Radio.

The sweetest though, was my bonding with my family, kids, siblings for two weeks, when Arnel and I flew to Manila for my mother’s passing.

To end, thank you for your visits and comments! Happy Holidays, my friends! Take care always.

Me ke aloha,

Aina 

PS: Bitter or sweet, I praise God for everything! And to Him be always all the glory.

YouTube/Amy Grant/Grown Up Christmas List

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc

10 thoughts on “Alohe e WordPress”

    1. Hello Brad! Thank you for the ever kind words! I’ve been thinking of you, if you have moved to the Philippines already. Sorry for my misses. Life is good although chaotic. I hope you’re well and good my dear friend. I miss you! xo

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  2. Aina,

    i am thinking of you with your Mom’s passing and your friend’s passing. I am also sending the biggest congratulations for your achievements this year – they are inspiring and large scale achievements! I know Mom is so happy for you. I hope you and Arnel are having a great holiday season so far ❤ Mike

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    1. Hey Ms. Page! Goodness, madame, it’s so nice to hear from you. Forgive me for missing your great posts. I will catch up soon. Love you, Carolyn. Our friendship has gone too, too far. More than a decade, and you haven’t changed—not a bit.

      Thank you thank you, lovely friend! I wish you the same. Xoxo

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  4. My condolences, Aina, for your losses. While this is such a sad time, the memories will lighten us and endure forever. It is also fantastic news to hear of your MBA, and you keep moving forward towards your dreams!

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