Last day of the year

How do you intend to spend your last day on Earth? This remains to be a mind-boggling question because nobody really knows when that fateful day is. The end is unpredictable; we go on with the present.

Back in high school, my classmates and I would often ask ourselves the same question time and time again. One boy said he would spend the remaining twenty-four hours going from classroom to classroom in our university to find his true love. He seems to be determined but I could sense that he does not want to leave this planet alone or maybe we were just caught up in the concept of love at a young age.

If I were to answer that question, I'd probably play the best piece I could on my violin out on the street and give out all the hugs I could to those whom I would meet along the way. I'd like to end the day with a feeling that I have reached out to others even with a small embrace coupled with musical notes.

The question seems so easy to answer but in reality twenty-four hours could just pass by in a jiffy. Just like how 2013 will end today and tomorrow is another year we will be facing. It seems like it was just yesterday when our childhood was with us!

It is Filipino tradition to do good on the last day of the year so it would replicate unto the days of the New Year. That explains clean houses, new clothes (either with polka dot or rectangle print), and the twelve circular fruits on the table (symbolized to bring money for the next year). Bad luck is a no-no during the eve of the New Year or your 2014 will be miserable. Feng Shui experts give their expertise to those who believe that their analysis will bring in good luck. But more than the traditions that some of us will be doing tonight, it is also a relief to look back at the year that was.

2013 was a tough one for us Filipinos. Our resilience was tested by the big earthquake and super typhoon that tore several towns down. We taught ourselves to fight for our own by participating in the fight against pork barrel only to be disappointed by the alleged mastermind who kept on invoking her right against self-incrimination.

Several events also happened along the way. Who could forget Miley Cyrus' unforgettable twerk dance at the VMAs, Maya and Sir Chief becoming a married couple, and saying goodbye to the great world Leader Nelson Mandela? On a greater scope 2013 was also the year where innocent runners were murdered at the Boston Marathon.

Indeed 2013 was full of surprises and let-downs but let us anticipate the worst in 2014. I am no fortune teller but I am positive that life gets more difficult and more rewarding as the years unfold. If we have survived a super typhoon then we must brace for a stronger challenge which may come our way.

Today is the last day of 2013. I do not know how you intend to spend it but I am pretty sure that when the clock strikes twelve, we will be at the dinner table feasting on whatever media noche dinner our families have prepared. Some of us will be jumping with the hope of growing a few inches taller. Others will roll the circular fruits in the pursuit of financial stability.

Before we go into a festive atmosphere, look back at the year that was and contemplate, how do you intend to spend your last day of the year? Would you rather stay at home or get up, relate with the family and the community? Friends, it is only us who could make the best memories on our last day.

Cheers to a new year!