a tribute to Wenk's 2004.

currently listening to:Belief/Gavin DeGraw.

Another year has come to an end. It's been an extremely difficult and tiring one, but all the challenges have allowed me to grow as a person.

Allow me to share with you the significant ups and downs of Wenk's 2004, as well as thank the people who have made 2004 the fantastic year that it was.

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Never-ending schoolwork with the greatest of people.
Jackie, Mel, Ces, JC, JJ, Shayne and Rina. The people I see or talk to almost every day, and who are my sources of sanity, as well as insanity. No moment is ever dull with these people, because no matter what, we always find something to laugh about. We cram and cram and cut deadlines waaaay too short, but we always seem to get by pretty well. Thank you guys, so, so much. I look forward to another year of cramming and laughing with such talented people by my side.

Barkada gatherings.
My HS barkada is one group of people I love dearly, but never ever see anymore. This year, I am thankful that I've gotten to spend time with everyone, no matter how short periods of time they may be. In numbers, we have grown, and I am thankful that no matter how far apart we live from one another, and no matter how busy we all our with personal matters, everything is exactly the same when we get together. It's comforting to see that no one has changed, and it is reassuring to know that no matter what, such great people are behind you. To Chesca, Eleanor, Ana, Chard, Yanee, Kenneth, Mayk, She, James, Michelle, Gaby and Kenelm--I love you guys.

The end of a 2 and a half-year relationship.
They say that all good things must come to an end, and I think that they must especially come to an end when things are no longer going well. It was an extremely depressing period of my life, yes, but I know that it was also the right thing to do. Although "we" are over and will probably never talk again, you've taught me things I should and will remember forever. Thank you for a wonderful two years.

A summer of moving on.
After a difficult moment of time for me, Ana, Chard, Aaron, Earl and April were there for me all the way. It was a summer of shopping, eating, joining radio contests, and watching countless movie premieres for free. Thank you so much for being there when I needed you, for helping me realize that there's much in life to be thankful for, like having great friends by your side.

Conversations, conversations, conversations.
Mel, Jackie, Ces, Rina, Albert, JJ, Toni, and Chesca thank you. Thank you for staying awake with me until the strangest hours of the day to talk to me on the phone when we should be tucked into our beds. For all the talks in the amphitheater, or SJ walk, or in Aristo, or in Mcdo, or in Starbucks... or wherever. Thank you for listening to me babble and babble, whether it be about school, people, or the useless things in life--and actually listening to me, and showing interest in what I say instead of just pretending to. Thank you for being there, and for being such great examples of what friends really are. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Volunteering with Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Together with my wishteam, Kimmy and Nika (and a little of Kit), 2 ill children's wishes were granted this year. Rowell Evangelista, who wanted to become a cop and wanted a PS2, and Johnson Caranay, who wanted a PC. There were stressful moments, yes, but gosh, in the end, all the phone calls and headaches were worth it. Here's to more wishgrantings! Thanks Estrada's!

Another great Green Archer season.
Yes, I am very much obsessed with my school, and even more obsessed with UAAP basketball. This year, I am thankful that I've gotten lots and lots of quality time with my dad, my ever-so-loyal UAAP watching partner, as well as my brother Vic, and his wife, Cyn. I am even more thankful that all my ear-splitting screams, earth-moving jumps and glass-shattering cheers did not go to waste. Animo La Salle.

Endless escapades with Chesca and Kenelm.
The three of us have gone on countless movie marathons, lunches, dinners, meriendas, drinking sessions, and aimless road trips. We've posed for more pictures than you could ever deem possible. Strange conversations with these two people are the perfect solution to anyone rotting at home. Thank you.

Getting into Green and White.
I have never been super duper involved with an organization, but I must say that this organization is simply the best one to work with, and that I made an excellent choice. Ever-so-friendly people, lots of work to keep you busy, and even more ever-so-friendly people. Teambuildings, watching movies, endless fast food deliveries, laughs, Word Factory games, cutting classes for residency's sake, staying until 9pm for absolutely no reason at all... I can't imagine what it was like being in school and not being part of Green and White. Thank you to all of you for your open arms and ears. I can't possibly name all of you, but you know who you are. Kasama kayong lahat diyan. All ten billion and one of you. Salamat.

Car rides and Conversations with Ilse and Dian.
Ilse, thanks for the mcdonald's, the jollibee's, and the pancake house's. Thanks for the cups of coffee and the rides. Thanks for feeding me and keeping me entertained when the rest of the world bores us to death. Crepe, coffee, whatever--Di, you've made it unbelievably fun and interesting for both of us. Thanks for listening to me when the rest of the world wouldn't, and for entrusting your secrets and stories with me as well. I love you, sweetie!

Ultimate Track Reunion during the Christmas break.
I was part of the DLSZ track team back in high school, and these people played such a huge part of my life back then. It's sad realizing that everyone has moved on with their lives. During the break, however, I was able to go to the beach for 3 days, hold a dinner for Dirk, who was visiting from Germany, play paintball, have a birthday party for Seph, go on a roadtrip to Tagaytay, and consume unimaginable amounts of alcohol together with these people. Bonds were strengthened, and new ones were made. To PJ, Melai, Aggie, Kimie, Dirk, Hofi, Vince, Dan, Marts, Jojie, Josh, Ramon, Aris, Seph and Keo, it's been a fabulous Christmas break, thank you.

The death of my beautiful dog, Tipsy.
It was especially hard because Tipsy passed away so near to Christmas, which means that she wasn't around to celebrate it with the family. My family and I loved her so, so, so much, and her death has brought so much sadness to our home. We love and miss you greatly, Tipsy.

Another year with the blessing of all blessings, my family.
Nothing extraordinary happened with us Icasases this year, but I am thankful for the fact that we are still complete and healthy. I consider myself blessed to be part of a group of people that I can consider as both my family and my friends. I believe that the bond we have is rare, and I am very much blessed and thankful to be living with such fantastic people. To my family: Dad, Mom, Vic, Cyn, Carl, Paul, and PJ, I love you all so, so much.

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The year ahead may be a tough one, but I look forward to it if it means spending more time with all of you. I am blessed for having such great people in my life, because without you guys, I would have nothing, and I would be nothing.

A happy and prosperous new year to you all!