Letting go of a friend is hard. Especially when you’ve been friends for years. But sometimes, holding on does more harm than good. And I’ve finally reached the point where I had to choose peace over history.

I’m not a perfect friend; just like you, I have my flaws. I’ve said and done things I regret, too. I’m not here to pretend I was always right. But even with all that, I know when enough is enough. And this... this was too much.

We were close. We shared laughs, secrets, and memories. But somewhere along the way, things changed or maybe I just started seeing things for what they really were.

She became the kind of friend who always picked her kalandian over us. Every time we made plans, she’d plan another meet-up with God knows who, leaving us. We’d invite her to hang out, but she’d make up excuses or lie straight to our faces. It was like we didn’t matter unless she had no one else.

Whenever we tried to talk to her about how we felt, she’d act like we were attacking her. She never listened. She never changed. She never grew. It’s been years, but it feels like she’s still the same person, still full of excuses, still acting like the victim, still being toxic. And when she didn’t get her way, she’d act cold or try to guilt-trip us. That’s manipulation, and I’m done pretending it’s not.

We all tolerated her for the sake of the friendship, of course. But there’s only so much we can take before it all becomes too much.

I remember one argument with her that really opened my eyes.

She got upset because I couldn’t join our friend group’s trip—I had to take care of my dad at the time. I explained it gently, hoping she’d understand. But instead of showing support, she got even more upset when I mentioned I might be able to join another trip with a different group the following month.

She threw hurtful words at me:

“Bakit sasama ka sa kanila, tapos sa’min hindi?”

“Grabe ka naman nun, Grace.”

It felt so unfair.

So I finally said it bluntly:

“Was it really so hard to believe that my dad might get better by then, and I could finally have the space to join those other plans? ”

It hurt to realize that someone I called a friend couldn’t even understand that I was going through something deeply personal. That my family came first. In that moment, it became clear her world revolved around herself.

I kept hoping she’d grow up. That she’d finally see how her actions were hurting the people who cared about her. But I waited too long. Nothing changed.

So I’m walking away.

Not because I don’t care, but because I care about myself more now.

It hurts, yes. But it also feels like a breath of fresh air.

It was hard letting go of a friend I once treasured, someone who was a big part of my life. But I’m also at a point where I’m getting older, and I’d rather choose peace than keep tolerating the same toxic behavior over and over again. 

I don’t hate you. I still wish you well and hope you make it in life. I just can’t offer you a seat at my table anymore, not after everything.

To anyone going through something similar: you’re allowed to let go.

You’re allowed to outgrow people. You don’t have to keep holding on just because you’ve known someone for years.

I choose peace now. And that’s more than enough.

 Hi kids, and silent readers, today let's talk about how my June went. 

In the first week of June, my friends and I met up to plan our next trip. My super arte self even made a presentation. They all liked it; it actually made our meeting productive coz istg we would defo end up just grabbing lunch and going home lol

We had lunch at Las Flores

Then had some beverages and donuts at Randy's just across the street.

The weather was sunny that day—thank goodness!

and yes our next trip is Puerto Princesa!!

izz giving financial advisor realness!!

In the second week, we celebrated our beloved Zippo's birthday at the Spotted Pig. 

Tita Grasya loves youuuuu♥

In the third week, I met up with an old friend, Jobelle - we had a LOT to catch up on. 

We had brunch at Jones All Day, the serving was so generous we had a hard time finishing our plates lol

Never too early for an Aperol spritz.

We walked our way to Uptown Mall to watch a movie - How to Train Your Dragon. 

and a photobooth to commemorate this reunion!

A week before our Pride Run, I helped my cousin buy his new running shoes since he is in his running era now. I couldn't be more excited!

I saw my dream shoes!!! Adidas EVO SL! soooon.

We had lunch at Sunnies Cafe in High Street. 

The next day, we got our race kits! ahh it's starting to feel so real!

We had lunch at Goldilocks, mainly because I was craving for some Dinuguan. Call me OA but you know I almost cried when I first tasted it. I only eat my mom's Dinuguan and since her passing, I have never bought or eaten that dish anymore, and it's been nearly 10 years since then. Goldilocks' Diniguan is the closest to her cooking, and this somehow comforted me in a way. Ahh I miss you mama!

Last weekend was my nephew's 3rd birthday - we opted to have a simple dinner at Denny's with just us four. We let him play in Kidzoona, and we were all so happy because finally, he's starting to enjoy playing and not getting overwhelmed or annoyed around other kids!

Look at my kawaii sushi chef!

I can't believe he's so grown now; :( It makes me feel both happy and terrified at the same time! If I could keep him in my pocket all the time, I would! He used to be so smol, now he even talks back, lol.

The next day was the Pride Run, for which I made a separate blog post. 

Some snaps from our training♥

more camera roll dump coming through

- first time using my Rexona singlet outside during training

- travelling to my friends' place last minute, coz my wifi gone out

- rewatched my comfort show HIMYM while feeling the cold weather

- cr mirror selfie

- I ran another 10k that day, and felt pretty damn proud

- selfie with my future doctor♥

Now let's go to our Netflix section

I think I have watched over 10 documentaries this month!

First was "Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer," a true crime show about women who went missing near Gilgo Beach. Most of them were sex workers. Police didn’t solve the case for a long time. The show also talks about how people often ignore victims like them. It's sad that just because they are sex workers, they are seen as less worthy of justice. 

 Hi kids!

Come run a 5k with me! I wasn't supposed to join any fun runs for June coz of the rainy season, but my cousin, who's part of the LGBT community, wanted to go, and it was his first fun run, so I wanted to show up and support him!

Came the day of the race, it was pouring so hard we had trouble getting a ride to the venue, which was in SM MOA. Coming from Taguig, we had accepted our fate that we would be late and would probably be forced to run 3k instead. The driver heard our conversation and helped us get into the venue at a much earlier time. ETA was 5:14, and the gun start was 5 am, but miraculously, we got there around 5:05 am, and the marshal ushered us to the starting line. No time for a warm-up, and all we did was just leave our bag at the baggage counter.

I was happy and ecstatic to still run our chosen distance! Moreover, the rain had temporarily stopped.

And off we went. 

Seeing the other runners in cute costumes was so refreshing. I've only joined 2 fun runs, and they were more on the serious side, with no crossdressing or anything, so this was such a breath of fresh air to see during the run.

We got photographed! 

Also, we didn't run that much coz I really signed up to enjoy the whole event, not to chase PR's or anything. We were chill. 

I had to take a quick detour coz this girl had to pee!! There was a pay CR in the middle of the route near a parking lot but I didn't have any coins in my belt bag, just my card instead. Feeling so desperate, I even asked for some coins from my fellow runners, but like me, they didn't have coins on them. I went up to a marshal and asked the same thing; luckily, she pointed out a portalet across the road. 

GHORL I WAS SOO RELIEVED!!!

I ran my way to catch up with my cousin and we're back on track. 

Look, kids, Mama got a solo pic!

We were on our last stretch when the rain started pouring again. It was a heavy one, it hurt my eyes to even open them. 

See how dark the sky was?? Jusko!!

But we finished!

I was looking forward to having my medal worn on me, but they just passed it like a flyer lol  :(

this is the prettiest medal I have!!!

We headed back to the event area to gather our loot bags and our stuff. 

Free banana!

Cute doggooo

There were drag queens who performed, and it was so fun! I have never watched an actual drag performance, I didn't know it could be THAT entertaining! Everyone was just jumping and dancing. 

I also met up with my friends, Sadae, Chino and Sai. ♥

The photo op ofc!

We didn't roam and pile in long lines so much coz of the rain, I feel like we're gonna be so sick after this lol

Fit check!! I wore a skirt—it's not even suited for running, and I was low-key thankful I didn't chafe or anything.

We looked for a place to eat after, and we found Reyes Barbecue, then also had some donuts from JCo

This was, without a doubt, the happiest fun run I’ve ever joined.

I even got some rainbow sticker tatts! - they looked so cute♥

This fun run wasn’t just about finishing a race—it was about showing love, support, and standing proud. Even with the rain, everyone came together with big smiles and even bigger hearts. 🌈 It made me realize that Pride is not just a celebration; it’s about being seen, being accepted, and being free to be yourself.

To my cousin, to the drag queens, to every runner who showed up—thank you for making it such a happy and special day.

Happy Pride, mga bading! Let’s keep running toward a kinder, more colorful world. 💖🏃‍♀️✨

Hi kids, as you all know by now, the month of May was made up of 2 beach trips to Boracay. Mom was both broke and tan af!

But here's how the rest of it went.

First week was on Boracay—CLICK HERE TO READ

That weekend, I had a little surprise up my sleeve for Sadae and Chino. I told them we scored a free staycation—what they didn’t know was... It was actually at Yssa’s place! Plot twist: Yssa was back in the PH and no one knew. FOR A MONTH! The look on their faces? Priceless. Total mission success!!

We swam at the pool and watched PBB♥

The next morning, we went out to run, and Yssa prepared some good ol sandwiches and fruits for our post-run snack. ♥

Willows ♥

Came Monday, I went to Manila to cast my vote. I forgot to update and transfer my residency to Taguig T^T I was able to visit my old school though- Juan Sumulong Elementary School. It was so nostalgic. This used to look so huge when I was small, and now everything looks so tiny. In other important news, did you guys vote wisely? 

The next weekend, I went to Sadae and Chino's again. Worked on Friday, got drunk on Saturday, and by Sunday, went for a run in Ayala. Ya know, balance lol

We joined some fun booths there and won this cute keychain from Nivea. ♥

Had a wholesome outdoor hangout with my coworkers at Rainforest in Pasig. Everyone brought food—spaghetti, donuts, Chicken Pastil, Lumpiang Shanghai, and more. The energy? Chaotic good. The kids had a blast, and so did the loud, noisy tita versions of us. 

Last weekend was the second Bora trip. - CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST!

So yeah, May was pretty packed. I nearly used up all my vacation leaves (RIP), and my wallet was crying in four different languages. But honestly? Worth it. Wouldn’t trade the memories—even if my bank account is currently in ICU. :(

more camera roll dump

- tita duties while the parents enjoy the pool

- took a pic of Taal and knowing what I know now, this sent chills down my spine

- PBB night with the gang 

- saw an old pic of mine during the election;  uhm, excuse me?? Where tf did y’all get that??? 😭

- Dyed my hair brown after soo many years

-  another day of forcing my love to Zippo

Now let's go to the Netflix Department

First was "A Deadly American Marriage", which was about an Irish man who got killed by his wife saying it was "self defense", the story shows both sides of the story and most importantly the mental and moetional effect of this tragedy on the victim's children. 

We also have "Fred and Rose West - A British Horror Story" it's a true crime story about the serial killer couple behind at least 10 murders of young women, including rape and torture. It's really heartbreaking listening to the real footage and tapes from the interview. These poor women :(

Last was "Don't Fuck with the Cats" - a documentary series that follows a group of amateur internet sleuths who band together after a disturbing video of a man brutally killing kittens online. This one was crazy because they were able to identify the guy; it just sucks that the police wouldn't listen to them.

Top Songs for this Month

1.) Cherry Hill - Russ (if someone sends me this song I'm marrying him on the spot)

2.) Still Bad - Lizzo (listen to this if u ever forget you're a baddie)

3.) Breakin Dishes - Rihanna (can never go wrong with an iconic bop!)

4.) Tough Luck - Laufey (the fact she can diss her ex in such a calming way amazes me)

5.) All I Can Say -  Kali Uchis (coz we can be ourselves without being apologetic!)

That's all for this month, guys! Hope you had fun reading this entry. We're almost caught up with all the backlogs; I swear I'm trying to squeeze in blogging, so just bear with me. 

See you on my June blog ♥