Happy New Year everyone — and hello 2026! Whew! What a year it has been. 2025 tested us in so many ways, and honestly, I can only say thank You, Lord, we survived. It was not easy, but here we are—still standing, still grateful, and still choosing to celebrate, no matter how simple.
This year’s New Year celebration felt extra meaningful for our family. Not because of a grand party or fancy setup, but because we showed up for each other—just like we always do.
Just like Christmas, Daddydoodledoo had to work again this New Year’s Eve. So before he headed out, we made sure to take our family photos early. At least kumpleto pa rin sa pictures—even if saglit lang siya kasama. Small wins, right? Heehee.
From Lugaw to Inihaw: Our Media Noche Glow-Up
I can’t help but compare this year to last year. Last New Year’s Eve, wala talaga kaming bonggang Media Noche. It was just lugaw and tokwa’t baboy — and you know what? We were still thankful then.
This year felt like a little upgrade. 💛
Ykaie made a special request: “Inihaw!”
So syempre, request granted.
I marinated:
- Pork belly
- Squid
And we also added pork barbecue from Robina Farms — easy, reliable, and masarap pa rin kahit pagod ka na maghanda.
No pressure. No overthinking. Just food made with love.
A Look Back at Our New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Every New Year’s Eve tells a story. Looking back at our celebrations from 2020, 2021, 2022 , 2023, 2024, and 2025, I realize one thing: Hindi palaging bongga, pero palaging may pagmamahal.
Some years were quiet. Some were challenging. Some were full of adjustments. But every year, we welcomed the new one together—and that’s what matters most.
Our Media Noche Spread This Year
In fairness, kumpleto ang handa this year, and I’m really praying that this is a sign of an abundant 2026.
We made sure to have 12 round fruits on the table — because traditions still matter, especially when you’re hoping and praying hard.
Our fruit lineup:
- Melon
- Dragonfruit
- Lemon
- Apple
- Pear
- Orange
- Guava
- Mangosteen
- Persimmon
- Kiwi
- Mango
At dahil wala na talaga akong maisip, I added calamansi. 😂
Fruit din naman ‘yon, diba? Heehee.
First-Time Ihaw Moments (with a Little Sunog 😅)
This year was extra special because it was Ykaie’s first time to grill all by herself. Of course, may konting sunog— so sorry na agad! But honestly? It made the moment even more memorable.
The pork barbecue turned out spicy (in a good way!), while the grilled squid was simple but flavorful. I stuffed it with onions and tomatoes, then marinated it in soy sauce and calamansi — classic and comforting.
We also had:
- Cheesy Baked Salmon
- Grilled Pork Belly
Nothing fancy, but everything was satisfying — perfect for a cozy family Media Noche.
Sweet Endings: Desserts Made with Love
For dessert, my sister who calls herself Anney prepared:
- Cathedral Windows
- Mango Sago
Both were such a hit and the perfect way to end the night on a sweet note.
Fireworks, Fears, and Quiet Moments
When midnight came, Ykaie was the only one who managed to watch the fireworks from the rooftop. Twinkle was really scared, so we stayed with her inside.
And that’s okay. Not every New Year needs loud fireworks. Sometimes, a quiet hug and feeling safe at home is more than enough.
As we step into 2026, my heart is full of gratitude. This New Year’s Eve Media Noche may not have been perfect, but it was real, warm, and full of love.
Here’s to:
- More family meals
- More simple celebrations
- More reasons to be grateful
- And an abundant year ahead, in all forms
Happy New Year from our family to yours. 💛✨
