Starting Again — For the Memories That Matter Most

🎬 Living Fully, Remembering Deeply

 It’s been about two years since I stopped uploading videos. I didn’t plan to take that long of a break — it just happened. 

Life got heavy, and I had to face my own battles, especially with myself. There were days when I didn’t feel like showing up, and I just quietly stepped back from the things I used to enjoy.

But now, something inside me wants to start again. Not because I want fame, views, or attention — but because I want to preserve my memories. I want to look back someday and see how far we’ve come as a family, how much we’ve grown, and how many moments made our journey special.

Vlogging has always been more than just posting videos for me. It’s a way to capture life — the smiles, laughter, small adventures, and even ordinary days that make our family life beautiful.

  

I know I don’t really have much support, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that not everyone will cheer for you, and that’s part of life. What matters is that I’m doing this for myself and for my family — to create something real, something we can treasure forever.

This time, I just want to live life to the fullest, do what makes me happy, and document every moment that’s worth remembering. Because someday, when I look back at these videos, I want to smile and say, “We really lived.”

🎥 Watch my latest vlog here: Heart of Don – YouTube Channel

Let’s create and remember life’s moments together 💛

"A simple reminder to keep cherishing life’s moments with my family."

🎥 My Comeback Intro Video
I finally uploaded a new intro for my channel — a small step toward my comeback in vlogging.
You can watch it here:
👉 Watch my YouTube Intro Video

Thank you so much for reading and being part of this little journey with me! 💛 Life isn’t always easy, but I’m learning to enjoy every moment and capture it with my family.

If you’d like to join us and see more of our memories, be sure to check out my intro video and click the Subscribe button on my YouTube channel — your support truly means the world to me! ✨

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Stepping into a New Life

From the Philippines to Japan: A Family’s Journey

June 2013—what a month to remember. It was the time we took a leap of faith, leaving everything familiar behind to start a new life in Japan. My husband, our daughter, and I were finally together again, after two long years apart, but the journey here was anything but simple.

I remember the mix of emotions so clearly—excitement that made my heart race, sadness that tugged at my chest, and a nervousness I couldn’t shake. Excited, because after so long, we were finally united as a family. Sad, because leaving my parents and the life I had known in the Philippines felt like leaving a part of myself behind. Nervous, because Japan was completely unknown to me—I barely knew a word of Japanese beyond “thank you” and “good morning.”

The day we left the Philippines felt surreal. Carrying our suitcases and our little daughter, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of fear as we boarded the plane. It was my first time flying abroad, and the thought of navigating a new country filled me with anticipation and anxiety all at once. But seeing my husband by my side made me feel that everything would be okay.

Our first days in Japan were filled with small, unforgettable moments. I remember our very first walk outside our apartment—the streets were so clean and peaceful, a stark contrast to the crowded, noisy streets back home. Everything felt new: the sounds, the scents, the unfamiliar Japanese signs. Our first meal was simple, yet I savored every bite, knowing we were together and stepping into a completely new life. Even the smallest errands, like trips to the store, became little adventures—trying to read labels, finding what we needed, and figuring out how everything worked.

Looking back now, it’s incredible how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we stepped off the plane with nothing but hope and dreams, yet so many years have already gone by. Every challenge, every lonely moment, and every small victory have shaped our family and drawn us closer together.

Starting life in Japan wasn’t easy. There were days when the loneliness felt overwhelming and the language barrier seemed insurmountable. But each step, each struggle, and each triumph became a part of our story. I’m grateful for the courage that carried us forward, for the love that held us together, and for the journey we embarked on as a family. Japan became our home—not just because of the place itself, but because we built it together, one memory, one experience, and one day at a time.

Bunkasai (文化祭) and Undōkai (運動会): Watching My Daughter Grow Through Japan’s School Festivals

 

🎌 A Week to Remember: My Daughter’s Cultural & Sports Festival in Japan 🇯🇵

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my little online diary! 💕

This week has been such a heartwarming and nostalgic one for me. My daughter, who’s now in her second year of junior high school, just had her Cultural Festival (文化祭 - Bunkasai) last week and her Sports Festival (運動会 - Undōkai) yesterday.

It feels like time really flies — I still remember her first year’s festivals like they were just yesterday. Looking back at those photos from last year and comparing them to now, I can see how much she has grown, not only physically but also in confidence and spirit. 

 

運動会 Undōkai through the years — from ichinensei (1st year) to ninensei (2nd year)! 💕

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🌸 Cultural Festival — Creativity and Teamwork

The cultural festival is always one of my favorite events of the school year. The campus transforms into a lively space filled with music, laughter, and creativity. Students were grouped across first to third years into four color teams, and each team sang together, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere — just like last year.

In addition to the group singing, many school clubs gave performances. Some students performed individually, and the arts clubs displayed a small selection of their handmade creations. This year, the students also presented the banner they had made for the upcoming sports festival, showing their teamwork and school spirit. It was wonderful to see how each student contributed in their own way — whether singing, performing, creating art, or preparing for the next event.

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Walking around the school, I was once again amazed by the students’ effort and collaboration. Japanese schools highly value this kind of hands-on learning — it’s not just about lessons and tests, but also about fostering friendships, creativity, and enjoying the school community together.

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🏃‍♀️ Sports Festival — A Day Full of Energy and Spirit

The sports festival, or Undōkai (運動会), is always one of the most exciting events of the school year. Students are divided into four color teams, with a mix of first- through third-year students in each team. My daughter was part of the Yellow Team both last year and this year, cheering enthusiastically and giving her all alongside her teammates.

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Each team participated in various games and races, showing teamwork and determination. My daughter joined the tug of war, cyclone, and dance, and I could see how focused and enthusiastic she was. Watching her run, laugh, and give her best effort made my heart swell with pride. Parents cheered along the sidelines, capturing every moment and shouting “Ganbatte!” for their children.

There were also group performances, where each team showcased their coordination, spirit, and teamwork, along with individual performances from students in various school clubs. The atmosphere was electric — the sun shining down, students giving their all, and everyone cheering and supporting one another.

Comparing her this year to last year, I could see how much more confident and determined she has become. She’s growing not just in skill, but also in teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-assurance. Moments like these are a beautiful reminder of why Japanese school festivals are so special — they’re not only about friendly competition, but also about building lasting friendships, celebrating effort, and creating memories that will stay with students forever.

       

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２０２５年運動会