2025: A Year In Review

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog. Life got in the way but this year has been something amazing and I wanted to document it and look back at it one day and reminisce about how amazing 2025 has been.

Professional

Speaking

I am finally an international speaker! This has been my goal since I embarked on this very uncomfortable journey in 2022. I had to deal with a lot of negative self talks, impostor syndrome and perfectionism. I almost always questioned myself whether my diction and my voice is good enough to speak on any stage and by the grace of God, I am finding that what I have are more than enough. This year I have spoken in 8 conferences in 5 different countries (      ), have met a lot of amazing people and have built my confidence little by little in every stage I speak in.

This year is also where I got involved with a lot of software quality communities like AST, ATD, QS-Tag, Testing United, KWSQA, PNSQC, STAR conferences and Ministry of Testing.

Education

I also started my Doctoral course this year. I am taking my Doctor of Engineering and Technology Management from Louisiana Tech University and I’m currently on my 3rd quadmester. It’s a weird feeling doing distance learning and I’m still getting used to it especially on the group work and collaboration part. I definitely like this set-up more than having to go to the class room. I prefer working from home so it makes sense for me to do school from home too. What I am finding out is that it’s no easy feat trying to convince yourself to study while juggling different things at work, at home and now at school. I am hoping to finish it in 3 years, so stay tuned for my 2028 year in review.

Journal

I am now a published author! I was fortunate to be part of amazing contributors to the Pacific NW Software Quality Conference (PNSQC) journal where my topic on AI-Assisted 3DDs: A New Way Test First Approach was included. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this yearly endeavour.

Work

I travelled 7 times this year for work, going to the Philippines twice. When I was starting out in my careeer, my dream was to travel to different places for work. It took 18 years for me to finally realize that dream. I travelled not just once but 7 times, it was tiring and I would probably tone it down a little next year but it was fulfilling.

I also worked on my biggest transformation program yet in Asia. Our goal is to transform atl east 100 testers to quality engineers with only 4 quality coaches. It was successful and very fulfilling to see these many testers become quality engineers and become an even more influencial champions of quality.

Faith

We launched a new Feast Light in Okotoks. I am one of the servant leaders for a catholic community called Light of Jesus Family and we call our gatherings The Feast. We do praise and worship, inspirational talks based on the scriptures and fellowship. Our mission is to bring the unchurched back to the church and this year we were able to reach out to a lot of people.

We are launching a new full Feast next year! This one is exciting as we will be launching a new Feast in Calgary next year and a lot of planning and efforts have been put into this all so that we can be like Jesus to every person who join us.

I got teary eyed seeing Pope Leo XIV in person. It was a different surreal feeling. Everyone around me have tears in their eyes after seeing Pope Leo XIV up close. I am also grateful for the opportunity to have entered the 4 holy doors during this Jubilee year in Italy and prayed for everyone’s petitiions.

Personal

I spent more time with family this year. We went to our first Europe trip and experienced UK and France for the first time. Japan still is our favorite but having experienced UK and France with my family was one of the highlights of my year.

I gained 10 kilos! Yes, more than 20 pounds and I blame it on all the travelling and eating out. Nope, I blame it on not having self control so next year, my goal is to shed at least 10 pounds. I am starting to feel the excess load on my back and I don’t like it.

This year has been an awesome ride. I have met a lot of good people and communities who are genuinely helpful especially to those professionals that needs coaching and mentoring, I’ve travelled to a new continent and 4 new countries. I’ve learned a lot about AI this year and have started to implement some of those learnings at work and in my personal life. This year I can definitely say I’ve grown in wisdom, in weight and in connections.

I pray that you and your family have had an amazing 2025 and a blessed 2026!

Looking forward to 2026!