READ: A Compilation Of The Best Things That Happened This 2016

I know, I know. 2016 has been a mess of a year and we all can’t wait for it to end.

Hang on, sweetie. As we all get through the last day of the probably most hated year of the 2000s, why don’t we all look back on the best things that happened this year?

And no, as much as I’d like to write a listicle about the general good things that took place this year, I’ve decided to go a little personal and ask some friends, friends of friends and even strangers this question: “What’s the best thing that happened to you this 2016?”

Let me start. This 2016, I got to explore my talents, learn new skills and do things I never thought I could do. To be honest, it has been a really great year for me.

On the other hand, some people found their happiness this year in wanderlust.

“I achieved mag-travel alone sa other country. Best one yet.” – Heide

“I went to South Korea and I got admitted to two programs that gave me the chance to discover a lot of new stuff and new friends.” – Joshua

“Marami akong na-travel this 2016.” – July

“The best thing that happened to me in 2016 was being able to travel overseas (and more to come).”  – Celene

A lot of people shared that the best thing that happened this 2016 rests on their achievements, be it on career or personal projects.

“Entering law school.” – Sigrid

“All-pass sem. Passing all my subjects in a semester.” – Angelo

“Well, I got a job that is so challenging. Resources are low, but the results are getting better. Now, sustaining it and outdoing my previous efforts will be my next step.” – Ayen

“Business prosperity.” – Markfil

“2016 has been a series of epic fails specially work-wise, been struggling ever since I graduated. Thankfully, before this year ended I was able to land a job that I absolutely LOVE. I think that’s definitely one of the highlights of my 2016.” – Iel

“I finished my first official run with Brandon at the 2016 Doggie Run. We were 10th overall in the 5K category. Not bad for first timers.” – Rein

“Graduated and got a job immediately.” – Nina

“When they finally recognize your craft. After years of struggle, it happens na. It makes me believe tuloy na wala talagang di nakukuha sa tiyaga. I’m so excited for 2017!” – Ed

“I earned money for my family.” – Ces

“I guess the best things that happened to me this year were all because of my persistence which led to a lot of outcomes that I wouldn’t have thought of happening last year.” – Paul

“I think yung fact na I get to study once more and learn new stuff on that new course.” – Danilo

“The biggest thing that happened to me this 2016 is landing a job in the writing profession. It really skyrocketed me to a position I never dreamt of having.” – Anton

“I went back to school after 1 year of soul searching.” – Joshua

“That would have to be being invited by a top camera brand to be involved in the development of their new (current) flagship model.” – Nikko

“Siguro the best thing that happened to me this 2016 is hitting beyond my savings target amount. It didnt just give me the amount i wanted but also taught me to be more disciplined with my time, my expenses and it helped with my career growth, too.” – Regina

“I graduated and got a freakin’ degree. And I got my very first paycheck. Basically, that’s my 2016.” – Eden

While some were grateful for getting a job, some realized that the best thing that happened to them was resignation.

“Resigning from my former job would be it. Cheers to freedom!” – Sarah

“Finally had the courage to quit my old job and started anew, while pursuing passion projects at the same time.” – Dahrren

One of the respondents shared that she was able to rediscover her passion, both in life and in love.

“Rediscovering my passion for film photography. Not a lot of people practice that and I thought it has gone obsolete– but then I gained new friends who are also as passionate as I am. It’s been a while since I’ve been this happy and it helped me take the stress out from work and life in general. Also, getting back together with the love of my life. He’s the one who introduced me back to photography.

2016 has been good to me.” – Lillie

For some, having a new pet was the best thing that happened.

“My dog, Judy’s, heart issue is improving and getting Jury, our new dog.

” – Hazel

“I got a puppy! BEST. DAY. EVER.” – Leira

“I got 3 dogs.” – Vanze

While two of our respondents got really lucky with their love lives.

“The best thing that happened to me this 2016 is having found a partner whom with I can figure out how to face 2017 and the other years to come.” – Leif

“This 2016, I finally found the woman of my dreams. This year taught me the value of waiting for the right one since I have never been in-love, only this year.” – Ian

Some may have faced heartbreaks and challenges along the year, but they bounced back and became even better, stronger and wiser.

“The capability to stand on my own, acknowledge mistakes and move on from them would prolly be the best thing that happened to me in 2016. It was a difficult year, but indeed is worth every pain and heartbreak.” – Kezia

“I’ve got my heart broken that gives me a chance to find out exactly who I am and what I want in this life.” – Marinel

“I’ve been through a lot (anxiety, panic attacks) but ive built stronger friendships and met new people.” – Annika

And of course, some shared that the best thing that happened to them this year is being surrounded with love from family, friends and loved ones.

“Spending more time with the people I love while appreciating the beauty of our world and life” – Kara

“I’ve always regretted not making friends with people that I liked when I was still studying. Now that I am working, I tried, and was able to overcome my shyness. I became friends with people of different ages in the office. Not only did I gain more friends this 2016, but also I got to know their stories and learn from them.” – Angeli

“Among all the blessings I’ve been given this 2016, seeing a fairy tale come to life before my very eyes would top the list.” – Mariah

“I graduated, winning online contests and sharing the prizes to my family and best thing na nangyari for me is yung series of events even though ups and downs ang nangyari nandiyan pa rin ang family ko to support me and my hobbies.”  – Jerski

“Seeing my family happy despite the ups and downs na naexperience namin this year. Mahirap pero kinaya naman, aaanndd the gift of friends this year! Nagkaroon ng stronger ties.” – Kat

So, I guess 2016 isn’t so bad after all, right?

Wishing you all a happier 2017!

How about you? What’s the best thing that happened to you this 2016?