It’s three in the afternoon and we’ve just finished lunch at my brother’s house, two hours away from the chaos of central Metro Manila where I live. I’m kicking back with my phone reading through greetings on Facebook when my brother hands me this ice cold glass of something —- which upon sipping immediately announces itself as a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and iced tea mixture. The drink slithers down sweetly and unhurriedly, like the sun on this late summer afternoon.

It’s that moment that I’m reminded: whether home or abroad, in the mountains, on the ocean, or at home, some of the most memorable moments happen when I’m just sitting down, fully present in the simple wonder of the moment.

Happiness calls a lot less attention to itself than I expected. So I drink to family, friends, the little things, and the gift of being here.