To usher in 2019, some netizens have started sharing some of their decade-long life-changing experiences on social media, using the tagline "How I’m ending the decade vs. how I started."
Posting their then-and-now photos, they flaunt the remarkable changes that they've achieved through their hard work and dedication.
TV and events host Raymond Gutierrez dwelt on his three-year fitness journey.
On December 27, Friday, Raymond uploaded a photo of his well-toned body alongside an older photo of him before he decided to lose the extra pounds.
The 35-year-old son of Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama said his "poor life choices" led him to gain the unwanted weight.
Raymond wrote, "Sometimes I still can’t believe it. I started this decade disliking a lot of things about myself.
"Poor lifestyle choices caused me to gain a lot of weight in my 20s. I was battling with inner demons and I turned to drinking and eating as a form of escape.
"It came to a point where I couldn’t even walk a flight of stairs without having a hard time breathing. And for a while I thought this was gonna be me for the rest of my life."
He continued, "But 3 years ago I made the best decision of my life. I took charge of my situation and focused on my health and taking care of my body.
"I didn’t stop until I reached my goal. And until today it’s still an everyday battle. It doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger."
Toward the end of his post, Raymond hopes that his story would continue to inspire others to also lead a healthier lifestyle.
Raymond wrote, "So if you’re reading this and feeling hopeless, know that it’s never too late to turn your life around.
"Drop the excuses you’ve created for yourself, focus on your goals, gain that momentum, and don’t stop.
"Make 2020 your year. If I can do it, so can you. The new decade awaits."
Raymond's weight-loss journey started late in December 2016. He wanted to start fresh and live a healthier lifestyle. By April 2017, he lost over 65 pounds.
He thanked his good friends Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, Georgina Wilson, and their respective partners for guiding him through his 90-day fitness challenge.
Celebrity fitness trainer Arnold Aninion and nutritionist Nadine Tengco also lent their expertise to help him lose weight in record time.
In a previous interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Raymond shared what inspired him to have a lifestyle change.
He said, "I was very unhappy with myself, I didn't feel good about myself, I felt that I can be so much better.
"It happened last December that I realized 'I'm coming to a new year, I'm turning a year older in January, and I can do something about it.'"