In_Pact Asia 2019

I was fortunate to be a delegate in the In_Pact Asia 2019, a conference on inclusive impact at the Asian Development Bank. I attended because of my passion for social enterprise, which I apply to my Human Nature online dealership.   

Please support me by making a purchase on my Human Nature Online Shop!  Every purchase supports communities in need and sustains my micro enterprise. Thank you! 

I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the famed ADB cafeteria.  

The delegate wristband was cool as it was embedded with spinach seeds, which makes it grow when it is planted.  

I also got to connect with Mariel, a familiar face from my previous conferences in an educational institution. It was lovely to chat with someone from the inclusive business space.  

My key takeaways from the conference is that diversity drives businesses to foster collaboration. This will drive inclusion in the sense that no one is left behind, and ethical business decisions will help workers thrive amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Also, social enterprise is key to sustain communities and to empower women to make a difference in the age of fair trade. 

It was a privilege to attend the fireside chat that featured Human Nature’s President Anna Meloto, who shared how Human Nature empowers women (particularly mothers) to have stable careers while caring for their families. 

I got to enjoy ADB’s notable cuisine and interact with like minded individuals. Learning about industrial trends is the reason why I attend seminars and conferences. May this be the start of more productive events that allow me to share, exchange ideas, and realize my place in the bigger picture of business and social impact. 

Mentoring Lunch

Yesterday, I had the time to do some brisk walking at the UP campus. 

I was able to burn some calories before my lunch at Sunnies Cafe. I got to do some crocheting before meeting with my friends.  

I had a lovely lunch with my uni mentor Mitzie and her niece Maiko. It was nice to catch up with friends after my dad’s recent passing. 

No visit to Sunnies Cafe is complete without some selfies in their famous washroom. 

I got to buy Sunnies Face’s new Airblush after lunch. 

I also got to offer eggs at St. Clare Monastery. 

I bought carioca, a local street food consisting of fried sticky rice. It was a delicious afternoon snack. 

Before going to bed, I brushed my teeth using this bamboo toothbrush that I bought from social enterprise Rags 2 Riches. 

I know that by continuing my passions and meeting my friends from time to time, I can carry on with life after the storm. 

IFEX 2019

Yesterday was the fourth and last day of my stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for CITEM. It was a productive gig, and I am thankful for the chance to serve our country by smiling and assisting VIP passengers. 

It was a privilege to hear Sunday mass at the Terminal 2 chapel. 

After mass, I ate Minute Burger’s pizza burger for brekkie. It was so good! It went well with Jollibee’s surprisingly flavorful brewed coffee. 

After airport duties, I rode a bus, train, and a tuktuk to the World Trade Center for IFEX 2019, the country’s premier food expo!

I got to eat, drink, and appreciate all the hard work I have contributed for the past four days. I am very proud to be Filipino, and it makes me happy to see all these exhibitors bring the best of Filipino cuisine to the world. 

I made sure to buy straw bags from Crafter’s Joy, a Pangasinan-based social enterprise that provides livelihood to local women weavers. 

I am excited to use these straw bags! The planter was for my mom. 

It was an honor to serve our country for the past four days, and to sample the best Filipino food and drinks at IFEX. I look forward to next year’s expo, and I hope to serve the country again in the future. 

Mabuhay! 

NAIA Work Day 3

Yesterday was day three of my four-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative. 

I started my day with brekkie.  

Then, I worked the empty halls of the airport. 

I crocheted while waiting for VIP passengers.  

I also hung out with airport colleague Jang. 

Then, I transferred to terminal three for lunch and coffee. I had 1st Colonial sili ice cream for dessert and it was delicious! 

I also served as lector during the noontime mass at the airport chapel.  

After work, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I also bonded with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends’ East branch.  

I got a blind massage to cap off my day.  

Here’s to more opportunities to balance work and life with faith, furry friends, and food! 

NAIA Work Day 2

Yesterday was the second day of my four-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for CITEM. I learned how it was to be bored and how I could use that to realize my priorities and what’s important to me. I am honored to serve our country, and I can’t wait to have more opportunities to do so in the coming weeks and months!

NAIA Work Day 1

Yesterday, I had my first day as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for the IFEX 2019 (food expo). My first time to be a NAIA rep was last April for Manila FAME. I am thankful to CITEM for the opportunity to serve our country once again and to return to work in such a unique way. 

I got my pass to assist buyers from overseas. During my downtime, I got to crochet, eat, and get to know my shift partner, Alyssa. I also got to chat with airport staff Jang who kindly helped me with my job for the next four days. 

After work, I treated our loyal helper Racquel to dinner, coffee, and a movie at UP Film. 

I enjoyed my day at work and with our helper in the movies. It was another productive day. I know that with days that are balanced such as this one, I can manage to live a good life amidst all the challenges that I recently faced. 

Knots and Dogs

Yesterday was my first visit to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe since my dad’s passing. It was bittersweet because I was at their other branch when my dad passed away. I felt the healing power of dogs and their dedication is admirable. Of course, the first doggo I hugged was my favorite one, Ella.  

Later during the day, I finished crocheting the scarf I was making using one of the yarns from my Rosario Yarn Adventure. 

With dogs and crafts, I know that I will be able to carry on just fine.  

Grip on Grit

Yesterday, I had breakfast at SGD Coffee in the Maginhawa area. I was reminded of the grit that is inherent in me, as I saw the bracelet on my stack. 

The cafe was a lovely tribute to the mountains in the middle of the summery city. 

I had my usual SGD black as I crocheted. 

I also got myself an oatmeal cookie. It was to die for. 

If you need strong coffee, and chunky oatmeal cookie, and a quiet space for working and reflecting, SGD is your best bet. Not an ad, I am simply a fan of the place. Do check it out soon!

Coloring My Vision

I ordered a pair of tinted specs from local optical shop Sunnies Specs. I won a pair of glasses during their Dear Sunnies Santa giveaway last December. Since my father passed away recently, I felt the need to start anew and I’ve always wanted to support Sunnies Specs after their generosity last Christmas. 

I get new glasses during new beginnings. I believe that it is now my time to be stronger and more stable after my father’s passing. These new tinted specs will not only keep me looking smart, but they will also inspire me to live life more colorfully. 

I’ve also been getting more sleep and it shows on my clear skin. 

After claiming my specs, I went to CITEM in Pasay for my training. I am chosen to be a NAIA Services Representative for the second time. The upcoming IFEX fair will usher in foreign buyers, and it is my job to welcome and assist them at the airport. 

I can’t wait to begin this three-day “modeling gig” and meet new friends. 

After my meeting, I had late lunch at Echo Cafe, a sustainable social enterprise that sells natural products and healthful food.  

I had their delicious banana heart burger and cafe espagnole, which is a mix of coffee and chocolate. So good! 

I capped the afternoon by visiting my best friend Luti at her condo. She took this photo of me from her window.  

I had my pixie trim for the month of May and a massage to relax me after a long day. 

I also received this gift of semiprecious bracelets from Luti. I am eager to release negative emotions and have more energy this year!

Here’s to more colorful opportunities and blessings on this new beginning! 

Picturing Happiness

I spent the weekend at my best friend Luti’s condo. Our friend Amabelle was in town (she’s based in Batangas), so we watched Netflix while catching up. 

Luti’s condo is right in the middle of the city. It’s also near a couple of malls that I frequent. 

The sunrise looks pretty from her window. 

We did some brisk walking early Sunday morning.  

I also bumped into my friend from Human Nature, Cindy. 

We had breakfast at UP’s local resto, Chocolate Kiss.  

Their tsokolate (hot chocolate) was delicious. 

So was this longganisa brekkie plate.  

We ordered cakes in honor of our late friend Diane’s birth anniversary.  

It was also a pleasant surprise to see the photo I submitted to Manila bulletin get published.  

I needed a cuppa after our heavy meal, so I got myself an iced latte from Nomu.  

It’s a well-balanced cuppa! I highly recommend it. 

Back in the condo, I was even able to do some crocheting.  

Later during the day, we went to the mall and I donated this Project Aral kit with slippers. It has become my tradition to donate kits every year. Hahahahaha  

I had yummy burger steak from Bigger Better Burgers.  

I managed to find a pretty floor. 

And I witnessed a beautiful sunset.  

I had quite a lovely weekend. Thank you Luti! 

Summer Nature

Yesterday, we had the launch of the newest products at the Human Nature Flagship Store. My favorite is the new green tea lotion. Please help me by buying from my Human Nature Online Store. Support my small business, and help me thrive!

I had fun during the party, and it was also great to catch up with my friends there. Here’s to more sales and opportunities to share the goodness of social enterprise with others! 

Mama Sol’s 75th Birthday

My first event since my dad’s death was my friend Addy’s grandma’s birthday. I appreciated their invitation as I really needed a night of dinner and dancing. I had fun, and j even met new friends. With friends who got my back, I know that I will be just fine. 

Friends and Family

Yesterday was my dad’s funeral mass. We had close friends and family to stand with us during this trying time. 

I am incredibly lucky to have the support I need at this time. I will not take anything for granted anymore. Life is too short. Make each minute matter. 

Toast to Life

Yesterday, I was joined by my mom and maternal relatives for a day of unwinding. We visited the church where my parents were married.  

Then, we had lunch at Livestock for some delicious comfort food.  

We transferred to Hello Kitty Cafe for dessert and coffee.  

I also managed to crochet throughout the day.  

It is possible to go on living with family at my side.  Despite the pain of losing a loved one, I can carry on with life, one day at a time.   

Goodbye

My dad was cremated yesterday. Thank you for all you support during this difficult time.  

Gourmet Healing

My mom and I celebrated Mother’s Day at Mango Tree Bistro. Her brother Butch joined us for lunch, and it was a festive feast amidst the sadness of my dad’s recent passing. 

I had the tom yum spaghetti and Thai iced coffee. Both were delicious!

Yes, it’s possible to heal from pain through food. When taken in moderation, food (and coffee, of course!) can uplift the soul. Will definitely have more pasta and caffeine! 

Summer Pinks

I just finished knitting this infinity scarf at the hospital where my dad was confined. He told me that he wanted a blanket from me, and when I asked which colors he would want me to include in the project, he told me that he was simply thinking about it. 

I finished this scarf right before my dad passed away. 

It was handmade with love for my cousin Abby in Canada. I hope that she will like it. 

Life is too short. Here’s to more stitches and ties that bind us. 

Comfort in Sadness

My helper Racquel and I attended a healing mass yesterday to pray for my terminally-ill father. It was held at the Blessed Ivan Merz Reliquarium in Marikina City.  

After mass, we proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind over food, milk tea, and dogs!

I was in the company of angels tonight. Thank God for dogs, people who can help, and loved ones who care.  

Spicing Up Life

My life right now revolves around my terminally-ill dad. Whenever I need a break, I walk around the hospital.  

I buy food from nearby establishments, such as Bonchon.  

I knit.  

And I talk to friends, such as Bianca (kinder and grade school classmate) and her boyfriend JP.  

They gave my dad this prayer card from Padre Pio Chapel in Libis.  

I am grateful for friends, food, and yarn that keep me going during this tough time. With a dash of faith and a lot of prayer, I know that I got this.  

Tied Down

Yesterday, I had a difficult day as I encountered problems in the bank. I had to discuss my status quo with the manager, who didn’t seem to grasp the urgency of my situation at first. She did help me after my explanation, and I am awaiting the full resolution of the issue within the week.  

Having said that, I decided to unwind with some cheap thrills at the mall: a sizzling burger steak and iced coffee shake.  

I also got to watch Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon, which is the sequel to one of my favorite local indie films, Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa. 

It was beautifully acted and very sad.  

I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father, and I found him restrained to his bed to prevent him from removing his respirator. It was sad to see him this way, so I have to keep myself strong in the coming days.

I just have to find ways to be happy amidst the darkness of my current situation.