Day 8: Become a Conscious Consumer

Check out these cute local and handmade stuff at The Craft Central! 

More from The Craft Central SM North branch

I have recently shared with you how I design my life with intention. A huge part of my lifestyle is my choice to be a conscious consumer. I always prioritize goods which are not from a chain store or mass market enterprise. Are you curious about being a conscious consumer?

Let me teach you how! 

1. Support a social enterprise.  I always bring at least one social enterprise-made item with me. The easiest way to do this is by using toiletries from social enterprises since they are basic, everyday needs. I have shared how Human Nature has positively impacted their employees in Gawad Kalinga communities, and how the brand has given my life meaning through the years. Do give it a try and you will also notice that most social enterprise beauty products are natural and organic.
2.  Buy handmade. Handmade and artisan-made products have soul. They carry with them the dream of micro-entrepreneurs to establish themselves in a largely manufactured market. Plus, they have charm which a factory-made item can never replicate. My favourite handbags are from Rags 2 Riches (which is also a social enterprise) and BagsByRubbertree. 
3. Go local. Support local brands and help our economy along the way. It is already 2017! We should stop believing that imported goods are better than locally-made items. We should be proud of our own products, and share this pride with every purchase made.

Becoming a conscious consumer begins with these three steps. You might have to spend a little bit more, but I promise you that buying items from businesses with a heart will be good for your soul. It will definitely spark joy and uplift people’s lives, especially in the case of social enterprises. Do yourself a favour and become a conscious consumer today! 

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 7: Yearn to Earn

I am currently blogging from home. While I do enjoy freelance research work, I miss working in an office. So, while I am looking for the best role to fit my qualifications, I am now focusing on self-improvement. I have uncovered my skills and shared with you how I attract blessings into my life.

Today, I will each you how to determine the ONLY five things you need to build your career or side hustle.

It is my second day of Susie Moore’s Side Hustle Prep School, which I have learned from her guesting at Melyssa Griffin’s Pursuit with Purpose podcast. I am not yet considering a side hustle at the moment, but it helps to take this short course because I want to know what skills I already have. I also want to know how these skills can help build my career so I can shine without trying too hard. After all, these skills are already innately in me and it would be fitting to optimize them for my own good.

You know the drill- I am sharing with you my actual answers to the workshop questions. 

You only need five things to build your career or side hustle:

1. An Idea.  List down what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about, and what people are willing to pay for.
2. Community. List down who your mentors are (they may even be authors, podcast hosts, bloggers who influence you) and hustle buddies (who are in your support group?)
3. An Understanding of Your Market.  List down who and what your pegs are. 
4. A Goal of What You Want (even if it’s small!). List down what you really want to do in your life, your career, your business (if that’s your plan), education, etc.
5. Time to work on your side hustle/career improvement/continuing education. List down a reasonable time to work on improving yourself and upgrading your skills. Take your current working hours and personal commitments into consideration so you won’t miss out on your priorities.

Rememeber, living deliberately will lead to a yearning for earning by doing what you consider to be meaningful. Focus on these five things to improve yourself and upgrade your career. Self-improvement never goes out of style, and it is an important part of self-care. 

Also, money and educational qualifications are important, but these five things are already available to you no matter what your circumstances are. Focus on these five things, and act on your goals today! 

  ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 6: Magnetized

I have been through a lot of changes in the past year. I launched my blog in a low-key manner, became a freelance researcher while looking for career options, continued exercising, and attended some awesome seminars and conferences as a form of continuing education. I realized that it was way too easy to get lost in all of these transitions, but I chose to remain centered through my wellness through mindfulness battlecry. 

I have made a commitment to living deliberately. It is a process which I am undertaking because I want to make better choices from now on. I would like to have more blessings in my life, so I read Bo Sanchez’s book How to Be a Blessing Magnet. Do you also want to design your life with the intention of attracting more blessings? 

Let me teach you how! 

This book reinforced my belief in *magic*. You see, I have always seen wishing as more than just a fairytale storyline. I believe that wishes can come true, especially since miracles have been present in my life. Of course, we have to have a healthy dose of reality in the wishes we make (ex. I cannot wish to become invisible!). So I was glad that Bo wrote in this book that “wishing has power”, because the impact created through wishing releases energy which attracts blessings. 

To begin attracting blessings, you have to live with a thankful heart.

Wealth is a feeling. It does not matter how much you have in your bank account or how successful you are in your career. If you feel like a winner, you internalize the perception that you are rich. And when you live like a winner, you will be grateful. You will thank God more! And you will aspire for incredible things and opportunities because you know by now that you deserve more. 

Do extraordinary things.  

Take initiative. If there is nothing happening in your life right now, create opportunities! For instance, my blog has become my full-time job when I resigned from work. And guess what- having my own website has become a dress rehearsal for being my own boss! By learning how to manage my website, plan content and write my blog entries every single day, I learned how to be my own boss and by doing so, I am also becoming a better worker. 

By the time I will be employed again, I will be a better follower because I learned first-hand how it is to direct myself and to be responsible for something that is entirely my own. I look forward to applying this sense of responsibility to my next job.  

So I urge you to begin something extraordinary today for yourself and you will be surprised on how it will give you clarity on what you truly want in life. Let that clarity help you attract the right blessings.  

Create your own miracles.  

Take a look back and reflect on your challenges. List down what you have learned from your struggles and use them to propel you forward.  And use your suffering to have compassion for others so that you will not just attract blessings, you will also share your blessings!

Failure is a redirection.  

Change your strategy if your life needs to be fixed at the moment. Again, reflect on your setbacks and strategize on how you can rise from your challenges. Remember, you can only redirect your path if you act on your plans. So go ahead and keep moving forward!

Be hopeful.  

Remember this formula to sum up Bo’s powerful promise that your future can be beautiful: 

+ Hope = + Happiness

Increase your hope, and it will lead to an increase in happiness. Once you are hopeful, you begin to have a sense of gratitude which enables you to live with intention. When you are able to fulfill your dreams, you become happier. And when you give hope, you make other people happy too!  

So act on your dreams and say this powerful declaration at the start of each day:

I’m God’s beloved and it’s His great pleasure to bless me. God’s river of blessings is flowing to me at every single moment of my life. Everything I need comes to me. I’m a blessing magnet.  

-Bo Sanchez  

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“How to Be a Blessing Magnet” by Bo Sanchez is available at National Bookstore. I bought my copy from the Shepherd’s Voice booth at the 2017 Manila International Book Fair. It is also available online at www.KerygmaBooks.com. 

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***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com*** 

Day 5: Online Skills

Yesterday, I shared with you how I design my life with intention. One of the cornerstones of living deliberately is practicing discernment in EVERY choice I make. As I am now building my career trajectory in the corporate world, I have to be mindful of the skills which I already have. That way, I get to apply them more effectively and make excellence a habit. 

It is remarkable though that even in a corporate setting, my personal growth is made possible through skills which are valuable in online businesses. Corporations have an online presence, and knowing which online skills I innately have is going to make me a more valuable asset to my employer.  

Are you curious to know which online skills will enable you to thrive beyond the interwebs? Let me teach you how! 

I am on the third day of The Bucketlist Bombshells mini-course which I have shared with you a few days ago. I found out through the video class that I am proficient in tech skills more than graphic design, and it is an area where I can develop my potential to have an online tech business. This does not necessarily mean that I will be setting up my own tech business. It could simply mean that I could diversify my role in the company I will belong to by applying my innate skills in project management, web content strategy, writing, and blogging should there be opportunities in their online campaigns. I have also learned that I can grow and expand my tech skills by learning more about social media management and coding in the future.

To determine if you are more of a graphic designer or a tech professional, take the Day 3 video class in the mini course. You should also reflect on what excites you. Do you like browsing through typography, colour schemes, and mood boards online? Then you are most likely to be a graphic designer at heart. If you are more excited about managing online content, writing blog posts, and thinking of practical solutions to everyday tech problems, then you are more of a tech whiz. You do not have to be a coder or developer to work in tech. In fact, you can simply write content and have a potentially fruitful career online if you continuously research and study on ways to amp up your skills.

There are plenty of online courses to teach you how to acquire graphic design or tech skills, and there are also affordable classes in schools, univeristies, and even co-working spaces. Choose what works best for you and focus on the skills you want to develop, learn, and apply!

As always, I am being real and sharing with you my actual answers to the worksheet provided in the video course. I hope that this will inspire you to uncover which online skills could help you setup your own online side-hustle or diversify your current role in your company. Who knows, you might even have a more meaningful life in the process. Let me know how it goes, and tomorrow, I will teach you another lesson on self-improvement which you should not miss!

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 4: Designing my Life with Intention

I am at a point in my life where everything has to be intentional. I am already thirty-one years old. I know myself well by now and I am no longer wasting my time with people, experiences, and things that are not going to positively influence me.  

Today, let me teach you how to begin designing your life with intention so that you can live more meaningfully.  

I am inspired to design my life with intention!  

Reese Fernandez-Ruiz of R2R was so sweet to have included this handwritten note.  

I love this book so much, I have given copies as Christmas presents in the past! 

With Word of Mouth friends Char, Dianne, Brian, and Rucha  

My first time at NCAA! 

I was into philately back in grade school. I guested on the show Tipong Pinoy back in the day (and I spoke about my love for stamp collecting) so it was a treat to pose by this backdrop!

My delicious mushroom risotto from Ilustrado  

1. Live like a winner. I won this R2R passport case and signed copy of The Genius of the Poor by Tom Graham. It all started when I listened to the In Good Company podcast. I supported the podcast since they began releasing episodes because I have been supporting social enterprises like R2R for nine years now (my first R2R purchase was a clutch in 2008!). When they had a giveaway, I joined and of course, I was glad to be one of the lucky winners. Now, you might be thinking what this has to do to “Living life like a winner”. Well, I would not have intended to support social enterprises and handmade business if I did not have a healthy dose of self-respect and self-love. By buying from these social enterprises, I am sharing this love to the artisans and communities whose dignity is being restored with every purchase made. This makes me feel like a winner because I get to share my love. I listen to podcasts that spark joy and uplift my mood. In the end, I live life like a winner and I am inspired to design my lifestyle around my intention to thrive, grow, and win!
2.  Attend events that can inspire you. I am inspired by cultural and artistic events which could inspire me to elevate my taste for a quality life. By immersing myself in stories, artworks, performances, and music, I get to feel, process how these feelings correlate to my experiences, and have a chance to empathize more as I go along. For example, I attended a Word of Mouth storytelling event at the NCAA auditorium at the beautiful walled city of Intramuros. I got to see my friends Char, Dianne, Brian, and Rucha and we also had lunch at Ilustrado. I felt renewed and restored after listening to stories and catching up with friends over delicious food. I couldn’t really ask for more on a rainy Sunday. 
3. Be mindful of the choices you make. My Girlboss Workbook by Sophia Amuroso begins with an oath, which allows me to promise to myself that each choice I make must be deliberate. I blog about pursuing wellness through mindfulness, so I’m all for being deliberate with my choices. It begins with asking yourself if each choice is going to be good for you. If it will help you become a better person, then go for it! Remember, mindfulness begins with self-love. Separate your emotions from the love you feel for yourself. Make sure that you love yourself first. From there, all your choices will be deliberate. 

From the Girlboss Workbook

Design your own life with intention, and be sure that each choice you make is deliberate. Don’t ever lose sight of your self-love. Lastly, do not give up when you experience setbacks. Choose to move forward. After all, each new day is another chance to redesign your life!

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 3: Hard Skills

I have decided to continue my self-improvement journey by discovering what my hard skills are. These are skills which are standard employable traits, such as computer programming and report writing. I have shared with you how I discovered my soft skills the other day, so now, I am going to teach you how to determine what your hard skills are. 

I am on my second day of the free four-day course from The Bucketlist Bombshells. You may also take it as it could help you probe into your untapped skill set and dormant dreams regarding your career. Do not be derailed by their business model, which is to educate women on how to put up online businesses so they could travel the world full-time. Their free course and ideas work even to those (like me) who do not plan to be a creative nomad but would like to amp up their careers. Be sure to download the worksheets which are included in the course (I opted to use a notebook though to answer the worksheets). Lastly, have a notebook, pen, and highlighter (or coloured pencils) so you can take notes and answer the questions!

I am being 100% real here, so I am sharing with you my actual notes from the exercise.  

The exercise includes Mind Mapping, which is an effective tool to determine what tasks you are capable of doing. I have included some of my mind maps here to serve as examples. The middle box will state your role and the outer boxes will correspond to each task and sub task that you have. You have to make a mind map for every work, school, and passion project role you’ve had.

Once you have made your mind maps, use a highlighter or coloured pencil to highlight the tasks which you have enjoyed doing. Once you are finished, list down all your enjoyable tasks to make it easier for you to consider when you are looking for a job or putting up your own business.

You will then have to find the common theme among these enjoyable tasks and determine what made you enjoy them. 

After doing so, you will have to go back to your 16Personalities test result from yesterday’s lesson and see if any of these tasks correlate with your personality profile. 

I hope that today’s lesson has inspired you to apply your skills more effectively at work or while pursuing your passion project. And who knows, you might even end up being a Bucketlist Bombshell yourself! I know that I am a corporate girl for now, so I am on the self-improvement train to help me build a better career.  

Tomorrow, I will share another self-improvement lesson so do stick around and learn from (and with) me!

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Day 2: Vision Boards

I made a couple of vision boards when I was still working in the BPO industry. I kept these boards with me, and they still inspire me until now.

My love for vision boards boil down to the process of making one. 

I find the process therapeutic, and I get to map out my dreams in a tangible way. With the exception of the virtual professionals phrase, I can say that my vision boards are still current. 

For now, I am focusing on building a corporate career. I am also seeking balance in my life. I have recently let go of difficult people in my life and I am attracting growth. Like what I have learned from Roma Agsalud last Saturday, “growth takes time”. I am now focusing on what I invest in and using my time wisely. That way, I am building a future for myself that is secure and full of opportunities. 

You might be wondering why I prefer to make old school vision boards when I can easily do so online. I am a strong believer that handmade is better. The process gives me a tangible connection to the visual representation of my dreams. You might think that they are just mostly makeup, accessories, and clothes, but these items inspire me to work hard. And of course, my vision boards will never be complete without my advocacies and faith.

If you have extra time and some old magazines, I highly recommend making vision boards. You will need a pair of scissors, glue stick, illustration board, and an outline of what you are looking for. If you prefer doing without the outline, that is also fine. You will definitely be inspired and your vision boards can be your visual guides to the dreams you want to fulfill.

Good luck!

***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com*** 

Day 1: Skills Discovery

I have decided to commit to self-improvement by listening to podcasts. You might be thinking that this is not an effective strategy to overhaul my personal life and career trajectory, but I would like to prove that podcasts can positively impact my journey. I will share with you my notes and even my lessons so that you too can change your life. 

My favorite podcast right now is Pursuit with Purpose. It is hosted by Melyssa Griffin, who gives easy and actionable steps to self-improvement. I find her show engagingly practical, and she features guests who share their strategies in building their brands and careers. I learned that it is possible to improve your life and career through finding your purpose. 

Let me show you how.  

Today, I will teach you how to discover your skills based on what I have learned from two of Melissa’s guests on her podcast.

The first one is Susie Moore of the Side Hustle Academy. By listening to the podcast episode on How to Create a Successful Side Hustle and Life, I have learned that it is possible to work full-time and still pursue a passion project. By doing so, it could positively impact my life and give me a sense of accomplishment. I also received a free workshop on starting your own side hustle which you can also participate in just by accessing this link. I started the workshop yesterday, and the first module is about determining which skills you have using her ingenious Skill Distiller Formula. 

I applied the formula and reflected on my own journey so far. Here’s what I have uncovered: 

By using the Skill Distiller Formula to unlock my unique strengths, I managed to validate myself. I was able to solve problems and innovate along the way. Most of all, I can apply my skills to new ways. I have then decided to listen to another episode of Melyssa’s podcast to discover more of my skills.

Enter Cassie + Shay of The Bucketlist Bombshells.  They are two best friends who travel the world while teaching other women how to run their own online businesses so they can do the same. Their guesting on Melyssa’s show resonated with me because (while I intend to work in corporate for now) I want to know what skills I can capitalize on and how I can develop them as I go along. I started taking their free online course on how to be a girl boss. It takes four days to complete, and I finished the first module yesterday.

The first day consisted of uncovering my soft skills. Here’s what I have learned: 

I already took the 16Personalities test for an interview, and I revisited the results to determine what my soft skills are. I never focused on them until now, and I learned that my weaknesses are basically my strengths on steroids. I have a Commander personality, which makes me an analyst who thrives in social engagement. By focusing on my soft skills and combining them with a closer look at my career path and workplace habits, I landed on career options that I can consider. This is invaluable as I am currently pursuing a corporate role while managing my website.

Can you imagine how amazing skills discovery can be for your life and career? You can innovate and diversify in your current role, or level up by taking a side hustle or becoming an entrepreneur. The choice is yours, and it is made easier through today’s lesson. I hope that you enjoyed learning with me, and I will be back tomorrow with Day Two of my self-improvement lesson! 

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Give Yourself a Chance

Blogging at a fast food restaurant with no makeup and post-workout high! 

My blog, speakoutsam.com, is now six months old. I am overjoyed with the doors which have been opened through this blog. I have been to conferences, events, seminars, and most of all, connected with kindred spirits who understood my battlecry of achieving wellness through mindfulness. Translating this mantra into real life is a journey which involves my whole being. I am not just here to build hype and a writing portfolio. I am blogging mainly to become my own audience, so I can motivate myself to live my battlecry, one day at a time.  

I have learned that putting out quality content is the most important component of this blog. It does not matter if I have only a handful of readers, as long as my content’s message remains consistent to my battlecry. While it is true that I am building a writing portfolio along the way, I am writing here on my online home because I want to inspire myself to rise above hypothyroidism everyday. After all, it is through inspiring myself that I continue to pursue this journey and make it truly my own. 

The process it took for me to build this blog began three years ago, when I attended a romance novel writing class. I remember that it was a insightful, but I realized that I was born to write essays more than a full-length novel. The best takeaway from that class was that having an outline is the ultimate guide to writing. I still write an outline for most of my blog entries, as this structure helps me lay out my thoughts and bring out my core message with ease.  

I have then realized that years of dreaming about having my own blog has got to stop. I needed the take action on it already. Earlier this year, I was employed in an IT-related job. I took the opportunity to use my free time to research and I realized that it was doable to build my own website. In no time, I was already blogging on my own domain, with a black and white theme.  

I gave myself a chance, even if it was expensive. I realized that a dream is a chance to feel joy, which is permanent (unlike happiness). This became more palpable when I left my job. I was suddenly left with a lot of personal time to pursue my passions. I worked out, read books, listened to music, attended events, and prayed. I blogged daily to prove to myself that my blog is worth keeping. I have shared that my blog became my job, and while I am looking for a new role to further my career, my blog became the thing I show up to everyday. And we all know that the most important part of any task is showing up. 

If you have a dream, turn it into a goal. Plan your life around it. Give yourself a chance. I encourage you to turn this plan into a process, because it can also give you joy. It is never to late to invest in yourself. 

Caffeine Connection

How many cups of coffee do you drink in a day? I am addicted to caffeine, as one of the side-effects of hypothyroidism is tiredness. To combat sluggishness and fatigue, I drink three cups of coffee a day. I have my first cuppa in the morning, with my brekkie and vitamins. My next one is after lunch, while my third and final cup is during my afternoon snack. The gaps between my coffees ensure that I have the right amounts of caffeine to last me through the day.

I can appreciate a broad spectrum of coffee. I can go as basic as cheap 3-in-1 coffee mixes, to Mcdo premium roast, to third wave, single origin brews. I will accept a hot cuppa as long as it does the job of waking me up and sustaining my stories. I enjoy curling up with a book while sipping my coffee, or if I am in a rush, I usually drink it while listening to an upbeat pop song. When I am in a cafe, I like taking my time. I usually write my blog drafts while I’m at it, as I savour the coffee that goes through my system. If I am with someone, I take it slow, as I enjoy listening to stories with my cuppa. The settings may vary, but what I value the most with each cup of coffee is the connection I make, either with myself (through reading, listening to music, or writing) or with my companion. And since coffee energizes me, I am inspired to share my work, one cup at a time.

Just like my passion for handmade items (like my BagsByRubbertree handbag in the photo), I have developed an appreciation for living meaningfully. I appreciate the boost I get from coffee, and no, I don’t think it is right to generalize coffeehouse culture as a millennial indulgence. For me, it is a means to a better life in general. After all, I cannot function if I am tired and exhausted. What makes this lifestyle practical though is the fact that I am not picky with the coffee I drink. If I have time to spare, then I will read and order a Gibraltar (also pictured) at one of my usual cafes. If I am in a hurry, Mcdo or even instant coffee does the trick. But of course, a handcrafted cup of coffee will always be my favourite.

Found this in a cafe. So true! ☕️ 

I also think that coffee is more than a drink for me. It is a catalyst for opportunities as it gives me life. I started most of my projects with coffee, and I have conversed with people I value over a cuppa (or two). And if hypothyroidism makes me tired, then coffee allows me to keep going without worrying about the slowdown or the sluggishness. Those are factors I can control, just like the choices I make with a cup in hand. 

New Perspectives

There are days when we are forced to abandon people/plans/routines/habits in order to move forward. Sometimes, a temporary break can do the trick. However, it is best to have a clean break (for good) in other cases. You have to discern what will apply depending on the situation.  

I am going through a lot right now. Routine-wise, I am changing habits and letting go of bad ones.  

This is not easy. But it is doable. There are days when I don’t feel brave, when it is easier to just go back to the way things were. So I have devised some ways to keep me going so I will not regress.  

1. Develop self-care routines. I get monthly haircuts, leg waxing, and I have a weekly at-home spa experience using a natural body scrub. You may think that it’s just pampering, but self-care is a big deal during transition periods. Give it a try and see how it can help you. 
2.  Have a balanced diet. Food can truly improve your state of mind and health. Make sure that you have a balanced diet to help you welcome positive change in your overall well-being. 
3. Explore a new restaurant each month. There are cafes, restaurants, and food parks everywhere. Try a new place to eat each month, or if budget permits, do so on a weekly basis. It will diversify your palate.
4. Meet new people. It pays to be open to meeting different people. It will grow your network and give you new insights. 
5. Embrace technology. For me, it is as simple as finally getting addicted to podcasts and using my blog app to write on the go. You can also try using a new app every week and see which ones will work for you. Anyway, you can always delete them from your device!

I am excited to broaden my horizons with the help of my loved ones and friends. I am giving myself a chance to grow, because I want to build a better life for myself. I hope that you will be patient with me as I blog my way through this journey.  

Change takes time, and my time begins now. 

#funonfleek

It was thrilling to win a talk pass to the Filed #FunOnFleek planner launch. I have admired the brand since its early days, and I have already purchased their Scribble planner before. I submitted an entry on their Facebook competition, where I said that I wanted to amp up my creative journaling with the inspiration I will get from the talks. Before I knew it, I already had a pass in my inbox and I was good to go!

It was held at Century City Mall, which happens to be a specialty mall I like. Attending the event was a no-brainer, as I also wanted a planner for 2018. I was welcomed by a room full of like-minded ladies and true to its #FunOnFleek theme, a ball pit! I dove right into it and took a few selfies which was show how happy I was to feel like a kid again for a few minutes. 

Rizza Lana made time management doable in her life! 

The first speaker, Rizza Lana, shared her insights on Time Management. She owns three businesses: Whim Manila, Le Cat Coffee Shop, and Lana Skincare. Here were the key points from her talk:

Time Management Hacks

1. Prioritize
2. Write, write, write
3. Know what motivates you
4. Break down your goals into tasks (yearly, monthly, weekly)
5. Delegate tasks
6. Celebrate small wins
7. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just start

• Align your yearly, monthly, and weekly goals
• Deadlines help
• Stick your to-do list behind your phone or make it your wallpaper
• Set alarms for using social media
• Reward yourself whenever you achieve something

I find it admirable that at twenty-seven years of age, she already found a Time Management system that works for her. This takes commitment, and I will surely try setting an alarm when I go on Facebook (which eats up a lot of my time).  

Rhea Bue inspired me with her story. 

I also enjoyed Rhea Bue’s talk on blogging and PR. I may not be a vlogger yet, but I learned how tedious the process is from Rhea. She said that it is better to review products on blogs, but vlogs can work for a single makeup product. If there are a group of products being reviewed, a blog entry will offer a more detailed overview. It would help if the product and swatch photos are unfiltered. Also, personal thoughts will enrich your entries. So whether you blog or vlog, it is important to make each review personal. 

The same goes with events. A blog entry will cover more information, and it will allow you to include more photos, quotes from key people, and important details. A vlog can only cover the highlights of an event. A video can work as a teaser, but a blog is your main entry.  

For travels, she prefers to blog because she shares her itinerary, photos, and tips on budget and survival tips. Travel blog entries can also provide your readers with personal interest stories. For instance, if you are a bibliophile, you can write on a trip to a bookstore or a local library. If you like coffee shop culture, you might want to try a cult third-wave cafe. It will make your entry stand out amidst the sea of travel blogs.  

My key takeaway from her talk was that at the end of the day, a blog should be a form of storytelling. Blogging is a venue to share your life and answer potential questions from your readers. And by injecting your personal style, you get to develop your own voice and remain consistent.

Maan and Roma Agsalud of Common Room  

Another talk that resonated with me was the Passion Talk by sisters Roma and Maan Agsalud. They are the duo behind Common Room, which is a shop that sells handmade items. I visited their store several times already, as I also support handmade because they are objects with a story. They shared how a passion for crafting led to their first brand, PopJunkLove, which sells cute plushies. They have since incorporated their first brand into Common Room, where they host other handmade merchants’ items along with their own.

While I am not a businesswoman, I was triggered by their talk primarily because their passion resonated with me. I learned that taking action to pursue your dreams is the secret behind realizing them to fruition. Lack of money should never stop you from making it happen, as there are free venues on social media where you can test your brand (or your blog). Lastly, you should never make excuses for your dreams, because there are concrete actionable steps to start making them grow. And as Roma has emphasized, growth takes time, so you might as well start small and build on your dream.

My new planner sleeve and Keepsake journal 📓  

A cute planner for a sleek 2018! 

Of course, my #FunOnFleek experience will not be complete without a Filed Planner! I purchased a Keepsake Planner and personalised sleeve to help me manage my time and ideas in the coming year. While I am passionate about my blog, I still prefer to outline and plan my posts using pen and paper. I am happy that this local planner brand makes me excited to plan ahead and get my dreams from paper to reality. 

I enjoyed my time, as it was really a lot of fun. Those were only three talks I enjoyed, but there were other speakers as well. I chose these three because they have inspired me the most. If they can do it, then I can be a better version of myself too!  

Sustaining Inspiration

Start your day with positivity ➕ 

Breakfast at the caf

Networking coffee

How do you sustain inspiration? For me, it simply means that I have to continue acquiring knowledge. I continuously read books and magazines, attend seminars, and participate in conferences such as the 2nd Asia Finance Forum, which ended yesterday. I shared how the talks have inspired me to seek opportunities that far outweigh the risks. I felt inspired because I was a Risk Management practitioner. The challenge lies in finding these opportunities and to ensure that they develop in a sustainable manner. 

 My Rags 2 Riches bag at the ADB Library

I think the answer lies in innovation. 

It is my goal to continuously innovate. I write about achieving wellness through mindfulness, and doing so entails a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy working out and eating a balanced diet, but I also incorporate mindfulness so that living with meaning becomes a conscious process. Yes, I thrive in routine, but I amp things up by including my passions for reading, writing, music, art, film, and food in my life. By making my blog an extension of my life, I am inspiring myself to carry on. And it is in this inspiration that I am constantly practicing innovation.

I can always settle for being a lifestyle blogger, but I want to be more than that. By attending this conference, I have learned that taking risks is the beginning of infinite possibilities.

Coffee break snacks

Technology can thrive along with Finance. The world is more connected now more than ever. And by taking a risk with blogging, I am embracing opportunities in communication, meaningful pursuits, and a balanced life. 

Happy to have A with me today! 

I am thankful that I was able to join this conference. It warms my heart that institutions like the ADB organize events for the public, and I look forward to joining more conferences to enrich my life. I am excited for new beginnings, and I am definitely giving myself the chance to innovate both online and offline.

Inside the ADB Archives Gallery

Inside the ADB Archives Gallery 

Lessons on FinTech

I always have a photo taken by the auditorium  

Legit pass! 

Simple breakfast at the cafeteria 🍳 

But first, coffee ☕️  

I have shared yesterday about the novelty of joining a conference online for the first time. I had quite an information overload on the first day of the 2nd Asia Finance Forum, yet I was eager to livestream the second day of the conference. So imagine my surprise when I received an email that my registration has been confirmed for days two and three. I was floored because while I did appeal for a chance to join the conference in person, I was not expecting any outcome because I was aware of the large delegation for this year’s forum. I was happy to be given this rare chance to be a visitor of the Asian Development Bank, and if there is anything that I have learned even before signing up at the reception area, it would be the value of asking. I asked for a chance to attend the conference even if I was told that I could only livestream it, and I was granted a seat for the rest of the conference. There is value in asking for another chance, because it is where possibilities and opportunities are realized. 

Being here is a dream come true

Let the light in 💡  

I have learned from yesterday’s sessions that the opportunities far outweigh the risks.  

Hanging out at the ADB Library

FinTech is highly vulnerable to security risks, but the transformative power it has enables companies to take a leap of faith. Balancing risk and innovation is essential to ensure that development is sustainable.

In FinTech and in life, it is important to assess the risks involved and to keep on going, as long as the possibilities outweigh the hurdles along the way. 

It is important to innovate, but it should be partnered with empathy every step of the way. Design thinking should be applied to solve problems, especially when it comes to including the unbanked in FinTech progress. To be people-centric involves research and in-depth community immersion. Without knowing the needs of the people it aims to serve, FinTech companies cannot say that they innovate in a sustainable and inclusive manner.  

Another surprising turn was a lunchtime talk at the library which featured news anchor and public speaking coach Steve Dawson. He spoke on Storytelling for Presenters. I have learned the following from his insightful talk:  

1. Nerves are good! Being nervous is an indication of focus. Just do not let your nerves distract or rattle you.  
2. Storytelling is about digression. Explore your topic by including related details that could add humor and spice to your subject. For example, Steve spoke about his daughter’s triumph over dyslexia, and the astounding fact that she is now on her way to Australia for university. While speaking about his daughter, he became emotional and his feelings as a father became evident. It added interest to his story though, and it hooked his audience on his daughter’s journey from struggle to graduation. 
3. Know your audience. Never underestimate the power of research when it comes to understanding who your listeners are.  
4. Storytelling is about sharing. It is the art of connecting with your audience that makes you an effective speaker. Simplify complex information to make it easier for you to share. Make it entertaining too so your story could resonate with your listeners. 

I had a productive day and I was able to appreciate how innovation could personally motivate me to assess risks and seek opportunities. I also got inspired to communicate better by adopting a storytelling approach. I look forward to tomorrow’s talks with an open mind that is ready to innovate. 

The auditorium  

Matcha muffin and quiche for morning coffee snacks

Sketching helps me absorb information

Lunch

Lunchtime learning at the library! 

Chocolate bread pudding with vanilla sauce

Cocktail food

Cocktail food

Cocktail food 

Cocktail food 

Cocktail food

Online Conferencing

Yesterday was the first day of the 2nd Asia Finance Forum at the Asian Development Bank. Due to the overwhelmingly large amount of participants, some delegates from the private sector were given a livestream link to become an online participant. I was skeptical at first, because I never experienced being an online conference delegate before. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to remotely follow all the plenary talks and learn from them in the process. 

Being a remote delegate while I was still in pajamas was a novel experience. I was able to sip my morning coffee while learning on FinTech trends and how they can support Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs). While I do have a background in finance, I am still fascinated with how different leaders simplify finance for the digital consumer. To hear them speak and share their latest innovations uplifts me because in this age where security risks do challenge developers, the world is becoming more convenient and inclusive for all consumers, even for those with limited access to standard payment platforms. 

While I still prefer being physically present in a conference, it was fascinating to follow talks on my iPad because I was able to do so in the comfort of my own home. Conferences open up my mind and provide me with new perspectives on relevant matters. This will definitely not be the last time I will be joining one.  

I am optimistic with how FinTech is currently changing the lives of many people in the developing world. With the help of institutions like the ADB, the developing world can keep up with the speed of technology and the convenience of digital finance. I am grateful to be part of this conference, and I look forward to the remaining two days of talks and innovative learning.  

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Jay the BFF

They say that you cannot choose family but you can choose your friends. Jay chose me as one of the pioneer members of his public speaking organization, iMic, in 2005. I was a sophomore in UA&P, and I was exhausted from my study load back then. I needed an extracurricular activity that could balance my life, as schoolwork was taking its toll on me. Public speaking turned out to be the perfect option, as I was an extemporaneous speaker and debated in high school. I knew that it was where I belonged right away. 

I was part of the video that would introduce iMic to students, and I remember having fun during the shoot. I eventually became part of the speech activities, parties, and debates. Sadly, the relationship I had with one of the org’s members did not last long. However, I still took part in various activities because they were enjoyable and memorable.  

Jay chose me for his org, but I was surprised that we eventually became good friends too. After graduating from university, I kept in touch with him. He visited me in my offices, met me for dinner, and listened to all my adventures over coffee. He made me proud with his achievements, especially when he moved to his current university. He was a loyal friend through and through, even if sometimes I wondered why he would even give a damn for my misadventures in life and love. He was there to cheer me on when I would have some high moments in my life. He recommended books for me to read, and I would suggest handmade artisans for him to check out. We had an unusual friendship, one that was based on trust and respect, even if he is older than me. He was the unexpected source of cool in my life, while I would like to think that I became the keeper of his stories. He never held back in terms of reality checks and tough love. In time, he became my best friend, and I chose him more than all the others who were not there for me for the right reasons. 

Last night, we belatedly celebrated his birthday. He may be an important scientist, but to me, he will always be my BFF. He has always treated me as a lady, and I am thankful to have this man in my life. 

I hope that he will be blessed with more years ahead. After all, he is a Mensa-certified genius, and I will always be his cheerleader.  

Solo Enjoyment

I have written about solo dining in Manila, which only shows how much I believe in the empowering effect of going out alone. I have always enjoyed my own company, and this is practically a given as I am an only child. I think exploring places alone is a joyful experience. I was never scared to walk on my own, even in malls or restuarants where couples and groups are the norm. This is why even if I am in a happy relationship, I still find time to go out alone. 

Are you afraid to spend time alone? Or are you just looking for activities you can enjoy by yourself? Here are a few regular things I do alone.  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

After a chair Zumba class

With little Ella

1. Watch a movie. You might think that movies are best enjoyed with a date. I do watch movies with A, but there are times when I am compelled to spend time appreciating film alone. This applies to indie films and other movies which are not as conventional. Yesterday, I watched Loving Vincent. It broke my heart. It was so sad! But it was a visually stunning film as it is completely hand painted. “Starry starry night...” 
2. Workout. I join Zumba classes at a local park. I am not even naturally coordinated, but Zumba gives me life! I enjoy dancing to Latin music and forgetting about my worries along the way. It is healthy to burn calories, and really, working out is unbeatable when it comes to bringing out the best in you. My best ideas come to me while I am exercising, and most of them are for my blog. So why not try a workout today and you might even be inspired to write, draw, or create! 
3. Visit a pet cafe. Manila is now home to numerous dog and cat cafes. I frequent Barkin Blends because the dogs are trained to be playful with humans, even those who are not used to living with dogs. The staff are also helpful and efficient, so I always get a peaceful couple of hours with my favorite dog Ella, who is a chiweenie. I personally feel destressed after each visit. Cuddling a dog (or cat, if that’s more your thing) can give you a semblance of calmness, especially if the said dog snores on your lap! Not to mention, pet cafes serve coffee, so you can also get your caffeine fix while hugging your furry friend. 

These are just three examples of activities I enjoy alone. You should try at least one of them, as going out alone is therapeutic. Who knows, you might even learn more about yourself along the way. It should never be terrifying or lonely to be solo. As long as you are comfortable with your own company, you will definitely feel the incomparable joy of exploring the city by yourself.  

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Solo Dining in Manila

There is something oddly romantic about dining alone in Manila.  

It is uncommon to find a woman dining alone in our city. The esteemed writer Jessica Zafra has written  -and shared in her lectures at the Ayala Museum- about her experiences when enjoying a meal by her lonesome. She gets judgemental stares, condescending questions from dining staff, and odd commentary from other diners who think that their whispers are beyond her hearing. I have observed the same whenever I would venture into a restaurant without a companion. You see, I am an only child, and whether I am in a relationship or not, dining alone is definitely part of my routine. Both of my parents have their own lives and I prefer to eat healthful meals. Whenever I have the time to savor a leisurely lunch, I prefer to go to Maginhawa Street, where there are various indie restaurants to inspire my inner foodie. And yes, I never saw the stigma attached with women eating out without a companion until I have been doing so regularly. 

What I cannot accept are the questions from everyone. The staff usually asks me before, during, and after my meal whether I am still waiting for someone. I do hear comments from other people in the restaurants I have eaten in that I must be lonely, poor, or worse, left alone by a date. There was even a time when I was still single and someone from another table asked me if I am too single. I ignored the question, because why should I even bother, right? But as I was happily single then, I realized that women without companions in Manila are seen as a threat by some. It only stems from our patriarchal society, and by the collective perception by women in our society that it is “sad” to eat out alone.  

I have observed in my previous workplaces that eating alone even in the pantry is seen as “sad” or even “wrong”. I have turned down invites to join others for lunch when a book awaited my eager eyes. I have also spent many a lunch break with friends so I am not exactly a loner. However, I am also comfortable to eat alone. It is more than okay for me. It is also liberating, because I have already learned to be oblivious to the stares, the comments, the questions from seemingly Type A diners, and the condescending remarks from people who should not even bother.

There are more important matters to discuss rather than a woman dining alone in Manila. It is already 2017. I think Manila should leave the solo lady diner alone.  

I can finish the rice bowl I order in restaurants whenever I eat out alone, thank you very much. The latte I enjoy with my novel is best shared with the protagonist on the pages I read. My best ideas haunt me while working out, but I learn to love myself more whenever I dine alone. In the cruel and unforgiving world of Manila to women who are comfortable being out alone, I have learned to appreciate my guts and forgive myself. I have learned to delight in my own company. And yes, I have learned to find my voice for this blog, during the endless cups of coffee I would sip while planning my next solo food trip.  

Whether you are in a relationship or not, make sure to eat out by yourself. I guarantee you that it will make you stronger, empowered, and dare I say happier. Just ask the next solo female diner you see in the corner. Or better yet, don’t. She’s probably too engrossed in her own company to even care. 

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Buying Local

One of the reasons why I am inspired to work again is my advocacy for buying local. I have been supporting local brands since I started working in 2009. My purchasing power is a vote of confidence for Filipino-made products. I do not believe that Filipino-made is inferior to imported products. Rather, I think that it is about time that we support local because we have quality products which are sourced and manufactured here.

Filipino brands cannot thrive without our support. If we can’t help them succeed, then the whole world will think that we are still haunted by our colonial past. We have to show the world that we believe in ourselves and in our country at large. Believe it or not, shopping can be a healthy habit, as long as it is in moderation and it supports a community in return.

One of the brands that I have supported through the years is Human Nature. Yesterday, I did my monthly shopping for my usual toiletries and personal care products. I could easily buy them from the supermarket. However, I make the monthly trip to the brand’s flagship store because I enjoy immersing myself in its core values and beliefs. I find it therapeutic to be surrounded by a brand whose ideals are proudly displayed on its brick and mortar store. It inspires me both as a Filipino and a consumer.

I cannot say that I am proud to be Filipino if I do not support locally-made products. I cannot say that I blog about wellness through mindfulness if I do not use natural products. Human Nature allows me to practice both. I am also pleased that all of their products are affordable. I do not go beyond my budget whenever I buy from Human Nature because all products are fairly priced and of course, fair trade.

If you need to inspire yourself, go buy something local today. You are not only purchasing something useful, you are also supporting a dream. And don’t forget to share your purchase online so more people will be enticed to buy local.

Let’s make buying local exciting and hip again!

Empower Yourself

Taken during trip my to the kikki.K store in ION Orchard, Singapore

I was inspired by my kikki.K store trip during our family vacation last September. I remember purchasing my kikki.K planner online, so it was surreal to purchase my notebook in person. While it was was natural for me to freak out due to all the cute stuff surrounding me at my dream store, I was drawn to their sample desk setup, and what was written above it. Imagine, a stationery shop boldly declares that they “...inspire and empower people the world over to live their best life every day.” If a designer paper brand can have that vision, then I am sure that we are all capable of having a purpose as well. 

I have previously written about my purpose, which is pursuing wellness through mindfulness. Having a purpose and applying it has kept me thriving during difficult times. Yes, I have also written about my struggle with job hunting, but I never lost sight of my purpose. There may have been setbacks, challenges, and bad days, but my purpose has assured me to never give up because I am mindful of how my life is supposed to be lived. 

You might think having a purpose is too lofty especially when you are dealing with “adulting”, but it is just as real-world as paying your bills. Personally, having a purpose has centered me whenever I was thrown out of my comfort zone. It is easy to forget and just dwell on the negativity, but I chose to focus on my purpose instead.

One of my ways of aligining with my purpose is throgh this blog. I have always expressed my intention to write everyday, and I am lucky to have this website where I can freely share my thoughts and learn from them in the future. If you do not feel like blogging, there are other ways to empower yourself by aligning with your purpose. You can journal, take up photography, paint, draw, or even volunteer. The possibilities are endless. 

Purpose is what propels you to do great things even when your circumstances are not always fabulous. I personally believe that purpose empowers me to be mindful of my actions and to live meaningfully. It is my hope that you can find your purpose so you can empower yourself. Remember, you are never alone and you can always count on your loved ones to cheer you on. 

 ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***