LOL at the Past

The past few months have been daunting, to say the least. I have experienced challenges which led me to decide on ending my stay in an unhealthy situation. Of course, it was not easy to say goodbye. I had hopes and dreams for myself which that situation could not fulfill, so I pulled the plug and carried on. Right now, I am simply enjoying the present and flushing the negativity out of my system. I have been sleeping soundly and eating more balanced meals. Also, I have been relaxing and sound tripping. I have also decided to make this Christmas a joyful one, because I deserve it. 

I am hoping that my decision to be happy during this festive holiday season will lead to better experiences and meaningful relationships. I am done with being pessimistic and I am now opening my life to beautiful memories. It starts now.  

Joy to the World

Yesterday, I dropped by my dermatologist’s clinic for some pampering. I decided to pose by the balloon installation which was displayed in time for their anniversary. It was fun to pretend that I’m only sixteen hahaha! And it was delightful to have a good laugh after a zit shot. 

My family and I then proceeded to Den Lim’s at Pampanga for a reunion with old friends. We enjoyed the the food and wine. It was a wonderful gastoronomic experience.  

I realized that this Christmas, it is possible to have joy because I am aware that happiness starts within. I am taking care of myself and meeting people. I am also focusing on the real meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. I am excited for upcoming events and I look forward to sharing joy to the world!

Cups and Chaos

I went back to my favorite Sunday Market this morning. I needed to be surrounded by my vintage things, and it did not disappoint. I dropped by my usual stall selling classy china and table wares, and I could not resist takin g this photo. I am a coffee and tea drinker, so I fancy a fine cup or mug for my perusal. Of course, it should have character. It should tell a story. It should elevate my coffee break to something more than a space between tasks and errands. It should inspire me through design while keeping my drink warm. Lastly, it should remind me of happy memories, as I plot my next plan while intaking caffeine.

I usually sort out the chaos of my life through coffee. Cups should bring me warmth and joy, so I choose people to have coffee or tea with wisely. I dislike hanging out with people who bring more chaos and destruction. I prefer to have someone with plans and principles. Such is my dream for my future over coffee. I want to have someone who thinks positively and who plans for the future while enjoying the present. 

For now, I am enjoying my coffee solo. I have let go of some chaos in my life, and I am replacing it with cooler memories which are better for my character. 

Holiday Fitness

These days, I am always meeting my friends and relatives. It is the holiday season once again, so it is expected to have subsequent events. Naturally, there will be a lot of food and drinks. I cannot say no to a hearty meal, but I can always say yes to a power workout every morning. 

To psyche myself up for a workout, I think of my fitness goals. I want to maintain my weight and abs, so I usually pop a video on YouTube which targets my core. I follow it up with some cardio, and I cool down to a slow song. I cap off my morning routine with breakfast and coffee. 

I never break my workout habit, especially during the holidays. It is more difficult to shed some pounds, so I simply shake off the laziness and focus on maintaining my figure. That way, I always manage to workout everyday. Fitness should be observed all year round. The holidays should never be an excuse to achieving and keeping my ideal body.  

Beer and Pasta

Yesterday, I had beer and pasta with my grandfather. It is always fun to hang out with him as he is inherently wise. I got to listen to his stories and it was fascinating to hear his take on my challenges. I am thankful to have him rooting for me and I will keep his advice in mind now that I am going through transitions in my life. 

I recommend quality time with grandparents because it is never going to be boring with them. Spend time with them while you can, and listen to their words of wisdom. You won’t regret it.  

Support

Yesterday, I spent time with old friends of mine. I had lunch with Regine, who was my high school classmate. It was refreshing to talk to someone after more than a decade of not seeing each other. 

I had a massage afterwards at a nearby Thai spa. Foot reflexology is my go-to therapy, so I squeezed in an hour’s worth of relaxation.  

After a hearty lunch and a heavenly massage, I met up with my best friend who treated me to dinner at Cafe Adriatico. I had my usual lengua and beer. It was a chill night, which we capped off with a jazz concert featuring Baihana. 

I am blessed to have supportive family and friends. On top of that, I also find ways to relax on my own. I think I am doing just fine. 

7th International Skills Forum

I was fortunate enough to attend the first day of the 7th International Skills Forum at the Asian Development Bank. I have recently taken into account the skills that I already have, so I am learning the skills which are needed in the workplace today. Innovation was a hit buzzword in the conference, and it has been brought up several times times. I have learned that in order to innovate in the industry today, we need to integrate the following skills in order to be prepared to work today:

1. Critical thinking

2. Asking quesitons

3. Design thinking

4. People Management  

5. Creativity  

6. Growth Mindset

It is important to prepare people for the future. We need to embrace technology in order to progress, but we still need human capital in the workplace because computers can never integrate critical thinking and ask questions. Also, design thinking entails empathy, so it is essential to have talent who are prepared to think outside the box in order to effectively serve the end user. Lastly, people management is crucial in retaining talent and continuing education. It is important that skills are constantly upgraded, so people must have access to training and development. Also, one of the speakers mentioned the emergence of We Q  (interpersonal quotient), so it is important to know how to properly interact with other people in order to foster collaboration and communication. Indeed, human interactions can never replace the technological mobility available today.

In order to innovate in the workplace today, we must adapt a “lifelong learning” perspective. 

As I prepare to enter the workforce again, I am honoured to be in this conference because it reinforces my belief that skills are the key to innovation. It has been discussed that knowledge-based jobs are already the trend nowadays, compared to the “permanent job” workplace which was the norm in the past. Personally, I am going to accept a permanent job soon, but I will also adapt and innovate by being flexible and fluid with my skills and knowledge upgrading. I am prepared for the future through continuous learning and exposure to industry trends and changes.

Being My Own Force

I have to admit that I was terrified when I recently left the unhealthy situation which was pulling me down. I was faced with uncertainty, self-doubt, and the reality that I will be celebrating the holidays by my lonesome. But then again, I realized that I owe this to myself. 

I had to leave the unhealthy situation because I was no longer relying on myself. In fact, it was pulling me down.  

I realized that I had to regroup and think things through. After a few days with my family and friends, I realized that I could become my own force.  

It would be nice to be with someone. The next time it happens, I already know myself better. I have more respect and love to share.  

Indeed, the foundation of a strong relationship is self-respect. I can only give what I already have within me. By making time for myself to realize my self-worth, assess my skills, and design my life with intention, I became self-reliant and ready for anything. 

It is my hope that someday, I will be inspired to conquer new heights and overcome challenges since I was able to move on from a difficult phase. For now, I am simply thankful to have been spared from more pain. I am ready to attract more blessings and embark on a brighter future. 

Finding Inspiration

Being single is a blessing for the meantime. I get to find inspiration for myself in places that make me happy. For instance, I was in Baguio with my family last week, and one of the places we made time for was Mt. Cloud Bookshop. I have a place in my heart for independent bookshops, and Mt. Cloud perfectly fits the bill. I ended up buying magnets for my collection and a pair of handmade earrings made of Nespresso cups. I am a firm believer that bookshops do not exist for books alone, and if I can buy handmade in these sacred places, then so be it. 

I was inspired by the dreamy bookshelves, ladder, and staircase. If I can find so much love in handmade and books, then I can also find inspiration everywhere. Just like the steps inside Mt. Cloud, I can also find my way to the next good read, handmade trinket, and crowd. All it takes is an open heart and a willing mind.

Sunday Browsing

There are times when I just want to be stuck at home and do nothing. Whenever that strikes, I get myself together and drive to a Zumba class. If it is the weekend, I grab breakfast at Maginhawa or a fast food restaurant. Today, I drove to Sidcor Sunday Market at Centris to browse and look around.  

I started visiting this Sunday market back when it was still being held at Lung Center. Since they transferred to Centris, my visits have become sporadic. Unsurprisingly, I tend to drop by whenever I am going through a challenge. Right now, I am just fighting laziness. Indie merchants and hard-to-find fares always jumpstart my system. Blame it on my inner shopaholic, but I simply enjoy window shopping and buying myself a treat along the way.  

I had a delicious breakfast, sipped brewed coffee, and looked around. There were many interesting objects to appreciate, but what I valued more was the joy I felt in discovering beauty in vintage, such as the ceramics in the photo. It inspired me to move forward and to reclaim my value in the midst of the challenges I am facing. My self-worth can never be haggled, unlike vintage objects. However, I can make my value appreciate through learning and hard work. It is up to me to do so. For now, I am enjoying my Sunday as I look forward to the rest of the week. 

Faithful Friends

Yesterday, I attended the grand reopening of Barkin’ Blends at Sta. Lucia Mall. Their new cafe is beautiful! It resembles dog cafes abroad and I am so proud of my friend Bernadette because she finally got a mall space. And it is located at the ground level! As usual, I got kisses from the Barkin’ Buddies. I especially enjoyed my cuddle time with my favorite dog Ella! It was therapeutic and I will definitely return. 

I also had Christmas dinner with my high school girls at Salta! Maginhawa. It was an unforgettable night with friends, yummy food, and solid sangria! I enjoyed catching up with them. 

Faithful friends make life more colorful, especially now that I am single again. I am rediscovering how beautiful life is with them. I look forward to more memories with my friends and in my next relationship, I will definitely include them in my plans. 

Embracing Change

I am going through some changes in my life. I have recently left an unhealthy situation, and I have pledged to practice self-compassion in order to help myself thrive. I have learned through my 21-day self-improvement project that it is important to design my life with intention. This will allow me to filter out the negative factors and avoid repeating the same mistakes. I am also striving to stay strong. I have chosen to spend more time with family and friends, while being open to the idea of meeting new people. I cannot continue being in a bubble all my life. It is time for me to step up and explore new groups, experience new cultures, and embrace change. 

I will never be able to move forward if I am stuck in one place. I have previously been held back by factors which were not good for me. I am excited to be free again, so to speak. Of course, there are times when I am scared of the future. I am scared of being alone. But I dispel those fears with my conscious decision to choose happiness for myself. 

I am embracing change with an optimistic mindset and a risk-oriented attitude. I will be resilient, and I will continue blogging about living life to the fullest. For now, I am open to possibilities and opportunities that will come my way.

Day 21: Making My Own Memories

Yesterday, I replaced my sad memories with happier ones at Baguio City with my family. I enjoyed eating strawberry taho again after so many years! I also got to take photos with one of the famous St. Bernard dogs at Mines View Park. I got to buy some souvenirs from the market and I also bought myself a sparkly ring from Ibay’s Silver Shop. I made sure to stop over at St. Joseph the Worker Church to pray for my upcoming return to the corporate world.

I had ravioli and coffee at Cantinetta. After resting at the Kamiseta Hotel, we drove to the Baguio Craft Brewery. I had the best beer I’ve ever had! It was the Message in a Bottle, which is definitely an upgrade from my usual dark beer. It was sweet, smooth, and perfect with my chicken inasal with red rice. 

Now that I am on my final day of my self-improvement project, I can say that I am better than when I was still starting this journey. I have escaped from a destructive situation, familarized myself with my skills, revisited my vision in life, redesigned my life with intention, reviewed how to get things done, and felt empowered as a woman again.

I am now entering a new stage in my professional journey, so it is important that I go back to the five things that I will need to build my career in order to never lose sight of my goals and of the resources that are already available to me. I will continue practicing self-compassion. Lastly, I will always rely on my family and show up for my friends. 

It is time for me to make more happy memories for myself. I deserve to have joy and to share it with others! I am so excited for the future. 

Day 20: Choose Happiness

I spent my Tuesday at Manaoag and Baguio with my family. We are staying at Kamiseta Hotel, which is so me. I fell in love with the colorful and over-the-top interiors. It is enough to jumpstart my revival of sorts. I have recently ended my stay in a difficult situation which was no longer empowering me as a woman. This trip was designed to inspire me to move on and to bond with my family before I begin my corporate journey.  

I am grateful for the influx of color and patterns. I am inspired to welcome joy into my life again, and I choose happiness. There is no joy in life if I am resentful. I have already let go of the negativity so that I can start afresh with a happy heart.  

I pray that I will find the right one for me. For now, I have to love myself more and choose happiness everyday! 

Day 19: Rationality

Yesterday, I was lucky to have been given the chance to attend the 30th Anniversary Symposium of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines Diliman. I was invited by my BFF Jay, who is a noted academic and scientist. I enjoyed the talks, especially the one by Dr. Ma. Cynthia Bautista on “Science and the Humanities”.

I have noticed that all the talks highlighted that innovation is necessary for scientific education to thrive. I was happy to hear from Dr. Bautista that imagination is the important factor shared by those in the humanities and in science. By having scientists with a humanities background, innovation can spark in a rational field. And by attending this symposium, I am encouraged to grow in an industry such as finance, because my humanities background can help me excel. I can also apply my design thinking approach in order to have empathy for my target market and provide solutions to their problems while supporting the data and research at hand. 

I was happy to catch up with my BFF over lunch and coffee. I have recently made some major decisions in my life, and it is always good to have a wise friend to talk to.

I had my blood test for my hypothyroidism shortly afterwards. 

After an interesting symposium, coffee date, and blood test, I went to the hospital chapel (which I have never visited before!) to have some quiet time with God. Rationality may help me overcome the challenges at hand, but it is my faith in God which strengthens me whenever I doubt myself. I know that He is still my boss, so I have to follow what I think is best for me, in accordance to His will. I prayed for a fantastic blood test result and continuous self-improvement for myself.  

Of course, I also hope that I can apply what I have learned today in my life, blog, career, and goals. I am ready to innovate and I know that with some creativity and imagination, I will go a long way for as long as I will never overanalyze things.  

Day 18: Unburdened

I finally got myself a smaller Rags2Riches yesterday at their UP Town store and I am so happy! I already own larger bags from the social enterprise, but I have been having back pains due to my congenital scoliosis. I was advised to use backpacks or smaller handbags instead. I am also going through a transition period from a difficult situation I have recently exited from. I need things that are aligned with my advocacy to buy from local brands, support handmade, and prioritize social enterprises. I believe that items which help uplift communities and support artisans can inspire me to weave joyful stories, as the card says. The bookmark card is included in every Rags2Riches bag, and it states their advocacy, the artisan’s name, and their WHY.  

It is important to know the WHY of the brands I support. I am glad that Rags2Riches’ why resonates with me, as I also want to have a better future for myself. I am excited for the upcoming changes in my life, and I need dependable and quality belongings for my journey. I know that a bag that has been joyfully made in a social enterprise can positively impact my lifestyle, and I hope it will spark meaningful conversations. 

I am unburdened and free, and I look forward to living out my own why, which is wellness through mindfulness. Mindful living starts with supporting an advocacy and letting the positive impact propel me forward. I look forward to better days ahead!

Day 17: Sharing Compassionately

Christmas is just around the corner, and I have already started shopping for presents at Human Nature. I have repeatedly raved about this brand in the past, as it is aligned with my advocacy for conscious consumerism and buying from social enterprises. I value authenticity in gifting, and I believe in spreading my advocacy through the presents I give. I do not buy a lot of gifts, but I make sure that my family and friends have well-thought presents. I do not compromise on quality, and I am willing to pay more for as long as the proceeds will support communities and provide opportunities for others. I am grateful that by designing my life with intention, I can write about my advocacy and somehow prompt others to choose things that can uplift lives. 

As I continue my 21-day self-improvement project, I am ensuring that my actions are aligned with my skills, vision, career goals, and self-compassion habit. I choose to buy from social enterprises for myself and for presents because I believe that supporting others can help me attract blessings. It is my goal that I can also influence others to do the same and be a blessing to others in the process. 

Day 16: Cozy Living

It is already my sixteenth day into my self-improvement project, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive vibe it has given to me. I have chosen to capitalize on my skills, revisit my vision boards, and assessed my career trajectory based on my skills and specializations. Now, it is time to continue improving my life day by day, and I cannot do that without staying true to my advocacy for buying from social enterprises and handmade.

One of the social businesses I have admired for a few years now is Knitting Expedition. It provides jobs for women in the Ifugao region. Most of them knit at home while caring for their families. This gives them empowerment, a steady income, and a chance to thrive in their beautiful ancestral land. They do not have to relocate to the city to provide for their children. I am all for women empowerment and teaching skills to ladies. This is why when I saw that they already have a black plush dog that looks like Ella, my favourite chiweenie from Barkin Blends Dog Cafe, I just had to buy it. It is a cozy upgrade to the usual mass-produced stuffed animals readily available in the mall. 

I still buy stuffed animals and dolls because they bring out my whimsical and imaginative side. I do not think that play should only be for children. Simply having plushies in my room uplifts my mood and keeps things cozy. I love cuddling with a plushie to sleep, and now that I have my knitted Ella (yes, I named her after my favourite dog!), I will be reminded of positive vibes and possibilities. After all, if my new toy has given a woman the chance to earn for her family while applying a skill she has learned (and surrounded by majestic rice terraces at that), then I can also pursue my passions and goals as long as I strategically play the game of life.

Do keep social enterprises and handmade brands like Knitted Expedition in mind when shopping for yourself or for your loved ones! It will do your soul good, while providing better opportunities for others.

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

Photo from Knitting Expedition  

Day 15: Random Surprise

Ortigas has been my area for thirteen years now. I have experienced most of my adult milestones here. I also thought that I have explored most of the area already, as I tend to frequent the more quiet spots of the district to reflect and recharge.

So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this relic of Padre Pio right across Shangri-la Plaza. I have been walking by this area for a long time and this was the first time that I saw this serene corner. I guess I was too busy dealing with my personal priorities. I could have also been unprepared to handle this random presence of one of my favorite saints’ earthly remnants. It is now that I am moving forward that I have been surprised with a relic in a holy place which I will definitely frequent in the coming weeks.  

Random surprises make life more interesting. I believe that they show up when we least expect it, and when we are already prepared to welcome such gifts from the Universe. I did not belong to a healthy situation back in the day, so it was probably the reason why I never saw this spot in my district. Now that I have taken the stand to move on, I was blessed with this relic which is close to my usual locations. It is partially hidden from view, but not totally obscured from the public.

I hope that more people will pray in front of Padre Pio’s relic, as I felt stronger after praying there.

Faith is a constant. However, random surprises make the belief in an unseen God stronger. Now that I am on my self-improvement project, I am teaching myself to embrace the unknown with a can-do attitude rather than a limiting perspective. That way, I can welcome more positive random surprises and weed out the negative right from the start.  

Day 14: Resilience as an Opportunity

I worked as a Senior Risk Officer of an Australian mortgage firm for five years. As a Risk Management professional, I have learned that managing risk is best done through careful planning. This mindset has trickled into every aspect of my life. I find it difficult to proceed with any major decision without conducting a SWOT analysis, making mind maps, and consulting experts if needed. 

Risk management has become integrated into my personal life. Now that I am on my fourteenth day into my self-improvement project, it is worth noting how I have shared risk management practices in my life. By uncovering my skills, I became aware of my abilities, which are crucial in furthering progress. By learning HOW I can develop my career with resources I already have access to (spoiler alert: advanced degrees and money are not initially needed), I am able to plot my next course of action to improve my circumstances. By empowering myself as a woman, I am able to act on my mission to blaze a trail by inspiring myself (because everything begins in the self) and eventually, inspiring others. And by attending a disaster risk conference, I am able to learn how to approach risk in my daily life through preparedness and a change in mindset.

On a personal level, it is crucial to shift my approach to risk management from response to preparation.

Anticipating and planning are important in personal development. Disasters come in the form of struggles which are usually preventable. This is why I advocate careful assessment and calculation before making any major decision. I approach failure rationally, because I know that life is not perfect and there is still a chance to fail especially in circumstances beyond my control, such as relationships, friendships, the weather, the traffic situation, etc.

It is important to rise above the chances to fail by making the necessary precautions and preparations to minimize or transfer the risk to fail. 

I am thankful for this opportunity to be exposed to the scale of Risk Management today in disaster management, crisis management, and big data. By listening to distinguished speakers from the public, private, and international development sectors, I was able to see that risk management at its very core is all about planning and preparation. If it is feasible to plan for disasters, wars, and even disease outbreaks, then it is practical to be a calculated risk-taker in my personal life. After all,  it is when the risk pays off that life becomes a sweeter deal.

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

Always a note-taker.  

Glad to have made a friend! Photo from Donna.