Archery Noob

I have always wanted to try archery but I never had the time to do so. I was always too shy to try it out with a date, so I opted to finally take the plunge yesterday alone. I was able to get a private lesson from an instructor at Arrowland, and before I knew it, I was enjoying myself with my bow and arrow! I even got a bow with my lucky number 13 on it. Of course, I was a first-timer so my initial shots were not perfect. But I did manage to shoot the bullseye! Finally I have a sport that I really enjoyed playing. I look forward to practicing more and hopefully improving as time goes by. 

Here’s to first times and happy endings! 

Wednesday with Charlotte

I had a great dinner with my Canadian friend Charlotte last night at Sunnies Cafe. We got to discuss life, work, and plans for the future. It is fantastic to have friends like her who are goal-driven and have the same kind of ambition as I do. It is also valuable to have people who got my back. I am thankful to know her and it was a lovely Christmas dinner at BGC, which I rarely even visit due to the traffic.  

I even got to spend a few minutes browsing through Fully Booked, which is my favorite bookshop. It was nice to check out new titles to read soon. Surely, life will never run out of possibilities as long as there are books! 

Friends and books make life more meaningful. I hope to make more time for people like Charlotte, especially in 2018! Here’s to more girl time, risotto, and good reads in the coming year! 

Boxing Day 2017

Yesterday, I celebrated Boxing Day by myself. I got accustomed to going out on the British holiday, which was a habit I developed from my years working in an Australian company. I treated myself to a new water bottle from Starbucks, then I had lunch at Bonchon. Then, I watched Siargao  on a recliner seat. It was a feel-good movie with stunning cinematography. I capped off my day at the mall with my monthly pixie trim. I tried a new salon, and I enjoyed the experience! 

I look forward to more simple joys and me-time days. Surrounding myself with positive vibes is crucial to offset the negativity I have harbored in the past months. For now, I am breathing in the good and immersing myself in self-care.  

Blessed Christmas

Yesterday, I began my Christmas celebration at the St. Clare Monastery, where I made my weekly offering and prayed for all my intentions. I also expressed my gratitude for a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. 

Most restaurants are closed on Christmas morning, so I ate a hearty breakfast at a convenience store. I also enjoyed my coffee while reminiscing on past Christmas celebrations and memories. I later proceeded to my workout and danced my brekkie away! 

The festive mood carried over to lunch with my parents. We ate at Crisostomo and had dessert at Sebastian’s.   

Yes, that’s sapin-sapin ice cream! 

Christmas called for extra special cuddles with my furry family at Barkin’ Blends. My favourite dog Ella was taking a nap, so I spent the afternoon with Loki and Robin, who would not let me go home. 

I had a simple but joyful Christmas Day, and I encourage you to also celebrate important holidays your way as best as you can! I wanted to feel the warmth of my family and friends’ company this season. I look forward to celebrating the Yuletide festivities with someone special someday. For now, I am thankful for what I have, and yes, I feel so blessed.

Christmas is for Kate

Yesterday, I was able to catch-up over lunch with some of my Lucas relatives. I was able to give my Christmas present to my goddaughter Kate (daughter of my cousin Bianca). I got her a Hello Kitty Flik Flak watch and she seemed to like it! I realized that Christmas is really for children and to see it through Kate’s appreciation for her gift is priceless. While I may be cynical about a few matters, I will never get over the magic of Christmas. The season may be for children, but the meaning of Christmas who is Jesus Christ lives on. I look forward to more catch-up meals this week and I will treasure the friendships made through the years. 

Inspired with Faith

Yesterday was my sponsored child’s birthday, and I celebrated it with a mass in her honor. It was also special because I thanked God for her academic honors. I am very proud of my girl and I prayed for her health, schooling, and growth.  

I decided to have dawn mass at Pink Sisters because I received this in the mail from them. When they want to pray for me, I will definitely go to their place and offer my intentions! 

But first, I had cookies baked by my childhood friend Chesca. She also gifted me with Lava Cheese Tarts, so I included one in the mix. It was a decadent combination! 

By the time I arrived at the Pink Sisters convent, I was greeted by angelic voices and a full house. I lifted up my intentions to the Lord and thanked Him for granting me the gift of fantastic health.  

After mass, I proceeded to Kanto Freestyle for some tuyo (dried fish) and kesong puti (white cheese). I paired the awesome meal with some barako coffee. My hearty breakfast powered me through my workout. 

I had an intense Zumba and cardio session to burn all the goodies I enjoyed. It was enough to make my abs emerge, and I had a laugh while taking these selfies at the parking lot. 

My last stop for the morning was my late friend Diane’s vault. I showed her our dream abs because I am the only one left here to workout on her behalf. It was a joyous occasion, and I made sure to wish her a Merry Christmas, wherever she may be.  

I am truly thankful for all the good cheer I am experiencing now. I look forward to sharing this love to others this holiday season and beyond! 

Blood Donor

Last Thursday, I have witnessed a miracle. 

I was able to donate blood for the first time! 

This is momentous for me because I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for most of my life. However, I have also been diagnosed as euthyroid by my endocrinologist since my body has been positively responding to my thyroxine medication. I am constantly being monitored through blood tests, and yes, I am fit to work. However, I have already been used to being rejected as a blood donor because of my hypothyroidism. So imagine my surprise when I was given the green light by the doctor at the Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Jude! According to him, the revised Red Cross guidelines already allow euthyroid patients to donate blood. I was so excited, that I practically smiled through the process (even if I was a little nervous!). It did not hurt at all and I even got a brownie and juice afterwards. It was a priceless Christmas miracle and I look forward to donating blood again next year!

I am thankful for miracles. Please be a blessing to others and consider donating blood too at your nearest Red Cross blood bank! 

Barkin’ Christmas

Yesterday, I decided to hang out with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I am in love with them and my favorite dog Ella was there to spoil me with kisses. I am a huge believer in creating my own positive vibes, so if I need to go to a dog cafe to feel loved, then I will do so. Being in the spirit of the holidays can be tough when I am single, but it should not be that difficult now that I know how to create my own happiness. I realized while cuddling Ella that Christmas is about sharing love with my (human or furry) friends. I felt incredible sipping dark chocolate milk tea with Ella on my lap. Love indeed does not need to come from a guy. I am enjoying singlehood for now, and I will definitely return to Barkin’ Blends soon!

Sunday Beauty Queen

Yesterday, I was able to catch the closing film of UP Film Center for 2017, which is Baby Ruth Villarama’s Sunday Beauty Queen. This award-winning documentary has caught my attention because of its pageant plot and focus on domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

I was pleasantly surprised that the pageants being organized are for charity, such as the Bethune House, which helps troubled women workers get back on their feet. I was touched by the movie and I realized that people can uplift their circumstances if only they will find a passion to pursue.

I am inspired by the women in the film, and I was thrilled to take a selfie with Mylyn Jacobo. She was one of the brave and admirable stars of the film. And I was happy to hear that she is now living in the Philippines for good, and she is taking acting workshops! I wish her all the best and I look forward to catching her on the big screen soon.

I am excited to catch more films at UPFI’s Cine Adarna next year! Here’s to more impactful movies and charmed moments! 

Sick but Not Stuck

I have often shared about my journey with hypothyroidism, and it has been a lifelong roller coaster ride. This week, I have experienced an extra challenge as I am currently down with fever, sore throat, and colds. It has been a struggle to get up and carry on with my workouts. But the important part is, I still worked out! And I also continued reading and making plans. 

Today, I had pizza and coffee for lunch, then I proceeded to Sta. Clara for my weekly check-in with my intercessor. It is my last visit before Christmas, so I made sure to whisper all my intentions for the holidays. I am grateful for her continuous prayers, and I am banking on the Christmas spirit to level up my intentions! With a little pixie dust from above, I am sure that my prayers will be heard and answered.  

I hope to recover from this rut soon. I am lucky to have found my routine, and that my flow is unending even when I am sick. Here’s to continuing my fitness goals and sticking to my plans amidst the medications! 

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.