Slowly Improving

I remember having this portrait of me sketched four years ago.  

A lot has changed since then.  

• I have since donated my hair to make wigs for cancer patients
• I have kept my hair short since October 2014
• I have switched careers and I am now the Office Manager for an American BPO
• I have kept my face makeup-free
• I now have this blog to document my life

These changes did not occur overnight. In fact, I have initiated these changes slowly, but the results have appeared fast. I believe that achieving positive impact happens when I set the stage for all circumstances to work in my favor.  

I blogged, I attended seminars, I applied for good jobs, and continued supporting my advocacies. In no time, I was able to see changes in my life, and I have also improved my outlook as a whole. 

I hope that my life will continue to get better, and that I will keep on aspiring for greatness. For now, I am focusing on getting things done, and blogging about the things that make me speakoutsam! 

Shifting Perspectives

I am currently shifting perspectives in terms of work. From getting used to working in my own cubicle, I am now in an open plan office. From consulting, I am now recommending. And from simply getting things done, I am implementing processes to streamline tasks.

I am really happy with the direction of my career so far. While the learning curve is steep, I am able to manage because I am not alone. I work with a competent team. And I really appreciate the collaborative nature of my job especially during crunch time.

Things do not have to be difficult now that I have systems in place. I hope that by shifting my perspectives, I can also increase my productivity. So far, that has been the case and I am really pleased.

I will definitely continue updating this blog as I speakworksam!

Niche at Work

I have been holding up well at work these past few days. It is my first time to work with a lean team, so I had to adjust fast. Also, we have an open plan office so I am getting used to working on a family-style table rather than on an assigned cubicle. 

I am enjoying it so far in the office, and the collaborative environment encourages me to interact with my colleagues. I am getting by with food, coffee, and a lot of self-determination. Yes, my model for thriving at work is similar to how I carry on with my workouts.

I see colors in the middle of monotonous palettes, and the same goes with the daily grind. I find joy in processes. I listen to music whenever the silence becomes deafening. In no time, the music motivates me, and I already have my own jam at work.

Rather than rely on life hacks in the long run, I prefer to set up systems for my job crafting journey. I am on it at the moment, and I am also becoming more flexible with organizing my tasks and assignments.

I am also helping myself get in the mood for work by dressing the part. As I have discovered in almost nine years of working, the right outfit can serve as an armor. It is my battle gear. And it really helps me focus on my tasks when I know that my getup is put-together and professional.

For sleeveless tops and dresses, I usually pair them with jackets or blazers as office air conditioning can get too cold. For short skirts, I wear tights or stockings if needed. I just like making sure that I look professional and not sloppy.

And whenever I have free time, I knit, crochet, read, or blog. I like keeping my mind active and alert.

I really think that my niche at work is something that I have already discovered. I just have to keep the faith that my work will continue to serve my own values too. I take 100% ownership of my work. I hope that I will continue writing my story as I speakworksam!

Stepping Up

Last Sunday, I browsed through the Yabang Pinoy bazaar at Alabang Town Center, after my trip to Common Room.  

I loved the fiesta vibe! All the vendors were local exhibitors, and most of the merchandise were handmade. 

I was truly captivated with these handmade polymer clay accessories. They were detailed and exquisitely designed. The vendor, The Nifty Pandas, accepts commissions for both individual and bulk orders  

If you want to have piece made, don’t hesitate to reach out to them on Instagram!

It was difficult choosing between Ariel and Sailor Moon.  

In the end, I got Ariel! 

I also purchased a pair of brogues from Marikina shoe brand Rob and Mara. 

I ended my bazaar visit with some curry lobster balls.  

I had an amazing experience. Seeing all those merchants inspired me to continue supporting local and handmade. I can’t wait to step up to daily challenges in my growing collection of Marikina-made shoes, including my new brogues. And of course, I will keep on hustling, so that just like Ariel, I will be part of their world at work!

Thriving Locally

I had a fantastic weekend!

I started my Saturday and Sunday mornings with Zumba. I must say that I am glad to see progress on my abs. 

I also took brisk walks around my local park and took breaks on interesting nooks such as this grotto. 

I enjoyed freshly-baked bread from my neighborhood bakery. 

And yesterday, I rode a P2P to visit Common Room Alabang. 

I donated some old paper bags on-site to support their ‘no new paper bags’ campaign, which I think is really cool. 

But the main reason why I went there was to buy a handmade Tubbs the Cat doll from Pop Junk Love. They had selected dolls at 50% off for the benefit of Cribs Foundation. It was a win-win because I have always wanted to purchase a doll from them, and I love supporting charities!

I also browsed through the store and found old handmade favorites such as Knitting Expedition.

In the end, I refused to have Tubbs packed in a paper bag. He went home with me inside my spacious Knitting Expedition Tiyargo bag.  

Every visit to Common Room motivates me to continue supporting local and handmade! My heart is full now that I have a new stuffed toy, and it’s all for a good cause. Fitness and my handmade lifestyle are not just weekend norms, as I do practice them everyday. They only seem to get magnified on weekends because I have more time to explore places that define them. 

I look forward to more weekend adventures and handmade stories! 

Stitching My Story

I am thankful to have crochet in my life. Right now, I am on my last ball of yarn for this scarf I am working on in shell stitch. I have learned to do it through Youtube, and I couldn't be happier with the ability to learn new skills for free online.

I am adjusting to work like a pro! I have always made myself busy by working on this blog and assisting my dad with his tasks during my break from the corporate world. However, the office setting is still different, and any new job entails an adjustment period.

Unwinding after a busy Friday with beer and crochet 🍺 

Here are some hacks I am implementing into my system to ensure a seamless adjustment into the daily grind:

• Workout everyday- I like ticking this off first thing in the morning
• Eat breakfast and have coffee
• Never skip meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Listen to music to unwind
• Never stop practicing my fiber arts (knitting or crocheting)
• Never stop reading- I always feed my brain with new knowledge, whether it is from a book, an article, or a simple Bible reflection
• Pray, hope, and don't worry
• Count my blessings

I am stitching my story, one scarf and workday at a time. Looking forward to hustling in the office and making a difference in my own little way!

Uni Memories

I had a productive first week of work. It was overwhelming, like most adjustment periods. However, I was never short of colleagues to help me. It also helped that our office is still located near my uni, where there is a chapel, convenient food options, and space to process my thoughts during my lunch break.

I have been having Food Channel shawarma rice with cheese for lunch, and it is still delicious! I feel like a student again whenever I savor it.

I have to visit our office’s new site and project manage its progress. I have to be organized and on top of things!

Another food from uni which I enjoyed this week was the sticky cinnamon bun. It was comforting after a busy day.

And I was also fortunate to have my college friend Ceetee with me for coffee that day! She also just recently started at her new office in Ortigas.

Here’s to more opportunities at work, more happy college memories, friendship moments, and comfort food!

Dressing the Part

I am easing my way into the daily grind at work. One of the things that motivates me to hustle everyday is fashion. I am not addicted to dressing up per se, but I just find clothes to be the right catalyst in setting the tone for my day. For instance, I find myself pumped up for a workout when my Zumba gear is on point. For work, dressing up according to my mood, the weather, and my plans helps me get into girlboss mode. 

I saw this sign that at the restaurant while I was eating breakfast. It really resonates with me because I have an unceasing appetite for life. The same goes for my outfits. I am determined to excel at work so I am also driven to dress the part. I am crediting this to my hunger for a better life. 

I am currently enjoying my morning coffee breaks. It keeps me awake as I learn office processes and begin new assignments. 

Here’s to productive work days and more opportunities to dress up as I speakoutsam!

Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry

I started working as the Office Manager in my new employer on July 23, 2018. It was the 23rd of the month, which is known as a day dedicated to Padre Pio. 

I was moved to thank him for his intercession, as I did pray to him to lift up my wishes to have a good job to the Lord. I think he really did an awesome job because not only am I employed, but my office is also located close to some churches and chapels. I am sure that my soul will find refuge in these places of worship whenever I need spiritual sustenance in the middle of my busy schedule.  

I am thankful for all the blessings which are pouring into my life right now. Thank You God, and thank you Padre Pio!

Determined to Succeed

I started work the other day, and I was warmly welcomed by the team. I am ecstatic to work with a motivated workforce, and I can’t wait to grow along with the company. 

I started my day with prayer and thanksgiving at UA&P’s chapel. 

I had breakfast, got coffee, and crocheted while waiting for my workday to begin.

It was inspiring to see this on our office wall.

And it was also bittersweet to see my uni and former office outside our window.

I am very excited to begin hustling with everyone, and I am happy to belong to a young, dynamic, and helpful group. I will surely be integrated here in no time, and of course, I will keep you posted here as I speakoutsam in the office!

God’s Perfect Timing

I started working at my new employer yesterday, and it was fantastic! I was ecstatic to be back in an office, and I even wore red as it was a color that made me feel confident. I am still adjusting and committing names and processes to memory, but I will definitely get the hang of it.

You see, I consider the date of my return to work important because it is a testament to how faithful God is.

I prayed for a new job immediately after resigning from my previous corporate role last year. My last day there was on July 21, 2017. I asked God to give me work and opportunities for learning as I looked for employment.  

And I asked Him to give me a job before July 21, 2018. 

I was realistic with my expectations, as I was aware of the job market. I attended interviews and turned down offers if the company did not reflect my values and work ethics. I enhanced my skills by attending seminars, conferences, workshops, and webinars. 

I even learned how to knit at the Banaue Rice Terraces and I got to reflect on my jobhunting situation as I whipped up scarves and beanies.

Knitting has taught me to be patient, as I had to pull out my stitches and begin again if I committed a mistake. It was a frustrating process, but I am glad that I began again because my projects look better.

What I am trying to say is that I learned how to remain faithful to God as I was looking for employment. I continued attending seminars every month in institutions such as the ADB and AIM. I prayed and visited churches. I worked out, read books, and listened to podcasts.

I felt that God was making me begin again, every single day. 

And just like with my knitting stitches, I learned how to patiently wait for the right opportunity for me.

I was already feeling frustrated with my corporate offers because pre-employment takes ages in banks. So when this company called me for an interview, I did not hesitate to try it out. I passed their assessment and exams, and I got an offer to work with them as an Office Manager.

I signed the offer on July 19, 2018. I was set to begin on July 23, 2018. 

I was stunned. God simply wanted me to wait, be a good daughter and help my dad with his work, and attend learning opportunities as I knitted and blogged on the side. But He was faithful, because He gave me a job before my “gap year” was up. 

God is a faithful God. His timing is perfect, and His blessings are on point. I look forward to a fruitful career in my new company. I may have to minimize my blogging when work gets busier, and I have to respect my company’s confidentiality clause so I cannot write about my job or my office. But I will still blog about my story, because my life is entirely my own.

If there is any doubt in your heart right now, think of how God faithfully answered my prayers for the right job, at the right time. I hope that He will bless you too, and that His timing will persuade you to keep the faith! 

Breakfast and Barks

Yesterday was my last day of “freedom” before returning to the corporate world. I started it with Zumba and a hearty breakfast at my local park.  

Then, I had went to my favorite dog cafe, Barkin Blends!  

I braved the storm to visit my furry friends.  

They now sell pastries and burgers to-go for dogs. 

I got the royal milk tea and Bonnie burger.  

It was delicious! 

I cuddled with Ella and the rest of the buddies after my meal.  

My heart and soul are full of love. I am excited to work again, as I have maximized my break from the workforce. I will bring wih me positivity and optimism as I encounter my tasks in my new role. Everything will be alright, and I will surely return to the dog cafe once the weekend rolls by!

Loving QC

The other night, I decided to have mushroom bibimbap from O! Kitchen for dinner. It was delicious!

I burned it yesterday with Zumba. 

I recovered with breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

I pedaled on the stationary bike at the park.  

And I took a brisk walk around the gardens.  

I crossed Elliptical Road and found myself at the QC Public Library.  

I enjoyed reading and working on yesterday’s blog entry via the high-speed WiFi connection.  

I enjoyed my time with books and knowledge around me! 

For lunch, I had the 100 tomato pasta... 

...and the guiltless strawberry cake from Icing’s. 

I had a check-up at the hospital and I loved their groovy staircase.  

Later during the day, I dropped by the newly-opened Human Nature store at SM The Block. 

I got myself a couple of pairs of cute scissors from Books for Less.  

And I got a meaningful mirror from The Craft Central to remind me of that being happy is a choice.  

I ended my day with anticipated mass and this mango and chocolate crepe.  

I love Quezon City and I am proud of my hometown! I hope that you will also find yourself in any of the places I’ve been to, because they’re worth visiting. I am happy that there are so many affordable ways to enjoy myself in QC. I will surely miss being here everyday as I will work soon in Ortigas. But that doesn’t mean that my life will stop, just like that. I would just have to blog on the side, and maximize my weekends in order to speakoutsam! 

Paper Cranes and Puppers

Yesterday, I went back to the hospital to run some errands. I was pleasantly surprised to find this paper crane tree, as it symbolized wishes coming true. As I embark on a new chapter in my career, I am excited to fulfill my personal goals and help my company grow. 

I then proceeded to my happy place, Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some R&R over milk tea... 

...and my favorite doggo, Ella! 

Life is all about perspective. Right now, I am facing tough challenges, but I see them as opportunities. I am excited to see myself learning, adjusting, and growing. I am also eager to balance my life, through recreational activities like visiting the dog cafe.  

I hope that you will also find ways to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, one day at a time.  

Thankful for UA&P

Yesterday, I visited my alma mater, UA&P. I was in the area to settle documents with my new job. 

But first, I needed to say hello to my uni and former office.  

I was happy to find more PC workstations at the CAS library. 

I crossed the street for some Food Channel shawarma rice. 

It’s still delicious!

I dropped by my former office, the School of Sciences and Engineering. 

After chatting with old friends and sipping UA&P’s famous milk tea (which is still yummy!), I went to the mall to buy myself a new watch strap. 

I rewarded myself for a year of work and blogging. 

As I begin a new chapter with my new employer, I look forward to more rewarding experiences. 

I ended my day with more adulting at a nearby hospital, with a charming chapel. 

I prayed for better days ahead, and more opportunities to spread my wings. I am thankful for UA&P, and it’s time to apply all that I have learned both as a graduate and a former employee. 

It’s time for me to speakoutsam and rock on! 

Waterproof Willpower

Yesterday, I worked out again despite the rain. I realized that I am determined to burn calories even if there’s a storm. 

Indeed, my willpower is waterproof.

I manage to motivate myself even in difficult circumstances like storms. In fact, I even watched a movie and rewarded myself with a delicious shawarma rice bowl from Persian Avenue. 

I later joined my family to attend the wake of one of my grand aunts at Pampanga. I got to bond with my cousin Lauren’s dog Rogue, who was such a sweetheart.

And I also got to catch-up with cousins Lauren and Jean. 

The church at Minalin, Pampanga had these beautiful doors. I couldn’t resist having my photo taken with them. 

Having waterproof willpower helps in keeping myself going, no matter the circumstances. I am excited to apply this to my career, and I look forward over seeing the blessings pour into my life in the process!

Burning Through the Rain

Yesterday, I was determined to workout despite the stormy weather. I drove to my local park and powered through Zumba. 

Guess what? It was even more fun to workout in this cool weather! The breeze was refreshing.  

And we all know that rainy weather calls for good eats. My brekkie was this quick friend beef and macaroni soup from Tropical Hut. 

As for lunch, I ate this delicious asparagus mayo spaghetti from Kimono Ken. 

I always find creative ways to enjoy my day, no matter what the weather is. I am thankful for opportunities to maximize my day, such as affordable workouts and yummy grub. Here’s to more blessings and chances to shine!

Thankful

Yesterday, I began my day with a workout. 

Then, I had a hearty brekkie.  

I proceeded to a meeting which was so productive, I was moved to go to St. Clare to give thanks.  

I am thankful for the opportunities that are pouring into my life right now. 

I celebrated with bopis at Rodic’s.  

And I continued crocheting with this cool turquoise yarn.  

I took a couple of selfies through the power of self-timer.  

I purchased new kicks from local leather sandal brand Renegade Folk. 

Finally, I had Sunnies funfetti and a flat white at a Sunnies Cafe.  

I carried on with my crocheting.  

And I ended my day with some neon selfies at the cafe’s infamous selfie powder room. Hahahahaha  

I am overwhelmed with all the blessings in my life right now. I realized that the best way to celebrate is by continuing my regular routine of prayer, crafting, and selfies. There is empowerment in being able to take one’s own selfies without a man’s help. If I can be my own Instagram husband, then I can surely power through life. 

I can hardly wait! 

Sunday Priorities

On Sundays, I spend time doing the things I love. 

Yesterday was no exception. I worked out, despite the rainy weather. 

I had barako coffee.  

And a delicious bowl of kimchi rice for brekkie.  

I visited Diane.  

And I told her about my upcoming adventures.  

I had a dozen mini-donuts.  

And I visited Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. 

I ended my day with crochet and beef noodle soup.  

Sunday is my favorite day because it is when I can rest and pursue my simple joys. I can’t wait to start work so that I can appreciate Sundays better. Here’s to more Sundays with fitness, food, fiberarts, and dogs! 

AIM Masterclass

I was invited to attend the 4.0: - 4th Industrial Revolution and Development Management Masterclass at the Asian Institute of Management yesterday. 

I learned that yesterday’s solutions are today’s problems in developing countries. An example of which is the sachet economy, which was introduced decades ago to give the poor access to shampoo and other basic needs. However, sachets are non-biodegradable and have become landfill problems in the past years. Now, companies are challenged to come up with solutions to this problem. An example of which is the option for refillable bottles. 

I also learned that emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and creativity are currently the most in-demand skills in business. 

As the 4th Industial Revolution draws near, the challenge is for us to come up with ways to apply these skills in order to be indispensable in the workplace. 

I also crocheted while listening to the lectures.  

The class was concluded with a hearty lunch and dessert.  

I make sure that my blog remains current and true to my interests and values. Blogging has given me a venue to use technology to my advantage. Because of my blog, I get industry exposure through events and seminars. I also get to share my thoughts, and connect to people. Real human connections require creative thinking, and this can never be replaced by machines. I am eager to witness the changes in business and technology, and I can promise you that for every new development, I will continue to speakoutsam!