Faith and Family

I am thankful for family during this difficult time. My cousin Van sent us pastries, and I’ve been having delicious bread for brekkie. 

I am thankful for our helpful Racquel who had helped me through thick and thin. 

I am thankful for street food, such as these potato chip skewers. 

I am thankful for knit and crochet. 

I was able to give my makes to my relatives from the US. 

I am thankful for a friend I met online whose ministry is to share wooden holding crosses to the sick and their families. 

I am grateful for the gift of life. I am thankful for time with my terminally-ill father. I am happy that I can still share memories with my family. 

We are all in this together.  

New Girl

My office is just five minutes away from home, so I just take a tricycle to and from work. I’m liking the commute so far!

I rode in style. 

And I’m appreciating all the blessings that I’m getting amidst my dad’s terminal illness. 

Please continue praying for my dad! And for me as well, as I continue hustling for my family.  

For My Dad

Yesterday, I started with my new job. While my dad is fighting for his life at the hospital, I am beginning a new chapter in my life. I am commencing my new role as a Junior Accounts Manager in a digital marketing and tech firm in Quezon City.  

It is definitely a challenge for me to begin in an industry that I am new in. At the same time, it is the perfect opportunity for me to start again and grow during this difficult time.  

I may be criticized by my relatives and friends for working while my dad is in critical condition, but I am doing this to empower myself. I need to support myself and buy enough food to survive. 

I am doing this for my dad. I am dedicating my new job for him, as he has also worked hard to send me to school and to support me as I was growing up. Now, it’s my turn to earn and take care of him. 

I am thankful for the new job, and I hope that I can effectively contribute to the company’s growth as I also evolve as an employee.  

Cupcake Beanie

Today’s my blog anniversary! I started speakoutsam.com two years ago when I had a job in IT. I was the program officer of my alma mater’s IT department for during that time, and I felt that I needed to have something for myself that was related to my field. I am not a coder or a programmer, so a blog was the most logical choice for me to set up. 

I enjoyed blogging so much that I ended up doing it everyday. I got to share about my interests such as knitting and crochet. Incidentally, I just finished knitting this beanie for my goddaughter. So, if there’s anything that I can say today, it’s that you can blog about anything that makes you happy. If you have a hobby, then you can share about that. If you have a job that enriches your life with skills and training, you may also apply your learnings in your blog. 

It is also my first day at my new job. It’s at an IT company again. As my blog turns two, I am thankful for blessings that come my way, and for opportunities that lead me to where I'm meant to be.  

Here’s to more years to speakoutsam!

Avengers, Assemble!

Yesterday, I took a break from caring for my terminally-ill dad to watch a movie. I have been getting some hate for carrying on with my life when my father is in critical condition. My family understands that I have a life and a new job soon so I can’t just stay at the hospital everyday. I can still be there for my family after work, so it’s not an issue with them. What breaks my heart is the judgement I receive from relatives and friends who think that my actions are inappropriate. My actions are no one’s business. There is no right or wrong way to deal with critical illness in the family. My life, my rules. 

This was why I pushed through with my Avengers: Endgame screening at Century City Mall. I won a ticket from the Philippine Competition Commission, and it was a real treat as tickets were already hard to come by. 

But first, I had the soyganisa rice plate from Posporo at Hole in the Wall. I also squeezed in some knitting to calm myself down after the stress in the hospital. 

I had a delicious early dinner!

Before my movie, I was able to drop by the Padre Pio Chapel at Century City to pray and reflect on my father’s suffering.  

I entrusted my dad to the Lord, and asked for Padre Pio’s intercession. I also asked for guidance as I start a new job this week. 

The movie was amazing and it was the perfect break from reality. I also had yummy popcorn.

I am thankful for opportunities and blessings at this difficult time. Thank you PCC! 

PCC Public Forum

Yesterday, I attended the Philippine Competitions Commission’s Public Forum on the Philippine Competition Act with special focus on the PCC Leniency Program. 

It was my last conference before I begin work this Thursday at a company near home. 

My key takeaway is that competition benefits consumers by empowering them with choice. It is the PCC’s obligation to ensure that this is not abused, and that businesses play fair in their operations. 

I find PCC’s conferences informative and straightforward. This is my fourth PCC conference, and it is fitting that my last one prior to returning to the workforce is with them. 

I am thankful for learning opportunities that allow me to sharpen the saw and broaden my horizons.  

Here’s to more learning opportunities in the future! 

Borealis Crystals

I recently ordered a bespoke ring from local jewelry company Borealis Crystals. It is a PWD-run online jewelry boutique which I have been stalking on Instagram for quite some time now. I have been privileged to earn some money from freelance work, and I set aside some of my pay to have a custom ring made for me. 

After a month of communicating with C & J, the couple behind this homegrown brand, I finally got the pink ring of my dreams. 

I love that they added a couple of Flat Tops with my order for a touch of whimsy.  

My pink tourmaline is professionally-set in rose gold. I requested for a comfort-fit band, and I have been wearing this daily for almost a week now. I can definitely say that it lives up to its comfort-fit name, as it is really comfortable. I was able to write at work and the ring felt light on my fingers. I think it helps that C is into calligraphy, so she knows that a ring must not get in the way when one is writing. 

I love supporting social enterprises, and businesses that empower PWD’s. I am happy that I can wear something that’s both handmade and bespoke everyday. What’s more, I get to wear a ring with a story that’s more radiant than its innate sparkle.  

I highly recommend this brand, and I hope that you can check out their Instagram page for their latest on-hand designs. You may also order bespoke jewelry. Production time is from 1-2 months, depending on the design. May they help you realize the jewelry of your dreams! 

Manila Fame 2019

Yesterday, I woke up to a postcard sent by my good friend Nurai. She’s based in Germany, but she posted this from Spain while she was on holiday. 

It was the ideal preview to my artistic day ahead. I rode the LRT 1 and hailed a tuktuk to take me directly to the World Trade Center. 

I went to the Manila Fame to immerse myself in Filipino artistry. My short visit last Friday was too brief, and I really wanted to spend more time at the fair. 

I started my visit with some refreshing liquer de calamansi. 

Then, I had some good coffee.  

I dropped by the Handcrafted by Harl’s booth because I love their advocacy in supporting differently-abled artisans. I bought a handbag from them last year, and it’s still serving me well. 

I joined a leather-crafting workshop for only Php50. I made a leather coin purse with the help of their talented deaf-mute artisans. 

I ended up being the empowered one because I learned a new skill and got to learn from a differently-asked person.  

It was lovely to see fashion influencer Lolaandrogynous at the fair! I totally dig her style. 

I also bought small trinkets from another social enterprise, Kilus.  

I got to appreciate the finer details during this visit.  

I finally got to try 1st Colonial’s sili ice cream and it was delicious!

I had a wonderful evening at Manila Fame and I’m very proud to be Filipino.  

I ended my day with cheese sticks, so I’m also doing the same here. 

Here’s to more opportunities to be proudly Pinoy! 

NAIA Work Day 3

Yesterday was the final one of my three-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative. I watched the sunrise at the airport while knitting. 

Then, I manned our booth and welcomed arrivals with a smile.  

I had Jollibee’s halo-halo sundae and brewed coffee for dessert during lunch.  

I attended mass during my break at the airport chapel.  

Then, I got to finish crocheting this scarf during my shift. 

I had maruya (fried sweet bananas) and brewed coffee at the cafeteria before close of business. 

Then, I rode the bus to World Trade Center. 

We had our debriefing at the venue itself. I was giddy to be back at Manila FAME. 

After our meeting, we got to explore the fair.  

All our hard work for the past three days was worth it once I saw the fair. I was blown away by the astounding exhibitors and the artistry of the Philippines.  

I am proud to be part of this event, and I have a renewed love for country after this.  

For dinner, I grabbed a beef bowl at Yoshinoya before calling it a day. 

It was an honor to serve our country and witness the capability of our artists. I am proud to be Filipino!  

NAIA Work Day 2

Yesterday was my second one as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative in behalf of CITEM. I got to spend time again at the airport while observing passengers as they go about their day.  

I got to crochet to entertain myself between guests, and during my breaks. 

I also got to have halo halo sundae and coffee for dessert at Jollibee NAIA.  

It was tiring, but fulfilling to finish my second day at work.  

I am enjoying work so far, as I am already adjusting to the daily grind. This will be helpful when I start my day job soon at a company near home. 

I can’t wait to start working soon, and this is the best way to learn how to get along with colleagues and stakeholders. Mabuhay! 

NAIA Work Day 1

Yesterday, I got to experience working at the airport for the very first time! I am a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for CITEM, and it was a privilege to return to work in such a distinguished manner.  

This three-day stint has appealed to me because I personally love CITEM and believe in its vision to provide hope to the Philippines through design. It is an honor to serve the country for a few days, and to assist buyers who are interested to support our local businesses.  

I was thrilled that my crochet hook made it through the X-ray machines!

I was able to eat brekkie at Jollibee.  

I even got to watch the sunrise! 

I started my shift at 6AM sharp. 

My partner, Frabelle, was a trooper! I am lucky to be paired with a bright and fun person. 

We definitely worked together to welcome buyers and assist them in their requirements from the airport to the hotel shuttles. 

And as a P2P fan, I was lucky to experience our new airport buses. I am thankful for this opportunity because I learned heaps on dealing with government employees, observing protocol, welcoming very important buyers, and promoting Filipino hospitality. 

What a beautiful way to return to work! Here’s to more opportunities to come!

The Attic Adventure

Yesterday, I was invited to visit The Attic Yarn and Craftery in Marikina City. 

I’ve been a client of this local yarn store ever since I began knitting and reacquainted myself with crochet last year. After buying their yarns at The Craft Central, I have since directly ordered from them online. Since then, I’ve become their friend in real life. 

It was a dream come true to step inside their cozy “attic” space. There were yarns everywhere!

It was heaven on earth! 

The owners, Tita Ces and Ceryl, are vintage fans. I especially marveled over their refurbished typewriters. 

I received a lovely handmade present from the owners. 

I also ate lunch with them and had the best tinapa pasta I’ve ever had (so far).

For dessert, we had flourless chocolate cake from a local pastry shop. 

It was to die for.

It was wonderful to see their yarns and winders in person. 

More than having the pleasure of buying from them directly and not paying for shipping this time around, it was the friendship that I have fostered with Tita Ces and Ceryl that I truly treasure. I had a magical day, and I’m sure that this won’t be the last time that I will visit them in Marikina. 

Friends and hobbies like knitting and crocheting make life sweeter! 

Back At It

Yesterday, I was at CITEM to prepare for my three-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative. 

I had lunch at the canteen, and I felt very lucky to be given this opportunity to serve our country, even if it’s just for a short while.  

I attended the training and orientation, and was given this cool badge. I also got passes to the Manila FAME happening later week.  

I can’t wait to assist VIB (very important buyers) at the airport from tomorrow until Friday! It is an honor to be part of this group, and I am sure that I will be able to apply my training to other aspects of my work and life. 

Here’s to more opportunities to apply myself and serve others!

Knitting Strong

I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father and knitted this cowl for my uncle, who’s celebrating his birthday in Europe next month. 

I used The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s choco fusion yarn to complete this project. 

I also got to attend Easter Sunday mass at the Pink Sisters Convent with my helper, Racquel.  

We had brekkie at Mushroomburger, where I was pleasantly surprised by their delicious food, coffee, and buko panda macapuno sundae.  

I met up with my paternal relatives for lunch to celebrate my uncle’s birthday in advance. I also gave my advance birthday gift to my goddaughter, Kate. I got her a curvy Barbie doll, to teach her about body inclusivity at an early age.  

I also made her fit the beanie I was knitting for her for size. 

I drove home and it was a beautiful summer day! Here’s to more sunny days where I knit myself strong.  

You, Me, & Letting Go

American Young Adult author Katie Kaleski very kindly send me an ARC of her upcoming novel You, Me, & Letting Go. Here’s the lowdown on the book:

BOOK DETAILS:

You, Me, & Letting Go
by Katie Kaleski
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: May 14th 2019
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Description:

A love so epic, no label is needed.

Van Sato’s got labels. Tourettes, ADHD, SPD – words that have defined his existence since the time he was old enough to know what they meant. Now, Van wants to prove he’s more than an acronym, a syndrome, a problem kid. He takes a summer job as a day camp counselor to prove he’s capable of independence and moving on to the next phase in his life. Maybe, he might even make a friend while there. Someone who’s got just as many or even more labels than him. Someone who understands what it’s like.

Tabby Dubanowksi wants to forget about everything, the hospitalization, the judgment, the whispers behind her back. As a camp counselor, she will be admired, looked up to, and able to help people who don’t know anything about her old life. Tabby wants a fresh start and a chance to re-ignite her passion for film-making, if only for one summer.

After running away from their pasts, Van and Tabby collide in a storm cloud of attraction laced with self-doubt, insecurity, shame, and blame. Now, with Van feeling like he might have to quit his job, and Tabby struggling to quell the urge to cut, they will struggle to find themselves in a world designed to keep them apart.

 My Review: 

I am a fan of Katie’s straightforward writing, which I have first encountered in her previous novel Little Forevers. She treats teenagers with dignity and grace, which is paramount in giving YA novels the power to resonate with their readership. She does the same treatment in You, Me, & Letting Go. Van may have ADHD, SPD, and Tourettes, while Tabitha may be recovering from an eating disorder, but they are still relatable to all teenagers. Both have been bullied. Both have suffered from the cruelty of social media. And both are capable of falling in love.

It celebrates its characters without throwing them a pity party. Rather, the readers are invited to root for them as Van and Tabby both get normal summer jobs and experience everyday routines with their friends. I was deeply touched by their dedication to start over again. It’s not easy to rise above bad days, let alone life-altering disorders. What I appreciate about this novel is how it inspires all readers to see the beauty in life and uplift ourselves in times of adversity. And as the title implies, we are all capable of letting go as long as we trust ourselves and share our lives with others.

I highly recommend this book! I’ve read this while taking care of my terminally-ill father in the hospital, and it was a ray of sunshine. Do read it too, and be inspired by Van and Tabby’s unconventional love story.

Visita Iglesia 2019

My helper Racquel and I commemorated Holy Week by practicing Visita Iglesia. Our first stop was the chapel at St. Luke’s Medical Center QC, where my terminally-ill father was confined.  

Our second stop was the Blessed Ivan Merz Center and Reliquarium. For our third stop, we went to the Padre Pio Chapel at Libis.  

It was my first time to experience the Stations of the Cross (while carrying an actual cross!) at Padre Pio. 

Our fourth stop was Claret Church, which is near my alma mater, Holy Family School.  

Our fifth drop was the UP Parish Church. 

No visit to UP Diliman is complete without street food. 

We had squid balls and kwek-kwek (deep fried breaded quail eggs).

We also had sweet corn with cheese and butter and bananacue (not pictured).

Our sixth stop was the Our Lady of Consolation Parish, where my late friend Diane is buried. 

Our seventh and final stop was the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in our barangay.  

It was a time for prayer, silence, reflection, and thanksgiving. I will continue to reinforce my faith not just during Lent, but the whole year through. May this just be the beginning of a bulletproof belief in God. 

Reliquarium

I visited the Blessed Ivan Merz Center and Reliquarium at Marikina City on Good Friday. I was accompanied by our loyal helper Racquel who was also praying for my dad’s recovery from terminal illness. 

The Reliquarium is located at 79 Narra St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City. They will be closed for renovations starting Easter Monday, so we made sure that we could visit the oratory during Holy Week. 

We were overwhelmed with their relic collection, and it was truly worth the drive from Quezon City. 

At the end of our visit, we were handed Certificates of Pilgrimage and healing drinking water.  

I got goosebumps at the Reliquarium as it was truly holy. It enabled me to have a personal encounter with the great saints and blessed men and women of the Church. I will definitely be back. 

Happy birthday Ella!

Today is Ella’s fifth birthday! Since it’s Maundy Thursday, and Barkin’ Blends is closed, I visited her a day early to give her warm cuddles. 

I also celebrated with the other dogs, such as Ella’s son Chocnut. 

Five years ago, I was scared of dogs. Everything changed when I met a little black chiweenie named Ella who taught me how to love dogs like her. Here’s to more years with her and her pack! 

Coffee with these dogs is always a good idea.  

Movie Afternoon

Yesterday, I watched a movie at the UP Cine Adarna’s Videotheque. 

I watched Above the Clouds starring the late Pepe Smith. 

It was a sunny day, and I felt inspired to take some photos. 

I also had Rodic’s tapsilog for late lunch. 

I did a bit of walking around the oval. 

Then, I dropped by St. Clare to pray for my dad and my other intercessions. 

I bought my favorite breakfast smoothie from Go! Salads for dinner. 

I ended my day with Ulan, directed by Irene Emma Villamor at Cinema Centenario. I love this microcinema because it feels like home- I even have a favorite seat (G5). I find myself here whenever I want to unwind and think things through. 

Films help me see things in a different perspective. Spending my free time at green spaces like UP Diliman is inspiring, and I feel energized with local film and trees.

Here’s to more simple joys with a dash of prayer and tapsilog!

Stitching Errands

Yesterday, I ran some errands with my helper. But first, I had my photo taken at the SM North Towers Art Walk. This mural was painted by Drew Europeo. 

I got to crochet and treat my helper out to lunch at a Greek restaurant, where we had healthy brown rice and quinoa bowls. 

We were in luck as there was an exhibit of relics at the Podium, with reliquaries on loan from The Reliquarium in Marikina.  

Then, we shared a big bucket of popcorn and watched Eerie, a Filipino horror film directed by Mikhail Red. It was a beautifully goth film. I highly recommend it, and yes, I survived it even if I’m not typically into the horror genre. 

Life is better if we treat our helpers like family and share meaningful experiences with them. I may blur her photo on social media for privacy reasons, but I treat her like my own blood.  

Here’s to celebrating more small wins and stitching goals!