Yesterday was my dad’s funeral mass. We had close friends and family to stand with us during this trying time.
I am incredibly lucky to have the support I need at this time. I will not take anything for granted anymore. Life is too short. Make each minute matter.
Yesterday, I was joined by my mom and maternal relatives for a day of unwinding. We visited the church where my parents were married.
Then, we had lunch at Livestock for some delicious comfort food.
We transferred to Hello Kitty Cafe for dessert and coffee.
I also managed to crochet throughout the day.
It is possible to go on living with family at my side. Despite the pain of losing a loved one, I can carry on with life, one day at a time.
My dad was cremated yesterday. Thank you for all you support during this difficult time.
My mom and I celebrated Mother’s Day at Mango Tree Bistro. Her brother Butch joined us for lunch, and it was a festive feast amidst the sadness of my dad’s recent passing.
I had the tom yum spaghetti and Thai iced coffee. Both were delicious!
Yes, it’s possible to heal from pain through food. When taken in moderation, food (and coffee, of course!) can uplift the soul. Will definitely have more pasta and caffeine!
I just finished knitting this infinity scarf at the hospital where my dad was confined. He told me that he wanted a blanket from me, and when I asked which colors he would want me to include in the project, he told me that he was simply thinking about it.
I finished this scarf right before my dad passed away.
It was handmade with love for my cousin Abby in Canada. I hope that she will like it.
Life is too short. Here’s to more stitches and ties that bind us.
My helper Racquel and I attended a healing mass yesterday to pray for my terminally-ill father. It was held at the Blessed Ivan Merz Reliquarium in Marikina City.
After mass, we proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind over food, milk tea, and dogs!
I was in the company of angels tonight. Thank God for dogs, people who can help, and loved ones who care.
My life right now revolves around my terminally-ill dad. Whenever I need a break, I walk around the hospital.
I buy food from nearby establishments, such as Bonchon.
I knit.
And I talk to friends, such as Bianca (kinder and grade school classmate) and her boyfriend JP.
They gave my dad this prayer card from Padre Pio Chapel in Libis.
I am grateful for friends, food, and yarn that keep me going during this tough time. With a dash of faith and a lot of prayer, I know that I got this.
Yesterday, I had a difficult day as I encountered problems in the bank. I had to discuss my status quo with the manager, who didn’t seem to grasp the urgency of my situation at first. She did help me after my explanation, and I am awaiting the full resolution of the issue within the week.
Having said that, I decided to unwind with some cheap thrills at the mall: a sizzling burger steak and iced coffee shake.
I also got to watch Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon, which is the sequel to one of my favorite local indie films, Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa.
It was beautifully acted and very sad.
I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father, and I found him restrained to his bed to prevent him from removing his respirator. It was sad to see him this way, so I have to keep myself strong in the coming days.
I just have to find ways to be happy amidst the darkness of my current situation.
Yesterday, I found this staircase at the hospital with natural light. I couldn’t resist taking a selfie in the sunny stairwell.
I knitted as I cared for my terminally-ill father.
Then, I joined my US and Canada-based relatives as they toured the village where we all grew up. I stayed here until I was twelve years old.
We ended the day with dinner with Tarlac-based relatives and more Filipino food!
I drove them in the rain, and I’m happy that we reached their hotel safely.
I enjoyed my relatives’ company, and their visit reminded me that there’s nowhere to go but up. In tough times, there’s family I can count on, and faith to strengthen me.
Yesterday, I had lunch with my helper Racquel at a Greek restaurant. We had to finish some errands, and this was a delicious break from our tasks.
Then, I met my maternal relatives from the US and Canada for early dinner. We ate Filipino food, and had a massage afterwards.
I even managed to squeeze in some knitting while having my massage.
As an only child, it’s important that I find good company to help me get through my dad’s terminal illness. I’m glad that my maternal relatives supported me during this difficult time, and that my helper is always willing to extend a helping hand. They inspire me to keep going, no matter how bleak the days seem to be.
Here’s to better days ahead!
Yesterday, I rode the tricycle to my former office.
I submitted my resignation yesterday because I was suffering from allergies at work. I’d have to find an office that won’t compromise my health. Health is valuable to me, especially now that my dad is terminally-ill.
I also need more time to take care of my father now that he is in critical condition in the hospital. I bought adult diapers and liners. I also got medicines from the pharmacy.
I need to fan him from time to time due to his medication. It’s not easy caring for someone who’s terminally-ill, so I have to be strong as well.
This is my main job for now. I can look for work again when things stabilize, but for now, I am my father’s carer, and I am up for the challenge.
Yesterday, I went to the St. Camillus Provincialate to attend their monthly healing mass. It was my first time to experience mass there, and my helper Racquel joined me to pray for my dad.
The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick followed shortly after the mass. I prayed for my dad and my best friend Luti.
We had breakfast at Kopi Roti, where I got to introduce Racquel to a Singaporean brekkie of soft boiled eggs, kaya toast, and kopi.
We also had dirty ice cream for dessert.
I spent time with my dad in the hospital, then I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends to cuddle with the dogs there, like my favorite dog Ella.
Church, dogs, and food keep me going. Here’s to better days ahead!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
