13KM

Yesterday, I travelled 13KM to a meeting in Manila. While I have always enjoyed commuting to the capital to pray at St. Jude or enjoy the National Museum, I was there for potential work. It made me giddy to possibly work in the city that has captured my imagination for so long. After all, a history buff like myself thrives in heritage buildings and significant locations. I do hope and pray that this opportunity will push through so that I can finally be a Manila girl.

I can’t wait to spend more time in Manila and earn a living in the city where heroes thrived!

Slay, Pray, Play

I had a productive Thursday. I started my day with a meeting in Manila. My brunch consisted of this hearty mac and cheese, which was topped with sunny-side up egg. I ordered corn and cheese jello for dessert. It was a delicious combo!

After my meeting, I headed to Sta. Clara to pray for my upcoming opportunities, and to give thanks for all the blessings that I continue to receive.

I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some quality time with my furry friends from the east. Spending time with dogs is therapeutic for me, and it keeps me balanced.

I ended my day with some dirty ice cream at UP. I was in the campus to watch Pan de Salawal, an indie film which warmed my heart.

I make sure that I have enough hobbies to make life meaningful. Working all the time is not sustainable, so whenever I have time to spare, I visit the dog cafe, watch movies, and pray for more chances to slay. Life is about balancing my priorities and making each day colorful. And of couse, I show up daily to blog about it here on speakoutsam.com.

Staying moved

Yesterday was day 2 of my volunteer activity for Moved.org. I sorted worksheets and even met Chelle, one of my followers on social media. It’s heartwarming to know that I can influence people to serve! Even if I am still waiting for the right full-time job and partner, I am able to extend my help wherever I am needed. I also post my advocacies online to hopefully influence others to also volunteer.

By offering my time, I am staying true to my advocacy of sharing what I have. It was rewarding to be of service this week, and I even prayed at the building’s prayer room to give thanks and ask for guidance on my upcoming endeavors.

I ended my day by claiming my free plant from jeweler friend Pulseras by Kim and dinner at Breakfast Bin.

Life is good!

September Offering

Yesterday, I offered my time to Moved.org, a nonprofit founded by Filipina philanthropist Alex Eduque. It was my second time to volunteer for the organization. My first time to do so was last month, which I considered as my birthday treat to self. Yes, I consider volunteering as a luxury. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Volunteering keeps me busy whenever I am off-duty from freelance work and family obligations

• My ability to work both alone and with a team is improved by volunteering

• I get to serve others and expect nothing in return

• I get to meet new friends!

• I make the most of my time by doing something I love

• I get to share my blessings and resources, even if it is just time

My heart grows bigger whenever I offer my time to benefit the needy, the disadvantaged, and those who simply need my help. As I sorted and assembled worksheets for preschool students in NCR, I was able to clear my mind from the seemingly petty issues I am facing. I realized that I am fortunate enough to have an education and continuous opportunities within my reach. I have time to help others and share what I have. And most of all, I get to be thankful for all the blessings that enable me to serve.

Please do check out Moved. Hope that you can also help them in the future!

Endurance

Yesterday, I cleared my schedule to treat my mom to lunch. We ate Greek food (my favorite cuisine, next to Italian) and had some time to talk about my late father.

After our meal, I went to Padre Pio at Libis to pray. I’ve been asking God for some favors of late, when I remembered that I must give thanks too. I did that at the chapel, and I also purchased a keychain (for my mom) and a bracelet for myself. My Padre Pio bracelet from last year’s visit has already tarnished, so I got myself a new one to serve as a daily reminder to pray, hope, and don’t worry!

Then, I watched two movies at UP Film Center. I also got myself a chocolate croissant and an Americano from Nomu. It was a privilege to relax over movies and coffee at my usual campus cinema.

Before the day ended, I came home to my new paw ear climbers from local silversmith Arajera. As usual, this isn’t a sponsored post. I just had to buy these adorable ear climbers because a fortnight ago, they were being sold for a cause. Proceeds for every sale of their dog and cat-themed jewelry went to MBY Pet Rescue and Sanctuary. Now that my handmade pieces are here, I am happy to have made a small donation to an animal shelter. And of course, it is always a pleasure to support local handmade artisans.

The day began with some Greek food, then it progressed to some prayer, film, and handmade jewelry. I must say that life is good, and it can only get better!

The Force and The Furs

Yesterday, I tried a new waxing salon for the first time. It was a relaxing place to chill out while getting my grooming done

Then, I had Kipp’s Fried Chicken for lunch. Their chicken burger steak meal comes with macaroni salad that is reminiscent of kiddie parties. The old timey taste of the meal brings back childhood memories, which was perfect on a Sunday afternoon.

After my hearty meal, I went to the PAWS Pet Cafe at Vertis North. Their pop-up cafe always draws a crowd of passionate animal advocates. I attended their last day because I could not miss out on their Star Wars-themed costumes and intergalactic ambiance!

I had a lovely time with their Doctor Dogs, who are therapy animals at work. They visit schools, hospitals, and offices to spread positive vibes and good cheer.

They provided me with comfort and messy kisses! I already follow some of the doctor dogs on social media, and their daily photos give me positive vibes.

To learn more on how you can donate to PAWS, please visit https://paws.org.ph/!

Before going home, I had Cocina Peruvia’s chicken pasta in huancaina sauce. It was a flavorful party in my mouth! I will definitely order this again.

Furs, the Force, and food. Just three things that make my heart warmer on a Sunday. I can’t wait to enjoy more of my simple pleasures next weekend!

Serve and Scale

Yesterday, I served at He Cares Mission. I helped in preparing food for more than 250 street children who go there every Saturday for God’s Word and nourishment. I felt blessed after the service because I was able to talk to some of the the children, and I was touched by their ability to smile amidst adversaries.

Then, I went to Ortigas to attend the Shopify meetup organized by Filta. I learned tips on how to grow and scale one’s brand, such as being authentic in social media posts and adding unexpected touches, such as handwritten thank you notes. As an added bonus, I got to network! I met Filta’s dynamic director, Nerissa Chaux, and Denny, who happens to one of my favorite authors.

I learned that it is possible to both serve and scale! By aligning my values with my endeavors, I will be able to be a blessing while achieving my goals. Looking forward to applying my recent learnings to my work and life!

Charmed

Yesterday, I went to Binondo for a special reason. I was not in the area to enjoy sumptuous Chinese food because spoiler alert, I’m not a fan of Oriental cuisine. However, I do love to shop!

I reached Carriedo LRT1 station by lunchtime. Good thing I had a hearty brunch before this outing, so I was game to commute as there is no parking in the area.

It was impossible for me to be in the area without paying homage to the heritage street that is Escolta. I admired the bygone grandeur of the vintage buildings before proceeding to Binondo.

The beautiful Carriedo Fountain greeted me as I reached the area fronting the Sta. Cruz Church. It was remarkable to notice that Manila is already cleaner and more organized under the newly-elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s mandate. I was able to cross the streets and walk along sidewalks with ease (compared to previous visits).

My leisurely stroll then led me to the Chinatown Gold Center, where I was welcomed by several stalls selling Chinese gold jewelry! My agenda for the day was to buy classy yet affordable 24K piyao (good luck) charm bracelets for my mom and myself. I originally watched a vlog about Covo 24K Jewelry on Princess Mendoza’s channel, and I could not get the bracelets from this shop out of my head since. I linked the vlog episode at the end of this entry to provide you with more information on this store. (Also, this is not a sponsored post!)

I chose a rose quartz bracelet for myself, and a black mantra one for my mom. The store is a goldmine (literally!) of dainty 24K charms, but I was already set on piyao ones to adorn our wrists. You can select the charms, beads or string for a bespoke bracelet or ring. Skilled artisans make each bracelet by hand while you wait.

My bracelets were completed in 5 minutes. I am happy with my purchases, and the shop owners are accommodating. I will definitely be back, as they accept trade-in of 24K pieces. They also do re-stringing and bead replacement.

Do watch the linked video at the end of this post, and visit Covo Jewelry one of these days! They have handmade bracelets for every budget and taste. 24K is a timeless metal that goes well with everyone. I can’t wait to wear my own lucky bracelet everyday, and I’m sure that it will bring me love, fortune, and positivity!

Skills Forum Day 3

Yesterday was the last day of the 2019 Skills Forum at ADB. As a Human Nature online dealer (please support my little shop here!) and blogger, I live for learning opportunities such as this forum to gain industry insights. I also got the chance to network and exchange pleasantries with key experts. It was a rare chance to gain knowledge in a rapid pace.

My major learnings are that no one is excluded from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR). Everyone is part of this, and it is everyone’s responsibility to upskill and educate themselves. Second, lifelong learning is a must. Jobs are rapidly changing as technology continues to improve. Updating our own expertises and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the workplace will enable us to thrive in the FIR. Lastly, soft skills cultivate innovation. We cannot rely on machines and computers to foster innovation. It is still up to us humans to design the future that we want for ourselves. We cannot innovate unless we improve our problem solving, critical thinking, and creative skills. Learning how to learn will also help us remain agile in an age where complacency is a big no-no.

I am thankful that I got to join this forum, and I am excited to apply my learnings with each blog post and work output that I produce moving forward.

Skills Forum Day 2

Yesterday was day 2 of the 2019 Skills Forum at ADB. I learned that technological training is the future of upskilling. A four-year university degree is nice to have, but practical skills which can be obtained via a TVET course can be more efficient. It can also enrich the lives of those who graduate from these courses as they can already be employed immediately upon graduation. Career shifters can also benefit from trainings in tech by learning new skills that can help them stay relevant in their chosen careers.

As a millennial who graduated from a four-year course in uni, I can say that what I am looking for in a career is purpose. More than earning money, I am more excited to work when I know that I am able to make a difference in my own small way. This is why I took advantage of e-commerce to setup my social enterprise. I also enjoy volunteering whenever I can, and this makes my heart full.

More than making a difference, I know that doing work with a social good helps me stay relevant in today’s technological workplace. You cannot teach a robot or computer compassion. It is still up to us humans to do what is good and share what we can to those in need. Perhaps the best way to start is by sharing our knowledge and expertise to uplift others. From there, we can use our skills to improve others’ lives and at the same time, enrich our own lives in the process.

Skills Forum Day 1

Yesterday was day 1 of the ADB Skills Forum 2019. As an online entrepreneur (my Human Nature online shop can be accessed here, please support!), freelance writer, and blogger, I am interested to know the future of learning and what skills to learn in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR). The essential skills still remain the same. Critical thinking, design thinking, analysis and empathy are just some skills to cultivate in an age where technology is influencing the workplace more than ever. I look forward to learning more in the next couple of days, and I hope to network with more people as well.

Innovating Myself

A few days ago, I attended the Innovator’s DNA Coffee Collab at the new HiFI Campus at the College of St. Benilde. I learned that the quality of the innovation is based on the condition of the disruptor. Having reflected on the discussion we had, I realized that I have a long way to go to be an innovator in this rapidly-changing world. But at 33, I am still hungry to learn and grow.

They say that it is never too late to follow one’s passion. As a writer and blogger, I get to attend various conferences where the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR or 4IR) is discussed. I went to school and graduated with a Humanities degree, but I ended up working in finance and risk management. To say that I veered away from my degree in the workplace is an understatement. However, it is only now that I am my own boss that I realized that I did not stay far from my degree after all.

My liberal arts education has helped me analyze and think critically in an age where specialization and practical skills are in focus. My drive to innovate has also led me to attend seminars, conferences, and learning opportunities. And amidst all the books I have read and conversations I have started, I know by now that I can never fully be an innovator unless I trust the process and surrender myself to the will of God.

To help myself in this journey to maximizing my skills and increasing my chances of succeeding in the current labor landscape, I have decided to answer the activity we have been assigned to during the Innovator’s DNA event. I had a buddy during that time, and he was an interesting conversationalist and professor. Now that I am accomplishing this assignment on my own, I hope that I will be inspired to never stop learning, and to find ways to reinvent myself in a limitless technological atmosphere.

1. What personal experience or journey brought you here, into your current role?

   I have been blogging for two years now, and I use my website to share the insights that I have learned throughout my learning and creative journey.

2. What issues or challenges are you confronted with?

   I am currently recovering from the recent passing of my father from a terminal illness. I am also looking for a corporate job while finishing my freelance projects.

3. What about your current situation (work/personal life) frustrates you the most?

   I am frustrated by the bullying I have received on dating apps. Guys there would call me “lesbian” and other derogatory terms just because I sport a pixie (no offense to gays and lesbians. There’s nothing wrong about being gay, but I’m straight.). I am also struggling to find a good man to date in real life because I am not the conventional Filipino woman. I have short hair, I think independently, and yet I am still a devout Catholic. Most of my friends are discouraging me from dating because I am disappointed with the dating pool. I refuse to give up, though.

4. What are your most important sources of energy and happiness in your work and life?

   I enjoy knitting and crocheting. Those two hobbies keep my hands busy as I feed my mind through books and podcasts.

5. Watch yourself from above (as if in the helicopter). What are you doing? What are you trying to do in this stage of your journey as an innovator?

   I am blogging, attending conferences, listening to podcasts, reading, and networking.

6. Watch our collective journey from above: what are you trying to do collectively in the present stage of your collective journey?

   We are all trying to connect with each other and hoping that these connections can go beyond social media and into real-life conversations that can spark lasting change.

7. Given previous questions, what do you now need to ask yourself?

   What if you fly?

8. Imagine if you could fast forward to the very last days of your life, when it is time for you to move on. Now look back on your journey as a whole, What would you want to see at that moment? What footprint do you want to leave behind?

   I want to see the exact moment when I decided to give myself the chance to learn more so that I can innovate in the age of the FIR.

9. Now return to the present and crystallize what it is that you want to create, your vision and intention for the next 3 months to 3 years. What are the essential core elements of the future that you want to create in your personal, professional, and social life? Describe as concretely as possible.

   3 months- I want to be a graduate of a short course that can increase my chances of getting employed by equipping me with the latest technological and soft skills.

   3 years- I want to be a manager in a company that enables me to communicate to others and provide empathy to our stakeholders. Also, I hope to be settled with a partner or husband while still continuing my learning journey.

10. What would you have to let go of in order to bring your vision to reality? What is the old stuff that must die? What is the old skin (behaviors, assumptions, mental models, etc.) that you need to shed?

    My fear of failure, my limiting belief, and my fear of technology.

11. Who have been your “guardian angels” and helpers in your journey and who do you need as helpers in your future journey as an innovator?

    I am blessed to have my family and best friends who believe in me when I tend to put myself down. In the future, I hope to have a supportive boss and husband who can help me maximize my skills. Most of all, I must never cease to give myself a seat on the table.

I am ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. For now, I will take this learning journey one day at a time, as I innovate to be the best version of myself!

Chicken and ribs

I am thankful for the long weekend, as I got to unwind. I did some brisk walking at UP, feasted on my usual cheap thrill of pancit canton and iced coffee, had chicken and ribs with my BFF Luti, and some avocado ice cream to cap off a good day.

I have a simple routine to keep myself going so that I can approach the coming weeks with a renewed energy and outlook. I workout, I eat, and I spend time with friends. It’s that simple. All I have to do is to make time and keep on checking on myself.

Sunkissed Day

Yesterday, I had a lovely brunch at Sunkissed Cafe. I got to try their breakfast sausage and coffee. Both were delicious! After my meal, I enjoyed an hour of playtime with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I

Eating a delectable brunch and cuddling some dogs? Yes please! These are just two things that make me happy. I can’t wait to have more of both in the days and weeks to come!

Moving Rapidly

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the FIRe Up Tomorrow: Preparing the Filipino Worker for the Fourth Industrial Revolution conference. It was hosted by the Asian Institute of Management and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. The venue, The Makati Diamond Residences, was a beautiful location with delicious food and warm interiors.

I learned that freelancing is a vulnerable position in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR), but it also allows me to innovate at a rapid pace as I can train myself to adapt. By upskilling and focusing on critical thinking, I can easily ride the wave of the FIR and still be relevant in these changing times.

Here’s to more learning opportunities to come!

Innovation Journey

Yesterday, I visited the newly-opened HiFi Campus at the College of Saint Benilde. I was there for two talks: the Innovator’s DNA Coffee Collab and The Founders’ Journey to Impact Entrepreneurship Engaged Talk. Both forums were informative, but it was the first one that really resonated with me.

Ms. Judith Claridades hosted the Innovator’s DNA afternoon. We were composed of individuals from various backgrounds, age groups, and perspectives. We had an interest in how innovation and the mindset that commands problem solving through design can improve our lives and uplift our present human condition.

Ms. Claridades focused on the importance of the self in the innovator’s journey. Being self-aware is the first step in bringing forth positive change. After all, it is only by effectively improving our own selves that we can begin sharing our skills, talents, and ideas to help others along the way.

It was also worth noting that empathy is essential in innovation. We cannot influence others if we are stuck in our own worlds and refuse to feel the pain that others have. It was humbling to be reminded that innovation is not just an act that benefits our physical beings, but our spiritual growth as well. When we help others, we feed our soul, and this is how we leave legacies that make the world a better place.

The Founders’ Journey to Impact Entrepreneurship was also interesting as Anna Meloto-Wilk, the president of Human Nature (a brand I love so much, that I actually sell their products on my online store- BUY NOW!) was part of the panel. I’ll never get tired of listening to Human Nature’s story from its humble beginnings to being one of the leading social enterprises today. As a Core Advocate for the brand, it is inspiring to watch our president unceasingly sharing our values to audiences that need more goodness in their lives.

As a blogger and freelance writer, I am always looking for inspiration to improve my craft and grow my mindset. It is always a treat to feed my brain with stories that uplift others while discussing how problems were solved through design thinking and empathy. Innovation should not be a big, lofty idea that is beyond everyone’s reach. Rather, it must be something that we practice by habit and instinct with each endeavor that we tackle each day.

We can all be innovators, if only we are determined to share what we know and believe in!

Done > Perfect

I have been knitting scarves for more than a year now. I started this hobby during the Knitting Adventure organized by Knitting Expedition in 2018. Since then, I have not looked back, as this has also led to my re-discovery of crochet. I knitted during meetings, in between appointments, during my commute, and in cafes.

I realized that I worked well with scarves, so I stuck to knitting these warm, cozy things. I also knitted beanies in the past, but I enjoyed the mindless process of making scarves. Working on a project without thinking about it, yet still being able to focus on a meeting or a task at hand has enabled me to multitask, expand my intellectual pursuits (I was able to knit while reading books and listening to podcasts!), and keep my hands busy. I have also shared my hobby on social media and here on my blog. It has been a joyful journey so far.

As I share with you this newly completed scarf made from yarns from my favorite yarn shop, The Attic Yarn and Craftery, I hope that you will be inspired to find a hobby that provides consistent purpose and meaning to your life. The world is already stressful as it is, so a hobby or two that can be enjoyed without much thought can free up your mind to focus on work, schedules, and adulting.

I am a firm believer in the saying that “done is better than perfect”. Yes, my handmade journey is not easy (ex. I have to bring extra tools everyday, I have to learn how to budget my time, etc.), but it has simplified my life because it has expanded my mind. By enjoying a “mindless” hobby, I was able to have a growth mindset. By starting to knit, I got projects done while improving as a worker.

I basically got it together, one stitch at a time!

Gubat Dinner

My best friend Luti and I had a magical night at Gubat, a rustic restaurant located inside the Diliman Bonsai Society. It was quite challenging to find, and parking is sparse in the area, so I suggest parking your car in UP Diliman. You may take an ikot jeep or simply walk to the restaurant.

We ordered fried fish and longganisa, which were both delicious! I was too hungry to take a picture of my food, so I please just enjoy my photos of the place. It was lovely to see books there too, as the ambience was relaxing. It was difficult to visualize that we were still in the middle of the city.

If you want a cozy meal amongst plants, visit Gubat! Not a sponsored post, we just had a good time. We will be back!

33 and Thankful

Yesterday was a holiday in my home city, Quezon City. It was Manuel Quezon’s birth anniversary, so I spent the morning knitting this scarf using my luxurious Furls needles and The Attic Yarn and Craftery yarn.

I am thankful for needles and yarns that encourage me to create, carry on, and share my works both here on my blog and with my loved ones, whenever I gift them with the scarves that I make.

Another reason to be thankful is my lunch with our loyal helper Racquel. We ate at Mister Kabab, which is a favorite of ours. I had my usual, which is the special chicken chelo kabab. I paired it with yogurt shake.

I am thankful for all the help that I can get. Loyalty is something that is rare nowadays, and I am really lucky that my family has Racquel to help us make it through each day.

We also watched Quezon’s Game for free, thanks to the City Hall. It was the perfect way to pay tribute to the man after whom our city was named.

I am thankful for movies that promote nationalism through tasteful portrayals of history. I am more keen on films that teach lessons rather than just promote mindless entertainment. At 33, I must say that my tastes for film and books have definitely improved.

I am thankful to still be alive to eat, create, and appreciate art. I can’t wait to enjoy more blessings this year, and beyond!

Film and coffee

I spent my Sunday afternoon at UP Diliman, which has become my go-to place for film, coffee, and cheap eats. Since it was carless (they restrict access to vehicles on Sundays and holidays), I also got to do some brisk walking around the academic oval.

I finally got to try the famous cheeseburger at campus favorite Snack Shack. I loved it! It was grilled to perfection, and at Php90.00, it was a steal.

Then, it was time for a documentary at UP Film. I watched Rescue in the Philippines, which was all about Manuel Quezon’s efforts to save the lives of more than 1,200 Jews during the Second World War. It was perfectly accompanied by my iced americano from Nomu, a local cafe which has quickly become my go-to coffee shop at UP.

I may be unsure of the future, but I know for sure that my 33rd year will be filled with film, coffee, and food that nourish my soul as well. These are the perfect starting points to an age which is already an indication of adulthood, but still young enough to learn more about the world. There is no better way than using film to learn more about the past so that I can move forward more intelligently in the present.