Yesterday was another opportunity to learn about finance and tech in the second day of the ADB FinTech Bootcamp. I enjoyed learning about risk management in farming and disasters. I also appreciated the proactive stance of the Philippines in using data to prepare of risks that may arise anytime soon.
I look forward to the main forum in the next two days!
ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 1
Yesterday, I attended day 1 of the FinTech Bootcamp at the Asian Development Bank. I enjoyed learning about blockchain basics and seeing how the infrastructure could streamline financial services. I am sharing with you the slides from the bootcamp, and I hope that you will also be part of the future of FinTech.
Sunday Barks
I spent my Sunday having coffee with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I enjoyed my afternoon and got to relax with these furbabies.
I know that I spend too much time with them, but I can’t commit to owning a pet dog. This is the responsible choice in becoming a dog lover and still getting to spend time with the puppers I love.
I can’t wait ‘til next weekend!
Garage Sale
I have been selling my pre-loved items on my Carousell shop for a few months now. I have closed a few deals, and I must say that the experience has been gratifying! More than earning money on the side, I enjoy selling my secondhand goods because I am giving them a new lease on life.
I am also learning more about business while chatting with customers and negotiating prices. It has not been easy at first, but I am already getting the hang of it.
Please support this venture of mine and shop my closet! The QR Code below will take you to my shop, where items in excellent condition await you. Hope to see you there!
Simple Halloween
Yesterday was my late friend Diane’s death anniversary. I visited her vault and stuck a post-it, as per our tradition.
Then, I visited Ella for a simple Halloween celebration at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
Celebrations don’t need to be elaborate and expensive. Sometimes, a visit to a late friend and cuddling a dog will already suffice. The most special memories are based on the mundane.
Maginhawa Slowdown
Yesterday, I watched Hello World, an anime film. It was showing at Cinema Centenario, a microcinema that I frequent at Maginhawa. I don’t usually like anime, but this one was enjoyable! I highly recommend it.
I had early dinner at Steakfix after the movie. Their chicken steak was very good!
Spending my day at the street where I finished high school was therapeutic. I look forward to more slow days here, so I can recharge and be reminded of how fun it is to be young.
RDFS 2019 Day 3
Yesterday, I attended the third day of the RDFS Forum at the ADB. The forum was wrapped up with solutions for sustainability such as smart farming and online businesses for agricultural products.
I also got to watch an art film entitled No Data Plan at UP. It was about the immigration crisis in the US, and it struck me how fortunate I am to live freely in the country I reside in.
I look forward to becoming an advocate of farmers in my own way by supporting local produce. I also want to keep the conversation going offline.
‘Til next time, ADB!
RDFS 2019 Day 2
Yesterday, I attended the second day of the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. It was another insightful day of learning on how traditional farming, sustainability, and technology can converge to build a better system of nourishing the planet. I also got to network and meet new friends!
I can’t wait to learn more on the forum’s last day. I am also looking forward to applying my insights to my job in the future.
Van Gogh Alive
I’m a Van Gogh fan, so it was a real treat to immense myself in the Van Gogh Alive experience. I went there alone, and felt overwhelmed while watching the art of the famed artist come to life onscreen. It was in a good way, of course. Beautiful music accompanied his paintings and quotes. I will never forget the scene wherein Starry Night was projected onscreen. It’s my favorite work of his.
Being a part of this immersive show was an emotional journey. I hope to be part of more venues that promote art in the future, and feel more connected to the artists that made them.
RDFS Forum 2019
Yesterday, I got to hear mass at St. Jude. It’s the feast of the patron who has been good to me. It was only fitting that I began my day in his honor.
Then, I went to the Asian Development Bank for the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. But before that, I had my go-to brekkie at the ADB Cafeteria: sardines, egg and garlic rice!
I learned on the first day of this forum that it’s important to factor in the interlinking risks and to move from distress-driven diversification to surplus-sustained diversification. It is also important to support businesses that provide opportunities to farmers and key stakeholders.
I look forward to learning more in the next two days of the the forum!
Intramuros Sunday
Yesterday, I got to explore Intramuros in time for their open house. Most museums in the Walled City offered free entrance. I got to visit the Destileria Limtuaco Museum for the second time. I also got to drink at their tasting bar again. My favorite was their Amadeo coffee liqueur.
I also got to visit the Attic Museum. It’s a small room with trinkets from a bygone era.
Then, it was pasta for lunch at Ristorante delle Mitre. Their tre pasta di maghi was delicious and flavorful!
My last stop was Fort Santiago. Even if I frequently visit the Walled City, the fort still offers new attractions that I have never visited before. Some examples of these were this tunnel, and the baluarte facing the entrance of the fort.
My Sunday at the Walled City was eventful and full of old world charm. I will definitely be back!
Happy Sam
Last night, I attended a children’s party with my mom. It was a fun event, and I even managed to get a Halloween photo. I enjoyed the buffet and survived even if I didn’t know anyone at the party.
I hope that I will still continue to thrive in places that are beyond my comfort zone, and have a great time in the process.
Rook Chapter
Yesterda, I spent time with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
I also got featured on tv and online as I was reacting to the movie Isa Pa With Feelings.
And finally, I got my rook pierced by renowned body piercer Rachel of Piercings.Ravana.
I’m just focusing on the best things in life. Dogs, piercings, and movies keep me going these days. I am being kinder and more forgiving to myself. If it takes a few ear piercings to get me motivated, then so be it.
This is simply the start of better things to come!
Stepping Up
Yesterday, I bought a handsome pair of loafers from local brand Beaters. Marikina-made shoes are the best, in my opinion. There is no greater way of showing support for our local sapateros than by wearing shoes that are proudly Pinoy.
I ended my day with two Spanish films at UP, where I always hang out for a curated selection of movies to watch. I enjoyed both titles, and I look forward to next year’s Pelicula Film Festival!
It is true- the right pair of shoes can definitely open doors for me. I am claiming that this will be the start of better things to come. For now, I will take life one step at a time.
Eat, Pray, Love
Yesterday, I went to Padre Pio Chapel in Libis after my meeting in Ortigas. It was the 23rd of the month, which is the birth anniversary date of Padre Pio. I prayed for my intentions, and gave thanks for the blessings that I continue to receive.
I am inspired by the faithful who unceasingly gather in this church, and surrender their rosaries for every answered prayer.
I ended my day with some carbonara at Cucina Di Francesco, and a cozy e-jeep ride back to the MRT station.
Life is better whenever there’s a reason to pray. And since I’m a foodie, I will always find an excuse to enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta. Life can be filled with love, for as long as I will keep on doing the things that make me happy.
Luck is Here
Yesterday, I went to a job interview wherein I was told that I was overqualified. Rather than take this rejection negatively, I saw it in a positive light. I realized that it was one less company for me to apply. It was an extra push for me to pursue other companies. And of course, being overqualified is better than being under-qualified.
Then, I went to UP Film to watch Rae Red’s Babae at Baril starring Janine Gutierrez. It was a well-made film which depicted how desperate situations in our society forces people to take violence in their own hands. Janine Gutierrez shines in this movie! I first watched her in Elise and of course, her acting chops gave justice to the movie’s badass title.
After the movie, I went home to find the sterling silver ear jackets that I won from local shop Arajera’s giveaway. It always makes me happy whenever I win a prize at raffles. I take this as a sign that luck is on my side again after all the trials that my family has encountered these recent months.
Also, these ear jackets are lovely! I can’t wait to rock them, while showing some local handmade love at the same time.
I am claiming that positive things will finally happen to me moving forward! Indeed, luck is here to stay.
Conch Chapter
Yesterday, I had my conch pierced at 55 Tinta. I must say that the cleanliness and classy interiors of the tattoo parlor impressed me. I actually enjoyed my piercing session done by Elaine de la Rama. She has a really light hand and is thorough with aftercare.
Every piercing is a new beginning for me. This conch piercing symbolizes my continuous journey onward. It is also a reminder for me to listen more than speak, and that there is healing after every pain.
I highly recommend 55 Tinta for all your piercing needs!
Sunday Pupday
I spent my Sunday afternoon having coffee with dogs! I love going to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe because it is a calming place for me. I never get tired of playing with their resident dogs, who are trained to socialize with humans. They have the mildest dispositions, and they always make me feel welcome.
Do pay them a visit today!
Saturday Teacher
Yesterday, I lent my time to the scholars of HOUSE Foundation. I taught two classes Business Communication, and I managed to do so without coffee! This is totally out of my comfort zone as I am not a teacher by profession, and I have never handled a class before. Nonetheless, I was able to deliver and help these students in my own little way.
These scholars work for Messy Bessy, the social enterprise that enables these students to go to school. I am very proud to say that they are competent and determined to learn. They just need our help to continue thriving.
You may also help these scholars. Visit http://ww.housefoundation.com.ph today to volunteer or donate!
Rejection Lessons
I have experienced five job rejections this week. It has been disheartening, because I spend time and money for each job interview. I make an effort to look my best, and I always try to be punctual. I like being prepared by researching on each company that I apply for. I also eat a hearty breakfast before every interview, and ensure that I am sensible during the interviews with HR.
Sadly, I am either overqualified or lacking in the life experience department. it has been disappointing to be told that I am not good enough for certain companies because at thirty-three, I am still single. It was an issue with one company that I did not have first cousins to refer as character references (most of my cousins live overseas and that company wanted two first cousins whom they could contact within the country). And a couple of companies rejected me because I’m a devout Catholic who refuses to convert to another religion (never mind that these companies were Christian, and being Catholic is also Christian anyway).
I have quickly learned that job hunting here in the Philippines is unfair. People have their biases. I am an only child who is unmarried and currently unattached, so that makes me character-deficient in the eyes of many recruiters. I have tried convincing them otherwise, by saying that I have more time to focus on my job since I do not have a husband and kids to mind. I also told them that being single and an only child will not affect my productivity. However, these explanations have fallen on deaf ears.
Here I am, still unemployed and looking for the right job for me.
While this has been a frustrating journey so far, I have also learned a few lessons. Here are some of them:
It pays to say please and thank you, even when recruiters are already being unfair.
Being told that they seem to have an issue with my being single and an only child is annoying, but the interview must go on. I tend to ask them to please explain further, so that I will also know why they find who I am undesirable. And I still thank them for their time, because at least I know that their company does not favor people like me.
Never take things personally
There is nothing wrong with being overqualified, single, unmarried, childless, an only child, with a recently deceased parent. Thus, I know my worth. I never take these rejections to heart because I am made to be stronger than these rejections
Someday, all my hard work will pay off
Being rejected has built my resilience. I have learned to be prepared and I can keep my composure during tough interviews and long waiting times. I believe that being a job seeker is work in itself. Someday, my efforts will be worth it. I believe that I will eventually find a company that will focus on my potential and talents, rather than on why they should not hire me.
I just need one company to give me a chance. I really hope to get hired soon, so that I can apply myself and be the best that I can be. There is nothing wrong with being unemployed, so while waiting for the right job for me, I will do my best to improve myself by listening to podcasts, reading books, attending conferences, and volunteering.
Rejections have only made me stronger, and more thankful for what I still have in my life.