Embroidery Day 1

They say that you have to do something that terrifies you every now and then. Guess what- embroidery scares me! I may be skilled in crocheting and knitting, but embroidery just intimidates me. So, I challenged myself by signing up as The Craft Central’s pattern tester for their Daisies beginner kit.

First impressions: the kit was packed in bubble wrap. It arrived on September 1st, and I think I have enough time to overcome my fear of embroidery by the challenge deadline on the 30th!

The kit came with carbon paper, three pieces of cloth, two embroidery needles, embroidery floss, stitch guide (in English!), patterns, and embroidery hoop.

The first step is to trace the pattern onto the cloth. Since I used to work in a bank, I am familiar with carbon paper! I can do this, no worries!

I got the tracing done in one go. Now on to the actual stitching!

I used the color guide to match the thread to the appropriate parts of the pattern. Since the first stitch needed was the satin stitch, I did not have any problem with just doing it. Before I knew it, I was stitching yellow petals and I felt confident with my progress!

I may be a slow stitcher, but I will get there! Slowly but surely, I will overcome my fear of embroidery and finish my first pattern.

Wish me luck!

Covid Proof Your Soul

I recently finished reading Covid Proof Your Soul by Marjorie Duterte. The book was “unputdownable” due to its practical tips on how to survive the pandemic and beyond. The author wrote about her goal for the book: for it to become a vaccine for our souls during these unprecedented times. I think that she was able to fulfill this goal because of the following:

  1. She shared her own personal stories on how she overcame personal challenges which strengthened her and emotionally prepared her for the pandemic.

  2. Her experience with grief and heartbreak has allowed her to be more empathetic. She was able to write a book on this and has enumerated steps on how to overcome the emotional challenges that we will experience during this time.

  3. She integrates scriptures into the book. She reminds the reader that God is in control.

  4. She shares online resources that the reader could call or email should the need arise for counseling and professional help.

Get your copy of this ebook today and be blessed! I really hope that it helps you as much as it has worked wonders for me.

Stay safe and healthy!

British supergroup Little Mix shows no sign of backing down with new single “Love (Sweet Love)”

Award-winning British girl group Little Mix storms back into the global pop consciousness with their new single “Love (Sweet Love)”—out today via Sony Music.

Written by Jade and Leigh-Anne with solid gold hitmaker MNEK, alongside Lauren Aquilina and Sakima, “Love (Sweet Love)” is a soaring pop anthem about love and passion, made more exciting by the trio’s stunning vocal harmonies and the track’s upbeat production.

 

The highly anticipated track is the first single off Little Mix’s first greatest hits album, Between Us, which the girl band considers as a “celebration of 10 years of hits, friendship and new tracks."

 

"We are so excited for ‘Love (Sweet Love)’ to be the first single released from Between Us,” Leigh Ann shares. “We loved shooting the video for this song, it feels like a real moment and we can’t wait to share it.”

 

Little Mix’s upcoming compilation album, Between Us pays tribute to a decade of global tunes from a record-breaking pop band. All of their biggest hits are featured on the album including their No.1 singles “Wings,” “Black Magic,” “Shout Out To My Ex” and “Sweet Melody,” alongside major hits such as “Touch,” “Move,” “Power,” “Salute,” and their latest top 3 smash “Heartbreak Anthem.” 

 

The campaign will also feature five brand new sensational Little Mix songs that the trio have been working on over the last few months, bringing their decade of chart smashes bang up to date.

 

Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards have established themselves as the world’s biggest girl band - they have sold over 50 million records worldwide, collected over 19 million Spotify listeners, received over 3 billion YouTube views, and collated 12 billion streams worldwide.

 

2021 has proved to be a record-breaking year so far for the band. Earlier this year Little Mix won 'Best British Group' at the 2021 BRIT Awards, the first female group in history to ever win the award. Then this August saw Little Mix celebrate 100 weeks in the Official UK Singles Chart Top 10, the most for a girl band in history.

 

Earlier this year the band hit No.1 in the UK with their smash hit single ‘Sweet Melody’, their 5th UK No.1 single. Their 6th album, Confetti has so far spawned four hit singles and had track sales of over 4 million. 

 

2022 will see the band finally hit the road with their highly anticipated Confetti Tour taking in arenas across the UK and Ireland.

 

Little Mix’s “Love (Sweet Love)” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

DAVID BAY LAUNCHES GROOVY ORIGINAL COVER OF JOY DIVISION'S ‘LOVE WILL TEAR US APART’ AS DEBUT SINGLE

Hamburg-based German music producer David Bay debuts new single “Love Will Tear Us Apart” with endorsement by remaining members of iconic English rock band Joy Division

Preview ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ HERE.

 

September 3rd 2021, Singapore - With a stamp of approval from remaining members Stephen Morris, Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook of acclaimed English rock band Joy Division, 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' by David Bay is a groovy indie-pop cover of the 1980 post-punk hit that was previously titled ‘greatest single of all time’ by NME in 2002 and ‘one of the 500 best songs ever’ by Rolling Stone in 2004 and 2011. 

 

Where analog meets digital, retro meets modern, and funky meets lazy; 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' poises itself as a modern classic that promises to get you off your seat & moving. Documenting the fear of 'losing passionate love' & the dread that comes with 'feeling alright' having not felt stable for an extensive period, David Bay documents the euphoria of intimacy and sensual romanticism in this breakout track. The joys of falling in love can be sonically tasted by the listener over tasteful synths, an addictive bass line and chill vocals as 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' sets itself to become a global megahit to wrap up summer. 

 

Official quote from David Bay about the single: 

”I think, if you do a cover, you really have to give the track your spin and I really hope I managed to do just that. From a new-wave 80’s classic, I’ve changed the song into an electronic disco blend that could fit into a playlist right next to artists like Franc Moody, Roosevelt or Purple Disco Machine. I did this track back in 2017. I’m super excited about this and can not wait to hear how the world embraces this one compared to the original. We sent it over to Joy Division’s publisher and shortly after we were allowed to release it by all remaining members of the band; Stephen Morris, Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook - crazy!”

 

Poised to be covered by music tastemakers and media outlets across 50 countries worldwide, ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ is positioned to become a megahit with its visually arresting cinematographic music video directed by German director-actor Faraz Shariat whose 2020 film 'No Hard Feelings' currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes & has received critical acclaim.

Source: Nyou

Unlove

I recently finished reading Unlove: Healing Yourself from Toxic Romance and Love in a Healthy Way by Marjorie Duterte. The inspirational author has been on my radar for quite some time now, but I did not have the courage to read her books- until now. The lockdown has provided me with the perfect opportunity to learn from my mistakes and to improve through reading. This book has worked wonders in helping me let go of self-sabotaging habits that prevented me from loving myself and attracting a God-fearing partner.

It was only when I started working on myself this year that I began to let go of hatred, envy, bitterness, anger, and pessimism. The pandemic has taught me that life is too short. I should start being the best version of myself now in order to thrive in the new normal and beyond.

A huge part of thriving is the social aspect of my life. I have been vocal about my desire for a life partner, but I carried with me negative baggage (hatred, envy, bitterness, anger, and pessimism) which became my roadblocks in my dating journey. However, God has been good to me and He sent me my partner Lorenz this year. Not only is Lorenz God-fearing, but he is caring, intelligent, strong-willed, and tenacious. He has accepted me for who I am whole-heartedly, that is why I wanted to let go of the negative forces that has pulled me down. This was why I bought this book and answered all the journaling prompts at the end of each chapter.

Armed with a pen and my journal. I healed myself through the book’s guide questions. I felt lighter after completing the book and the exercises. It was cathartic.

I highly recommend this book to every woman who has ever been hurt and would like to improve herself. Buy the book here and learn from home today!

Stay safe and healthy, everyone! May God bless us all.

Finding You

I recently read Finding You by Elaine Marie Factor. It is the author’s memoir on her journey inside the convent, and her realizations about her discernment, faith, and her goals in life.

I knew that it was an insightful read, but I was not expecting myself to relate with the author’s struggles inside the convent. This book gave me the satisfaction of knowing that I made the right decision to follow my heart and pursue dating in the hopes of entering married life. Elaine candidly described enjoying the camaraderie with her fellow aspiring nuns yet she struggled with her health issues. She also felt like she could do more outside the convent.

Her realizations were beautifully written, and her heartbreaking loneliness inside one of the holiest places to be in was palpable. I found myself rooting for her whenever she experienced small wins and when she finally made the decision that would dictate the course of her life.

I highly recommend this to any woman who has ever considered entering the convent, and to those who would like to know how it is like to be inside one. This book will teach you about faith, self-love, and fulfilling your goals. Buy it here to also find yourself and be blessed!

Boost Your Confidence Boot Camp Batch 16

I invested in my personal development by enrolling in Jonathan Yabut’s Boost Your Confidence Boot Camp: Public Speaking & Business Writing last August 28, 2021. I was part of the boot camp’s sixteenth batch. The goal was to learn the best practices of communication during the time of the pandemic, wherein most of us are on WFH (work from home) setups.

I made the right decision because the two-hour boot camp was a goldmine of information and practical tips. My favorite was the positive way of apologizing because I am the kind of person who apologized for every oversight. Instead, I must say “thank you for spotting that”, or “thank you for your patience” instead.

Voice modulation was also tackled during the session, as well as speaking directly to the point. I highly recommend this for prolific writers like myself whose skills may be in demand when practicing creative writing, but cumbersome during real-world business communication.

Please consider participating in the future batches of this boot camp! It is worth the investment. I also recommend Jonathan’s motivational books which you can purchase here.

May we all continue learning, growing, and thriving amidst the challenges of the pandemic!

Eat That Frog!

I recently finished reading Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy. I wanted to learn more on project management now that I am self-publishing my first book. I was not disappointed as this book was packed with practical tips on how to accomplish more goals.

Time management and planning were the key aspects taught in this book. The frog refers to the unpleasant tasks that weigh us down, causing us to procrastinate. Instead of wasting time, the author dares us to tackle that unpleasant task first before finishing the other tasks on our list. If that task cannot be done within the day, he recommended breaking it down to steps so that we get to accomplish it bit by bit. It was refreshing how unpleasant tasks were presented as doable, actionable goals.

At the end of every chapter, there were guide questions pertaining to goal setting, ideation, and writing down the concrete steps needed for us to tackle the frogs in our life. I answered these guide questions myself, and I learned that self-publishing was more doable than I thought, at least as far as the things beyond my control were concerned. I just have to be more patient when it comes to the factors on the publisher’s side, which are delayed due to the pandemic.

I highly recommend this book as it helps you finish your tasks so that you can accomplish more and move on to other areas of improvement. Buy it here and learn more on how you can finally eat that frog!

Mama Mary and Her ChIldren Book Six

Are you in need of a miracle at the moment? Here is something that might help. I recently read my copy of Mama Mary and Her Children Book SIx which is a collection of personal faith testimonials edited by Cherry Aquino and Rowie Matti. I attended its book launch last September 7, 2019 to support my friend Rowie. Little did I know that this book would reinforce my faith during a global pandemic.

As of this writing, Metro Manila is still on lockdown due to Covid-19. To pass the time, I have revived my passion for reading. After finishing a few books of late, I decided to read this book as I need prayers. I am currently facing some delays in publishing my first book due to the pandemic. I am also feeling cabin fever, and I really wish that I can go out again.

The book features personal testimonials from Catholics who experienced Our Lady’s intercession. I have reflected on those that have touched my heart, and I prayed the Marian prayers interspersed with the essays. I was not expecting much, but I kept an open mind while doing so.

I was surprised when an overwhelming feeling of peace and serenity washed over me as I finished reading this book. I got to sleep better, and I also felt less anxious about my status quo. I realized that the prayers were working.

I realized that Mama Mary’s got my back.

I am no longer worried about the delays in my book’s registration and publishing. My publisher will handle all the legwork for me. I am also optimistic that the pandemic will end soon. I no longer feel sad about being home all day. I am healthy, and that is all that matters.

I highly recommend this book as it is helpful during these trying times. May you experience Our Lady’s mantle of hope upon you. I wish you all the best, and may God bless us all!

Single, Taken, Or Building My EmpIre

I recently finished reading Single, Taken, Or Building My Empire by “Asia’s Millennial Guru”, Jonathan Yabut. The book centers of love and how it can fuel one’s career to greater heights, while finding the love of your life- or the passion that keeps you alive.

I enjoyed reading this book because I learned how to weigh my options when making decisions about my career. Life outside of work is a different story, but the tips that Jonathan shared in this book are also applicable. For example, he wrote about his heartbreak and how he realized that he was holding on to someone for fear that she could be his last. That fear could also occur in the workplace. He moved on by “improving his own algorithm” through practicing gratitude and reflecting on what he loves. I felt inspired after reading this because I am keen on improving my own algorithm too in order to land a good corporate job someday.

I also want to have better opportunities for myself as an author. Now that I am in the process of publishing my first book, I learned the value of managing my energy, and not just my time from this book. Work-life balance is a choice, so it is up to me to prioritize what matters most.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to make smarter decisions in life and work. Buy this book here and discover the best practices that will make you work smarter, love wiser, and live better!

Fast Forward

I recently finished reading Fast Forward by Jonathan Yabut, and I enjoyed it. It lived up to its claim to be “the ultimate career guide for millennials on the move.” As a millennial just like the author, I was able to relate to the experiences he has shared on this book. His lessons on his storied career was truly worth writing about, as he has worked for ten years in as a marketing executive in some of the most established companies across various industries.

My favorite part of this book was his tips on how to achieve work-life balance. These were very simple tips. Examples of which were recognizing that work-life balance is a choice, and that we should stop eating lunch on our desks. They may be deceptively straightforward, but they actually teach us that finding fulfilment in the office while still having a life is possible if only we know how to work smarter.

The gospel of working smarter includes knowing how to communicate to your boss, succeeding in job interviews, and learning how to love your job. Jonathan shares his practical insights so that his fellow millennials will be able to have rewarding careers while enriching their lives. I appreciate that his prose is direct and easy to understand. It is accessible to all millennial readers and even those who are no longer within that age group, but still willing to understand people my age better.

I highly recommend this book! Buy it on Shopee via this link and learn how you can fast forward your way to an amazing career!

From Grit to Great

I recently finished reading From Grit to Great: The Journey to Becoming Asia’s Apprentice by Jonathan Yabut. I bought myself a copy of this autobiography because I have become a regular attendee of his webinars of late. By engaging with his Facebook community, I was able to polish my communication skills and interact with Jonathan himself through the Q&A rounds.

From Grit to Great has provided me with the necessary background on the person who runs one of the most popular online learning academies today. I never knew that he was a lifelong scholar and a debater like myself until I read this book. His strategies for winning The Apprentice Asia Season One can be applied not just in the office, but also during our daily interactions with our peers.

I especially enjoyed learning how he developed and strengthened his grit. He treated grit like a skill that could be harnessed through life experiences and professional growth. I am eager to apply his best practices to my own career, especially now that I am about to launch my career as a published author. Realistically speaking though, my career does not encompass the whole Asian region like Jonathan has achieved, but his life story has inspired me to dream big and never stop learning. I am confident that everyone can learn a thing or two from this autobiography.

It was one of the most readable and relatable autobiographies I have ever read. Best of all, the author donates a portion of his royalties to educational causes. I hope that these reasons will convince you to purchase your own copy here!

Become great and read more books today!

The Philippines is Not a Small Country

Every once in a while, a piece of art will stun and prod you to think about your country and its social conditions. In my case, it was the book The Philippines is Not a Small Country by Gideon Lasco.

The Palanca-award winning essayist, MD, and anthropologist has written an engaging collection of articles mostly derived from his Philippine Daily Inquirer column. His topics range from health, travel, music, video games, food, and more. What kept me reading was his delightful and vivid writing. There were some points raised in his book wherein I would agree to disagree with the author, but I still remained glued to the book because I simply found myself beaming with pride. The author has successfully highlighted key points in our history, geography, biodiversity, and culture to support his titular claim that the Philippines is indeed not a small country.

My favorite part of the book was when the author reflected on death and how we as a people approach mortality. This fragile topic is still largely taboo in our society, yet it still underscores our family ties. We practice pakikisama until our last breath. In a country which we ourselves mistakenly perceive as small, death is a huge event that is quietly observed yet audaciously taken for granted.

I recommend this book not only for its ability to restore national pride, but also because it is an enjoyable read which can transport the reader across the archipelago whilst on lockdown. With more free time at our disposal, we could use some patriotism and critical thinking to sustain us during the pandemic and beyond.

Buy The Philippines is Not a Small Country here today! I hope you will appreciate it for its capacity to inspire every Filipino to serve our country.

Pandemic Partnership

Not everyone gets another chance to fall in love. In this age of online dating, ghosting, and very public breakups, I am fortunate to find a supportive partner. He was introduced to me by a college friend, and we hit it off immediately. Our initial conversations were far from smooth, but we had enough traits in common in order to start a relationship. I enjoyed our chats because they were rooted in our common childhood experiences, given that he was an Ateneo lifer and I went to Miriam College Grade School.

We both wanted to be in a relationship at the right time. We were both single, willing, and drawn to our common interests and values. I was grateful for our shared experiences from the beginning, because we always found a way to agree to disagree. He was personable and fun to be with during our first date, and the rest is history.

I knew that his love was real when he witnessed how I overcame conflicts on my end. He helped me solve problems and he volunteered to edit and proofread my book. Given that it was my first book project, he was generous with his time and supportive as a partner. When my birthday fell in the middle of the recent lockdown, he risked the possibility of being stopped at a checkpoint to personally give me gifts and a cake. Evidently, his effort shows genuine care, concern, and affection.

Now that we are in the middle of the pandemic, finding love is determined by three factors: effort, concern, and action. Make sure that your partner is willing to exert effort in spending time with you. See how your partner shows concern towards you. After observing your partner, examine how he takes action on his feelings.

I am lucky that my partner loves and supports me. It is my wish that everyone finds someone like him, and that relationships with love and shared experiences will last beyond the pandemic. If you also met your partner during the pandemic, let me know you are coping and how you see your relationship is going.

Stay safe, everyone!