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.

Hail Mary!

Yesterday, I got to attend the launch of Mama Mary and Her Children Book Six. It was a packed event at National Bookstore Glorietta, where the book’s contributors and friends of the late Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ gathered to witness this event. I got to see faith in action during the party as one of the authors, Rowie Matti, personally welcomed me. It was quite awkward for me to be there as Fr. Reuter was a friend and mentor to my ex. We would even visit his grave at Novaliches, to pay respects and to recharge amidst the trees planted on Jesuit property. While it was a blessing to have discovered the Mama Mary book series in 2017, I had to let go of this relationship as it was no longer serving me as a person.

Since then, I focused on myself and rebuilt my faith. I was genuinely surprised when Rowie messaged me a few weeks ago to invite me to the book launch. I explained to her my hesitation, but she reassured me that she will see me there. And she told me, it’s Mama Mary’s birthday after all.

And so, armed with courage, I attended the event. My ex was not there! But Rowie, who is now my friend, was there to welcome me. So was an army of fellow Marian devotees! I received a rainbow rosary and a Divine Mercy stampita, which is bittersweet as it was my late father’s devotion.

I bought the signed copy of the book, which is a compilation of personal stories of people who were blessed through Mama Mary’s intercession. Not all of these stories can be considered miracles. Most of them in fact were about everyday breakthroughs and challenges which were overcome through prayer. In an age where technology is overtaking our lives, it is refreshing to read ordinary stories of faith, hope, and love.

I highly recommend this book, as it is a reminder for everyone that when God closes a window, He sends us his Mother to help us pass through the door He has opened.

‘Til the next book launch! Ave Maria!

Online Seller and Old Books

Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to learn more on my online business with Human Nature. If you still do not know where to buy affordable and quality natural products, please check out my online store and support my little business! Thank you in advance and may God bless you!

After my training, I went to UP Town for lunch. Then, I proceeded to Biblio, a secondhand bookshop with a fine selection of vintage books.  

These handsome books are beautiful and in good condition.  

Look at how old these books are! 

I purchased an economics book for an uncle born in 1966. The book was published on the year he was born so it will definitely be a unique present as he has just started on a new job assignment. 

Since my purchase met their minimum requirement of Php300, I was able to enjoy a fresh cup of brewed barako coffee on the house! I knitted while sipping my cuppa and it was awesome to do so inside a beautiful bookshop.  

I may be an online businesswoman, but I do crave for analog experiences. I hope you will also visit Biblio for your next book purchase and who knows, you might also capture a vintage book that speaks to your heart beyond the words on its pages. 

Big Bad Wolf

Last Thursday, I was fortunate to have the time and opportunity to attend the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair. I went there during lunch time, so I was able to buy food from the catering booth within the premises. After a hearty meal, I was energized to hunt for books to add to my collection. 

Despite having attended several book fairs in the past, I was still overwhelmed with the volume of books available at the fair. 

The price points were pocket-friendly! 

I was tempted to hoard, but I intentionally did not get a cart so I could avoid doing so. Instead, I decided to buy one from every genre in mind.  

That did not stop me though from perusing aisle after aisle of beautiful books!

As always, it was heartwarming to see many Filipinos buy books in fairs like this one.  

There was a short queue to the cashiers.  

This handwritten sign caught my attention. So true!

In the end, I paid for five books. One from art, self-help, adult coloring books, food, and fiction. 

I spend Php1,250 for five books. Not bad at all! I celebrated this with a latte (not pictured) and a butterscotch blonde from Where’s Marcel. 

If Big Bad Wolf will return to Manila, I will definitely be back! It was a fun, value-for-money experience. Here’s to more books and unforgettable reading-related events!

Book Binge Friday

Yesterday, I went to the Book Binge Bazaar at Megatrade Hall. It was a Friday and I needed some new books, so it was practically a no-brainer. 

But first, I took some selfies next to these adorable balloons which matched my dress! 

I went there after lunch so my commute would be more chill. I got there at around 1:30PM. 

There were so many bibliophiles!

Crowded book fairs make me so happy! 

I got a rolling basket and got five books from the P275 area.  

This was my haul! 

Being surrounded by books makes me smile.  

This was the line to the cashier. It took me around half an hour to reach the finish line.  

I enjoyed my shopping spree because I got a delightful selection of lifestyle books. I can’t wait to read them and I hope my book adventure will give me good luck this Year of the Dog!

Film, Self-Love, and Friendship

Last Thursday, I spent the afternoon doing things I love. I got a haircut from a new salon and I was satisfied with it! Trying out new salons fascinate me because I want to know where I can get the best care for my pixie. The latest one seems fabulous!

After my haircut, I proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Deadma Walking. 

It was hilarious! Joross Gamboa is my all-time favorite straight-actor-who-plays-gay-roles. He was amazing here. I am a babaeng bakla (girl who has a happy and gay sense of humor) so this movie truly resonated with me. 

I had to have a couple of photos taken by the Cinema Centenario signage because a) new haircut, b) new dress, and c) LOL movie.  

Then, I had late lunch at Bonchon for a Bibimbowl. 

I also finished Day 21 of this book after my meal. Yay! 

I also did some grocery shopping. The supermarket is a therapeutic place for me. I enjoy looking at different food items and toiletries. I bought this month’s needs (read: mostly hot chocolate and coffee because, priorities). 

Before I knew it, it was already time to meet my BFF Jay for dinner and chika (catching-up).  

It was our first time to try Botejyu. I had an okonomiyaki. 

And this was Jay’s sukiyaki. 

Everything was delicious! 

We then had dessert and I had to snap this pic of some pretty tiles we saw.  

I am thankful for my day of pampering, film appreciation, and catching up with my best friend. I look forward to more happy days this year! After all, there is still a lot to look forward to this 2018. 

Anna and the French Kiss x Crepe

When was the last time that you ate something because you were hungry from reading about a particular food? 

I reread Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins yesterday to celebrate my recent trip to Kilometer Zero in Manila (Point Zero in Paris was a crucial scene in the book). The novel had scenes of the characters eating crepes, so the next step was for me to actually eat one too. 

No, I did not go to Cafe Breton or La Creperie (my usuals for crepe). Instead, I went to Crazy Crepes and ordered the cappuccino with cookies and cream ice cream. ​

It was delicious! It was crunchy, ooey, gooey, and satisfying. ​

Now, what would my next book food be? I can’t wait to find out!​

Surprise!

Yesterday, I received my first-ever present from Amazon. It was a book from my US-based aunt, and she got me Manifesting Your Greatest Self by Nick Ortner. 

I was practically beaming once I flipped the envelope over.  

The gift bag made me feel giddy and excited to see what’s inside!

I could not contain my happiness once I saw the book. It is exactly what I need right now, and I have been asking for new books from the Universe. Indeed, if you ask for stuff to happen to your life, you have to make it clear enough to be heard. 

You just might be surprised with its fulfillment, just like what happened to me! 

Wednesday with Charlotte

I had a great dinner with my Canadian friend Charlotte last night at Sunnies Cafe. We got to discuss life, work, and plans for the future. It is fantastic to have friends like her who are goal-driven and have the same kind of ambition as I do. It is also valuable to have people who got my back. I am thankful to know her and it was a lovely Christmas dinner at BGC, which I rarely even visit due to the traffic.  

I even got to spend a few minutes browsing through Fully Booked, which is my favorite bookshop. It was nice to check out new titles to read soon. Surely, life will never run out of possibilities as long as there are books! 

Friends and books make life more meaningful. I hope to make more time for people like Charlotte, especially in 2018! Here’s to more girl time, risotto, and good reads in the coming year! 

library@orchard

I am thrilled to have explored one of the branches of Singapore's National Library here at Orchard Gateway. I am stunned by the flowing architecture of this space. It is conducive for reading, writing, and just plain hanging out. I am inspired by the openness of this place. 

MIBF 2017

Today was fun as I spent my morning and afternoon at the Manila International Book Fair. It is my annual event, no matter what my economic status is. Now that I am unemployed, I only bought Shepherd's Voice books and 2018 Didaches for me and A. I still enjoyed my day because I LOVE being surrounded by fellow bibliophiles. The energy was just positive and it gives me a renewed belief in the power of the written word to unite people from all walks of life. If you are in a budget like me, read my survival tips below:

1. Ask for a map (from the secretariat booth) of the exhibitors and bookstores you plan to visit in the book fair. That way, you get to economize time and you will know where to go! 

2. Make a shopping list of books and stick to it.  

3. Bring your own eco bag. ​If you have a limited budget, just bring one small eco bag like I did. I already pre-filled half of that eco bag with a shawl and a bottle of water, which will help you survive the air conditioned SMX Convention Center. You will need the water. Trust me. 

4. Albergus has catered meals within the venue. Prices for the set meals are P150 and P200. I got the P200 meal, which has two viands. It was really good and I always eat at Albergus because it is one of the reasons that make the book fair worth attending even if I live in QC. ​

5. If you want to go for the book signings, consult the schedule which can be found at the Secretariat booth. ​

6. CoCo Milk Tea now has a branch at SMX. It is still my favorite milk tea brand and they are still the most reasonably-priced Taiwanese franchise for me. Do check them out. My favorite is the large CoCo milk tea without pearls.  

7. Lastly, if you intend to go back to the book fair within the day, do have your wrist stamped by the guard so you will be granted re-entry.  

MIBF continues to be an amazing event for book lovers and I cannot wait to attend next year's edition! I am sure you will not regret attending it too. Hopefully, I will have more budget next year so I can buy more books!

Maruya at Raffles

I am currently eating Php17 maruya (fried banana fritters in pancake form) here at The Raffles Makati, the venue for the Readers and Writers Festival 2017. I am waiting for Abbey Sy to begin her Student of Life Workshop here at the Ballroom Two. I am washing it down with convenience store americano and a lot of optimism. I may not have enough cash to buy all the books I want (I am thriving on ebooks, which are more affordable), but I can afford to have a wonderful time at an event hosted by one of my favorite authors and artists. I may be eating maruya today, but I have no shame in devouring it with gusto in a fancy hotel ballroom. I am excited for the last day of this year's festival. Again, I love being surrounded by fellow bibliophiles. I am definitely inspired by the energy here, and I look forward to next year's festival. 

Reader Happy

I am now here at the Raffles Hotel for the second day of the Readers and Writers Festival 2017. I enjoyed the talks yesterday, and to quote the wise Mina V. Esguerra, #kapitlang! As a reader and writer, I am holding on to the stories in my mind, the passion for words in my heart, and the gravity which plants my feet firmly on the ground. Festivals like this one make me feel alive and renewed. I am happy that there are so many people who are also passionate for the written word. For now, I am going to attend another talk and I am sure I will have more key takeaways to sustain me as I read, write, and dream.