Yesterday, we had the second day of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum. I learned about preparing for the future even when the technology of the present is still limited. We have to go from science fiction to science fact in this rapidly evolving world to become more financially inclusive. Because of that, risk management as a controlled framework to prepare for the future has been discussed during the forum. By working to regulate risk management practices, more people will have access to financial services that will equip them to face the future.
It was a privilege to be part of this forum. Thank you for having me, ADB!
3rd Asia Finance Forum Day 1
Day 1 of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum was all about inclusion. Technology must be used to provide access to the unbanked and those located in remote locations. At the same time, finance must be made easy to understand for everyone. The future of finance has already been made, and it’s up to us whether we will adapt or remain stagnant.
ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 2
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!
5th BIRLA Breakfast Forum
Yesterday, I attended the 5th BIRLA Breakfast Forum at the AIM. I woke up early to commute from Quezon City, and I must say that it was worth it.
AIM hosts insightful conferences and seminars to the public, and I always attend them whenever I’m free.
Being in a classroom is also fun, and I enjoy asking questions to noted professionals.
I knitted before yesterday’s forum began.
And I enjoyed the session as it was all about Jewelmer, a company that I believe in. I purchased a pendant from them during my first year of working in 2009, and I am impressed that the company’s principals has instilled corporate values to its second generation family managers employees.
I have learned that to overcome international borders, one must take advantage of technology, social media to entice millennials, and still host events for the primary market in order to not alienate them. I am truly thankful to have been invited to this forum, and I’m sure that I can apply all my learnings to my future job.
Philately Saturday
Last Saturday, I attended the Pilipinas Philately Forum on the hobby that changed my life. Philately has been a passion of mine during childhood, and while I am no longer active in collecting stamps, I still find it fascinating. Thanks to stamps, I became passionate about research, history, and art.
It was quite fitting that the forum was held the Museo ng Sining inside the GSIS complex.
I went to the event with my grade school friend Ginny and her sister, Angel. It was fun to spend the event with fellow philatelists.
I liked the vintage vibe of the ladies room.
And I couldn’t resist buying stamps and a drawstring bag featuring the Philippines’ first postage stamp!
The museum was a beautiful venue for a meaningful forum.
I even knitted while waiting for it to begin.
I learned that in the current digital age, stamps still have a place in society as they preserve history and promote peace through correspondence.
This setup makes me happy. It features my new bag, my knitting needles and yarn, and the water bottle sling crocheted by the vendor I met outside St. Jude.
Of course, I simply had to take a photo with my history crush, Dr. Jose Rizal!
I am glad that The Philippine Postal Corporation has established Pilipinas Philately to organize and promote stamp collecting among hobbyists in the country. They plan to open a philately museum next year, and utilize social media to connect philatelists with the latest trends in stamp collection and snail mail.
Before going home, I bought these handmade earrings from The Class Act during their pop-up at The Block.
l had an amazing experience meeting fellow philatelists, reconnecting with an old friend and her sister, and supporting handmade. I am eager to see how stamps can continue being relevant in society, and how my love for handmade will carry on as I attend learning opportunities whenever I can. Here’s to more letters, stamps, and memories with friends!
Malacañang Museum Tour and Lecture
Yesterday, I was privileged to attend the lecture on The American Imperium in the Philippines in Text and Urban Design: The 1905 Report on Proposed Improvments in Manila by Prof. Ian Morley of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. It was held at the Malacañang Museum and Library.
I started my day with a cuppa at Starbucks.
Then, it was time for the lecture and tour. It was my first time at the Malacañang Palace, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I also learned heaps from the lecture. Concepts like alterity and history as futurology were discussed, and I realized that how much we appreciate and value space depends on how we prioritize our well-being.
I will let these photos speak for themselves, as I had a wonderful day. I hope that I will be able to return to Malacañang someday.
Climate Change Forum Day 3
Yesterday was the conclusion of the Climate Change Adaptation Forum 2018. I focused on risk management in the age of climate change, and I was able to listen to experts from the government, the academe, and business talk about utilizing risk management to prepare for changing times.
I have already made it a personal tradition to have full-body photos taken by ADB’s signage outside the auditorium.
I was able to crochet in between sessions to keep my brain alert.
The talks I attended have inspired me to have a resilience-based mindset in order to adapt in a fast-changing world.
Before leaving, I reconnected with my new friend Shayne for some photos around the bank.
I had a wonderful time this week at the ADB, and I hope to have more chances to return! There are heaps of topics being covered in their conferences, and it is always a pleasure to represent my blog.
I look forward to keeping the conversation on climate conservation going.
Climate Change Forum Day 2
The second day of the Climate Change Adaptation Forum 2018 was just as insightful as its first one. In keeping with the theme of the event, I chose to wear my fanny pack which I bought from eco-conscious social enterprise Rags 2 Riches.
I learned that skills training is essential to sustain a green economy. Many jobs will be developed when there are skills acquired from education and training. A couple of decades ago, it was difficult to imagine a paperless office or a massive BPO industry. But thanks to technology, both are now the norm. If technology can revolutionize how we work, then surely the environment can also influence businesses to create jobs which can support green industries.
Social protection in the form of jobs and livelihood training is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind. Tech also plays a crucial part in ensuring that those in remote areas enjoy green jobs. An example of which are electronic cash transfers and app-based jobs such as Grab.
Governments in the Asia Pacific region must incentivize companies that support the green economy. An example of which is the Green Jobs Act in the Philippines, which is a pioneering law in the region.
If the public and private sectors will work together to ensure that there will be a chance for green jobs to be created, then environmental, economic, and social connections will emerge. The goal is to thrive, not just survive in the age of climate change. And while we cannot prevent it from happening, we can all do our part to limit the negative effects of climate change.
I was able to meet new friends during the cocktail reception after the second day sessions! It was great to network with colleagues who are also passionate about integrating eco-consciousness in our work and lifestyles.
I hope that the third day will also be as inspiring and fulfilling.
Climate Change Forum Day 1
Yesterday was the first day of the Climate Change Adaptation Forum at the ADB. It was good to be back for more learning on how I can do my share to adapt to climate change.
But first, breakfast. I had Vietnamese sardines, cheese omelette, rice, and coffee.
Then, it was time for the sessions at the auditorium.
I learned that we must shift from mere risk management to transformation. A transformation mindset will help us change our lifestyle in order to be more eco-friendly and energy efficient. That way, we will be “forced” to do what is inconvenient in order to face the reality that we must care for the environment more
We must also approach problems as opportunities in these changing times.
It was also a treat to see my idol from the 90’s, Antoinette Taus. She is now an environmentalist and she performed during the event.
I opted to have a vegetarian lunch for a change.
I even managed to crochet during the break.
I had ADB’s oatmeal cookies for lunch. They were delicious!
We had the cocktail reception at Crowne Plaza.
It turned out to be a night of Filipino food, beer, and music!
I enjoyed Day 1 and I can’t wait for more learning sessions in the next couple of days!
IDC 2018
Yesterday, I got to attend the International Design Conference of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The IDC 2018 entertaining and informative. I learned from the various panels of speakers from the creative industries, and now I am more inspired to keep on pursuing dangerous ideas in order to take risks, innovate, and disrupt my life.
I took two P2P buses to conveniently reach the venue, the Samsung Hall at SM Aura.
I wore Marikina-made shoes from Rob and Mara, which I purchased after trying them on for comfort. And yes, they are one of my most comfortable pairs to date!
I had pizza for breakfast!
And a non-fat latte to perk me up.
Then, it was time for the talks.
For lunch, I went to Aperitif. I had the prosciutto pasta, which was mixed in a cheese wheel. For dessert, I had the ooey gooey chewy chocolate chip cookie, which truly lived up to its name.
After getting my share of creative inspiration, I proceeded to The Pen to view the Salcedo Auctions’ preview of Important Philippine Art.
It was moving to view the boceto for the Spoliarium, which is Juan Luna’s most prolific work.
I am determined to keep on being creative, thanks to the IDC 2018, my sumptuous French lunch and snack, and remarkable Philippine art. I am really lucky to have these opportunities, and I look forward to similar experiences in the future.
ADB Transport Forum Day 3
Yesterday, I attended the last day of the Transport Forum 2018 at the ADB. I learned that people should see transport as more than just a means to go from point A to point B- it is actually the way to ensure that we are all able to show up to improve our lives and achieve sustainable development in the region. So aside from enjoying the delectable food and crocheting during the panels, I did absorb all the points presented by the speakers from the different fields in the development sector. I was fortunate to have been part of this event along with my high school friend Luane from UP Diliman. I hope to join more similar events in the future, and that I could also contribute to furthering the cause of sustainability in my own small way.
ADB Transport Forum Day 2
Yesterday was the second day of the Transport Forum 2018 at the ADB. I continued learning on how technology is advancing the cause of transport efficiency in the Asia Pacific region.
As a blogger and daily commuter, I understand how simple posts online could inform others on traffic, train station queues, and safety concerns. I am more determined to continue sharing my experiences on getting from point A to point B to hopefully reach those in authority in order to improve our transport system.
I also got to attend the second day of the Manila International Book Fair. I was only there for ten minutes. I will go back on the weekend, should the weather improve.
I am thankful for opportunities to learn and grow at the ADB. It was also fun to spend the conference with my high school friend Luane. I can’t wait to continue learning at the third day of the forum.
ADB Transport Forum Day 1
It was an honor to be a delegate at the 2018 Transport Forum at the Asian Development Bank. I was inspired to learn what our leaders in the Asia Pacific region are doing to ensure that sustainable development is attainable through efficient transport for everyone. Through the talks from various panels, I realized that everyone has a dream, and it could not be fulfilled without a working transport system.
As a private citizen, I experience problems in transport everyday. Whether it’s the horrible traffic whenever I am driving, or the long wait for an MRT train, I am aware of the problems that our transport system is facing. However, I am optimistic that through public and private linkages, as well as forums such as this one, we will continue the conversation for a better way to transport everyone.
It was fun to navigate the networking breaks with my high school friend Luane from UP Diliman. I also got to enjoy sumptuous food, and I even got to crochet.
It was a lively series of discussions, and I am interested to know more about transport in Asia and the Pacific in the next couple of days.
ADB Digital Development Forum Day 2
Yesterday, I was at the ADB again for the second day of Digital Development Forum. I was privileged to listen to informative talks on how technology can further advance the growth and progress in the Asia Pacific region.
I had Vietnamese sardines again for breakfast.
The sessions tackled private-public partnerships to enhance the viability of tech in order to build smarter cities.
For AM snack, I had egg and veggie sandwiches.
The sessions resumed and continued to discuss how governments can utilize technology to streamline their public services.
Lunch was another lively affair, and I particularly likes the lasagna.
I took a brisk walk to the bank’s new wing to have coffee.
I chose Bo’s Coffee because they serve local blends.
I even managed to crochet while waiting for the afternoon sessions to begin.
I appreciated that the afternoon sessions discussed how technology could be used to encourage stakeholders to scale up their businesses by utilizing online platforms and ecommerce facilities.
For the PM snack, I had ADB’s famous crinkles and coffee.
I definitely see technology as a tool to foster development in the Asia Pacific region. While it is not perfect, technology can do more good than harm. I have an online store myself, and I am proud that Human Nature has an ecommerce platform that allows me to virtually spread the goodness of social enterprise. As a blogger, I look forward to using my website as a medium to feature social enterprises, handmade lifestyle, and how I achieve my fitness goals. After all, my personal development is progress, and it is possible that I could inspire others to begin improving their own lives. This is why I continue learning and attending conferences, and I hope that you will also consider improving yourself by showing up to invaluable informative sessions such as the Digital Development Forum.
ADB Digital Development Forum Day 1
Yesterday, I was able to attend the first day of the Digital Development Forum at the Asian Development Bank. It was a day filled with insights from leaders in both industry and humanitarian work.
I started my day with a hearty breakfast of Vietnamese sardines and garlic rice.
The ADB Cafeteria has a calming effect on me.
I also came in a dress that made me feel empowered. Nothing like fashion to make me feel like I got this!
I learned heaps from the various sessions.
It was also my first time to use a translation device.
I had a delicious lunch, and the highlight were the desserts. I also bought myself a cuppa from Figaro.
The Women and the Digital Economy in Asia and the Pacific was my favorite deep-dive session because it empowered me to continue thriving in tech. More women in STEM would mean collective progress in the region as we have unbelievable untapped potential among females in the region. Also, women and girls are already proven to be the community drivers in the region. To involve them in tech would mean that they have the progress of their respective communities in mind. The success of communities then would translate to the development of nations in the region, and possibly across the world.
I also crocheted to keep my mind awake.
I had tuna sandwiches for afternoon snack.
And in the final deep-dive session, I learned that innovation should begin in the executive level so that corporations in the regions will withstand the challenges of the changing times.
I ended my day with a yummy dinner in the bank’s central courtyard.
I had an insightful day and I look forward to the second and final day of the forum. I am excited to continue learning and I hope I could attend more learning opportunities at the ADB.
ADB-AIM Hackathon
Yesterday, I was fortunate to attend the ADB-AIM Hacksthon. The actual hackathon has already happened, so what I witnessed was the final pitches of the nine finalist groups. Also, this was the pre-event to the Digital Development Forum, which is scheduled for today and tomorrow.
I had my traditional photo by the Asian Development Bank sign.
I got to crochet at the ADB library after having nasi goreng for lunch at the cafeteria.
I am always honored to represent my blog in events, and yesterday was no exception.
I enjoyed these quiches and frittata during the first coffee break.
I learned that a hackathon is a creative marathon that bridges tech startups and stakeholders. The goal is to solve existing problems through technology.
I was amazed with the pitches by tech startups to solve health, ID, and KYC (know your customer) problems in developing Asia.
For the second coffee break, I had ADB’s famous crinkles. I personally think that it is the best in the country.
I also tried other ADB cookies such as ube and Chocnut. Both were also delicious.
It was a treat to eat my snacks in the iconic garden, which is an oasis in the middle of busy Ortigas.
I also got to crochet again while waiting for the next phase of the event.
There was a cultural show, then it was time for cocktails and dinner.
Their chocolate crinkles cupcake was the yummiest dessert I’ve ever had!
I had an incredible time. I look forward to the two-day Digital Development Forum, and I am excited to learn, interact, and network.
