My New Year

2022 has been good to me so far. I thought of sharing with you how my year has been doing and what I have been up to lately.

For starters, I have been eating breakfast at Ikea and I have been loving their breakfast plate! For only Php59, I get a chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, and two pieces of pandesal. Talk about a great start to my day! Oh, and their brewed coffee is free for Ikea Family members until 10:30am. It is a sweet deal which I have been enjoying, and trust me, this is not a sponsored post.

Working out has always been my number one priority. Reps to the Rhythm has been keeping me company in the morning, and I enjoy his workout videos. Here is my current favorite:

Lastly, my Sarabia Optical Yamada specs has been really making my days lighter. The frames weigh next to nothing, and I am loving the Essilor Transitions lenses which protect me from both UV light and blue light. I am very lucky to have these Sarabia specs in my life.

I hope that you will continue supporting me this 2022! My books are still available here, and you can buy Human Nature essentials from my online store.

Have a blessed year ahead, everyone!

Things Within My Control

Today, I watched Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio’s vlog episode on forgiveness. She shared some very important thoughts:

• There are things that you cannot control

• There are some things that are still within your control

• God has control over everything

These are timely reminders for me as I am currently working on my temper. I have already trained myself to identify the fine line between triggers and actual manifestations of anger. Yes, there are several things that are upsetting and inconvenient each day, but that does not mean that I should act negatively each time. I can remind myself that there are still things within my control, and that I should focus on those instead.

Life is too short to dwell on upsetting realities. There are still more things to be thankful for than the bad. By focusing on things that are within my control and remembering that God has control over everything in this world, life would be less burdensome and treacherous.

Stress Management

I always get asked this question in interviews: “how do you deal with stress?”.

In the past, I would go window-shopping at malls near my office to decompress. But since the pandemic happened, I am both working and living at home. Because I live with my mom who is a senior citizen, it is my duty to avoid contracting the Covid-19 virus and to observe safety measures.

I had to be creative with stress management since I now do everything under one roof.

Here are some ways that I deal with stress, especially with the WFH setup:

1. Listen to music- I have a work playlist that consists of classical music. This keeps me going while working.

2. Journaling- Journaling everyday has allowed me to be aligned with myself and better manage my emotions.

3. Working out every morning- I do an hour of cardio every morning, rain or shine. I used to attend aerodance classes at my local park, but for now, I am happy with jumprope, following Youtube videos, and my air stepper!

4. Order food delivery- I satisfy my foodie cravings by ordering my favorites from time to time.

Remember that it is possible to manage stress at home. The pandemic is still ongoing so I personally manage my own stress in order to continue thriving during these difficult times.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Not Everyone Will Be Happy for You

Today, I am reflecting on the quote that podcaster and entrepreneur Angely Dub always says on her show, Life in Progress: “not everyone will be happy for you.”

I have experienced this firsthand, when my friends would ask how a company would invite me to an event or offer me an opportunity to collaborate when I do not seem to be qualified. In fact, I had to severe ties with some people who were not supportive of me, especially during the pandemic. My circle may now be smaller, but I must say that I am more stable and at peace without these toxic people in my life.

If you are also dealing with people who constantly pull you down, I suggest that you block them out completely. You must prioritize your mental health. You need to perform psychological first-aid on yourself, so stick to people who lift you up and bring out the best in you!

Next, always ensure that you constantly work on yourself. Make sure that you are always doing your best to have the best life possible for yourself. Compete only against yourself.

Remember that in order to be happy with yourself, you have to be find joy in things that you can do and accomplish. Stop communicating with people who cannot be happy for you. Just be strong for your own self!

Quarantine Flutist

I started playing the flute again on a daily basis since the enhanced community quarantine was declared. I made sure to get some music into my life while at home. This helped me fight cabin fever, as well as cheer me up on days when I badly missed exploring the city. Learning a new song each day has also showed me that I am capable of doing and executing actions. Indeed, I am still thriving at 33.

Check out my flute covers on my Instagram account. I try to post a song each day while on quarantine. You may also find previews of all my lockdown performances on my Highlights, aptly titled “Flute Jams'“.

See you there!

A Positive Impact

I went shopping the other day for purposeful items which will benefit our heroic frontliners. I want to help in my own small way during the enhanced community quarantine. Fortunately, two of my favorite brands have offered to make it easier for me to pay it forward.

Rags 2 Riches has recently released their summer collection aptly named Sol. It is a joyful collection of bags and clothes made of upcycled materials. As always, each item is made by Filipino artisans.

Proceeds will go to frontliners and families affected by the pandemic. This was enough for me to support this worthy cause.

Image from Pulseras by Kim

Another local brand that I continue supporting is Pulseras by Kim. The jewelry brand has recently dropped a fundraiser collection to benefit frontliners as well. I bought this locket, which featured a free photo printing service with each purchase. Of course, this made the decision to purchase easier.

Shopping for a cause is one of my favorite things to do. I hope that you will also support brands that pay it forward, because we can all make a difference even while at home.

Breathing At Home

Being under quarantine does not have to be boring. I have recently started playing my flute again, and it has been fun so far.

I post my flute performances on my Instagram page. I hope you can check them out!

I have also been working out everyday, because being at home does not mean being complacent. I do mostly cardio, which has been effective in passing the time.

I know that this quarantine is a little breather from life. I will do everything I can to make this a season of growth and self-improvement. Things will get better. I just know it.

Salted Egg Eve

My final lunch for 2019 was this Benchto meal at Bench Cafe. I had B1, which was the salted egg chicken set. It was deliciously filling, and I highly recommend it if you are also into the whole salted egg craze of this decade.

I am ending 2019 with a simple snack of gifted biscuits and English breakfast tea. The holidays have been kind to me, despite being the first without my father. With friends and family who constantly feed and support me, I am more inspired to pursue my passions, work harder, and of course, eat like it’s always my last day on earth.

Here’s to chasing our bliss this 2020! Happy new year and may God bless us all!

Christmas Crochet

Yesterday, I watched two MMFF movies: Write About Love, and Culion. Both were superb! Then, I had some Starbucks Christmas Blend and spent some time crocheting.

I am determined to continue enjoying the holidays despite the grief that is weighing me down from time to time. My dad’s death is pushing me to celebrate life, and I am happy that I have a hobby such as crochet. It keeps me motivated to enjoy the quiet moments.

To more films and stitches to enjoy!

Aero Winner

Yesterday, I won two awards at the Aerosports 2019 Zumba marathon at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was thrilling to win awards as I didn’t expect this. I have been exclusively working out at home for the past year, and yet I was able to dance for three hours straight. I also enjoyed the event and sang along to the retro songs.
I won Ms. Gorgeous and Ms. Aerosports. It felt awesome to win something and have fun in the process.
Here’s to continuing my fitness journey, and to more wins to come!

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.

Coron Adventure

Yesterday, I conquered my fears of the open water and narrow caves. Coron brought out the adventurer in me and I enjoyed it. Here are some photos proving that my fitness journey is all worth it.

Here’s to more tours with Mother Nature to come!

Motivation Mondays

Yesterday, I got to visit Clock In - Ayala Vertis North for the first time. It’s awesome to have a beautiful coworking space close near my house. It is also home to several networking events, which is also the reason why I was in the building. 

I was there for Motivation Mondays, a series of talks for yuppies on interesting topics. Last night, we discussed Goal Diggers. In line with the theme, we fueled up on delicious vegetarian food and coffee. 

The evening’s guest speakers were Maura Alvero of Vela Manila, and Fabien Courteille of Plush and Play. It was inspiring to hear about their stories of purpose and determination. 

My key takeaways were:

1. Become a platform for creatives- create a brand that will foster a community of photographers, writers, advocates, and target consumers.

2. Go on until your people don’t need you anymore- work until the people you train can carry on without you  

3. Start with why

4. Keep hobbies that can become your outlet

5. Be vulnerable 

6. Persevere for others  

7. Know what’s for you

8. Be open for collaboration

9. Different minds foster creativity

10. Get to know the people you are working with 

11. Cultivate relationships  

It was a different kind of Monday and I was happy to have learned insights from social entrepreneurs. I look forward to more purposeful Mondays to come! 

Father’s Hey

It wasn’t easy celebrating the first Father’s Day since my dad’s passing last month. I felt very sad, but also lucky to still be alive and able to commemorate an important day with my family. I spent time with my mom and maternal grandfather, and we grabbed lunch at a coffee shop that we frequent in his area. I had a beer and crocheted while waiting for our food.

Life is a constant battle against ourselves. I could have wasted the day and simply refused to commemorate my late father’s memory. However, I chose to get over my sadness and celebrated with my grandfather, who’s still alive.

May we never forget to spend time with those who are still with us, and to create meaningful memories.

NAIA Work Day 2

Yesterday was the second day of my four-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for CITEM. I learned how it was to be bored and how I could use that to realize my priorities and what’s important to me. I am honored to serve our country, and I can’t wait to have more opportunities to do so in the coming weeks and months!

Goodbye

My dad was cremated yesterday. Thank you for all you support during this difficult time.  

Going Up

Yesterday, I found this staircase at the hospital with natural light. I couldn’t resist taking a selfie in the sunny stairwell. 

I knitted as I cared for my terminally-ill father. 

Then, I joined my US and Canada-based relatives as they toured the village where we all grew up. I stayed here until I was twelve years old. 

We ended the day with dinner with Tarlac-based relatives and more Filipino food! 

I drove them in the rain, and I’m happy that we reached their hotel safely. 

I enjoyed my relatives’ company, and their visit reminded me that there’s nowhere to go but up. In tough times, there’s family I can count on, and faith to strengthen me.  

My Main Job

Yesterday, I rode the tricycle to my former office. 

I submitted my resignation yesterday because I was suffering from allergies at work. I’d have to find an office that won’t compromise my health. Health is valuable to me, especially now that my dad is terminally-ill. 

I also need more time to take care of my father now that he is in critical condition in the hospital. I bought adult diapers and liners. I also got medicines from the pharmacy. 

I need to fan him from time to time due to his medication. It’s not easy caring for someone who’s terminally-ill, so I have to be strong as well. 

This is my main job for now. I can look for work again when things stabilize, but for now, I am my father’s carer, and I am up for the challenge.  

Faith and Family

I am thankful for family during this difficult time. My cousin Van sent us pastries, and I’ve been having delicious bread for brekkie. 

I am thankful for our helpful Racquel who had helped me through thick and thin. 

I am thankful for street food, such as these potato chip skewers. 

I am thankful for knit and crochet. 

I was able to give my makes to my relatives from the US. 

I am thankful for a friend I met online whose ministry is to share wooden holding crosses to the sick and their families. 

I am grateful for the gift of life. I am thankful for time with my terminally-ill father. I am happy that I can still share memories with my family. 

We are all in this together.  

New Girl

My office is just five minutes away from home, so I just take a tricycle to and from work. I’m liking the commute so far!

I rode in style. 

And I’m appreciating all the blessings that I’m getting amidst my dad’s terminal illness. 

Please continue praying for my dad! And for me as well, as I continue hustling for my family.