Virtual ACEF Deep Dive

Today was the pre-event day of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2020 (ACEF). This year, the event will be done virtually via their online platform. While the conference may be streamed via the interwebs for now, it does not diminish the value of the event. It is still an honor to be a part of this conference.

This year, I am crocheting earsavers while tuned in to the ACEF.

I attended the deep dive session on Green Finance Policies in Asia. Here’s what I learned:

• The pandemic is the perfect opportunity to explore innovative ways for green energy in the region.

• It’s all a matter of enforcement as we already have the technology for green finance, such as green bonds.

• While we are under quarantine, we must not leave anyone behind.

I look forward to learning more from this event until its run this Friday. Multitasking by crocheting and watching a conference is making my quarantine a lot of fun at the moment. This will definitely be worth telling my kids or nieces and nephews someday.

Sinaya Volunteer

Yesterday, I volunteered to be a seller for Sinaya Cup. I got to engage with customers on this social enterprise that champions menstrual hygeine and sustainability. And I got to meet new friends in the Sinaya girls!

Please consider following Sinaya Cup on Instagram to buy menstrual cups, heat packs, and other feminine products. Also, be updated on their advocacies and future bazaars. ‘Til next time!

Faith and Charity

If there is one thing that remains steadfast in these uncertain times, it is my faith. I have faith that has moved mountains, at least in my own life. Thus, I continue to offer every endeavor to the Lord, and give thanks for all the blessings that continue pouring into my life. 

As I visited the Pink Sisters Convent yesterday, I lifted up all my intentions to the Lord and asked Him for better days ahead. 

After my church visit, I dropped by the Rags 2 Riches HQ to purchase a bag. 

Their HQ in Tomas Morato can be searched through navigation apps! Also, it is the best way to experience the social enterprise impact first-hand.  

I was in luck as they had complete stocks for their Noah Fanny Pack! 

All colors were adorable! But I still preferred the black one. I bought it after a five-minute decision making process.  

Each R2R bag is handmade by artisans whose lives are dignified by skills training and fair wages. 

Also, it is a sustainable business as they use scrap fabrics from local garments factories  

I am delighted with my purchase, and I know that I will rock this bag with pride. I can’t wait to talk about this piece and share the goodness of charity in action! 

Day 12: #30GratefulDays | Sustainable Storytelling

Coffee while blogging  

Having a blog has helped me explore life as a storyteller. What began as a brain dump for my writing class output became my home in the interwebs. I challenged myself to write on a daily basis and after completing my 100 Day Project,  I realized that writing could be a lifestyle. It was at this moment that I evolved from becoming an occasional blogger to a storyteller. 

Hypothyroidism is one of the cornerstones of my journey. I would not have the hunger to be healthy without this health condition. Choosing to be unstuck from this reality motivated me to eat more healthful food, exercise, and just keep moving! Sharing my story only happened when social media became inseparable with mainstream communication. I realized that the only way to be understood better as a hypothyroidism patient is to tell my story. Of course, we all know that stories have a beginning, middle, and end. I can say that my beginning was my diagnosis at thirteen. My middle is my continuous journey with the condition I have embraced as my own. And the end is my battlecry, which is wellness through mindfulness.  

I refuse to succumb to the reality that hypothyroidism is a limiting disease. Rather, I am applying sustainability in my storytelling to ensure that I continue to push boundaries and surpass normal expectations. I plan to sustain my journey by selecting activities to participate in. My advocacy for propagating design thinking is a huge factor, and I am actively engaging in events which could enrich my knowledge on the matter. I am also driven to innovate so that I can cultivate an attitude of discontent. By constantly choosing to better myself and improve my craft, I am not just becoming healthier. I am also becoming a stronger storyteller. It has been said that work should not be about working harder, it is about working smarter. As I embark on job hunting, I am embracing storytelling in my blog SPEAKOUTSAM as a full-time role. It is my obligation to myself to be a sustainable storyteller, with innovation as my main motivator!

  ***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***