Limitless Entrepreneur Day 4

Today is my blog www.speakoutsam.com’s third anniversary! I am celebrating it whilst at home due to the enhanced community quarantine. While the lockdown is only temporary, my learning journey is a lifelong one. This is why I signed up for Melyssa Griffin’s Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat to make the most out the quarantine by learning how to have an entrepreneurial mindset.

Here are some of my answers to Melyssa’s Day 4 prompts:

Help them visualize the transformation they’ll experience if they work with you. How’s their life like now?

I realized that the world will not be the same after the pandemic ends. We are already aware of the possibility of productivity at home. Work is possible even while at home thanks to technology. Working with me will make life easier for my employer because I am able to utilize the available technologies to communicate the client’s message to his target audience. I am also capable of meeting clients and upper management face-to-face, which is an advantage when making pitches or networking. I am flexible while also prioritizing time management when it comes to achieving results.

How will it be after working with you/purchasing your products and experiencing the transformation you can get them?

I have a Human Nature online store (please support! We deliver during the ECQ) which enables me to deliver high quality natural personal and home care products to Filipinos during the quarantine. I am able to provide a ritual for self-care and cleanliness during a period of uncertainty. I am also working as a freelance writer during this time. I am also a volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH as a crocheter.

I am able to share my passion for natural products, writing skills, and crocheted earsavers during the pandemic. I provide a sense of humanity in the face of an unseen virus. I give hope when there is so much negativity and fear in the world through my ability to communicate, sell, and for my volunteer work, to crochet for frontliners.

Now, this transformation needs to be real and achievable. Don’t promise them something you can’t deliver, you want to be honest and help your audience get actual results. Do you have a personal transformation you can share? What might their transformation look like if they purchase your offer?

A couple of months ago, I was a freelance writer with an online business. I also had my blog which has enabled me to attended learning and networking events. My life completely changed when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented. I has to quickly pivot since I had to be safe at home during the entirety of the pandemic. I chose to volunteer as a crocheter for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH because I wanted to help our frontliners. It became a journey of transformation because my focus shifted on something bigger than myself. Since then, I no longer thought of this pandemic as a period of loss and solitude. Rather, I saw it as an opportunity to serve those who heal the sick.

Speakoutsam At 3

Happy third birthday to my blog, www.speakoutsam.com! I will keep this entry short and sweet, as we are all on quarantine anyway. Here are some things I learned while being a blogger:

1. Networking is simply an exercise in communicating your why. In my case, I share my passion for social entrepreneurship, handmade, and positive thinking. There is nothing intimidating with being myself when facing others.

2. My blog can be used as a landing page for my Human Nature online store (please support! We deliver during the ECQ!). My blog entries have also served as a means for my customers to get to know me better.

3. I am thankful to all the companies and institutions for their trust. My blog has enabled me to attend learning and networking events at places such as the ADB, AIM, PCC, Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, Shopee, Zapateria, and CITEM. No story is too simple to share. By being my authentic self, I am able to earn the trust of these companies. I am grateful for the seminars, events, and opportunities which I enjoy through this blog.

4. I am grateful for the blogger community for welcoming me and making me a part of their world. I enjoy learning from fellow bloggers and I hope to see them again after the quarantine!

5. It is possible to use my blog to share what is good and right. I love featuring small businesses and local brands.

Thank you for being a part of my journey! I pray that www.speakoutsam.com will grow and be filled with more meaningful stories.

God bless us all!

The Study Workspace

I was invited to try out The Study Workspace, a coworking space by Enderun Colleges. It is conveniently located at The Podium, Ortigas.  

The Study offers the following facilities: 

 -Fast internet

-Complimentary coffee, tea, or water

-Comfortable sitting desks

-Conference rooms for rent

-Printing services   

-Free access to The Study events, and

-A great community  

(source: The Study Team) 

I occupied room M1, where I got to finish some deadlines, charge my gadgets, listen to music, and knit! 

The place has a lively hipster vibe which I totally dig. 

They also have books, a pantry area, a restroom, and spacious common areas.  

They also had good coffee.  

I enjoyed my stay here and I highly recommend this place for your coworking needs.

For more information, please visit  https://www.thestudyph.com/the-study-workspace/. 

Ortigas Meeting

I had a meeting this morning to discuss marketing trends with a company in Ortigas. It was held at Starbucks Tektite, where I used to hang out during my uni days. It felt nostalgic to be back! 

I’d like to think that I’m forever young, though! 

I will always be a nonfat latte girl. I also knitted while the meeting was ongoing.  

I got to meet Laura, one of my fellow listeners of the Wake Up with Jim and Saab podcast. She also participated in the meeting. I’m all for meeting new friends and connecting with like-minded people. 

Sharing my insights is rewarding and productive. I also get to keep up with current trends and educate myself in the process. Here’s to more learning opportunities for growth and advancement!

Climate Change: Justice For All?

Yesterday, I started my day with some taho before boarding the MRT.  

I reached the ADB in less than thirty minutes! I must say that the MRT is improving. 

I represented my blog at a roundable discussion entitled Climate Change: Justice for All?. 

It was a huge honor to be invited once again by the ADB. 

I learned that agribusiness, renewable energy, and ecotourism are some gender-sensitive examples of climate change adaptation  

It is also important to note post-disaster and pre-disaster operations in order to know the areas for improvement in vulnerable areas.

It is also essential to instill empowerment among ALL individuals to reduce vulnerability and to better manage disaster risk. 

I was delighted to have the famous ADB crinkles again for snack. 

I got to do some work at the library. 

I wore my Hiblahi handmade earrings which I purchased from my GK Enchanted Farm trip last Saturday. 

I knitted while listening to some podcasts.  

And I had burger steak from Trattoria Gourmet’s at the ADB Cafeteria, which is managed by the same staff at its original Shangri-la Mall restaurant back in the nineties.  

I dropped by St. Clare Monastery after finishing my work as I was thankful to be given the chance to spend a day at ADB and join in the round table on climate change. 

It is still my dream to work at ADB! I am claiming it, and certainly praying for it.  

Rosario Yarn Adventure

Last Saturday, I went to Lacion General Merchandise right beside Rosario bridge in Pasig. You won’t miss it- it’s located on the corner unit of a pink complex. There are sacks and bags filled with yarns! 

I freaked out and wanted to buy so many yarns. But I resolved to only buy one kilo. This store is famous among local knitters and crocheters. Just search “Rosario Pasig Yarns” and you will know what I mean. 

The store spins their own yarn imported from Taiwan. You may mix variegated and solid colors, and each kilo retails for Php390. 

They also sell machine-spun shawls made of the same yarns. 

After searching through their bags and chatting with the owners, Kuya Miner and Ate Gladys, I finally selected five balls to consist one kilo.  

They recommend a size 4-5mm hook for their yarn. I am currently knitting using one of my purchases with a pair of 4.5mm needles, and the weave is so soft. 

I highly recommend this shop! It’s definitely worth visiting and the yarns are worth the commute. The owners are also kind and honest. Drop by soon! 

Manila CPO Tour

Yesterday, I joined the Postal Heritage Operational Tour organized by the Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour Group. I am a philatelist, and I am fond of activities organized by Pilipinas Philately, such as the stamp forum that I attended last year. This was why it’s not a struggle for me to wake up early on a Saturday morning to join a tour in Manila. 

I started my day by having taho for brekkie.  

I rode the LRT, and in half an hour, I was greeted by old school downtown Manila.  

It was my first time to cross the famous Jones Bridge on foot. I was so giddy during this moment as this was a focal point in the movie Last Night starring Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual.  

After literally crossing the bridge, I reached the beautiful Manila Central Post Office.

There were stamps for sale at the lobby during the event.  

Again, I was delighted to be there because the central post office building was featured in the film Hintayan ng Langit starring Gina Pareño and Eddie Garcia.  

Naturally, I gravitated towards Rizal stamps.  

I crocheted while waiting for the lecture to begin. 

We all received a welcome packet with some stamps! 

And I was happy to see a model of the Murillo Velarde Map, whose original I saw in person last year. 

I was especially drawn to the P.O. boxes as they had a classic vibe.  

Look at these doors!

This staircase is gorgeous. 

After the lecture, we got to tour the post office and learn about the operations of the government agency. 

It was lovely to be in the company of fellow philatelists.  

Our last stop was the postshop, where we all got to purchase current stamps in circulation. 

This is my haul. I got stamps that make me smile, such as valentine symbols and year of the pig stamps.  

I had the time of my life at the tour and I am looking forward to more philatelic geekery in the future! I hope you can also join a post office tour in the future. Just look them up on Facebook for more details. It’s free, and I’m sure that you will also have a good time!

Keeping Up with 2019

Yesterday, I had another meeting. I think it turned out fine! 

After my productive morning, I had my pixie trimmed. Haircuts really have an amazing effect on my confidence, that’s why I get one each month. 

I had the Sgt. Steak salad and garlic hummus for lunch. 

Then, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with Ella and my other furry friends.  

I ended my day with a breakfast smoothie from Go! Salads. I like this place so much, I had my lunch and dinner there.

2019 is turning out to be a fruitful year for me. I am eager to keep up with this year’s challenges by looking for the right opportunities to pursue, and balancing them with my passions. 

Bring it on!

Remembering My Name

The past month has been incredibly challenging. My schedule has been hectic, so I tended to forget myself when I’m busy with errands or tasks. It was a good thing that I finally received my order for this bespoke necklace with my blog name on it. 

I have coined up “speakoutsam” back in uni. I needed a new gmail address, so I came up with it, and the rest is history.  

I’ve always received compliments for my email address, and it eventually became my Instagram handle and blog url. I’ve embraced it through the years, and I took it to heart too- as I do so here on my blog, where I can speakoutsam everyday!

Remembering my name has enabled me to be strong amidst trials, to walk tall even when I’m scared, and to care for myself even when I’m exhausted.  

Eating right is indeed a form of self-care, and this plate of chicken chelo kabab from Mister Kabab has perked me up.

So friends, whenever you are down, a personalized item and a hearty meal always does the trick! Try it and see the difference this combo can make. 

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. 

SCbit

Yesterday, I drove to the UP Main Library to catch SCbit, an exhibit to remember the UP Shopping Center. Despite having been burned down, many people have wanted to relive the memories in this nostalgic place. I myself had a lot of happy memories here even if I wasn’t a UP student. I drank strawberry chocolate shakes, ate plates of tapsilog, brought my books for photocopying, and even had a pair of fashionable specs made.

The facade of the library was lovely! 

I think it is commendable that students from the UP Library Science department have taken the time to put this exhibit together. They have diligently looked for photos, interviewed stakeholders, and researched at the University Archives.  

My photos were included in the exhibit! I am thankful that Nicole, one of the organizers, has reached out to me to ask for permission. I gladly said yes!

I miss the Shopping Center (SC), primarily for the food, cheap photocopy shops, and the Sarabia Optical Shop, which was where I got these fashionable specs!

The exhibit was a walk through memory lane. It was touching to see the efforts of the students in putting this exhibit together. I hope that the SC will be rebuilt so that more people will be able to have a one-stop shop in the middle of UP again.