Yesterday, I attended the second day of the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. It was another insightful day of learning on how traditional farming, sustainability, and technology can converge to build a better system of nourishing the planet. I also got to network and meet new friends!
I can’t wait to learn more on the forum’s last day. I am also looking forward to applying my insights to my job in the future.
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.
Yesterday, I had the Sgt. Steak salad again at Go! Salads. I am addicted to their chimichurri dressing. I simply can’t get enough of it.
After my hearty meal, I proceeded to Human Nature to purchase my personal necessities and get orders for my customers.
You too can support me and my family by making a purchase at my Human Nature online store! To all those who have already purchased, thank you for your support! Please continue patronizing my small business, and I hope that you will spread the word about my shop.
To cheer myself up after spending time with at the hospital with my terminally-I’ll father, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to hug my furry friends.
I’m wearing a fabric mask because I can’t afford to catch airborne sicknesses! My dad has very weak immunity, so I need to be in tip-top shape.
I went back to Go! Salads to try another selection from their menu. This time, I had the Bayani Salad, which is known for its adobo flakes. I liked it, but I think I’m more of a Sgt. Steak girl.
Before going to bed, I depotted my Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick in Hot Sauce. While the lipstick brand is known to break easily, it’s color payoff and opacity are out of this world. I had to salvage what’s left of my tube by transferring it in a 3ml jar, microwaving it for two minutes to set it in the container, and letting it cool on room temperature.
I have chosen local products and produce today. Human Nature is a social enterprise, so each purchase benefits a poor community that the company supports. Go! Salads supports farmers and ensures that their produce is pesticide-free. Barkin’ Blends welcomes people of all ages, genders, and statuses in life. And Sunnies Face is part of the Sunnies Group, which is known to have charitable donations, such as their Christmas giveaway Dear Sunnies Santa.
By taking care of myself and supporting brands that do good, I know that I am doing the right thing with my limited resources. I hope that you will also find some brands that support others, and that you will continue paying for goodness to continue growing.
Yesterday, I attended the 2nd Dev Forum hosted by the Asian Institute of Management. It was a day of learning and networking, but first...
...I had delicious Tapa Queen from Tapa King for brekkie.
Then, I heard early morning mass at Greenbelt Chapel.
Finally, it was time for my conference!
My key takeaways are that we can only primarily rely on ourselves for help in these rapidly changing times, so we need to be prepared for disasters and crises. Shifting our mindsets and doing our part to effectively communicate what is happening will be helpful not only to save our own lives but to governments and NGO’s as well.
It was an honor to be there again, AIM! Here’s to more learning opportunities to come!
Yesterday, I attended the launch of publications by the Asian Development Bank’s Gender Institute. They are studying technology innovation and how it is forwarding the cause of gender equality in South Asia.
But before anything else, I had my customary photo by the ADB auditorium.
I had Vietnamese lunch at the bank’s cafeteria. My bun cha was delicious and healthful.
I also crocheted while waiting for the event to begin.
The bank is full of simple reminders to treat each other better.
I was especially delighted that the event was held at the ADB Library. It is a striking venue. I have enjoyed hanging out here in between sessions during the conferences I have previously attended here.
And I was happy that they served chocolate crinkles. The ADB crinkles are well-known, and many foodies have acknowledged them as the best in the country.
The event was attended by colleagues in the bank, the academe, and other experts in gender studies.
I have learned that energy innovation must always have the advancement of gender equality in mind. Without inclusiveness, we cannot say that there is innovation in the first place. Energy allows technology and development to be enjoyed by more people, including women. In order to advance energy innovation, there must be fair pricing, sustainable energy sourcing, technological development, and the inclusion of women experts in the conversation.
I hope to have more learning opportunities at the ADB in the future! Thanks for having me!
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!
Yesterday, I attend the Deep Dive Workshops for the 2018 Climate Change Adaptation Forum at the ADB. I have learned that women must be included in development because we are the foundation of the family, which is the basic unit of society. I have also learned that renewable energy is the way to go, because sustainability is key to prevent further damaging our environment.
We must all do our part to prevent climate change from getting worse by researching on ways that we could help. We must live on less in order to enjoy our resources more. And as a woman, I feel empowered that I can do more in my own capacity now that we are being included in development.
I look forward to the rest of the forum, and I hope to meet people who can keep the conversation on sustainability going!
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.
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.
This was me nine years ago. I was working at my first job in a local bank. I was mighty proud of my desk, my business attire, and PC! But I was not happy about my body. I was not confident even if I was not overweight. I just didn’t feel good about myself. I had no exercise, and I did not watch what I ate.
Good thing I realized that the secret behind confidence is hard work! I started exercising by doing Zumba and cardio.
I enjoyed food but I became more selective. Mindful eating became a healthier process since I made each meal count. I ate to live, rather than the other way around.
I also supported social enterprises to remind me that the things I own matter as well. I use handmade, artisan-made objects to motivate me to live meaningfully and appreciate the littlest details.
My quest for social enterprises has led me to a trip to Banaue with Knitting Expedition, where I learned basic knitting and met some awesome people.
I never stopped enjoying food. I just did so in moderation.
I also continued supporting charities, like World Vision and PAWS.
While waiting for the right opportunity for me, I attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to sharpen the saw, so to speak.
Whenever I need good vibes, I visit Barkin Blends Dog Cafe to cuddle with my favorite chiweenie, Ella.
So now, I am thirty-one and confident! I am happy with the life I have built for myself. I am excited to continue growing, learning, and being.
I hope you will continue following me as I improve myself!
