Meet The World 🌎

So happy to have met one of my fave podcasters and now fellow author, @angelydub! She’s so approachable IRL. I learned heaps from her life story and I also met new friends (hello @missphia_b @patatapam @janellailawww)! Guys, please get a copy of Angely’s first book, Meet The World here. 🐘 #shopeeambassador

Knitting Anniversary

Today is my knitting anniversary! It’s been a year since my fateful Knitting Adventure at the Banaue Rice Terraces. It was where I first learned to knit. The lesson wasn’t easy for me, and I did struggle at first. But with a lot of practice, I did get the hang of it. And I even re-learned how to crochet along the way!

To celebrate this important milestone, I crocheted and knitted this infinity shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind this local shop has become my friends, and it is touching how this friendship has also become a source of strength and inspiration for me to keep going. 

My knitting and crochet abilities are in line with my goal to diversify myself through continuous learning of skills. You may be wondering how this connects to my goal to work in a corporate setting. Well, knitting and crochet has taught me patience, perseverance, resilience (especially when I would drop a stitch and have to start over!), creativity, and imagination. I have also learned these skills from scratch through workshops (like the advanced crochet one I attended with Mayown last year). If I can train my mind and hands to manipulate yarn, needles, and hooks, then I’m sure that I am ready to learn new programs, business platforms, and skills. 

I have also started a new scarf using the knitting needles that came with my kit at Banaue. Using these 6mm bamboo needles again is humbling, as I recall the awkward stitches that I have made 365 days ago in the mountains. Now, I am in my room in the city, with pop music blaring in the background. I have yarn from Pasig, the yarn bowl that I gifted myself with on Valentine’s Day, my first knitting needles, and the determination to keep going. I have amazed myself with how far I’ve come in my creative journey. 

I know that this is only the beginning. 

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!

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. 

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. 

MIBF 2018

Yesterday, I went back to the Manila International Book Fair. My trip last Thursday was only ten minutes long, so I braved the typhoon to return to my favorite annual book event. 

My haul for this year consists of my Didache Bible reflections for next year and a bunch of history books. I had authentic pho for lunch at the Vietnam Pavilion and it was delicious! Of course, I took the chance to fangirl and take pictures with Rizal props. 

I love attending book events because I get to see like-minded individuals and purchase hard-to-find reading materials. I still have Goyo hangover and I can’t wait to read my history haul. I’m sure that I’ll attend more book-related events in the future, because these inspire me to tell my own story and speakoutsam!

Determined to Succeed

I started work the other day, and I was warmly welcomed by the team. I am ecstatic to work with a motivated workforce, and I can’t wait to grow along with the company. 

I started my day with prayer and thanksgiving at UA&P’s chapel. 

I had breakfast, got coffee, and crocheted while waiting for my workday to begin.

It was inspiring to see this on our office wall.

And it was also bittersweet to see my uni and former office outside our window.

I am very excited to begin hustling with everyone, and I am happy to belong to a young, dynamic, and helpful group. I will surely be integrated here in no time, and of course, I will keep you posted here as I speakoutsam in the office!

Crocheting Inspo

Yesterday, I took my Furls handmade crochet hook for a spin. I was delighted with the lack of drag and its comfortable grip. The wood was warm on my hand, and my yarn just seemed to flow along with each stitch. 

I am definitely a Furls fan and I am glad that I finally bought one of their crochet hooks. Their cult following is definitely telling the truth about these babies.  

I finished this short cowl in a day using my new hook. I hold my Furls with a pen grip, and my hand never felt any strain or discomfort. I am floored! And I can’t wait to crochet again. 

Investing in quality tools will get you far. Read reviews first if you are unsure before investing on notions and materials. I make it a point to choose quality over quantity whether it’s for my knitting needles, crochet hooks, or watercolors. Choose tools that inspire you and craft what’s in your heart. You will definitely be motivated to create more! 

Morning Person

I have been waking up at 5am for the past few days, and I should say that I am proud of my transition into being a morning person. I am still committed to my workouts, and lately, Zumba has been my secret weapon against sluggishness. 

I even wake up refreshed and more confident to face the day ahead.  

I have been eating heavy breakfasts such as this breakfast burger steak from Tropical Hut.  

I have also gone back to sketching my food!

I have also found time for crochet. My Pony bamboo hook and yarn were purchased from Gantsilyo Guru. 

So far, the bamboo hook has been kind to my hand. It is weightless and comfortable to use. 

For lunch, I had chorizo and olives pasta and an americano from Mary Grace. I also sketched my food and knitting. 

Since I had extra time, I squeezed in some yarn shopping at The Craft Central. Buying yarns in person allows me to be inspired with the possibilities I can create with my hands. It cannot replace the tactile shopping experience which online shopping can never offer. 

I am fueling my imagination by sketching, knitting, crocheting, and working out! I get to accomplish more now that I am back to being a morning person.

If you also want to finish more tasks during the day, wake up earlier than usual! Before you know it, you are already committed to becoming the morning person you never knew you could be. 

Beyond Finding Myself

The days following my Banaue trip felt like a dream. I felt as if it was difficult to exist after such a beautiful trip, so I pushed myself to go to my usual venues for inspo. 

My first stop was Cinema Centenario to watch Ang Nawawala. It was a film that spoke to me, because a) my close friend from high school passed away a decade ago, b) I am currently adulting yet still living my dream of having a handmade, local-love, art-loving lifestyle, and c) the soundtrack featured the best of OPM rock from my growing-up years. 

Also, it was my first time to have a cinema all to myself. The experience was surreal (it was unplanned and it just so happened I was the only viewer for that showing). 

I personally adore how the microcinema displays film props within the premises. These suitcases were prominently featured in the film.  

The next day, I visited the Vargas Museum at UP Diliman for a walk-through of their Beyond Myself: Filipino Migrants’ Investments in Philippine Futures exhibition. 

There was a postcard table which lets visitors write to OFW participants in Hong Kong and London.  

This installation is entitled Padala. It features typical items which OFW’s send back to their relatives in the Philippines.  

This frame featured a bookshelf which an OFW has proudly saved up for. Books make her happy, and I imagine that it makes her job bearable. The Danielle Steel novel is mine and I just had to place it on the frame. 

Our walk-through was a poignant reminder that Filipino migrant workers are not robots. They have their own lives abroad. They are capable of fighting for their rights, creating art, thriving in social circles, and bringing joy into their lives.  

There was a clever part of the exhibit which resembles a videoke. It was playing the Ama Namin or the Our Father, as OFW’s make time for Sunday Mass. Some churches abroad have Filipino priests and masses, and this is a strong reminder of home. 

Here, the paintings done by some OFW artists were featured.  

This wall cleverly shows a typical apartment row where OFW’s are employed. It is a stark reminder of their existence and ingenuity to thrive in such an environment. 

We had a short talk from a visiting professor from Singapore.  

After the insightful tour and talk, I wrote a postcard for an OFW.  

I then moved on to the Living Architecture exhibition at the ground floor of the museum. 

After my museum tour, I went to a nearby mall for some bread, coffee, and a showing of The Post.  

Those days back in the city taught me that there are meaningful experiences nearby, and I can make them part of my narrative. I enjoy going to museums and watching movies because they show me a different perspective of the world. I just need to let life take me further and by trusting the process, I am learning more about myself. 

Loving Vincent

I watched Loving Vincent again at the UP Cine Adarna. It was a solo movie date on a weekday, and the gloomy weather set the tone for the movie. 

I had to watch it again because a) it is showing at UP Film Center this February, b) I can’t say no to Van Gogh, and c) it is a visually arresting movie.  

Here is Cine Adarna’s schedule for February 2018. Tickets are Php150 each. 

I had a lovely solo movie date. 

The seats at Cine Adarna are mall-standard and comfortable. 

I had Rodic’s tapsilog for dinner.  

And for dessert, I had fresh strawberry graham shake at Roma and Charlie. 

If you want to unwind at an affordable price, drop by Cine Adarna and eat at UP Shopping Center. It is beginning to be my favorite campus.  

Museum of A History of Ideas

I have always wanted to visit UP Manila’s Museum of a History of Ideas, and last Saturday, I finally got to do so!

I was welcomed by a beautiful white building and lush greens. 

The museum traces the early beginnings of the University of the Philippines, which ushered in the beginning of secular education. It also features the modernization of medicine in the country.  

I love the clean design of the museum, and I also appreciate the continuity of theme in their souvenirs. I got this shirt to remind myself that ideas matter.  

I also found the inclusion of greenery refreshing and inspiring.  

Vintage medical equipment from the Philippine General Hospital are also found in the museum. 

The light and airy building removed the morbidity. 

I also got to watch a short video on the history of UP and PGH.  

The museum may be small, but is was full of information, artifacts, and light.  

There were also personal mementos from the first students of UP. 

Ended my visit with some photos by the stunning displays.  

I was glad to have made the trip to UP Manila for this museum experience. It was a breath of fresh air.  

Quiapo Church

Would you believe that I only got to visit Quiapo Church last Saturday? I did so after my San Sebastián tour. Since Quiapo Church was a few blocks away, I decided to go for it.  

I passed by some old houses along Hidalgo Street, like this one. It is a contrast of old and new.  

I found my way to Quiapo Church in no time. 

I immediately felt the vibe of a thousand prayers. It was magical. 

My short visit was worthwhile. I got to pray and reflect on the immense faith of the people who visit this popular church everyday. 

This was my second basilica for the day, and it was wonderful to finally drop by this church of the people. 

I had a simple lunch at Chowking Quiapo. My table was right beside this sidewalk vendor. I was humbled by the busy atmosphere and it was truly a memorable break from my usual weekend endeavors. 

I hope that I will experience more meaningful new things this 2018! 

Metal Health

Last Saturday, I went on a tour at the San Sebastián Minor Basilica. As a heritage conservation advocate, I am constantly on the lookout for experiences which could enable me to witness restoration efforts first-hand. Since the church is undergoing extensive restoration, I joined the tour to help support the worthwhile endeavor. 

This beautiful church is located in Quiapo, Manila. It is the first and only all-metal building in the Philippines. 

It is important to help save the basilica as it is already a part of our history. 

I was there early, so I got to roam around the church and warmed up to my beautiful surroundings.  

I also bought merch from their souvenir tent. Proceeds from the sale of their Save San Sebastián merch go to the restoration fund.  

There was no shortage of beauty in this metal wonder. 

The lighting of the chandeliers signaled the beginning of our tour.  

We began our tour by testing out the metallic surfaces on the church. I used my souvenir magnet, and yes, the basilica really is all-metal. 

This is Ysabel. She is the one-woman restoration tour guide and tech person behind the cause.  

I opened the doors and it was fascinating to see the church with awe. 

Ysabel gave us a sense of place with vintage photographs from another era.  

All the walls, columns, and ceiling panels were painted to conceal the rivets and metal parts. This church is a beautiful masterpiece in concealment.  

The restoration is being undertaken by an international team of experts in their own fields.  

As you can see, the paintings on the wall are fading fast. 

They need to be restored using the latest techniques so that the grandeur of this basilica can be preserved and brought to life. 

Our tour continued to the choir loft, where the best view of the house could be enjoyed. 

I relaxed a bit on the pews and appreciated the majestic view. 

The gothic architecture resonated with my steampunk leanings, I must admit. 

We then proceeded to the upper levels, where the concealment ends. Here, the rivets are clearly visible, and the metal parts are bare. 

Even the hidden upper levels are filled with unexpected beauty.  

I found the upper part of the ceiling beautiful. It reminded me of a ship. 

This is a sample of the restoration undertakings.  

As you can see, rust is the enemy of a metal structure. This is why it is crucial that this gem gets restored stat.  

The dome is a piece of beauty amidst the urban skyline.  

I enjoyed this, and I highly recommend that you join one of their Saturday tours! It is a chance to appreciate history, architecture, engineering, and art all in one morning. Plus, you will help support the restoration as well. 

Join the tour, take pictures, and experience Manila as it should be- with a renewed appreciation for our rich heritage. 

Jogging Blogger

I started jogging at UP three days ago. It was the last day of 2017, and the air was chilly. I was excited to try a new hobby, and I figured that brisk walking along the carless campus would do me some good. It was a breathtakingly silent experience, and I was struck with how much I enjoyed the meditative workout. It was delightful to be with other joggers and walkers. 

I returned the next day, as it was the first day of 2018 and I wanted a fresh start. The cool morning breeze was the ideal accompaniment to my brisk walk. I was surprised that I returned yesterday, and this morning. I had fish balls, Rodic’s tapsilog, and instant coffee. And I had my fair share of sunshine, silence, and peace. It was the perfect way to welcome the new year, as I will literally walk to the beat of my goals. 

Luneta On Rizal Day

I am a Rizal fan! I think it comes naturally for me as I am a Humanities graduate. However, I have not yet been to Luneta to visit the Rizal monument. So, I was fortunate that we are in the country this time of the year and yesterday, I finally visited Rizal’s final resting place on the day of his martyrdom, no less! It was worth the trip, as I felt emotional to be close to my favorite hero. I even wore my millennial pink Noli Me Tangere shirt to show off my fandom to the world. It was a great day to be a Filipino, and I am proud to call our national hero my personal favorite. 

If you have a hero who inspires you to become a better individual, I suggest that you also make the effort to visit his or her final resting place. It will put things into perspective and it will also motivate you to aspire for greatness. It is worth the time and honoring sacrifices never goes old. Do yourself a favor and schedule it soon! 

Archery Noob

I have always wanted to try archery but I never had the time to do so. I was always too shy to try it out with a date, so I opted to finally take the plunge yesterday alone. I was able to get a private lesson from an instructor at Arrowland, and before I knew it, I was enjoying myself with my bow and arrow! I even got a bow with my lucky number 13 on it. Of course, I was a first-timer so my initial shots were not perfect. But I did manage to shoot the bullseye! Finally I have a sport that I really enjoyed playing. I look forward to practicing more and hopefully improving as time goes by. 

Here’s to first times and happy endings! 

Finding Inspiration

Being single is a blessing for the meantime. I get to find inspiration for myself in places that make me happy. For instance, I was in Baguio with my family last week, and one of the places we made time for was Mt. Cloud Bookshop. I have a place in my heart for independent bookshops, and Mt. Cloud perfectly fits the bill. I ended up buying magnets for my collection and a pair of handmade earrings made of Nespresso cups. I am a firm believer that bookshops do not exist for books alone, and if I can buy handmade in these sacred places, then so be it. 

I was inspired by the dreamy bookshelves, ladder, and staircase. If I can find so much love in handmade and books, then I can also find inspiration everywhere. Just like the steps inside Mt. Cloud, I can also find my way to the next good read, handmade trinket, and crowd. All it takes is an open heart and a willing mind.

Day 21: Making My Own Memories

Yesterday, I replaced my sad memories with happier ones at Baguio City with my family. I enjoyed eating strawberry taho again after so many years! I also got to take photos with one of the famous St. Bernard dogs at Mines View Park. I got to buy some souvenirs from the market and I also bought myself a sparkly ring from Ibay’s Silver Shop. I made sure to stop over at St. Joseph the Worker Church to pray for my upcoming return to the corporate world.

I had ravioli and coffee at Cantinetta. After resting at the Kamiseta Hotel, we drove to the Baguio Craft Brewery. I had the best beer I’ve ever had! It was the Message in a Bottle, which is definitely an upgrade from my usual dark beer. It was sweet, smooth, and perfect with my chicken inasal with red rice. 

Now that I am on my final day of my self-improvement project, I can say that I am better than when I was still starting this journey. I have escaped from a destructive situation, familarized myself with my skills, revisited my vision in life, redesigned my life with intention, reviewed how to get things done, and felt empowered as a woman again.

I am now entering a new stage in my professional journey, so it is important that I go back to the five things that I will need to build my career in order to never lose sight of my goals and of the resources that are already available to me. I will continue practicing self-compassion. Lastly, I will always rely on my family and show up for my friends. 

It is time for me to make more happy memories for myself. I deserve to have joy and to share it with others! I am so excited for the future. 

Day 2: Vision Boards

I made a couple of vision boards when I was still working in the BPO industry. I kept these boards with me, and they still inspire me until now.

My love for vision boards boil down to the process of making one. 

I find the process therapeutic, and I get to map out my dreams in a tangible way. With the exception of the virtual professionals phrase, I can say that my vision boards are still current. 

For now, I am focusing on building a corporate career. I am also seeking balance in my life. I have recently let go of difficult people in my life and I am attracting growth. Like what I have learned from Roma Agsalud last Saturday, “growth takes time”. I am now focusing on what I invest in and using my time wisely. That way, I am building a future for myself that is secure and full of opportunities. 

You might be wondering why I prefer to make old school vision boards when I can easily do so online. I am a strong believer that handmade is better. The process gives me a tangible connection to the visual representation of my dreams. You might think that they are just mostly makeup, accessories, and clothes, but these items inspire me to work hard. And of course, my vision boards will never be complete without my advocacies and faith.

If you have extra time and some old magazines, I highly recommend making vision boards. You will need a pair of scissors, glue stick, illustration board, and an outline of what you are looking for. If you prefer doing without the outline, that is also fine. You will definitely be inspired and your vision boards can be your visual guides to the dreams you want to fulfill.

Good luck!

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