Coffee Story # 3: Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

 I can definitely say that I am powered by coffee. I can't really start my day without coffee and I don't talk to anyone without sipping first my coffee, it's like my power on. I can only  say "carpe diem" after finishing my coffee. 

 ….. and this coffee machine I got from my dad is my coffee story #3 has a story behind it. 

I got a better picture from the actual website and here it is:

SOURCE: KRUPS

Our neighbor/friend where my parents live, gave this to my dad back in 2019. 2019 was the same year my mom died too. Our neighbor who is based in Germany got this for my dad and when she went back home, she gave it to my dad which was few days before my mom passed away. Dad did not use it first because she wanted to wait for mom to arrive from the hospital and share the coffee with her. 

Mom did not get the chance to do that. She passed away last October 2019. 

We used it after and then I offered the first cup to her beside her picture.

This coffee story is definitely the saddest for me. She would have enjoyed it, probably with no sugar because she was diabetic.

This year my dad gave it to me and initially I told him that he might as well  use it and enjoy it. He insisted and up to this time I am using it. I remember two things from this coffee machine: 

1. My memories of mom and those coffee moments with her

2. Dad's ever generous heart 

It kind of match the pandemic season because a lot of people are into creating their own coffee nook and I have mine set up as well. One time I shared it at FB's popular page - Homebuddies. I love other's coffee nook too! Mine is simple and I love it that way. 

I will take a picture of my little nook soon so that I can document it here it too.

For now, here's what's in my phone and capsule:

Old picture from my parent's house

Cafe Americano

 Truly, behind every coffee cup has a story. 

Coffee Story # 2: The Beauty of Writing this Pandemic Season

I regenerated my tiny space and thought of sharing my coffee stories also known as coffee thoughts. These are my coffee thoughts that are just wandering in my mind, hence my thoughts will now be converted to writing.. again .. one coffee story at a time.

My coffee from Delicere

Coffee Story # 2: The Beauty of Writing this Pandemic Season

Butterflies are nature's angels. They remind us what a gift it is to be alive. -Robyn Nola

 I have this love affair with blog writing that is mostly on and off for years now. (2006-present) The cycle goes like this -  write a few posts, stop for a couple  of months and then go back again. If I am that consistent, I must have written a hundred posts by now. But I lack consistency. Or maybe I lack time? Or is it because it's easier to post on Instagram with few captions to document memories.

Did I lack the time?

Perhaps, no. I realized it's about making time to things that spark joy in me. I must have been addicted to doing all things training and completely forgot that I have this safe space I can always go back to. A space that welcomes me without waiting for something in return.

So recently, I have this urge to go back again and start anew. Relive those blogging blissful moments. When recent happenings (life, lately) led me to this feeling of  seeking meaningful distractions, I know that this is the perfect time to channel my energy and thoughts to something that will spark joy and that is my writing because LIFE IS SHORT. I am excited and happy! Tomorrow is never promised, anyway. 

I miss you, writing. I miss you, blog. I miss the adrenaline that comes with it. Back in 2009, I used to go to coffee shops after my morning shift and write blog posts. Joining and winning blog contests back then was my thing and made my blogging journey more fun. 

Taking pictures.. uploading it.. creating blog posts, editing it.. publishing it.. EXCITING!

I write to my journal on a weekly basis as a form of my self-care and expression and that brings joy too. So now I am taking it again to that level where I can just write my thoughts and experiences and keep it raw. Nowadays when almost everybody shifted to You Tube videos and TikTok and no one reads the blog anymore, I still consider blogs as a classic platform where you can read meaningful stories (not product related) and gain information. I still read the blog posts of my favorite bloggers and it takes me back to that era where blogging was the thing. 

So whether no one reads this space, it is perfectly fine with me because after all it's my form of self-care and expression. I write because it is my passion. I write because I want to improve my grammar and other deep and mundane reasons. 

I write because it transforms me in one way or another. 

For me, the beauty of writing this pandemic season is documenting how I will grow and transform to something better one step at a time. This serves as a reminder to enjoy this season in spite of everything that is happening. 

To remember what this season is trying to tell us... the MESSAGE behind the MESS (something that I learned from a webinar from my favorite speaker).

To remember that God gave me this passion and purpose in writing. 

To look back and say to myself years from now.. that I did not just go through the pandemic season but I also GROW through it. 

Coffee Story # 1: Childhood Memories and French Baker

It's always a blissful moment for me to remember my childhood memories because it give me a certain joy to look back on and to hold on to. I guess it was that beautiful for me but at the same time painful because I can't go back into that moment and relive it again. It was fleeting, I must say. Whether it's  food, music, places, traditions, it always take me back to the good old simple, stress-free days and wish that I can experience it again in real life just for one more time.. for one more day or just simply experience it in my dreams. When challenges and trials are overwhelming for me, I wish I can be transported to my childhood days. 

But that's okay because I remembered I have this blog, this space for me to put it into words and re-tell the stories to myself (self-fulfillment) or to blog readers who might be able to read this and down the line, to tell stories to my son Gavin so that it will be a reminder for him to create beautiful memories to his children.

Anyway, one of my childhood memories with my family was lining up at French Baker and taking advantage of the 50% off before the store closes. I can't remember what branches we've been to except what I can remember was at SM Megamall. I was in high school back then. We used to buy a week's worth of baon and I specifically loved their danish and croissants. We also used to buy baguette back then. Until now I still love it and I normally pair it with brewed coffee. Mama was the one who organized the French Baker lining up activity and Papa was our financer (our term). Hahaha! We grew up having those kind of experiences.

Family memories. 

Today, I look back on those memories when I have the chance to go to French Baker. It's bittersweet I must say. I miss the family moments that come with it but am thankful for those memories. It's a tradition that I will continue to do to overcome this tinge of sadness of not being able to go back to those moments.

So last me time moment, I went to French Baker, ordered my favorite Peach Danish paired with Cafe Americano.

Blissful me time. 

:)

My coffee story

Every bite and sip, took me back to where I would like to be.

Even for just a moment. 

Fleeting moment.

8 Things I Love About Itaewon Class

 Source (Credit)

It’s been more than a month now since I finished one of the famous Kdramas in  Netflix and up to this time it holds a special place in my heart (aside from CLOY – Crash Landing On You) because of the life lessons I learned from it. It’s not the usual K dramas out there (No pun intended here because I love all K dramas for different beautiful reasons) because it tackles dreams, hopes, equalities in the society, leadership, marketing and a lot more. I got hooked when watching it because I was looking forward to what Park Seo Joon will do next to overcome the hurdles that came his way. It was a sweet victory in the end because what his dream came true. His father may not be able to see his victory in the end but that scene where PSJ’s dreamed of his father talking to him showed that his father is proud of him.

I am sharing with you the eight things I loved and learned from “Itaewon Class” and it left a mark in me:

1. “Your life might seem repetitive. But no one really knows what could happen tomorrow. Who knows? Your boring life might turn into an exciting one.” – This line came from Park Sae Ro Yi (Park Seo Joon) and it left a mark in me because

·       
We are the captain of our ship. – It is up to us who can turn our boring life into an exciting one or a purpose filled life. We should not depend on other people to make it exciting. We call the shots in this thing called life.

·       
 This line applied to him because after being released in the prison, he did not choose to be overwhelmed with fear of not being accepted again by society, instead he began with his journey to greatness starting from scratch and that is to go fishing so he could save up for his business.

·        
Life is really repetitive, but it gives second chances to us. We can make it exciting by starting somewhere and by starting small steps towards whatever goals we have.

2. Don’t give up.

This is my biggest takeaway from Itaewon Class in more ways than one. Park Sae Ro Yi didn’t falter. He paused but he didn’t quit at all when things were rough in his journey. I can say that it strengthened him more. It made him more focused on his goals. When he was stressed out, he would a take a walk to clear his mind and think of solutions. Danbam (his pub) did not start successful but it overcame all problems such as:

·         No customers at first
·         A lot of competitors in Itaewon
·         The business needed to be close for quite some time as ordered
·         When their participation in a tv contest was cancelled

And a lot more. The difficulties he and his team encountered were solved in a professional way without ranting and I love how Park Sae Ro Yi handled it with grace under pressure. All the more I will not forget his character in this drama.

3. “I’m going to achieve everything I dream” 

He did not just dream, he made things happen! We can all dream but making it happen is another story, moreover overcoming obstacles is also part of the journey. I heard him say “ I have a 15 year plan”.

4. His people are the heart of his business

“ I knew it wouldn’t be easy. We can go the hard way. I have you guys.”

It’s been shown many times in this drama how much he valued his people through his words and actions. Through thick and thin, he was with them every step of the way.

5. Making use of his time when he was in prison

Instead of moping around, he made use of his time by reading the story about Janga and the antagonist’s journey to success.

6. His open-mindedness when it comes to his business

When his business was just starting he ordered a mascot costume (not sure how to call it!) and he gave flyers to passersby near his pub. When Jo Si-Yeo joined his team, that’s when learned the power of marketing of social media. He was open to the idea and he was willing to learn.

7. Jo Yi-Seo is amazing!

Need I say more? Even though she was mean at times in the drama, her strong and smart character is one for the books!

8. Great actors and actresses

It seemed to me that they were meant for their characters. Park Seo Joon’s acting here is excellent and he was really meant for this successful drama. I hope he wins the best actor in the Baeksang Arts Awards!

My Online Learning Journey

Learning and training are two essential things that make up my passion. Yes, my passion is training people for developmental courses and the other one is learning on my own to fill my lid to be able to give more. I’ve always believed that:

Learning is a continuous journey.
Learning is fun.
Learning can be in any forms especially in this day and age.
Last January, I enrolled at UP Online University – Massive Open Distance e-Learning (MODeL). I’ve heard UPOU way back years ago from an acquaintance but I did not enroll.

But last January, it was a different story.

I heard it from my client/trainee when she mentioned that they were offering free certificate courses. I immediately got interested and signed up for it.

Thank you, Ms. Gisela for letting me know. Much appreciated!

It really piqued my interest and immediately signed up for “Introduction to ODeL” and went through the process.

I chose this because I am in the field of virtual training and I knew in my heart that this would greatly helped me out. I am now in my fourth learning course and I am definitely enjoying the process. It is challenging at times in terms of time and learning tasks but I just think that this will contribute to my own learning and development. Moreover, I know that this will soon be applied in my role.

So, a few weeks ago, I received an email that my certificate is readily available.

I was happy.

In this time of uncertainty, it gives hope in me because it reminds me that learning should not stop and that we can always maximize our time wisely with the time being.

You can view their offered courses here. 

To this and more, YES to learning. Love learning.

Thank you, UPOU!

BEST SERENITY PLACE IN TAGAYTAY | NURTURE WELLNESS AND VILLAGE

It's been a while since I blogged and I truly miss my happy place which is this blog. It's been pretty crazy for the past few months with all the events, transition in my career life, and of course juggling motherhood. But being busy is also good however I realized that I should not neglect myself most importantly my health.

I have been longing for an out of town where serenity is present and that means an out of town trip. For now, it's not possible so I hope in December it will be.

Allow me to reminisce one of the best place I've been in the South to be specific in Tagaytay. I will make this detailed in my next blog post but for now, I just want to reminisce by just posting our pictures when we went to Nurture Wellness Village last year. Yes, it's been a year and FB reminded me on this. What a sweet reminder to the best serenity place in Tagaytay.

#SERENITY

My door selfie series which reminds me of this quote from the famous Vlogger, Wil Dasovich:

"When the opportunity closes, build another door” 

It just feels good reminiscing and pretending I'm there again by just looking at the pictures and blogging about it. I really would like to go back and feel the serenity again. 

Till my next installment of this trip. :)

Movie Review: Kita Kita "It's Now, It's Never"

Photo Credit

I never expected that I will be so much drawn to this movie even after watching it. It's not hype, it's for real. This movie has so much amazing things to offer and for me, it's something fresh and my favorite term nowadays...organic. 

For me, a movie is beautiful if it leaves so much emotion during and after watching the movie. This is what "Kita Kita" is all about. It's not your typical rom-com movie, it's unusual but it's beautiful in its own way without trying hard. Sobrang feel good movie na pag-uusapan ninyo after. 

I have 10 reasons why I love this film:

1. Spectacular storyline - It's an unusual love story  because it veers away from the norm where we have love team (nothing against them though, just to set things straight) but we have two people who haven't been paired before and you can instantly see the exciting chemistry which made the storyline even more spectacular. Hindi ito yung nagkasalubong lang and pak, nag kakilala and proceeded to get to know each other and then you know what's next. We have Lea and Tonyo who were both brokenhearted which paved the way in meeting and eventually loving each other. When Tonyo was filled with so much sadness, his constant companion was Sapporo (beer) and that's when he decided to move to Sapporo, Japan for new beginnings. Lea is based in Sapporo and works as a tour guide. When her boyfriend cheated on her, it led to stress causing temporary blindness. I won't delve into details anymore because I will let the movie surprise you.

2. Scenic Sapporo, Japan - Ang ganda lang, I can sense a peaceful place perfect for "two less lonely people in the world" (my apologies on being cheesy). I was transported to a place I haven't been to and I appreciated everything about the place.

3. Characters by Destiny  - I can't imagine any other actors and actresses na pwedeng gumanap aside from Alessandra and Empoy. Eto yung sinasabi na, the roles were destined for them. They both played their roles naturally and that made it more special and remarkable.

4. Alessandra de Rossi's acting - " Walang kupas". Her eyes can move you.

5. Empoy's funny antics- He can make you laugh kasi hindi pilit.

6. Movie theme song - The song "Two less lonely people in the world" KZ Tandingan (remake) is a perfect fit for the movie.

7. It's not your usual 2-hour movie - If I am not mistaken, it was just an hour and 28 minutes. Hindi dragging but you get to watch a quality film. Ang movie di kaylangan mahaba to capture the audience's attention.

8. The twist in the story - It's not always happy endings. In fact, it gives more meaning if it doesn't  end well because that's when we truly realize that not all true love pwedeng magkatuluyan. It will just have a special place in one's heart.

9. It makes you laugh, cry, and ask why. - Everything happens for a reason.

10. " It's now, It's never"- Empoy - The quote "Is It Better To Have Loved And Lost Than To Never Have Loved At All"  fits this line by Empoy. Cheesy but true.

Why 10 reasons.... It's in the movie.

I'm still on a high after watching this and I am hoping more films like this will be made here in the Philippines.

Belle De Jour Rendevous: Bella Mommies

It was truly a celebration of motherhood.

It was a fun-filled event that I can call one for the books. 

It was a learning event that gave so many key takeaways applicable in our mommy lives.

Last July 22, 2017, I attended my first BDJ event and I am so much grateful I did. I made sure I am part of this event because it was intended for Bella Mommies and Bella Mommies-to-be and BDJ went beyond expectation.

Let me tell you the beautiful things that transpired that day.

After registration, these freebies greeted me!

Celeteque and The Podium were the major sponsors and 

Cinnabon sponsored delightful cinnamon rolls

The event was slated at 1 pm at the Podium and I arrived 5 minutes late and good thing it hasn't started yet because I didn't want to miss all the learning sessions. The event started with a raffle and here are the mommies who won:

The first speaker was Louise Santos (The Multitasker) and she is the mommy behind Mommy Practicality.  I know her because I have been reading her blogs through the years. I can so much relate with her topic, I guess all moms did! We wear so many hats and we have so many tentacles that we use everyday. I liked the way she delivered her topic because it was funny yet so much relatable. One great thing I learned from her is about making time for passion. I have neglected my passion -- which is blogging because of my back to back training classes at work. But after the talk, I vowed to return to blogging once again because this can take my stress away. I've been meaning to go back to blogging but a lot of things in my mind are hampering it but now, I will create a habit once again to pursue my passion. Thank you, Mommy Louise!

                                                                      The Multitasker

                                                             My takeaway from her talk

By the way, another highlight of the event was seeing my favorite youtuber, Isha Borromeo (aka Purpleheiress on Youtube) because she was the host of the event) I was glad to see her and my fangirling mode was definitely on.

The second speaker was Ginger Arboleda (The Mompreneur) and another mommy inspiration from way back. She is the general manager of Manila Workshop and also wears many hats. I wanted to say hi after the event because at one point last year, I collaborated with Manila Workshops when they had an event in Mandala Park. Her perspectives were on point and I learned that:

On point

The next talk was also interesting and I can say part of our "self-care". The name of the speaker is Shari Macainag (The Fashionista) and she talked about how to mix and match clothes and how to be more presentable despite our uber busy schedules.

and allow me to highlight one of the most important thing because I was able to resonate

It makes sense because if you don't feel good inside, then it would be hard for you to have a positive aura and treat others right. I will make sure that this will be on my affirmation board. 

We had a break and sumptuous plated meals and Cinnabon drinks were served to the mommies. In between talks, raffle prizes were given to the mommies and this made the event so much fun. 

The last was about fitness and the speaker is Ian Banzon (The Fitness Coach) and she inspired me to make time for fitness activities. She shared activities that can be done in the comforts of our home.I also learned that a balanced meal is a colorful meal, meaning it should be a complete meal to have all the nutrients needed by our body. 

After the talk, a game was happily played and raffle prizes were given away! I finally got mine and I was ecstatic. 

By the way, I got this loot from Belo Baby:

I was also happy to see my new found mommy friends and of course it's not complete without snapshots!

Mommy Marilou (Mommy Blogger)'

Mommy Farrah (Mommy Vlogger)

The event was indeed a success and I am sure that everybody went home HAPPY and INSPIRED.

There were so many learning takeaways that we can surely apply in our lives. I am glad because this event is a BREATHER from my daily tasks at home and work. 

I loved every minute of it because:

1. I love meeting new people.

2. I feel refreshed and inspired.

3. ME TIME, redefined.

Thank you, BDJ, Momma Club (for giving me the slot), event sponsors, speakers and organizers.

Till next Bella event!

Fluffy: My Fluffy Best friend and Baby

I’ve always been a dog lover for as long as I can remember. Fluffy friends hold a special place in my heart whether I am the owner or not. It has been my mantra to love and help fluffy friends always. After all, they are man’s best friend, right?

Now, the last time I had a fluffy friend was 2012 and we had almost 12 years of wonderful and memorable friendship. Her name is Elaine and she passed away last August 2012. She was my pet even before I got married. She was my best friend. I swear, I told myself that I would not have another pet again because of that painful moment. I don’t want to get hurt again. So even if I love dogs, I will control myself not to come to a decision in having pets in my life.

But that changed. Fast forward to today, I have now a fluffy baby and his name is Fluffy. Yes, his name is Fluffy. We got him last March 2016 mainly because I want my son to have a wonderful experience in having a pet and to teach him great responsibility.Yes, call me crazy but I gave it a chance again and I can say, no regrets. Just happy times with my dear Fluffy.

Allow me to introduce Fluffy to you… Fluffy is year 1 year old and 7 months and a Shih Tzu. Why the name Fluffy? Because when I got him, one thing I noticed is his “fluffiness”. I love the fluffiness in him and just petting his soft and light hair makes me relax. All the time. He is so loving and sweet in so many different ways. That being said, we share a lot of memories every single day.

So, what's my memorable moment with him?

Believe it or not, it was when he was very sick early this year. It may sound weird but yes it is.

Why? Because it taught me a lot of things and that moment made me more closer to him being his furry mom.

He didn't like to eat... didn't like to play... no energy at all. Apart from that, he kept on vomiting. I brought him to our veterinarian and it was found out from the test that he has low platelet count. If I am not mistaken, it was just 11. The culprit could be his tick per the veterinarian. He was diagnosed to have Ehrlichiosis. 

It was one of the scariest moment of my life. 

The furry mom in me was sad, afraid, and nervous. I didn't want to lose him just because of that.

But that moment, made me stronger because I have to for him. I bought all the medicines needed and fed him even if he didn't like to. I forced him to drink his medicines even if he was struggling and didn't like it. I made him drink Kamote leaves which was soaked in hot water even if he didn't like it. I made sure we slept together in one bed. And there I was, cuddling him more than ever. 

Visit to the Veterinarian

Slowly, after a week, he was getting better. He started to be responsive.

I felt a sigh of relief and we started to play again. The playful in him started to show again. 

That one week was a combination of fear, stress, but most of all "HOPE" that he will get better. I asked prayers from different dog groups in social media so I may raise awareness too.

That moment was indeed MEMORABLE.

I also saw my son cuddling him more.

For me memorable moment is not limited only to happy moments but at the same time, being able to pass the challenges that life may throw us. Fluffy's sick moment was memorable because:

1. He brought our family closer to one another whilst working on one goal-- to make him feel more loved in times of sickness.

2. He made me stronger as a furry mom because most of the time, fear is getting the best of me because of my past experiences with fluffy friends.

3.That after this memorable challenging moment, it is so much FULFILLING to smile again and play with FLUFFY MY FLUFFY FRIEND. 

4. That taking selfie has become our favorite past time.

Selfie, selfie my Fluffy

I love him more than ever and everyday we take selfies to cherish each day.

Taking selfies with you fluffy friends?

My favorite OPPO #SelfieExpert smartphone is Oppo F3 because as known to all, "it provides the best selfie experience to users, because the F3 supports dual selfie cameras" making that selfie moment all worth it!

Welcome May!