Life after My Mother died

 It was soul wrenching experienced to witness My mother's battling with her sickness. From full energy ball of sunshine to beddridden sunken ship. It was during my last quarter pregnancy when My mom repeatedly hospitalized and got worsen during mothers day . From Davao I was opt to travel to Mlang Cotabato to see her personally.

How travel to China ? What are the requirements?

 

It was year 2019 when our company decided to visit Beijing  and Shanghai CHINA. For those who are interested in planning to visit China here are the following requirements .

1.Letter of intent to Chinese Consulate general/ Sponsorship Letter. 

Find the Chinese Embassy in your local area and make a letter indicating the intention to  visit with specific date . If you are planning  for a tourist visit you must request for single entry tourist visas. If you are planning for company sponsored trip , kindly indicate the names of the employees as well as the family member. The letter shall clearly state that the company will shoulder the financial expenses  of the employees.

2. Individual Affidavit of Support for Employees that will financially supported by the company.

3. Affidavit of Support for each family members that will be supported by which family member.

Note: Each letter shall be signed by financial sponsor and must be done by a licensed Lawyer.

4. Photocopy of  Passport with signatures.

https://youtu.be/mIACzVMCDck here is the link of our video compilation trip to China

5.Bank Certificate of Financial Sponsor.

6.Bank Statement of Financial Sponsor.

Note: in our case we get Bank Certificate individually and also Bank statement.

7.Hard copy of Visa Application Form -Visas  may be claimed after 4 working days.

8.If only one person will apply for VISA  , kindly provide Authorization letter with IDs and signatures.

9.Each person shall provide copy of Hotel Booking 

9.Travel Itinerary

                                                                                           

                                                                                                    

My knee Injury Journey

 

This month of September has been a challenging for me, since my left knee got some issues in terms of some damage  tissues and ligaments due to my weak muscle and bad slipped recently..I  thought it was just a mere pain that I could handle but little by little it lead to inflammation that my mobilization and work got affected.

Due to some rare level of discomfort and pain every morning I decided to consult a doctor , to check my left knee and see what medical procedure and precautions they will advise for me to walk again properly.I went to St. Alexus Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Center located in along Mc. Arthur Highway, Matina Davao City.

The first procedure that was advised to me is to have an X-ray of my left knee. After that I proceed to the Orthopedic  Department and together of an X-ray report.The Doctor said that diagnosis Fracture of Lateral Condyl slightly displaced. I was advised to have hinged braces to stabilized my knee and scotches to help my knee carry my body and walk easily.He advised me to take Docel Tablet to lessen pain.The Doctor told me that it was need an operation if I don't want to undergo operation I need to indulge myself for the Physical Therapy.I was a little bit shocked and puzzled at the same time.

Summary of Expenses ( Alexian Orthropedic Center)

X-ray left knee - Php 210.00

Doc. Consultation  Php 600.00

Docel Pain Killer Php 557.50  

Scrotches  Php795.00

Others meals & fare est. Php 300  

 Total 2,462.5   

Note I did not acquire the Hinged Braces  which cost  Php 5000,00 and Physical Therapy per session cost is Php 500.00/ session.

After 5 days the pain is still pounding my knee. Then I was advised to get a second opinion to other Doctor. I went to Davao Doc Hospital for scheduled appointment and the Doctor diagnosis  Pes Ansenmus Bursites  which is the inflamation of the bursa. Then my knee got injected by steriod which is Depo Medrol. I pain slowly subside and it made me relived though I still have the feeling of stiffness to my knee and instability .  I was instructed by the Dr. to undergo MRI & lab Test specifically FBS, Creatinine and Uric Acid for further diagnosis. 

Here are some glimps to my MR.

The MRI speaks for itself , Partial Tear of Anterior Cruciate Ligament /ACL,Partial Tear  Vastus Medialis ,Medial Patellar retinacular strain.Horizontal tear of posterior horns of medial and lateral menisci.Lateral Colateral  Ligaments Strain, Knee Joint infusion  & Subcutaneous Edema.

After the MRI & Lab Test result was given I went to Dr. Pile again for follow up consultation. He refer me to Dra. Carpio, a  Physiatrist for the Physical Therapy. I was advised to have 2 weeks of physical Therapy trice a week by the procedure of High intensity Laser.

 Summary of Expenses ( Davao Doc Hospital)

MRI   Left Knee only  Php 12, 743.00

Chest X-ray Php 521.00

FBS  -Php 257.00

Creatinine Php 354.00

Uric Acid Php 319.00

Steriod Injection (Depo Medrol) Procedure  with Philhealth 

Php 5,700  (Doc Fee 4,000, 1,600 Ultrasound, 100 admin fee)

Physical Therapy Procedure (Doc Fee  700 if No Health Card)

High Intensity Laser Package 2 weeks Php 5,484 

Glocusamin  Php 1,310 14 sachet good for 2 weeks

Total 27,388

others Taxi fare & meals est.

Currently I am under Physical Therapy A and on going pa ang pag heal. I'm praying hindi mauwi sa operation. 

EGOISM : Senses of Self

 

Every individual has its own self importance and it manifest thru our actions towards a certain situation or scenarios. Living  oneself requires a collection of decisions, judgement, and how we act without relying on external authority.

When we tend to dig deeper , look at into someone's motivation and desires at times if reflects their inner intentions. Motivations fuels the desire to achieve more, to take an effort and persevere .Our life reflects our choices and decisions which motivates our actions. Having messy thoughts immerse us into something disastrous actions that would lead to hurt others even if you have good intention.

As we face challenges and unpredictable bumps along the way we tend to lose balance and have difficulty to get back on tract.Too much self importance sometimes hinder growth , it lead to unending question of WHY.We as a human have a set of goals, believes and experiences that mold us to be a person we are right now.Environment plays big factor how your pieces form and synchronize to your own principles and beliefs. 

We simply adhere into our own understanding without considering others factors along the way.Too much self importance can lead to a rotten tomatoes.Some People doesn't aware that they have TOXIC EGO, it simply characterized by an arrogant aura and selfish impulses.To be able to have a clear headed mindset with humble soul , you may see the following.

1. ADOPT A BEGINNER's MINDSET -Remind yourself how much you don't know , it is " Impossible to learn that which one already knows" . Accepting that we didn't know anything and life offers a vast of things that we are not capable of figuring out.Put yourself in rooms where you're the least knowledgeable person. Observe and learn.

2.FOCUS ON THE EFFORT NOT THE OUTCOME-Exerting effort to do a certain things may satisfy our self it could give the sense of success and peace of mind. Doing your best is what matters, we must highlight the fact EFFORT is the key.External reward are just an icing on the cake.

3.CHOOSE PURPOSE OVER PASSION- Passion doesn't consistently pave your way while people with purpose think of it as passion combined with reason are more dedicated and have more control over their direction.

4.STOP TALKING & FACE YOUR WORK- We as an individuals fond on talking on social media getting validation and fake internet frontage and tend to avoid some uncertain and difficult work. 

5.HUMILITY IS THE ANTIDOTE OF PRIDE-Remind yourself to stay on the ground no matter how big accomplishment you have on your table.

6.FOCUS ON THE PRESENT MOMENT NOT THE STORY- Learn to value the present , stop on telling stories of your success. Stay low key.

7.MANAGE YOURSELF ,AND OTHERS- Being smart is not enough you should learn to manage small compartments of your life.

8.LEARN WHAT MATTERS TO YOU & LEARN TO SAY NO.-Know your priorities and have a tranquility to know what you are after.

9.FORGET CREDITS & RECOGNITION- When we are at the beginning part of our pursuits we need to make an effort to trade short term gratification for a longer payoff.Learn to some successful individuals absorb as much as you can. 

10. CONNECT WITH NATURE-It is where you realized how small you are in connection with everything else.

11.WHEN YOU FIND YOUR SELF IN A HOLE -STOP DIGGING- Our Ego screams and rattles when it is wounded.Don't make things worse. Don't dig yourself further. Make a plan.

12.CHOOSE LOVE OVER HATRED. Hate is like eroding acid that eats away the center of you life, choose love .

Hope you've got something :) 

My 3 am thoughts

 

During these long nights wrapped in anxiety, I find myself drawn into prayer—into a quiet conversation between my heart and something far greater than myself. In those moments of stillness, as I listen to the gentle whisper of my inner voice, I begin to feel safe… held… secure.

Processing life, for me, is an act of surrender and understanding. Life unfolds as it is meant to, and when we attempt to twist its nature to fit our fears or expectations, we risk disturbing the fragile peace within us. There are battles we fight in silence—unseen wars that take place in the dimly lit corners of our personal sanctuaries. Yet it is often there, in that quiet darkness, where we discover the faint glow of our own light.

I have learned that I carry my life at my own rhythm—unrushed, intentional, and deeply personal. To move at my own pace, to savor moments, to mend the broken spaces with my own hands—these are not signs of weakness. They do not require me to lower my standards, nor to compromise the respect I owe myself.

There are forces in life beyond our control, beyond even our understanding. To overanalyze every storm is to forget that we are human—creatures guided sometimes by logic, sometimes by emotion, and often by the mysterious intersection of both.

And so, I allow myself to breathe.
To gather the scattered fragments of who I am.
To feel everything—grief, hope, fear, peace—without apology.

I am learning that change is rarely a thunderclap moment where everything transforms overnight. More often, it is a quiet season—a sacred stretch of time where we learn, stumble, rise, adjust, and grow.

I hold deep admiration for those who weather their own hurricanes in silence—those who carry storms within their chests yet still sit calmly with a warm cup of coffee, composed and steady. They rarely speak of their struggles, yet they nurture peace within themselves and somehow still find strength to uplift others.

And above all, I have come to understand this truth:
When God resides within your heart and soul, no mountain is too vast, no path too broken to cross.

The road may not be gentle. The journey may not be easy. But one day, you will stand amazed at who you have become—because God has been shaping you all along, placing moments, people, and lessons exactly where they need to be. Not to change you into someone else—but to help you fully become you, through His grace.

To follow His path is to slowly, bravely release your potential. To live with contentment—not because you have settled for less, but because you have chosen to focus on who He calls you to be.

For everything here on earth is temporary. The shine of superficial things will one day fade like dust under sunlight.

So keep moving forward.
Keep shining.

Let your light travel beyond distances you may never see—
Touching hearts in places you may never know—
And echoing into eternity, where true meaning lives.

Grateful Heart, Quiet Mind

 

Lord, I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Thank You for the gentle reminders of Your unfailing love, for the quiet assurance that even when I wander, Your presence never truly leaves me. Thank You for allowing me to feel You again—to sense Your nearness in moments when my soul longed for refuge.

I cannot imagine a life without You, for You are the breath within my lungs and the anchor of my spirit. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I allowed busyness to drown out Your voice. Forgive me for being consumed by the fleeting pleasures of this world, by superficial distractions that momentarily blinded me from what truly matters. Forgive me for the prayers I left unsaid, for the moments I sank into the depths of weariness and forgot to reach for You.

Thank You for the strength You continue to pour into my life—strength I often do not realize I possess until I am called to stand. Thank You for the unexpected blessings that arrive like quiet miracles, reminding me that You are always working beyond what my eyes can see. Thank You for Your patience with me, for never abandoning me even when I falter, even when I lose my way.

I know I am imperfect. I know there are still parts of me that need healing, lessons I have yet to understand, and truths I have yet to face. Yet still, You clothe me in wisdom, shield me with Your protection, and guide me with a love that never grows weary.

Thank You, Lord, for the peace that settles my restless mind, for the comfort that wraps around me like a warm embrace, for the stillness that allows my soul to finally rest. Thank You for the privilege of being a vessel of kindness—to help, to serve, and to be a blessing to others, especially to my family whom I hold so dear.

Lord, I am in the sacred process of healing. And in this journey, I am learning not only to endure—but to find quiet joy in becoming whole again.

2021: Rebuilding with Purpose

 

he silence has finally lifted, and with it came a wave of quiet relief—like the first breath after being underwater for far too long. I receive it as an answered prayer.

Thank You, Lord, for Your unseen guidance, for leading me through a path where I was able to step away with grace. I carry the experience not as a wound, but as a lesson… and even, in some ways, a beautiful memory of growth.

Perhaps I may be starting again from the beginning—but beginnings are sacred. They are where hope is born.

This year, 2021, I have finally gathered the courage to reshape parts of myself. To become clearer about the life I truly want to live. To choose health—of body, mind, and spirit. Life is fleeting, like mist dissolving under the morning sun, and I long to spend my remaining years with a heart anchored in positivity and purpose.

I am ready to release negativity, for I have seen how it dims the natural beauty of life.

Life is brief, yet powerful. And I want to invest mine into something meaningful—something that glorifies God. Something that will leave a gentle mark of love, faith, and purpose long after I am gone.

And so, here are the promises I am making to myself:

1. Financial Stability
To face my responsibilities with courage. To settle my debts. To build an emergency fund—my shield against life’s unexpected storms.

2. Healthy Living
To nourish my body with vibrant fruits and vegetables. To move, to exercise, to honor the body God has entrusted to me.

3. Writing
To remain faithful to my words. To create, to express, to document thoughts and stories that may one day touch another soul.

4. Learning New Things
To stay curious. To learn cooking, to explore parenting (yes, even if it makes me smile saying it), and to remain open to growth in all seasons of life.

5. The Bible
To complete reading the entire book before the year ends. To deepen my relationship with God. To share devotional reflections that may inspire, comfort, and guide others who are also searching for light.

This is not just a list.
This is a covenant with the person I am becoming.
A promise to live intentionally.
A promise to grow.
A promise to walk closely with God, wherever the road may lead.

Between Thoughts and Breaths

  

December 28, 2020 — Day One

It was a morning wrapped in quiet gloom, my heart heavier than the rain-laced sky above me. I walked along a mist-veiled street, clutching my black umbrella like a fragile shield against emotions I could not quite name.

Mid-step, I froze—wondering why such deep, uninvited pain had settled inside me. Thoughts swirled like storm clouds, pressing against my mind until breathing itself felt like a task.

I felt lost… untethered from time. The world blurred at the edges, like a painting smudged by unseen hands. Without much thought, I hailed a taxi—perhaps hoping movement would quiet the chaos within me.

My chest pounded wildly, as if trying to outrun my consciousness. I gathered what remained of my senses and forced a small, fragile smile—an attempt to trick my mind, even if only for a moment.

The silence was so consuming that even the nearby hum of jeepneys felt distant. Outside the taxi window, the world passed as vague streaks of motion, unreal and far away.

When the taxi stopped, I stepped back into routine, performing my duties as expected—unaware that an assessment awaited me. A one-on-one meeting with my superior.

A part of me trembled with nervousness, yet I chose calmness as my armor. I listened, quietly sorting through the tides of my thoughts. I knew I had room to grow. Anxiety lingered, yet relief followed close behind, like a gentle exhale after holding breath for too long.

---

December 29, 2020

The thought lingered, a quiet echo I couldn’t escape. In the solitude of the bathroom, I allowed myself to cry—whispering prayers only heaven could hear.

I told myself to stand firm. To let God guide my steps. To gather strength enough to face reality, no matter how heavy it felt.

I buried myself in the tasks laid across my table, trying to anchor my emotions through productivity—seeking validation, stability, grounding.

I reminded myself:

It is okay not to be okay.

It is human to feel pain.

It is human to experience the full spectrum of existence—

To love,

To break,

And to heal.

---

December 30, 2020

I tried to calm my spirit, letting soft Christian hymns wrap around my thoughts as I organized my space.

I made my bed carefully, prepared clothes and linens for laundry—simple acts of order against the noise in my mind.

Still, the murmurs in my head would not quiet.

I returned to sleep, letting motivational words play softly, hoping they would soothe the unrest in my soul. Later, I stepped outside for a walk and unexpectedly passed by a massage parlor—an ordinary place in an extraordinary moment of searching.

Then I met an old friend—a former churchmate. Time dissolved between us. We spoke, shared, listened. She welcomed my thoughts without judgment, just as I listened to hers. And in that exchange, something inside me felt lighter.

---

December 31, 2020

Illness settled into my body like an unwelcome guest. I hesitated about going to Arrezo Place for New Year celebrations.

Instead, I spent the day alone—curled on my bed, watching dreamers and creators chase their aspirations through the screen.

I called my housemate to say I wasn’t feeling well. I knew my body and mind needed rest more than celebration.

And strangely, I was okay with solitude.

I steamed hotdogs and embutido before taking my medicine—small comforts in a quiet room.

The heaviness remained. I spoke to God constantly, searching for a path where I could hear Him clearly. Yet silence answered me, like trying to tame an elusive lion hidden deep within its den.

Still… I held on to one truth:

God gave me strength.

And sometimes, that is enough to keep moving forward.

---

January 1, 2021

Happy New Year.

I refused to let sorrow define my first sunrise of the year. I messaged my brother, reminding him how deeply I love him.

Now, I write these thoughts—raw, unfiltered, real. Please bear with me. I am learning to translate emotions into purpose.

Soft, calming sounds fill the air, helping my mind find focus, like stars aligning after a stormy night.

Today, I choose productivity.

Today, I choose healing.

Today, I choose to keep going.

Uchi Shoppe : Home of your choice (Online Shop Concept)

 

In the midst of pandemic phenomena , it was accidentally bound to conceptualize  an online shop which is UCHI SHOPPE.

 Uchi Shoppe  tried to  start a side hustle where in we can showcase our spare time to support and promote small businesses especially the local craftsmen and artisan.

Since the word Uchi  is related to house and home , our products has something to do with home essentials , house decoration, customized furniture that elevates your  sense  of style  and convenience. We do offer  a gift ideas catalog where in you can order a unique pieces specially made to your love ones.

Let me site an excerpt from the internet that explain the core meaning of the word UCHI

 

Uchi, which translated from Japanese means “house”

“uchi”, also written as either “家”、or ”内” can mean two different things:

家 means house. When you say it as “uchi”, it’s usually when refer to “home” instead of the word “house. It can also be read as “ie”

内 is a type of personal pronoun, like “I”. It is mainly used by women or feminine sounding men, and is especially common in the kansai dialect. It can also (rarely) mean the exclusive form of “us”

https://www.quora.com/What-does-%E2%80%9Cuchi%E2%80%9D-mean-in-Japanese-What-are-some-pronunciation-tips 

Vision : I envision this side hustle to be one of our venture in the future where in we can cater local and foreign needs of customized furniture and talking pieces. I envision this to be a known for our quality products specially for interior needs , home essentials and Eco-friendly products.

Mission: To provide employment to the skilled and creative individuals and help them attain their maximum creative ability to create and discover products that will sustain to our community needs.

Please bare with us as we are in the stage of learning how to give you a quality product and services.

Below are some of the products and services that we are offered:

- Customized Interiors and Furnitures offers locally made home and office furniture for an affordable price. We also customize furniture according to your needs such as shelves, bookshelves, shelving, chairs, tables, and desks for home and office space.

The Allure of the Unconventional

Have you ever watched a movie and suddenly found yourself utterly fascinated by a character? It doesn’t matter what they look like on the surface—something about them sparks a wildfire of curiosity in you. If you’re the type of person who instinctively Googles the actor’s name, digs into their background, and dives deep into character analyses, then consider this a virtual high-five—because I feel you.

For me, it’s the thrill of encountering a character that’s just a little strange, a little mysterious, or brilliantly twisted. Villains who toy with the minds of their victims? Genius. Those kinds of roles don’t just entertain—they demand exploration. They pull me in, and I find myself wandering down rabbit holes of information, reading interviews, biographies, and behind-the-scenes stories just to understand the craft, the thought process, the art.

Take Eddie Redmayne, for instance. My first encounter with him was in The Theory of Everything, where he brought Stephen Hawking to life with a hauntingly delicate grace. Watching him transform into Hawking—a mind trapped in a body betraying itself—was mesmerizing. Naturally, my curiosity couldn’t stop there. I had to know who Eddie Redmayne really was. I read his biography, scrolled through his interviews, and discovered an actor with incredible depth, a dedication to craft so profound that he seems to inhabit every role entirely. I didn’t just see a performance; I glimpsed an artist in full bloom, painting life on the screen.

Actors like him leave a lasting imprint on your imagination. They make you pause, wonder, and sometimes fall down the delightful rabbit hole of curiosity, savoring every detail you can uncover. And honestly, that’s the magic of cinema—the way one character can open a portal into a world of stories behind the story.

Robert Carlyle is an actor who lingers in your mind long after the screen goes dark. I first encountered him as Rumplestiltskin and Mr. Gold in Once Upon a Time, and I was utterly fascinated by his dual mastery of these contrasting souls. Mr. Gold exudes a composed, almost serene neutrality, a quiet intelligence that commands attention without a single exaggerated gesture. Then, in a dazzling flip, he becomes Rumplestiltskin—a mischievous, almost childlike trickster who delights in the art of deception, his gleeful antics tinged with a darkness that keeps you both charmed and unsettled.

What makes Carlyle mesmerizing is his attention to the tiniest details: the subtlest twitch of a lip, the playful shift in his voice, the precise mannerisms that reveal the hidden depths of a character. Watching him is like peering through a kaleidoscope—each angle reveals a new shade, a new layer of personality. He doesn’t just act; he sculpts each role, crafting a living, breathing mosaic of humanity that feels astonishingly real and endlessly captivating.

I’ve come to realize that our likes and dislikes are mirrors of our inner selves—they reveal not only our personalities but also the way we perceive and cherish artistry. A character on screen is only as powerful as the soul that breathes life into them; without passion, performance is merely motion, devoid of magic.

When something captures my intrigue, I am compelled to dive beneath the surface, to explore the layers hidden from the casual glance. Curiosity stirs within me like a gentle wind fanning a quiet flame, urging me to uncover the truths that lie beyond what my eyes can see. It is more than intellectual pursuit; it is a sensation that resonates deep within my heart and soul. There is a certain enchantment in the air of mystery—a pull that makes obsession feel like devotion, that transforms every question into a delicate thrill, every discovery into a quiet revelation. The unknown does not intimidate me; it beckons me, promising that beyond each shadow lies a story waiting to be unveiled.

The Whisper of Waiting

 

Sometimes, life places us in the midst of stillness and uncertainty. Moments when the pulse of existence feels muted, and a quiet numbness lingers, as if the world has dimmed its colors and slowed its rhythm.

Today, such a stillness embraced me. I recently moved to a new place, and as the morning unfolded, something urged me to climb to the rooftop. I let my senses breathe, my eyes tracing the unfamiliar contours of the space, while the sweet, delicate chirp of birds on nearby wires stitched a gentle melody into the air.

Time seemed to pause. The world felt like a giant puzzle, with scattered pieces of faces, places, sounds, and moments slowly shifting, seeking alignment. And then, I felt it — a presence, subtle yet undeniable. God was speaking, not in words, but in the hush of that moment. A chill ran through me, mingled with comfort, as if I were being gently reminded: He is always near, guiding, whispering, and nudging.

God does not leave us in perpetual guessing. He sends signs, moments of pause and reflection, urging us to quiet our minds, slow our pace, and tend to the garden of our souls. Yet not all signs are pleasant; some arrive wrapped in pain, discomfort, or loss. It is His way of tapping our shoulder, of capturing our attention when our hearts and minds are too busy to notice.

Is God asking you to wait?

Signs are manifold, often disguised as life’s disruptions:

1. The hollow ache of feeling lost or without purpose.

2. The quiet departure of negative or hurtful people.

3. An unexpected opportunity to retreat, travel, or seek solitude.

4. The breaking of relationships, tender yet necessary.

5. Physical or mental exhaustion that demands rest.

Some of life’s events leave invisible scars, marks we try to conceal from the world. We believe time has buried them, yet God, in His wisdom, can unearth these moments, placing them before us to teach, guide, and awaken.

These moments, these signs, are invitations — calls to reflection, discernment, and growth. They are reminders that God protects us in ways we may not yet comprehend. Patience, attentiveness, and faith become our companions as we learn to read His subtle language.

To wait is not to stagnate; it is to align, to prepare, and to grow. The pause is sacred. The stillness, a message. And in listening, truly listening, we begin to understand the rhythm of His timing.

Trash to Treasures : Davao Barter Community

In the midst of this COVID19 pandemic our community found a way to help people who wants to barter things that can still be utilize by other people in exchange of things they better need of and extending help in communities against real life situations and restrictions.One man’s trash could be another man’s treasure indeed.The rise of barter community started through online group in facebook in which one of the policy is to exchange only with out money involved. It is a great way to declutter things and swap into our preffer goods or items , in that way those family who are curently lost a job due to COVID may trade their available posession to something that can generate an income or something that they can eat to survive daily life.

Imagine a world without cash or credit cards. You'd barter to get what you need and want.Barter/Trade system also implied by finding joy on small things of life rather than the value of money and luxury items.Giving and receiving is not always based on the value of items but the thought behind that act.In times of crisis people tend to stretch their budget and look for ways like bartering helps getting the essentials with the things they do not need anymore.

The World Paused

It’s me again, writing while the rain pours heavily outside, each drop tapping a gentle rhythm on my window. I’ve been away from this little space for far too long, and I realize now just how much I’ve missed the act of writing. It’s hard to put into words the feeling stirring within me — a quiet sense of being resurrected, of awakening into a new state of possibility. I feel blessed, alive, and eager for the many prompts and projects my mind longs to explore, even if, for now, I am the sole reader of my musings.

Lately, my mind has been a bustling workshop of ideas, overflowing with concepts about business, money management, and personal growth. Though I am not wealthy, I find myself inexplicably drawn to money-related content, tutorials, and discussions online. Perhaps it is the pull of maturity, or the slow realization that financial literacy is an adventure in itself — a journey I am only beginning to chart.

The quarantine has been a strange yet gentle gift. With time stretched and obligations paused, I have had the space to rest, reflect, and explore things I never attempted before. It has been a period of quiet observation, a canvas for experimentation, and a mirror into my own routines and desires.

I discovered the joy of preparing my own meals — a task I had rarely attempted before, but now have come to relish. Cooking is no longer mere sustenance; it is an act of creation, requiring planning, patience, and attention to detail. From selecting ingredients to peeling, slicing, and adjusting spices to taste, to carefully plating the finished dish, the process has taught me the satisfaction of effort and anticipation. Each meal is a small triumph, a tangible reflection of care, creativity, and intention. I find myself already looking forward to the next day’s menu, excited to experiment and refine, to transform ordinary ingredients into something meaningful and nourishing.

In these simple acts, I sense a deeper lesson: that reflection, effort, and curiosity are themselves forms of growth. That even in isolation, one can cultivate skill, mindfulness, and joy. That the ordinary, when approached with intention, becomes extraordinary. And perhaps this is the quiet gift of these quarantine days — the revelation that life, in its smallest routines, holds endless opportunities for discovery, creativity, and reflection.

I also find myself indulging in the world of K-dramas. These stories have become a cherished part of my routine, a window through which I explore the many facets of life, love, and human emotion. Each series stretches my perceptions, tugging at my heart, challenging my empathy, and inviting me to linger in moments of joy, sorrow, and quiet reflection.

Here are some K-drama series that have lingered in my mind, stirring my emotions and resonating deep within my soul.

Synopsis

(Itaewon Class) tells the story of ex-convict Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) whose life has been turned upside down after he gets expelled from school for punching a bully and his father is killed in an accident. Following his father's steps, he opens his bar-restaurant DanBam (Sweet Night) in Itaewon. Alongside his manager, Jo Yi-seo (Kim Da-mi) and his staff, he strives towards success and reaching greater heights while battling against a food conglomerate.

Synopsis

The series (Empress Ki)revolves around Gi Seungnyang, a Goryeo-born woman who ascends to power despite the restrictions of the era's class system, and later marries Toghon Temür (Emperor of Mongol Empire) to become an empress of the Yuan dynasty, instead of her first love, Wang Yu. It managed to highlight the deep love the Emperor embedded in Lady Ki and depicts her loves and political ambitions.[3]

This drama (Royal Gambler) is about a prince who's forced to live as a commoner and uses his gambling skills to take revenge on the King. Dae-Gil (Jang Geun-suk) and King Yeongjo (Yeo Jin-goo) enter a match. ... King Yeongjo is a man who never lowers his head without a convincing reason.

Jang Keun Suk has thousands of expressions in his repertoire. Each expression conveys the thoughts of the character he’s portraying .

I also started my own urban mini survival garden,since I have limited space I struggled in replanting from one container to the other container. It gives me excitement as I witnessed the growth of every plant. Here's some glimpse of mini garden.

I immersed myself in the vast world of online learning, exploring resources that are just a click away. Yet, the abundance of information can sometimes feel overwhelming, like standing at the edge of a vast ocean of knowledge. Perhaps the key is to take it slowly, embracing one course at a time, savoring each lesson as it comes.

I highly recommend exploring online TESDA trainings — a treasure trove of free learning opportunities. It is a chance to expand your skills, cultivate curiosity, and invest in yourself without cost. In a world brimming with resources, it is wise to take full advantage of such opportunities, one thoughtful step at a time.

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