On Dealing With Pain and Demise
Grief and sadness don’t go away overnight, instead, it becomes a part of our own being. We carry it within us as we grow and try to move forward.
I didn’t listen to Ed Sheeran’s Visiting Hours at the time of its release because I wasn’t in the mood for the melancholic vibe that it may bring (also knowing that this song is written for one of his closest friends that passed away this year.)
I’ve only ever been ready when I experienced the same kind of pain, of losing someone you value dearly and love.
And the tears won’t stop falling.
`I wish that Heaven had visiting hours`
`So I could just swing by and ask your advice`
`What would you do in my situation?`
`I haven't a clue how I'd even raise them`
`What would you do?`
`'Cause you always do what's right`
I’m the first granddaughter in the family so I always say that I am his favourite *“apo”*. He usually attends school activities as my father used to work abroad so you can say that my sister and I are *“laking lolo at lola”* and it’s a good thing, because our grandparents are very caring and they taught us a lot of learnings about life.
Our grandma is 79 (she is sickly at times, but still alive). Our grandfather would have been 77 in October, but he is now one with the angels above.
`Can we just talk a while until my worries disappear?`
`I'd tell you that I'm scared of turning out a failure`
`And say, "Remember that the answer's in the love that we create"`
`So much has changed since you've been away`
Death is something that we are all expecting and it will happen to us when it’s time too, but it still hurts to lose a loved one no matter the circumstances (whether it be by a disease, accident or natural causes).
Our grandfather has long battled a mild case of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease but it was mild stroke that prevented him from being able to walk that’s been the cause of his demise. He was bedridden and weak for days.
According to **alz.org**, “**Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia**,” which is **“a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.”** https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
Meanwhile from the **Mayo Clinic**, “Parkinson's disease is **a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement**. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
There are times when he can’t remember the names of people that he kept a notebook and he would write random names in it. There are moments when he’s quick witted like normal. There are days when his hands would shake that he can’t drink water on his own, or too stiff to stand up from being seated for too long. But there are good days when he can even feed the chickens and roosters in our yard.
There are good days and there are bad. But we love him just the same. Filipino families are well-known for their close-knit ties and our family is no different. Not perfect, but loving.
It’s grief-stricken to think that he would not be with us physically anymore but there is hope that wherever he is now, he is in a much better place. A place where there is no pain. There’s only love, healing and joy given by the Lord above.
`I wish that Heaven had visiting hours`
`And I would ask them if I could take you home`
`But I know what they'd say, that it's for the best`
`So I will live life the way you taught me`
`And make it on my own`
I will remember him as someone who was able to provide to his family, a well-loved member of the society (he was once a barangay official), a helpful relative, and a joyful company.
I will remember his goodness and will try to live with the legacy that he’s left with us.
I will love my future family just as much as my grandfather has shown his love to us.
And I will forever be grateful for the years that he’s been with us.
May you rest in paradise, Ama! We are more than blessed to have you in our lives. You’ll live in our hearts forever. ♡
`I will close the door, but I will open up my heart`
`And everyone I love will know exactly who you are`
`'Cause this is not goodbye, it is just 'til we meet again`
`So much has changed since you've been away`
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Song credit: Visiting Hours, Ed Sheeran
https://youtu.be/t3CoEyYEf4A
Songwriters: Ed Sheeran / Amy Wadge / Johnny Mcdaid / Scott Carter / Michael Ross Pollack / Anthony Clemons Jr / Kim Lang Smith
Visiting Hours © WMG on behalf of East West Records UK Ltd; UMPG Publishing, SONY ATV Publishing
I haven’t been active because my grandfather has died yesterday. Please include our family in your prayers 🤍🥺🙏🏼 Thank you
Wandering in Taiwan
I have zero to low expectations when we visited **Taiwan** in 2019 but it turned out to be one of the best travels that I had and I was able to enjoy exploring the place even more.
At that time my friend and I are stressed out at our respective jobs and so this Taiwan travel is one that we’ve been looking forward to the most upon booking a seat sale on the tail end of Spring. We wanted to experience cherry blossoms (this trip is way affordable / less expensive than Japan) and so we didn’t miss the chance to see its bloom. And what a spring time to remember!
We had five amazing days in Taiwan while only spending a total of approximately 360USD (including air fare and pre-booked tickets; our pocket money is 200USD).
200 USD (10,000 PHP)??? Yes, it is possible.
SOME TRAVEL TIPS
**Book an Airbnb unit that is accessible** (preferably in Ximenting or near Taipei Main Station). Don’t worry, there are actually a lot of great options in there. I believe it is because it is a perfect location: it is not too far from the main mean of transportation (train/bus station) and there are a lot of night markets in which you can buy not only different types of food when you are hungry but the mementos and some authentic treats for your friends and families.
I think the one that we booked is the best in the area. It has a huge common room and we get to meet several travelers in there as well. The rooms are well kept and ventilated that even though we are sharing rooms with other people, we didn’t really find it as a problem. Also, the belongings are well-secured so you won’t worry about losing anything.
**Familiarize yourself with the train/bus routes.** You don’t have to memorize them all but it is better to download a train app (we did this in Japan and Korea too) and list down a comprehensive itinerary (say, the drop off station, the train line color and classification along with the estimated transportation fare) to keep track of the budget and to also budget your time well. That way, you can also set an itinerary that could cover most of the tourist spots in the same area instead of going back and forth to reach a destination. Pretty convenient, right?
For example, we had a whole day spent visiting Taichung province and had a local tour in there. We get to maximize our day with amazing locations and tried out some authentic dishes. I think we managed to go to eight locations and tried out their high speed train, too. It was a mix of provincial life at the same time, modern experience as we get a taste of both.
I particularly enjoyed seeing beautiful flowers at the arboretum and lived the “Lavender” dream (that famous Taiwanese telenovela) at the lavender farm.
**Don’t be afraid to book joiner tours.** Spending your tour with complete strangers isn’t necessarily a bad thing because who knows, they might be just as shy as you are and you can also meet your new friends in the form of these strangers. I met one of my friends whom I share a lot of common interests in this tour and I am glad because it has made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Also, since it is a budget trip, getting to travel with other joiners would mean a division of the total expenses so you’d get to allot your budget even better.
**Don’t be afraid to try their street foods** (even though it may not sound or seem okay to smell at first), talking about stinky tofu in particular. It is…. indeed stinky but it is the best tofu that I have ever tried and I loved it. Some of the must try snacks are:
— the **huge chicken chops** (it will give you value for your money!)
— the **steamed pork buns** (siopao like, but better)
— the **flour rice noodle** which is famous since 1975
— and of course, their **boba milk tea** in which they are famous for
Some of the iconic tourist spots:
**Yehliu Geopark**
It was raining that week and the day after we visited but God has blessed us with a really good weather during our tour (gloomy but not too windy.) at the iconic Yehliu Geopark and we were able to really explore His wonderful creations then.
The rock formations may change after a few years because of erosion and natural processes, but I’ll forever be grateful for the chance of seeing these wonderful sceneries in the flesh.
**Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Park**
This hall is so iconic that almost everyone who traveled to Taiwan must at least have their photos taken in this place. It is vast and serene that you can see locals doing Tae bo classes (fitness class) in some area.
This is also where we saw some cherry blossoms. We almost gave up on seeing them because per the calendar, the blooming season may be already over and yet it is nice to see some as we walked around the area.
**Rainbow Village in Taichung**
In order to save his village from demolition, an old man painted their place with vibrant colors and artwork and the deed was so inspiring. The location then became such a famous tourist spot.
If you are into arts and culture, you’ll definitely enjoy this place just as much as I did.
**PS BUBU Cafe**
One of the highlights of our trip is probably visiting one of the shoot locations of the famous Taiwan series, “Meteor Garden”. Remember the place of Dao Ming Si and Shan cai’s cafe date where they ordered banana split?
We also tried to order the same thing and it’s very nice!
The university location is quite far from the city so we had to decide whether to go there or to experience the beauty of Taichung instead. We opted the latter and it’s one for the books!
**ShiFen and JiuFen Old Street**
Every corner of this place is truly amazing. You can even buy a lot of goodies if you are into shopping and all that. I am such a Ghibli fan and knowing that one of Ghibli’s iconic film is inspired by this place gave me extra joy.
We also tried customizing our very own lantern/kite and flew it along with our written hopes and dreams to the sky. This is one of the must-try activity when you visit Taiwan!
**Maokong Gondola / Taipei Zoo**
Riding the gondola will give you an awesome view of the city and the trees and it will lead you to their well-kept zoo in which we saw plenty of cute pandas and alpacas.
This felt like a mini photo blog of sort! I hope you enjoyed as I took you into a virtual tour of Formosa (Taiwan).
BONUS! We saw a Korean actor at the airport!
So apparently an actor named Bang Sunghoon was arriving the same day as us and so we saw him at the airport. I being a noob don’t know him, to be honest. There’s minor ruckus (super minor and it was still relatively calmer than the hype of Korean actors in the Philippines) because of people wanting to take a glimpse and I think it’s pretty cool to see it at that time.
If we aren’t running late to our next destination and we waited a bit more, we could have seen Vaness Wu (F4 member) at the airport as well (as he is scheduled to arrive then, we were informed). Anyway, it’s already a travel to remember.
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*It took me a couple of days to finish this post as I’ve been nursing an ear infection (I am feeling a bit better now); been busy with work; been grieving an untimely loss of an uncle. Too many has happened in the past few days.*
*I hope you’re all doing well.*
A huge shout out to the lovely sponsors. You’ve all been so supportive and I am grateful for you.
I have another travel blog coming up (Yes, Korea) so please look forward to it.
Lots of love,
A
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ICYMI, here are some ***virtual tours*** that I did as I shared my travel experiences in the following beautiful countries:
**Japan** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/exploring-japan-24a102d4
**Singapore** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/land-of-opportunities-singapore-91553151
*All photos are taken by me unless credited otherwise.*
So grateful to @FarmGirl ♥️ Thank you so much for the sponsorship and for always believing in me :)
It’s taking me quite a time to publish my next article due to many factors. But hopefully I could put up another one towards the weekend. I hope you guys are doing well! See you around i’ve been reading and commenting to some posts that i find interesting on my feed for the mean time :)
Land of Opportunities: Singapore
Recently, I wrote about our **Japan** trip in 2018, so now let me just share my memorable experiences in **Singapore** back in 2016 because we can only reminisce (for now) as traveling oversea for leisure is still not allowed and the situation is still bad (at least in the Philippines at the moment). https://read.cash/@aaskelter/exploring-japan-044e33b6
Singapore is known as this sleek and progressive country in Southeast Asia. What it lacked in land area is being complemented by the hardworking natives and multinationals alike that despite experiencing recession like in other countries, Singapore is still thriving. No wonder people try to take the opportunities whenever it would present itself.
That being said, I didn’t go to Singapura for leisure — I went there to work. I found a job and stayed in the country for six months before deciding that maybe it isn’t meant to last for long. The field in which my line of work is in at that time is having quite a crisis so it’s hard to find a job that would be fitting for a long time. No regrets, though because those six months has taught me a lot about the culture, heritage and life itself.
I also did get to explore a bit of the famous tourist attractions in the country in that span of tine.
**Singapore is an open city so you would not need a VISA to be allowed to enter the country. And because of the presence of different nationalities (Mainland Chinese, Indian, Malay, Filipino, etc), it is relatively easier to communicate when you are roaming around the city as the English language is being used universally.**
You would not need to apply for a VISA, but you just need to have the means and resources because it is quite an expensive place to stay in. It is actually the sixth most expensive city in the world according to a 2021 survey by Mercer Cost of Living. So yeah, in order to push through with the plans, I had to save up for as much as I can then. My supportive family also let me borrow some from them. https://www.timeout.com/news/revealed-the-most-expensive-cities-in-the-world-right-now-112520
**Rule no. 1 — When spending, don’t convert to your local currency, just leave it be and spend in SGD** (so as not to feel too bad about the expenses)
It is easy to explore Singapore because the land area is relatively small and commuting is hassle-free as the MRT rails are all interconnected and everything is accessible. From landing at the majestic **Changi Airport**, you can just ride the train up to your destination. You can also opt to ride the bus — You just have to check the schedule per bus number and you’re good to go. They also have this unified EZ Link card which is worth 12 SGD, if I am remembering correctly. The card can be purchased at the airport and at some selected train stops and convenience stores. I remember one time, I forgot my wallet in the office and only remembered that I left it there when I am about to buy my dinner at the train stop near our flat unit and I could not locate it in my bag. I am almost home then because you just really need your card (you got to load up) and you can go back and forth and even buy things using your load.
What has impressed me even more is that everything is on time (like in Japan), and they will give advisories even at a minor inconvenience on the road.
There are also malls and “**hawkers**” (food halls) at almost every stop. They are pretty strict with the non-eating at public utility vehicles policy, though, and to be honest, in almost every other policy that’s why the crime rate is very low or else you will be fined or punished. Did you know that you can’t chew chewing gums in public or else you might get penalized? Only in Singapore.*
**I am not familiar with other places’ rules and regulations when it comes to chewing gums so I am assuming that this is only happening in Singapore.*
It is the first time that I have seen people leaving their belongings at a public place and never worrying about losing it. Like, usually you’d leave your umbrella at a table to let people know that it is occupied, right? In Singapore, they use gadgets like phones and tablets to reserve tables and seats in a food hall or restaurant. It is pretty mind-blowing how polite and disciplined the people are.
Because of the variations in nationality, hawkers offer a vast range of dishes from Asian to British to halal and Indian dishes for every kind of individual to enjoy!
FOOD TRIP
**Laksa** (noodle) became my favourite food and I always buy some whenever I am too lazy to cook food after work! I miss the authentic taste so much that sometimes I buy laksa online (nothing beats the real thing, though). One of the food that I get to appreciate more is the **salted egg** flavoured chicken. My mouth waters by just remembering how much I loved it then! You probably have heard about **Irving’s Salted Egg Potato Chips** and today, there are some stalls in our local malls that offer it but there was a time when it is only available in Singapore/Malaysia. They also have the authentic **satay** (meat skewers) and spicy crab dishes.
Food is less expensive in **Malaysia**, though. And since you can cross the border and it is just a bus ride away. you can tick off another country on your travel list, and that’s just what we did. We visited **Legoland Malaysia** and tried **Nando’s Chicken, A&W Root Beer** and Chicken and even brought home some **J.Co’s** donuts at a cheaper price.
LAND AREA AND VICINITY
Land is precious in Singapore (also read: expensive) that it can become an indicator of wealth. While those who lived in high-rise buildings are usually the ones who are on top of the wealth pyramid in most places, we realized then that those who own a bungalow type in Singapore are rich and those who lived in HDB (public housing that is built and managed by their government) are either Singaporean natives or immigrant workers.
But regardless of the position in society, they also encourage people to commute and utilize their modern transportation system. I mean, if we have those high-end trains and buses here nationwide too then who would really mind, right?
I also love how they encourage people to bike and walk as evident by the bike lanes and parks at almost every other HDB building. We used to jog near our place in Woodlands area then. Sometimes we would also use the user-friendly workout equipment at the park.
It was around that time the the game **Pokémon Go** was launched and it was to our favor that we get to roam around places to find Pokémon at every stop. And safely, if I may add because I’ve never been more secured physically and virtually. (Virtually in the financial aspect as all your online transactions are secured and everything is well-regulated)
Some of the places that one has to visit while in Singapore are the following:
Marina Bay Sands - very iconic!
Sentosa
Palawan beach - The beach is man-made so it’s quite impressive!
Botanic Gardens
Gardens by the Bay
Singapore Zoo
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Orchard Road (shopping time!)
There’s also a certain vicinity for every nation, say for Filipinos who miss a taste of home, you can visit Lucky Plaza in Orchard Road and there is also a Little India place for the Indian locals.
We did get to go to a Chinatown as well.
One thing that I would want to visit when we get to come back is the Harry Potter themed cafe which is not yet opened at that time. So that’s something to look forward to for next time’s travel.
We also did get to see the late polar bear, Inuka when we visited the zoo then. It’s such a melancholic feeling. I particularly enjoyed seeing the penguins, too.
The weather in Singapore is mostly hot as it is near the equator and there’s barely any rain (we were informed that rains are usually via cloud seeding). There’s no storm as well. It’s hot but not so humid so one of the problems that I encountered then is my acne breakouts because the skin had a culture and environment shock and it took a while to nurse it.
Til we meet again, Singapore!
Thank you, lovely sponsors! Really grateful for your support!
Hope you are all loving this mini-travel series that I am doing. There’s Taiwan and Korea so you can look forward to those too if I won’t procrastinate much. I’ve not been too productive recently because I got sick (cough and cold) which is such a hassle because I am scheduled to have my vaccination soon. I’ve been healthy and well all through out 2020 and just gotten the bug last week (as it is flu season, nothing too serious)
Hope you’re all doing good and are all healthy!
Drink your vitamins, eat well and stay healthy,
A
*All the photos except the zebra photo (because that’s me in the photo) in this article are taken by me.*
A new day, a new blessing comes knocking. Thank you @Coquicoin for the sponsorship 😢 you are the loveliest ♥️ Stay safe and healthy!
Exploring Japan
So I read @Jinifer’s blog about her virtual tour in Japan and it has made me miss the place even more. So here I will be sharing some of the fondest memories that I have when my friends and I got to make this dream travel a reality back in 2018 (Also in response to one of @meitanteikudo ‘s #promptfactory which is to describe your dream vacation) https://read.cash/@meitanteikudo/5-prompts-in-a-day-9cb7c5be
THE PLANNING AND How We Manifested This Dream Travel To Happen
Being the biggest Harry Potter fans, when the news about the construction of the Asian counterpart of the **Wizarding World of Harry Potter** in the United Kingdom is announced back when we were still students, we made a promise to ourselves that one day we will get to visit this magical place.
This is because visiting the UK is still a pipe dream (at least at that time) and the probability of getting to visit Japan (as it is also in Asia) is higher. We were like, it doesn’t matter how long it’ll take but the seven of us will make it happen. Fast forward to five years after we made that promise, through God’s endless provisions and us helping each other, **we did make it happen.**
I realised that even though we are earning just the bare minimum then, it is still possible to save up without needing to work abroad and it is possible to work through achieving our goals.
We applied for a VISA and got approved and the next thing we know we are heading to the place of our dreams and will be exploring for seven days! It is the tail end of the winter season at that time and we did get to experience snowfall (albeit just light). Imagine residing from a tropical country all your lives, seeing the snow for the first time is like giving a candy to an expecting kid. It’s like hitting two birds out of a stone on our bucket lists.
Touchdown, Japan!
おはようございます！*(Good morning)*
Instead of getting off at **Narita International Airport** in Tokyo, we opted to head to **Kansai International Airport (KIX)** in Osaka as our entry point (because it is closer in vicinity to the main reason for the said travel).
We arrived late at night so we spent our first night at the airport which is conducive in itself with all of its stalls and facilities. It is one night off our lodging expenses because we get to stay in for free. *(I have no idea if it’s legally allowed to stay overnight in an airport but maybe it is since no one said a word to us and there are a lot who are staying overnight in the local airport’s cafeterias, too.)* The following morning, we headed off to the place of our dreams.
**Temperature check**: It was so cold outside. Our thick coats and OOTDs could not have prepared us for it. The temperature is ranging from 0° to 10° Celcius and it has prevented us from trying out some of the other rides in the amusement park. We did enjoy all the amenities, the castle rides along with Hagrid’s Dragon ride.
We also tried drinking the iconic **Butterbeer** at **The Three Broomsticks** pub and explored Hogwarts mini-marketplace, Hogsmeade.
The **Hogwarts** castle is more than we can ever imagine. It’s like the whole 1-2 hours that we spent in queue is all so worth it upon entering the said structure. Getting to try the 3D (or was it 4D?) ride inside the castle is everything that we can ever hope for. The Harry Potter fan in all of us sure is fed to to the brim with moments that we will definitely keep until the grave.
*Hogwarts really felt like home.*
While visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the main reason of the trip, we also took the chance to explore Japan and its hidden gems. We tried to fill our itinerary with a good mix of famous establishments and tourist attractions and some classic and unique places.
Our Osaka/Kyoto itinerary includes:
**The Satsukiyama Zoo**, which is located in Ikeda, Osaka, Japan. It is a 15-minute walk from Ikeda Station on the Takarazuka Main Line of Hankyu Railway.
One thing to note, though: **don’t trust these walking distance thingy** because Japanese people love to walk and what feels like a short distance to them can mean differently to some who are not so used to walking a certain distance. This is also the reason why we feasted on carbs at that time because you will be able to burn it easily, for sure.
We saw alpacas for the first time in this zoo. The place is relatively small and is made for the youngsters (I think there’s even a group of kindergarten students who are having a field trip the same time that we are there) but the way the animals are being so well-tended is quite impressive.
The **Cup Noodle Museum** in Osaka in which we did get to try to customize our very own cup noodle for free, from its packaging to its actual flavor and content. What a unique experience!
**Osaka Castle**, it took us a long while to reach its location by walking but seeing its beauty up close is just so worth it!
**Fushimi Inari Shrine** — This shrine is considered as the most well-known and most visited shrine in Japan and we didn’t miss the opportunity to visit since we are already in Kyoto.
The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake. White foxes which can also be seen everywhere in the place are considered to be messengers of the gods. The torii gates which are prominently vermillion (red orange) in color can be considered as the trademark of any Inari Shrine and is believed to be a protection against evil forces.
There’s a trail to be followed although some of us didn’t go to the top most area (because we were wearing heels…. Oh well, OOTD purposes. *“Tiis-ganda”* because we wanted to look better in photos. Another thing to note for future travels: **choose comfort.)**
**Arashiyama Bamboo Grove** is another well-known tourist spot in Kyoto. It is free of charge and is easily accessible. It is one of the well-photographed area along with the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
We also visited the **Umeda Sky Building (Kuchu Teien Observatory)** which gave us an impressive view of Osaka’s skyline. Aside from its beautiful architecture highlighted by a bridge and escalators connecting two 40-storey towers in the atrium-like center, it is the nineteenth tallest building in the said prefecture.
**Dotonbori** canal is probably is one of the most crowded area in this prefecture. This is where you can find the iconic Glico man billboard. We also tried some ramen in this place.
We also didn’t miss the chance to visit **Tsuruhashi**, one of the many Korean Towns in the country. Tsuruhashi gives off a local Korean countryside vibe compared to **Shin Okubo** in Tokyo (which we visited as well) that radiates a buzzing Seoul/Myeongdong-like aura.
Kyoto and our first snowfall experience
To be totally honest, Kyoto is the least place that we have expected for it to snow. In fact, we were all wearing extra light clothes at that time because we are expecting a brighter weather per the forecast. So imagine our surprise when it snowed lightly while we are on our way to **Toei Kyoto Studios**? Priceless moment. It isn’t a *“let’s build a snow angel”* situation that we would have wanted to experience (it has something to do with the temperature being hotter than usual that the snow is melting easily as it hits the ground) but it is still one for the books.
Anyway, **TOEI Kyoto Studio Park** is the only theme park in Japan that lets you experience ***jidaigeki*** (period dramas).
The film set depicts streets from the Edo period, and is used to shoot more than 200 films per year. Exploring it does have that ancient Japan vibe and we also get to see a samurai show and took photos with staff dressing up as a geisha or samurai. I even had a photo with someone dressed as a ninja!
There’s a huge area of souvenir shops and an anime gallery that has fed the ***otaku*** in all of us.
We also visited an adult manga shop as a *dare* and it is such a one of a kind experience.
It is in **Nishiki Market** in Kyoto where we experienced a longer snowfall at night. We also tried Udon in this place and be one with the locals.
Tokyo Escapades
Riding the night bus to Tokyo, we get to save another lodging night (see, it is a well-planned and budgeted trip so we can maximize our seven day-stay in Japan.) We then met up to some of my friend’s siblings who are working/living in Japan. It’s been a blessing in disguise because they treated us free lunch/dinner and we get to explore freely on some locations with their help. We wouldn’t worry about getting lost in the city because they lowkey have become our tour guides.
Because of their help we get to experience the night life (Tokyo’s underground food hall where we drank local drinks and ginger ales and tried out their street food and other delicacies), visited the iconic **Odaiba** place where the huge **Gundam** robot can be found and went to **LINE Friends Tokyo** (it is under renovation at that time). We also had minimal to zero mishaps encountered as we crossed the very crowded **Shibuya Crossing** and waited for our turn as we took photos with the **Hachiko** sculpture. We also took time to check out the **Statue of Liberty** replica and visited the ground area leading to the **Tokyo Skytree** (where I saw this lovely Ghibli-themed souvenir shop)
We then visited **Akihabara** and **Don Quixote** shops for our mementos and “pasalubong” for our loved ones.
Some of our friends went to **Tokyo Tower** for the **One Piece showcase** while others went shopping in **Shinjuku** (I went with the latter). We were supposed to go skiing but we were not prepared with the chilling bites of winter. We also skipped the usual Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea.
It maybe is not as grand as the other locations but visiting **Yebisu Garden Place** where the wedding scene of **Hana Yori Dango** was shot is one of the highlights of our Tokyo escapades. The girls are such huge **Arashi** fans so it is definitely one off our bucketlists too.
There are still a lot of places that we would like to explore still. I’d like to experience full winter in Sapporo and try some skiing. We also would love to go hiking in Mt. Fuji. There’s also this cafe that offers a vast variety of matcha ice cream of varying percentage that I would like to try. God-willing, we’d get to come back when the situation is better.
Praying for your dream travels to come true as well,
A
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Shout out to the lovely sponsors! May you all be blessed with more!
*All photos are taken by me and my friends as noted.*
The Love Languages
There are five known **“Love Languages”**, at least according to this book written by Dr. Gary Chapman that I have read long ago and it is nice to know where we stand sometimes. It gives us an idea on why we feel happy with someone’s company the most, or why it makes us disappointed when someone doesn’t compliment us the way we would have wanted to. It also gives a very congenial indication why relationships work (while I can only attest on how it’s working on friendship, I have been mindful of how boyfriend/girlfriend relationship of some of my friends work) and why some don’t. So I want to share my thoughts with you as well.
The five love languages are as follows: Physical Touch, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation and Receiving Gifts.
Physical Touch
Maybe you love hugging your loved one or holding hands while going around places. Maybe it gives you so much comfort to have them closest to you, cuddling while watching your favourite films on Netflix and all. Then maybe **Physical Touch** is your main love language and physical affection is what’s making you the happiest. It could also come in the form of a massage or a quick pat on the back for a job well done. It could also be just shaking hands or people clinging to you in the most unexpected time.
Meanwhile, I also know some who are not so fond of touching and would not enjoy a hug. Say, we just love to have each other’s company without needing to touch. And that leads us to the second type of love language which is **Quality Time**.
Personally, I am not a very touchy person but I do enjoy a big, power hug sometimes. It’s sad that we can’t do this now in this pandemic time, though. I remember meeting up with friends and while we haven’t seen each other in a long time, we can’t hug each other out for preventive measures. Got to be safe than sorry. In other instances though, I would even initiate to give them the biggest hug. *(Can you tell how much I miss hanging out with them?)*
Quality Time
So basically you like to just spend time with your loved one and having their whole attention on you. It could be as simple as not checking their phone when you are having dinner outside and them basically just focusing on you, having eye contact and listening to whatever you say all throughout the time that you are together. It makes you contented whenever they remember even the smallest detail about you because you are sure that they are paying attention.
So I took this **quiz** again to know my main Love Language and Quality Time came in second. And I guess that’s true because as much as I love talking, I can also be a good listener. And while I don’t expect people to pay attention to me all the time, it never fails to put a smile on my face whenever someone would remember something that I don’t even remember saying. https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language
Say, I would receive a text message saying that they say my favourite band on the telly and how seeing something has reminded them of me or of how matcha is my most favourite thing in the world. It makes me smile to know that *“oh, they really are listening when I mentioned it in passing.”*
Maybe there’s that internal struggle of not being listened to or heard that I have so little expectations from people (also it prevents us from being disappointed should they turn out not the same people that we are expecting them to be) so it’s always a pleasant surprise knowing that they are really paying attention.
That is also a reason why I pay attention when people are talking: ***Because I want them to feel valued and heard.***
I would also go in great lengths to make something happen and would always find time to hang out with them despite being busy myself. It is beneficial on both ends as hanging out eases our stress levels and I truly enjoy hanging out with them. I remember going out of my usual route just for a hangout sesh to push through. I mean, if I am capable and available so, why not, right? I also love trying out different restaurants and eating *(if it still isn’t apparent enough).* I miss taking videos and editing a vlog of sorts of our fun times together, showing them my appreciation as well.
Acts of Service
Out of curiosity, I have already taken this Love Language quiz long ago and I’ve consistently gotten **Acts of Service** as my main love language.
I love being able to do something for the people that I care about, likewise, it makes me feel extra special when people do nice things for me. **Action speaks louder than words** as the old adage go, so simple things being done for me give me joy.
It could be as small as getting me my favourite drink or helping me (or at least offering to help) with some of my tasks. I appreciate it the most but at the same time it surprises me when people does things for me.
Sadly though, there’s this part of me that makes me question why, and that *“what if they needed something in return?”* I can be very apprehensive probably because I have low expectations from people (so as to not be disappointed with them) and I’ve been wronged so many times because of putting my trust and believing in the goodness of people.
It didn’t stop me from showing that I care and love them, though.
*“Can helping with homework really be an expression of love? Absolutely!*
*Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes.*
*The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.”*
*Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. When others serve you out of love (and not obligation), you feel truly valued and loved.”*
- taken from **The Five Love Languages quiz results** https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/results/942b9675-7d9f-4673-a073-265dae2eea58
Words of Affirmation
While some enjoys it when people does things for them, there are people who are fonder and more inclined to hearing it. Some can’t even voice ***“I love you”*** out loud while there are some who tells it to their partners every now and then.
*(Which one are you?)*
Some likes to be complimented and would love to hear it so it would make them feel appreciated. You would want them to notice you cutting your hair and such, and you’d like to be validated in a way and you value **details**.
I think I am one of those who are shy to voice their love to someone out loud, at least to my family. But I can type it, alright, (text them I love them) I am just not the type to blurt out I love you all the time and that is fine because as I have mentioned before, I show my love in a different way. It could come as buying grocery items or buying them items that reminded me of them (the last love language that will be discussed in a bit). It could also be doing something for their on-going projects, or taking charge when we needed to accomplish or finish something.
To add up, our love languages varies and it changes all the time, but it all boils down to making the other person in the relationship feel loved.
Receiving Gifts
Lastly, and not to be confused with being materialistic is **receiving gifts.** You appreciate it the most when people take time to find you the most suitable gift. When someone goes traveling, it makes you happy whenever they would get you a souvenir because it makes you feel remembered and appreciated. You are after the genuine thoughtfulness behind each gifts, more than anything.
I also love giving gifts and I put thoughts into every gift that I give that sometimes I can go large and all out or have nothing prepared at all. Sometimes I would do something real personal like craft them the most silly cards or bake them sweet goods. Sometimes I buy them mementos from my travels, too.
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Studies show that it is rare for partners to have the same love language and that it is why it is important to learn about your respective partners or family members because this is where conflicts usually arise. Maybe you are expecting too much of them and you feel disappointed when they didn’t get to do these things for you. And you are waiting for them to tell you I love you but they are showing it in a different way.
Trying to learn more about your partner is putting their needs over your own and that is a nice thought but while learning about love language is a useful tool to understand your partner/loved ones better, it is only a guide. After all, people are selfish in nature so practicing selflessness is actually a good personality improvement to us. It also makes us speak in a language that they’d understand, if that makes sense and it makes us connect with them deeper.
We are not limited to these five languages though, because as you all know, it varies depending on the kind of relationships that we have with people.
In the end, it is all about the mutual understanding that makes a relationship or friendship work.
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I am so in love with this week’s prompt **(Language)** so I thought I’d give it a try.
You can follow the simple rules if you are interested to try it as well.
Write anything about **language**
Write **100% original** content
Write at least **600** words so Rusty will reward you
**Submit** to the **PromptlyJonica** community (please join us if you haven't already) https://read.cash/c/promptlyjonica-b4a0
**Tag** @JonicaBradley and @TengoLoTodo
Have **fun!**
Thank you to the lovely sponsors! Is one of your love languages giving gifts too or..? I am forever grateful for you. :)
***
All experiences/stories are mine unless credited/quoted otherwise.
There’s been an interruption on our internet connection since last night and the issue has only been resolved today :( Thank You, Lord, it’s fixed now. I had to take a day off of work (day job) because of it but on the brighter side, I get to rest a bit. (Though not really because we were taking care of the sick grams in the household. Praying that they would feel better soon, too)
Hope your Monday’s better! Here’s to a better week ahead :)
Celebrating Small Victories
There are things that we would love to learn and explore if only we had the time and resources. There are also a lot of long term goals that we would want to achieve that it is almost easy to disregard the little things that equally matter in the long run.
Enter our small victories.
It may feel like it is nothing huge and it is just a normal occurrence to some, but there is nothing wrong with celebrating small victories. No wonder people love posting on social media about the dishes that they cooked, or the distance in which they’d biked or trailed, or a selfie of them waking up.. and we let them because we’ve all been struggling in these trying times and every source of joy still counts as **joy**. And we all needed that joy and distraction especially these days.
***
I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar since high school. I didn’t have the luxury to practice all the time and I only managed to learn to strum the basic chords but that is more than I could ever hope for. Now everytime I play, it brings back joyful memories of jamming to our favourite songs back then during our break or after the classes are done and we are about to head home.
I remember singing along to **Spongecola’s Jeepney**, **Hale’s The Day You Said Goodnight** to **Parokya ni Edgar’s** songs and so on. Can you believe **Michelle Branch** has released her critically acclaimed **The Spirit Room** record twenty years ago? TWENTY YEARS AGO!??? Time sure flies. She was one of my musical heroes. She has also inspired me to learn playing the guitar. My musical heroine is most definitely Urbandub’s bassist, Lalay Lim (now Geronimo) though. I just find it so rad that she can rock the world with her talent, especially in this male dominated field of work.
I remember hanging out with my friends after class, relishing the free time by jamming and dancing around the school grounds, sitting on grass fields, looking at the clouds. Life is simpler and not so overwhelming. We are just carefree youngsters. Such good ol’ days.
Recently, I have also learned to play a ukelele and although there is still a lot to be learned, I am happy. Where did I get my ukelele? Here’s the little story:
My friends and I used to host a Christmas dinner pre-pandemic and last year is no exemption. (We did follow necessary health protocols and only stayed for lesser amount of time than we would normally spend together) It is my first time to organize a **Monito Monita** event via an online picker website (I didn’t even realise that it is possible at first) and it is safe to say that it’s been a success. My Monito also gifted me exactly what I have listed on my wishlist: **a red ukelele.** And so I have been practicing on my free time (one of the things that occupy my weekend if I am not baking, writing or basically doing other things)
***
THE 2021 SAVINGS CHALLENGE
This is one of my small victories that I am totally proud of because it is very beneficial for the future. It is also a proof that saving doesn’t need to feel like an **obligation** but a normal part of our daily lives.
Getting to save money can feel like we are always dealing with adulting stuff and responsibilities so here’s a way to find it extra enjoyable.
When you’re a fan of a boy group or anything, one way or another you’ll be tempted to consume their official merchandise and stuff. Albums, photobooks, special release DVDs, plushies, home equipment and all the kinds of merch that you can think of (and can’t think of! You will be surprised by the varieties). It can feel like an endless pool of expenses (from one merch to another) if you don’t know how to plan or budget your resources well so I *kind of* found a way to still get to save up while enjoying every content and somehow match the expenses with some ***earnings***.
K-pop idols used to post a lot of selfies and updates, right? So I came up with a challenge of sorts where in I would save up a certain amount every time a member would update with a photo, video or even conduct a livestream and so far it’s been good.
BTS, for example, has seven members and some of them are really active online and that’s all in favor of my challenge.
Here’s a sample:
I put the highest amount to the entries with the lowest probability of occurrence and so because of that I am yet to unlock the VMIN VLIVE (5000php or 100USD) on my savings’ challenge list. It has been five years since their last unit live together so… who knows?
So far I have 11 videos, 8 solo/group VLIVE streams and a whopping 53 selcas on my tally and that amounts to almost 140 USD, not to add the savings that I got from the other members separate savings challenge.
See, while anticipating for their social media updates, I also get to add on to my personal savings. This money is then being kept on a separate bank account. Aside from this on-going challenge, I am also keeping 20php or 0.40 USD every day as a part of the 365 challenge and then waits for the perfect time to invest in on some crypto money. It maybe is just a small amount but starting off small has so much potential to make it even bigger in time. We just got to ***trust the process***, as some would say.
***
One of my short term **bucket lists** is to finish knitting a sweater. I….. am not quite there yet, unfortunately but I’d gladly show you some fruits of my labor. https://read.cash/@aaskelter/ticking-off-bucket-lists-the-power-of-the-law-of-attraction-60eb269a
I only get to learn how to crochet/knit this quarantine season because as you may all have experienced, every day life in the longest lockdown in the world can feel like a routine of waking up, eating your meals, working from home, sleeping and so on…. So I tried a lot of other things to occupy my restless mind. I tried baking and I tried doing crochet projects. So here are some of the things that I have finished (most of them are coasters, but that counts as progress, right?)
It is easier to learn whatever you needed to learn these days as a lot of tutorials are readily available in streaming sites like Youtube. I would usually just search *“How to make a basic crochet square”* and the next thing you know I have knitted a simple project that can be used here in our house.
Knowing my impatient nature, knitting is such a test of patience, to be honest it surprises me how I can sit and knit for so long without being bored. The end products are most definitely worth it.
Sometimes I would also search for the basic cake/bread recipes and try them on. The finished goodies may not be good at first but there’s still more to be explored. I would search for some ukelele tutorials as well as piano and guitar lessons and those are making me appreciate technology even more.
What are the things that you have accomplished recently? It doesn’t need to be huge, but as long as it has brought smiles to your faces then it is more than enough reason to celebrate it.
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Forever grateful to the lovely sponsors! You are all amazing! Hopefully you’d get to learn or appreciate a thing or two on my spin on this week’s prompt by Jonica Bradley.
To participate in this week’s prompt, you just have to follow these simple rules:
Write anything about **The Fruits of Labor**
Write **100% original** content
Write at least **600 words**
Submit your story to the **PromptlyJonica** community
**Tag** @JonicaBradley
**Have fun**!
The Vampires in our Lives
Talking with @Bloghound on her fictional blogpost **Vampire Slayer** made me remember my previous fixation with vampires. https://read.cash/@Bloghound/the-vampire-slayer-8fcbb5b2
The band My Chemical Romance has a song called ***Vampires Will Never Hurt You*** and locally we have Chicosci’s ***Vampire Social Club*** and those are just some of the songs that I came to like growing up so the fascination has always been there. ***VMPRS LV FRVR*** and ***I’ll raise my glass to you*** were only some of our favourite phrases back then.
In pop culture, there is this infamous legend in Transylvania, Romania where ***Vlad the Impaler*** (**Count Dracula**) is born. It is believed that the idea of vampires originated from the place.
This fascination isn’t about the famous novels with shimmering bodies and creatures who are afraid of sunlight, but more on the vague idea of it and the sheer curiosity.
Are vampires real?
They are…. maybe not in the blood-drinking sense, but there are **emotional vampires** who drain our emotional energies (just like its fictional counterpart), whether they are aware of it or not. And the scariest thing is that **THEY ARE EVERYWHERE.** They live among us and we are probably not even aware of them. They may not be after your blood, but they feed on your inclination to care for them and instead of feeling happy with their presence, they leave you feeling drained and melancholic. They can be your office buddies, your boss, your friend or a family member — **anyone**. And that’s not even the scariest part.
How Can We Spot a Vampire?
Just like a fictional vampire whose fangs are hidden in sight, spotting a vampire in real life can be tricky especially when we don’t know where to look at. We would sometimes think that how they communicate or deal with us is normal, but underneath the facade is a whole lot of toxicity that affects us not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.
Some tell-tale signs are as follows:
****ME, IT’S ALWAYS GOT TO BE ME. I AM THE CENTER OF EVERYONE’S WORLD.**** A person who makes everything about themselves no matter what topic you are talking about can be a hidden vampire in your life. It’s like they crave for more attention if they are not receiving it the way they wanted and they believe that their needs are more important than anyone’s needs.
****THE GASLIGHTER.**** Gaslighting as defined in Wikipedia is a *colloquialism for a specific type of manipulation where the manipulator is successful in having the target (a person or a group of people) question their own reality, memory or perceptions*. This term has originated from the title of the 1944 film, Gaslight where the protagonist is manipulated to believe in a false reality benefiting the antagonist. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting
Gaslighters will tell you lies and will never admit to their shortcomings even when you have the proof. They will make you think that you are in the wrong even when you are being the sensible one. They will make you question if you are even doing the right thing. They will put the blame in you about something that you obviously didn’t do and you’ll believe it, too. Manipulative, in all sense of the word.
They would refuse to take accountability of their actions and they often can find a workaround to blame the dishonesty on *you*.
These vampires’ insecurities get ahead of themselves so they project these traits to you, intimidating and guilt-tripping you. They attack your weakness and most of the time get away from it unscathed, while you are left with your own defenses, wounded and most likely not aware of it yet.
****IF I AM MISERABLE, YOU SHOULD BE, TOO.**** These emotional vampires often send forth negativity and it brings people around him/her down. Maybe it is a part of being co-dependent and of how they would like to manipulate the people around them. They live for the drama! They also need constant validation that sometimes they do not care about others. Often times they get tone deaf on a situation because their focus is mostly on how to make it about them.
*Whew, just writing these traits can get quite draining because in one way or another, I think we’ve encountered people like that. Sometimes, those vampires can also be* ***us*** *to our colleagues (we may only be aware of it now, but hopefully we learned a thing or two from this)*
Maybe we don’t know when we are being toxic to others too, just like an emotional vampire so it’s good to be reminded to be able to assess ourselves and fix whatever it is that we can still fix with regards to our current situation.
Protecting Yourself from Vampires (No Garlics Needed)
You won’t be needing any amulets or garlics to fight off these vampires, you just need to keep these sort of solutions in mind:
**Set clear boundaries with your relationships**. This is probably one of the hardest things to do because we have certain connection with people that makes it harder to just let go but one thing is for sure, you should not allow these toxic people to treat you with disrespect. **Remind yourself of your true worth.** Learn to say no when you needed to without feeling too guilty about it.
**Stay calm and try to control your emotions**. Don’t give them the attention that they crave if you can. Reacting to their criticism feeds their ego and gives them this feeling that they have control over you. You can also learn to become more assertive but always remember to do it with respect.
**Kill them with kindness.** This works all the time. Be the bigger person, if you can.
Lastly, **one must let go of the toxic relationship and try to spend more time with optimistic people whom in contrast to the energy-sucker individuals, can give you positive energy.** A good support system, a loving family, a friend who is always willing to support you in your endeavors and call you out for your wrongdoings. Sometimes we take them for granted because in our minds we are like, *“they are always here for me, anyway”* and we’ve been lost in a bubble, holding on to keeping another relationship from breaking apart that it’s cause us our own peace of mind.
I used to have this friend whom I valued so much that I didn’t see the *fangs*. Or I just refuse to see it and I’d like to believe they’d get better and change…. but they didn’t. I’d like to believe in the goodness of people around me, and to some extent, yes she’s been good to me. Years passed and the friendship fell apart and there is no more constant communication like before (although I try to be there for her in my own little ways). It is only after a couple of years that I realised how toxic and abusive emotionally those times have been. And how I let her suck the life out of me.
But now I’ve been doing good, and I believe she is, too. We did get to talk about what changed and what didn’t work, said our sorry’s and that was it. We’ve both matured and we are better apart. Her fear back then might have come true: We really became the kind of friends who only get to talk/exchange messages during special occasions, as sad as it may seem. I did try to reach out (and so there’s no regrets on my side) but it’s never quite the same and it is, I believe, for the best.
Then I realised how in life we get to know people and lose them for certain reasons and that is to make us stronger than ever. It also makes us extra grateful for the people who remained on our side.
To **you**. Don’t be a weakling like the old me.
**You are your strongest weapon** so be the best vampire slayer out there. You are more than what these vampires are coining you to be so you do you, always.
To healthier relationships,
A
Taking this opportunity to thank @Bloghound for her generous sponsorships. I am beyond grateful for you. Thank you so much.
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Check out some of my old, short reads:
**Change** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/change-ad99c586
**May The Best of Your Todays Be The Worst of Your Tomorrows** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/may-the-best-of-your-todays-be-the-worst-of-your-tomorrows-2ea29b7e
**The Thing About Fame** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/the-thing-about-fame-b9362b19
Matcha-dventures at Home
Ever since I’ve learned about matcha green tea it felt like I have finally found this food that I would want and choose to eat for the rest of my life (if anyone ever ask me to choose, that is). I know that it’s an acquired taste and that not all gets to appreciate its leafy and earthy taste (yes, I know a lot of people who are not into it) but I just find it so delicious! I’ve tried the typical beverages and sweets like donuts and cakes up to some whom people may deem as weird like matcha tonkatsu, matcha pasta and matcha boba cakes.
Whenever I visit a new cafe, this drink is my staple order and I usually judge a certain place according to the quality of their matcha like, ***“oh that cafe, they have the best matcha latte!” “this one’s full of jasmine green te although they are advertising it as matcha green tea!!”*** and so on!
We were blessed to visit the place of origin of matcha in 2018 and of course I didn’t miss to try out any matcha that I can get. **Japan truly is a matcha enthusiasts’ heaven on Earth.** (You can read my little article about our experience **here****.**) I had such a good time trying out everything on the free taste section and have actually bought a couple to bring home. Meiji matcha sand chocolate cookie has to be my most favourite from the haul. It has 51% matcha composition and I’ve never loved anything more. It’s perfect! https://read.cash/@aaskelter/matcha-dventures-in-japan-28ddfb57
Meanwhile, although Taiwan’s main thing is boba tea and my matcha expectation is low, I also managed to try different matcha drinks despite being on a budget in 2019. (You can check what I wrote about my adventures in Taiwan **here**.) https://read.cash/@aaskelter/matcha-dventures-in-taiwan-8e475815
The following years are a different story because we had to stay at home and the travels are very limited. But what a joy that we have online stores now and so, I did get to try quite a few (and I even made some of the treats personally at home).
Because I had the time, I get to concoct my own drink and bake my own pastry treats and that in itself is already very rewarding.
MATCHA-dventures at home!
First, you have to be on a lookout for the best grade matcha in town because there are a lot of different types. There are culinary grade A and then there are some which are not quite as accurate as advertised. One thing that’s for sure is that authentic matcha powder is extra expensive (but the cost is not always an indication of good quality so you have to be careful and you have to check the reviews thoroughly first.)
**How to check if a matcha is of high quality?** You can already tell by its color. I used to say the greener, the better. The more that it would taste authentic.
**How does it differ from other green teas?** The main difference is that jasmine green tea for example is made from leaf extracts and it has that floral smell and aftertaste. Meanwhile, authentic matcha is made from the actual green tea leaves so it tastes like leaves (that is why some don’t really like it and are only trying it for the hype)
Matcha Latte (top left)
I whisked out a matcha latte out of this powder that I got online and yes, it was great. You have to let it get frothy so it is advised to invest on a proper whisk and bamboo hook/spoon (*chazen and chashaku*) for the whole experience. Then you’ll add your favourite fresh or non-fat milk or almond milk and then you are good to go.
But if you want and for an easier preparation, you can opt to buy a pre-mixed matcha latte just like this one that I have discovered online — a **Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf** matcha latte powder.
This is the same powder that they are using on the cafeterias in the mall (tested and proven) and it is one of my best buys this quarantine that you should also try.
Also, it took me a couple of tries to find an online shop selling a good quality matcha powder so instead of just drinking them I used some of them to bake and re-create some of my favourites like truffles, green tea ice cream, matcha dalgona and matcha cream bites. There are also some snacks like this Yanyan dip (pictured above, lower right) and some matcha cookies that can be bought online.
Matcha Truffles are made using only three ingredients and it is probably one of the easiest to prepare in these bunch.
You will only need cocoa powder, condensed milk and matcha powder! Basically you will just have to mix the milk and cocoa powder altogether, keep it on the freezer and then sprinkle it with matcha powder.
Matcha Dalgona and Matcha Bread Bites
One of the beverages that has become famous during quarantine is the **dalgona coffee** and one of its many variations is a **matcha dalgona**. Dalgona is being made by whipping a teaspoon of coffee powder until it is creamy and frothy and then putting it on top of your choice of milk (hot or cold with ice) But since it is harder to achieve a certain consistency if you will be using matcha powder, one additional ingredient that you could use is whipping heavy cream.
I even added some white chocolate bits on top for aesthetic purposes, also for additional texture and taste.
I have learned to bake only recently (just this year) and so when I discovered how to make some bread buns, I decided to create little bits of it and then I put some whipped cream and matcha on top and look at how pretty and tasty it has become!
I have also tried to do a hotteok or the Korean pancake that is matcha-flavoured. It turned out alright but I need more practice in frying the hotteok to make it look exactly like the ones in Korea.
I have a Namjoon cookie cutter and so voila! I made some home-made matcha-flavoured sugar cookies! Sometimes I also put some variations on the muffins that I bake by adding some matcha powder and powdered sugar in them.
You really only need to be creative and to be resourceful of the things that you’ve got at home to be able to come up with a matcha dish or a snack that is so ***you***.
*Do you like matcha a lot like me?*
*Do you have any suggestions of any matcha that you’d want me to try, too?*
Taking this opportunity to thank the ever lovely sponsors! You are all so amazing. I’d bake you some treats if I could.
To spending our time efficiently and enjoying every minute of it,
A
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Kindly check out my old stuff if you are up for some quick read:
**Status: Love** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/status-love-6bfb905e
**Ticking Off The Bucket Lists (The Power of the Law of Attraction)** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/ticking-off-bucket-lists-the-power-of-the-law-of-attraction-60eb269a
**Of Labels and Leadership** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/of-labels-and-leadership-ec41d615
Status: Love
When I first came upon some blogposts here about a challenge or a questionnaire of sorts regarding their love life I was like, *“Ah, should I try this too?”* I even told one in the comments area of her blog that I might come up with a boring piece because what is there to share, anyway? I am a part of the **NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth)** community.
But love comes in many forms and I for sure have so much love to give so yes, I am giving this one a try.
#1 QUESTION: Who are you dating these days?
Ah, there’s this guy who always waits for me after work so he can walk me home. He is the sweetest lad.
Just kidding, that’s Kim Namjoon of BTS. (photo credits to their Twitter account, colorized by one ARMY)
All jokes aside, as I have mentioned earlier, I have no boyfriend at the moment and never have been in a relationship (I just turned 30 this year)
#2 QUESTION: Are you Opening yourself up to love?
I guess I am always open to love but I have never really made a move to do something about the situation, if you know what I mean? It’s like I have been adventurous, trying out everything that there is with life, traveling and living life to the fullest except for the love department. It feels like I am content with being a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need to be taken care of because I can do it on my own. Say, I won’t need anyone to carry my bags or open the doors for me. Or someone who would check if I’m okay because my friends are caring like that.
Although at the back of my mind, I am also curious on what it would feel like to be loved. I mean, I am loved by my family and friends for sure but you know, a love that is non-platonic.
#3rd QUESTION: Are you afraid of Love?
It’s more on being afraid of being hurt. Also, the belief that I would not be given something that I am deemed not ready yet. I am a firm believer of things happening in its right time so I am guessing I am not ready to handle said emotion that is why it is not occuring with me yet. The same way how I’ve learned of crypto as early as 2015 but only been actively perusing its capabilities this year.
#4th QUESTION: Have you Considered Online Dating?
To be honest, I have considered that? But at the same time I don’t have accounts on any online dating app so that’s pretty contradicting. I still feel so old school that I’d like it to get to know someone naturally and not interact with someone with the purpose of you know, dating.
I do have crushes here and there but I’ve never really made a move. My self-esteem despite being ***confident**** back in college is pretty low when it comes to putting myself out there.
**confident in a sense that I can and will speak my mind when I need to; I can lead my group and take initiative for a task to be done; You know how people born with the Aries zodiac sign can be intimidating when they want to? I can be a perfect embodiment of that. Despite that though, my self-esteem is pretty low because I am not that pretty or at least pretty in society’s standard as I am quite fat (still is) but what matters is that I accept myself as who I am and I couldn’t care less about what they are thinking of me for as long as I am not inducing hurt to anyone.*
#5th QUESTION: When was the last time you went out on a date?
I used to go on friendly dates but it doesn’t count in here, I think. Hehe.
#6th QUESTION: Are you giving guys enough Chances?
Yes and it’s not even because I am too choosy or that I have a high standard but when someone would say they have a crush on me I’d chase them away back when I was still studying because my focus then is obviously to finish my studies.
My friends and I used to joke about finding ***more fishes in the sea*** when we graduate, but after graduating our life became just as hectic if not more because of our day jobs and so we were like, *“Should I have known, I would have dated and entertained men when I was younger”* but that’s not to say that we are regretting the choice, because it has helped us build our personality and be the strong women that we are now.
#7th QUESTION: Are you and your Ex still Friends?
Because I don’t have an ex, this doesn’t apply to me.
However, I am not opposed to being friends with an Ex because I assume that we would be friends prior to being in a relationship and perhaps we are better to be just friends that’s why the intimate relationship has to end UNLESS they did something bad and unforgivable. I may forgive, but that’s all that I can give. Trust is something that’s hard to give back when it is broken and that applies to all relationship (including platonic friendships).
#8th QUESTION: What do your parents thinks about your situation?
They are not really vocal about pressuring me to get married even though my younger sister is already married because I don’t think there is a need to rush anyway. There’s no race to building your own family. Another thing would be because most of my friends are not married too (not even in a relationship) and they are like two years older than me so there’s no pressure (yet)
***Do I want to be married and have kids?*** I do. But all in the right time. There’s proper time for everything, like I said, and as we prepare for that time, may we be able to experience more of what life is to offer. I don’t want to bring kids in the world and not be able to give them the best life so we got to be responsible.
I’ll welcome the biggest change in my life and status when it comes but for now, I am living each day with contentment and pure joy. I try to give back to the family for I wouldn’t be in the position to even provide if not for their constant support. Give the love to the world that you also would love to receive and the world will love you back. At the same time, I try to live my life, my way and that’s what’s important, I guess.
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Relationships and labels are just a social construct. In the end, I guess The Beatles is right when they say that ***love is all you need*** to exist.
With lots of love,
A
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Huge shoutout to my lovely sponsors! Sending all my love to you x
Here are some of my previous writings if you are up for some short read:
**For When You Feel Unworthy and Lacking** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/for-when-you-feel-unworthy-and-lacking-66ee22c6
**Hopeful Romantic** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/hopeful-romantic-8ae15996
**Of Lasting Friendships and Overrated Labels** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/of-lasting-friendships-and-overrated-labels-3f6be243
**HOPE for the Broken** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/hope-for-the-broken-71024f94
Sending all my love and gratitude to @CrazyRichFilipina and @TengoLoTodo for being my newest sponsors 🥺 May you be blessed tenfold!
Ticking off Bucket Lists (the power of the Law of Attraction)
Some years back, a friend has suggested for me to write **100 goals** in a paper. It could be a long term goal like buying your own car and a house and lot and it could also be a small one like waking up earlier than usual. It could be a substantial goal or an intangible one and more of a mental fitness goal. It is up to you but the gist is that you have to write 100. ONE HUNDRED? One would think that it’s such an easy task (I sure did) but at that time I still didn’t come up with 100. I was only able to write 52. And out of the 52, only 9 has came into fruition.
WHAT IT ENTAILS
To be honest, I lost track of the things that I wrote back then so I was pleasantly surprised that 9 has came true and I am already grateful. Things may not have happened exactly how I wrote it and I cannot even remember writing some of it for it’s been that long but the fact that some of it really became a reality and went even better than how I would have wanted it to happen is something to be grateful for. God is just so good and He always provides the best. Perhaps some things really is not intended to happen because He is even preparing us for something that is even bigger than what we are hoping for.
As we grow older, we want our lives to lead in a certain kind of way sufficing our wants and needs. We wanted to improve. We all wanted to gain (money.. experience... memories..) There are things that we also want to lose.
Writing them down feels cathartic no wonder people have been sharing their goals and all.
So here I’ll be sharing some of my old bucket lists (not necessarily the ones that came true) and the most recent goals that I have.
`“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do” ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.`
1) Travel to different countries in Asia — CHECK
It is with God’s endless provisions that we, along with my best friends were able to experience different cultures and were able to travel to different countries in Asia prior to the pandemic, the most precious being the land of the Rising Sun, Japan.
It is one of our greatest dreams to go to Japan together and visit ***The Wizarding World of Harry Potter*** in Osaka, Japan (since visiting the UK feels like a pipe dream just yet). We even made a friendly pact while we are still in the university to go there together. It took us five long years since that pact but we made it happen. Through proper saving of our resources, planning and time management we realised that it is possible. And it is indeed, possible. And we had the best of time.
I briefly went to Singapore for work so technically it wasn’t for travel but I also had the best memories in there, as well as in the neighboring countries, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Taiwan is one of the biggest surprises. Maybe because I have zero to low expectations that its natural beauty has amazed me by a mile. From the food to its actual people, we had the nicest experience while traveling there.
The most recent one and probably the one that’s been most taxing because of the worries of the visa being disapproved (SoKor Embassy is stricter, I think) is South Korea. But all the worries flew out of our minds as soon as we step foot in the country as the experience is a good one and it all felt like a breeze — all the time we spent waiting is so worth it.
God-willing, I truly want to come back when the situation is better.
One of the best perks of traveling, at least to me, is getting to try out different kinds of matcha green tea. You can read my separate posts about it on the links below:
**MATCHA-dventures in Japan** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/matcha-dventures-in-japan-28ddfb57
**MATCHA-dventures in Taiwan** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/matcha-dventures-in-taiwan-8e475815
2) OH, Canada
It’s always been in the back of my mind to settle down in Canada. While the process may be long and right now is not yet the time, at least that’s what the current situation feels like telling me, there still is this vague hope that maybe someday, I could make this happen too. But until then.
3) To finish the knitted sweater and other side knitting projects
We tend to procrastinate sometimes (or is it most of the time?) but this is one of the short term goals of mine. During the quarantine I was able to finally learn how to knit. It is easier to learn these days because there are a lot of tutorials available online and because I have extra time in my hands. However, my impatient self is being tested.
The only problem is being distracted by other things that occupy my mind like trying to bake or learn playing the piano and the ukelele. Sometimes an inspiration would strike so I’d have to write it down. Sometimes I play games with my cousins. Sometimes I play with my cats and the list goes on. It felt like there’s so little time and there are a lot of options and I don’t know what to do next. It is a nice distraction from reality, though. I am also aware that I am luckier than most who is struggling because of the current pandemic situation. Some don’t even have a place to live in, some are stuck while some lost their jobs. We are still blessed to have the luxury of staying at home and doing all of these things.
4) Learn to bake a marble cake
In my defense I did try to do it once but my mind was probably off to other places that time that I got the amount of ingredients wrong so it ended up looking like an egg pudding instead of a marble cake. There’s still time to try and try again so I am positive that I will be able to tick this off my list in no time.
5) To be able to write in a publication / Be a journalist of sorts
Writing is one of the things that I am also passionate about. Even though it is way different from my field and day job, but it didn’t stop me from achieving this dream of mine. Through proper connections and opportunities taken I was assigned to cover a couple of great music acts and write about them for my friend’s website. I AM IN CLOUD NINE. I get to have two birds in one stone (as I am a huge music enthusiast as well). I guess God works beyond what we can imagine and it’s being given to us in its proper time.
6) I’d like to see my favourite musicians in a concert (again)
Because of the current situation, this became a long-term goal as it is not possible because of the growing numbers of people infected with the virus that is still mutating at the time of this writing.
Watching concerts is a therapeutic experience for me. There’s this certain feeling of euphoria in getting to hear the songs that touches your soul being sang in a live venue. There are still things that I’d like to experience and one of them is watching concerts in a stadium. Maybe BTS (I am yet to experience the purple ocean)? Maybe on a music festival with my favourite rock bands? We’ll see. But I am willing to wait until that time comes.
7) Lastly, achieve 1BCH
I think most of us in here are aiming for this milestone (if you also have not achieve it yet) and through hard work and proper connections, it is possible. And until that day, I will also strive harder.
DREAM BIG. SET GOALS. TAKE ACTION.
Like a mantra, may this be our mindset all the time.
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Thank you to my recent sponsor, @TengoLoTodo . I truly appreciate it. I think there’s a notification from @CrazyRichFilipina but I couldn’t find it. But I am grateful for you and for everything that you do.
To reaching more heights together,
A
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Here are some of my previous works if you are up for some short read:
**Meeting THE Mitch Albom (the author of the famous book, Tuesdays With Morrie)** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/meeting-the-mitch-albom-7ca871b4
**Can a Song Save Your Life?** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/can-a-song-save-your-life-50f16b2d
**FIVE Ways to Love Life** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/five-ways-to-love-life-b8df7cbe
**It’s Alright to Not Have A Dream** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/it-is-alright-to-not-have-a-dream-93cbb48d
Of Labels and Leadership
I remember listing out a little review of sorts on my notes after seeing **X-Men: Apocalypse** in cinema back in 2016 and so I would like to revive it as I feel like the main topic is still very relevant even after all these years.
If you have not seen the film yet and don’t want to be spoiled of some plot information or dialogues, this is your cue to look away. But if you are curious as to why I think it is not as worse as how critics are telling it to be, go ahead and read.
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As always, the key to not be disappointed in almost any sort of thing is to ***lower your expectations or to not expect anything at all***. I think it is one of the reasons why somehow I enjoyed seeing this cliche of a film with a predictable plot, as how some critics would say. That, in addition to my unfamiliarity with the X-Men verse aside from knowing the main characters and remembering bits of their background from seeing the animated version on television as a kid, but that was like ages ago. I feel like a fresh, brand new slate absorbing everything that is to know as it is happening right before my eyes.
The film will give you just the entertainment that one would have expected from such a well-anticipated and promoted franchise. I cannot help but giggle with the slight shade when **Jean Grey** played by no other than **Sansa Stark** (er, Sophie Turner) mentioned about the third film being the worst or something like that. It may not be a stand out film but it did give some satisfaction to a non-X-Men comics enthusiast like me.
What I liked the most are the life lessons that one can peruse just from watching the film. They made it PG and totally (easily) relatable especially for families and for the kids with the casts throwing quotation-worthy lines every now and then. The topics that stood out as they are very timely these days: **labels and leadership**.
*"A gift can often be a curse. Give them wings and they may fly too close to the sun…Give them the power of imagination they think they may rule the world."*
**Professor Charles Xavier (James, my guy McAvoy)** has stated on his opening narration how ambitious and cunning people can be once given more resources and capacities than what they can comprehend. Just because we can does not mean we should do it/go for it. And it is a perfect reminder that we have to be responsible in our every actions.
I could also relate this to getting too attached to power and money especially in the recent days.
*“To understand one’s power is to learn the extent of it.”*
*"We fear what we do not understand."*
In order to be able to use our gifts to its full capacity, we should be able to grasp the extent of our abilities. As self-explanatory as that.
`Scott Summers/Cyclops (Tye Sheridan): “It doesn’t feel like a gift.”`
`Professor X: “It never does at first.”`
Sometimes, that fear also prevents us from further exploring the vast possibilities leaving us not being able to live up with the talent and skills that we have. We settle for "normal". We give up without even getting to try.
Our fears are stopping us into getting the full experience because we keep on worrying about something that isn’t even happening yet. What if it works the other way around? The possibilities are endless.
`Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence): “Just because there’s no war doesn’t mean there’s peace.”`
One's leadership will not be as efficient if we are confined in a certain place and we keep on losing track of the bigger picture and the opportunities that is way ahead. Comfort zones are not all that we have. It is just the start and we can work on that.
`Raven: “I’m not a hero.”`
`Jean Grey (Sophie Turner): “You are to us.”`
One may never be aware of his/her influence to others. We may never fully understand how being little old "us" can be inspirational but we should continue being "us".
Continue to fight for what we believe in and try to leave a positive mark in the lives of the people that we get to interact every single day.
Which brings me to having labels.
What would you label yourself to be?
In the film Raven is initially hesitant to take on the role of being a heroine because she is doubtful if she even is one. She is labeling herself albeit in a negative light without even getting to try it yet but with the support of the people around her, she became the heroine that she truly is.
Will you be resorting to calling yourself a failure when you fizzled out in accomplishing something that you’ve worked hard for at first try?
Would you brand yourself a self-made entity without giving credits to those who helped you be on top?
Or would you be the hero of your own story while tending to those in need?
Will you be the leader of your own story?
It’s all up to you now to decide.
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A little side note: I think one of the last films that I have actually seen in the director’s cinema before all of these pandemic shenanigans is the **Dark Phoenix** movie starring Sophie Turner. I came with my best friend who is such a huge fan. It was alright. I mean, having zero expectations and all.
What a full circle.
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Today’s prompt by @JonicaBradley and @TengoLoTodo is **Labels**. I hope I gave it justice even though it is very vaguely instilled in the topic of leadership. This is in hopes of getting to inspire more people.
If you want to try, you can also join the **Promptly Jonica** community and just post an article with a minimum of 600 words about a prompt of your choice. And don’t forget to tag these lovely individuals! https://read.cash/c/promptlyjonica-b4a0
Cheers to you all and let me just say thank you to the sponsors! I think I’ll never get tired of thanking you all… and to the future sponsors as well ;) I am so grateful because I came here just wanting to write and basically find other ways to spend time in this trying times as suggested by one of my good friends and yet you’re giving me an even better experience by supporting me in my Read Cash and BCH journey.
Always with you,
A
***Everything written here are all mine except for the direct quotes from the film.***
***Lead photo credit: X-Men Apocalypse promotional poster, 2016; Marvel Entertainment, 20th Century Fox***
Why You Should Have A Dog
Previously, I wrote about why one should have a cat and now I would also like to share about their ultimate nemesis, although in reality, they are the best of friends — dogs. https://read.cash/@aaskelter/why-you-should-have-a-cat-f02fc3f7
Personally as I have also previously mentioned, I am a cat person more than a dog one, but I am a fur-baby lover through and through. And so, when my cousins were gifted a dog during the start of quarantine, I am also one of the most delighted.
Somehow the lockdown became a blessing in disguise because we were able to jot down and experience all the stages of the doggos’ lives from being a pup to growing up to apparently getting pregnant and giving birth to plenty of future pets.
Let me introduce you to our babies (my cousins, actually but semantics).
Say hello to the Quarantine Doggos!
Doggo #1: John Wonwoo
`Breed: Half pomeranian teacup, half pomeranian (normal size) so basically a medium-sized pomeranian (aksks sorry I am not so familiar with the breed)`
`Age: 2 years old`
John Wonwoo (pronounced as Wonu) got his name from one of my cousin’s favourite K-pop artist and true to his name, this boy is very charismatic and photogenic. He is always up for some photographs so if you are into selfies, he’s your boy. THE BEST BOY. He used to be a bundle of energy when he was younger but he has sort of mellowed now that he is already two years old. We also share the same birth month so we celebrated our birthdays in quarantine (together). Look at his smile. Isn’t it infectious? It sure can ease your mind looking at him after a very long and hectic day at work.
Just like cats, having a dog can lower the risk of heart disease according to studies, as well as lowering stress so that your daily life performance and mental health may improve. Wonwoo is one of those helpful little sweetheart who makes the world a little better.
Doggo #2: Bella Chow
`Breed: Chowchow Spitz Age: 2 years old`
Bella is probably the sweetest of the bunch. I say this about all of them but truthfully, they all are. Maybe dogs are really like that. They are clingy and fun-loving creatures who have so much love to give and so they give off serotonin boosts to their fur-parents all the time.
Bella is named after the Money Heist theme song (Bella Ciao) because my cousins have seen that show and they loved it, I think.
Bella would bark to say hello every time I visit them. But they had to keep her in her huge cage after giving birth because as you all know Chowchow is a real huge breed of dog and she gave birth to three baby Chows named King Chow, Queen Chow and Chowder. Unfortunately, one didn’t live long (Queen Chow) and crossed the rainbow bridge early on but the other two are very healthy now.
Bella is a Chow Spitz and her fur doesn’t grow too thick and I think that is perfect because the weather in this country is hot most of the time and they will be needing constant trips to the grooming center, if ever. This is also one of the reasons why I prefer adopting cats — they are low-maintenance and can usually fend for themselves.
My cousins say that giving them a bath is such a struggle because they are really huge now. I haven’t visited them in a while because of the lockdown restrictions but they are being well-tended all the time so all is good.
Doggo #3: Kimchi
`Breed: Half shih tzu, half pomeranian teacup`
`Age: One year old`
Kimchi is a ball of energy as a kid (photo above) When she was born, we thought she would take after the shih tzu mother but as she grew up, apparently she is like a pomeranian with big eyes of a shih tzu. She is very cute, isn’t she?
Another trivia: Kimchi is actually one of Wonwoo’s daughters.
And the family keeps on growing!
Bella has already given birth to four more babies! I am not sure if my cousins are keeping it or they will have them sold or be adopted because the house looks like a “Hotel for Dogs” now, if you have watched that movie. I was even joking that if they named all the dogs after my cousin’s favourite K-pop group Seventeen (which is composed of thirteen members) then they would have probably already completed the line up because there are now a lot of doggos in their place. Plus they are all so huge so imagine the poop and litters…. okay don’t. But you see the picture.
Moving forward, while it can get costly to have two or more dogs because of trips to the grooming center and monthly vets for their vaccines, there are also a lot benefits to adopting or keeping two pets at the same time.
1) More Doggos, More Cuddles
The doggos will have the opportunity to play together, cuddle together and explore and it is the best thing in the world. And since different doggos have different personalities too just like humans, every companionship experience will be fun and different.
2) Boost Your Mental Health, Boost Your Doggos Mental Health as well
Not only will they help boost your own mental health, having a pet companion can also improve your pets' health because they would get some exercise by playing around with each other. As they grow older, pets actually mellow. In fact, my cats would now sleep for almost all throughout the day (but they are nocturnal so I am assuming that they’ve been running around and playing all night, chasing whatever, or probably chasing each other.)
Show them your affection and they will love you back and you’d get to have a companion for life.
They truly are one of our best-est friends.
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I got so excited when I saw this prompt by @JonicaBradleyso I decided to give it a try. I love our pets so much!
The prompts are actually a good idea because our minds need some push sometimes. Thank you for the ideas!
There’s no deadline for their prompts so you can also join if you want. Just join the Promptly Jonica community and write a minimum of 600 words to your chosen prompt/topic. Also, tag the ever lovely Jonica Bradley and you’re good to go. https://read.cash/c/promptlyjonica-b4a0
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my newest sponsors, @ARTicLEE and @renren16 . And to @FarmGirl for always pushing and inspiring me to be better. May you also be blessed a thousand fold! To achieving our goals together!
Always here to cheer you all up,
A
*(All photos are taken by yours truly)*
Before I sleep, I just want to give a huge shoutout and thanks to @ARTicLEE and @renren16 for being my latest sponsors. I’m beyond grateful that you even considered my little page. I’ll try to be more active and write more genuine and interesting articles in the future. I really appreciate all your support :)
Isang Pagpupugay sa Wikang Kinagisnan — Ang Wikang Tagalog
I don’t have a lot of subscribers in here but this is a little disclaimer that this post will be (or I’ll try to keep it) in full Tagalog (Filipino) language in celebration of ***Buwan ng Wika*** (August).
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Hango sa inspirasyon mula kina @ARTicLEE at @LucyStephanie , aking susubukan na bumuo ng isang sanaysay gamit ang wikang Tagalog.
Kung tutuusin, marahil ay inyong sasabihin na madali lamang ito dahil Tagalog lang din naman ang ating unang lenggwahe subalit ang wikang Tagalog ay mayroon ding mga bahaging komplikado at minsa’y mas mahirap pa ngang baybayin at ipaliwanag kaya tayo ay gumagamit na lamang ng Ingles at iba pang wika.
Sa Gitnang Katagalugan ako nagkamalay at dahil nga doon, kahit na maraming dayalekto ang Pilipinas sa kabuuan, Tagalog lamang ang aking alam. Subalit wala namang masama, ito pa rin naman ang pinakagamit sa bansa sa kabuuan.
Ngunit ano nga ba ang Tagalog at saan ito nagmula? Ating himaying isa-isa ang mga impormasyon na aking nakalap din sa pagbabasa-basa.
Tagalog at ang Pinagmulan
Ang salitang ***Tagalog*** ay hango sa “taga-ilog” at may direktang kahulugan na “sa tabing ilog”. Ito ay marahil sa kadahilanang ang Pilipinas ay napapaligiran ng mga anyong tubig kaya ito ang kanilang itinuring dito noon. Dahil sa pananakop ng mga dayuhan noong unang panahon, ang Tagalog na ating kinagisnan ngayon ay mula na sa pinagsama-samang lenggwahe ng Tsina, Malay, Espanyol at Ingles at patuloy na pinapaghusay sa pamamagitan ng madaming pag-aaral ngayon.
Ang wika ay patuloy na lumalawak kaya wala namang masama na magbase sa dayuhang wika. Sa katunayan, maraming bagong salita ang ngayon pa lamang natutuklas at naitatala dahil sa mga pagbabagong dala ng panahon.
Base sa ilang pananaliksik, sa kasalukuyan ay may limampung milyong Pilipino ang gumagamit ng naturang wika at dalawampu’t apat na milyon naman ang gumagamit nito sa buong mundo.
Sa aking palagay, ang Tagalog ay isa sa pinakamalambing na salita at may mga bagay na mas nabibigyang diin kapag sa wikang kinagisnan ito tinuran. Isang halimbawa rito ang salitang “Mahal kita” o “Iniibig kita” na wari ba’y mas nakakakilig kumpara sa katumbas na dayuhang wika.
May mga salita ring mahirap iparating o baybayin kaya nagiging talamak na rin ang paggamit ng mga pinagsasamang wika gaya ng “Taglish” lalo na sa mga kabataan.
Sa paaralan itinuturo ang tamang pagbigkas at gamit ng wika subalit sa ating sari-sariling kabahayan unang nagmumula ang kaalaman na naipapasa sa atin ng ating mga magulang at iba pang kaanak. Nakakatuwa ring isip na kahit na mayroong iba na matagal nang nawalay at hindi na sa Pilipinas naninirahan ay patuloy nilang prinepreserba ang mga turo at wika maging ang ating mayamang kultura sa kanilang mga anak.
Original Pilipino Music (OPM)
Hindi maikakaila ang pagkahilig ng mga Pilipino sa musika maging noong sinaunang panahon kaya naman nandiyan ang ***harana*** at mga ***kundiman*** na naging popular noong panahon ng pananakop ng mga Espanyol. Nariyan ding napagyaman ang mga tradisyunal na tunog ng gong at iba pang makalumang instrumento. Magpahanggang ngayon, mahilig pa rin sa musika ang mga Pilipino maging sa makabagong panahon. Nariyang nauso ang musikang klasikal. Mayroon ding mga mababagal, mga himno at mga awiting nakakaindak lalo na noong 70’s at 80’s. At ngayon naman nga’y pinaghalu-halong inspirasyon na mula sa iba’t ibang bansa.
Sining at Kultura
Matagal-tagal na rin akong hindi nakakapaglibot dahil sa pandemya subalit kinalugod ko nang mas madalas ang mga panahon na nagagawa ko pang mamasyal sa mga museo at liwasang bayan. Marapatin niyo sanang aking maibahagi dito ang ilan sa mga litratong aking kinunan.
Isa sa magandang pasyalan na tunay na makakapagpasaya sa atin at makakapag-alab ng ating pusong makabansa ang hilera ng mga museo at liwasang bayan sa Maynila. Dito rin matatagpuan ang eksaktong lugar kung saan binaril ang ating pambansang bayani ngayon na si Gat Jose Rizal na ngayon ay pinagtayuan na ng kanyang rebulto sa Luneta na tinatawag ring Bagumbayan noon.
Pinakanasiyahan akong maglibot sa mga museo dahil tunay na nakakatuwang makita ang mga makaluma at antigong bagay at sining mula ng mga panahong hindi pa ako naisisilang. Malaki na rin ang ikinaganda ng istruktura nito gawa ng mga proyekto ng pagpapaunlad na isinasagawa ng mga lupon ng pamahalaan.
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Ang inyong mga nakita ay ilan lamang sa mga larawan na aking kinuhanan noong ako ay dumayo sa ating pambansang Museo.
Napakayaman ng ating kultura. Nawa’y ito ay mapreserba pa para sa mga darating na panahon.
Maligayang Buwan ng wika sa inyong lahat!
— ——
That was really challenging! It has been a really long while since I tried writing in our very own language. It is probably way back when I was still in the university and we were asked to write an informal themed writing…. It was that long! Oh, and I used to be the editor-in-chief of our Tagalog school publication back in high school so I am used to writing in full Tagalog but it’s really been ages since the last one.
If you are reading this now, I hope you get to appreciate your language too. We can learn more but we should never forget our own roots.
Til then!
A
*————*
*I am back to regular programming after this (English content) but I really enjoyed this one too so if time and schedule would allow I’d probably write in my native language again. ;)*
*All the photos that I included in this article are all taken by me.*
*Also, taking this opportunity to thank and scream a huge shoutout to my first ever sponsor,* @FarmGirl *. May you be blessed with more!*
Uses of a Mood Tracker App and Why It Is Helpful
Writing down our thoughts has always been therapeutic. Be it on journals, diaries or even on online blog sites like this one, we all enjoy documenting our days and treasuring every memory and it is helping us ease our anxieties.
If you are artsy, you can even design and customize your notes. I used to be very interested with arts and stuff but I feel like daily life is sucking all my energy that writing on a tangible diary feels like an additional task instead of it getting to unleash its cathartic effect. In addition, as we are living in a highly modern setup these days, a virtual journal/diary is definitely more convenient for us now.
Another selling point of a virtual journal would be its **functionality**. Because you can download the app to your phones or tablets, you can update your journals wherever and whenever you want, even when you are lying down in bed with the lights off at night.
That being said, I have been using this virtual bujo (**bullet journal**) of sorts since 2019 and it’s been of great help to assess my thoughts and feelings especially in the past year where everything is new, bland or exciting depending on your own perspective.
I searched for a nice application on my phone and came upon this app called **Daylio**. Little did I know that it would change my life (and that is not an exaggeration).
But first, what is Daylio?
Basically, **Daylio** is a self-care bullet journal that tracks users’ daily mood and activities. Users may choose the mood initially (e.g., rad, good, meh, okay, awful) followed by the activities they did that day (e.g., cook, work, hanging out with family and friends, etc.) and lastly, you can elaborate more on the notes and even upload a photo of said activity to *“immortalize*” it.
There are pre-set moods and activities already but Daylio is very versatile and you can actually customize it with whatever you want. You can turn your bujo into a **fitness goal** and **mental health tracker**. Since there is a feature that would allow you to upload photos, you can also opt to make it as a **food or travel log**. It could be your **gratitude diary**. It could also be your **rant buddy**.
*Per their App Store description, Daylio is built in these three major principles:*
*Reach happiness and self-improvement by being mindful of your days.*
*Validate your hunches. How does your new hobby influenced your life?*
*Form a new habit in an obstacle-free environment— no learning curve.*
After you’ve written any highlight of your day and once it has gathered enough data, the app will also provide you with statistics to show the patterns in your mood over time varying in weekly, monthly, and yearly reports. You can easily check which mood has governed your month as shown in different formats such as a line graph, bar graph, or even a pie chart. You can also get some emblems once you have unlocked certain achievements like acquiring the longest streak or having the most activities in a day.
Listing down the pros per my experience:
**Daylio is very user-friendly.** While there are features that are exclusive for paid contents and there are limited icons that you can use, it won’t be a hindrance to fully get to utilize the app.
**It offers a lot of fun features and the data gathering is accurate and impressive.** I particularly loved seeing my yearly mood count/record or the Year in Pixels, like what they are calling it.
**It** **is minimalistic and you can customise its interface (color themes) as well as mix-and-match the mood using funny and cute emojis**
**You can build a habit and collect achievement emblems.** However, it isn’t a requirement to write everyday. Always remember the reason why you are doing this and that is to help organize your thoughts and ease your anxiety. So don’t feel too pressured to write down anything. Just do it in your own pace and liking.
**You can set a backup** via your Google Drive if you furtherly want to preserve your entries
**You can set a reminder** (Mine is set at 8:00PM daily) but you are not limited by that certain time and can keep on putting entries anytime of the day.
**They don’t collect or store your data** and you can opt to have it locally stored on your phones.
Further Realisations
Using Daylio helped me be okay with the fact that ***some days are great and there are days that are not as special as the others but that is also alright.***
I did try to keep up a streak but there are days when I cannot think of a highlight or a moment that would stand out. The days became like a routine that would make you feel like nothing really interesting is happening. But then you will be surprised by the good days full of gratitude and happiness, of the little blessings that you just didn’t get to appreciate when it is still happening at present.
Here are some of my past entries. I even wrote about joining Noise Cash and Read cash too.
And for the achievements:
Always remember that no achievement is too little for as long as it has made you happy or fulfilled then whatever you have gotten or received deserves to be celebrated.
Lastly, our thoughts can affect our health so let’s aim to find opportunities to unleash our happy hormones and influence others along the way.
Happy virtual bujo-ing!
A
***
*This isn’t Daylio-sponsored but I just would like to share it because who knows, you might want to try using it too and hopefully it could help you go through your day as well.*
Photo/screenshots ©️ by the writer (me)
I received my first sponsorship notif today omg 🥲 thank you, @FarmGirl. However, being the noob that I am, I clicked approved and now it is gone, and I have no idea what happened 😅
Anyway, happy August to you all! May this new month be bountiful for all of us and to the BCH market as a whole.
Seven BTS Lyrics That Will Definitely Hit You With The Feels
Photo ©️ BIGHIT MUSIC / Hybe Labels
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On my previous article I mentioned about wanting to compile some of my favourite BTS lyrics and so today, I would like to share some with you. https://read.cash/@aaskelter/spreading-love-through-permission-to-dance-and-why-it-is-impactful-b1362bbb
A little background, I have always been a fan of music which has lyrics that makes me think. That, in addition to the melody that calms and touches my soul. A whole combo. And somehow I found these in BTS’ music.
In case you are not yet familiar, BTS or 방탄소년단 (Bangtan Sonyeondan) is a South Korean boy group and is now the biggest group in the planet in terms of sales and impact. But the success is not handed to them in a silver platter; they worked their arses off day and night to end up in the position that they are in now.
Let me share some of their remarkable works. Hopefully it would get you in the feels, too.
I chose to share 7 because they are a septet and the number 7 holds a very special place in their hearts.
—
“Adults tell me that hardships are only momentary | To endure a little more, to do it later | Everybody say NO! | It can’t be any later | *Don’t be trapped in someone else’s dream*.”
- N.O, O!RUL82?
This is one of their old releases that is highly political because it challenges the norm of doing what the society is telling you to do. It doesn’t encourage you to rebel, per se, but the song kind of reminds you to stand your ground despite the initial struggles that you are experiencing. The line ***“Don’t be trapped in someone else’s dream”*** hits the hardest. Most of the times we succumb to what the society is expecting us to do, therefore limiting our creative space without even getting to grow on our own. To be able to fully embrace and live our dreams, sometime you got to say “No”.
Listen to the song here:
https://youtu.be/mmgxPLLLyVo
Video ©️ Hybe Labels (formerly Bighit Entertainment)
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“What is the you that you dreamed of? | Who do you see in the mirror? I gotta say | Go on your path | Even if you live for a day | Do something | Put away your weakness.” - No More Dream
Also coming off their debut release which in retrospect is kind of in line with the Youth concept and the previous song recommendation, BTS is reminding you to not be afraid to pursue your dreams. It will not be easy but have to start somewhere. The path is scary and dangerous but no one will pave it for you so you have to do something about it.
They themselves have experienced too many difficulties when they are still starting in 2013. Coming from a small company that is on the brink of bankruptcy, BTS worked hard to achieve all their goals and they are not in their peak yet. They continue to rule and at the same time, grow.
So what is stopping you from achieving your own?
https://youtu.be/rBG5L7UsUxA
Video ©️ Hybe Labels (formerly Bighit Entertainment)
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**“It’s alright to stop**
**There’s no need to run without even knowing the reason**
**It’s alright to not have a dream**
**If you have moments where you feel happiness for a while**
**It’s alright to stop**
**Now we don’t run without knowing the destination**
**It’s alright to not have a dream**
**All the breaths you breathe are already in paradise.” -** Paradise
A part of the Love Yourself series, Paradise is one of my favourite songs ever because the lyrics hit hard. **It reminds us to not be too hard on ourselves.**
Yes, our dreams push us to strive harder but it is also alright if we cannot figure out what we want just yet. **It’s alright to not have a dream.**
It is okay to live in the moment and feel happiness as it happens. When it gets too hard, **it is okay to stop.** To pause. To recharge. To pick ourselves up. *To try again*. It is okay to achieve our goals in our own pace because being successful in life is not a race and your only opponent is yourself. So with every small achievement give yourself a pat in the back. Your progress may not be visible just yet but there is progress.
Which leads us to the next lyric that I’d like to share:
“I hope you realise that giving up decisively also counts as courage.” - Burn it (by AGUST D feat. MAX)
(I kind of cheated because this is not a BTS song but Burn It is from SUGA/Min Yoongi’s solo mixtape release. SUGA is one of the three amazing rappers of BTS and his alterego is AGUST D.)
You are courageous for pursuing your dreams but you are equally courageous for stopping when you needed to. Making big decisions whether to pursue or let go of something take a lot of courage, too. And that is what this song is trying to convey. Don’t blame yourself. You are doing well.
—
“Oh, this ground feels so heavier | I am singing by myself | I just wanna be happier | Am I being too greedy?“ -Blue & Grey
Likewise, admitting that we are weak takes a lot of courage, too. And I think this is why Blue & Grey makes me emotional whenever I listen to it.
This song is created by V (Kim Taehyung, one of the members of the vocal line) to convey the emotions that are swirling in his mind in this pandemic that is very relatable as most of us, if not all are experiencing the same thing. It is from the album, BE which is their most personal to date as all the members are hands-on which everything — from the production to the design, inclusions and concept. It is released in 2020 where the world is under a worldwide turmoil (pandemic) and everyone felt hopeless at some point.
Blue & Grey is like a hug, like a friend telling you that you should be able to embrace that dark side of you and acknowledge the pain that you are feeling without losing sight of the hopeful circumstances that is about to happen, too. ***Don’t dwell on sadness for too long and at the same time, don’t be afraid of feeling sad.*** While there is gloom, there is also healing and comfort that is looming around you. So don’t be afraid to feel because soon you will be able to overcome your internal and physical struggles in life.
—
“Sometimes we got to know, broken is beautiful." - Fly to My Room
Another song off BE, Fly to My Room is very comforting because sometimes even though we get too overwhelmed by situations, we always manage to find a way to feel at ease. In general context, the song is about the feeling of being stuck in a place/room but still finding ways to make things work for his/her own happiness.
There is beauty in the unexpected and the broken. It all depends on your point of view and disposition.
—
Lastly,
“Decide for yourself what it means to be happy | Everyday, take a step to grow up | But it’s okay to show weakness sometimes | It’s okay to be you | Don’t lie to yourself anymore.” - Lights
You are the one who would get to define where your happiness truly lies and you should not let anyone tell you otherwise.
**It is okay to be YOU.** Be real with what you feel and let the people around you know.
This Japanese track truly is something and it never fails to bring a smile on my face.
https://youtu.be/eaUpme4jalE
Video ©️ Hybe Labels (formerly Bighit Entertainment)
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Because BTS is now huge popularity-wise and in terms of worldwide impact as well, people usually think that they are overrated and overhyped but I hope these seven tracks will make you think that there is a reason why so may people are being drawn to them and their music. And it most definitely is more than their ethereal looking skin and visuals. They are genuine.
They have a lot of amazing tracks of different genres that would fit your taste if you let go of the initial prejudice and you would give their music a chance. Language barrier? No problemo. Music is universal, after all.
I hope you find your own healing and comfort in the things that you love, too.
Let me know your thoughts and if you needed song recommendations, feel free to hit me up.
Cheers!
A
*(All screenshots are from my Apple Music. Original music credits to Hybe Labels, formerly Bighit Entertainment)*
Spreading Love Through Permission To Dance and Why It Is Impactful
When **Permission To Dance** is announced to be a B-side on BTS’ latest single CD release, it has made me so excited because I learned that it is penned by Ed Sheeran and this is the second time that they have sort of collaborated, the first one being **Make It Right**. I love that Ed has full respect of BTS’ music and artistry as stated in one of the anecdotes that even though (fun fact) Make It Right is initially a vocal line song, he sort of suggested to make it full OT7 song just like Spring Day and the likes.
I also have no qualms about it having an all English lyrics because what does it matter, right? Whatever language that they may get to use, music is going to transcend it all. And besides, it will help reach more especially to those who might need to hear the message at the time.
But basically I am just glad that BTS is releasing new music again. I enjoy their music and dynamic a lot so as a fan, I am truly anticipating for more.
Here comes the release date.
And I… loved it.
Here are some of the reasons why:
Inclusivity
They used sign languages in the choreography making it relatable and inclusive of the deaf community. And there are a lot of reaction videos out there that are truly heartwarming to see: people with disabilities enjoying the song and feeling like they truly belong (and they do). The world should not be harsh for once, and they don’t really need permission to be happy just like what the song’s message is implying.
In one of their recent interviews, J-hope has said:
*We incorporated the international sign language into the choreography and showed it in our music as well as in live performances; it was because we wanted to share positive energy, comfort, and hope with more people around the world.*
*We started the Permission To Dance challenge in hope of seeing a lot of people around the globe dance joyfully together. There’s this energy we gain energy by performing, interacting with fans, and sharing feelings with the audience. The extended period of pandemic made us thirsty for that energy. Through this challenge, we wanted to quench our thirst and give positive energy and hope by enjoying [the music] together.” (Translation credit to doolsetbangtan)*
It is a Message of Hope..
And that is exactly what we needed to hear. The pandemic has caused us all so much. People losing jobs, losing their loved ones, losing everything they ever own; People forgetting their ability to fully be happy because it is a struggle to face the new normal every single day; People losing compassion towards other people and to themselves. Sometimes it feels hopeless and I could not blame them because at some point I am feeling the same. But then the thought of surviving all of these together, and working hard to help each other in ways that we all can kept me going.
The world is different now but the circumstances should not stop us from enjoying our lives and finding our joy in the littlest of things.
The metaphor of flying a purple balloons towards the sky (it is only an edit because they obviously care about nature and won’t send balloons to the environment and risk wildlife) gives so much hope because someday, we’ll get to rid ourselves of the masks and smile wholeheartedly when all of this is over. We will get to dance to our hearts’ content and we can spread love everywhere.
***That someday might be soon.***
Vaccines are available and people from the medical field are working really hard. (Can’t say the same from the government) But we can definitely help each other out.
Sometimes that help is in a form of a song.
And that is what BTS’ music is giving me: hope, love and acceptance. Not only with their previous releases but their music as a whole. I love that they worked so hard to be in their place right now: **on top of the world**. It was never easy but they never gave up and that is truly inspiring.
I first got hooked in 2017 when my best friend has introduced their music to me and the rest as they say is history. I am now even more into their music than she is. But I guess what they say is true: **you get to discover them when you needed them the most.** It could be since their debut or through their breakthrough era. It could also be during the pandemic time, but you discovered BTS’ music at the time that you needed it the most. The lyrics of the songs that you could truly relate to… the words that you needed to hear at a certain point in your life.
But whenever that may be, I am glad that you gave them the time of the day and that their music helped you in a way or another.
Going back to Permission To Dance, it never fails to put a smile on my face because they had fun while filming and performing the song and it cuts right through. Genuine happiness truly is infectious.
https://youtu.be/CuklIb9d3fI
Go give it a watch.
(Maybe I’ll write a piece about the BTS lyrics that touched me the most some other time)
Until then.
Be safe and healthy and I’ll see you around!
A
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Thumbnail Photo ©️ Bighit / Hybe Labels
And When It Rains….
And it’s raining again. The wet monsoon season is truly upon us. Monsoon is this seasonal wind that affects the South/Southeast asian lands so you’d think people will be prepared as it is happening all the time. But life has its way of surprising us.
The wet monsoon situation is getting alarming because of global warming and it’s worsening through the years. During summer, the heat index goes as high as 40 degree Celcius or more. Thunderstorms in the rainy season are on another level too. But I hope you are all doing well.
`And when it rains`
`You always find an escape - Paramore`
I am privileged enough to find the sound of the rain soothing because there is no bad memories that I can associate with it. That is despite experiencing heavy flooding in the past too but not to the expanse of losing a home or worse, losing a loved one. I even have a Spotify playlist of the sound of the rain because it helps me sleep.
I remember playing outside with my cousins and friends when it is raining back then. Life was legit easier. There was one time when it rained so hard when we visited my friend’s family and her mum is so sweet that she helped us dry our clothes and put paper warmers on our backs so we wouldn’t get sick. I remember seeing an actual tornado while in school. I remember getting the class suspended just as we have arrived in the university (we’ve just arrived but we are already allowed to go home). I remember struggling to find a ride home. I remember hanging out, watching movies on a friend’s house waiting for the rain to stop so we can go home. Those are some of the good memories that I will treasure forever.
But that is not the case of the people who lives on low land areas where even the smallest amount of rain could bring flood (in addition to the high tide). Those houses and the source of living that they have built through the years — gone with a blink of an eye. One swoosh of wind and poof! Years of hard work is already gone.
Where in some get to enjoy their hot porridge and soup under the comfort of their homes, some are struggling to survive.
The rain now reminds me of this scene from the Oscar-winning Korean film called **Parasite**.
***“The rain is such a blessing,”*** but it is also a curse to those who are less-fortunate. And society is unfair just like that which is why you have to always check your privilege.
The rain now makes us evaluate what we have and it makes us even more grateful instead of focusing on the things that we lack.
`I want to darken in the skies`
`Open the floodgates up`
`I want to change my mind`
`I want to be enough`
`I want the water in my eyes`
`I want to cry until the end of time`
`I want to let the rain come down`
`Make a brand new ground`
`Let the rain come down`
`Let the rain come down`
`Make a brand new ground`
`Let the rain come down tonight`
`I hold on to worry so tight`
`It's safe in here right next to my heart`
`Who now shouts at the top of her voice`
`Let me go, let me out; this is not my choice`
`And I always felt it before`
`That the world was filled with much more`
`Than the drowning soul I've learned to be`
`I just need the rain to remind me`
`- Sara Bareilles`
When the rain pours, there’s also a promise of a new dawn. A refreshed land. A new ground. This Sara Bareilles song is so special to me as it has used rain as a metaphor of our tears and pain that we had to let out. We have to let it all out until our hearts are cleansed, and slowly, we will heal. Being reminded of the days we feel lost prepares us so we can look forward to the better days to come.
It will get better, but let it rain… for now.
What does the rain make you feel? I hope you’re safe and dry!
Til then.
A x
Answering the Most Random “Never Have I Ever” questions
I have been on a writer’s block in the past few weeks and have you ever felt like wanting to write something but you just can’t come up with the right words? Either I have become too distracted or busy with my day job but regardless of the reason that I couldn’t really point out, I am trying to ease back to writing and hopefully I could be productive in here again. So as I was browsing my feed I came upon @francescawrites ‘ blog and decided, why not try this **Never Have I Ever** thing too?
So I Google-d and found a website that generates random Never Have I Ever questions and here are the first thirteen questions that I will try to answer honestly as I can. https://never-have-i-ever-online.com/
(Why 13? It is one of my favourite numbers.)
So, for today’s TMI, let’s start?
Never Have I Ever… forgotten what happened during the last night partying.
I…. am not really big on partying although I have high tolerance for alcohol. I use to tell my friends that “I can (drink), I just won’t.” so it is more of a choice. I also was the ***Cinderella*** of the group whenever we are heading out for a bottle or two after work but that is mainly because I reside far from the workplace/bar and it will take me longer time to arrive home despite being the one leaving early. So I leave before 12 midnight.
One of my most memorable experiences partying happened on a company party as I was trying out this cocktail concocted by one of the bosses and the drink is so strong I felt dizzy right that instant but since it’s just a little amount I didn’t get blackout drunk per se, and I can still remember what I was doing or what the people around me are doing at that time.
Never Have I Ever… danced in front of the mirror.
Oh, I certainly have because we used to have zumba sessions once or twice a month prior to this work from home/pandemic situation. If referring to the mirror at home though, I have danced as well because why not, eh? Also, me and my cousins used to play Just Dance (via Switch) on our free time.
I love dancing! It’s the only exercise that I can tolerate and do these days. I love having my legs or arms ache from moving my body a lot. I also love warm baths after resting and a nice dance workout.
Never Have I Ever… wished to be born in a friend’s body.
To be perfectly honest, I have never wished to be born in a body other than mine because that would certainly not be me. It took a long while to get used and accept that I won’t be as skinny as the others and my physique isn’t the most beautiful per societal standards but I learned to love myself.
I would probably wish to have something else like extra tips from @TheRandomRewarder (just kidding) but the actual body, nope.
Never Have I Ever… kissed a stranger for a dare.
Never have kissed anyone for that matter. I’ve always been so adventurous in life except for that “love” aspect. Partly it is because when I was still studying I was too focused on other things and there’s that insecurity of not being enough for someone to like or even love. I am an extrovert and I would have kissed a stranger but the opportunity didn’t present itself back then so… yes. Staying pure til I meet ***the one***, I guess, and that is perfectly fine with me.
Never Have I Ever… had a heartache.
What a fitting next question! Following the logic of the previous question, I have never been in a relationship, like ever. But it doesn’t mean that I haven’t had a heartache as it comes in many forms, too. It could be on the form of coming from a broken family, of broken trust and toxic friendships that you have learned to let go in time. It could also be about the disappointment and failure in life. And so yes, I did have a heartache. I can’t say that I have healed fully but I try to be stronger to be able to face the future head on.
Never Have I Ever… lived vegan.
I am such a foodie and I do admire those who can because it would take such discipline to be able to do so. There was a point where I am into salads for a few months, though but I’ve never really lived vegan (I don’t think that I can, too)
Never Have I Ever… watched a movie more than 15 times
I have watched the Harry Potter series plenty of times that I lost count. I don’t know but there is such comfort in already knowing the endgame especially to overthinkers, maybe that is the reason why some people tend to watch a movie over and over instead of watching the whole Netflix catalog.
Never Have I Ever… sold something for much more than it was actually worth.
Maybe for a couple of bucks, yes but not too much. It serves much like a handling fee. I have not been into buying and selling of goods/merch despite being a collector of sorts, fortunately. I am okay with my album pulls whoever they may be (on the few K-pop items that I own)
Never Have I Ever… gotten a tattoo
This is actually one of my bucketlist and I am yet to tick it off. But if ever I had the courage to have tattoos, I’ll have the word (un)lost on my left wrist (it is the title of one of my life’s soundtracks as sung by this band called The Maine. You can check it out!) and the baybayin writing of the word “tibalbal” (ᜁᜊᜎ᜔ᜊᜎ᜔) which translates to “chubby” on my right wrist.
Never Have I Ever… watched someone shoplifting
The world is such a scary place. I have not seen someone shoplift but I have seen someone snatch a phone off someone’s bag in the metro. I even lost my phone while commuting in public so, yeah.
Never Have I Ever… made a decision I regretted the very moment after
I used to blame it on my star sign, Aries but despite being a good listener, I can be hot-headed and I speak my mind more often than most. Sometimes it gets misunderstood or maybe I get to critical that I feel like I may have hurt someone so the overthinking starts from there. I think I have mellowed in time, though. I learned to be more compassionate towards people.
Never Have I Ever… switched places in the bus/train to sit next to an attractive person
I haven’t but I do miss human interactions in public utility vehicles. You get to see attractive people everywhere and not only on the computer/phone screen. ha
Lastly,
Never Have I Ever… had the feeling of being of the disadvantaged gender.
The sad truth is, yes because we live in a misogynistic world. Even in my chosen field of work (engineering), gender equality is not in full effect. But that doesn’t mean we should let them rule especially when we know where we truly stand. Women are stronger than they know.
whew that was a lot! But this is very refreshing. Letting out what’s on our minds can be cathartic especially in these trying times.
Feel free to try it too, if you want to.
To good days ahead!
A
Baking Filipino muffins aka Kababayan
Whenever I have an extra time, one of my ways to ease into our “new normal” is to bake. It is also one of my instant stress relievers. I lowkey enjoy punching into my dough. Kidding aside, the smell of freshly baked bread relaxes me and it makes me feel like I did well whenever I am coming up with a batch of a dozen or two.
One of the easiest to make is probably **sugar cookies**. To be honest though, I only tried to learn to bake them to make use of the cute **BT21 cookie cutters** that I bought online but the end products amaze me everytime. My friends are even encouraging me to sell them! Who knows what would happen in the future, I might. But for now, I just bake some of these goodies as gifts to my friends in those few times that we did get to set a meet up and hangout in this pandemic situation.
Sugar cookies are perfect match to tea and coffee as it balances the sweetness out. There are some kinds that need frosting but the recipe that I found online can stand alone and the sugar cookies tasted real good, too.
The other one is the typical chocolate chip cookies that my cousin used to bake. The cookies are soft and chewy and it feels like she has already mastered baking it.
The one that takes a lot of time and effort is the actual bread bun with yeast but all of those efforts are worth it whenever they compliment on how soft the buns are. Cinnamon buns are my specialty and I really love baking them. You know that bread that you can buy in Starbucks? It tastes exactly like that minus the whipped cream cheese on top. I always opt to not put it because the bread itself is sweet and tasty already
But what I am going to share here is how to make **“Kababayan” bread** which is like the local version of a muffin. It is a staple bread in every bakery that you will find in here. Also, it is easier because it doesn’t need yeast to make it rise so it would take lesser time to make them. The only rising component that you will be needing are baking powder and soda.
For the ingredients, you will be needing:
`Wet ingredients:`
`1 tsp salt`
`2 eggs`
`3/4 cup milk`
`1/2 cup oil (to make it soft and moist)`
`2 tbsp vanilla syrup`
`Dry Ingredients:`
`1/2 cups flour`
`3/4 cup brown sugar`
`2 tsp baking powder`
`1/2 tsp baking soda`
So basically once you have prepared the exact amount of ingredients, all that you’ve got to do is mix the wet ingredients and the dry ones separately and then mix them altogether afterwards.
Preheat your oven to 175 degree Celcius while you are buttering the muffin pan that you will be using. You can opt to have them straight to the pan or use these cupcake paper cups (like what I did) to minimize spill and so that you won’t be needing to wash/clean the pan every single batch. (Or maybe I am just lazy but efficient hehe) Also, the paper cups give the bread a simple but cute “aesthetic” so if you are after the Instagram-able final product, you can also opt to do that.
Then you can start baking the bread for 12-15 minutes.
And voila, here you go! The delicious Kababayan bread that my grandparents love!
That came out pretty nicely, right? Next time I’d like to try making some marble cakes. Can‘t wait to show you when I managed to do that.
Until then!
A
Pride Month
If you’d known me long enough you would know how I am such a huge supporter of David Archuleta ever since Day 1. I have loved him in his American Idol days and have continued admiring him in his causes, music and all of his projects as a whole. And recently he did something real brave, and that is to come out as a bisexual in an asexual spectrum to the world.
His statement is as follows:
*“I like to keep to myself but also thought this was important to share because I know so many other people from religious upbringings feel the same way. I’ve been open to myself and my close family for some years now that I am not sure about my own sexuality.*
*I came out in 2014 as gay to my family. But then I learned I somewhat have similar feelings for both men and women so identify as being bisexual. I’m still trying to figure things out as I also have learned I don’t have as many sexual desires and urges as most people 💀 which works i guess because I have a commitment to save myself for marriage 🤣. Which people call asexual when they don’t experience sexual urges.*
*There are people experiencing the same feelings of being LGBTQIA+, (i know that’s a lot of letters that a lot of people don’t understand, but there are a lot of unique experiences people feel and live that make them feel isolated and alone that are represented) a lot of them wrestling to follow their beliefs that are so important to them as I have. Idk what to make of it and I don’t have all the answers.*
***I just invite you to please consider making room to be more understanding and compassionate to those who are LGBTQIA+, and those who are a part of that community and trying to find that balance with their faith which also is a huge part of their identity like myself****. I think we can do better as people of faith and Christians, including Latter-day Saints, to listen more to the wrestle between being LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith. There are more than you may realize going through that wrestle after all the misunderstandings that come with it. I don’t think it should come down to feeling you have to accept one or the other. For me to find peace the reality has been to accept both are real things I experience and make who I am. I’ve yet to figure out what that means but I appreciate you listening to this personal matter. Again I don’t feel comfortable sharing it, but felt I needed to to bring more awareness to people in my same situation and let you know you’re not alone.* ***You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan.*** *And people who don’t experience what’s outside of the norm being just heterosexual I just plead that you be more understanding to people who experience and struggle with things that you may not experience and understand yourself. I’ve tried for almost 20 years to try and change myself until I realized God made me how I am for a purpose. And instead of hating what I have considered wrong I need to see why God loved me for who I am and that it’s not just sexuality. So many other traits of who I am come from how I’ve been created.* ***If other people choose to live differently than what you’ve been raised to believe is right, please have compassion because it’s most likely been an exhausting journey for them to be ok with the feelings they have and never have been able to change.*** *Perhaps they weren’t supposed to try and change the way they were created to be. Even if you’re left with so many more questions with faith and sexuality like me I believe being open to both questions and to faith is how we receive answers. God blesses those who ask.* ***So let’s keep asking and seeking, and having compassion and patience.*** *Thank you for listening.”*
Honesty and what it entails
When I saw that post on social media one fine day, I felt real proud of him. I just know that it took a lot of courage for someone who is raised in such an environment and religion to come out. Free to be himself. Free to express what’s in his mind.
Your sexuality should not define who you truly are and how you make your impact in this world. It will not erase your effort to live righteously and your relationship with the One above as well. As David as put it, you can live the gospel while being a part of the community and maybe you don’t need to change who you are to fit society’s expectations.
He is asking for compassion and understanding and that’s what het allies (like us) should be able to give. The world is harsh and judgmental already and our support to the members of the community truly means a lot.
There are still a lot to be learned about SOGIE (**Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression)** of an individual and there is still a long way to go to achieve the equal rights that they as humans deserve. But looking back, the society is also more accepting and supportive and that is a good sign. For now.
Happy Pride month! 🏳️🌈
May you continue doing YOU. You make the world extra colorful and better by existing. We will stand by you in this cause for as much as we can.
Spiritual Gifts and How To Use It
We find God in the most unexpected places and there are just so many things that we could actually do to connect with Him as we continuously seek for Him in our lives.
Having a deep personal relationship with Him is one. Having people to guide you as you walk with Him is another. He uses people everyday and one is even more blessed if you get to find Him on your workplaces. I am blessed to be one of those.
I am glad that I was able to experience it on my previous work place and was able to spread His deeds in many ways.
Who would have thought. I came to this company to seek higher knowledge in the field (civil engineering) that I am in. But as it turned out, it even became a way to ignite the desire that has already been there for so long. And that is to get to know the Lord and His will for me; even lend me His daughters (my colleagues) to guide me along the way.
I can still remember when we had this activity on our care group where we have answered a Spiritual Gift questionnaire. It is quite simple, to be honest. You just have to fill them up with the most honest answers and then tally them and see where it would lead. But the results gave so much joy that the hearts could not contain it.
It reminded me how much He loves me that He gave me such wonderful spiritual gifts that I may have possessed long ago but never really put into good use, some I am not even aware that I have but is evidently showing, as per the people that I have encountered previously.
The top three that I got (due to a triple tie on the 2nd spot, I am to share 5) are: (1) **FAITH**, (2) **MERCY, EXHORTATION, APOSTLESHIP** and (3) **EVANGELISM**.
Oh how great is our Lord! It felt like He is calling me and wanting to use me in spreading His Love and His Words.
`"I knew it. Your faith, ja. It's more than the ordinary."`
`"...Mercy is innate in you."`
I am teary-eyed while reading my good friend/spiritual journey buddy when I shared to her about this piece of news.
*Do I really possess such gifts? Is it really in me? Am I worthy of all of this, Lord?*
As my mind is being filled with so many questions it has dawned on me that I am already saved by His grace. I have claimed it long ago and yet why am I still doubting? Contradicting thoughts that lead me to the realisation that instead of questioning, I have to accept everything as it is.
Give thanks to Him and glorify Him even more. And accept the challenge of leading not only my life but lead others as well into Him. The triple tie on the second spot constitute to only one thing. Even the third one is a part of that one big challenge. Through the said activity, I felt Him speaking to me. ***"Use your unwavering faith and mercy in exhorting people to know my Word, to live choosing Jesus as the center of their lives and be closer to Me."***
I am excited. So stoked for all Your plans in Me. Thy will be done, oh Lord. Thy will be done.
Why You Should Have A Cat
Life gets too taxing sometimes and I am glad that we get to find things to divert our attention and energy so as to not overwork our minds.
You can bingewatch a new show or movie on Netflix.
You can cook or learn to bake your favourite dishes and pastries.
One that is not so healthy but very effective is “retail therapy” where you would buy stuff that you need (sometimes ***you don’t need*** but so what? They are cute and serotonin inducing) for self-care.
You can also discover new hobbies like knitting, playing video games, crafting, vlogging, creating Tiktok videos (whatever floats your boat tbh)
Oh, I am guilty of some of those things.
But what I love spending time the most is tending to my pet cats.
*It is so cathartic (pun not intended but it fits, yeah?)*
So, why cats?
I just think they are domesticated and self-sustaining. Grumpy, sometimes but generally peaceful to have. (Well, except when they are hungry)
Cats apparently can lower your stress level since they don’t require as much effort as dogs or any other pets. Having them makes me generally calm.
Cats are low maintenance, independent and quiet. Cats tend to meow when they’re hungry, but they don’t ask for too much attention. They are perfect for co-existing. A cat will be there for you when you need them (you can opt for a big hug or a tummy rub) but they’re also perfectly capable of entertaining themselves.
Cats keep your house pest-free and they offer it to their fur-parents as “gifts”. I just remembered my cat giving me a dead bird one time. Eh... not exactly sweet but rats are almost non-existent in their presence in the house.
The most difficult stage of having a pet is parting with our lovely companion. But cats have long lifespan, there’s even a myth of them having nine lives. I had my good ol companion, Gingerbell for most of my university years and early young adulthood before he crossed the rainbow road at 8/9 years.
I’ve had Jon Snowbell next and now I currently have three named Jingle Bell, Viktree Bell and Silver Bell.
They are all potty trained except for Silver who occasionally still pees inside our home. They love to consume a mix of wet and dry food though it may get too costly but it’s definitely worth it.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF HAVING A CAT
There are also some health benefits of having cats:
They can lower stress and anxiety.
They can prevent allergies especially when we are exposed to cats younger as we are more likely to develop an immune system that fights off not only cat allergies but other kinds of allergens as well.
They can improve our cardiovascular health as studies say that car owners have been reported to carry a lower risk for heart disease and stroke.
Lastly they can lessen feelings of loneliness as these companions (having pets in general, to be perfectly honest) offer an unconditional love that can be equal to (or sometimes even greater than) many human friends and confidants.
If you are deciding to have one (or two) cat companion/s, this is your sign. I am telling you, you’re not going to regret it.
@aaskelter
