Singapore Adventures: 5 Days and 4 Nights Itinerary

My first international trip was in Taiwan. Since then, I was so excited to go out of the country whenever I can. I have been wanting to visit Singapore ever since someone asked me if I have been there because everyone has a story in Singapore. I wasn’t offended when that person asked me but I felt more challenged to really visit Singapore if my budget permits. Now that I have spare budget for this kind of trip, I am so happy and excited to embark on this Singapore journey.

Singapore, also referred to as the Lion City, is a place that offers a blend of modernity, history, and culture. Our 5-day trip in this city gave us unforgettable memories and appreciation for its unique attractions. Here’s what we did before, and during the trip.

Pre-departure Preparations:

We booked our flight via Cebu Pacific. Our fare cost 9,000+ per head. Then, our accommodation was in Ibis Budget Singapore Sapphire in Geylang Road. This cost us 18,000 for four nights. This was the cheapest accommodation we saw on Agoda, and for me this was within our budget. In addition, we also booked our Universal Studios Singapore tickets via Klook. We bought the tickets for the Cable Car from Harbour Front to Sentosa Island in the station. We also purchased the Marina Bay Gardens ticket in their booth in Singapore. That was around SGD 53.00 including the mini-shuttle.

Day 1: Arrival in the Lion City

Upon our arrival in Singapore, I was so amazed with their system. Our fifteen walk from the plane to the automated immigration was so smooth. Since it was automated, there was no need to face the immigration officers. Then, from Singapore Airport Terminal 4 to our accommodation hotel, we only spent around PHP 200 per head. We rode MRT and SG Bus going there. We were immediately struck by the city’s cleanliness and efficiency.

We checked into our accommodation, Ibis Budget Singapore Sapphire. With just a few hours to spare, we wandered around our neighborhood and went to Mong Kok Dim Sum and had our dinner there.

Day 2: Universal Studios Singapore

Our second day was packed with excitement as we visited Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island. It was quite challenging to navigate the way going there. From Geylang Road, we road a bus, and went to Harbour Front where we bought our cable car tickets. Then, upon reaching the Sentosa station, we were mesmerized on how everything we saw there.

We walked going to the Sentosa monorail station. Then, we got off the Resorts World Station. From there, we walked to the Universal Studios Singapore.

From the amazing rides to beloved movie-themed attractions, we had a blast exploring this world-class theme park. The highlight was the Transformer Rides and the Battle Star Galactica. We just had a problem when we were getting our stuff from the locker. Good thing that the local staff helped us solve this cute dilemma.

We rode the cable car again going back to the main island. Then, we rode the bus again and looked for a place to eat. We decided to eat at Craig Road and we visited the Littered with Books shop nearby. And, surprisingly, my boyfriend gave me a ring. 🙂

Day 3: A Day of Culture and Shopping

Day 3 was dedicated to immersing ourselves in Singapore’s rich culture. We began with a hearty breakfast at Toast Box in Funan, enjoying traditional kaya toast and a cup of aromatic kopi.

We went to Ion Orchard’s 53rd Floor where we savored coffee and pastries while enjoying the view with our friends. Next, we indulged our inner bookworms at Kinokuniya Bookstore, a paradise for literature enthusiasts. The towering shelves filled with books in various languages left us in awe. I couldn’t resist bringing home a few treasures. I bought a book written by a popular writer based in Singapore. Our cultural journey continued at the National Gallery of Singapore, where we marveled at a vast collection of Asian and Southeast Asian art.

In the evening, we made our way to the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, where we took in the breathtaking city views from the SkyPark. The evening skyline, punctuated by the vibrant Gardens by the Bay, was a sight to behold.

Day 4: Culinary Adventures and Natural Wonders

Our culinary journey took us to Lau Pa Sat, a bustling hawker center where we sampled a wide array of Singaporean dishes. From satay skewers to Hainanese chicken rice, our taste buds were in for a treat. The meals there were affordable. There were lots of variety and the location was just in the middle of their business district. I love the kopi I ordered as it was so amazing to witness how this coffee is prepared. I love their noodles, too. It is not that salty and the flavor is just right for me.

After having our lunch, we explored the futuristic wonderland of Gardens by the Bay. The Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome were truly a marvel of horticultural design. Everything I saw here was so cool and magnificent. I could just stare at them forever.

Our adventure continued with a visit to Haji Lane, a vibrant and artistic alley filled with colorful street art and boutique shops. The narrow lanes and artistic atmosphere made it an Instagram-worthy location. The day ended at Bugis Junction where I bought some souvenirs for my friends.

Day 5: A Glimpse of History and Farewell

On our final day, we started with a visit to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, a historic and serene place of worship in the heart of the city. Its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance provided a moment of reflection. This was the only Catholic church nearby so we took the opportunity to pray in the church and passed by their adoration chapel. And guess what, their church has an elevator.

We had our lunch at Raffles City. Then, we rode the train at the City Hall Station and headed to Changi Terminal 2 so we could visit The Jewel. We were so amazed by the structure and everything we saw there. Everything was just so beautiful. We rode a shuttle bus from Terminal 2 to Terminal 4. There was also an option of riding a monorail going to Terminal 4. Everything was so convenient. Though, somehow, everything was pricey though. Here are some pictures at their airport.

As the sun set on our incredible Singapore adventure, we collected our memories, packed our bags, and bid farewell to the Lion City. Singapore’s unique blend of modernity, culture, and natural beauty had left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Our 5-day journey through Singapore was definitely an unforgettable experience. From the thrills of Universal Studios to the tranquility of Gardens by the Bay, and the cultural exploration of Orchard ION Mall, each day was filled with exciting discoveries.

Singapore, with its diverse attractions, is a destination worth exploring. Until next time, Lion City!

Manila International Book Fair 2023

Manila International Book Fair has been one of the most important events for me as a bookworm. We always look forward for September because of this event. It is a celebration of books, and everyone’s love for reading.

There is always something to look forward during MIBF season. Last year, we did not have much activities because only few publishers and bookstores were there. So this year, we taught of the same. We did not expect that much. But still, Ate Beth and I was still so excited about it.

Tim Hortons First

We left at 7:30am in the morning. Since we would be going there via Grab, we knew that it’s just gonna be a quick ride.

When we got around SM MOA, we headed to Tim Hortons first as part of our MIBF ritual. We had our breakfast and coffee there. We did some shoot for Ate Beth’s work.

Book Signings and Everything in Between

We entered the hall at 10:00am. For some reasons, the first booth that we visited was a publisher from China. We enjoyed the calligraphy session there given by the Chinese teacher.

Then, after that, we headed to the University of the Philippines Press for my professor’s book signing (or shall I say professors’).

They recently published a book dedicated for Ma’am Tet Maceda. It is a compilation of poems, fiction, and essays for her. Professors Vlad Gonzales, Will Ortiz, and Rowena Festin were there to sign books.

After that book signing, we roam around the place. We visited different publishers and scanned their collection of books.

I also got a chance to meet Sir Charles Ong who wrote the book White Lady, Black Christ. He was so kind to sign our books. Then, went to Sir Ricky Lee’s booth and bought shirt because we already have copies of all his books.

While we were roaming around, we also got a chance to meet the author of Mga Tala at Tula, Ron Camino. I had a picture with him and asked him some writing-related questions. He was so down to earth and isn’t snobbish (unlike some). He willingly answered all our questions. Super bait!

We decided to go there on a Saturday to have our book, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All, signed by its author, Dr. Ron Baticulon. We lined up so early, so we got the third spot for his book signing. We was also so bait and humble. He asked us some questions before signing our books. (Mahilig ata talaga magtanong ang mga doktor no?)

Some of the Booths We Visited

We passed by most of the booths, we believe. We saw the creative booth of Vibal and sat on their sofas. We passed by the long booth of Lampara and Precious Herts. We saw the long lines of readers lining up for Sir Egay at Ateneo De Manila University Press.

There was also a long queue at JSD Publishing, PSICOM, Pop Fiction, and at KaJo Baldisimo’s booth.

Walking for straight three hours will surely make us visit most of the publishers. But, here are some of the publishers we visited and we looked at willingly. MIBF 2023 is filled with publishers. Hence, going there for a day isn’t enough I guess.

Adarna Books
8Letters Bookstore and Publishing
Ricky Lee’s Booth
Balangay Books (Indie Publisher)
St. Paul’s, of course!
UP Press
Feast Books
Milflores Books
Tahanan Books
Jerico Silver’s Publishingy
Reading China

Takeaways!

I hope I could write another book next year so I have something to sell next MIBF. Hehe. Yep. That’s the only takeaway.

Meet and Greet Kim Derla, Author of Paghilom Book

(This is just a short and quick post about my Meet and Greet last July. For documentation purposes.)

This is a super late post about my book signing for the Grand Pinoy Lit Fan Con last July 1, 2023, in NBS College, Quezon City. It is my first book signing for Paghilom which is now published under Lifebooks. Promoting my books is not really my forte, but I managed to send a video of myself, inviting my readers to join me in this event. How fun and cool is that. Haha.

There were different publishers and writers who are present in the said event. I am lucky to be one of the chosen authors of Lifebooks. 🙂 At first, I was so scared that nobody would join my meet and greet. My friends and I even joked about it. At least, I have two companions who would buy my books, and line up, just in case, nobody attends my meet and greet.

I am so blessed to be accompanied by my friends, Ate Beth, and Cha. Both of them are my closest friends hihi. Thank you for pushing me do things that are usually nakakahiya for me.

At first, I thought the book signing would be cancelled because of the heavy rain. Thank God, the rain stopped, and some readers attended my meet and greet. Would you believe that the room where I talked about my books was filled with audience. Napuno rin yung room and I am truly grateful for that.

I will always be grateful for this kind of experience. It has been a long time since I last publish a book no? But I will take my time for now. I know, someday, I could get back to writing again. For now, I will enjoy what is currently happening in my life.

Some Days You Can’t Save Them All Book Review

I have been in a reading slump for the previous months. What kept me busy was the Korean drama series that I have been watching. But after purchasing books during Manila International Book Fair 2023, I decided to pick up a book and dedicated time to reading it.

The first book that I have decided to read is the non-fiction book written by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All. Doc Ron is a pediatric neurosurgeon, teacher, and writer. He became a fellow of the 58th UP National Writers Workshop. He currently works as an associate professor at the UP College of Medicine. When we met him during his book signing, he is so kind and humble. He asked questions to us before signing our books. Hehe.

The book cover says a lot to what the collection of essays is all about. Its refreshing shade of blue looks calming, and pleasant. The illustrations on the cover are so meaningful. Each icon truly represents something about the essays in the book. In short, maganda.

Some Days You Can’t Save Them All contains personal anecdotes, and stories about his patients. He has written each essay as if he weaves the emotional rollercoaster of life in a hospital. His medical tales will surely make you cry or laugh. His collection contains his stories about his journey from medical school to becoming a full-fledged doctor. He has deliberately described his humble beginnings.

What I love most about this book is his skill in humanizing the medical profession. He has written essays about loss, pain, and the saddest stories in the corner of a ward. But at the same time, he manages to balance those kinds of stories with stories of success, good news, and happy endings.

His remarkable essay for me is Where I Got Extra Money When I Was A Medical Student. He said:

As hard as it may seem to believe during the most difficult of times, there is never a shortness of kindness in this world.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

Despite the sad reality that the medical scene in the Philippines portrays, some people are still willing to help. In this essay, he mentioned the people who generously lend him a hand when he was a student. After reading this line, I paused from reading a book and tried to absorb this line. Nakakatulala lang talaga.

Yes, there will still be people who are willing to help. Someone out there will help. It may be difficult to believe, but this is possible, I guess. 🙂

My Favorite Lines from the Book

I survived by taking things one day at a time.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

I took this line by heart. I totally agree that we could still succeed by taking things one day at a time. I am used to rushing things. I always wanted to finish the tasks on my list. But this line reminded me to slow down, and be more relaxed.

Everybody is in such a hurry to achieve something or become someone, that we forget to be thankful for what we have in the now. We are always where we are meant to be.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

Hehe. The message is somehow the same with the first line. This line is found at the last pages of the book. I believe it is also a gentle reminder for us to be grateful for what is happening at the moment.

I only have this advice to give: First, never settle for anything less. … And second, stay honest.
Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All

It is a good reminder for me–that despite what’s happening around me, I should continue producing quality outputs and never be satisfied with the mediocre. It inspires me to keep going and to keep creating something meaningful.

My Final Verdict

5/5! This book is beautifully written, heartwarming, and truly engaging collection of essays that will leave a mark in your heart. The essays here contain reminders that will make you reflect on the incredible human connection. Doc Ron is so kind and humble in person, too. Plus 5 stars!

Read this, please! 🙂

2022: A roller coaster ride

I am thankful to be writing a post about 2022 with no worries and heavy heart. I am thankful because I am still here: present and surviving.

There’s one strong skill that I’ve learned this year, and that is to be adaptable. This year has taught me to be more adaptable to change. It has allowed me to experience new things that will make me stronger and capable.

I started the year slowly, yet relaxed. The first month of the year was full of quick food dates with Stowie, Ate Beth, and my college friends.

On February, I went out with Lola and Tyni. We went to Tanay with Stowie. That was a holiday, so we had a time to go out of town. This month was also about coffee shop hunting with Ate Beth. I also drank at new coffee shop with Stowie.

I tried to be healthy by walking 10,000 steps, but I stopped. hehe. I focused on rewriting my thesis. This month, I got a chance to give a talk to some seminarians in Calabayog City. Online.

I also gave a recollection (together with my other youth ministers) to some youths of Cardona, Rizal. This was our face-to-face recollection since the pandemic started.

In between fun moments were writing sessions at a coffee shop. I couldn’t just finish the revision in one sitting so I usually go out and finish my manuscript.

In February, I also had a quick trip to Cagayan de Oro for an ordination of my friend who who is a priest. We were only in CDO for 24 hours. I also had to go back to school for our onsite reporting.

March was about surprises. I had to adjust to our onsite reporting. This was a bit challenging for me. Commute in Manila was so difficult. I got tired real quick.

This also was the month of changes since I already resigned from this work. I had to apply to different schools which should be near my location. Also, in between my personal stress and career-related stress, I still have to revise my thesis and prepare the graphics I needed for my defense. Despite all these, I didn’t forget to spend time with my best friend.

I had a quick trip to Tagaytay as a short vacation from thesis writing. Thank God for the gift of resources? Also, this month was when my mom got home from Bahrain. There were times that we eat outside with here.

It’s summer time! However, this was also preparation time for my final defense. Still, I got chance to go to Batangas with my college friends. I also explored more coffee shops whenever I feel so stressed from my thesis. Despite these challenges, I still needed to report to school and rendered some time before my official resignation.

I had my final defense on April 29, 2022. Sadly, we lost our internet connection this day. I went to Stowie and stayed at his house so I can proceed with my defense.

A week before election, I was part of the pink movement who only wanted but clean and honest government.

May was so tiring. It was our first dry run of hybrid classes. This was so challenging because everything was new to us. Gadgets, devices, classroom management, etc.

Since my final defense was done, this month was also about applying the suggestions mentioned by my panel and critic.

Work adjustment + Thesis Defense = Perfect Combination

In May, we also find time to explore new cafes with our pets. May is also one of my challenging month because I was about to transition from employment to a freelancer. My last day of reporting in my previous employer is May 31. This was so difficult yet I survived. Thank you, Lord.

Hello, June. This was still a challenge for me. I am not used to a long period of rest. I managed to find some gigs (translation, and article writing). I survived the sad nights by eating burger and drinking coke? My shih tzu has been always with me so most of the time, I am feeling well.

On my free time, I was able to read a lot of books. I found time to do the things I truly love. I had time for a seminar in our church even though this was done on a weekday. I could also give webinars while I am at home, thanks to this free time. I could also explore cafes without rushing home.

What I loved most about this month was my free time, really. I got the chance to accompany my lola to doctor and buy medicine for her without thinking about other stuff.

June was also productive because it’s the month when we promoted my first book signing in Bulacan. I was able to sell a good number of books. I got to meet people of all ages. It was surely a fun experience.

However, it’s not always a happy day. There were times that I had to worry about my new projects and new work. Good thing was that God was really there for me. He gave people to remind me that He is always with me so I needed not to worry.

July was about saying goodbye. One of my friends flew to States. I also said goodbye my former colleagues and got my backpay. Gelaii (my college friend), and I said goodbye and our prayers to the father of our classmate who passed away this month.

Still, this month was also filled with new hellos.

This was the month when I got so active in our vicariate. We had a lot of activities that somehow allowed nine parishes to be more united. I met new people and friends in youth ministry.

I said hello to my new colleagues in the academe. I was able to meet them in flesh.

The highlight of my July is my graduation day! Finally, to graduate my masters degree has been in my to do list for five years. Thank God, we did it.

I spent some bucks for my graduation attire and recognition dress. Hehe. I also had a quick photoshoot with my family.

My book signing was also in July.

This month, I also gave talks onsite to the diocese of pasig youth leaders. Thank God for Stowie who always supports me whenever I have talks like this.

Hey, July was also for new beginnings! Our training in my new work started this month. I am so blessed to be with amazing people.

This was another challenge for me, yet we managed it.

August was the month for exploring places, again.

We went to Bohol for three days and two nights. This was scheduled because I believed I needed my well-deserved rest after all the thesis writing and defense. Full blog about this trip was already posted in this blog.

This month, I also came to realize a lot of lessons in life. While raising funds for my classmate’s cancer battle, I learned a lot of things. I posted here too.

I also celebrated the birthdays of the most important people in my life this month.

September was about catching up. I met Celine in Antipolo. I met my religious friend, too. I had fun with my other youth ministry fellows. I had breakfast with my Iloilo friends in Marikina, too.

We also went to Tagaytay for a quick staycation and breakfast there. This was one of another memorable trips because I was able to bring my work there.

I must say that this month was filled with formations, seminars, and workshops to some youth members in our diocese. I think, I am always out of town every weekend.

September is also MIBF month! So Ate Beth and I made sure that we buy books no matter how far MOA is from our hometown.

October is my birth month!

This month, I attended the book signing of my thesis adviser in UP Town Center. There were a number of vicariate activities that we conducted. There were xiao long bao days and quick coffee dates whenever Ate Beth and I feel stressed about life. I was so busy this month, but still, I celebrated my birthday with my loved ones.

November is a happy month because we went to Coron, Palawan. This has been in my dream destinations in the Philippines. Thank, God, for the seat sales, and cheap hostels.

This month (again) was also filled with workshops, and recollection. I had a chance to facilitate a recollection to the minor seminary of Antipolo.

We also have been attending a series of formation program in preparation for a big event this 2023. I am praying that this preparation will be successful.

For this month, we also revived our Saturday Bible Class with my friends in faith. We had a quick meeting, and one month preparation to raise funds for our Christmas Gift Giving.

I appreciate the little things that I can do this month. I teach Creative Writing to kids. I can meet my friends after work. I can read books without the need to review them or use it as my related literature. I get to enjoy coffee without typing anything on my laptop. I am blessed.

In December, my sister already opened her coffee shop in San Mateo.

Also, we did a lot of things for Disciplesheep Ministries Christmas Gift Giving. We bought the Noche Buena packages, we also bought toys for the kids. Lastly, we had a very quick outing in Taytay, Rizal, as a team building activity, in preparation for our big event.

I was able to complete the simbang gabi! Thanks be to God. I also had a chance to serve as a lector in our parish.

This month was filled with ten hours of sleep.

Finally, an MA degree.

Sa dami ng nangyari, nahihirapan akong magsulat ng isang katanggap-tanggap na blog post tungkol sa mga araw na nagdaaan.

Sobrang hirap ng pinagdaanan ko talaga para matapos ‘tong MA ko. 2016 ang student number ko, pero 2017 talaga ng second semester ako nagsimula. Natapos ko, sa wakas, ang mahabang paglalakbay patungo sa MA matapos ang limang taon.

Isusulat ko pa rin nang kompletong detalye lahat para may babalikan ako pagdating ng araw. So, tara?

Paano nagsimula

Secondary Education ang course ko, Major in English. Ang MA ko naman ay Master of Arts Malikhaing Pagsulat. Sa tingin ng madla, magkabaligtad ang English at Filipino, pero para sa kurso ko, halos kaunti lang naman rin ang pagkakaiba. Iba lang ng babasahin, pero parehong may teoryang binabasa, kritisismo, pagtuturo, at may isusulat pagkatapos. Siksik ang kurso namin dahil may Filipino at English readings.

Bakit Filipino MA mo? tanong ng marami. Ang lagi kong sagot, Bakit hindi? Kung walang kukuha ng MA sa Filipino, sino na lang matitira sa bansa?

Ang cheesy pakinggan, pero nag-aral uli ako dahil gusto ko talaga mapahusay ang pagsusulat ko para sa Diyos. Kasagsagan kasi ng 13th Prayer ko na libro na nailathala ng St. Paul’s.

Sa totoo lang, wala sa isip ko ‘yung kumuha ng MA dahil sa ranking, sa points, o sa technical na aspeto. Gusto ko lang mag-aral. Gusto ko lang mapahusay ang pagsusulat. Personal ko lang itong dahilan. Wala namang problema kung anong trip ng iba. Hehe.

Sa pagsusulat ng thesis

Noong nakaraang taon lang, natapos kong depensahan ang proposal ko. Isang taon ko ring binuno ang pagsusulat ng thesis. Ang dami kong gawain at ganap na hinindian dahil sabi ko sa sarili ko, hala ka Kim, kailangan mo na ‘tong upuan.

Tungkol sa Panitikang Pangkabataan ang thesis ko, dahil nga ang background ko naman sa pagsusulat ay Wattpad na hindi ko naman kinahihiya at proud ko pang sinasabi sa school. Bakit ko ikakahiya. Ang saya kaya noon.

Ang output ng thesis ko ay isang nobela tungkol sa isang kabataan na may halong tauhan sa mitolohiya ng Pilipinas. Ito na ata ang pinakamatagal na kwentong naisulat ko. Habang sinusulat ko ang blog na ito ay pinag-iisipan ko pa rin kung ipapasa ko ba ito sa publisher o hindi, o babasahin ko muna uli para masundan ng book two. Trilogy kasi ang ganap nito.

Hindi talaga madali lahat

Mahirap magsulat ng thesis. May trabaho ako full-time, may ilan ring side line (dahil breadwinner ako at ako lang may maayos na trabaho sa amin).

Kasagsagan ng pandemya noong nagsusulat ako ng thesis. 2021-2022. Ang daming nangyari noong taong iyon. May mga araw rin na kailangan kong mag-report onsite sa trabaho. Ang hirap ng biyahe.

Pero syempre, hindi naman ito nakikita sa social media. Ang makikita lang talaga ay ang tagumpay, hindi ang hirap sa likod nito.

Kapag nahihirapan ako, lagi kong binabalikan ang mindset na, gusto ko naman kasi ang ginagawa ko, kaya tuloy lang.

‘Di ba kapag may gusto tayong gawin, lahat gagawin natin magawa lang ito kahit mahirap? 🙂

Limang beses kong inulit ang thesis ko. Ang dami. Kung makikita niyo lang yung printed copy ng thesis na sinuri ng thesis adviser ko, maiiyak na lang talaga lahat pero tears of joy.

Birthday ko noon, pero tanda ko na nagrerebisa ako ng manuskrito. Pero syempre, hindi ito makikita ng lahat.

Mahirap at matagal magtapos sa UP

Sa totoo lang, napakahirap is an underestimation. Pero di ba, lahat naman mahirap. Pipiliin na lang talaga natin kung alin ang paghihirapan natin.

May semestre na halos isa o dalawa lang ang subject ko. Kaya napakatagal kong matapos lahat ng academic requirements.

Sa kabila ng lahat, masasabi kong sulit. Nakakilala ako ng mga kaibigan, natuto ako mula sa iba’t ibang napakagaling na propesor. Hanggang ngayon, baon ko ang GITING AT GALING na pinapaalala ng unibersidad.

Walang pagmamadali sa loob ng unibersidad na ito. Ang mahalaga talaga sa lahat ay ang pagkatuto. Ideal pakinggan, sa totoo lang. Pero ito naman talaga ang point ng akademya, ang makapag-aral upang makapagsilbi sa bayan. Serve the people, ikanga.

Ano na pagkatapos?

Siguro magpapahinga muna ako sa pag-aaral. Magbabasa na muna uli ako. Magsusulat pa rin sa Facebook page ko. Babalik sa dati, pero mas magiging malay at mulat na sa nangyayari. Gagamitin ko ang natutuhan ko upang maging kapaki-pakinabang na mamamayan ng bansa. Wow.

Patuloy ko pa ring pahahalagahan ang mga ordinaryong araw.

When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.

The theme for this week is “When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.”

Despite the ups and downs of unemployment, I was able to manage several writing gigs and to work on some personal projects. I was able to speak to a group of youth ministers. I was able to talk to Basic Bible Seminar 2 attendees. I was able to submit my deliverables. Wow. This week was one of a kind. A lot of things happened which I am grateful for.

When I went to National Book Store, I saw my book Paghilom on the Most Popular Books shelf. Who would have thought that this cutie cutie book would reach this shelf?

Aside from this shelf in NBS Megamall, I also saw the announcement of my first ever book signing and writing workshop! Patsy’s Coffee and Pastries Shop sent an invite last May 31 about this book signing but I was able to read it recently. The coffee shop owner invited me to have a simple meet and greet! Please help me by liking their page, too ha.

Any readers from Bulacan? I’ll be in this coffee shop on July 16! I will be signing books and giving a short writing workshop for those who will attend the event. It’s a dream come true for me because the last time I had a book signing was in 2016. Praying for more opportunities like this so I could be of help to others. Yes? Yes!

The most exciting news for this week is this!!! Paghilom is one of the bestsellers in National Book Store!!! Such a big thing for me. Among the many books in NBS, Paghilom is in the list. My heart is so happy. Noong bata ako, pangarap ko lang magkaroon ng libro. Pero yung mapasa pa sa bestseller? Sobrang thankful ako kasi hindi ko naman in-expect ito. Thank You, Lord, sa kilig feels po talaga! Kahit hindi siya bestseller, masaya ako as is for this book. People tell me that they feel blessed after reading it. Kaya, Lord, please, pa-claim na po ako ng points slash rewards from you po?

My heart is full. After reading Chapter 1 of the book The Gratitude Diaries, I’ve changed my perspective about life. I’ve realized that I have a lot of things to be grateful for.

How about you? What are you grateful for? Happy week ahead!

You need to rest, really.

This is my third post for this month! Yey! Usually, it takes me months to post a blog. I am grateful with the gift of time.

Life update! I am currently (technically) unemployed because I focused on freelancing. I now have the luxury of time to do the things I really love. This includes writing.

In my other blog post, I wrote about how silence helps people become stronger. Silence and rest go hand in hand. As if they’re a tandem.

For today, I unearthed this 2021 blog in my drafts about rest.

When was the last time that you REALLY rest?

Like, you do not check on your phone, do not read email, do not reply to urgent private messages, or answer calls related to work or a side hustle?

Has it been a long time?

I have a problem resting. It’s my weakness. I work a lot. I make sure that my schedule is filled with activities. I don’t want to be idle. There’s a time when I even work on weekends. However, this should not be a habit. It’s really tiring at the end of the day. (I have two eyebags.)

Time came when I felt really tired. I felt like I was only dragging myself to work. My mind couldn’t come up with creativity and aesthetically pleasing thoughts. With this, I knew that I needed to rest.

Rest is a reminder that we, humans, need a break. We need to pause. This pause does not mean that we are giving up, but we are just taking a break from everything.

After the pause, we move forward and start functioning again.

Rest is a reminder that we need to relax. Think of ourselves. Remember that we have a family who wait for us. For some, maybe they have a puppy who’s waiting for them, too. (In my case, tyni (a shih tzu).)

In Filipino, rest is translated as pahinga. The root word of pahinga is hinga, which means to breathe.

Rest is a must. It doesn’t have to be a luxurious activity. But, it should be as simple as finding time for deep breathe.

When I feel so exhausted after a productive day, I pause and breathe consciously. This has been my calming way of resting since 2019.

When I feel overwhelmed, I read books to escape from my reality. Highlighting text from the book is relaxing for me. Then, I copy these notes in my journal. When I feel uncreative, I watch anime on Netflix.

You need to rest, really. It’s a gift that you should not leave unopened.

When was the last time that you really rest? Feel free to share your thoughts in the chat box. 🙂

God is working in your waiting.

What do you do when you wait?

I’ve observed some people in the bank while waiting for my turn. Some people, while they’re waiting for their turn, they check on their phones. Some people talk to the person next to them. Some people just simply look at the counter and the teller as if, they’re creating a story in their minds.

Waiting doesn’t only happen in the banks. It happens every single day in our lives. Sometimes, it’s scary. Sometimes, it’s disheartening. But don’t forget that it is worthwhile all the time.

Here are my realizations about waiting.

Waiting when you’re all alone is scary. Sometimes, you question yourself, your identity, and your skills. “Is there something wrong with me?” you asked. “What should I do now?” you asked again. But, when you wait with the people you love, your heart is filled with joy. There is joy in waiting.

Waiting is a test of your patience. Maybe, God is teaching you an important lesson in your waiting. He wants you to learn something. He wants you to realize some things that you tend to forget. Maybe, He also wants you to recollect, or reminisce very valuable memories. Maybe there’s still unfinished chapter in your life.

Waiting also means that we trust God and His immense power over our lives. No matter how difficult is it to wait, we still ask Him to bless us, and guide us in this phase.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Waiting is a reminder that we are weak and it’s the Lord who’s making and keeping us strong. We may have plans, but the Lord has bigger and better plans for us. We just need to acknowledge His promise. Let’s trust His will. Our understanding is limited. We can only plan what we know, but when we lift up everything to God, we know that we are on the right track.

May your waiting be fruitful and meaningful, friends.

Silence makes you stronger.

Silence does not make you less person. It makes you stronger, and better. According to Lao Tzu, it is a source of great strength.

I used to think that silence is boring, that silence is actually a waste of time. As a youth leader, I am used to joining lots of gatherings. Our weekends were always filled with outdoor activities. In our ministry, we usually had events and formation for the youth. When my weekend is empty, I feel unproductive.

However, as I grow older (and hopefully wiser), I’ve realized the importance of silence. When I say silence, what I mean is the opportunity to stay still, reflect, and meditate.

For me, silence is important when slowing down and recharging.

In silence, I remember my unvisited thoughts. I can recall the little things that I need to do (the things that I keep on forgetting). I remember the things I need to organize in my room, the books I need to cover, the notes I have to keep, and the emails I need to read.

In silence, I can think of new ideas, stories, and my strategies to execute all these projects. My Paghilom book is actually a product of my silence. I’ve also noticed that I am most product when I am away from social media. I can write more posts and content after uninstalling Facebook on my phone.

As an educator, giving my students silence is also important in the learning process. It is an opportunity for them to think, brainstorm, and analyze the facts given to them. After asking a question, I give them some time to process their ideas. When they’re ready, they can answer the question easily. This is applicable to my foreign and local students.

I strongly believe that silence makes you stronger than before. It is not quitting but it is more of recharging. Through silence, you can also build a deeper relationship with God. Listening to His words is best done in silence.

When was the last time that you were silent? I hope you find time to be quiet in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life.