In Deep Shift (On Purpose, Passion and Privilege: Part 2)

Unbeknownst to most (exactly how I wanted it to be, really), I just turned a year older a few weeks ago. Never would I have imagined that I would be celebrating my birthday away from home and away from family, but I am most grateful to be where I am now. 

Closing a Chapter (On Passion, Purpose and Privilege: Part 1)

A quick glance at the calendar and I am struck with a realization: it has been two months since I officially parted ways with a job title that I strived for over the past five years. Not only that, I have a month left until I step into something new. At the risk of sounding blasphemous, it feels like I am currently in limbo— the not-so sweet spot between liberation from the past. and the uncertainty of the future.

The One Called 2021

I wanted to remember 2021 in a poignant way, so I figured I’d do it in the best way I know how: through words. 

A/W 2019: Pumpkin Patchin'

If seasons were colors, Autumn would be orange. But not your typical, bright, obnoxious orange; rather, somewhat like burnt sienna. Still vibrant and warm like its predecessor, Summer, but with a hint of restraint. Like a youngling who, deep inside, is actually an old soul. Or better yet, a grownup who never lost their childlike wonder. After all, if spring is about new life, then perhaps Autumn would be somewhere within the 40s age bracket?

The Big Switch

A little over a year ago, I decided to live in a more eco-friendly way. For small beginnings, I reduced my consumption of single-use plastics-- like carrying around my own set of utensils, using my personal tumbler when buying drinks, and using an eco-bag for shopping. Throughout the process, I realized that while they may feel quite inconvenient, these tiny sacrifices actually could make a difference.

Out of all my lifestyle adjustments, the greatest one is probably this: ditching disposable feminine products. In lieu of those, I have switched to using a menstrual cup. It's not an option that many are aware of, so I am sharing my story in the hopes of inspiring others to try it as well. Trust me, it's something that benefits not only the environment, but also yourself!

Getting My First Tattoo

As the year comes to a close, I can only think of how crazy 2018 has been! Normally, I would be coming up with a year-end recap post. But this time around, I would like to dedicate a post to my proudest moment this year and maybe in my lifetime so far-- getting a tattoo!

The date was August 26, 2018. I clearly remember because it was a long weekend, and the timing was definitely one of the many things I considered. I'm not kidding when I say I prepared long and hard for this (saving up some money, doing heavy research, etc.)-- read more below the cut to find out!

Kamakura: Kyoto of the East

Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture just south of Tokyo, Kamakura is also a must-see if you have time to spare to go outside of the capital. The city is abundant in Buddhist and Shinto temples, which is why some people hail it as the "Kyoto of the East".  One can very well spend an entire day exploring the city; however, we decided to limit ourselves to covering a few tourist spots in half-a-day. Read up on how we spent our time in Kamakura below the cut!

Yokohama: Noodles Over Canoodles

True story: I could hear the rain pouring hard as I began writing this story within the comforts of home. Even with bursts of sunshine in between days, the rainy season is truly upon us. Cuddle weather, ramen weather, whatever-you-wish-to-call-it weather, it definitely makes us want something that will keep us warm. That's why I find it really timely posting about our quick day-trip to Yokohama last April. Wonder what makes it timely? Well, read on to find out!

Hawaii: Iolani Palace

Maybe it was due to the implications of the animated film Moana, but I didn't exactly associate the Renaissance with Polynesian royalties. That is, until I visited Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

Chasing Blossoms

Last April, my family and I flew to Tokyo with the main goal of catching the sakura trees in bloom. Although the buds began opening up a week earlier than expected, we're glad to have seen a bunch of trees still covered in varying shades of pink at Shinjuku Gyo-en. 

Hawaii: Kualoa Ranch

Whenever I hear "Hawaii," these are what come to mind: the beach, surfing, hula, all things tropical, and from time to time-- dinosaurs, too. Wait, what? Did I just say "dinosaurs"? You bet I did! September last year, I got a taste of the aloha way of life in Oahu, HI. Out of the tourist-y things I did, one of the highlights of my trip was seeing Kualoa Private Nature Reserve, also named "Jurassic Valley" after the Jurassic Park/World films shot there.

San Francisco: Palace of Fine Arts

One day in San Francisco was all we had, and we used it to be typical tourists yet again. Some sights revisited, some seen for the first time-- but this has to be the highlight for me.

Lights Out

LA is full of "instagrammable" spots, to say the least. One of them is Urban Light, an outdoor art installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or LACMA. Whether at day or night, it truly is a beautiful sight to behold.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A staple on every LA tourist's list-- Universal Studios Hollywood. It's home to many attractions inspired by well-loved television shows and films. But you don't have to be a movie geek or TV aficionado to enjoy this place. Just have a fun-loving, adventure-seeking persona, and you're good to go!

The 2017 Recap

2016 me would not have seen it coming, but this year ended up being packed!

Holidays at Disneyland

Characters in Christmas sweaters, a snow-topped castle, garlands all over-- who would've thought the happiest place on Earth could get even more magical?

Season's Greetings

Christmas means a lot for everyone. It's a time for giving, celebrating, getting together, being with your loved ones, looking back, being grateful, sharing your blessings, and so much more. It's also a season full of hope, love, peace, and joy. Some people go all-out to celebrate, while some prefer to keep it simple; every household has its own traditions. Last 2016, our family had the opportunity to celebrate the season a little different than we usually do-- just one of many things that we're thankful for.

Los Angeles: The Grove & Farmers Market

Ah, Christmas-- the most wonderful time of the year! How could you not agree when you can't help but marvel at how extra every place looks at this time? Speaking of "Extra," if you're familiar with the showbiz entertainment TV show of the same name, let me take you to one of their shooting locations in Downtown LA!

Los Angeles: Beverly Hills & Hollywood

I didn't think I missed California until I came back after four long years. LA sure has its own charm, and it was wonderful walking among the stars (quite literally) and revisiting the most tourist-y spots in the city.

Cebu: A Weekend in the City

In summer of this year, we managed to squeeze in a weekend trip to Cebu. It was my first time there; and I must say, that quick getaway definitely gave me a reason to come back. Presented in a format unusual from my usual, read about the 30 or so hours I spent in the Queen City of the South and its vicinity.