Discovering My Blog and Realizing Im Turning Half a Century next year!!!

 A Journey of Reflection

As I sit down to write this, it is hard to believe that I am approaching half a century of living in this world by next year! The realization crept up on me slowly, like a subtle whisper that grows louder with time. But what really brought it into focus was an unexpected discovery - i found this blog, buried in the recesses of the internet, a relic of my younger self.

I started this blog many years ago, when life was a whirlwind of career ambitions, family commitments, and the pursuit of dreams that seemed just within reach. Back then, I had the energy of someone in their prime, eager to make a mark on the world. The blog was my outlet, a space where I could pour out thoughts, share experiences, and connect with others who were navigating similar paths. 

And then, life happened.

The blog, once a cherished project, fell by the wayside as the demands of life took over. New responsibilities emerged - raising children, advancing in my career, supporting loved ones, and managing the countless little things that fill our days. Time seemed to accelerate, and before I knew it, the years had passed in a blur.

Stumbling upon this blog feels like finding an old photo album. Each post, despite few, is a snapshot of who I was at different points in my younger self. The posts reminded me of the journey I've been on.

I am filled with mixed emotions. There is a sense of pride in all that I've accomplished, from professional achievements to personal milestones. But there is also a sense of nostalgia for the years gone by and a realization that time is indeed fleeting.

It is time to reflect on where I have been and where I am headed. It is an opportunity to re-evaluate what truly matters and to embrace the wisdom that comes with age. The world has changed so much since I first started writing here, and so have I. But the core of who I am remains the same - a person who loves to learn, to grow, and to connect with others through shared experiences.

So, as I revive this blog, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose. This space will be a place for reflection, for sharing the lessons I've learned, and for looking ahead to the future with hope and optimism. Because if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that life is a journey, not a destination. And as I approach next year's milestone, I'm more determined than ever to make the most of every moment.

Here's to this chapeter, and to embracing the wisdom of joy that come with age 😄

I'm Grateful

I'm thankful for everything these days :)

IDEAS - 12 years later...

I miss being a full time student - seriously.

After I completed my undergraduate course, I was immediately hired and started working. I keep on studying part time while working though making the entire experience challenging. Now that I am a mom of two with full time work, I wonder how I will ever manage when I return to school again to complete my PhD. We'll see....

During the follow up program of IDEAS last year, there were 9 of us who participated from 9 countries (Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Cambodia, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). Each of us was asked to present on our respective country experience on how we were able to cope with economic and social resilience.

In March 2011, Japan was hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake which took place 231 miles northeast of Tokyo. It was considered as the fourth largest earthquake on record since 1900 and the largest to hit Japan. That earthquake even caused a huge tsunami which damaged nuclear reactors in the area not to mention massive infrastructure. Even Japan is the most prepared country on such disasters that I know of, no amount of actual experience on dealing with this kind of catastrophes can one ever deal with.

Our follow up program was the second year anniversary of this event :(

What I presented was how our country was able to cope after the Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. ["After a Storm, We Rise: How the Philippines cope after the devastating Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) in 2009]. Around September 26-27, 2009, Manila was submerged in waters; everyone did not expected this to happen. Our house in Antipolo was filled with water until the entire first floor level; the rise of it was so fast that my parents did everything they could just to save the most important furniture in our house and moved to our second floor. I was not there when this happened :(

We learned a number from the Ondoy experience. Government failed to predict the scale of disaster. Damages reached around $270 million. After this, LGUs became more prepared and civil society became more active in responding immediately to such situation.

It was nice to be back and I feel like I was a full time student again :)

"Kampai" during a welcome ceremony of the program

Met my former language sensei and colleagues since 2001. The vendo deserves a huge photo too hehe.

Even if I miss being a student again, nothing can beat the everyday learning I get from my two children. I would not trade this for anything now :)

Let's all be a hero in our own way

http://www.funlava.com/maya-angelou-quotes/

Fresh new 'do

My daughter, Syene, is growing up to be really pretty (like her mom hihihi). Last weekend, we went to a toddler salon and had a major cut of her hair. 

Look at that Mona Lisa smile after her haircut! hehe

A reminder to all of us (all age range) to be fresh looking for others all the time :)

Have a blessed Sunday!

On the road these days...

It's a loooong weekend for most of Filipinos these days. It has been a stress free driving here in the metropolis so far. Traffic has been so bad since late June this year and road related accidents have increased tremendously as well. For daily drive I do to and from work everyday, I try my best to keep my mood upbeat and less be affected by the longer travel time. 

Here is a cute collage photo of Scarloe. She's too young to understand the "let's keep my cool moment while struck in traffic". That is why, she would often scream in the car:

Keep your cool always on the road :)

Friday I'm in Love :)

Since I have no long weekends as compared to the rest of the world hehe, Im celebrating this day with this song :) 

TGIF, folks! 

video upload from youtube