I was never into scented candles in my previous life.  I'm referring to pre-COVID 19 life, which feels like a previous lifetime. :D I have scented candles at home, but most remain untouched and used for those rare photography work. My social media accounts introduced me to another source of unnecessary expense. I discovered Bath and Body Works candles. I'm afraid this post will turn into a review. I'll reserve my experiences on BBW candles in another post. What I know for sure, I'm developing to become an authentic Tita of Manila each day. Hahaha My lifestyle and preferences are way different than my 21-year-old self. 

• May 08, 2021
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 450 - Restless

I was never into scented candles in my previous life.  I'm referring to pre-COVID 19 life, which feels like a previous lifetime. :D I have scented candles at home, but most remain untouched and used for those rare photography work. My social media accounts introduced me to another source of unnecessary expense. I discovered Bath and Body Works candles. I'm afraid this post will turn into a review. I'll reserve my experiences on BBW candles in another post. What I know for sure, I'm developing to become an authentic Tita of Manila each day. Hahaha My lifestyle and preferences are way different than my 21-year-old self. 

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• April 26, 2021
• shopping

My Quarantine Shopping Experience at Shein : A Review

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A few weeks ago, a former client asked my opinion about the rising COVID19 cases in my country. Halfway March, my country recorded 15,000 new cases in one day. Though the Department of Health immediately admitted that the 3,000 cases were accounted from late reporting. Nevertheless, having 12,000 new cases is beyond alarming. 

The former client was not convinced of the statistics. She claimed some hospitals account deaths to COVID19, even if the patient died of other complications. I replied that if such is the case, then Statistics is not the problem. The process involved in the generation of Statistics is the culprit. I didn't bother to express my thoughts further. 

Fast forward today, I hope my former client is already convinced that the figures are not exaggerated. COVID19 is becoming closer to home. The two tertiary hospitals in my hometown is filled with tents and parking spaces converted as emergency centers for COVID19 patients. A number of colleagues were infected weeks after our last onsite reporting. Every week, I have cousins forced to isolate after direct exposure with an infected colleague. Whenever I check my Facebook newsfeed, I discover former students and acquaintances asking prayers for recovery. This week, I sensed something off with a very close friend. Turns out, the entire family was infected.  I don't need further proof. 

On the never-ending work - I was 100% WFH when we reverted to ECQ, the stricter quarantine restrictions. I'm grateful for the opportunity to WFH while having supportive colleagues. But workload is tougher. I'm never been this occupied in my entire work life. I will never get used to the frustrations, disappointments and those silent crying moments. 

I used to be contented with my skin. But these days, I feel that everything is deteriorating. I have acne and hyperpigmentation. Even the smallest insect bite leaves the darkest scar. My eyes always look tired. Some parts of my face are flaking, while another area is excessively oily.  Let's not even talk about my weight. I'm at my heaviest lbs today. :(  

I always say that I'll start the exercise as soon as this major project at work is done. I failed to realize that work never stops. I should have conditioned myself to insert exercise in my very disorganised work schedule. There are days when I become productive from night time till dawn. But when meetings happen,  I'm forced to reverse my body clock. I envy our faculty colleagues guaranteed of 100% wfh arrangements. Most of them have a lesser workload, lost weight and have all the time and opportunity for self-care. 

I try to avoid social media the past few days. I keep receiving ads on weight loss, skincare, glutathione capsules, plus size clothing and worst, dating sites?!?! :D Added to it the never-ending friend suggestions of people trying to either inspire or complicate my life. :p I keep on stalking "my person of interest," even if I see the same details. :D Oh well, if things don't progress, the least I want is to regain my healthy skin, lose weight and became a better person in the next months.  

But TBH, I can never let go of my social media accounts, particularly the messaging platforms. It provides me reach to my few and limited support system. To my friends, apologies for my clinginess. :) Your patient responses are helping me to make it each day. 

And some optimistic news... 

Before this week ended, my superior called me for that critical meeting. The great news is, I'm assured of another work year. I hope I can deliver this significant project this year. It's the only way I can return the trust and opportunity given to me. 

Both my parents received their first dose of COVID19 vaccine. They are bound for their second dose in May. This gives me some point of relief. Hopefully, I and the other members of the working populace will receive our only protection. 

I received some heartwarming words from a colleague. What I know for sure, leaving for words of appreciation never fails, especially these days. If you have the chance to appreciate someone, please never hesitate. 

• April 17, 2021
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday 448 - Life Lately

A few weeks ago, a former client asked my opinion about the rising COVID19 cases in my country. Halfway March, my country recorded 15,000 new cases in one day. Though the Department of Health immediately admitted that the 3,000 cases were accounted from late reporting. Nevertheless, having 12,000 new cases is beyond alarming. 

The former client was not convinced of the statistics. She claimed some hospitals account deaths to COVID19, even if the patient died of other complications. I replied that if such is the case, then Statistics is not the problem. The process involved in the generation of Statistics is the culprit. I didn't bother to express my thoughts further. 

Fast forward today, I hope my former client is already convinced that the figures are not exaggerated. COVID19 is becoming closer to home. The two tertiary hospitals in my hometown is filled with tents and parking spaces converted as emergency centers for COVID19 patients. A number of colleagues were infected weeks after our last onsite reporting. Every week, I have cousins forced to isolate after direct exposure with an infected colleague. Whenever I check my Facebook newsfeed, I discover former students and acquaintances asking prayers for recovery. This week, I sensed something off with a very close friend. Turns out, the entire family was infected.  I don't need further proof. 

On the never-ending work - I was 100% WFH when we reverted to ECQ, the stricter quarantine restrictions. I'm grateful for the opportunity to WFH while having supportive colleagues. But workload is tougher. I'm never been this occupied in my entire work life. I will never get used to the frustrations, disappointments and those silent crying moments. 

I used to be contented with my skin. But these days, I feel that everything is deteriorating. I have acne and hyperpigmentation. Even the smallest insect bite leaves the darkest scar. My eyes always look tired. Some parts of my face are flaking, while another area is excessively oily.  Let's not even talk about my weight. I'm at my heaviest lbs today. :(  

I always say that I'll start the exercise as soon as this major project at work is done. I failed to realize that work never stops. I should have conditioned myself to insert exercise in my very disorganised work schedule. There are days when I become productive from night time till dawn. But when meetings happen,  I'm forced to reverse my body clock. I envy our faculty colleagues guaranteed of 100% wfh arrangements. Most of them have a lesser workload, lost weight and have all the time and opportunity for self-care. 

I try to avoid social media the past few days. I keep receiving ads on weight loss, skincare, glutathione capsules, plus size clothing and worst, dating sites?!?! :D Added to it the never-ending friend suggestions of people trying to either inspire or complicate my life. :p I keep on stalking "my person of interest," even if I see the same details. :D Oh well, if things don't progress, the least I want is to regain my healthy skin, lose weight and became a better person in the next months.  

But TBH, I can never let go of my social media accounts, particularly the messaging platforms. It provides me reach to my few and limited support system. To my friends, apologies for my clinginess. :) Your patient responses are helping me to make it each day. 

And some optimistic news... 

Before this week ended, my superior called me for that critical meeting. The great news is, I'm assured of another work year. I hope I can deliver this significant project this year. It's the only way I can return the trust and opportunity given to me. 

Both my parents received their first dose of COVID19 vaccine. They are bound for their second dose in May. This gives me some point of relief. Hopefully, I and the other members of the working populace will receive our only protection. 

I received some heartwarming words from a colleague. What I know for sure, leaving for words of appreciation never fails, especially these days. If you have the chance to appreciate someone, please never hesitate. 

Read More

Months ago, I was struggling with my work arrangements. I work onsite 3 to 4 times a week. The expensive Grab rides, adjusting to colleague's availability, uncooperative wfm colleagues, endless complaints, deadlines and risk of contracting the virus, were all challenging my well-being. The two-day wfm days do not feel relaxing at all. A day is devoted to teaching assignments and another day to infuse more panic and stress to myself. :p

• April 04, 2021
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 447 - Quarantine Edition Season 2

Months ago, I was struggling with my work arrangements. I work onsite 3 to 4 times a week. The expensive Grab rides, adjusting to colleague's availability, uncooperative wfm colleagues, endless complaints, deadlines and risk of contracting the virus, were all challenging my well-being. The two-day wfm days do not feel relaxing at all. A day is devoted to teaching assignments and another day to infuse more panic and stress to myself. :p

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The past week brought memories of our first taste of nationwide lockdown. What we thought as a temporary adjustment lasted for months and soon enough,  the health issue translated a global economic recession. Did life get better? I thought life will be better and we'll return to our pre-covid life after a year. But in the case of my country, looks like a second wave is coming. Cases are continuously increasing and I'm worried of another pending lockdown. 

• March 18, 2021
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 446 - A year after

The past week brought memories of our first taste of nationwide lockdown. What we thought as a temporary adjustment lasted for months and soon enough,  the health issue translated a global economic recession. Did life get better? I thought life will be better and we'll return to our pre-covid life after a year. But in the case of my country, looks like a second wave is coming. Cases are continuously increasing and I'm worried of another pending lockdown. 

Read More

Having been working for a school, the celebration of Women's Month has been part of our regular activity. There's usually a month long line up of activities intended for female students and colleagues. If COVID19 didn't happen, there are ongoing events that would require us to temporarily leave our workstations. These days, when only a few of us are working onsite, the activities were limited to those that can be accommodated by Zoom or Google Meet. But TBH, the month of March gives me another set of memories. We had our first taste of community quarantine turned lockdowns last year. What we thought as a two-week class suspension was extended till the early weeks of June. I finally experienced my dream of wfm, though in the most unfortunate fate. 

• March 08, 2021
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 445 - Proud

Having been working for a school, the celebration of Women's Month has been part of our regular activity. There's usually a month long line up of activities intended for female students and colleagues. If COVID19 didn't happen, there are ongoing events that would require us to temporarily leave our workstations. These days, when only a few of us are working onsite, the activities were limited to those that can be accommodated by Zoom or Google Meet. But TBH, the month of March gives me another set of memories. We had our first taste of community quarantine turned lockdowns last year. What we thought as a two-week class suspension was extended till the early weeks of June. I finally experienced my dream of wfm, though in the most unfortunate fate. 

Read More

Another month ended and soon enough, Q1 down

Workload is getting stronger. Sleepless nights before every week starts seem to become a habit. I'm on that stage when all work assignments seem to be a priority. Everything is in rank one, leaving me all exhausted and frustrated. Most of the time, it feels like I'm not achieving anything. A completed task always translates to another incoming task. 

• February 27, 2021
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 444 - Regrets

Another month ended and soon enough, Q1 down

Workload is getting stronger. Sleepless nights before every week starts seem to become a habit. I'm on that stage when all work assignments seem to be a priority. Everything is in rank one, leaving me all exhausted and frustrated. Most of the time, it feels like I'm not achieving anything. A completed task always translates to another incoming task. 

Read More