Hello Lysa

November 4, 2023

Far from Home

It's been cloudy since last week. We thought it was going to have a snowfall last week, but it was just a hale. The sun is hiding and the weather is quite depressing. It could be that I'm still not used to it. I miss the sun, warmth, and people.

I moved miles away, however, I missed home. I miss everything that reminds me of home.

I was walking home. It was a perfect view: a sunset, a cinematic view of trees, and a mountain at a distance. The cold fills the air as the snow is coming. Here are some of the pictures I took:

Then, my dream last night struck me. I was in our home washing the dishes as if I had always been there. In that dream, I was confused as to why was I still at home. I was wondering if I was just dreaming that I moved away?

Confused as I may be, however, I felt a relief. Relief that I am in my comfort space, somewhere I belong. Sometimes it's hard to move to a place where you do not know anyone. It is challenging because forming a bond with someone takes time, energy, and a lot of similarities. Sometimes, you just don't know how to find your tribe. Like you are trapped in a forest without a map. I am trying to accept the fact that I will not be physically part of the achievements of my loved ones and friends. Seeing them on social media makes me think that the path we have taken is two very different and separate roads.

Nonetheless, I am going to take this path that I have chosen. I knew for a fact that my soul would always long for this experience of being far from home. I knew that I was always meant to partake in a journey that entails uprooting my identity and finding myself in another place. This is a journey of knowing who I am without the comfort of home and of how people identify me. This is a challenging but empowering journey.

I hope one day, everything will make sense.

Photos taken using Nikon D7000

Reacting with Your Emotions

Hello! It is been a while. There were lots of things that happened to me lately. I could say that I am learning and growing each day. I am on my second meditation challenge which I am so thankful for. It helped me how to stay focus and grounded for the rest of the day. In addition, I am also reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki. Amazingly the meditation and the book taught me almost the same thing: Not to react with your emotion, learn how to just observe them.

I realized that a huge percentage of our decision making is mostly based on our emotions. We may unknowingly do it but if you become more observant you will really be amazed. As I contemplated, we often make bad decisions when we are not emotionally stable. But reacting to our emotions is our first response right?

People stay on the same job, even though their inner being says otherwise because of fear. Emotions change abruptly. It is wise to learn how to observe it as it goes to you. Learn how to think first before reacting. Let it pass. And contemplate on: "What am I missing?" In that way, you can create wiser decisions.

I am sharing this because I think I have to. What are your thoughts?

The Sunday Currently | 08

I love vintage and I love surplus stores. I mean old items have different stories to tell about the artist or even the owner beforehand which makes it interesting and unique. I love to look at the personal touches at the books or even old cameras in the surplus stores. It makes me wonder how the owner used it or the moments it had withstood. Too bad people have to let go of them, that's why they are in the surplus stores right?

I always appreciate art, especially painted works. I appreciated it more when I tried to learn some basic watercolor. It was not easy for me since there are strokes that seems to be not achievable. That is the reason why, I love to look at intricate designs or even brush strokes. It seems like it takes some amount of time to achieve that look. How can a simple brush create such beautiful art?

Going back last Sunday, I visited Japanese Surplus shops here in our city. It’s an unusual Sunday because I actually hop from one shop to another. The thing is there’s a new shop located at Mintal and has filled my heart with amazement. I found art paints, dolls that looked really great, carved wooden blocks and other things. The moment I went inside, it seems like I was inside a time travel capsule. There's something with old things that makes me curious. I took some photos and here are some of them:

It is such a lovely painting. I can't help myself but to look at it for minutes. It seems like I want to go inside and feel the breeze near the shore. The painting is calm, at the same time, dramatic.

These two dolls left an impression among the other dolls. They looked like a real human and has a porcelain-like skin. The outfit is detailed and has different layers. These two looked really interesting.

This is one of the carved items that I could have bought. Just by looking at the details, one can say that it is such a precious art.

Sun

I was in awe when I was at the surplus store. I couldn't believe of the things I found inside for a surprisingly small amount. I hope these gems will soon find a new home, and be appreciated by the new owner.

To the Struggling Soul

Have you ever been at the point of your life when you don’t know what you are doing? It could be an identity crisis or just don’t know which path you want to take? We were all there at a time in our lives. I understand the struggle because it’s my struggle for quite a long time. There is a time when my life seemed to be so idle. I did not know which path to take so I stopped taking actions. I tried to contemplate with what I am doing in my life that I’ve forgotten to a new move. I have been so at ease in my comfort zone that I stayed there for a long time, longer than what I planned. It is frustrating when you badly want to take the insights from people but you feel bad for yourself because you can’t just change yourself. I feel for myself because I am still at the right spot where I was a month ago. It’s frustrating and I could just give up.

But then, I met a life toastmaster/life coach, whose name is Philip, said something on one of his talks which really inspired me. “Just show up and the opportunity will follow”. It is something that struck me. If I didn’t show up at that meeting, maybe I could not have met him. I am so glad to meet a life coach from my city. I also met one of the amazing speakers from the group named Maico, who inspired us on this talk about “making the impossible, possible”. With the right attitude, prayers, and faith, you can be and can do anything you want. I have to remind myself of those things always since I tend to be swept away with my negativity. I confess that it is toxic but I want to change for the better.

You see, challenging changing ourselves to be a better individual is one of the things you can consider when you are lost and nowhere to go. Do something that can help you and that can help others. Passionate individuals are not selfish and they are for the wellbeing of others too. Hang on there, struggling soul. Just do something that you love. Do something that will make you closer to your goal. Just do anything.

The Gratitude Project | Day 1 & Day 2

Day One:

I wrote a love letter for myself. Actually, it feels weird because there were only a few times (that I can remember) when I just talked to myself with positive words. I mean I have a set of nice traits but they were trapped with my self-doubt. I felt sorry for myself because I have neglected "her". Whatever you tell yourself, yourself actually hears it. It applies and manifests to your thoughts. I reminded myself of my talents and what I'm capable of. I have to remember who I am in order to proceed. I think I've forgotten my positive traits ever since I started to entertain negativity.

It feels unusual to tell yourself positive things, but very satisfying.

Day Two:

I meditated. This one is not easy. Every time I calm down my mind, it makes a way to divert my attention to other things. Is this is the reason why I can't hear inner myself? Could be. To be honest, I struggled on this. After the meditation and letting go of what's bothering me, I can feel how my head seemed to be lighter. The feeling is awesome and I want to continue the meditation for the succeeding days.

Wish me luck to finish this up to day 30.

My 30 Day Gratitude Project

Heya! How have you been? It's been quite a long time. I think I was consumed with the world and not motivated enough to keep this going. I was really stagnant for a while and unproductive. I sort of just let destiny do the job. But seems like, destiny isn't making any action yet. I'm just your typical kind-of-person who is trying to find a job (or something meaningful) to make a difference in this world. Nah, I'm kidding I just need money and travel the world. But really, I don't know what I should be doing at this stage of my life. Lately the more I'm not doing something to be productive, the more I doubt myself. I have this tendency to embrace negativity and stay there for a while. Toxic, I know. I just want to thank someone who pointed that to me. When you are with yourself for quite some time, it is hard to notice little things.

I want to thank everyone who keep on believing in me until to this very day. I decided to change myself for the better. You know, small changes can have big impact to you and someone else's life. If you have noticed on my past blog posts, I have this "romanticizing the negative things" trait and I want that out of my system. I want to change for myself and for other people. I don't know why but I kind of want to document here my Gratitude Project. I was inspired by Ange Simson of www.the-gratitude-project.com. Go and visit her site, she's one of the best! She launched this "30 Days of Self Love" in which you have small tasks for 30 days to be a better, more positive version of yourself.

I will document my 30 day challenge here. We'll never know, I might inspire someone out there who's on the same shoes.

All the best! I wonder how, do you readers, cope up with the same problem?

Wednesday Blues

Sunset

Today, I woke up early and greeted the sky before the sun displayed its magnificence. I was almost late for the seminar yesterday that I have to force myself to take the taxi for me to get there on time. So today, I woke up extra early and was actually the earliest to arrive there. It was 6:20 a.m. and I was already anxiously waiting for the commute. I mean it’s still early but most of the jeepneys are full. I couldn’t help but laugh with sarcasm. Everyone is too busy. Everyone keeps a pace to themselves. Isn’t overwhelming? Stress doesn’t end when you graduate from school. It doesn’t end unless you end it. I can’t see myself doing the same thing, just like what most of people are doing. And I know that I will be lying to myself if I’d give it another chance.

I almost lost myself in this work-driven society. I almost let myself drown away with the wrong perception and biased thinking. I’m craving for something more. I crave for creativity, for freedom, for expression, for social service and for empowerment. I crave for the things I cannot find in my present situation. I kept on digging but it sometimes it gets so hard when you don’t give up one thing for something. I can’t be in two places at one time, and I have to choose. There are paths that may lead us to somewhere and will cost us something, but it will be worth it.

I’ll be taking the first steps.
One step at a time.
And I will be there.

My mind is shouting with words I cannot search. I'm too lost at the moment that I let myself be guided with the breeze that has no direction. I let myself let go of every restraint, every negative thought but they keep on coming back. Haunting me all over again. But I have to start again, get up and play on.

Taking Another Road

Have you ever experienced losing friends? The kind of situation that they are present in your life, but you just can't feel them. That moment when they are slowly drifting away. It starts with them planning for something, without inviting you. Sometimes, you initiate to invite them but for oh-so-many reasons, they just can't be with you. This is the time when you will start to feel valueless, unwanted and left out. Time will come when you don't know them anymore, as they had changed. And you have changed, as well. Unfortunately, you and your friends grew out in different paths. And that my friend, is actually normal.

Could it be that you just became too sensitive or too serious with life? Or maybe you could just have different interests now. Their jokes are not your jokes anymore. Even though they are the people that you have known for the longest time and x-number-of-years, still things have changed. They were once the people that you text first whenever you want to hangout, but now seems like you don't know what to about with them.

It's normal to grew out from your friends. It could be that the universe is telling you to be mature, to grow and go out from your safe zone. We really can't force people to stay in your life. If people want to stay, let them. If they want to go, let them. Learn to value what you have and what you will have. You just can't make everyone like you. But whatever happens, don't hate yourself just because they don't like you. Instead, appreciate your individuality. Find your tribe, they could just be out there looking for you too.

The Last Friday of April (11:11)

It was just a typical morning. I was doing my daily routine which revolved around the laboratory and doing paper works. Just a typical day and I felt empty. Or is it just me, getting so used with living that the days that passes do not entice me anymore. Upon checking my phone, I realized its 11:11. It was serendipity and I told myself, “Today will be amazing, today will be good.” I was excited and was expecting something different to happen today. I went back to my routine and faced my computer. I was dragged by work and focused on my activities. A moment later, one of my officemates approached me and shared something about his confusion. He was torn between borrowing money to buy a new phone or settling down with a more affordable phone having lesser specifications. Should he buy the phone with higher specs and price in expense of having a larger amount of debt? He was thinking about this for three days and was really bothering him. I told him about what I think about it and at the end, he made a choice. We never really talk about anything aside from work or other little things and then here he is. I felt like my opinion was important since he was listening attentively to whatever I say. I was amazed. It felt really nice to help people in little ways.

I realized that maturity means weighing the pros and cons before deciding. Maturity means focusing on your priorities, rather than your wants. We face decisions after decisions in life. The decisions we choose depends on our own experiences and challenges. Since everyone has different battles, it is not surprising when I told you that there is no right or wrong choices. The question you need to answer is, “Are the consequences of my decisions worth it?”

Today might not be one of the best days I ever had, but I learned the value of gratefulness and the importance of looking at the different lenses of the situation. Sure as it may sound that negative thoughts may sometimes be uncontrollable, only if we give the power it. They are just like the weeds that won’t survive without the sun. Controlling our thoughts can be quite a challenge, but if we only master it, we can be the master of our fate, the master of our lives.

THE SUNDAY CURRENTLY | 07

Life lately was passive. What drives me for most days is Sundays. It's just been months and I'm getting full of it. I want to escape, to go somewhere, to lost my way, to find something unexpected and be radical. Is this the thing they call "rat race"? A never-ending race. A race that you won't find any contentment. It's just a few months but I'm no longer happy. I want to venture something new, something that will drive me to be a better me. I want to do something to improve myself, something that will make my heart pump with passion and excitement. Seems like days are only repeating itself. I'm afraid that I may get trap. I want to be a storyteller, a traveler, a volunteer, a digital nomad, a writer or a photographer. But, I'm not yet doing something that will help me to be one. My practical self chose to be trapped in a work that will build my resume.

The problem is, I want to be everything. I didn't know which one to pursue. I don't know how to start. Could it be that I was blinded with wrong things? I don't know which to pursue. The thing is, when you get older, you have to put extra effort to pursue the things that drives your will. You will be torn between practicality and risking.

We've got a choice after all. I want to have a social impact in small ways, to discover the world, to be inspired and to inspire. One day...

Currently listening: Times like these by Xavier Rudd

The Sunday Currently | 06

How time flies! I woke up on a Monday morning and the next thing I know it's Sunday! The thing is I cannot differentiate what happened within the week. It seems like the same thing happens and the cycle repeats. I'm almost on my second month there and seems like I had been there for months already.

There are a few things happened lately. I had never been so exposed to the realities of this world ever before. I was overwhelmed to know that some of what I believe in has to be compromised. It is like you have to be tough if you don't want to compromise. It's hard because I'm idealistic and the morals that I believe in, sometimes doesn't apply to the "rules" of business. Some of my values were compromised because of practical reasons. Maybe that's the reason why I can't thrive in this kind of area since I don't want to work just to earn money. I want a kind of environment that has a greater purpose and to have a good impact to people/world, cheesy as it may sound, but the world needs more people with the same thinking. I want to live my life with a desire, a fire within me. As of now, I will learn the most out of this experience and would try to apply what I have learned for some purposes.

What I look forward for most days is Sunday. Aside from having a time away from the real world, I get to be with my SO. For most Sundays, we tried different restaurants and different food. I'm planning to post them here soon. I feel blessed to have my SO around. It seems like I'm being so loved and special. It's like he is my comfort and safe haven from the world outside. Indeed, he's one of the many reasons why life is beautiful.

I have been writing poems lately and might consider to post some of them here. See you on my next post!

THE SUNDAY CURRENTLY | VOL 05

I slept and woke up half-hearted knowing that I have to go back to reality again. Whenever I go home, my energy is so low and my being is exhausted. Ever since I started this, I wake up earlier than usual. I wake up tired and still want to sleep. I don't know why but I can't even complete 6 hours of sleep. There's nothing much of a difference in terms of hours spent in this thing called reality, but I used to still have time before for watching movies, do some watercolor or just do something I love. The scheduling is a lot different though. Mornings are laid back and slow, while evenings are fast-paced and tiresome. I can't be productive at night because I'm weary and I'm doing household chores in the morning. I used to love evening where I can be with my creative self since nights are supposed to be calm, quiet and laid back. These are the side effects of my new reality as of now: lesser time for myself, adjusting, confusion if this is right and missing my old habits. It seems that I am getting consumed by my work day by day. My life recently is mostly centered to my work, which could be the reason why I am having these anxieties.

Basically, what makes me happy is free time to do the things I want to do. I thought I can compromise a little bit of time by just having a day off, but I was wrong. Because of the stiff scheduling, I can't attend workshops and learn something new. I knew from the start that this will happen, but I gave a try because what if it's just my pessimistic self trying to stop me. I was also thinking that it is not practical to stop, without having any plan B. My friends say to just give it a try and chance, but is it worth it? Is it just my emotions rule over me, is it wrong? I have been in the process of being nowhere to go and I'm scared to do it all again. I have also invested some time, effort and money, should I just give it a try for few months?

I used to have anxieties back in college but it doubled up as of now. It seems like I'm not being myself. I feel unmotivated to go there, but mind you the people there are friendly. The thought of having a daily routine of work and home is distressing me. Could it be that I'm still adjusting and overthinking my situation? It could be, but overthinking or being negative is something I unconsciously do. Indeed, the greatest enemy you'll ever have is yourself. Someone told me, " Don't let yourself be overcome by your thoughts." He also told me that instead of being drown in my negativity, why not think of a solution? But I haven't found a solution yet. Maybe I'll just try to be grateful everyday and remind myself why I am here. As what I said to my last post (The Sunday Currently Vol 04), "I am here to grow, to learn and to get to know myself more". I think I always forget that line.

On the brighter side, I'm blessed to be surrounded with people who are loving and helping me in any sorts. I could be in a worse stage, but I am always inspired with people who believes in me. What did they saw in me that I didn't saw? Why can they see potential in me while I can't? Those thoughts left me hanging for a moment. I remembered what a friend of mine once told me, "You are a smart, but it seems that you just don't trust yourself."

After all, this is a journey I must take.

The Sunday Currently | VOL 04

Lots of things happened to me lately: Found someone special, had a job interview, turned down a lot of times, got lost, lost a motivation, was motivated again, looked for a job and landed to a job. It’s crazy to know that lots of things can happen in just a few months. My life had changed drastically. I don’t know if I’m ready, but it’s happening right before my eyes. I am now entering a new stage of my life which is the post-graduate life. I was lost for some months and I don’t know what to do with my life. It’s hard because I was given all the options, still I’m lost. I could not thank those people who were pushing me throughout, those people who tried to motivate me when I couldn’t see any progress in my life.

As of today, I am working in a private company and blessed with kind office mates. Though most of the time, I am overwhelmed with the work load. I never thought that “real” world takes so much courage, effort and sacrifice. This week, I managed to get through and reflected to these thoughts whenever I am lost with my negativity. I always try to remember why I am here. I am here to grow, to learn and to get to know myself more. I can confidently say that I am more experienced compared to myself when I wrote The Sunday Currently volume 3. I cannot say that it's a huge progress but it is still a progress.

There times I doubt, times that I fear the future. But this is the time I shall be bold and be fearless. Nothing is absolute, but one thing is for sure, everything will unfold in their time.

Listening to: In the Waiting by Kina Grannis

Love and Guidance from Angel Card Reading

Do you believe in angels? In spiritual guides? In the existence of "other dimension"? In attracting positive energy in your life? In life after death? Well, I do. I am curious about all these things until met Ms. Evelyn Princess Buendia, an angeologist, and her angel guides. They studies how angels interact with people to reveal God's purpose. I never thought I would meet a real psychic and I was amazed.

I tried the angel card reading and here are the cards that reflect me. Angel cards tells your angel's message for you.

These two cards reflect what I need to develop. I need to find courage to face the challenges and accept the things that I cannot change. Sometimes life frustrates me. As an idealist, I want things to be under my control, but things are sometimes are not the way they are. I need to develop courage to face failures and keep on striving.

These four cards reflect what I am now and where I am going. The consciousness of my higher self has been "activated". It all started in 2014 when I began to ask questions about life. It also says that my dreams would come true and to follow them. In the process, I could see the beauty of life.

This card states my "life purpose" that I need to develop. I am not much of a talker (or am I) but encouraging people makes me feel satisfied and happy.

The last card which says "Helper of Thought" is like talking to my lazy self that I should get going and my life is about to start to move fast.

Actually, I am amazed to meet like-minded individuals. People who believe in higher dimension and spreading love to the world. You can visit their facebook page here. I believe everything happens for a reason, and there's a reason why I met them while I was looking for answers.

These cards are guides and it depends on you on how you process it. I take it with understanding and reflect on it. It feels good to think over about your life and doing your purpose. How about you? Do you believe in angels and that they bring message for the humanity?

Pinoy Care Visa Center is now in Davao!

From left: Mrs. Salud O. Mabatid (mother of Niña), Iah Alcuizar (COO of PCVC), Ms. Prisca Niña O. Mabatid (CEO), Hon. Coun. Pilar C. Braga (representing Mayor Sara Duterte) and Dr. Ramon Floresta

Pinoy Care Visa Center Inc. aspires to help and reach out people to help them realize and achieve their dreams by providing high quality, personalized, and legitimate services to acquire visas. The company is a recipient of awards given by prestigious organizations and, also a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, and Cebu Chamber of Commerce.

Pinoy care provides visa, namely immigrant, spousal, fiance, visit, tourist and student, and travel assistance to Filipinos and other nationalities. To this day, it holds the record of serving the most number of clients since it was established in 1999.

Pinoy care is duly represented of its transaction to Canada and New Zealand by Dr. Elana Burrill, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council and Atty Fershen Llanes, an immigration Lawyer of New Zealand. The International Development Program and British Council has also accredited this company and top as one of the highest track records of IELTS passers in the country.

Ms. Prisca Niña Mabatid with JFM Dev't. VP Mr. William Leh

Davao:
Ground Floor,
Unit 1 &2, Matina Town Square,
Ayala Business Center,
McArthur Highway,
Davao City, Phils.

Contact: +63822220191

Carbonara and Matcha blend

Coffee shops are booming in the city of Davao though I am not a fan of coffee still, I love to go somewhere with a couple of friends and talk about life or anything under the sun. I have a chance to visit one- Johann Coffee Corner. It's located in Obrero Street, situated near the Business class bar. The place is convenient since people from the bar can have a coffee or just chill after drinking. Surprisingly, you can drink cup of coffee in less than Php 100.

Closer look of Carbonara

I tried their Carbonara. The taste is light, not the usual one that is loaded with heavy cream.

Closer look of Matcha Blend

I also tried their Matcha blend. The taste is also light, as the matcha does not overpower its creaminess.

Tables & Chairs

The interior has a brown, gray and green palette.

Interior

Counte

Thank you for having us!

Love. Is it an emotion or a state?

A bird's nest.

There are different kinds of love, but this will be all about erotic love. This kind of love is exposed and boasted in social media with the #relationshipgoals. Surely, I have seen lovers that stayed together after all these years, some started dating in high school or college. Some have gone past through the professional life and some split up after years of being together. If the number of years of being in a relationship is not the basis to a happily ever after, then what? If the mutual love may soon fade away, then what is the assurance of relationship?

This kind of love may neither build or tear you down. It's risky and it actually depends. There is no assurance in this kind of love, not in this world, not in this lifetime. It's easy to build someone and easier to break them. Some may have undergone depression, to the point of losing themselves to someone who left them shattered. It may take months, years of moving on, who knows.

Could this kind love be just a feeling, that varies often? Or is it a state, a more stable one? How can you say that you are "in love"? The word love is one of the overused English word. It's easy to commit without actually having second thoughts or self-assessment and basing the decisions purely on the current moment of being in love. Could it be that the standards of being in love is shallow to others? That actually doesn't have a deeper meaning at all? That when you feel the butterflies in your stomach, or if you think of that someone often, then its love?

Falling out of love is typical with lovers that has spent years of being together. The spark may have gone or the other person has changed or whatsoever. If then, love could be just a feeling that fade through time. But don't get me wrong, there is also a love that is everlasting. But how can you determine if the kind of love you are in the present state is worthy of marriage?

Indeed, there's a lot of unanswered questions. Love will always be one of the greatest mysteries in this world.

DDI & Me,

I love to write and read as long as I can remember. I used to have a diary then, upgraded to blogging. Back then, blogging was not as popular as nowadays. Every time I tell people that I love to blog, most of the time, they don't get it. And I have to explain what it is and all. There I realized that bloggers are a rare species.

I started to blog because I want to write, to express and to interact. I used to have an online circle of friends and never actually thought that it will lead me into something. Back in college, when I was searching for some groups to be a part with, I stumbled upon this blogging organization. I never thought there are actually bloggers from my hometown. I was astounded. It has opened its way for me to be exposed to a lot of things. There I met awesome and down-to-earth people.

How it changed me as a person?

This organization has paved its way for me to meet people with same interest. It made me realize that the world is full of opportunities especially at times when people discourage me that blogging will not bring me to anywhere. It made me know my worth, as an influencer, no matter how simple I am, I have the power to send positivity to anyone who reads my blog, in my own simple ways.

I had been to numerous events and mingled with these awesome people but here is the list of my favorites!

Acquaintance Party:

August, 2016

This was the grand launching of the Davao Digital influencers which happened at Marco Polo Hotel. Read more here.

Island hopping at Samal (IGACOS)

Samal Scene, 2017

I have experienced a whole-day island hopping at IGACOS. Read more of my experience here.

Getaway at Eagle's Ridge

I experienced holy week getaway at Eagles Ridge in BuDa. Read more here.

Davao Digital Influencers is turning 1. Thank you for accepting me as a part of your family. I can't believe how time flies. To more anniversaries! Cheers!

___________________________________________________________________

DDI would like to thank the following sponsors for their love and support: Platinum: Smart Communications, Inc., AirAsia, FWD Life Philippines Gold: PLDT Home Silver: Jolly Canned Fruits and Vegetables Bronze: Abreeza Ayala Mall Benefactors: Lachi's Sans Rival Atbp., Cecil's Snack Inn & Restaurant, Seda Abreeza Hotel, Marco Polo Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Davao, M Magazine.

I will not value what is valueless.

I will not value what is valueless, and only what has value do I seek, for only that do I desire to find.

//133

Every day in our lives, we are bombarded with different options and preferences. It is like deciding what to eat for lunch, or to as more complex as decisions that may affect our future endeavors. Our options are limitless just as much as the grains of sand. But the wider the range is, the more undecided we are, the more it takes us time to reflect which is the best decision. Sometimes when you are at the crossroads, you begin to question yourself, which is the right path for me? Obviously, people would tell you, "follow your heart". But, do we don't realize that sometimes, unconsciously or subconsciously, we are driven by the society, our family, or worst, our ego. How can you say, "this is what I really want?"

By distinguishing the things that have value and the things that are valueless will narrow down our choices and will help us make better choices. But the question is, what is valuable? What really matters to you?

Sometimes we are blinded by this world. It deceives us with the temporary things that have of no value at all. Things that are truly valuable are timeless, like a gold, that does not fade with time. Things that are of this world will not give you an everlasting satisfaction. Take time to question yourself and dissect things out. If in doubt with your decisions, always be reminded to ask for guidance, you will know that you are on the right path if you will feel light, peace, happy and loved. All of the positive things shall manifest.

Calm down and listen. The answer is there, all you need to do it to take the time to be silent.

Kaizen Davao | Japanese street dining

Kaizen
/noun/
a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices, personal efficiency/ change for the better

I rarely go to Japanese restaurants, not that I don't like their dishes but I just don't. It was an amazing experience though because I think their food is legit. Overall I love it, the only downside is that you have to be early if you don't want to queue. We arrived there at 7:30 p.m. and it took us almost an hour before we were accommodated.