Life Lately 2021 Vol. 1

It’s quarter 3 of the year and so many things has happened, so to speak. It has been seemingly interesting how life throws curveballs towards my way, and it has been a long while since I’ve written something on this niche to have a collective look back on what’s up and how life moved and phased on me so far. Directly, I can’t say that I’ve been so busy, but rather I can tell that I took the path where I know I can be a better advocate for myself. It’s been obvious that I’ve been off through the shore of social media, as I wanted to distance myself on such things that are anxiety-inducing. And as a way to retroactively be back on track, welcome to this blog as I tell you how everything went with my life lately.

WORK

Well everything’s good, for someone who’s really passionate about data, numbers, and visualization per se I must say that I’m on my safe haven. It has been quite a journey to be in this position now, as much as I wanted it so bad, it’s also been so difficult to say yes for the reason that I had to leave a circle of people I’ve been with for almost a year. The fact that we’re still in the same company, it really hits different knowing that I can’t be on the usual huddles that we always used to do back then. But what I’ve learned in this change is that, it’s okay to wrestle with my mind for a while before I got to finally pluck up the courage to lead with a decision that could change my life. And yes, I was able to savor my work anniversary last month, having the new position.

DEVELOPMENT

Putting my health in the forefront priority in this time which I let it slip the past months as I tend to overwork is what I’ve been up to as well. I’ve realized that when I actually take time to weigh on what’s important, the outcome gets better. Especially on things like to take rest when my body is screaming for it. To finally have time to go out often with my circle, having the safety cautions observed is also one of the changes I’ve had, and it lessens the weight that my mind and body has been carrying throughout this season. And by these things, it’s evident to me that I can keep up my mental and physical aspects on a healthy state. Just to add, I enrolled in a driving academy to add up additional life-skill which I will be blogging next time soon as I finish it.

FAITH

As life moves this fast, I can’t deny that sometimes I need to exert determination on all things a little extra. I’m aging, and I have to accomplish things real soon, not that I am pressuring myself this early, but I have goals and faith that I will make it. This has been my mantra and I really want instant gratification but as I grow older, I realized that I also need to learn how to wait and avoid rushing things. All these goals I have in mind will not be accomplished if I do it on my own alone. So, I have to leave and surrender these things to God.

I’ve wanted to start a new chapter in my life to have crossed paths with someone where I will have the privilege to have happy seems and I think it’s time, since we all deserve to have one and a lot of us are in the waiting stage. I’m now open into knowing, learning and loving a person and I know that God is bringing me closer to whose meant for me and to everyone else.

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It’s becoming quite lengthy, but if you were able to reach up to this point, I’d love to know what’s keeping you up lately. What have been up to you? Although this time means we all have to wait a little longer, together, let us hold on tight and be prepared to receive more than of the things we’ve ever asked for.

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Life Lately 2020 Vol. 5

Hola Friends!

In just a snap it’ll be the fourth quarter of the year already. I accepted the fact that we still keep on trying these times as we’re still on quarantine. During this time of the year, we should be decorating several piles of stuff in the house, looking forward to Christmas break vacation getaway, have some plans with friends and many more. And yet, we’re still stuck, and we still have to keep ourselves sane and safe.

So how’s my September have gone? Let’s get started, shall we?

So many things happened from September 1st up to this day, and I am thrilled to be spilling it all in my blog. Grab whatever you please and get pretty comfortable as you read.

3 Years in the Academe

Like most things, life in the academe can be both happy and stressful at the same time. Though I have considered this as where I’m most likely to endure greater job-related stress, it does not take away the fact that I still gain happiness and sort of fulfillment from teaching, which makes me choose to dedicate my time in educating people whilst being educated.

Since online classes have been the new normal setup for schools now, there’s a work-life balance. I got to enjoy the time being at home while being flexible to do other tasks, responsibilities and deadlines I needed to get into.

3 Months in the Corporate

So it’s the 3rd month of my work-from-home setup just yesterday! In my stay, I think I really had a good one, as I have discussed in my august run-through, you gotta nourish to flourish. And I believe, my growth in the company is perceivable. We have everything virtual, and I like it.

5 Months in Blogging

And to keep my inner thoughts flowing, few stuffs to share, and to continually inspire people in a way, somehow, I’m keeping things written. My circle often told me that I’m very brave in sharing some of my life experiences and feelings on a public platform. Well, it’s indeed a fact. Aside from the bravery, I chose to blog because as I keep everything written, I’m being reminded of stories whether happy or sad that I once or never expected that it could happen in my life. Yeah, it’s my 5th month, to more blogs to share!

And some random stuff…

MOVIES/SERIES: I finished Still 2gether (will miss the casts totally) and currently keeping myself updated on Blackpink’s 24/365 Episodes on YouTube, also watched Enola Holmes (which left me so many life lessons and questions) and Glow up 2 (because of my fond of arts) series on Netflix. I’m wondering what to watch during my spare times.
MUSIC: Disney Songs on-repeat when I work. It gives me the feeling of calmness, the magic, and it keeps me in a good spirit. HAHA. And of course, the release of Chromatica’s 911 music video, the twist at the end really caught me. It was genius!
OTHERS: I finally bought the land near our town as my investment for now. I’d be happy to share about it on the upcoming blogs. I’m also reading Lang Leave’s Lullabies that I’ll be soon sharing some highlights of it on the next blogs as well.

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Life is way too short for bad vibes, let’s all be happy. And as for me I’m grateful for all the good, bad and everything else in between that have happened leaving the lessons I will continually learn all throughout. Now, I keep on working and striving on this whole adulting journey and have to say, I’m a big fan so far from this episode.

How about you? What have you been up to? Any big events and experiences so far? I’d love to know it!

Life Lately 2020 Vol. 4

Jeez! August is ending already?

It’s 31st and I’m here again, sharing some recent happenings about work, personal life, along with a lot of additional randomness, or everything in-between.

As I welcomed August on the first week, the thought of school starting to weigh in my mind.

The full implementation of online education is real as the unprecedented COVID-19 happened. A thought or two came in my senses, what if this won’t work, as there is really a thick line between self-paced vs. face-to-face leaning.

Well, we all have to adjust. In my current institution we have this new normal setup. A BorderFree Education as they say. De La Salle Lipa BorderFree Education is the “School of the Future,” empowering students to take greater ownership of their learning process. It integrates Academics, Campus Life, and Campus Services supported online by faculty, staff, and other shared services personnel – offering Education-on-Demand. So what’s in store for the students and us, teachers to this type of education? Click on my blog post here, about that.

Here’ a look with the platform where I have all the deliverables in one of my subjects in this setup.

To gamify this canvas course, here’s the awarding of Badges after completing each module and its requirements.

I believe we could be able to fully adjust gradually and adapt the deliverables to have the milestone that awaits.

And for my full-time job, I learned to master the art of sleeping at 8 PM and waking up at 2 AM have my morning exercise and grind the job until 8 AM. Then sleep again for two hours and prepare to teach, if I still have spare time, I will then stream movies, read a book, or anything under the sun.

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This has been my mantra for the whole month.

I purchased Lang Leav’s Memories book earlier this month, and will be posting a review about it after I finish this masterpiece.

The bonus track of Taylor Swift’s folklore was released. Another song which is a melancholy love letter to an ex-lover. © Harvey James

A surprise collaboration between Blackpink and Selena Gomez also made my August tuned. It’s really new for me to hear the group to sing almost the whole song with English verses.

A series which I badly finished in just one corner for straight hours. Ahhh it’s amazing. It’s just so sad to know that it’s the last season. I wonder if there’ll still be a chance for more.

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Basically, this is how my month of August went on and has been.

It’s BER months in a bit, though it’s going to be a way different season compared to before, I’m still oh-so grateful that we’re safe and for myself, I’ve been blessed having my full time, part-time and freelancing job all at once without feeling the extra weight as these careers have been my daily dose. Foremost to be thankful that I’m healthy in all aspects to do all the routine.

I just want to continue living life to the fullest, of course with the things, foods, happenings, places and people I love and will have eventually.

Soooo as for you, how’s everything with your August?

Life Lately 2020 Vol. 3

What’s up everybody? Hi, how are ya? (Jeffree Star, don’t hate me for using your spills).

It’s been a month again, July’s really fast. So, I’m still here alive and blogging. Also, trying to be consistent for my weekly blog with what itches my interest, mostly motivational write-ups since there’s still restrictions to explore the outside world. So, there’s nothing much to share about my go-to’s. Nothing but what’s on my mind, the thoughts I have been pondering, and what my soul wants to speak.

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Work and Blogging

July was filled with so many adjustments and learnings in my new work which is really a big blessing which I really prayed for so many years, I’m glad I made it through. Also, I promised to myself that no matter how busy I am with the work from home setup of my corporate job and part-time teaching, I would at least have some writings once a week.

As the pandemic hampered everyone’s sanity, all are doing everything to cope up. Because I loved reading blogs myself, for me this writing and blogging became my avenue to have quite opportunities I didn’t expect in the first place. I got to be invited to several online communities to share some tips on the platform (even though I’m really new, swear!) it’s not a bad idea to give it a shot, so I did.

Sometimes I’m having thoughts, who wants to know about my life, what I write and why I do? Well, I can’t deny that I also have big dreams for my blog. So I’m keeping my senses tuned with this. In a way, I know that I needed to learn more to grow, someday, somehow.

Life and Leisure

From balancing my work and blogging, I’m also so much drawn to self-care and solitude. This quote spoke to me “I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude”.

When the absence of my extrovert side reigns, I got to easily find my way to be with the company of my interests.

MOVIES/SERIES: Funny how I watched Train to Busan 2: Peninsula freely online. Also, still catching up with the missed episodes of Dark Series on Netflix. I’m planning to watch next, Anne with an E.
MUSIC: Dropping the surprise album of Taylor Swift by the end of July got me really shookt as a Swiftie. It’s called folklore, it has 16 songs in it which were all beautifully written and well-thought of. There’s really a mystery and connections between the songs. It’s genius!
OTHERS: I’m working on a project, I’m developing a management system for a private company, our agreed technology transfer date is on mid September, so I still have an ample time. Also, earlier this month, I had the chance to have Samgyeopsal with Friends which I got it written. We really missed each other’s company, so we spent the quick escape to talk about how our lives have been with good food.

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I guess that’s all for now. Let’s see what’s going to happen tomorrow and the coming days, it’s August in a blink. I’m looking forward to positive happenings and for the betterment of the world. May this coming months bring us only goodness and goodies.

Hope you enjoyed these bits and pieces of how my July went. I’d also love to know how things have gone for you. Let me know in the comment box below.

Life Lately 2020 Vol. 2

June has come and gone. What I like about this month specifically is that we’re half-way of the year and of course it’s my birth month, who wouldn’t like theirs?

July is already waving, alongside with the excitement as it approaches, I’m surely gonna miss what went in June. So, here’s to my second entry of Life Lately series on this blog. If you haven’t read the 1st volume click here.

**I can still remember the time when I started to write simple blogs on FranzeG’s back then in 2015, having a niche of Philippine History but I stopped since a colossal amount of academic stressors and stuffs were present in college.**

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Now that our lives have been altered by this COVID-19 crisis, we had our own different ways of how we’ll be able to cope up and stay sane on this situation. And for me, this blog became my outlet on how to pour out things on my mind, which really worked indeed. Without further ado, here’s a read on how my June went.

#Blogging

I’ve been writing lifestyle and story contents for about 2 months, and was able to publish 12 blog posts with approximately 10,000 page views accessed from different parts of the world (Philippines, USA, UK, India, Canada, Australia, etc.). Supposedly, I’m doing this just for a hobby until I decided to get it monetized. I have written several creative and fictional stories which I haven’t published yet. I guess when the time is right perhaps.

This blogging journey wouldn’t scream colors and flavors, insightful, and possible without the people I got to know virtually on this platform. Warm hugs to Travel with Karla, Yourtitaja, Christian Foremost, Sarrah’s Stories, and the people behind Bloggers PH. I got engaged in their creative minds which inspired me to keep going to expand my horizon.

#Work

Life in the academe wasn’t easy as the new normal phase approaches. Since De La Salle Lipa went through Border Free Education which will empower students to take greater ownership of their learning process. As I am a Lasallian partner I needed to integrate my materials online to get ready for the Education on-demand. I spent most of my days of June on the preparation of the Learning Management System — a border-free platform where Lasallians will be guided to become actively engaged in the design of this learning experience. I was able to receive recognition of membership in the Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator program. Here is the list of online certification and courses I took amid this busy schedule:

• Getting Started with Office 365 and Windows
• Transform Learning with Microsoft Teams
• Teaching Sustainable Development Goals
• Presentation Design 101: How to create visual slides with impact
• Windows 10: Create a world of tomorrow in your classroom!
• Getting Started with one Note
• Microsoft Forms: Creating Authentic Assessments
  Udemy Courses
• Python Bootcamp 2020 (Build 15 Working Applications and Games)
• Complete SQL Bootcamp with MySQL, PHP, & Python
• Google Drawings: Complete Guide to Google Drawing

#Life

This month also allowed me to do things which I usually do in a day, celebrated occasions being quarantined, and reflected about things in life most especially how am I now.

MOVIES/SERIES: I rewatched and finished Avatar: The Last Airbender, I am currently watching Dark series, RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars, and Game Boys.

MUSIC: This month Taylor Swift’s lullabies never failed to keep me alive, my playlist of her songs was put on repeat every night. I also waited for the release of Lady Gaga’s chromatica, including her collaborations with Ariana Grande (Rain on Me) and with Blackpink (Sour Candy). And my inner blink soul screamed for the major comeback of Blackpink where they dropped their newest single: ‘How you like that‘.

EVENTS: We celebrated Father’s Day, and I was able to celebrate my 23rd birthday with family and relatives, which I guess went splendid. I was invited to join the Rotaract Club of Downtown Ibaan — an international organization for young professionals and students that are committed to service and leadership in their communities. I also went to some of my friends, relatives, and colleagues homes to deliver pastries that we sell.

PLANS: I plan to finish the #IponChallenge earlier. Start to build our garden and include my plants to my blog niche. Pay all the insurances I’m paying to lessen the monthly dues’ haha. Other plans are to be announced soon.

I like to keep everything in-detail, but I like you more haha kidding. This post will be very lengthy so I keep it slightly short. If I missed something that would definitely be you, kidding again haha. I’m surely gonna remember it to the next volume, hey there July!

Bye for now! So how was your June?

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life Lately 2020 Vol.1

It’s May and I haven’t seen the outside world for so long as it continues to stagger from the COVID-19 Pandemic— a gruesome phenomenon in which everyone thought that could happen only in movies. We’re being quarantined, and it happened to be extended as if the occurrence of this dangerous virus was unprecedented, a truth to be told. Also, curfew hours have been imposed in some places, which gave me The Purge vibe. We stay home where it’s safe and flinch in our seats every time the news drags new cases.

Life has changed dramatically for many of us, the usual daily routine has been greatly affected. Few turned to be a virtual being– stuck in front of their PCs and mobile phones. Meals have been scheduled for different times of the day. And for some, their body clock pattern has also changed. Well, we don’t have any choice anyway.

With the overabundance of time on hand and a changed mindset, I wanted to share the daily routine and habits that I have implemented on being quarantined.

Since I stayed home for so long now, here are a few things I’ve begun to make a habit:

#1 Write On My Everyday Journal

A goal without a plan is just a wish. My journal is the haven for my thoughts. It is my safe place, to write what’s my plan, my dream, and I know I’m free from judgement. When I write, it feels like I’m talking to my inner self and saboteur. I’m glad I have this to spill everything, especially during the times when I’m feeling worst.

#2 Morning Workout

Before I’m doing a 30-day light challenge, I struggle a bit but it’s a great start and I pushed myself! Now I’m on my 45th day and I tend to do it every morning so that I have enough energy to make it through the rest of the afternoon and evening, the time I’m inclined to do other tasks.

#3 Check Emails and Do WFH Tasks

I check my email first thing in the morning as I have important business to look after. Then straight ahead to school works if there’s any given task to accomplish or any task plan for the week to update and feed it on our online learning module. It is also the time to look for online training and certifications. And uh, my paper on graduate school.

#4 Leisure Activities

Connecting with some of my best pals became a part of my leisure time when I’m away from Netflix (series/k-dramas), reading books, playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, TikTok, and social media. Since I don’t have bae, colleagues are always around. We had the opportunity to afford mutual investment on each other during this time.

#5 Nighttime Regimen

This nighttime skin-care regimen aims to address my skin issues before the sleep begins. I usually use a water-based cleanser with brush to gently massage my skin, and rinsing my face with cold water. Having this routine every night will surely help me to slightly look better soon as I step on the outside world.

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You, what routine have you brought on being quarantined?

No matter what habits or patterns you have or having none at all, it’s totally fine as we are all coming from different uncertainties and struggles to cope up during this quarantine. You can be enough to be yourself. As long as You Are Doing Your Best To Cope And Survive, It’s Enough. You Are Enough.

Life is tough lately but so are we. Let’s just do what we can and God will do the rest. Soon, when all things went back to normal, we’re going to look back on this point of our lives, and we’ll be proud of ourselves that we never gave up.

Till my next blog ♡