Breathe. Simplify. Declutter. These are the just few of the greatest things I learned that gave my life full of space to keep only those that truly matter. After all, it is not what we have but who we have in life that matters most.
I am a Bicolana. Born and raised in Albay, the province known for its majestic Mayon Volcano, pili nuts, abaca and pinangat or most people call it “laing”. There is really something about coming to one’s hometown that brings back all of your childhood dreams. It’s truly a breath of fresh air and quite a reset from the fast paced Metro.
I value “me” time. It’s my chance to have some good reads, say a little prayer and be grateful for the many blessings in life some we are not even aware of until you paused and pondered. I take a digital detox, indulge in my daydreams and simply appreciate the art of blank space. Steal a minute escape from the many hats we wear everyday. How can we give from an empty cup, right?
I enjoy losing myself in the conversation with cherished friends and those with kindred spirits. At this point, I already know the relationships I would like to deepen, the friendships I am grateful for, it is also clearer as to whose lives inspire me. There are just many people I look up to especially those faced with great many challenges yet respond to life in ways I admire.
I eat with my heart’s content. I like sweet treats and cheese. I like breakfast with eggs and hearty snacks in between. I take delight in every bite but adobo cooked in many ways is always home for me.
Dolling me up is my favorite way to make a statement but more than putting pieces together it’s essential to be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style and no amount of any designer garment will ever outshine your real and true personality.
I love great photos, taking them and having my photos taken. They make us remember that special moment in a flash. Taking selfies, groupies, sharing them for others to see and for me to keep forever is one expression of love for me. Most especially with today’s time and age the photos we share creates the digital stamp of our life story. My free time is usually used up sorting them out, making albums of life stages, loved ones, best moments, friends for keeps and our favorite travels.
Traveling is the icing on the cake. The idea of having fun with your outfit in a way you can’t in the tropics thrills me to no end.. and gets me preparing way ahead of time. Finally walking down the pedestrian paths of places I only used to browse in the magazines, read about in books and see them in movies is definitely the most exciting part. It covers a lot of my interest levels starting from my fascination about queens and royalties and the real stories behind the castle walls intrigues me, learning about history, seeing something different, trying on new things uplifts my spirit of adventure and fills me with many stories to tell. It’s also a wonderful chance to meet different people, find out just how many good and kind people there are, make new friends and allow us to find out more about ourselves.
Above all, I am beyond grateful for my family life. Never a day without fun adventures, popsicle kisses and happy chaos with my "jacoboys" (how I call my hubby and two boys) into my world I call home.
Walk with me as I journey to discover my ikigai to fashion the masterpiece that is my life one step at a time as I entrust everything to our Creator.
