Last night was a moment I knew would come, but I wasn’t fully prepared for. It was my first night away from my daughter for work—a business trip that required me to leave the one little person I hold most dear in this world. I’ve always enjoyed traveling, but this time, the excitement was overshadowed… Continue reading The First Night Away from My Daughter: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Author: Little Belle's Mama
Happy Birthday, Manang Cezil!
Today, we celebrate you. If there’s one thing you have mastered in life, it’s the art of choosing peace over conflict. While I used to let my emotions take over, saying the meanest things just to feel better, you showed me another way. You never throw words carelessly. In fact, you’re so tight-lipped in tense… Continue reading Happy Birthday, Manang Cezil!
MBR and QBR: Understanding Their Role in Business Success
In the business world, companies constantly strive to improve performance, maintain client relationships, and ensure strategic growth. Two critical processes that help achieve these goals are the Monthly Business Review (MBR) and the Quarterly Business Review (QBR). These structured review meetings provide insights into business operations, help track progress, and foster stronger relationships between internal… Continue reading MBR and QBR: Understanding Their Role in Business Success
Why People Prefer iPhones and Samsungs: A Personal Perspective
In today’s smartphone world, iPhones and Samsungs dominate the market, each with its own group of dedicated fans. As someone who uses both, I get to enjoy the unique features each brand brings to the table. It’s clear that people gravitate toward these phones for different reasons, but when you take a closer look, the… Continue reading Why People Prefer iPhones and Samsungs: A Personal Perspective
My Love for Photography: Capturing Life’s Beautiful Moments
Ever since I first held a camera in 2008, photography has been a part of my life. Whether it’s with my current iPhone 14 Plus, my Samsung S21 Plus, or our Canon camera, I find joy in capturing moments that matter. Photography, for me, is more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving memories, emotions, and… Continue reading My Love for Photography: Capturing Life’s Beautiful Moments
The Playful Timing of Naps and Meals
As parents, we often find the quirks of our little ones to be the most amusing and entertaining moments of our day. One of the things my husband and I can’t help but laugh at is how our daughter reacts when we mention it’s time for either a nap or bedtime. It’s become a routine… Continue reading The Playful Timing of Naps and Meals
Finding Comfort in Blogging
Writing has always been my way of expressing myself. There’s something about putting my thoughts into words that helps me process emotions, reflect on my experiences, and even escape when life feels overwhelming. Blogging, in particular, has become more than just a hobby—it’s a space where I can be myself, where I can share my… Continue reading Finding Comfort in Blogging
A Decade of Procrastination: My Struggle with Learning German
I have lived in Germany for more than a decade, yet my German skills remain far from where they should be. It’s not because I don’t understand the importance of learning the language—I do. I know it would make my life easier, open more opportunities, and help me integrate better. But the truth is, I’ve… Continue reading A Decade of Procrastination: My Struggle with Learning German
Preschool in the Philippines vs. Kita in Germany
Having a child in a Kita in Germany has opened my eyes to just how different early childhood education is compared to kindergarten in the Philippines. It’s not just about the setting, the language, or the culture—it’s about what is being taught and, more importantly, what is valued in a child’s early years. In the… Continue reading Preschool in the Philippines vs. Kita in Germany
From Love to Allergy: My Unfortunate Breakup with Peanuts
I never thought I would have to say goodbye to peanuts. Growing up, they weren’t just a snack—they were a part of my everyday life. I didn’t care for the fried, cooked, dried, or flavored versions. My favorite was always the fresh ones, straight from the soil, still soft and earthy. I could eat them… Continue reading From Love to Allergy: My Unfortunate Breakup with Peanuts
Happy 2nd Birthday, My Love!
Our sweet little Belle, you’re 2 years old today! It feels like just yesterday when you were learning to take your first steps. Now, you’re running, talking, and growing faster than we can keep up. Sometimes, after you’ve gone to bed, we find ourselves watching old videos of you: those tiny wobbly steps, your first… Continue reading Happy 2nd Birthday, My Love!
A Memorable Stopover at Incheon International Airport
When traveling, especially with a toddler, you can never quite predict how the journey will unfold. Our family had a stopover at Incheon International Airport on our way to the Philippines, and what was initially just a layover turned into a memorable experience. We had a solid 8-hour stopover, which gave us a great opportunity… Continue reading A Memorable Stopover at Incheon International Airport
My Love for Korean Food: A Culinary Obsession
Korean food has become more than just a meal to me—it’s a passion, an obsession even. I can’t resist the vibrant flavors, the balance of spicy, savory, and tangy elements that make every dish so special. My love for kimchi runs deep, but Korean cuisine, in general, is something I crave all the time. While… Continue reading My Love for Korean Food: A Culinary Obsession
From Two to Three
When it was just my husband and me, life felt much simpler in many ways. We had the freedom to travel across Europe without any major concerns. A spontaneous trip was just a decision away. We’d decide on a destination, pack our bags, and head off to explore. Whether we were dining in cozy restaurants,… Continue reading From Two to Three
My Love for Japanese Food: A Journey of Tastes and Understanding
For many years, I never thought I would develop an appreciation for anything Japanese. Growing up in the Philippines, I learned early in school about the history between our nations—how Japan invaded the Philippines during World War II and the countless lives lost. These stories were heavy, and they made me resent anything that was… Continue reading My Love for Japanese Food: A Journey of Tastes and Understanding
Kimchi: My Favorite Side Dish and a Taste of South Korea
Kimchi has always been my favorite side dish. There’s something about its perfect balance of spiciness, tang, and crunch that I can’t resist. I can eat it with rice all week long and never get tired of it. It’s the kind of dish that just complements any meal, transforming even the simplest plate of rice… Continue reading Kimchi: My Favorite Side Dish and a Taste of South Korea
A Mother’s Heartache: My Toddler Keeps Getting Sick
When my daughter started at the Kita at 18 months old, I knew it would be a big transition—for both of us. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how often she would get sick. It feels like we’ve been on an endless cycle of runny noses, coughs, fevers, and sleepless nights. One week she’s… Continue reading A Mother’s Heartache: My Toddler Keeps Getting Sick
Bella’s First Beach Adventure in Pinas
Bella’s first time at the beach was a mix of excitement and fear. Living in the middle of Germany, we don’t get the chance to visit the sea often. It’s at least a two-hour drive away, and with our daily routines, we never really had the time. But during our one-month vacation in the Philippines,… Continue reading Bella’s First Beach Adventure in Pinas
A Special Desk Journey for My Husband’s Home Office
Both my husband and I work for the same company, but with our hybrid work schedules—three days at home and two days in the office—our home offices have become our main spaces for getting work done. Recently, though, my office had to relocate to the same location where my husband works. This move provided us… Continue reading A Special Desk Journey for My Husband’s Home Office
The Journey Through Baby Check-Ups: From U1 to U7
Looking back at all the check-ups our daughter has had, it feels like a journey filled with little milestones, learning moments, and emotions—some joyful, some a little tough. Now that she’s two years old and has just had her U7 examination, I can’t help but reflect on how much she has grown since that very… Continue reading The Journey Through Baby Check-Ups: From U1 to U7
My Unlikely Love for Korean TV Series
I never thought I’d fall for Korean TV series. In fact, I used to think they were overrated. My siblings would go on and on about their favorite shows, excitedly discussing the latest episodes, but I never understood the hype. I’d roll my eyes and think, “Why would I watch these? They’re just so… dramatic!”… Continue reading My Unlikely Love for Korean TV Series
Learning to Drive: A Goal I Keep Pushing Aside
Since 2015, I have wanted to learn how to drive. Now, ten years later, I still haven’t done it. Life happened, priorities shifted, and somehow, the goal of getting behind the wheel kept getting pushed aside. But deep down, I know it’s something I need to do—not just for convenience, but for independence. One of… Continue reading Learning to Drive: A Goal I Keep Pushing Aside
Living in Germany for Over a Decade, But Still Not a Brot Lover
Living in Germany for over ten years, I’ve had my fair share of authentic local food. From sausages to pretzels, and of course, the countless varieties of brot (bread), I’ve experienced it all. But despite being surrounded by Germany’s bread-loving culture, one thing hasn’t changed: I still prefer rice. While most Germans start their day… Continue reading Living in Germany for Over a Decade, But Still Not a Brot Lover
Looking Forward to Spring: My Favorite Season
As the winter chill lingers and we’re still stuck in the deep cold of January, I can’t help but daydream about the arrival of spring. It’s easily my favorite season. While the frosty air, icy roads, and occasional snowfall have their charm, they also make it hard to spend time outside. In the depths of… Continue reading Looking Forward to Spring: My Favorite Season
Saba Bananas: A Taste of Home and Childhood Memories
One of my all-time favorite foods is cooked banana, specifically saba bananas. Growing up, it was a staple in our home—sometimes enjoyed as a main meal, other times as a simple yet satisfying snack. No matter how it was prepared, it always brought me comfort and joy. Saba bananas are incredibly versatile. They can be… Continue reading Saba Bananas: A Taste of Home and Childhood Memories
My Daughter’s Fearless Adventure on the Glass Walk
During our one-month vacation in the Philippines, we had the chance to visit Tierra Alta in Valencia, Negros Oriental—a beautiful place known for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere. Among its many attractions, one stood out for us: the glass walk. While for some, it might be just another tourist spot, for our little daughter,… Continue reading My Daughter’s Fearless Adventure on the Glass Walk
Learning to Ride a Bicycle: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Adventure
I never imagined I’d be someone who would enjoy bicycling. Growing up, the fear of falling off my bike after an early traumatic experience kept me away from it. I remember trying to learn as a child, but one day, I fell right in the middle of the road. It was a painful experience, both… Continue reading Learning to Ride a Bicycle: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Adventure
My Love for Hawaiian Schnitzel: A Taste of Paradise
For the past decade, I’ve been living in Germany, and throughout this time, there’s been one dish that has never failed to satisfy my cravings—Hawaiian Schnitzel. There’s just something about the combination of tender schnitzel, sweet pineapple, and melted cheese that makes it feel like a slice of paradise on a plate. It’s not just… Continue reading My Love for Hawaiian Schnitzel: A Taste of Paradise
Home Since January 3rd: A Rough Start, but Grateful Hearts
Nothing compares to the comfort of being home, especially after the challenging start we’ve had. Coming back from the Philippines wasn’t easy. The journey itself was exhausting, and to make things worse, our little one started running a fever and coughing in the middle of the flight. We tried to manage it with medicine, but… Continue reading Home Since January 3rd: A Rough Start, but Grateful Hearts
Cordon Bleu at Chicco’s Deli and Resto: A Taste of Europe in Dumaguete
Whenever we find ourselves in the Philippines and craving a taste of European cuisine, there’s one place we always know will hit the spot—Chicco’s Deli and Resto. Located in Dumaguete, this cozy restaurant, part of Why Not?, serves an impressive variety of cuisines, blending Swiss, German, Thai, and Filipino dishes into a unique and satisfying… Continue reading Cordon Bleu at Chicco’s Deli and Resto: A Taste of Europe in Dumaguete
