A Birthday, an Anniversary, and the Road That Took Us: From West Germany to Austria in July 2017

July 2017 holds a special place in my heart. It was one of those trips that becomes a core memory—something you look back on during quiet moments and smile about, sometimes even laugh at. It was a road trip that started at our home in the west of Germany and took us through some of… Continue reading A Birthday, an Anniversary, and the Road That Took Us: From West Germany to Austria in July 2017

A Refreshing Afternoon Walk at Obersee, Bielefeld

Last weekend, our family set out for a peaceful walk at Obersee, a beautiful lake located in Bielefeld, a neighboring city that holds a special place in our hearts. My husband was born and raised there, so it always feels like home when we visit. This time, we were joined by my mom, my sister,… Continue reading A Refreshing Afternoon Walk at Obersee, Bielefeld

Bella’s First Visit to Herrenhäuser Gärten: A Floral Adventure

At just four months old, Bella experienced the beauty of Herrenhäuser Gärten for the first time, along with my mom and sister, who were in their second month in Germany. This trip was particularly special because, if my memory serves me right, it was our first time visiting the gardens as well. Exploring a place… Continue reading Bella’s First Visit to Herrenhäuser Gärten: A Floral Adventure

My Baby Rolled Over Just Before 4 Months — Thanks to Tummy Time

It happened so quietly and yet so memorably. My daughter, just 4 days before turning four months old, rolled from her back to her tummy all by herself. I was right there when it happened, and even though I knew the day would come, it still took my breath away. It was one of those… Continue reading My Baby Rolled Over Just Before 4 Months — Thanks to Tummy Time

Bella’s First Trip to Cologne: A Family Adventure

Bella’s first trip to Cologne was a special one, and it was also a first for my mom and sister. We started our day by visiting the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. The stunning architecture took our breath away, and we couldn’t resist taking plenty of photos. We also went inside to pay our respects, soaking in… Continue reading Bella’s First Trip to Cologne: A Family Adventure

Bella’s First International Trip: A Memorable Visit to Amsterdam

Taking our daughter Bella on her very first international trip was something we had looked forward to from the moment we knew we were going to be parents. Even in our earliest conversations about the future, my husband and I would imagine traveling with her, watching her discover the world one city at a time.… Continue reading Bella’s First International Trip: A Memorable Visit to Amsterdam

Tummy Time: Why It Matters More Than You Think

When you first bring your baby home, everything is new—diapers, feeding routines, sleeping patterns, and all the tiny milestones that suddenly feel huge. One of those important little things that pediatricians always mention is tummy time. At first, it may sound a bit odd—why does a baby need to lie on their stomach if they… Continue reading Tummy Time: Why It Matters More Than You Think

The Heirs

There are some dramas that capture your heart so deeply that you find yourself watching them over and over again. For me, The Heirs is one of those dramas. No matter how many times I binge-watch and rewatch it, the story, the characters, and the emotions feel just as powerful as the first time. It’s… Continue reading The Heirs

The King: Eternal Monarch

The King: Eternal Monarch is a K-drama that quickly captivated me with its unique concept, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable characters. As a fan of parallel world stories, this drama immediately drew me in with its intriguing premise that involves two parallel universes—one a monarchy and the other a modern-day Korea. The mix of fantasy, romance,… Continue reading The King: Eternal Monarch

Boys Over Flowers: The Beginning of My K-Drama Obsession

Boys Over Flowers was the first K-drama I ever watched, and from the moment I started it, I was hooked. I remember being completely captivated by the storyline, the characters, and the intense emotions. It marked the beginning of my deep dive into the world of K-dramas, and I will always have a soft spot… Continue reading Boys Over Flowers: The Beginning of My K-Drama Obsession

Coping with Negative Feelings: Simple Strategies for a Better Mindset

Negative feelings are something everyone experiences at some point in life. Whether it’s frustration, sadness, anger, or anxiety, these emotions can often feel overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that it’s completely natural to experience such feelings. What matters is how we respond to them. Using certain strategies can help you cope with these emotions… Continue reading Coping with Negative Feelings: Simple Strategies for a Better Mindset

Remembering Sir Catot: A Teacher, Mentor, and Inspiration

Mr. Stanley C. Catot was one of those rare teachers who leave an unforgettable mark on their students. Though he is no longer in this world, his influence lives on, etched into the memories of those lucky enough to have been his students. He was brilliant—so sharp that it seemed like he had a photographic… Continue reading Remembering Sir Catot: A Teacher, Mentor, and Inspiration

The Importance of Walking with My Infant: Fresh Air for Both of Us

As a new mother, life often feels overwhelming, especially with the endless responsibilities that come with caring for a newborn. Between feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, it’s easy to feel trapped inside. But one of the most beneficial activities for both me and my infant is something simple: walking. After giving birth, my body… Continue reading The Importance of Walking with My Infant: Fresh Air for Both of Us

The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life

Emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills a person can develop. It affects how we understand ourselves, interact with others, and handle challenges in life. While intelligence is often measured by academic success or problem-solving ability, emotional intelligence is about understanding emotions—both our own and those of others—and using that awareness to navigate… Continue reading The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life

Motherhood Changed Me in So Many Ways

Before becoming a mother, my life was all about work and travel. I wanted to climb the career ladder, achieve big things, and visit famous cities around the world. Success and adventure were my biggest priorities. But everything changed the moment I became a mother. Now, my daughter comes first—before work, before travel, before anything… Continue reading Motherhood Changed Me in So Many Ways

Porto and Lisbon: A Birthday Escape in 2019

In March 2019, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to something special — a trip to Portugal to celebrate my birthday. It wasn’t just about the celebration, though. We both had been caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and life, and this trip came as a much-needed pause. A chance… Continue reading Porto and Lisbon: A Birthday Escape in 2019

I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You

There are songs that we enjoy, songs that make us dance, and songs that simply pass through our lives without leaving much behind. And then there are songs that seem to find us at the perfect moment, wrapping around our hearts and becoming part of our own story. I Knew I Loved You by Savage… Continue reading I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You

From Wanderlust to Parenthood

In 2006, our paths crossed, and what began as a beautiful love story soon turned into a lifelong journey together. By 2010, we were married, stepping into a world full of possibilities, ready to embrace whatever life had in store for us. With no immediate responsibilities tying us down, we set out to explore Europe,… Continue reading From Wanderlust to Parenthood

How I Spent My Birthday in Prague in 2022

In March 2022, I had the most unforgettable birthday experience. Little did I know that two months later, my life would take a beautiful turn when I found out I was pregnant. That birthday in Prague became a significant milestone, not just because it was a special day, but because it was the beginning of… Continue reading How I Spent My Birthday in Prague in 2022

Bordeaux 2020: A Birthday Sojourn Through Time and Wine

In the early days of March 2020, long before the world experienced the challenges that would soon unfold, my husband and I embarked on a four-day trip to Bordeaux, France. The purpose of our visit was simple yet meaningful: to celebrate my birthday in a city known for its rich history, world-class wines, and captivating… Continue reading Bordeaux 2020: A Birthday Sojourn Through Time and Wine

A Birthday in Thessaloniki: A Quiet Adventure in March 2018

In March 2018, I celebrated my birthday in a way I’ll never forget. That year, we found ourselves in a place that wasn’t part of our original plan—Thessaloniki, Greece. It was our first time in Greece, and we had been thinking about going to Athens, the country’s capital and the more popular choice for first-time… Continue reading A Birthday in Thessaloniki: A Quiet Adventure in March 2018

Lake Como in 2016: A Birthday Dream I Never Knew I Had

It was a day before my birthday in March 2016. We were in Milan, Italy, sitting in a small, warm Filipino carinderia tucked into a quiet corner of the city. The smell of garlic fried rice and daing na bangus filled the air. I remember the comforting taste of itlog and longganisa, familiar and rich… Continue reading Lake Como in 2016: A Birthday Dream I Never Knew I Had

A Dream in Paris: Our Final Stop Before Heading Home

After a day spent walking through the gold-filled halls and endless gardens of Versailles, we were still carrying that feeling of quiet awe as we packed up and headed to our final destination—Paris. I had always heard about the City of Light, seen it in movies, on postcards, and in dreamy Instagram photos. But nothing… Continue reading A Dream in Paris: Our Final Stop Before Heading Home

Our Unforgettable Day in Versailles

After leaving the beautiful landscapes of Toulouse behind, we continued our journey north through France. The drive was smooth and relaxed, the scenery gradually shifting from wide open countryside to charming little towns, each with its own personality. I was simply following the route with curiosity, not knowing exactly what to expect next. That’s when… Continue reading Our Unforgettable Day in Versailles

Across Borders and Mountains: From Zaragoza to Toulouse

As our journey across Spain neared its final stretch, we found ourselves in Zaragoza, a city we reached after a long day’s drive from Bilbao. By then, we were carrying the weight of many days of discovery—Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and then Bilbao. Each city left us amazed, full of memories, but also a little worn… Continue reading Across Borders and Mountains: From Zaragoza to Toulouse

A Serene Surprise in Bilbao

When you think of travel, there are places you dream about, plan for, research ahead of time, and imagine vividly long before you ever set foot there. Bilbao, for us, wasn’t one of those places. To be honest, the only reason I ever heard of Bilbao before was because of football. I’d seen the name… Continue reading A Serene Surprise in Bilbao

Madrid: A City Once in My History Book, Now in My Heart

It was in the middle of a long, unforgettable road trip across Germany, France, and Spain when we finally reached Madrid. The summer of 2015 had already gifted us incredible moments—from the energy of Barcelona to the charm of Valencia—but there was something about Madrid that stirred something deeper in me. Maybe it was because… Continue reading Madrid: A City Once in My History Book, Now in My Heart

Valencia: A Gentle Surprise Between Barcelona and Madrid

After the energetic pulse of Barcelona, we headed south toward a city we didn’t know too much about but were quietly excited to discover: Valencia. We had heard it was lovely, but nothing prepared us for just how beautiful and welcoming it would be. It surprised us in the best possible way—not loud or overwhelming,… Continue reading Valencia: A Gentle Surprise Between Barcelona and Madrid

Barcelona: Our First Spanish Chapter

Barcelona was the first Spanish city we visited on our 2015 summer road trip, and it opened the door to Spain in the most beautiful way. Coming from Marseille, after a long stretch of travel, we arrived in the afternoon—tired, a little stiff from the drive, but excited to finally be in a city that’s… Continue reading Barcelona: Our First Spanish Chapter

Moments in Marseille

Marseille was one of those cities that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. It was the kind of place where you could spend hours walking and still feel like there’s more just around the next corner—more stories, more color, more life. As the second-largest city in France, it felt alive in a way that… Continue reading Moments in Marseille