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
Category: Random Topics
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
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
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
Losing the Craving for Bulad: A Taste That Faded Over Time
There was a time when bulad (dried fish) was one of my all-time favorite Pinoy foods. The crispy texture, the salty umami taste, and that distinct aroma—nothing could beat a simple meal of bulad, rice, and vinegar dipping sauce. It was my comfort food, something I always looked forward to. But as the years passed,… Continue reading Losing the Craving for Bulad: A Taste That Faded Over Time
Chinagarten in Ummeln: A Hidden Gem for Chinese Food Lovers
When it comes to Chinese food, Chinagarten in Ummeln is our go-to spot. It may not have the Mongolian buffet like some larger restaurants, but that doesn’t take away from the experience. What it lacks in variety, it makes up for in quality, taste, and a welcoming atmosphere. Every visit leaves us full, satisfied, and… Continue reading Chinagarten in Ummeln: A Hidden Gem for Chinese Food Lovers
Breaking Free from Beauty Standards: How They Affect Self-Esteem of Filipinas
In the Philippines where I came from, beauty standards play a significant role in how people perceive themselves and others. Society has a clear image of what is considered beautiful—fair skin, slim bodies, straight hair, and features that align with Western ideals. This definition of beauty is often showcased in media, advertising, and even on… Continue reading Breaking Free from Beauty Standards: How They Affect Self-Esteem of Filipinas
Traffic Laws and Public Behavior in Germany vs. the Philippines
Germany has some of the strictest and most well-enforced traffic laws in the world. The rules here ensure not just the safety of drivers and pedestrians but also maintain order, efficiency, and respect on the roads. One of the key aspects that differentiates Germany from countries like the Philippines is how traffic accidents are handled… Continue reading Traffic Laws and Public Behavior in Germany vs. the Philippines
That Winter, the Wind Blows: A Korean Drama That Stole My Heart
Some TV series entertain, some captivate, but only a few leave an imprint on your heart. That Winter, the Wind Blows is one of those rare gems that moved me beyond words. Starring the breathtakingly talented Zo In-sung and Song Hye-kyo, this Korean drama is a masterpiece of emotion, chemistry, and sheer beauty. I first… Continue reading That Winter, the Wind Blows: A Korean Drama That Stole My Heart
How to Deal with Immature People
Dealing with immature people can be a challenge, but it’s an important skill to learn, especially in today’s world where you encounter all kinds of individuals in your personal and professional life. Immaturity often manifests itself through behavior that is childish, emotionally reactive, and thoughtless. It may feel frustrating when you are in close proximity… Continue reading How to Deal with Immature People
The Power of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
In today’s fast-paced world, our minds are constantly bombarded with information, responsibilities, and distractions. We often rush from one task to another without truly experiencing the present moment. Mindfulness, a simple yet profound practice, helps us slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and find peace amid the chaos. It is not just a technique but a… Continue reading The Power of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Happy Valentine’s Day to My Multitalented Husband
For 16 years, through highs and lows, my husband has been my rock. His kindness and love have been unwavering, a constant source of strength. Valentine’s Day seems like the perfect moment to express my gratitude for the sacrifices he’s made since our relationship started in 2007. His daily routine, like dropping me off and… Continue reading Happy Valentine’s Day to My Multitalented Husband
Humba
Humba is a beloved Filipino dish that brings back many fond memories for me. It is a sweet and savory braised pork dish, often enjoyed during fiestas in barangays across the Philippines. Growing up, I would always look forward to eating humba whenever there was a celebration. It became a part of my childhood, and… Continue reading Humba
Remembering You, Oma
Oma, it has been two years since you left us, but I still remember December 17, 2021, so clearly. That day, I tried to hold back my tears at work. Before our meeting ended, my counterpart—our client—took a moment to thank me for all the work I had done. Then, in a kind and unexpected… Continue reading Remembering You, Oma
Cheese in the Trap
Cheese in the Trap quickly became one of my favorite K-dramas, leaving a lasting impression on me long after I finished the series. It wasn’t just the captivating storyline or the stunning visuals that drew me in, but the intricate relationships between the characters, especially the intense and sometimes unpredictable love triangle at the center… Continue reading Cheese in the Trap
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Your Perspective Shapes Your World
Life, much like a glass, can be seen in two ways: half empty or half full. It’s all about perspective. Those who view the glass as half empty tend to focus on what’s lacking or what could go wrong. On the other hand, those who see it as half full find optimism in what they… Continue reading Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Your Perspective Shapes Your World
My German Learning Journey – Day 11 (Talking About the Future in German)
🔄 Focus for Day 11 Use the future tense (Futur I) with “werden” Learn key vocabulary for future planning and predictions Practice sentence structure and word order Understand the difference between present and future with context 🚀 A. Forming the Future Tense in German (Futur I) The German future tense is formed with the conjugated… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 11 (Talking About the Future in German)
My German Learning Journey – Day 10 (Mastering Modal Verbs in Context)
🔄 Focus for Day 10 Master the six German modal verbs Learn how they change the meaning of other verbs Practice sentence structure and word order Express abilities, obligations, permissions, and desires Use modals in different tenses 🤔 A. What Are Modal Verbs? Modalverben (modal verbs) are used with another verb in the infinitive form.… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 10 (Mastering Modal Verbs in Context)
My German Learning Journey – Day 9 (German Idioms & Colloquial Phrases)
🌸 Focus for Day 9 Learn common German idioms (Redewendungen) Understand their literal and figurative meanings Practice using idioms in context Get comfortable with everyday slang and spoken expressions 💡 Why Idioms Matter Idioms are the heart of any language. If you want to sound fluent and connect with native speakers, learning idioms is a… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 9 (German Idioms & Colloquial Phrases)
My German Learning Journey – Day 8 (Expressing Opinions & Debating in German)
💬 Focus for Day 8 Expressing personal opinions Agreeing and disagreeing politely Making arguments with “dass”-clauses Using contrastive words like obwohl, dennoch, jedoch Introducing structure in spoken debates 🧠 How I Studied Today Watched a video debate on “Handy in der Schule – ja oder nein?” Took notes on how speakers expressed agreement/disagreement Practiced giving… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 8 (Expressing Opinions & Debating in German)
My German Learning Journey – Day 7 (Talking About the Future in German)
🔮 Focus for Day 7 Talking about the future using Futur I and present tense + time words Making appointments, setting goals, and expressing hopes Using verbs like werden, wollen, möchten, and hoffen Learning frequency and time expressions 🧠 How I Studied Today Practiced building sentences using Futur I Reviewed model dialogues (booking, making plans,… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 7 (Talking About the Future in German)
My German Learning Journey – Day 6 (Telling Stories in German – Past Tenses & Sequencing)
📘 Focus for Day 6 Mastering Perfekt (spoken past) and Präteritum (written/simple past) Learning time-related conjunctions: als, bevor, nachdem, während Building storytelling skills Sequencing events naturally Practicing transition phrases and common verbs in both tenses 🧠 How I Studied Today Read short stories and highlighted all past-tense verbs Wrote a story about my childhood in… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 6 (Telling Stories in German – Past Tenses & Sequencing)
My German Learning Journey – Day 5 (Real-Life Situations & Idioms)
🧭 Focus for Day 5 Navigating real-life conversations in German (at the Arzt, Bahnhof, Hotel, etc.) Asking for help, giving advice, and making polite complaints Learning B1-level idioms and fixed expressions Building cultural confidence when interacting with native speakers 🧠 How I Studied Today Read and practiced model dialogues for different situations Created flashcards for… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 5 (Real-Life Situations & Idioms)
My German Learning Journey – Day 4 (Modal Verbs & Indirect Speech)
🎯 Learning Goal – Day 4 Today’s goal is to understand and practice: Modal verbs in different tenses (especially for polite speech) Indirect speech using Konjunktiv II (the “polite/wish” mood) Sentence structures for expressing requests, suggestions, wishes, and uncertainty 📚 Quick Grammar Overview 1. Modalverben (Modal Verbs) German has six main modal verbs: Verb English… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 4 (Modal Verbs & Indirect Speech)
My German Learning Journey – Day 3 (B1 Verbs with Prepositions)
Willkommen zurück! Today marks Day 3 of my journey, and we’re tackling one of the trickiest but most useful topics in German grammar: Verben mit Präpositionen. These are verb-preposition pairings like: sich freuen auf (to look forward to) abhängen von (to depend on) sich erinnern an (to remember) They often come with fixed prepositions and… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 3 (B1 Verbs with Prepositions)
My German Learning Journey – Day 2 (B1 Adjectives, Emotions & Expressions)
Hallo und willkommen zurück! Tag 2 meiner Reise, Deutsch auf B1-Niveau zu lernen, ist da, und heute konzentrieren wir uns auf Adjektive, Emotionen und nützliche Ausdrücke, die helfen, sich genauer und ausdrucksstärker auszudrücken. B1 ist eine spannende Stufe – man beginnt, Nuancen der Sprache zu verstehen, die über das bloße Kommunizieren hinausgehen. Mit Adjektiven und… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 2 (B1 Adjectives, Emotions & Expressions)
My German Learning Journey – Day 1 (B1 Level Vocabulary)
Hallo und herzlich willkommen! This is Day 1 of my journey learning German at the B1 level, and I’m thrilled to share everything I learn along the way. Whether you’re learning German too or just curious, this space will be a daily log filled with vocabulary, phrases, grammar highlights, and real-life usage examples. Today’s focus:… Continue reading My German Learning Journey – Day 1 (B1 Level Vocabulary)
