Happy 74th Birthday, Mama!

Today marks my mother’s 74th birthday, and as I sit down to write this, I find myself filled with a quiet kind of gratitude. It’s the kind that settles deep inside when you realize how far someone has come and how much they’ve endured just to be here today. My mother has seen more than… Continue reading Happy 74th Birthday, Mama!

Chasing Bubbles, Catching Time

It’s Sunday today, and the sky outside is grey. I’m not sure what it’s like where you are, but here, the forecast says this gloomy stretch will linger until Tuesday. The rain comes and goes—light showers passing through, leaving everything damp. Sometimes the sun peeks out for a moment, but not long enough to dry… Continue reading Chasing Bubbles, Catching Time

Every Day Is My Birthday

My daughter is two years old, and every single day, she wishes me a happy birthday. “Happy birthday, Mommy!” she says with the brightest smile and sparkling eyes, as if she just woke up to a party filled with balloons, cake, and confetti. No actual birthday is happening—at least not in the traditional sense—but to… Continue reading Every Day Is My Birthday

Fruits, Favorites, and Childhood Trees

The other day, I saw a prompt question that asked: List your five favorite fruits. At first, it sounded easy. But then I stopped. Do I even have five fruits I truly love? I started counting. Mango—definitely. Jackfruit, yes. Buko (young coconut), for sure, especially with the juice. And then… I paused. Peanuts came to… Continue reading Fruits, Favorites, and Childhood Trees

Evenings Like This Are Everything

After a long day of work, when emails blur into one another and tasks pile up quicker than they get ticked off, the only thing that brings me back to life is time spent with my daughter and husband. It doesn’t have to be anything big or extravagant — just small things that remind us… Continue reading Evenings Like This Are Everything

Holy Week: A Time to Reflect and Reconnect

Holy Week arrives each year like a quiet whisper between the rush of everyday life. It carries with it not just spiritual meaning, but a rare opportunity to pause. For many families, especially those with young children, this week becomes a soft space in the calendar—a time for bonding, being together, and gently stepping away… Continue reading Holy Week: A Time to Reflect and Reconnect

Strolling into Memories with My Daughter

After a long day at work, there is nothing more refreshing than stepping outside, breathing in the crisp, fresh air, and embracing the beauty of nature. One of my favorite things to do after work is taking a walk with my daughter. It’s our little bonding time, a simple yet meaningful ritual that brings us… Continue reading Strolling into Memories with My Daughter

Sunny Days Ahead: Terrace Lounging and Ice Cream Delights

One of the things we cherish most about good weather is the chance to relax on our terrace. It’s a cozy spot where we can unwind, surrounded by the calming sounds and beauty of nature. Whether we’re sipping a cold drink or basking in the sun, there’s no better place to be on a perfect… Continue reading Sunny Days Ahead: Terrace Lounging and Ice Cream Delights

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

Our First European Adventure: Exploring Amsterdam

In October 2013, my husband and I embarked on our first travel adventure since arriving in Germany in 2013. The destination: Amsterdam. Despite my inability to locate the photos from that memorable trip, the memories are etched in our hearts.