When I was drafting research papers as a College student, years before the use of PCs became common, I used unlined blank sheets of paper to write the outline and the content. I recall that seeing lines hindered my thought processes. It likewise dictated the spacing of my handwriting. It was different when I was…
Atlas
Years ago, at an age when most young women would be focusing on starting the road to financial stability, or collecting trainings to improve their knowledge and skills base and practically, to make their CV more impressive, and/or experimenting with their fashion styles, I was occupied with other concerns– bills for rent, electricity and water;…
Learning, the Toastmaster’s Way
13 May 2023 Pathway Project – Team Collaboration Level 2: Introduction to.Toastmaster Mentoring Objective: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring. Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protégé. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Good…
Gzhel
“Yes. The energy level is beyond the ceiling. 🤩 Amazing performance!” That was my first reply to a work colleague’s and friend’s message as I went home at past 11 p.m. after the Moscow Gala Concert featuring the Moscow academic dance theatre, “GZHEL”, held at the Aliw Theatre (Elizalde Hall) on 30 January 2023. She…
Labor Day 2023
This post is three days late. But the thoughts expressed here were those on the 1st of May, yet I didn’t find the time to write them down. On May 1st, I felt great when I woke up, because, well, it’s a free day, a reason to celebrate! Moreover, a major diplomatic event that I…
The joy of being with plants
It was in Grade 4 (I was about 10) when I first became responsible for planting vegetables on a small patch of land. It was a school assignment to plant some vegetables or crops in a small corner of the yard. The task wasn’t difficult; I just cleared a rectangular piece of land, got camote…
My Lola – A Tribute
I write this as a way of remembering my grandma who joined our Creator on this day, 16 years ago. She is Gavina Bellen Bañez. She’s my mom’s mother. Both of her parents hailed from Bacacay, Albay. My lola was petite, with smooth kayumanggi skin, a small cute face, and waist-length straight black hair, which…
Weekend Thoughts on People’s Behavior
It’s a generally-held idea that the only thing you can control is your mind and your reaction to situations and circumstances; that there is no use worrying over something that is beyond your control. And recognizing that, therefore, it is of no use to be affected negatively by external factors. That may be true, but…
Magpatuloy Ka Lamang
Makulimlim ang langit ‘Di tumitigil ang buhos ng ulan Pahinto-hinto ang mga sasakyan Umuusad ang orasan. Malamig na ang kapeng naiwan mo sa mesa Buti’t naubos naman ang pandesal na may mantikilya Walang oras magkwento sa hapag-kainan Lahat nagmamadali; Bakit? para ba ‘di maiwanan? Napapagod ka na ba? Nais mong saglit magpahinga? Maaari naman–tumigil saglit,…
Beyond Routes 