Shainne Hostalero

My 2023 Reading Wrap Up

Cheers to this year and to the next!

As we bid goodbye to 2023 in less than 48 hours, I’d like to look back and see where this year took me in terms of my readings that surely made a dent in my being and took me to various places all at once.

My Readings in Numbers

For easier review of how my reading challenges in the past years have gone, I maintain a spreadsheet file of the list and statistics of titles I have finished during the year.

This year, I took it upon myself to read 20 books as my yearly target. It was 50% less compared to last year’s 40 books, but I focused on immersing myself more in the titles I read this year rather than just hitting the numbers; thus, it did me better this 2023.

Reading Stats	Year 2023
Finished	30
Target	20
% Achieved	150%
Number of Pages read	9,833

Category	Qty.
E-books	21
Books (Physical copy)	9

I have overly achieved my target this year at 150% or 30 books of 20 titles, with 9,833 pages read all-in-all, 21 titles of which I read via my Kindle or via e-books. This 2024, since I have gone through a buying spree in a bookstore, I’d like to concentrate reading more on my physical copies. Reading via Kindle or any e-reader at that, has various advantages if I may say so, and I will probably talk about it in another post.

In just a bit over half a year, I have already finished my target of 20 titles. I slowed it down a bit because I had to concentrate on writing my dissertation and finishing my doctorate (which I targeted to finish by December 2023, and rightfully, the odds helped me, I finished December 2023)– so much wonderful content I can think of next–like, how targets keep you on track and craft something you can look forward to. Hehehe.

My 2023 in Titles

As raw as it gets, I will include my actual notes from my spreadsheet regarding the books that I have read this year. Consider this as my review. 😆

Titles	Authors	Remarks
1. Did You Miss Me?	Sophia Money-Coutts	UK setup. Oks naman
2. More Than You’ll Ever Know	Katie Gutierrez	Psychological Thriller. Mga few chapters towards the end, alam ko na kung sino yung killer
3. Fairy Tale	Stephen King	One of my best reads! Worth the pence. Longest book I read, I think, in the last 3 years
4. Archer’s Voice	Mia Sheridan	Nakakakilig!
5. Spare	Prince Harry	A book of rants. I should have not read this
6. People We Meet on Vacation	Emily Henry	Steamy hot and adventurous
7. Catcher in the Rye	J.D. Salinger	I don’t get the clout, good thing I didn’t buy the book
8. The Reunion	Kayla Olson	Kakakilig din ito hehe
9. Jar of Hearts	Jennifer Hillier	Ayos din ito, it could have been shorter
10. The Baby Sitter Club #1: Kristy’s Great Idea	Ann M. Martin and Johannes M. Martin	Nostalgic. Thank you Papa!
11. The Girl On The Train	Paula Hawkins	Typical Psychological Thriller, figured out agad kung sino pumatay
12. Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism	Mariana Mazzucato	Worth it! Had synthesis for this
13. You’re That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself	Bretman Rock	Incredibly funny!
14. The Devil Wears Prada	Lauren Weisberger	Classic na ‘to. A little different from the movie
15. Queen Charlotte	Julia Quinn & Shonda Rhimes	Yaaaaaas!
16. Creating Sustainable Value in Social Enterprises Stories of Social Innovation	Maria Assunta C. Cuyegkeng Raquel Cementina-Olpoc Ana Marina A. Tan	I used this for research. We need more books about this
17. Convenience Store Woman	Sayaka Murata	You’d be confident to be just you and alone (but not lonely)
18. My Darling Duke	Stacy Reid	Steamy! Haha
19. The Inmate	Freida McFadden	Crazy crazy!
20. Ang Tundo Man May Langit Din	Andres Cristobal Cruz	Now I know why this is a must-read
21. Mad Honey	Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan	AMAZING!
22. Happy Place	Emily Henry	Just glad I powered through. Oks naman but I’ll never read this again
23. Queridas De Rizal	Ambeth Ocampo	Jose Rizal as a ladies’ man
24. When Breath Becomes Air	Paul Kalanithi	Kakaiyak huhuhu about a doctor and his battle with cancer, a memoir
25. Like Water for Chocolate	Lara Esquivel	Crazy haha I couldn’t believe the ending
26. Bridge to Terabithia	Katherine Paterson	I thought I would not cry but I did. It’s about losing a friend (10 y/o)
27. Beautiful Disaster	Jamie McGuire	Oks at first, kakakilig but kakapikon na in the middle towards the end
28. Dating Dr. Dil	Nisha Sharma	Kakilig and spicy! Love-hate relationship
29. False Nostalgia: The Marcos Golden Age Myths and How to Debunk Them	JC Punongbayan	A hard book to read because it’s spitting facts. Nakakagalit
30. Something Borrowed	Emily Giffin	RomCom / Oks din, fast-paced, no further fillers

Currently, there are books I’m still reading, but better to cap off the year with 30 titles at most and get busy welcoming the year 2024. Reflecting on the things I did this year, I can say that I am blessed despite the challenges and losing people important to me.

These books are here for a reason and for me, they’re part of my everyday life as they take me on various adventures. As an introvert with an extroverted career, books help me recharge, entertain, and help me understand matters in the world that may or may not resonate with us.

Cheers to this year and to the next!

Tambiz Ideazpark 2022

Better late than never. Thank you, TamBiz!

I am probably a year too late for this post. Still, looking back through the years of hard work and opportunities, I can never forget the first time in many years I was back in my college Alma Mater, Far Eastern University-Manila, Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance (IABF)–this time as a resource speaker.

Albeit more than a decade into my college graduation, I was happy to serve and give back in any way I can to the institute that has been part of my journey not just as an entrepreneur, but as a human being. I was happy to be in touch with my former professors whom I looked up to and still look up to until now, who disciplined me and taught me all essential things they knew, for me and for all of us to be able to make it in different fields we wanted to pursue after college.

Tambiz, an event handled by the Department of Business Administration, FEU-IABF, is an exhibition showcasing innovative products by business students.

Ideazpark is one of the highlights of the event, inviting different speakers from different facets of entrepreneurship to share insights, stories, and experiences to business students hoping to create new breed of different entrepreneurs.

Alongside other Entrepreneur Champions (I still feel an impostor to this day being called either an entrepreneur or a social entrepreneur even), I was able to share my humble beginnings as a social entrepreneur and founder of Happy Shift PH. I was once a student attending and even organizing this kind of event by the institute and now realizing that I am already one of the speakers is a humbling experience for me.

My VelociTalk

Happy Shift has gone through many transformations, setbacks, and successes through the years. For almost ten years, it has survived the pandemic and various hurdles common businesses often endure and how social enterprises survive in the midst of challenges and other trials. Having your own business, a social enterprise at that, is not an escape to any corporate or academic work, but an addition to it–even harder if I may say so. Hours are longer, difficulties are double, but rewards are limitless. Did I follow my passion? Yes. Did it make me happier? Yes, no doubt. Was it easy? NO.

I know many business owners can resonate that there is always that time in your entrepreneurial journey when you wanted to quit. Quitting could be a possible solution, but it does not fill the void, though there is nothing wrong with that as well. For almost a decade, I strive to be a better version of me through my social enterprise, doing everything for a purpose and campaigning for a social cause. Blessed are the few who inherit a business or have a huge capital to begin with, but the lack of it would not be a sole excuse why you cannot commence whatever it is you dream of. Is money important? YES, no doubt, but willingness and the heart to pursue are what more essential for you to get where you want to be.

I always say whenever I was invited to speak that:

Nothing is ever easy, even with the things you love doing.

Do not lose heart in the face of challenges no matter how difficult it is. Sometimes, you have to take one step backward for you to be able to move two steps forward. You may want to ignite it within your core and see what you want to do things differently.

You can always begin with something small. It does not have to be big on the onset. Gradual growth is better so you’d know how to calculate various risks and strategize in every difficulty.

Make sure that you surround yourself with people who are happy for your endeavors and who are there for you in your lowest. It is easier to be friends with people when you are successful and when you already have something to offer, or to provide; but the people who see you in your poorest and in your most challenging times deserve to be on your side during your happiest or most successful episode. What if no one is there? Then so be it. Whilst no man is an island, you can best rely on yourself with things you are able to survive. This is the reason why you have to also prioritize yourself, too.

Do not be threatened with people doing better than you. Instead, get inspiration from them because they, too, had hurdled through the difficulties to get where they are now. You cannot compare the success of someone to your very own; for everyone has their own timeline to begin with. While you are foreseeing the future, you should also enjoy your journey so you have something to look back from whether you have made it or not. Failure is part of every process. Not everything will work out fine. This very lesson will give you access and an opportunity to be more creative, innovative, and resourceful for new ways on how you can be better.

I know these are all easier said than done because there will be days when you feel like you are not yourself anymore. But always remember that it is worth the fortitude.

I know I have paid my respect and gratitude to the people behind Tambiz 2022, but it still worth mentioning them again here:

Thank you, Dr. Joey Tem, my ever-supportive and excellent professor in my many courses during college. I appreciate all the discipline and the lessons that you have imparted to me through the years and I am one of those lucky ones that could say are blessed to have you as their professor. IABF is lucky to have a dedicated professor like you who always showcased excellence and uprightness in everything you do.

I’m grateful also to Prof. Madonna Tejada, my then Microeconomics professors, who is also very successful with her craft now. Your dedication to the art and science of teaching and ensuring that your students learn are commendable.

To the student leaders and committees of Tambiz and FEU-IABF, kudos to taking the first step of being excellent. Being a student leader is not an easy feat to do simultaneous with the rigor of studying and serving your fellow students. The fruit of such labor will be sowed in time when you are already working or starting your own business. Being intelligent or smart is one, but being a leader is another. The latter is more rewarding as it leads you to different places, to different people, and to various learnings textbooks could not even fully verbalize. The opportunity to influence and to inspire people are the most powerful and empowering to do in this lifetime.

Chill Trip: Panglao, Bohol, PH 2023

Welcome to Panglao Island, Bohol—the embodiment of a tranquil escape in the heart of the Philippines.

I say chill trip because now that I’m in my 30s, I have outgrown the running-to-see-everything vibe and treat every vacation as slow-moving days to recuperate and uproot myself from the hustle and bustle of my city and career life.

It was not my first time in Bohol (if my memory serves me well), but it was my first time in Panglao Island. Nestled in the heart of the Visayas region, Bohol is one of those places you’d definitely want to visit–it is about an hour or so away from Manila via air travel and the center of the island is just a mere 15-20 minutes away from the airport.

If you are looking for the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, and other attractions in Bohol, this is not it. Our trip made sense of the quiet and peaceful atmosphere in Panglao Island–discovering new restaurants to try and other places to visit and shop; and just indulge in the different atmosphere away from the city.

_{Solea Coast Resort Panglao’s Lobby and Pool (c) Shainne Hostalero}

We stayed at the Solea Coast Resort Panglao, 1.8km away from Alona Beach, it has picturesque interiors, contemporary rooms, children-friendly pools, and beautiful sunrise and sunset views. The hotel also has a restaurant conveniently located in the lobby making it accessible and perfect in case you do not want to go out and just want to stay in. They also offer a buffet breakfast and ala carte options for lunch and dinner.

_{Solea Coast Resort Panglao Roof Deck (c) Shainne Hostalero}

_{View from our room}

Since we arrived in Bohol way too early for our hotel check-in, we opted to visit the famous Bee Farm. It was about 20 to 30 minutes away from our hotel via TukTuk (ride fee ranges from P100 to P200).

_{Bohol Bee Farm}

As per the staff, they are no longer keeping and/or taking care of bees on the farm since the pandemic happened. The property has been converted to be a fully functional events place, and hotel, and sells other Bohol delicacies and other products. Everyone is free to roam around the farm and enjoy its tranquility and shop for various products as pasalubong. I was still able to purchase pure honey.

As a legit tita, it is my happiness to just roam around without too much pressure on where to go next and really enjoy my time doing about nothing and getting bored–as what I perceive my vacations to be. During a regular day, everything is on a calendar and I function with a full to-do list. I don’t even have that time to be bored and make my mind float to some other things; so I make sure that every vacation is a time to reset and just about enjoying good food, good company, and peaceful experiences with my choice of title in hand.

Restaurants to try

TikTok is indeed a useful source of information, especially on what restaurants to try. On our first night, we tried Mist located just about 5 to 10 minutes away from Solea Coast Resort in Danao, Panglao. What a very Instagrammable place Mist is! Their food was good, too, with huge servings, even good for sharing, at a very competitive price point.

_{Mist Bohol (c) Shainne Hostalero}

I am a fan of burgers, especially brick oven-cooked ones. This, by far, is one of those burgers that I could say I will order again. The fries and the sauce are great, too. You’d enjoy eating it because Mist’s interiors and other fixtures are fascinating.

Their iced coffee is great as well! There are many options to choose from–whether you are a vegetarian, a picky eater, or an adventurous foodie, Mist is recommendable. Make sure that you come in a bit early. They open as early as 9:00 AM until night. If you are planning to try them for dinner, make sure to arrive between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM to make sure that you can choose seats. Once 6:00 PM-7:00 PM strikes, there is already a build-up of people lining up to take their seats. Waiting could be quite long depending on the volume of people.

_{Entrance to Mist Bohol}

_{Mist at night (c) Shainne Hostalero}

Our second day is a bit more chill out. We headed to Alona Beach and we were happy that it was not too crowded even on a weekend. The stretch of Alona Beach reminded me a lot of Boracay with all the restaurants and activities that one can try.

_{Alona Beach}

We were blessed with nice weather–not too sunny, but not too gloomy as well–perhaps because it was December. We walked end-to-end of the beach to see what it has to offer. There were many diving resorts and a far more party-centric vibe along the beach (probably more at night). Nothing shabby, really. Eating by the beach will make you look forward to going. However, take your time choosing a resto, make sure to see the menu and see how the customer service is.

_{Henann Resort, Alona Beach}

Since it was also our last day, for dinner, we also tried Mosa, a restaurant similar to Mist (they have the same owner/s as our TukTuk driver had shared), located at the Panglao Island Circumferential Rd, Danao, Panglao, Island. Not too many people unlike Mist, but it is as attractive as the resto.

_{Mosa Restaurant, Panglao Island, Bohol (c) Shainne Hostalero}

This croissant burger is indeed special. I didn’t realize that a beef patty would be good in combination with a croissant. As usual, burgers are worth trying for! Their food presentations are very attractive and they make you want to order more.

_{Mango Shake at MOSA}

They may not be as high as Mist, but their interiors are a winner, too! I love that they also utilized re-used wooden palettes for their tables and chairs, and have nicely decorated the whole place with sustainable materials. You should come in before the sun sets so you can enjoy more the warm colors of the restaurant and stay until it is dark for you to witness how glowing the place is during the night.

Quiet & Peaceful

My introverted self was able to recharge during the trip away from my extroverted career. A walk to the beach to cap off the night was rewarding and while it was ideal to do this daily, city life could be crawling out from me hehe.

_{Solea Coast Resort Beach side at night}

The cold weather of December was indeed inviting! It might be a good time to drink whilst on the beach, but since I have many allergic reactions to alcohol (bummer!), that won’t do. Panglao Island is one of those peaceful beaches I have visited (probably next to Bulabog Beach in Boaracy and Talipanan Beach in Oriental Mindoro). Definitely worth the time!

Welcome to my little space!

This debut vlog is just short to scratch an itch of creating a vlog and gaining another skill in video editing. Hoping I can do more and have more confidence to upload more then.

In an attempt to save all memories (no matter how ordinary they may be), I will upload snippets of my regular days and/or experiences to my YouTube channel and, of course, share them on this blog as well–as there are things better written, just like our favorite book.

This debut vlog is just short to scratch an itch of creating a vlog and gaining another skill in video editing. Hoping I can do more and have more confidence to upload more then.

COMMOOS: A Collection of Hard Thoughts and Perspectives

Commoos is a collection of hard thoughts and perspectives that appear during daily encounters and rather pondered based on the strength of communication as its core. Its objective is to reflect, compile, and share contexts that are sometimes muted in the sea of one’s leaning.

Birthing this project through often encounters of what’s next for me after my doctorate. Many people would just want to finish. To tell you the truth, I was once one of those people. However, there is a certain joy in finishing and all the more enjoyment in going through the process. I have read somewhere that when you are passionate about something the journey is more important than its endpoint; and in a way, I can totally agree.

I always say that I tell my stories because I don’t want to forget them and all the more, I don’t want my stories to forget me. Devoid of concrete direction though rich in reflection, I walk towards scaling up myself and taking on a challenge. Through Commoos, I know that it will be a perfect repository of my hard thoughts and perspectives that may or may not keep me up at night, as well as the interactions I have in days I power through as an introvert with an extroverted career.

May this latter part of 2023 be the beginning of something new as we don’t let the new year be the only sparkle for us to pursue something we were so scared to do before—but then braving it through now because we want to share and tell a part of the world that we, too, are experiencing the same.

Communication has played a vital role in spearheading where my life and career are headed. It was a determinant factor of my weaknesses that I turned into strengths. It flipped me through the battles I could have won but didn’t because I was so afraid to pivot. It elevated me like the growing mediums or platforms that opened me and broke me at the same time.

We communicate every day—in everything we do. Communication is not only through words but also through actions, happiness, pain, and tears. Every aspect of our lives requires us to communicate whether proper or not—one’s thoughts are necessary to build something that cores on the inside and proceed to shell to know where the action is necessary or not.

Some may wonder why communication is even a major and why it is necessary in the most crucial of times. Communication is not just a supporting aspect of degrees and fields, but rather an essential part of them that we should also focus on.

In a commitment to hold forth the stories and learnings in my current and past encounters, Commoos will be a regular mainstay in ww.shainnehostalero.com as part of my work as a communication scholar. In the bundle of life and its chaos, I will try my best to commit to at least one 500 to 800-word article per week starting December 2023 or bi-monthly at the very least. Questions and feedback will be welcomed, too, as part of the communication process.

Apart from such commitment, I am also more committed to furthering my research work through the forms of synthesis papers, journal articles, case studies, review articles and interpretative/interpretive research. In this new chapter, I aim to practice and improve my knowledge and understanding in the field of communication and my other substantive areas like business/entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and development.

About Commoos

Commoos is a column that centers on communication editorials on leadership, business, marketing, and development. The column aims to share insights from the communication standpoint as transparent as possible that students and professionals can resonate or identify with.

Embracing Spontaneity: A Year Without a TBR List and the Unexpected Reads That Transformed 2023

Not having an exact list to read for the year has been freeing for me. Instead of planning out what to read for the whole year round, I read whatever I see on my shelves.

This year, 2023, could be considered quite different from the years I had because, contemplating it now in this chilly almost end of November, I did not have a TBR or a To-Be-Read list.

Usually, I have a target number of how many I will challenge myself to read for the year. Last year was a feat as I targeted 40 books and ended the year with 61 books finished. It was a good experience and it sure did help me veer away from social media and actually put me into a habit of not checking social media sites as often as before nor centering my career on it. In this light, I was able to enjoy more, cook more, and write more and better–especially as I finish my dissertation.

I entered the year without any TBR list in mind because I did not want to put much pressure on what I should read. I also cut my target in half to concentrate on this huge year ahead as I knew that I was heading to the last months of my doctoral and I did want to focus. So instead of 40, I cut it down to 20, and before I knew it, I already finished the reading challenge last July.

If you are like me who does not create a certain direction when it comes to what book to read, I know you can resonate with this: read what you feel like. Some of my friends do notice that I gear more on romcom, fiction, and historical regency. I guess so. I think they are easier reads for me and I shy away from too technical stuff. I feel that when I am reading non-fiction, it is research material for me; that I feel like I am studying when in fact I want a breather. But, I still purchase and read non-fiction materials, especially Filipiniana and those written and published locally.

I know it is quite early to wrap up for the year, but I just want to share some of the books that spontaneously made it to my list and I did not regret getting my eyes and mind on:

1. Fairy Tale by Stephen King

_{Image from Simon & Schuster}

Originally, I borrowed the e-book from a digital library in New York, and I got hooked when I started reading the book. It is a thick book, about 600 pages long (just usual for a Stephen King) and the plot just kept getting better and better. If you are a dog-lover, you’d appreciate this book more; and probably cry your eyes out, too.

It was the adventure of a lifetime! It was gross, it was trouble, it was satisfying, all in one! If I were to be asked if this book, albeit long, could be something I could read again–yes, absolutely! I even purchased the hardbound copy of this book and it.was.worth.every.pence.

Hardbound copies are hard to come by and they are usually offered very limited in quantity in bookstores here in the Philippines. I found mine when I visited FullyBooked in their SM Grand Central branch.

2. Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism by Mariana Mazzucato

_{Image from Fully Booked (fullybookedonline.com)}

I first came across this book during one of my classes with Professor Jeffrey Sachs when I was finishing my Certification in Sustainable Development under the UNSDSN. This book was one of his reading materials that changed tons for me; by which, I was on the hunt on ever since then.

You can also check out the synthesis I wrote taking the Mission Economy book as an immense inspiration.

It was hard to source since I am living in the Philippines and book sources could vary on availability and their shipping. But good thing, my ever-trusted bookstore reserved one for me. They re-stocked, too! So if you are curious, you may check this book out here.

3. Creating Sustainable Value in Social Enterprises: Stories of Social Innovation by Maria Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, Raquel Cementina-Olpoc, and Ana Maria A. Tan

_{Image from Ateneo De Manila University Press}

When I first entered my doctoral classes, I already knew what I wanted to study and make a full dissertation on (it was a requirement by UP to send a plan of your ventured studies during the application process hehe) — Social Enterprise. As early as 2021 (I started in 2020), I already started gathering resource materials that could help me get inspired or get supporting literature. This book on Creating Sustainable Value in Social Enterprises: Stories of Social Innovation was one, if not the most useful books, I came across during my search.

It was published by Ateneo de Manila University Press and is an insightful publication following the stories of social enterprises and social entrepreneurs hailed from Ateneo. This brought me to the reflection and a dire wish to write something similar to it — and conveyed to my dissertation panel that the research I am currently working on be translated into a book and an open resource material (if permitting) to be read and used by others. One can dream, yes?

4. False Nostalgia by JC Punongbayan

_{Image from Ateneo De Manila University Press}

Also from Ateneo Press, this book debunks the myths of the “Golden Age” through facts available in research, data, anecdotes, and other valid resources. It is an insightful book that keeps you in an array of thought, wondering, “where did it stem from?” and “why?” or “how?”, and most of the time, throughout the book, “whuuut?!”

5. Ang Tundo Man May Langit Din by Andres Cristobal Cruz

_{Image from Google Books}

I first read this book in high school during our Filipino (or Social Studies class, I cannot fully recall anymore). Our class did not have a full-blown discussion of the book, but I remember us doing a reflection paper on what we understood.

Since I do not have a TBR list for the year, I revisited some of the readings in former classes that I did not fully grasp yet at a young age, but I am sure can better understand now that I am older. Then, I knew, why this is a must-read.

Not having an exact list to read for the year has been freeing for me. Instead of planning out what to read for the whole year round, I read whatever I see on my shelves (books I hoarded, e-books I purchased and borrowed from libraries abroad, and old reading materials in the cloud). In a way, I thrift my heart through buying books (not so much hehe but better than last year). I try to categorize purchases so I do not fill my shelves to the brim but also give myself an ample allowance if I cannot resist.

While I have an e-reader, I also still purchase physical books from time to time, especially locally written and published ones as e-books are not that large yet from our Filipino authors in the country; but also to get the feel of the pages as the experience is still different. And while I am also big on reading fiction, I also make space for other insightful titles like those books mentioned here.

For next year, I think I will follow through with this no TBR list, as there are more titles I can discover.

Goodbye, Bing-a-ling.

Goodbye, Bing-a-ling. Hope you’re better there than you were here.

^{Featured image from CNN / NBC/GettyImages}

I was a month post-partum when I first binge-watch Friends, though not my first time watching it then. I usually see some of its episodes on cable TV, but not on the sequence as it usually airs depending on the network.

Since that month after I gave birth, I am not sure anymore how many times I have seen that TV series that saved me in more ways possible. It did save me from myself, too, no matter how others might see Friends — for a time, it was all I could do, and I would not have done it any other way, anyway.

It shattered me to pieces to know that Matthew Perry has passed. Like what he has said in his memoir (which I pre-ordered when the word first got out) when he dies everyone will be shocked but no one will be surprised. His life, I imagined, while full of fame and money, has not been easy. In a way, I can resonate, and in a way, I am with him, even in spirit.

Matthew Perry, famously known as Chandler Bing in Friends, brought me so much laughter and reflection. Like him in the series, I was awkward, too; and like in real life, I have some sort of insecurities as well. He gave me so much to lean on as a human being and as a mother. He then, was part of my daily life, as I binge-watch the series and ensure I finish episodes no matter how much I memorize or am familiar with their next lines. It was a rest for me, it was a recreation, too.

You see, we have lost so many people in our lives, and we might wonder to whom we feel sad. Maybe it was a sadness and grief that has always been quietly staying there and coming out whenever something like this happens. But, while it was a discourse in my head, I know that part of me has dented with Matthew Perry. There was a memory given to me about the things I felt then and how I survived them that also died and went with him as he took on the next leg of his journey. I cannot put a word to it, really, but it was something sad and hollow, but evolved into something vibrant and happy, knowing that there will be no more pain — only relief that this is all over for him.

Goodbye, Bing-a-ling. Hope you’re better there than you were here.

The Philippine Book Festival is happening this 2023!

It’s not just a book fair, it’s a book experience!

Hello, fellow bookworms!

The largest traveling Pinoy book festival is happening in the country on June 2 to 4, 2023 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and on August 18 to 20, 2023 in SMX Davao.

You can purchase from thousands of books and through more than 140 publishers! The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) is the perfect opportunity to discover new titles and authors, meet and greet with renowned writers and illustrators, and participate with friends, family, and colleagues. Admission to the event is FREE!

To know more about PBF, you may visit the website https://www.philippinebookfest.com/.

See you there!

Changing of the Guard: A Soft Guide to Transforming How It Can Be Done [A Synthesis]

To transform an organization for its betterment and be sustainable, leaders must know how to be transformative in the first place.

This synthesis is immensely inspired by Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism written by Mariana Mazzucato, Ph.D., and tailored fit to the reflections on leadership and organization transformation as a communication scholar. This article explored the importance of successful leadership and being a transformational servant, at that, effective communication, action learning, and mission-driven leading as they result in organizational transformation, and sustainability, and increase people engagement, retention, and boost interpersonal relationships that can be empowering, compassionate, and empathic while attaining organizational purpose. These said factors are anchored to the imminent success of an organization; however, customization or tailor-fitting and reflection to its stakeholders is necessary. The synthesis cited theories in Mission-Driven Leadership (MDL), Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, Institutional Theory of Organization, and Action Learning as part of the backbone of the article to further explore and understand the relation of systems to transforming organizations and transformational and servant-leading.

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All content © Alessa Shainne L. Hostalero, MDC unless otherwise specified. The opinions expressed here do not represent those of any organizations, individuals, or companies that the author might be affiliated with or employed by. All content aimed to be highlighted or referred to for another study, article, write-up, research, etc., shall be used with permission and citation:

Hostalero, Alessa Shainne L. (2023). A Synthesis – Changing of the Guard: A Soft Guide to Transforming How It Can Be Done. ResearchGate. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24018.02243

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

There is more to life than what it is, tomorrow is always another day. At least for me.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Move on and do it quick.

As a teenager, I usually overthink stuff, and get so attached to every feeling and emotion, most especially to the ones that pain me–without even realizing then that emotions are fleeting and challenges are always at bay no matter how much you aren’t in favor of it.

Whether it is about a relationship problem, a failed examination, or a family matter, I always think it through assessing what went wrong and put rather huge blame on myself–taking accountability for whatever had happened. When I entered my early 20s, I may have gotten it all wrong, still; but I slowly rebuilt everything that I felt needed to change, it wasn’t perfect and it still isn’t, and it will never be, I’m sure of that, but whenever there’s a break point, I know what I can do and cannot do now–I move on and I do it quick. There is more to life than what it is, tomorrow is always another day. At least for me.