For those of you who know and also very familiar with Sex and The City (SATC), you are probably a tita like me already or at the very least your age isn’t in the calendar dates anymore.
I’ve seen SATC quite a few times, I finished all six seasons about five times already. When I was in high school, I used to watch some of its episodes via Studio 23 (Studio 23?!) — for those of you who haven’t known, Studio 23 is a young adult-oriented network owned and operated by ABS-CBN — do you Senator Bam Aquino, Atom Araullo, Patty Laurel, and Bianca Gonzales? Yep, they were on Breakfast. Remember Y Speak? I can go on and on, but perhaps this is for another time.
Back to SATC. My favorite character is Samantha (Kim Catrall)! Of course, the fearless, sophisticated, and YOLO Samantha. But I think their personalities and life statures are complementing with one another — the romantic and believer of all love and romance, Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) a tough lawyer but believer of all things true, maybe a realist?, and Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), the writer and the fashion icon.
In highschool and towards college, my dream is to have a group of girlfriends just like of in SATC. Hehe of course, life’s not like the ones we see in the films.
I got hooked to the hoola boola of Carrie and Big, Carrie’s story (perhaps a part of this website was inspired on how Carrie does it for her column), and the rest of the girls’ lovelives. How nice to be in a big city finding love, friendship, and just having fun, and so much of it!
We did not have subscription services to watch TV series in the day, that’s why recent times did us good and at an advantage because we can watch films and TV shows at our own pace.
I have subscribed to HBO Max because of Friends (another story) and And Just Like That… (AJLT) – the sequel to the SATC. It was very exciting to see characters moved on with their lives and watch them in a new light. It was good, until…
I was so confused why there is a sudden shift on Miranda’s character, but I get it also that the show has to be move inclusive and progressive as this isn’t the 90s and early 2000s anymore. I like the consistency of Charlotte and Harry with their kids all grown up and with relatable and realistic family challenges. Of course, Seema is a good addition, with all her wit and character, and Lisa, too. They were good replacements to Samantha. But, Carrie and Aidan’s love story still didn’t work out despite the years apart, and even with a new home. It was sad to see them grown older and still confronted of relationship issues.
Overall, it could still be better, but I was so surprised of its sudden discontinuance. According to the internet, it got discontinued because of low viewership and high production costs. I felt like some of the viewers are expecting that it will be light and fun like SATC, but AJLT lean more on the serious stuff. It had a nice first season, though.
A short work trip to Bacolod — full of work, but also so food.
It wasn’t my first time in Bacolod, but it always a good experience still. This is a short trip for work, but at least was able to try some good food with colleagues after work and during lunch break with some of our officials.
Bacolod Chicken Inasal
A must-try if you are in Bacolod City! One of the things Bacolod is known for. It is best paired, of cours, with Chicken Oil and of course, Cansi (not in photo as I forgot to take).
Bacolod Batchoy
The best batchoy is debatable, I know, I know. But this one’s from 21 Bar & Restaurant is the best for me. This Special Batchoy only costs ₱180, also good for sharing if you do not have a big appetite.
Bacolod Cakes
Calea Pastries & Coffee is a go-to cakeshop in the City of Smiles. Good food in very affordable price points! They have a full array of cakes and pastries to choose from.
Calea’a best-seller is the Chocolate Mud Pie. I ordered this Frozen Mango Chiffon cake—not too sweet, good for a tita like me. After Batchoy, at 21 Bar & Restaurant, this should be the next stop.
Of course, seafood!
Gina’s Seafood Restaurant has value for money especially if you are traveling in groups. If you are familiar with Dampa, this is a bit similar. You’ll choose your preferred seafood and have it cooked the way you like ‘em.
Purple Cake
Everything purple at Purple Cake! Located at the new SM Bacolod North Block, Purple Cake is one of the best desserts I tried! It gives a unique vibe from our often consumed cakes in the Metro. Each day passes, I prefer ube cake more and more. 😅
Lechoneria specialties. Lechoneria also has some branches in Metro Manila. Too many sinful food for my last day in Bacolod. And to top it all of,
A quiet merienda vibes at the Palm Veranda before the flight back to the hustle and bustle of Manila. This chocolate cake is good—moist and flavorful for its price—and we only thought that it’s just a slice we’re getting.
I share these photos and experiences to my family and I cannot wait to go back again, this time, hopefully, with the whole fambam! ✨
Explore Chinatown’s history through Chinatown Museum.
My maternal grandparents were hailed from Manila. My late grandfather, Papa, as we call him Luis A. Lim, a master electrician, had several clients in the said city. Since I grew up with my grandparents, they take me wherever they are. One remarkable one for me was the Gocheco Building in Binondo. I was maybe five or six years old when he started bringing me to Gocheco where my ninangs are (who are pure Chinese and Chinese-Filipino or Chinoy), and we often attend the building administrators’ Christmas Parties, Chinese New Year parties, and many other gatherings. Once or twice a week, Papa would take me to Gocheco and I would play with his colleagues there or other friendly residents while he checked electric wires and other sections of the building that needed tending to.
Since we usually commute (this was probably before the owner-type jeep of Papa), I was exposed to walking along the streets of Binondo, Tondo/Abad Santos, and Sta. Cruz, Manila. All credit to Papa for making sure I become street-smart, especially growing up. While my grandparents grew up and studied in Manila, Papa already bought land in Valenzuela (where I was born and raised) during his years of being an OFW in Saudi.
Sidenote: If you can imagine an OFW wearing a maong or denim jacket, gold necklaces, gold rings, a Seiko watch, with matching Ray-Ban eyeglasses, that’s how Papa was once. Hehehe.
But he continued other electrician-related jobs in Manila since he already built his network before he officially went full-time at the Quad Alpha Centrum Building in Mandaluyong as a Building Administrator for 20 or so years until he retired at age 65 and became a consultant until age 72. My memories in Gocheco and the streets of Binondo weren’t as vivid as the ones I have in Valenzuela and Laguna (where I also lived and studied for 2 academic years) but I have become more familiar with the streets of Manila and its history when I attended college at the Far Eastern University (FEU) in the 2000s and when I started working in the same city and transferred residence permanently in 2014.
A decade since then, living in Manila has been a delightful experience for me. It’s near everything. If you are like me who was from quite far north of the Metro, you know that it is a bit challenging if public transport is not available or accessible. You also need to travel far to get access to good hospitals, malls, and other amusement parks, and other specialty stores; hence, in another story, the reason why I am proud of how Valenzuela City has become now—it has been developed to be one of the nicest cities to live in Metro Manila. I found myself enjoying Manila more since it has many great places to visit like the National Museum, the National Library, Intramuros and Fort Santiago, the Metropolitan Theater, Luneta, and many others. I have always liked exploring museums since I am keen on knowing history. I’ve read so many history books and even banned books about the lives of people, cultures, and other related materials. I have always been fascinated by the works of Ambeth Ocampo, Nick Joaquin, Leon Ma. Guerrero, and other historians, novelists, and authors.
Of course, I am one of those who research the famous streets of Manila, their history, and other stories enveloping them. Hence, it was a great experience for me that we were able to explore Chinatown, through the Chinatown Museum, which we have learned that we are still part or resided in even though we are not in Binondo per see.
Map of Chinatown, Manila
According to the friendly museum tour guide, Kuya Rey, who by the way also great at taking photographs, this map depicts the whole of Chinatown. Nowadays, we only believe that Binondo = Chinatown. So, whether you are from Tondo, San Nicolas, or Sta. Cruz, and Quiapo, you belong to Chinatown, Manila.
We also saw some remarkable stores in the town, especially during the 1800s and the early 1900s since Manila was the center of trade and commerce. They are incredibly educational especially if you have children below 10 years old as they can also see and explore other old/vintage items that Filipinos used in the past like typewriters, flat iron, ceramics, stereograph (which my son believes it’s an old VR-like tool), old Chinese-Filipino newspapers, telephone, radio, and other essential household items.
Tobacco Factories / Tobacco of Historical Chinatown Manila
It was a great sight to see the collections and other galleries that depict the old Chinatown. It takes you back to how it was before and how rich the history of old Manila was.
Depiction of Tobacco Factories and Rum Distillery in Chinatown, Manila
Depiction of old Panaderia (Bakery) showcasing hopia, siopao, mooncake, etc. in the old Chinatown, Manila
The old Polland Hopia Factory
It was kind of nostalgic to see displays and other delicacies that we also enjoy today like Polland Hopia. It was extra delightful to know that we were all able to survive the pandemic, may it be the business or the people.
Tranvias de Manila
We were surprised to discover what public transportation in Manila was like before. We still see kalesa in Luneta and Intramuros these days but this tram or Tranvias de Manila is a first for us to see and it can carry at least 20 people (sampuan like a jeep). Nice to see how our public transportation has grown and eventually got stuck. Charot! According to Chinatown Museum, many of the trams were destroyed in World War II (WWII). Instead of rehabilitating, the trams were replaced by other modes of transportation like the jeepneys we still have today.
There is just so much more you can discover in the Chinatown Museum, take time to also read the information given in the collections and galleries. Your friendly tour guides like Kuya Rey can give you more details, especially about the items in the available collections. Through him, we were able to see that the vintage typewriter is still working, and its ribbon hasn’t been changed since 1945! He also let us try the stereograph and see its wonder; we were also able to smell herbs and spices like the cinnamon harvested in 2019 versus the one in 1910. Amazing how the aroma of the latter is stronger than the one from five years ago. Do not touch or try the items without proper guidance or authorized personnel.
Tickets are available on-site:
Regular: Php 150.00
Senior Citizen or PWD: Php 120.00
Student: Php 100.00
The mode of payment can be through Cash or GCash (I’m not sure if they accept Credit/Debit Card payments). The Chinatown Museum is located at the 4/F Imperial Wing, Lucky Chinatown, Reina Regente Street, Binondo, Manila.
In 2024, I embraced reading to find peace, achieving my goal of 20 books while minimizing social media use.
This year, 2024, has been very challenging for me–professionally and personally. Annually, I challenge myself to read a certain number of books. I don’t do much on the numbers but I’m happy if I’m able to hit my targets because it is a testament of my re-wiring to a more peaceful or quieter side of the earth, at least for me, which is reading.
I’m not sure, but I think I have shared this already in one of my posts here on the site, that I have started reading books since I knew how to. I was a kid in the no-internet-yet era so reading has been one of those hobbies I have gained affection for as a painfully shy child. As an adult, it matters to me that I read more than I scroll. Social media, as advantageous for all of us in terms of our careers, studies, and personal lives, could also have a lot of disadvantages–for most, I think, and this has been studied as well by many professionals and researchers, that we spend so much time on social media now than in other usual things we used to enjoy before.
Yet, we cannot go back to how it was before. That, we know for sure. However, I think, we should control technology and innovation leveled to us and how it can serve as well, rather than the other way around. In that sense, I infused reading on both digital and traditional. It saves me a lot of resources and space, too.
At the end of 2023, I know that the new year will be busier for me. And it was true, more than the level I expect, actually. On an average, I only target 20 books to read per year. Some years, I achieved more, but I’m happy just to hit a 100%. For me, it means that I have put an effort to reading and I have shied away from too much social media. All the more, with some exceptions (e.g., friends who will far, studies, video games, business, work etc.), I have valued physical interaction (or none at all, please, as an introvert) and my offline life which I spend with my friends, family, experiences, research, business, and of course, books.
According to my recorded stats (through an Excel file that I keep–if you know me, you’d know I like organizing things, it could be a good thing or a bad thing, up to you to choose), I have read 20 of 20 books (100% target achieved) with a total of 6,738 pages. Ten of which I read are e-books, and the other 10 are physical books.
Fable.co says that I am a “Chaos Connoisseur: Your eclectic picks scream “book hoarder convention”; still, you revel in stories that defy genres and expectations.” I had a hard time looking at what to read this year, even though I have already finalized a list to read–but I guess, it will really depend on your mood or what interests you (like films or TV series I have seen or things I have gotten curiosity about based on reviews and conversations with people).
If you are looking for books to read next year, 2025, these are some of the books I have read this year, 2024:
Title
Author
1. After I Do
Taylor Jenkins Reid
2. The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
3. The Duchess Deal
Tessa Dare
4. Some People Need Killing
Patricia Evangelista
5. Misery
Stephen King
6. Outliers
Malcolm Gladwell
7. The Idea of You
Robinne Lee
8. Verity (The Collector’s Edition)
Colleen Hoover
9. Surrounded by Idiots
Thomas Erikson
10. Howl’s Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones
11. Forget Me Not
Julie Soto
12. The Housemaid’s Secret
Freida McFadden
13. The Precipice
Noam Chomsky
14. Anne of Green Gables
L.M. Montgomery
15. Before the Coffee Gets Cold (#2)
Toshikazu Kawaguchi
16. Never Greener
Ruth Jones
17. Intimacy and Midnight All Day
Hanif Kureishi
18. Sweet Bean Paste
Durain Sukegawa
19. The Law of Innocence
Michael Connelly
20. Infinite Lives, Infinite Deaths
Douglas Candano
This 2025, I’m thinking to cut down targets to 12 (1 book per month). I’m thinking to immerse and absorb more from a book and give them more time in my head to process (or even share or make content about so you too can also dive deeper if it also spark your interest). We’ll see where the next year takes us. I hope it will be better for all us, more than we can imagine—if it’s not too much to wish for.
Like a good book, video games can take you to different adventures where you are in control but with concrete challenges, too. Try and try, because just like in real life, there are villains there, as well. 😉
My first introduction to video games was, of course, the family computer—a classic thing in a somehow privileged household —and growing up with uncles and aunts who were professionals and a parent who was abroad. And then there was PlayStation (PS), the PS1, Game Boy (Classic) the Dreamcast, Nintendo SNES, Wii, PS2, and the PC. My late uncle owned that many—always into something new on the gaming front, but my first-ever owned game console was a Game Boy Color Pikachu edition—exactly like this photo below.
I couldn’t remember if I was 9 or 10 years old when my dad gave us our own Game Boy Color (my kuya got the purple Game Boy Color—he was so kind and understanding as a kid, and more so an adult if I may say, he let me have the Pikachu edition). We used to watch Pokemon every night (there was a time it was shown every night at 7:00 PM, I think on GMA 7, Cyborg Kuro-chan, and Crayon Shin-chan on ABC 5, if my memory serves me correctly).
Usual Game Boy has many games you can choose from—I played Hercules, Smurfs, Mega Man Xtreme, Bomberman Quest, and of course, Pokemon. I have managed to finish Pokemon Gold and Silver, the Crystal Version, the Blue Version, and the Red Version (the Yellow version I am not so sure if I was able to finish). Going back to PS1, since this was one of the consoles we played as kids (and we quarrel the most about with my cousins), we usually played Bust-A-Move, Sonic, Metal Slug, Crash Bandicoot, Pepsiman, Spyro the Dragon, Gran Turismo, Tekken, Need for Speed, and Street Fighter. Looking back, it was fun—of course, unlike most kids today, all these video games are by schedule; most of the time, I read and play with my cousins outdoors (P.S. I had no other playmates growing up except my cousins as I was painfully shy as a kid—and an adult, too, but due to college training and an extroverted career path, I was able to overcome shyness, most of it).
In High School, all the way to college, I became aware of the furthering tech in gaming—PC-based games like Audition, O2Jam, StarCraft, Dota, Counter Strike, and Left 4 Dead, to name a few ones I have tried. Graphics became better, game plays were more precise, innovative controls, and well-thought-out game plots. If we were schoolmates or batchmates in college, I think you’d be able to resonate with how Morayta has changed from having so many computer shops around to random inuman establishments, and now coffee shops. I make it a point to pass by at least once a week to—wala lang, feel the air maybe, and take you back to that nostalgia of when life was so much simpler. Hehe.
Fast forward to the present, one thing that made adulting fun for me is now I can buy games I want with 30% less overthinking. I am used to living alone and, often, since I don’t like going out or traveling much (I have traveled enough to various places in and out of the country to know that I don’t like traveling and that I’d rather stay home hehe), my days were filled with three things: 1) books, 2) video games, and 3) TV series/film. I didn’t own another game console after my Game Boy Color until the pandemic came, I usually play via mobile—simulation games mostly and not so much RPG. Nintendo Switch elevates the experience for me (I like it more than the PS4, as I reflect on it most of the time, probably because of its portability). For a while, like a looooong while, I only played Animal Crossing—there was a good enough reason why it was so hyped, okay?! I usually play the same simulation/farming, and demure games, because they decompress and de-stress me (hindi yata talaga ako pang Final Fantasy kinakabahan ako kapag it’s go time hahaha). PC is also a trusted source of entertainment, I can live without television but not a computer (but I remember I owned an LCD LG TV where I saved movies in a USB flash drive plug it on that TV, and binge-watch TV series and movies).
From Animal Crossing, I also entertained the thought of Asphalt 9 and got hooked. I was quarantined a couple of times during the pandemic (although I didn’t experience being positive for the virus) and Asphalt was a source of joy hehe aside from the other novels I read in isolation. I am not a big gamer myself—big here means the streamer-kind with streamer-rich games like Valorant, Mobile Legends, and the like, but if you just want to be entertained and have an outlet after a stressful day, here are some (mostly demure and cozy) games I currently play that you may want to try too:
Animal Crossing. There is something to the hype of this game that you may try. It is very cozy and cute! Though it is only available on Switch.
Asphalt. Any Asphalt version is okay. I played (and still play from time to time) Asphalt 9 for quite a long time lalo nung pandemic. Maganda na ‘yung Chevrolet Camaro ko diyan, upgraded na. Hehe. Available on Steam and Switch (I guess pati sa PS).
Story of Seasons: Olive Town. I bought this quite recently because I was able to exhaust all things to be upgraded and be done in Animal Crossing. It is a very relaxing game and you’d know more about farming. Hehe. I play this via Switch, I am not just sure if available sa PS4 like Harvest Moon (which is now available via mobile—Android and iOS, it is not free though, around PHP1,000).
Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu. I bought this one too quite recently, natapos ko na, pero hindi siya madali haha, typical Pokemon game where you battle and collect Pokemons, the graphics are so good and the animations are way better than previous versions. There are so many versions of Pokemon already, ito ‘yung kinuha ko na version kasi I know most, if not all Pokemon here. Doon sa mga bago hindi ko na kabisado, hindi ko na kilala. Parang nung nagpunta rin ako sa Japan this year, most displays bagong Pokemons na. Si Pikachu, Eevee, Squirtle nalang yata ‘yung familiar ako doon sa showcased.
NBA2K. Available on PS, Switch, and PC. My main advice is if you are to play via your PC or laptop, download Steam as there are many FREE games that you may try or you may get affordable ones that you may enjoy. Challenging ‘yung mga new control combinations nito sa PS, but of course, it’ll take some time to get used to. Practice practice lang. Pili ka nalang muna ng malakas na team with best roster of players hehe parang GSW ganyan.
Stardew Valley. If you like Animal Crossing, ito yung medyo nauna doon. Available via mobile, PC, and Switch. I’m not sure if this is available on PS. But for me, this is better played via mobile or Switch. It is just slightly harder to navigate via PC, but this is just for me lang naman. So you’ll get rich faster, you may want to concentrate on mining here.
Metal Slug. Nostalgic. Hehe. Meron nito sa mobile, try mo. The 2D version is much better for me.
Super Mario Bros. Anything Mario is good. This is a classic. I bought the Super Mario Bros. Wonder and played it via TV—awesome graphics, splendid effects, easy to navigate and control, too! Worth it! Mapupuyat ka lang. Bawi ka nalang sleep after.
PUBG. Mas okay laruin sa PC hehe ang hirap sa mobile.
Call of Duty. Mas okay laruin sa PS. If you like to download this via Steam on your PC, make sure that you have enough memory space because there are other assets that it will install to ensure that the game functions rather smoothly.
Crash Bandicoot 4. Hindi ko pala ito ni-re-recommend, why do I even write it here. Ang hirap nito! Haha. Go for the Crash Bandicoot 3 nalang or the Classic Warped, not this one. Instead na ma-de-stress ka ma-stress ka pa lalo. Kung may PS1 ka pa, this will bring a lot of good childhood memories.
Some other games that I will try or I’m looking forward to:
Skyrim. I’ve tried this sa PC, okay siya. I think better controls if sa Switch.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus. I have this but I haven’t started it yet.
Mario Kart. Because, again, anything Mario is good!
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Coming this September 2024
Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Coming next year, 2025.
These are just some demure games (mostly) you can play at your own pace. Like a good book, video games can take you to different adventures where you are in control but with concrete challenges, too. Try and try, because just like in real life, there are villains there, as well. 😉
It is sad to admit that invites from you will never come again but knowing that you are in a better place now is my consolation.
It’s a riot whenever I think that I have not lost only one Luis in my life, but two. Aside from sharing the same first name, and surname that, both share the same sting. They also share the same cemetery. I, on the other hand, hold a shared pain.
I often wonder what conversations would be like now that I have gained more exposure to the world. I always like to tell my side of stories and haggle about what burgers taste good and in what restaurant or burger joint holds the best. I wonder what we will be doing now and what day in February you’d tell me that I needed to visit because you would have a celebration. I always wait every time, wish it could come sooner, but now I know it would not. It is sad to admit that invites from you will never come again but knowing that you are in a better place now is my consolation.
Maybe people would notice that I am always writing about grief. There is some truth to that. I cannot tell this side of the story verbally and face-to-face with someone because it will tear me up, so I resort to writing thinking that perhaps, it will ease some of my heavy load from that loss. It does.
How’s everything there in heaven, Kuya Denz? Do they have lechon there for your birthday? I have not seen you much in my dreams lately. Are you having fun where you are? You know, whenever I meet someone new, especially someone known or famous, I grab my phone and start to text you, but I remember I can’t, because no one will receive my texts anymore.
This should be a celebratory because it is, by far, your birthday; albeit not here on Earth, but somewhere better, I suppose. I have new jokes now, I have innovated them; I wanted to tell you, but maybe in dreams, or through the wind, or whispers hoping you could hear them.
In the past, I always wished you good health and a long life, so we could eat more burgers. To tell you honestly, I no longer know what to wish for you. I have more favors I need from you or wishes for myself that maybe you can grant (e.g., guide me, give me a funny thing to remember so I’d not be anxious, Lotto number combinations, etc.).
I always think of you whenever I witness beautiful things, new places, and new people. I wish you were here to see all of them or even just hear about them. Life’s boring without you in it. That’s the truth.
Is Papa there with you? Maybe you guys are having fun. I really do not have any idea, but thinking about that could be comforting. I wish I could see you in my dreams again with your oversized blue shirt. Happy birthday, Kuya Denz! I hope you are having a great time up there.
Our favorite hobbies to do together were watching news and documentaries and talking about the economy and politics na kung mag-usap kami eh akala mo parte kami ng gabinete.
I was checking roaming subscriptions while having coffee because I was informed that I need to be abroad for several days by the end of the month. It was always pointed out by you that, that’s just how I am–reading everything I can first and getting answers through some help tips on the internet even when I know calling my service provider that I need roaming services from this date to that date is far much easier. And then you’d say, “Don’t be so shy talking to people.”
Papa, I’m happy to report that I’m not that shy anymore.
I always remember your voice asking me questions. I don’t want to forget how it sounds either. But sometimes I wish I could hear you again; even from a stranger who sounds a bit like you just to remind me more. Because there were times it fleets, and I don’t want those memories to slip away. Then I can hear you in my head again, you’d say, “You always remember things,” or sometimes when things get to be too difficult and hurtful for me, you’d say “Forget about them.”
Yes, Pa, I always remember things, and I can’t forget about them.
During a discussion in our technical working group for a project, I was able to share some certifications or professional certifications I had gained and experienced before. It led me to memory in 2015 when I got my Media Literacy certification from an international educational institution and how I told you about it. Funny it was, I told you about what I have learned to become media literate, and you, with a grin, told me that “maybe you should teach me how to use Facebook now.”
Papa, I wish there was Facebook in heaven.
Writing the above paragraphs, I had to pause every ten minutes or so because I kept weeping. I was convincing myself that maybe I was crying because I was just tired, and I knew how the next week and the week after would be more arduous and demanding for me. But I resigned that fact, I was weeping not because I was exhausted, but because this loss, seven months after, felt like a loss just a day past.
I whimpered when I finished my dissertation because finally my doctorate was done, and dog days were over. I wailed when I was to submit my final manuscript and had to write the dedication page. In my master’s thesis, I told you I dedicate it to you, and you said, “Thank you.” I guess, that’s where you always belong—on my dedication page—because it seems always achievable whenever I dedicate what I do to you.
You taught me the value of hard work and to not give up. While there is some sense in always fighting and fighting fair, you also taught me how to “forget about them” and how in the face of adversity, to tell myself initially that “okay lang ‘yan,” and later sob and be reminded that I have emotions too no matter how strong I can be because “I always remember things.”
A lot of people think that losing someone you love can make a special occasion so difficult. It is true. But not all would dare say that the every day and the most mundane things could be harder and bring you back to yesterday’s pain. Maybe it was just roaming services for them, but for me, it meant a lot more than just subscribing to it whenever I was away. Aside from I could be reachable by people in the office or in my enterprise, or my friends, that roaming service was the reason why I could text or call you whenever I was abroad.
Facebook was a lost cause for you, as we did not power through learning to use the platform when you were still alive. Because you said so yourself, “It’s too complicated, text nalang kita.” And sure, of course, I always waited for your texts, and even more so, your replies.
Even if there is Facebook in heaven, it’s sad that I still won’t be able to reach out to you. I wish my roaming services could text and call you then. But more importantly, I wish my prayers could lead you to the most beautiful places, just like how your prayers did for me. I miss you every time, Papa. To you, I dedicate every page.
P.S.
Luis A. Lim, my grandfather or Papa to me, died last July 8, 2023. He funded my schooling from kindergarten to college, honed me, and disciplined me to be the person I am today. Our favorite hobbies to do together were watching news and documentaries and talking about the economy and politics na kung mag-usap kami eh akala mo parte kami ng gabinete.
After he died, I did not watch the news anymore, I just read them. The news on TV (or any digital streaming outlet) reminds me so much of his demise. Seven months after his passing, a lot has changed but never the pain I felt when I lost him. Maybe I wrote this because that said pain demands to be felt and I like to feel it, because as painful as it may be, it reminds me so much of the good times we spent together.
Papa is the first person who made me feel I’m likable as a human being even as a painfully shy and always misunderstood kid. He taught me the necessary principles to have to get on this life. Looking back, I’m glad I have listened, because life turns out better for me (I guess). Albeit it’s imperfect and difficult at times, I’m blessed to have witnessed good things and become a good force of nature even in my own little way. That’s how Papa was for me.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Shainne Hostalero 