Meikah's Web

I Got Certified as a Wellness Coach

2026-02-25T18:59:00.007+08:00

Never thought I'd be embarking on a career as a wellness coach. I, who never took vitamins as an adult. Who would only apply a vaporub to my forehead when I get headaches on rare occasions.

But as I reached later adulthood, I realized the importance of health. You can rebuild money. You can rebuild businesses. But rebuilding your health is much harder. Without energy, focus, and strength, it’s difficult to enjoy success or even pursue it.

As I grow older, health takes on a different meaning. It’s not just about living longer — it’s about living well. Being able to move freely, think clearly, and stay independent as you age is priceless.

So, yesterday, I got my certification as a Wellness Coach. This also signals my intentional journey to wellness.

I start today. One healthy choice. One better habit. My future self is waiting.

ᴺᵒʷ ʰᵉˡᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᵐⁱᵈˡⁱᶠᵉ ʷᵒᵐᵉⁿ ʳᵉᶜˡᵃⁱᵐ ᵗʰᵉⁱʳ ᵉⁿᵉʳᵍʸ, ᶜᵒⁿᶠⁱᵈᵉⁿᶜᵉ, ᵃⁿᵈ ᵖᵘʳᵖᵒˢᵉ, ˢᵒ ᵗʰᵉʸ ᶜᵃⁿ ᵇᵘⁱˡᵈ ᵗʰᵉ ˡⁱᶠᵉ ᵗʰᵉʸ ʷᵉʳᵉ ᵐᵉᵃⁿᵗ ᶠᵒʳ.

purposefulliving

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Ⓒ 25 February 2026

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Siklab+ The New Dining Choice of Many

2026-02-19T22:04:00.002+08:00

Pomelo at Pipino Salad

Lumpiang Ubod ng Sarap

Tortalong

PBG: Pancit Bihon Guisado

Crispy Pata-rrific

Kuhol ni Tanggol

Bonggang Bibingka

Bang Bang Halo-Halo

Now, I know why people are raving about Siklab+.

Food is delicious. I feel like each dish is well-thought-out and excellently whipped up! And the ambiance feels like coming home: warm, lively, and full of heart.

Check it out!

#Siklab+ #FilipinoRestaurant

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Ⓒ 19 February 2026

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Don't Burn Bridges

2026-02-18T23:58:00.007+08:00

There's a certain drama in the phrase, "burning bridges."

It sounds bold, defiant, powerful.

But in reality, burning bridges is rarely about strength.

Most of the time, it's about emotion, because burning a bridge isn't just leaving a job, a partnership, or a collaboration. It's leaving in a way that damages relationships and closes future opportunities, that my not be opened again.

I don't encourage burning bridges. Why cut the bond that was established because things didn't go your way at this particular time?

Sometimes, the most powerful move is not burning the bridge. It's walking across it calmly, knowing you chose integrity over impulse. Because in business and real life, you never truly know which bridges you may need to cross again.

And when that day comes, you'll be glad you left it standing.

Photo by Thomas Lardeau on Unsplash

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Ⓒ 18 February 2026

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My Word for the Year is Conquer.

2026-01-23T16:00:00.016+08:00

Good riddance, 2025!

I never thought the past year would be really challenging, but it was!

So, I pondered what would be a good word to have this 2026, to express my desire to really make this year a lot better than last year.

What came to mind is the word "conquer."

Then I searched the Bible to find out what conquering truly means. I want to be guided by the Word on this. I was given these:

Spiritual conquest: Believers are called to conquer personal failings, temptations, and the world's challenges, not by their own might, but by relying on God's strength.

"More than Conquerors": In Romans 8:37, this phrase (hyper-nikao) means an overwhelming, pre-eminent victory, not just a regular win.

Revelations Promises: The Book of Revelation repeatedly promises blessings (hidden manna, authority, white garments) to the one who conquers (ho nikōn)

How believers conquer.

Relying on God: By laying aside self-reliance and trusting God to fight for them (Exodus 14:14)

Faith and Perseverance: Continuing the spiritual race without quitting with the power of Christ, enabling them to overcome.

Conquering self: Subduing personal passions and ruling one's own spirit (Proverbs 16:32)

Beautiful assurance.

#faith #conquer

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Ⓒ 23 January 2026

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When I Discovered Hearty Bread

2025-11-30T23:58:00.009+08:00

Find Hearty Bread in The Marketplace Alphaland, Katipunan, Shangri-la Plaza, MET Life, Trinoma, Shopwise Alabang, Rustan's Glorietta, Marquis Mall Pampanga. Also available on Grabmart

Have you been told that bread, especially white bread, is not good for your health?

Well, not all bread is bad. At Hearty Bread, they specialize in gluten-free, keto, and other specialty breads and products.

Delicious yet healthy. A combination you cannot find easily.

#glutenfreebread #ketodietfriendlyfood

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Ⓒ 30 November 2025

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I Am Creating a New Flow to my Day

2025-11-25T17:49:00.007+08:00

There's a saying that goes, "If you do the same thing over and over again and expect different results, that's insanity." LOL

So, this last stretch of 2025, I decided to create a new flow to my day, and intend to carry it over to the new year.

In terms of the business's goals, nothing significant has occurred this year. But I treat this as planting season, growth season. What follows the planting season is a season of growth and nurturing. And then harvest time!

Meanwhile, I create this new flow:

7:30AM - pray... stretch
8:00AM - breakfast (coffee, boiled egg, toast)
9:00AM - go over the to-do list for the day
10:00AM - update socmed
11:00AM - 12:00NN - do consultancy work
12:00NN - lunch
1:00PM - connect with possible business partners
2:00PM - set appointments
3:00PM - break/stretch
4:00PM - follow up on previous appointments
5:00PM - continue setting appointments
6:00PM - dinner
7:00PM - 9:00PM - present business proposals/do business orientation

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

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Ⓒ 25 November 2025

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I Cannot Unsee

2025-11-06T20:35:00.004+08:00

Image Source: Google Photos

I cannot unsee the scenes of devastation left by the storm, and here in the Philippines, that would be any storm. Because every storm, or even heavy rainfall, in this country always causes flooding.

Homes torn apart, lives uprooted, and communities struggling to rebuild.

The storm has passed, but the images remain.

The aftermath tells its story. Dikes that are supposed to protect are nowhere to be found. For certain places where there are embankments, the ditches are so thin. They stand narrow and malleable and unsolid. If only these dikes were built to protect, but they looked like fragile lines against disaster, just like the hearts of those watching everything wash away.

The dikes can barely hold, a reflection of years of neglect and greed, only now exposed. While leaders lined their pockets, the barriers meant to protect us crumbled in silence. When the storm comes, it exposes more than our shores; it has laid bare the cost of corruption.

I cannot unsee the faces, the ruin, the quiet strength amid the wreckage.

I cannot unsee what loss truly looks like.

The storm's damage is more than what the eye can see. I cannot unsee it, and I won't stop calling for help, hope, and justice.

#corruptionkills #corruptiondestroys

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What It Means to Be Present

2025-11-02T00:48:00.004+08:00

Us on May 9, 2021

Notifications buzz, thoughts race, plans pile up. Before we know it, we've gone through an entire day without really being there for any of it. We live in a world that constantly pulls our attention in a thousand directions. Being present has become both a lost art and a quiet revolution.

To be present is to fully inhabit the moment you're in, not replaying what happened yesterday (and harping about it again and again... argh!), not rehearsing what might happen tomorrow. To be present is meeting life right where it's happening: now.

Presence shows up in small ways:

- when you listen to someone without planning your response

- when you taste your food instead of scrolling while you eat

- when you walk outside and actually notice the way sunlight hits the leaves

- when you take a deep breath before reacting

It's these small moments that reconnect us with the texture of living.

Which brings me to what it means to be present for our children, or our family. It's actually ironic that we have all the ways to connect instantly these days, but many feel disconnected.

I read from themompsychologist.com that a child is clingy because they're stressed out. Our toddler may need more reassurance from us. They may need more connection. Thus, to me, real, true, quality presence in the lives of our children is crucial.

Being present as a parent doesn't mean we have to be serene all the time or turn every moment into a teaching opportunity. It's smaller and simpler than that.

It's looking up from our phone and meeting our child's gaze when they tell us a story.

It's laughing with them when things get silly, instead of rushing to calm the chaos.

It's letting dinner be a little late because a spontaneous game or hug felt more important.

Presence is found in the pauses. Those seconds when we let ourselves really be there.

When we slow down enough to notice, we realize how quickly it all moves. The toys that used to clutter the living room disappeared one day. We don't keep toys from being played with. We let our kids play with all their toys. The toys may be broken while being played with, but it doesn't matter. What matters is the time they have played with the toys, and that's what they will remember. The bedtime stories turn into quick goodnights. The little hand that once gripped yours now waves from across the parking lot. And in that realization comes something bittersweet. We can't freeze time, but we can be awake for it while it's happening.

Our kids don't need perfect parents. They need connected ones. They need to feel that when we are with them, we're really with them, not just our bodies, but our attention, our curiosity, our hearts.

Presence tells a child, "You matter. Right now matters."

And truthfully, it's not just for them. It's for us, too. Because when we learn to be present, we rediscover the wonder in the ordinary. We remember why we fell in love with life before it becomes so busy.

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Ⓒ 02 November 2025

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How I Feel About Turning 57

2025-10-08T22:47:00.002+08:00

Me, at 57, with my three grown-up boys ~ LOL

📍Ogetsu Hime, SM Aura, BGC

Life is good, despite it all, so I praise you, Lord!

57. It's not a number that screams for celebration like 18, 30, or 50. But to me, it holds a quiet power. It's not just another birthday. It's a marker of everything I've lived, endured, created, let go of, and still dream about.

Each year I've lived has shaped me. The working challenging years taught me resilience. The good ones taught me gratitude. The ordinary, unremarkable days taught me to appreciate the beauty of the everyday. Those kind words, quiet moments that often go unnoticed until you look back, you realize how much they meant.

Aging isn't just getting older. It's about becoming more you.

There's something liberating about aging. The pressures that loomed large in youth or early adulthood, that is to prove, to impress, to conform, begin to fade. At 57, I no longer feel the need to apologize for who I am. I've learned what matters, and what doesn't. I've learned how to protect my peace, how to listen more, and how to let go of things that no longer serve me.

Yes, there are changes in body, in energy, in how the world responds to me. But because seven years ago, I started taking charge of my health, I don't experience those body aches and slow movement others of my age feel.

What I love most about being here is that there's clarity. A deepening self. At this stage, I don't chase time. I spend it more intentionally.

I'm still excited about the future. I'm still curious. Still learning. Still open. My mom, who is 83 years old, is still excited about everything, so why shouldn't I be? LOL.

There are books I haven't read, places I haven't seen, people I haven't met. There are parts of myself I've yet to explore. Life doesn't stop offering newness just because we cross a certain age, we just have to keep saying "yes" to it.

If you're younger than me, don't fear getting older. There's peace on this side of the hill, if you're willing to do the inner work.

If you're around my age or older, let's keep going. Let's keep evolving. Let's keep living intentionally, not just counting the years, but making the years count.

In my case, especially, my boys are all grown up. The older one is already working and carving his own life. The younger one, about to finish university, yet rearing to go independent. My husband and I are back to us. I'm surprised how fun this phase can also be.

Here's to 57.

Not an end. Not even a peak.

Just another beginning, from a higher vantage point.

#birthday #lifecycle #purposefulliving

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Ⓒ 08 October 2025

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I Used to Dread Mondays

2025-09-15T13:09:00.002+08:00

Not because of the day itself, but because of what it meant.

The end of freedom,

The return to routine,

The tightening of a collar I couldn't see but always felt.

Sunday nights became a countdown.

Not to something exciting.

But to something draining.

Emails, meetings, obligations.

All stacked like weights before I'd even opened my eyes.

I used to dread Mondays because they reminded me that I was living for the weekend.

Chasing 48 hours of life in a 168-hour week. But dread is a signal.

A quiet protest from a tired soul.

It says, "This isn't right. You're not where you should be."

And once I listened, really listened...

Things began to shift.

#purposefulliving #lifeoptions

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May Your Glass Be Never Empty

2025-09-06T00:06:00.002+08:00

Cheers to full lives and simple joys!

There's something timeless and comforting about the phrase, "May your glass be never empty."

It's more than a toast, it's a quiet wish. A hope that your life is full of laughter, good company, and the kind of simple joys that don't always make headlines but make all the difference.

In a world where we're always chasing something. It could be deadlines, dreams, or even just the weekend. So that we often forget to stop and notice the fullness we already have. A conversation that runs deep. A quiet morning coffee. A long walk that clears your head. A dinner table surrounded by people who really see you.

It's also saying:

May you always have enough, and know it when you do.

May love and laughter find their way to your table.

May you never run dry of stories, wonder, or warmth.

It's a reminder that fullness isn't always about having more. Sometimes, it's about noticing what's already there.

So here's to you. May your glass be filled with whatever you need most right now: peace, purpose, connection, joy. And may you always have someone to raise that glass with.

Cheers. 🥂

#ADayInTheLifeOfAMidlifer #purposefulliving #life

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Ⓒ 6 September 2025

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Experience Aussie Lamb in a Modern Australian Vibe at Bondi&Bourke

2025-08-30T18:33:00.004+08:00

I am learning a lot about Australian lamb. Aussie lamb is all-natural, grass-fed, and pasture-raised. In Australia, consumption of it is 30 kg per person. Whoa! The "Aussie Lamb" brand is actually a popular export product with various cuts and product lines available in many countries, including the Philippines.

If you are craving an Aussie lamb dish that will satisfy your palate, head on to Bondi&Bourke and enjoy the lamb dishes of award-winning Chef Wade Watson.

And so one fine afternoon, I had the privilege to meet Chef Wade and taste his delicious Aussie lamb dishes.

Slow-braised Aussie Lamb Shank

Green pea and potato puree, root vegetables, roasted onions, mint jus, chimichurri, and onion rings.

This dish is a masterclass in balance. It's rich and meaty, lifted by herbs, acidity, and sweetness, with creamy and crispy textures playing off each other.

Australian Lamb Chops

House-made labneh, mint cucumber, grilled lemon, herbed oil

This dish is a vibrant balance of savory, creamy, tangy, and fresh. The lamb is tender and succulent, and the labneh adds a creamy, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the meat. The mint cucumber gives a refreshing crunch, and the herbed oil ties it all together with fragrant, earthy notes.

Three-Cheese Lamb Bolognese

Braised ragout, roasted eggplant, crispy basil, goat's cheese

This dish delivers a rich, comforting, and layered flavor experience. The braised lamb ragout is hearty and savory, with tender meat simmered in a slow-cooked tomato base. The roasted eggplant adds a smoky, velvety depth that complements the richness of the sauce. I love the blend of the three cheeses, especially the tangy goat's cheese, which brings creaminess and a sharp, salty edge that enhances every bite.

I can't decide which one because I love all three Aussie lamb dishes!

#ILoveAussieLamb #MeatandLivestockAustralia #Bondi&Bourke #lamdishes #ChefWadeWatson

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Ⓒ 30 August 2025

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I Imagine How My Life Could Have Been

2025-08-28T23:48:00.004+08:00

My father worked for the government. He started as a junior architect and went on to become head of city planning and zoning. Growing up, I saw him signing papers and approving establishments to open in proper locations, and subdivisions to start selling lots.

Every occasion, Christmas especially, we would have lots of gifts from different personalities. Truckloads of stuff would arrive at our doorstep. There were even envelopes with tads of bills inside. I remember vividly one turbaned man came to the house with a brand new car to give to my father. He wanted to have his vulcanizing business to be located along a creek/canal. Father said he couldn't approve it because the location he wanted was a waterway. If a structure were built on that spot, it could cause flooding. The turbaned man turned away, angry maybe. We were then scared of the repercussions. Thankfully, nothing happened to us. Later on, the turbaned man built his store in a proper location, and he actually became a good friend of my father, of our family. He would always tell his friends, and us, that he had high respect for my father.

Always, my father would turn gifts/tokens away, angry and berating the messenger. That was when I knew his post came with some power.

If he were vulnerable, we would have a parcel of land in every subdivision in the city; we would have a bigger house. He could have built a two-story house because he had some shares of inheritance from his parents, but I overheard him telling my mother, "What will the people say? How can a humble government employee build a big house?" So, there was no special treatment. We purchased our lot, and we borrowed money for our house from DBP. We could have lived a life of luxury.

Throughout his government service, we were in fact incognito. Many didn't know who his family was. We were never brought to the city hall for events/parties. I think only his staff knew of us. Ha ha! I think he was the only city official who didn't have a going-away party when he retired. He didn't like to have one. He was cleared from service faster than usual because he had a clean record. Such an admirable man, my father was!

They only knew my father had a daughter when I had an encounter with a city doctor. I joined the DayangDayang Jaycees then, and I chaired the bedecking of the Tartanilla (horse carriage) project. I couldn't remember now the exact reason why I had that issue with the doctor, but when he knew of my surname and associated it with my father, he said, "Gil has a daughter? Your father and I are very good friends!" Ha ha, that solved the issue right away!

I recall all this now, because of what has been uncovered in these flood-control projects. They call this sharing SOP, and believe me, it has been happening ever since I can remember. Gifts or tokens can simply appear on your table or doorstep without you knowing where they came from.

I am glad that finally, it's all out in the open--though it has been an open secret--and a group is really pursuing it. I hope someone gets accountable. Because in the midst of these temptations, you can refuse. My father was able to because, as he would tell us often, he didn't want to feed his family with money from questionable sources.

You can do it, too!

Photo by Rafael Garcin on Unsplash

#familyvalues #lifeingovernment #governmentservice

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Ⓒ 28 August 2025

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Have You Tried the Lamb Dishes at Persia Grill?

2025-08-26T22:39:00.003+08:00

Lamb Chop Pork Steak
Australian lamb shoulder cut, marinated in rosemary-infused olive oil and lemon butter. It is served with Basmati rice and a side salad.

The I Love Aussie Lamb Caravan continues. This time, we sampled the Aussie lamb dishes of other restaurants. I was able to try those at Persia Grill at 106 Goldman Plaza, LP Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. We used to go to their restaurant on Legaspi Street. Whenever my husband and I craved Persian and Mediterranean dishes, we would go there. I didn't know then that they were serving Aussie lamb. No wonder it was so good!

Lamb Biryani

I just love this lamb biryani! It is slow-cooked with blended Persian herbs and spices. It is served with Biryani rice topped with caramelized onion, Biryani sauce, yogurt, and a side salad. Take a portion of the lamb, and dip it in the Biryani sauce and yogurt; the combination tickles your palate!

I love the interiors of Persia Grill, too. Persian-inspired interiors are rich, elegant, and steeped in history. It blends opulence with intricate artistry. The color combination of warm, rich tones of deep red, royal blue, emerald green, gold, and warm neutrals, accentuated with jewel stones of ruby, emeralds, and turquoise, gives you a glimpse of the Iranian vibe and culture.

Persia Grill can also cater for your parties. Check them out here.

#PersiaGrill #foodcrawl #AussieLamb #foodie

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Let's go MomPreneurs

2025-08-15T15:21:00.001+08:00

MommyMundo brings you this Mama Market Roadshow happening this weekend. First stop is in Eastwood Mall from 10:00 in the morning to 10:00 in the evening.

The roadshow will provide mom entrepreneurs a venue to be discovered, to promote, and sell, as well as to meet and talk to customers and fellow like-minded mamas, and grow their businesses in a supportive environment.

Come, drop by, and support a mompreneur!

#shopmompreneur #mommymundo #mompreneurstogether

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Ⓒ 15 August 2025

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When Does a Reflective Life Start?

2025-08-11T23:05:00.004+08:00

We often hear about the importance of living a "reflective life." It's praised as a sign of wisdom, maturity, and depth.

But what does it actually mean to live reflectively, and when does that kind of life begin?

The answer isn't fixed. A reflective life doesn't begin on a calendar date or at a certain age. It begins with awareness. It starts when we shift from simply moving through life to questioning it. When we begin to ask not just what is happening, but why, how, and what does this mean for me?

So, when does it begin?

There's no universal answer. For some, it starts young. For others, it arrives much later, after years of simply going through the motions. But here's the thing: it can begin anytime. A reflective life is not something you stumble into. It's something you choose. And you can choose it today.

Reflection isn't about having all the answers. It's about becoming someone willing to ask the questions and live honestly in the process of exploring them. Maybe that's where it really begins.

Photo by Jacki Drexler on Unsplash

#reflection #reflectivelife

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Ⓒ 11 August 2025

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🎉The 20th Anniversary Party Vibes Are Spreading Throughout Town!🎈

2025-08-08T15:04:00.001+08:00

Disney can't be contained!

To celebrate Hong Kong Disneyland's 20th Anniversary, Disney Friends bring The Most Magical Party of All beyond the park in a city-wide celebration across Hong Kong.

From now til August 31, 2025

From a special invitation at the airport to rolling celebrations on the MTR and uplifting moments at Ngong Ping 360, joy and wonder await around every corner.

From now til August 31, 2025

Experience a glimpse of the grand celebration for yourself, and don't forget to secure your tickets for the year-round party at the park!

Purchase a “Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket” to enter the park two days in a row by adding just HK$100 to the price of a regular 1-day ticket.

#HongKong #HongKongDisneyland #Anniversary

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Ⓒ 08 August 2025

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I Love to Dance!

2025-08-06T23:00:00.001+08:00

Check out my TikTok account!

Anything related to music makes me feel alive!

I remember when I played the piano for hours, my father would say, "Trouble in paradise?" Ha ha! He knew me well because, yes, I play the piano or guitar/ukulele or sing or listen to music when I feel troubled.

But dancing is different. When I dance, I am happy.

Dancing for me isn't just an activity. It's a feeling, a form of expression. It gives me permission to feel joy, celebration, and, in rare cases, pain and frustration.

I love to dance because it lets me feel. It connects me. It frees me. It reminds me that I am alive.

#dance #dancingmom #Ilovetodance

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Reflections While Looking at the Pasig River

2025-08-01T15:17:00.004+08:00

View of the Pasig River from the MRT

I find looking at rivers as therapeutic. It is inviting me to flow with it! LOL

There's something deeply poetic about rivers. They don't resist. They flow. Through stones, around bends, over obstacles. Sometimes they roar (like the river near my Uncle's old home in Tulapos, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, where it felt like rain was falling all the time!), sometimes they trickle, and sometimes they just flow quietly, just like the Pasig River. But they keep moving.

Rivers can teach us resilience. When life gets blocked, perhaps it's not about forcing our way forward, but about finding another path, one that curves gently and flows around what we can't push through.

I see a river as a mirror to our lives. If you think about it, a human life is a lot like a river. We begin at a source. Our childhood, our roots, full of potential. As we grow, we encounter landscapes that change us. Sometimes, life is wide and calm, sometimes narrow and wild. Along the way, we meet other "rivers" --- relationships, friendships, experiences---that merge with our own flow, altering our course.

Eventually, like a river to the sea, we reach our destination, whatever that means for each of us. But it's the journey, not just the end, that shapes the beauty of it all.

#flowinglikeariver #purposefulliving

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Philippines' First Lambassador Champions Everyday Pinoy-Inspired Lamb Dishes

2025-08-01T10:00:00.008+08:00

Lamb Adobo dish: marinated eggs, garlic rice, pico de gallo

I love lamb! It's always my favorite dish at Shangri-La Hotel and Abè. So, when I got an invite from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) to attend a "Lamb-filled Afternoon with Chef Robby Goco," I didn't hesitate.

The event, held in Souv by Cyma in BGC, is part of MLA's continued efforts to bring premium Australian red meat to Filipino consumers, specifically lamb this time, and they have chosen Chef Robby Goco as their first-ever Philippine Lambassador.

In a gathering of industry leaders and media, Chef Robby Goco, one of the country's most respected chefs and restaurateurs, stepped into the spotlight as the Philippines' first-ever Lambassador—bringing Australian lamb to the heart of Filipino cuisine in bold, refreshing ways.

Handpicked by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Chef Goco joins a global league of chefs under the Lambassador Program, an initiative backed by the Government of Victoria. The program offers top culinary talents from across the world an immersive experience in Australia—touring sustainable farms, meeting producers, learning butchery techniques, and exploring new lamb cuts and preparations. The goal: to empower chefs to inspire their home countries with the potential of Australian lamb as an everyday, versatile, and culturally relevant protein.

From his immersion, Chef Goco has been busy reimagining lamb in ways that speak to both his culinary roots and creative flair. "I've always believed lamb deserves a place on the everyday Filipino table," he said. "It's not just for special occasions. With the right approach and flavor profile, it can be as comforting as adobo or as exciting as your next burger."

Chef Robby Goco

A Celebration of Global Influence and Local Flavor

During the exclusive tasting held at Souv, BGC Chef Goco presented a masterfully curated five-course menu showcasing lamb in globally inspired yet locally grounded dishes:

1. Cumin-Crusted Lamb Loin Chop – served with cucumber yogurt and a refreshing Greek spring salad.

2. Lamb al Ajillo – tender porterhouse cuts cooked in garlic, parsley, potatoes, and extra virgin olive oil, echoing Spanish simplicity.

3. Lamb Burger – stacked with fried halloumi, pickled beets, and creamy tzatziki on a brioche bun, a nod to Mediterranean street food with a gourmet twist.

4. Lamb Barbacoa – slow-cooked and served in corn tortillas with salsa verde, cilantro cream, and lime—a fiesta of flavor.

5. Lamb Adobo – a soulful Filipino reinterpretation of the classic, paired with marinated eggs, garlic rice, and pico de gallo.

Of course, the lamb adobo can't do without this brown rice! LOL.

Each dish underscored Chef Goco's message: lamb can transcend cultural boundaries while still feeling familiar and comforting. "Filipino cuisine is expressive, emotional, and bold—just like lamb. The flavors match," he said. "My job is to show how we can make it approachable, sustainable, and exciting."

We paired the lamb dishes with cucumber spritz (mocktail) and Aperol spritz. I had the Aperol spritz.

Then we ended the gustatory experience with the Vegan coconut ice cream, baklava, pistachio cream.

And, oh, Chef Robby made us sample this Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt to wash off our palate. Yummy!

Making Lamb Universal

Spencer Whitaker, MLA’s Business Manager for Southeast Asia, expressed enthusiasm over the growing presence of Australian lamb in the region. “The Lambassador Program is one of our key platforms for creating cultural bridges. It’s not about exporting food—it’s about sharing values, techniques, and inspiration,” Whitaker said. “Chef Robby’s creativity and commitment to culinary excellence reflect what this program is all about. And as he showed today, lamb isn't just a weekend treat—it can be your next go-to comfort food.”

Luisa Rust, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Austrade, also shared her excitement during the event: “Australian lamb is a beloved staple in any Australian home, and seeing it reimagined through the vibrant, dynamic lens of Filipino cuisine is truly exciting. We’re thrilled to witness how this premium protein can find a new identity on the Filipino dining table—one that is rooted in tradition yet open to i

As Filipino diners continue to seek global flavors and elevated food experiences, Chef Goco’s lamb-forward creations serve as a strong case for redefining what belongs on the local plate. With accessible recipes, approachable flavors, and cultural relevance, lamb is no longer just an occasional indulgence—it’s a flavorful staple, ready for its moment in every Filipino kitchen.

With Spencer Whitaker, MLA's Business Manager for Southeast Asia

With Gina Lumauig and Joy of Gastronomy By Joy

With Mr. Paul Perez of MLA

About Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is a producer-owned company that delivers marketing, research and development services for Australia's red meat industry. Its mission is to foster the long-term prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock sector, with a focus on integrity, innovation, and global collaboration.

To learn more, visit: www.mla.com.au

Media Contact: Paul P. Perez pperez@mla.com.au | 0917 885 0118

#MeatandLivestockAustralia #lambcuisine #chefRobbyGoco

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Is there Such a Thing as Scared of Success?

2025-07-29T23:54:00.006+08:00

Would you believe that's what holds me back?

I know it sounds counterintuitive. Why would anyone be afraid of the very thing they are working so hard to achieve? Yet, for me, the idea of success triggers anxiety, self-sabotage, and even paralysis.

But I was never like this. In my younger years, I was always competitive, wanting to be first, to be praised, to be in the limelight. Is this what you call old age? LOL.

Or maybe because success now in this stage of my life means being in the limelight, to be invited to speak, to be emulated, to be praised. I no longer want that.

I want to be in the background, silently making an impact. Another irony. I guess I am redefining success on my own terms. Success doesn't have to be overwhelming. My version of success now is quieter, more intentional, more values-driven--inspiring people through relationships that I've built with them.

I guess I don't have to be fearless to succeed. I just have to be willing to keep going, even when my own light makes me blink.

#befearless #bekind #behuman

Photo by Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on Unsplash

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Knowing How to Labor, to Toil

2025-07-28T12:57:00.002+08:00

I envy and admire one of our speakers in our business class.

She narrated how, at a very young age, she already valued hard work. She experienced going to bed hungry because there was no food on the table. The following day, they would wake up not knowing where their next meal would come from. Sometimes, they had to drink water just to feel a little full; their stomach hurt, but there was nothing they could do.

Life felt unfair. She saw others with more food, more comfort, more chances, but they just keep getting by, surviving. Some days, she narrated, it was hard to smile, but somehow she kept going, even with an empty stomach and a heavy heart. She vowed to work hard to improve their life.

And worked hard she did! She supported herself through college, studied hard to maintain a scholarship. After college, she got a job, but also had several side businesses. She did the necessary, difficult, and uncomfortable. She had a goal to achieve: to get out of a difficult life.

She succeeded!

I know of people who were able to do the same. Single mom or parents. Life started out difficult, yet they were able to overcome. Admirable!

Image source: Photo by Berkan Küçükgül on Unsplash

#hardwork #toil

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Life is Always Progressing

2025-07-26T12:54:00.001+08:00

... to the next stage.

As you enter a new season, habits that previously served you well may need to be refreshed or adjusted.

In my case, at home, the kitchen was never my happy place. Ha ha! You will never see me in the kitchen, until about 3 or 4 years ago.

Now, I find joy in whipping up dishes, and lately I've been experimenting with some recipes that my bosses at home are happy about.

Career-wise, I was big on time management and proactive communication, maybe because I had a boss hovering all the time. But now, I am my own boss, so I slack off. Since I run my own business now, I need to be stricter on myself.

Which one of your current habits have you outgrown and is in need of change?

#habits #JamesClear #AtomicHabits

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Swallowed by the Urban Jungle

2025-07-25T21:28:00.001+08:00

The city rises around me.

Tall buildings, rushing cars, endless noise. Everywhere I look, someone or something is moving. It's easy to disappear in a place like this. Everyone is busy. No one makes eye contact. It feels like the city eats you---slowly, without even noticing.

That's why every chance I get, I catch something real. A flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk, green leaves covering canopies, a kitten meowing in the corner.

Those moments remind me that not everything is lost. Even in this jungle of buildings and noise, something simple and human can survive.

#urbanjungle #MakeitMakati

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Ⓒ 25 July 2025

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I Woke Up to a Downpour

2025-07-21T12:57:00.004+08:00

Photo by Dana Sarsenbekova on Unsplash

Rain hammered the roof in steady pulses. The sound was everywhere—on the windows, the gutters, the ground. A soft, roaring cocoon. The kind of rain that makes you hesitate to rise, not just because of the cold outside the covers, but because it seems to wash away urgency itself.

I lay still for a while, listening. There was something strangely grounding about the storm, how it reminded me that the world spins whether I move or not. That nature has its rhythms, and today, they didn’t align with alarms or schedules.

Outside, the trees swayed under the weight of the water, their leaves slick and trembling. The pavement below was already glossed with puddles.

For a brief moment, I felt a sense of gratitude. Not for the rain itself, but for what it gave me: stillness. A reason to pause. A chance to just be unhurried, untouched, tucked inside a quiet space where thoughts could unfurl slowly, like the mist rising from the earth.

I didn’t rush to dress. Instead, I let myself listen to the downpour, letting it scrub the corners of my mind clean, one drop at a time.

P.S. There is something about the rain that always makes me miss home--the home where I grew up. Do you feel the same?

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