I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but whenever I get really into something, it somehow finds its way to my blog. There was a time when I blogged about my drawings, then a time when I blogged about blogging. Later, it was running. And now, apparently, I’m in my pickleball era. So, it's n…

"Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it's not there." Those are the exact words I’d like to tell people whenever they see me doing things and assume I’m okay. Because I do look okay. You might see me running a race, paddling a dragon boat, or playing pickleba…

My Facebook wall is pretty much a collection of: 1. My travels 2. My greetings for select few (for birthdays and anniversaries) 3. Pickleball 4. Running 5. Brand collabs and events I've attended  I don't think I have posted anything outside of those (I might have shared some memes…

There comes a point in every relationship when you start wondering just how well you really work together. Jan and I have already tested our relationship in several ways. We’ve traveled together, which involves airports, delays, hunger, and navigating unfamiliar places. We’ve played Overc…

I was, and still am, a huge Potterhead. Back in high school, I always thought I was a Gryffindor. Of course, it was the house of the main characters. So naturally, that was the one I wanted to be in. So I took tests after tests. But every single time, as long as I answered truthfully, I e…

Last year, Jan and I visited Mt. Tate (Tateyama) and made a little promise that we’d come back with the kids next time. And this year, we fulfilled that promise. 😊 Since it’s almost impossible for us to book a winter trip because the season falls while the kids still have classes and th…

Yesterday, I had an emotional breakdown triggered by a teeny tiny rubber band. It was so awful that I would lose sleep over it.  Let me start by saying that I got a new pickleball paddle. It was not a cheap one, at least for me. I did not pay for it. But then again, I would never shell ou…

Japan has become one of those places that keeps calling us back. This was already our third trip, and every visit has given us something new to love, whether it's the food, the culture, the convenience, or simply the feeling of being there. But despite visiting Japan before, there was…

The other day, I got an email from a brand inviting me to an event in Manila. Of course, I absolutely, unequivocally said YES. And that would mean I'll be packing my bags, and I'll disappear for a few days for a blogging event for the fifth time this year. At this point, with me h…

For most people, buying a dress online is a classic hit-or-miss situation. More often a miss with sizing inconsistencies, low quality fabrics, and fits that never quite match the photos.  But somehow, that hasn’t been my experience at all. Time and time again, every dress I’ve ordered is …

The recent weeks have been crazy. I spent a stupid amount of time fretting over our kids' visa application. But of course, I sucked it up and self-medicated with online shopping. Then last week, I finally let my hair down after collecting our kids' passports with multiple-entry vi…

You know those moments when you just want to do something special for your mom? I guess I’ve reached that chapter where I’m no longer just receiving. I’m finally in a position to give back. My mom worked hard for us her entire life, and now that she’s retired, I want her to truly enjoy wh…

First, let's get things straight. This is not a guide on how to get your Japan visa approved. If that’s what you’re looking for, you may refer to  this post  instead. What I will walk you through is the actual process of applying for a Japan tourist visa , based on timing and preparat…

I was competitive in badminton. And by competitive, I mean I competed and won tournaments. So when pickleball became a thing, my ego couldn't bring myself to try it. It felt like a downgrade to my first racket sport (table tennis is the second, by the way). Hyped, slower ball, and it …

But humans with AI can replace humans without AI. And I'm speaking from a Multimedia Artist's perspective. But first, let me give you a background story: My high school batchmates have started planning for next year’s homecoming since our batch will be hosting the alumni event. Se…

I love dancing. It's just that, I haven't danced ever since my immune system went haywire and started attacking my joints.  As one friend would put it, " wala na lagi ka nagasayaw, Sar? " (How come you don't dance anymore?) I do have my reasons: 1. My joints are pain…