on the Verge of

Last Sunday, June 25, Keen and I ran at the 17th Shrine Hills X-Challenge. I ran the 5K as a beginner and James the 15K. Keen was a pro in running, having ran 50K last year at Cagayan de Oro City. He helped and convinced me to do this run. After all, it was part of my new year's resolution to run 10K this year. I didn't know what to expect. I knew it was going to be difficult since Shrine Hills-GSIS was no easy terrain, even for Keen. I had mixed emotions before, during, and after the run. Initially, I was nervous because I had little training. I had my period just before the run so I wasn't able to train properly prior to the event. But I was also excited because this was our first run together as a couple. The run was difficult for me. As I went past the undulating terrain of Shrine Hills, I contemplated and learned the following lessons. Don't be pressured: Run at Your Own Pace Keen's gunstart was earlier than mine by 30 mins. When I finally started at ...

When our friends from Cebu, Therry and Charles, told us they were going to Davao for a weekend vacation, Keen and I were completely excited. There were a hundred activities and places I could think of that we could tour and enjoy over their two-day stay. Keen and I had to plan out every single detail in our itinerary to make sure we can cover as many places and eat as many local specialties as we can. All this without breaking our budget as well. Here's our weekend itinerary for the Davao City Tour. Note that we had a private vehicle so we just chipped in for the gas :) Day 1 7:30 am - Pick-up from Airport James and I picked up Therry and Charles from the airport. Thankfully their flight was not delayed. Therry and Charles did a quick photo op by the famous Durian sculpture made by one of Davao's highly respected artists Kublai Millan. Charles and Therry 8:00-8:30 am - Breakfast at Driver's Choice/Rommel's Eatery The original Driver's Choice in Roxa...

My 12th encouragement weekly photo aims to share a positive attitude of always being thankful. Everyday is not always a good day. There are days when you are just grumpy and pessimistic about everything. Maybe you're too exhausted from work that doesn't feel like it's compensating you enough. Perhaps you're too frustrated about the long-term plans which you are having difficulty to execute. Or maybe you're just saddened by the fact that you're growing old on your own without anyone to share your life with. Despite all these things, there is always something to be thankful for. You have the freedom to take better opportunities. You have a work that provides you financial resources. You have family or friends to go home to. You are alive, healthy, and living well. Everyday is not always a good day. But everyday, there is always something to be thankful for. What are you thankful for today? :)

For my 11th week in the Encouragement Weekly Photo Challenge, my post is something I can very much relate to since I am quite the worrier. I have the tendency to overthink and worry about a lot of things. I tend to think negatively and do redundant contingencies. While that worrying attitude could also be put into good use, it can also be time and energy consuming. Worrying can also give a negative outlook on things. But if there's anything I've learned so far, it's that life is will always be uncertain. It is perhaps an effect of life's constant changes. We never know what's going to happen next. There could be a relocation of a loved one due to work, a sudden advancement in career, an unexpected pregnancy, a new opportunity waiting abroad and many others. No matter what these changes are and the uncertainties they bring, let go of your worries. Don't be afraid to take chances or let go of opportunities. Life is too short to worry about its uncertainti...

My trip to Tagum City is never complete without dropping by Yuyu Cafe and Dessert Shop for a quick snack and pasalubong. Tagum's  homegrown cafe is located along Tagum National Highway, in front of Gaisano Mall. The shop offers a variety of artisan cakes, pastries for pasalubong, hearty meals, and refreshing drinks. The Cakes at Yuyu Cafe Their cakes are well-crafted and taste as impressive as it looks. The last time Keen and I were able to go to Yuyu was with his parents. We were passing by Tagum and I recommended that we take a short afternoon break at Yuyu. We ordered some of my favorites and tried new ones. We ordered my favorite slice of Praline cake, one of their best-sellers. One slice is comprised of delectable chocolate layers of cake and mousse with a surprisingly crunchy base. Its golden accents makes it looks Instagram worthy too. Slice of Praline Another favorite of mine is their Fresh Fruit Tart. This beautiful pastry doesn't easily crumble unl...

I came across this quote from my favorite musician, Ed Sheeran, which I used as an inspiration for my 10th encouragement photo. The quote says ' Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end.' Everyday we feel like there's no end to all the struggles we're going through. We face one trial after another, wary of what we may be facing next. Sometimes it feels like the road has been too long and difficult.  That is why it's an encouraging thought that by the end of the day, the struggles will eventually end. Deadlines will be met. Projects will be finished. Relationships will find a way to compromise. It could take some time for things to get better but we cannot give up right away. We should never lose hope, fight everyday, and endure. Everything will be okay in the end.