Collage of TWSBI Kai fountain pen
fountain-pen, reviews, Shopping

Is the TWSBI Kai Worth It? My Honest Long-Term Review

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist I got my TWSBI Kai when it was first released through a pre-order from Everything Calligraphy back in October 2023—right when I was still tumbling headfirst into the fountain pen rabbit hole. At the time, I had this itch to own something “rare” or “limited,” and the Kai just… Continue reading Is the TWSBI Kai Worth It? My Honest Long-Term Review

fountain-pen, reviews, Shopping

Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen Review: Playful and Practical

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist I don’t buy fountain pens as often as I used to—my “acquire everything shiny” phase has officially mellowed out. In fact, I’ve been on a bit of a decluttering streak this year, letting go of some of the beginner pens I picked up when I was just starting out.… Continue reading Jinhao Shark Fountain Pen Review: Playful and Practical

MPS 2026 loot
fountain-pen, Life, Local Travel, Shopping

First Impressions: My First Time at the Manila Pen Show 2026

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of fountain pens, inks, and all things analog, then the Manila Pen Show 2026 is probably already on your radar, or at least it should be. For the uninitiated, the Manila Pen Show is a yearly gathering of pen enthusiasts, collectors, artists,… Continue reading First Impressions: My First Time at the Manila Pen Show 2026

Foodie, Health, Homeschooling, Jewelry Design, Life, Local Travel, reviews, Shopping, travel blog, Wellness Journey

A Quick Family Escape to Baguio City

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Some places quietly become part of a family’s story. For us, one of those places is Baguio City. We first visited Baguio as a family back in 2015, and returned again during Christmas time in 2024. Each trip left the same impression on us: cool air, beautiful parks, good food,… Continue reading A Quick Family Escape to Baguio City

fountain-pen, reviews, Shopping

Ink Review: Platinum Carbon Black — The Waterproof Ink I Wish I Tried Sooner

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist One of the most talked-about permanent black inks in the fountain pen world is Platinum Carbon Black Ink. It has been a favorite among artists, sketchers, and fountain pen enthusiasts for years, especially for people who need their writing to survive water, humidity, and time. What makes this ink different… Continue reading Ink Review: Platinum Carbon Black — The Waterproof Ink I Wish I Tried Sooner

Foodie, Homeschooling, Hydroponics, Life, My Creations

Back to Hydroponics: Growing Vegetables Indoors (But Smarter This Time)

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist During the pandemic, something as simple as buying vegetables suddenly became difficult. Lockdowns disrupted supply chains, grocery trips became less frequent, and fresh produce was sometimes hard to find. Looking for alternatives, I asked a friend about urban gardening—specifically something that could work in a condo. She immediately suggested hydroponics.… Continue reading Back to Hydroponics: Growing Vegetables Indoors (But Smarter This Time)

reviews, Shopping

My Current Favorite: IFEX Notebooks & Planner

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist In early 2023, I visited a museum, only slightly aware of fountain pens, and left completely changed, now excited by a newfound love for stationery that I never knew I needed! At that time, I owned exactly one fountain pen: the Pilot Petit. It was cute. Pocket-sized. Innocent-looking. But I… Continue reading My Current Favorite: IFEX Notebooks & Planner

Coping with Depression, Health, Homeschooling, Life, Local Travel, travel blog

Sun, Steps, and Serendipity: Why We Love Walking at UP Diliman Campus

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist If you told me more than a year ago that my favorite weekend ritual would involve sensible shoes and early morning sunlight, I would have laughed politely and gone back to my coffee and book. And yet here we are. Since last year, I’ve been regularly walking around University of… Continue reading Sun, Steps, and Serendipity: Why We Love Walking at UP Diliman Campus

fountain-pen

Jinhao 82 Mini: Affordable Pocket Fountain Pen Review

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist The market for pocket fountain pens is often dominated by familiar names and higher price tags. It is therefore pleasantly surprising to encounter a model that costs less than five US dollars, yet performs well enough to merit serious consideration. The Jinhao 82 Mini is one such pen. Compact,… Continue reading Jinhao 82 Mini: Affordable Pocket Fountain Pen Review

fountain-pen, Life, reviews, Shopping

Discover the Hongdian M2: A Pocket Pen Review

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Pocket fountain pens are a dangerous rabbit hole. You start with “I just want something small for my pocket,” and suddenly you’re comparing faceted caps and arguing with strangers on the internet about converters. You also end up collecting so many in different colors like I did with Wancai… Continue reading Discover the Hongdian M2: A Pocket Pen Review