Art and Earth Science by Grass
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist I first discovered bellydancing back in 2006, during my days as a geologist in Mindanao. I had gained weight and was searching for a fitness routine that felt less like a chore and more like something I could genuinely enjoy. That’s when I walked into a local gym and… Continue reading Finding My Way Back to Bellydancing for Fitness
by Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist This morning, I reached for my favorite Colourette lip tint and powder blush as I get ready for work. The small tube of color and compact blush brighten my face and my day. These two are more than makeup for me. They're a symbol of creativity, courage, and… Continue reading Earth, Beauty, and Empowerment: Why Buying Local Makeup Supports More Than Skin Deep
by Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist There’s something grounding about creating color with your own hands — literally. Long before tubes of paint lined art store shelves, artists and scientists alike relied on the earth itself for pigment: crushed rocks, minerals, clay, and soil. Each hue told a story of its origin — a… Continue reading Colors from the Earth: Making Natural Watercolor Pigments from Rocks and Soil
by Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist There’s a quiet magic that happens when water touches pigment. As the color spreads, merges, and settles into soft gradients, it reminds me of something far grander, the slow artistry of Earth itself. Every brushstroke and every wash feels like a miniature reenactment of the processes our planet… Continue reading Painting Earth’s Layers: What Watercolor Teaches Us About Geology
Looking for practical gift ideas for your commuter friends in the Philippines? From dumpling bags to mini fans and pocketable raincoats, here’s the ultimate survival kit for everyday jeepney riders that you can give during birthdays or the upcoming Christmas! Every day, thousands of us brave the wild world of public commuting. Jeepneys, buses, tricycles,… Continue reading Practical Gift Ideas for the Everyday Public Commuter
The journey to the Garmin Run 2025 began, not with focused training, but with a deeply regretted 3:00 AM alarm. My inner debate was fierce: Should I stay in my warm bed, or honor the corporate obligation that paid for this slot months ago? After preparing breakfast for my eldest son, I was on my way. I arrived at the venue… Continue reading My Unexpected 5K Journey at Garmin Run 2025
The passion for fine writing instruments often begins in solitude—a quiet ritual of pen, ink, and paper. But the annual Pelikan Hubs event reminds us that this singular obsession is, in fact, a thriving, global community. For this week, fountain pen enthusiasts all over the world met up in a gathering called Pelikan Hubs to share about… Continue reading I attended my first Pelikan Hub!
This year, I wanted our Christmas tree to be more than just festive—it had to tell our story. Every ornament hanging from its branches represents something we love as a family, something that made this year uniquely ours. In addition to the usual glass baubles and glittery ribbons, I chose to decorate with pieces that hold… Continue reading A Christmas Tree That Tells Our Story
I missed a few events this year—like the Manila Pen Show, the Phuket Asian Urban Sketchwalk I wrote about recently, and the Manila International Book Festival (MIBF). Sadly, I also missed the Malaysia International Pen Show (MIPS). Between work, motherhood, and the fact that I’m still new in my workplace (which means no vacation leaves… Continue reading When You Can’t Go to the Pen Show But the Pen Show Comes to You
With Christmas just around the corner, handmade gifts are the ultimate expression of thoughtfulness. You’re giving not just an item, but a moment, a creative spark, a personal touch, with the person in mind. This year, instead of heading to the mall, why not gift something crafted with love—whether it’s a scented candle, a watercolor… Continue reading Simple and Affordable Handmade Christmas Gifts Ideas
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