I'm learning to play the ukulele at my son's music school. I can now play 4 songs thanks to my patient teacher. Two weeks ago, I asked my teacher to teach me "Leaves" by Ben&Ben, a popular local band from the Philippines. They've been my favorite for 2 years, especially their songs "Leaves" and "Bibingka."… Continue reading Leaves: A Reflection on Family, Forgiveness, and Growing Together
Category: Coping with Depression
Best Lifestyle Purchases of 2025: My Top Picks
Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist As 2025 comes to a close, I like to look back at the things Iโve added to my lifestyle โ those that didnโt just sit on a shelf, but that got real use, day in and day out. This year, a handful of purchases stood out for their practicality,… Continue reading Best Lifestyle Purchases of 2025: My Top Picks
Finding My Way Back to Bellydancing for Fitness
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. Thatโs when I walked into a local gym and… Continue reading Finding My Way Back to Bellydancing for Fitness
My Unexpected 5K Journey at Garmin Run 2025
The journey to theย Garmin Run 2025ย began, not with focused training, but with a deeply regretted 3:00 AM alarm. My inner debate was fierce:ย Should I stay in my warm bed, or honor theย corporate obligationย that paid for this slot months ago?ย 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
A Tale of Two Dermatologists: Why a Second Opinion Matters
Recently, I found myself in need of a dermatologistโs advice for my persistent, itchy skin rashes. I ended up visiting two different doctors โ and the contrast between their approaches couldnโt have been more striking. The first dermatologist took a quick glance at my skin. She didnโt ask much about my medical history, lifestyle, or… Continue reading A Tale of Two Dermatologists: Why a Second Opinion Matters
From Rejections to Redirection: How Setbacks Led Me to the Job I Needed
There was a time, not too long ago, when my inbox was filled with polite rejection emailsโsome from PhD programs I worked so hard to apply to, others from local jobs I thought I was qualified for. The worst case was not even hearing from the professors from universities abroad or HRs of private companies… Continue reading From Rejections to Redirection: How Setbacks Led Me to the Job I Needed
Bringing Back Snail Mail: Why I Still Send Handwritten Postcards
Hi, everyone! On February 14, after months of neglect, I finally opened my mailbox. Inside it were three holiday cards from my friends abroad. Yay! These days, I rarely receive snail mail since bills and notifications arrive via email, unlike before when handwritten letters and postcards were common. However, I had sent a few postcards to my… Continue reading Bringing Back Snail Mail: Why I Still Send Handwritten Postcards
Current Science Experiment and Hobby with Ian for Homeschooling: Raising Betta Fish with Plants
Betta fish, scientifically known as Betta splendens, are one of the most beloved freshwater species in the world, celebrated for their vivid colors, flowing fins, and fascinating personalities. Native to Southeast Asia, these fish thrive in warm, shallow waters such as rice paddies, ponds, and slow-moving streams across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They are uniquely equipped… Continue reading Current Science Experiment and Hobby with Ian for Homeschooling: Raising Betta Fish with Plants
Key Takeaways from Atomic Habits by James Clear and How I’ve Started Tweaking My Life Now Based on This Book
The Book's Core Idea Small, consistent changes (atomic habits) can lead to remarkable results over time. By focusing on improving just 1% every day, you can achieve significant transformations in the long run. Key Concepts The Habit Loop: Cue, Craving, Response, Reward Habits are formed through a loop of four stages: Cue: A trigger that… Continue reading Key Takeaways from Atomic Habits by James Clear and How I’ve Started Tweaking My Life Now Based on This Book
Building Dioramas as Creative Expression and for My Son’s Art and Science Project
Whenever I feel anxious about recent events, uncertainties, or life in general, I retreat into my creative zone. Crafting with my hands has always been my sanctuary, my way to de-stress, and what I often call my personal zen mode. For my anxiety I have had a few triggers. The typhoons that devastated my country… Continue reading Building Dioramas as Creative Expression and for My Son’s Art and Science Project