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
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
Recently, I found myself in need of a dermatologist’s advice for my persistent, itchy skin rashes. I ended up visiting two different doctors — and the contrast between their approaches couldn’t have been more striking. The first dermatologist took a quick glance at my skin. She didn’t ask much about my medical history, lifestyle, or… Continue reading A Tale of Two Dermatologists: Why a Second Opinion Matters
There was a time, not too long ago, when my inbox was filled with polite rejection emails—some 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
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
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
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
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
I typically share my artworks on Instagram since that's where most of my fellow creatives gather. I enjoy seeing posts that showcase the artistic process and final pieces. Even though my posts don't attract a large number of likes or followers, I still find Instagram a great source of inspiration for future projects. This week,… Continue reading Finding Calm in Art During Chaos
When life throws you curve balls, let go of the bat and keep calm. Trigger Warning: This blog post discusses death and challenging experiences during my graduate studies. Last week, I submitted my completed manuscript for my thesis panel's review. I wanted to start this blog on a cheerful note, but I can't ignore the challenges… Continue reading Overcoming Adversity: How I Completed My Manuscript Against All Odds
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