Tied bundle of handwritten letters with stamps, fountain pen, ink, and stationery
Coping with Depression, fountain-pen, Health, Homeschooling, Life, Wellness Journey

Snail Mail in the Digital Age: Why Writing Letters Still Matters

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist We live in a time when communicating with someone halfway around the world takes only a few seconds. An email can be sent before your coffee gets cold, and a message through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or any other messaging app can reach its recipient almost instantly. Social media has… Continue reading Snail Mail in the Digital Age: Why Writing Letters Still Matters

Amber fountain pen on open journal labeled "JOURNAL & OBSERVATIONS," with handwritten reflections and a book and ink bottle nearby
Life, Shopping, Homeschooling, fountain-pen, reviews

Fountain Pen Review: Hongdian N1 with Long Blade Nib (A Happy Orange Surprise)

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist A few days ago, I ordered several fountain pens from abroad. Some were the latest colorways of the Jinhao 82, which I plan to include in a few “penabling” kits. I also ordered one pen for myself—the Hongdian N1—because its unusual nib had piqued my curiosity. If you haven’t… Continue reading Fountain Pen Review: Hongdian N1 with Long Blade Nib (A Happy Orange Surprise)

ink swatches
fountain-pen, Homeschooling, Life, reviews

Musings While on A Sick Day – Also the Best Time to Swatch New Inks

I have a sore throat and a mild fever today. I also have body aches that only a massage from my personal therapist would have been able to fix, if only I were in Quezon City, near her. I usually get a massage twice a month, but the weather has been really bad over the… Continue reading Musings While on A Sick Day – Also the Best Time to Swatch New Inks

Boys in shirts on a gritty Philippine street
Life

The Children on the Jeepney

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist I normally take a jeepney to work. Partly because it is the cheapest way to get around, and partly because I genuinely enjoy riding with the locals of Muntinlupa. There is something about traveling with people from here that I find comforting. They seem more laid-back, more easygoing, and… Continue reading The Children on the Jeepney

Geology, Health, Homeschooling, Life, Local Travel, photography, research, reviews, Shopping, travel blog, Wellness Journey

The Camera I Almost Bought: How ChatGPT Saved Me ₱12,000

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist I almost bought another camera. There. I said it. For someone who already owns a Fujifilm X-T20 and an Insta360 GO Ultra, not to mention two smartphones (never mind that one of them is old), this probably sounds like the beginning of a very familiar story among photographers: "I… Continue reading The Camera I Almost Bought: How ChatGPT Saved Me ₱12,000

Geology, Health, Life, Local Travel, photography, travel blog

Quick Photowalk Along the 18th Century Taal Heritage Town

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist When you hear about Taal, one thing that probably pops into your mind is the famous active volcano sitting within a lake in Batangas. At least, that's the first thing I would think of—being a geologist and all. Put the words Taal and Batangas together and my brain immediately goes into volcano… Continue reading Quick Photowalk Along the 18th Century Taal Heritage Town

fountain-pen, Life, reviews, Shopping

A Pleasant Surprise: Reviewing the Jinhao 82 (2026 Limited Edition)

Finding a fountain pen that balances affordability, aesthetics, and smooth writing performance is always a win. At just $5 USD, the Jinhao 82 (2026 Limited Edition) in Translucent Pink manages to deliver on all three fronts far better than expected.Here is my breakdown of how this pen holds up in daily use. Design & AestheticThe… Continue reading A Pleasant Surprise: Reviewing the Jinhao 82 (2026 Limited Edition)

Me and a polarizing light microscope
Coping with Depression, Geology, Geology Data Science, Health, Homeschooling, Life, research

Passing the Microscope Forward

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist For the past three years, I've had the privilege of helping fresh geology graduates prepare for their licensure examinations. It's an invitation I never take lightly. It's an honor, yes—but it's also one born from a bittersweet reason. Four years ago, I lost my very first mentor in mineralogy,… Continue reading Passing the Microscope Forward

Insta360 Go Ultra white
Health, Homeschooling, Life, Local Travel, My Creations, My Life in Watercolor, photography, reviews, Shopping, travel blog

Insta360 GO Ultra: My Outdoor Filming Companion

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be a vlogger, filming my adventures, and documenting everyday life, I probably would've laughed. I've never been someone who enjoys being in front of a camera. In fact, I once enrolled in a six-week theater workshop just to… Continue reading Insta360 GO Ultra: My Outdoor Filming Companion

Coping with Depression, fountain-pen, Health, Life, Local Travel, reviews, Shopping, Uncategorized

Strawberry and Chocolate in Fountain Pen Form: A Delicious Pairing of BENU Neapolitan Ice Cream and Kobe Chocolate Strawberry Ink

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Some fountain pens I bought because they write beautifully. Others I bought because they were made locally and I love to support local businesses. And then there are the pens I buy simply because they remind me of childhood favorites. For me, that pen has always been a BENU. If… Continue reading Strawberry and Chocolate in Fountain Pen Form: A Delicious Pairing of BENU Neapolitan Ice Cream and Kobe Chocolate Strawberry Ink