bluetracesph journals
fountain-pen, Life, reviews, Shopping, travel blog

Handmade Leather Journals from the Philippines: My New Finds from bluetracesph

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Hey, everyone! How are you doing? As I mentioned in my last blog post, I’ve been on a bit of a buying spree lately—this time, for inks and notebooks. In my defense, I’ve also been writing a lot! Most of my writing consists of blog post drafts, business ideas… Continue reading Handmade Leather Journals from the Philippines: My New Finds from bluetracesph

fountain-pen, Homeschooling, Life, My Creations, reviews, Shopping

Fountain Pen Ink Review: Lennon Tool Bar Ying Piao and Pumpkin Soup

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist I seem to have been on a notebook and ink-buying streak lately. And I blame my penabling friends and the fountain pen accounts I follow on Instagram for this. There is something about seeing a beautiful ink swatch or a notebook that makes you think, I could use one of… Continue reading Fountain Pen Ink Review: Lennon Tool Bar Ying Piao and Pumpkin Soup

Coping with Depression, Geology Data Science, Homeschooling, Life

Of Family Loss and Data Science

Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist If you’re stunned by the title, you’ll know why in a bit as you read through this blog post. Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin but let’s start with Friday last week. I was attending a working lunch with my colleagues. It was an interactive session where… Continue reading Of Family Loss and Data Science

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
fountain-pen, Homeschooling, Life, reviews, Shopping

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)