by Grass Padrique | The Fabulous Scientist Thereโs 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 Earthโs Layers: What Watercolor Teaches Us About Geology
Practical Gift Ideas for the Everyday Public Commuter
Looking for practical gift ideas for your commuter friends in the Philippines? From dumpling bags to mini fans and pocketable raincoats, hereโs 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
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
I attended my first Pelikan Hub!
The passion for fine writing instruments often begins in solitudeโa 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!
A Christmas Tree That Tells Our Story
This year, I wanted our Christmas tree to be more than just festiveโit had to tellย 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
When You Canโt Go to the Pen Show But the Pen Show Comes to You
I missed a few events this yearโlike 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 Iโm still new in my workplace (which means no vacation leaves… Continue reading When You Canโt Go to the Pen Show But the Pen Show Comes to You
Simple and Affordable Handmade Christmas Gifts Ideas
With Christmas just around the corner, handmade gifts are the ultimate expression of thoughtfulness. Youโre 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 loveโwhether itโs a scented candle, a watercolor… Continue reading Simple and Affordable Handmade Christmas Gifts Ideas
A Different Kind of Busy
The past few weeks, Iโve been busy, but not in the usual way. I haven't been rushing around with meetings or checking off a long list. Instead, Iโve been focusing on slowing down. I've realized that itโs difficult to take a moment to be still in this fast-paced world! Lately Iโve been intentional with my… Continue reading A Different Kind of Busy
Why I Often Choose to Give Away My Paintings as Gifts to Friends, Colleagues, and Family
Whenever I think about giving a gift to my friends or family, I often wonder: would they really appreciate a painting made by me? After all, not everyone collects art, visits galleries, or even talks about paintings in their daily lives. But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize that a handmade artwork is… Continue reading Why I Often Choose to Give Away My Paintings as Gifts to Friends, Colleagues, and Family
Sinours Phuket Edition: A Watercolor Souvenir from Asia-Link Sketchwalk Thailand 2025
From August 14 to 17, 2025, Phuket, Thailand transformed into a living canvas as hundreds of urban sketchers from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered for the Asia-Link Sketchwalk Phuket 2025. Over four vibrant days, the islandโs streets, heritage buildings, and waterfronts became backdrops for artists who came together to share their passion for on-location sketching. Four… Continue reading Sinours Phuket Edition: A Watercolor Souvenir from Asia-Link Sketchwalk Thailand 2025