It occurred to me that Nika Diwa’s name was derived from manika (“Doll” in Tagalog) because she looks just like one. Actually, her parents named her Dominique. It has been such a joy to be around her these last few days and get inspired with her stories — funny, authentic, raw, vulnerable, intelligent, inspiring. She herself…
Nika Diwa: 3 Tips for Bloggers
One day, when Nika Diwa (of http://www.diwadollhouse.com) was eating at Chili’s, an agent spotted her and wanted to recruit her as a Disney Princess for the Disney World parade to portray either Jasmine, Mulan, or Pocahontas. (But her mom didn’t allow her because she was just a teenager then). This day when Nika came in…
Godspell
Today I stumbled upon my recently purchased Godspell vinyl record. I got it for just CAD3.00 (approximately P111.00) at the vintage section of a record store two months ago on my trip to Canada. When my balikbayan box came the other week, I had been shuffling about with coming back from a trip, house repairs, and a…
MOVIE: The Case for Christ
For our small group activity yesterday, we watched the movie, The Case for Christ, based on Lee Stroebel’s eponymous bestselling novel based on true events. Lee, an atheist legal editor for the Chicago Tribune, was upset when his wife, Leslie, declared that she went to church and wanted Jesus in her life following a jolting…
More Water, More Fruit
There were three orange trees lined up in the backyard. The sprinkler system had gone haywire and the two trees on the left didn’t get water while the one on the right got a turbo watering boost. The result was that the two trees on the left were barren while the one on the right…
An Unexpected Opportunity to Meet the President
My cousin, Grace, wrote, “I didn’t see you reply. Did you see… Tita Day is organizing a trip to Malacanang in two days!” Who, what, when where? It was my dormant Facebook account in the loop so I was unaware until then! Just the week before, I pulled some good muscles that made walking and standing…
Makeup and Beauty Stuff
Once upon a time I used to use department store cosmetics, Lancôme to be specific. But I eventually noticed that years of using it didn’t make me look any more like Isabella Rossellini or Penelope Cruz. I discovered that drugstore brand, L’Oreal, is made by the same manufacturer and I started using that or any…
Save That Date (Project Author 2.o)
Last Thursday night, I couldn’t quite sleep. To while the time, I happened to check on Facebook and discovered an invite to an event two days hence… to Project Author 2.o Ministry Edition by Salt and Light Ventures. It reminded me of the writing workshops I attended with OMF Literature for which I’m supposed to…
A Sumptuous Manger Experience with Mimi Thorisson (Inspiring People of the World)
I used to hang out with my co-parent, Maura Ruzzier, when she used to live in Manila. Our children, her Alice and my Matthew, were in the same class at an international school and at one time went to the prom together. Maura and I both love cooking for our families, recommend ingredients to each…
Redecorating Project
Sometimes God does not hand cash out but blesses financially nevertheless! Not having to get medicine or specific foods to make our bodies function properly, not getting run over, a friend sending some food, an unexpected discount or gift. The list goes on endlessly. The blessing I want to thank God for is enabling me to…
From Pulled Muscle to Dancing
Three weeks ago, this was the YouVersion Verse of the Day: It was an especially sweet Word for me because at that very time, I couldn’t move freely without an involuntary yelp after having pulled muscles from too much avid calisthenics to the La La Land soundtrack. I had an upcoming scheduled trip one week…
Martin Wong: Taking Care of Business
Martin Wong is Chairman of GFX Creative Imaging, a twenty-five year old “one-stop shop” creative design development, full digital imaging service, and digital print production company. Six times, GFX received from the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines the Print Production House of the Year Award, an award given by the association to honor their…
