WHEN TASTES CHANGE - On Salpicado, CDrama, and Letting Go

Last night, there was no blog post.

I was simply too tired, and instead of writing, I curled up and let myself sink into the world of CDrama. Sometimes, you just need to give yourself permission to pause.

Earlier that day, one of our bosses treated us to lunch and ordered food at Alba’s. I had the Salpicao alongside their famous Paella. I relished every mouthful, but noticed that some of my officemates weren’t quite as impressed. They found the flavors too bold, too strong, perhaps too far from their comfort zone. I, on the other hand, found them exactly right — the salty-sweet harmony, the punch of garlic, the whisper of wine in the sauce.

My dinner was actually my takeout “Sharon” — Alba’s Salpicado de Solomillo. Tender cubes of beef, perfectly seared, bathed in that rich, garlicky brown sauce that clings to each bite like a love letter. It’s the kind of dish that demands slow appreciation, not hurried chewing. My stomach flu, which had been bothering me for days, seemed to ease as I savored each piece. And since no one else wanted it, I had it all to myself.

It reminded me of how individual preference works. The same plate of food can be divine to one and unremarkable to another. Sometimes, it’s not about what’s “objectively” good — it’s about what resonates with your own taste.

This morning, I accompanied my youngest to school and, for the first time, taught her how to commute on her own to her new school. We walked to the jeepney stop together, me pointing out landmarks she should remember, reminding her where to get off, and showing her how to signal for a ride. She was excited, a little nervous, but ready to learn. I realized, as I watched her hop off at her stop, that she wouldn’t need me beside her every morning from now on. That small moment — letting her take the ride alone to Makati — felt a lot like my own shifting preferences in life. You slowly learn to release old habits and embrace new ways of doing things, even if they feel unfamiliar at first.

It’s funny how preferences shift over time. Just like with food, my viewing habits have evolved. I used to be firmly in the KDrama camp, but for the past two or three months, I’ve been hooked on CDrama shorts — those quick, horizontal-format series you can finish in a few minutes per episode. They follow familiar plots: powerful CEOs, revenge arcs, reincarnations… and yet, I keep coming back for more. Predictable? Yes. Comforting? Absolutely.

Maybe that’s the thing — whether it’s food, entertainment, or even parenting, our preferences and routines are not fixed. They bend, stretch, and sometimes completely transform, depending on where we are in life and what we need at the moment.

Today, I realize: tastes change, and that’s not just about the tongue. It’s about the heart, too — learning when to savor, when to let go, and when to trust that the next ride will take you exactly where you’re meant to be.

BACK TO THE FLOW OF LIFE

Finally, I was able to eat again. It’s still just small meals — soup, soft foods — but each bite feels like progress. After days of discomfort, my body is starting to feel lighter, stronger, and ready to move again.

And just as my health is slowly bouncing back, life outside my little bubble seems to be picking up its pace, too. Travel plans have started pouring in, and everything feels like it’s sliding back into place. My calendar for August, especially on weekends, is already full — out-of-town trips, exciting events, and collaborations with brands, particularly hotels and Airbnb stays. The momentum is here, and I can feel it calling me to keep going, to keep creating, to keep telling stories.

Work today was nothing extraordinary — the usual corporate grind, endless deadlines that seem to breed overnight, and tasks that never quite run out. It’s the rhythm I’ve grown used to, the one that hums in the background while I chase dreams outside office walls.

But as I closed my laptop, I realized something — life is like this. There will be days when we’re too weak to eat, when plans slow down, when things feel stuck. And then there are days when the rhythm picks up again, when energy returns, and doors open one by one.

It’s in those moments of stillness and in those seasons of movement that we learn the beauty of balance. We can’t always run at full speed; sometimes, we need to pause, heal, and wait for God’s timing.

Today reminded me: setbacks are temporary, momentum can return, and life — like our strength — has a way of finding its flow again.

WHEN GOD REDIRECTS: Trusting His Timing Through Missed Dreams and Delayed Promotion

I’ve been nursing a stubborn stomachache since Thursday. Eating has been a challenge — even water feels like it might trigger another episode. On the upside, I’ve shed a few kilos without stepping inside a gym or booking that HIFU session I’d been saving for. My face looks slimmer, but not quite in the way I planned.

Today was nothing extraordinary on the surface. We went to the mall so the kids could get the usual last-minute school supplies. Tomorrow is the first day of school, so the air was filled with that familiar mix of excitement and rush.

But in between the mundane errands and the quiet moments, I found myself in deep thought. Sometimes God doesn’t give us exactly what we’ve been asking for. Instead, He gently (or sometimes abruptly) redirects us to something else — or simply tells us, “Stay here for now.”

It’s like choosing your dream university. You’ve worked hard, prayed for it, pictured yourself walking through those gates… and yet the acceptance letter never comes. Or that long-awaited promotion you’ve been praying for — the one you thought was the next big step in your career — but instead, it goes to someone else.

It hurts, and it’s confusing. But over time, you realize maybe God was protecting you from something you couldn’t see. Or maybe He was preparing you for something far better than what you had in mind.

We want things to go according to our plans, yet life has a way of saying, “Not this way, not yet.” And maybe that’s the point — to teach us patience, trust, and surrender.

Perhaps my stomachache, my disrupted week, and even my changed plans are all part of a bigger redirection. I may not see the full picture yet, but I know He does.

BALIK LOOB SA BLOGGING : KWENTO, KAPE AT KAUNTING DRAMA

It’s 2025, and honestly, I never thought I’d be able to open this account again.

Parang kahapon lang, sobrang frustrated ako kasi hindi ko na-retrieve ang jlofied.com. Nakalimutan ko kasing magbayad ng .com fee (lesson learned!), and now, imagine—binibenta na siya for 4,000 US dollars! Para bang may bahay kang iniwan sandali, tapos pagbalik mo, mansion na siya… pero may gate na at hindi ka na makapasok.

Naalala ko tuloy yung simula ko sa blogging. Dati, simple lang talaga—parang online diary. Ang peg ko nga noon? Doogie Howser, M.D. Naalala niyo ba ‘yun? Yung tipong magta-type lang siya sa computer at magre-reflect sa araw niya. Walang pressure, walang algorithm, walang “engagement rate.” Basta kwento lang.

Pero ngayon, iba na. Ang tindi na ng social media. Minsan, kapag naglabas ka ng mas personal na kwento, either mababash ka o kaya parang nakalantad masyado ang buhay mo sa publiko. Kaya minsan, tahimik na lang tayo, ‘di ba?

Pero ayun, balik tayo sa simula. Gusto ko ulit mag-blog ng walang iniisip na "May magbabasa ba nito o wala?" Kasi sa totoo lang, kahit walang likes o shares, may saya sa pagsusulat para lang mailabas mo yung laman ng isip at puso mo.

So, hello ulit sa space na ‘to. Dito muna tayo magkwe-kwentuhan ng mas malalalim—yung tipong parang magkaibigan lang tayo na nagkakape sa hapon, nagbubukas ng mga kwento na hindi mo basta ikinukwento sa lahat.

DISCOVERING TRANQUILITY : PADYOK CAFE IN PAKIL, LAGUNA

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Pakil, Laguna, lies a hidden gem that promises not only a gastronomic delight but also a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Padyok Cafe, a quaint establishment that combines nature's beauty with culinary excellence, invites visitors to a unique and immersive experience.

Glimpse into Pakil, Laguna

Before we dive into the wonders of Padyok Cafe, let's take a moment to appreciate the charm of its surroundings. Pakil is a town in the province of Laguna, known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. It is home to the well-preserved St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church, a National Cultural Treasure, and the vibrant Turumba Festival, a celebration of music and dance in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The Enchanting Ambiance

As you step into Padyok Cafe, you're greeted by an ambiance that seamlessly blends nature with artisty. The open-air seating arrangement allows guests to bask in the gentle embrance of fresh air while being surrounded by greenery.  The choice of native materials in the decor further emphasizes the connection with the natural environment, giving the cafe a warm and inviting feel.

Beyond Culinary Delights

Padyok Cafe is more than just a place to savor delicious food. It is also a hub for cultural appreciation and artistic expression. The cafe hosts occasional events featuring local artists, musicians, and artisans, creating a vibrant space for the community to come together and celebrate their talents.

I am delighted to share this moment when I, alongside members and leaders of the Rotary Club of Pakil had an opportunity to enjoy a memorable dinner at this Cafe. The evening was a perfect blend of camaraderie and great food. The warm ambiance, delectable dishes, and music offers a unique experience, leaving an impression on all of us. It was a testament to the power of community and the joy that comes from coming together in such a picturesque setting.