In Love With Sunflower

6.18.2020

K-drama Bliss

The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) accidentally allowed me to discover a different new world that made me shed tears, laugh and forget time. I witnessed and immersed into the lives of protagonists and villains I have learned to adore especially when the story continues to unfold because of their acting prowess fitting their characters. I expose myself to varied genres (i.e. fantasy, thriller, romantic comedy, drama, tragic) and high caliber actors and actresses (not just the famous ones because of their looks). The more I watch, the more I understand the hype behind the sought-after Korean drama series.

Photo from rbtv.tv https://www.rbtv.tv/tv-color-bars/

I am amazed at how the writers creatively build plots that are out of this world which consequently make me ponder or guess what the next scene will be. I am stunned at the twists or even valleys and peaks of some I have watched. Most endings are happy; some, open-ended. A few, tragic. Yet every time I finish watching one, I find it hard to scout for a newer story.

Below are the titles of some K-dramas that pierced my heart. I may have discovered all these only now and I have many many more discoveries to do in the days to come. The good news is, there are free apps available for easier access:

Woman of 9.9 Billion

W (Two World)

The Heirs

Scarlet Heart Ryeo

The Doctors

What is your favorite K-drama?

COVID-19: The Good After The Enhanced Community Quarantine

As someone who telecommutes, being home-bound was never a problem. In fact I am able to have a flexible work schedule, eat nutritious cooked meals and linger longer in bed when everyone gets out of their houses before the sun rises to avoid the traffic rush. I look forward to the occasion when my parents and I buy our groceries, attend church services, enjoy a hearty meal at our go-to restaurant or simply waste time in a mall to people watch. And I seriously miss doing those. Surprisingly I am surviving!

It is not all that bad though during this time.

1. Making a quick trip to the supermarket, drugstore and the wet market are the only times my parents go out. The village we live in has a curfew. It is mandatory to wear a mask at all times when outdoors. The good is, our expense has decreased since we only spend on the necessities.

2. The air is so much cleaner. With fewer vehicles on the roads now after the lock down, it is no surprise that the level of pollution has immensely decreased.

3. I am grateful that the industry I am a part of is not affected, enabling me to continue to work and earn a living.

4. Today's technology allows my family and the rest of my brethren to continue to listen to God's Words via online streaming.

This pandemic will stop. I just don't know when. And I humbly ask our good Lord to end this global event once His will has been accomplished.

Excellent Customer Service

There are countless retail businesses and industries these days who cater to the various needs of their customers. A few have withstood the economic uncertainties throughout the decades and have remained unfazed by all these.

Jollibee for instance, acquired many of its competitions and has continued to expand locally and internationally. I remembered treading the closest branch at Araneta Center (back when I can still walk and when delivery wasn't as popular) for my all-time favorite Jolly Hotdog. The consistency of the taste remains to this day. Throughout the years, they have added many more food choices to their menu. Even the foreigners adore some of their bestsellers as I watch the vlogs they have posted online.

I love the the SM malls too. They pioneered in making their establishments accessible and wheelchair friendly to persons with disabilities (PWDs). They provide ample parking spaces designated for the physically challenged as well as the seniors. One will feel valued when entering their store although their prices are much higher compared to the other establishments I've been to.

As a consumer, I am compelled to those business organizations who prioritize my needs. They give high regard to an outstanding customer service and skill that will make you want to visit again. However, with the constant price increase of a haircut for example from my favorite salon, Bangs, I hesitate. Php800 is pricey, right?! Yet, I go out happy and content. On the contrary, I regret going to a place with a lower service fee due to incompetence or the lack of know-how and wished I went to the former. Have you had a similar experience?

As an adult, I continue to be in awe at how festive the holidays can be at the SM malls. The stellar decorations are truly breathtaking. May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas and not be overpowered by materialism and commercialism. This season, may you find true joy in Christ - our rock, strength and fortress. Enjoy the merry season!

Random Acts Of Kindness

Source: Kindness Book for Kids

Early this week, my mother and I went to the grocery. While I was looking through a wide selection of merchandise in an aisle, I noticed an elderly woman smiling warmly at me. I smiled back.

"Ang bait nyo, ma'am" (You are very kind ma'am) was the response I received from the technician of my internet service provider (ISP) when I offered him a glass of cold water on his way out of our house after remedying an issue.

Yoshirin-san, my Japanese student, excused herself for a moment while we were having a video lesson. She collected the various omamori (good luck charm) displayed in their guest room so I could see the actual object which was our topic of discussion.

In the like manner, my mother who is not so expressive with her feelings shows that she loves and cares by cooking. She is passionate about this. She continues to watch cooking shows, reads new recipes online, plans and prepares for it and surprises us with a new dish!

Ephesians 4:32 states, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." How did you experience kindness recently?

Gourmet and Crafts Fair in Antipolo City

I continue to be astonished with the world-class talents of the Filipino people. Many have even been recognized internationally and have accumulated accolades because of their selflessness, fortitude and bravery. Many more for their skills in singing, painting and boxing, to name a few.

When my nephews and niece were growing, they were not only provided with the nourishment needed for their physical development. Nurturance, guidance and our Godly examples were the utmost requisite to prod them to be the best version of themselves. To this very minute, I continue to pray that they will heed to our advises and do well in all their undertakings.

Last Friday, my parents and I were amazed to witness the Rizalenos' excellence in cooking and handiwork that were featured in the week-long event at Robinson's Antipolo. The "Gourmet and Crafts Fair" was a great avenue to boost the recognition of the small scale businesses and their unique products. Below were some of the booths we visited:

Aggabao Furniture

Momilio Mio

Tarjeta Karta Metal Business Cards

BDO Herbosido Herbal Products

My mommy was mum about her right frozen shoulder until she willingly volunteered for the hot compress to be tried on her, coupled with acupressure and the application of the Herbosido Oil the lady was selling. She was relieved instantly and bought the item!

I was also happy to get the '"Quiet Book," an educational material made of fabric for the Sunday schoolers. The activities are varied - from counting, matching colors, identifying the parts of a face, learning to zip, biggest to smallest, the parts of the Philippine flag and stacking of hamburger ingredients. These can be detached with a velcro. I was amused to try each!