Kath's Journey | Going one step at a time

Movie Review: Obsession

July 26, 2026

I don't want to google images of that movie, so I am just inserting our stylized group photo of us when we watched it. 😆

First and foremost, I have to say that I wouldn't think I would be here writing about this kind of review on the blog because this type of movie is something I would never watch on my own (because I am a scaredy-cat😅). However, through socializing and being with people who are different from me, I tend to experience things I never thought I would experience for myself. Watching this horror movie is one of those experiences. 😅

It was a very energetic day after a Toastmasters meeting, and most of the members were hyped and still had a lot of energy for socializing. As part of our usual routine, we wanted to do something to bond together after the meeting. One of our members suggested watching this movie. Fortunately, we had a member who lives nearby, and she was kind enough to host this impromptu team-building activity. There were around 10 of us who came to our member's place, and all of us made ourselves comfortable on their sofa, in front of the TV. It was the perfect place to watch a movie because they had great speakers, which contributed to the horror-movie experience.

I knew my tolerance for horror movies. I feel brave watching horror movies when I'm with my friends or in a group because I enjoy the collective screaming that we do. 😆For this movie, Obsession, I have heard of it from months back because of all the social media noise that it had several months back. I already have seen a lot of memes and references about the movie so I very well know the plot and how it ends. But of course, it's still a different experience watching the actual movie itself. I am not ashamed to admit that I had my hands on my face during some scenes, especially during the latter part of the movie when things were really going crazy.

Even though I was afraid and feeling uneasy about the movie, I felt safe in real life because someone was holding my space and my energy. I am thankful for that person for holding space for me and letting me know that there is someone who would protect me in real life. 😍

Of course, I very well know that the movie is just fiction and a product of the imagination, but there were some overlaps of elements in the film that I subscribe to in real life. One specific example is the reference to the tiger's eye crystal. Well I actually had a crystal bracelet of that that night, which was uncanny. I felt ambivalent about mentioning it to them, so I didn't anymore. Else, I would feel more creeped out. Also, I know for myself that I easily get disturbed by works of fiction in all spans of genre, may it be horror, suspense, thriller, or even romance. I am sensitive to feeling intense emotional energy. I remember years back, I had nightmares following a visit to an escape room so I guess I really have to watch out for myself in consuming these kinds of content.

I've read that this was a low-budget film, and I see how that played throughout the movie. Of course, how you do a horror movie is all about the execution. Those who have watched the movie would surely highlight or mention the same scenes that really creeped under their skin. Even though I was half-closing my eyes, I still saw some of them. It was very unsettling. However, I have to say that it was very satisfying to have our collective screams that night. Expectedly, it was mostly the girls who were really screaming their lungs out. 😆 The part that I don't like was having flashbacks of specific scenes from the movie when I'm alone, and that's what happened the night after watching it. It didn't help that I was still running on caffeine due to the coffee I drank over dinner. I also already had sleeping issues. I have my meds for it, but initially I decided to not take it because it would contradict with the effects of the caffeine. However, I just couldn't sleep, up until the wee hours of the morning. I eventually took my meds and tried to sleep at 3AM, with the lights on because I was still feeling afraid. 😆 As expected, I woke up very groggy and tired the next day.

I have to say that one thing I learned about myself in this movie experience is that I really need to be cautious on how the materials I consume would affect me. I don't need to avoid them, but I have to know my boundaries. I need to supervise myself when consuming these kinds of content because it affects me in ways that are not good for my mental health.

But overall, it was a great experience. I got to bond with my fellow Toastmaster friends. It was a memorable fellowship night. If we're going to have another movie marathon, I would suggest that we avoid the horror genre and maybe select a lighter mood for a movie. Perhaps a sci-fi or an animation, or something that is just light on the senses.

Still, it was a great experience, and it was wonderful to bond over this movie with my fellow members that night. ✨

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lessons

Blue Moon

May 31, 2026

I am writing this post on the day of the blue moon, an astronomical term that means it's the second full moon of the month. This is a rare phenomenon, and thus the phrase "once in a blue moon" is often used to refer to an event that happens very infrequently.

It's so amazing how, one full moon ago, I was in a completely different headspace (both in heart and mind), and now I face this full moon phase with my energy in a whole different place. The month was made up, not of rare events, but of so many magical moments that everyone involved will surely treasure forever. Some of them I consider happening "once in a lifetime". There were a lot of ups and downs, but I guess that's how life is -- it's just a rollercoaster ride.

Here are some of those glimmers, that I witnessed, in the past lunar cycle. ✨

Seeing someone's most honest form, and no one judging them for it
Accepting an invitation to dance, fully knowing that you don't know how, but feeling comfortable enough to recognize that neither of you actually cares
Sharing your fears for the future ahead, while still recognizing that there is hope
Appreciating someone's "unusual" hobbies and actually bonding over it
Following your instincts and stepping out of your comfort zone to explicitly show that you care
Challenging each other to be your best selves
Seeing someone's worst side, but still being willing to help and extend grace
Trying to escape from your own head, then realizing you actually can't, so you get up and do the work needed
Welcoming life's impromptu plans (saying yes to adventures!)
Recognizing that you can't say yes to everything 😅 (so now you choose your battles)
Telling others you need help, and sharing the story that you are receiving help, without feeling any shame
Shamelessly requesting a hug to hide the tears (or else it would have been so awkward LOL)
Contacting your best friends to share an emotionally charged experience that you can't contain within yourself (and it's so satisfying every single time because they're always ready to listen and hype you up)
Understanding (at last) the root cause of all of it (the soul was very bone tired and needed to pause and rest)
Feeling recharged because of someone's presence
Understanding that slow progress is still progress (which is much much better than standing still)
Sharing moon photos (because you love the sky)
Forming a team with a fellow driver in finding a space in a parking lot 🤩
Having deep talks after a morning walk/jog
Asking a question that resulted to forming a new connection
Paying forward positive energy because someone was human enough to understand the situation
Showing up to learn something, then realizing you're getting much more than that (life lessons that move mountains)
Handling a mishap without the lingering resentments, and instead focusing on the solution (it already happened, it is what it is)
Learning something and recognizing you won't go back to old ways after this
Cupping someone's cheek as you lean in for a kiss
Wearing your heart on your sleeve, and not backing away from it

Are you familiar with the "blue elephant" experiment? You want to avoid thinking about the blue elephant, so you tell yourself, "Don't think of the blue elephant, don't think of the blue elephant, don't think of the blue elephant..." Then suddenly all you think of is "blue elephant, blue elephant, blue elephant," and you fail miserably because the more you mention the blue elephant in your mind, the more you think about it. That's how I felt about a previous post, so I decided to take it down. 😅 I felt like I was highlighting the emotions that I so desperately wanted to minimize and let go of. So there you go. Reminder to self: don't feed the beast.

Life will always have challenges, but I will always have the belief that God places them in my life because He knows I will be able to power through them. There are still battles ongoing, and new ones brewing on the horizon. But with everyone's help, I will get through them. 🙏

As I look up at tonight's moon, I can't help but think about how much different I felt the last time I looked at it in that same phase. I'm grateful for everything, and I pray to become a better version of myself as I face the bright full moon again. I know I will. 🌕✨

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lessons

Goodbyes

May 14, 2026

I feel like some kind of energy has latched onto me since yesterday, and maybe that's why I was feeling kind of heavy until today. I would like to write these thoughts down to process and to release this energy back to the universe, hoping it finds its way to wherever it needs to go.

Yesterday, I had a bit of a unique experience. Some of my neighbors, families that I’ve known all my life, have gone through significant life events. One of our earliest childhood friends laid their father to rest. On the other hand, another family in our neighborhood lost a baby (😭), and was also laid to rest.

When I first heard about it, I didn’t think much of it, perhaps because I was still processing everything. However, visiting them truly made an impact on me.

Our first stop was at our childhood friend’s father’s wake. We know each other’s siblings. They were like an extended family. Seeing them again after decades was emotional. They had last seen me when I was still in grade school before they moved away from our neighborhood, but seeing them yesterday and hugging them, not just normal hugs, but full bear hugs, felt like I was transported back to my childhood years.

Seeing their older faces while still recognizing the same eyes and smiles shifted something inside me. It reminded me that yes, time has truly passed. Seeing their father peacefully resting there made me confront the reality that moments like this are inevitable. These are my parents’ peers, and I can’t fully articulate how that affects me, but something inside me was stirred.

We talked for a bit, reminisced, and they asked about my siblings. I told them that I’m the only one left here. I sent photos of them to my siblings through our family group chat, and they all recognized those same familiar faces, just older versions now. It felt so touching. In a way, I feel like I reconnected with my childhood self.

In that same memorial building (I'm not sure if that is the correct term), we moved to the next room to visit the next family. I thought I was ready, but upon opening the door and seeing that small casket, I felt my energy change. It was my first time to see something like this, and when I approached and looked at the angel laid inside, I couldn't help but tear up. I think it hurts more to see something like this versus the previous one we visited, because for the case of the father, he has already lived a life, and it felt right to have him resting now. But for this little one, a rush of what-ifs came in, the life he could have lived. 😭

Between these two deaths, the latter feels more painful because that short-lived life carried so much potential. It had only just begun. Everyone was anticipating the arrival of an angel, but due to certain circumstances, that life was gone almost as soon as it arrived.

I am still absorbing the lessons and realizations from these experiences, but the overarching lesson that I am getting here is to always celebrate life, even if it lasts only for a short while, whether hours or decades. Every life is loved by the people around them, and the time spent with those people, how long or how short it could be, still holds the same value altogether.

I guess the reality of life is facing what is inevitable. These are things that are bound to happen, yet they remain beyond our control. The most we can do really is be there for each other, stay present, and create the best memories possible with the people who are precious to us.

That night, I found myself in reflection mode. I have been confronted, yet again, with the realities of life. I dislike goodbyes, and these kinds of goodbyes are universally painful. However, I am learning that this is really just how life is: it has a beginning and an ending.

Life is precious. So while you can, hug the people who are dear to you. Tell them you love them, whenever you have the opportunity. This life is just something borrowed, and we never know when the last chance for a conversation or interaction will come. Every moment counts. Every moment is precious. Every moment is something to be cherished, forever. ✨

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events

Toastmasters District 75: The Speech Contest

May 04, 2026

The Toastmasters District 75 Annual Conference has just wrapped up today, and I'm still on a high. 💞

This annual conference (also referred to as Discon) is a weekend-long event that Toastmasters from all over the country participate in. This is my second time attending. My first one was held in Cebu. For this year, it was held in Pampanga. It was a jam-packed weekend with many social events and opportunities to meet fellow Toastmasters from all around the country. I had a great experience, and I am still hyped; I should be physically recovering from the event, but my mind is still buzzing from all the things that happened, so I knew I needed to unpack and process them all here. 📝

One of my reasons for joining Toastmasters, aside from the usual goal of developing public speaking skills, is my fascination with listening to other people's stories. I am truly captivated by the narratives shared through speeches by each member, since I can pick up nuggets of wisdom from every speaker I listen to. Part of the activities in the Discon is the speech contests finals. The contest has different categories (Table Topics, Humorous Speech, Evaluation, and the International Speech). I really got to enjoy watching the International Speech contest speakers. I felt incredibly inspired by the speeches delivered that I couldn't put my phone down because I was busy taking notes. 😅

Here's what I have noted down. 💗

Speech Title: "Drop the Watch"

The speech was about not going with society's expectations for certain timelines because, of course, we know that comparison with others is the thief of happiness. I've heard this message so many times: everyone has their own pace. You don't have to compare yourself with others. However, what sprinkled the ✨magic✨ for me was when he said:

In nature, there are no timelines.

Do flowers bloom all at the same time? 🌷

Do stars shine at the same levels? 🌟

Each living thing having its own timeline actually makes nature beautiful, just like flowers. Each of us is a unique creature, and collectively, that makes us all beautiful, fascinating, and amazing. At that moment, I felt like senses got hyped up, like I was receiving energy from somewhere. It was a full circle moment because I have been receiving messages from the universe about the theme of being one with the universe (through that recent astro camp that I participated in, which I have not yet written here about 😅), and so hearing that same message in a different form really hit the bulls eye for me. 🎯 I was in a public space so I had to contain some of the emotions (HAHAHA or else my clubmates would see me breaking down LOL) but I got really teary-eyed, and as the speech concluded, I felt a tear flow down my cheek. It was just the first speaker, and so I felt like I was really in for a good show for that day (also thanks to our mentor for reserving us the best seats in the house ✨).

Speech Title: "Not Yet"

This speech was about pursuing your dreams as long as you're alive and breathing, and not giving up on what you truly want to achieve in life. One of the driving points of his speech was that if you're still here, still alive, still breathing, it means that you are not done. It means that you still have a purpose in this life, and there is still something worth pursuing.

This resonated with me, especially with the recent themes in my life. As long as I'm breathing and alive, there is still a purpose for me. There is still something worthwhile for me to do in this life. It was a beautiful reminder to live fully: having dreams and goals, and simply enjoying life while you're still alive.

Speech Title: "Ready or Not"

It was an inspirational speech about doing things even if you're not ready. Because really: when are we ever ready?

One of the phrases that I really liked from that speech was:

"The experience itself frees us from the fear of it."

There are many things that I was afraid of trying or doing because of the fear of the unknown and uncertainty. But as soon as I exposed myself to it, as soon as I did the very thing that I was afraid of, I realized it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Apparently, it was all just in my head.

Hearing that statement reminded me of that fact and further inspired me to continue this current journey of being adventurous: exploring things and doing things that I have not been doing for a while, experiencing things for the first time. As I have written previously in some of my recent posts, if fear is the only thing that prevents me from doing something, the more I want to push myself to do it. So life, let's goooo! ❤️‍🔥

Speech Title: "Step Up, Step Out"

This speech was in my top three. The speaker brilliantly represented milestones of his life with shoes. Some of the things that resonated with me are:

"Why are you dreaming of a size A life while living a size B life?"

"Why do you continue to live small?"

"The more I want to fit in, the more I feel like I don't belong anywhere." (this is soo chef's kiss 👩‍🍳😘)

"I didn't lose; I just didn't win."

"Life is not a clearance sale; if it doesn't fit, don't force it." (I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH AS WELL ✨✨✨)

Speech Title: "I Did That"

This one is about the theme of stepping out of our comfort zones. Her opening hook was:

"We only live once. I want to live my life and be able to say that... I did that."

She talked about her experience of trying surfing for the first time, and some of the metaphorical phrases she used in that speech were:

"Sometimes, water feels like it holds all the deepest and darkest secrets, only to realize it’s just waist-deep."

"We are not drowning: just overwhelmed: and we just have to open our eyes."

It's so relatable to my current experiences in life (🫂). Sometimes the mind overcompensates or overreacts to things. We tend to overreact and overlook the simplicity of situations. We just have to change our perspective to see things from an easier angle.

Speech Title: "Just One More"

This one is about battling addiction. It resonated with me again, especially with my current struggles of feeling out of control because of certain habits that I have. He narrated how you might think you're okay, but because you were engaging in those habits subtly but consistently, day after day, little by little, everything seems fine: until you realize that you are already out of control.

He ended his speech with:

"I'll stay with you until your "just one more" becomes "no more"

After all the speakers had finished delivering their speeches, I could really feel the buzz in the air. It felt so inspiring. I got reminded of one of my "whys" in Toastmasters: listening to speeches that truly move me. Hearing these different, inspirational stories is powerful: they can really move mountains and emotions, and I want as many people as possible to experience this magic. ✨

Also, I am also just so thankful to have the resources to experience Discon again this year. I'm locking in for Discon 2027, which will be held in Davao. There might still be unknown factors at this point (logistics, etc) but I want to be there again.

This might sound a bit dramatic, but Toastmasters is something I can't walk away from anymore. Being a member of this organization has enriched my life in many ways. I want to continue that. Toastmasters will be my fuel for living this life: being inspired by people, meeting people, and being moved by their stories.

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lessons

Closing The Loop

April 26, 2026

Tonight, the floodgates opened again. It’s been a while since the last one happened, and I guess this is actually what I needed right now. It felt like the energy had been building up inside me for some time. I’m grateful I got to release some of that energy, some of those emotions, tonight.

I’ve always described myself as someone with the emotional range of a teaspoon. Mostly because I feel exhausted trying to comprehend the mind games, the emotions, the rollercoasters, and the unspoken rules of dating and relationships. I used to think maybe I just didn’t have the emotional capacity for it. Or maybe I was just lazy. Or just, uninterested altogether. 🤷‍♀️ For me, the rules are simple, but I guess humans just like to overcomplicate things. So maybe I just don’t know how to play the game. Or that I never wanted to play it in the first place. And maybe, that’s why I lost.

I realized I was still processing bits and pieces of the aftermath (yes, until now). What fascinates me is that each time, it’s something different, as if my mind is carefully unpacking everything, layer by layer. Well I guess that’s a good sign, right? It means I’m continually moving forward. 💪

And because of these, I don’t think I actually have the emotional depth of a teaspoon. If anything, I think I have a deeper depth for everything. I'm just reserving them when I really don't need it, or when I need to protect myself. But I do realize now that I feel emotions very deeply.

Tonight, a different set of memories and emotions resurfaced. This time, the impact felt different: like a stronger, unfamiliar wave. It brought up questions that will probably remain unanswered. And because they won’t be answered anymore, my mind tries its best to fill in the gaps on its own. However, that's not the healthiest approach, I know. As much as I want to make sense of everything, it won’t change anything. This is why it felt like energy was stuck inside of me.

Tonight, I relived that moment (and that feeling) of dropping all my guards down (which I've been holding onto for the longest time), ready to jump all-in to what I believed in. I went inside that cage (I dunno why I pictured a cage 😅), locked the door and threw the keys outside. I was ready to roll-up my sleeves and tackle the hard truths that were needed to be faced... only to realize that I was actually alone inside, and the other person has already started walking away from the other side of the cage. And that was the moment when the floodgates really opened for me. I felt the anxiety of being trapped inside that cage, alone.

Because at this point I already tell the AI bots everything (as in E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G-!-!-!), I guess it was equipped well to check on me I was introduced to a method on how I can "save myself".

This method isn’t new to me. I’ve encountered it first in behavioral therapy, something that Delamar (from the Eve's Drop Podcast) has also mentioned repeatedly. It felt like the perfect tool for this moment.

🫂 “Closing the Loop” Exercise

🧘‍♀️ Step 1: Bring her to mind

Picture yourself during that time. Don’t analyze. Just see her.

🧠 Step 2: Notice what she’s feeling.

Let that version of you exist fully.

💔 Step 3: Gently introduce what she doesn’t know

Now, imagine you, your present self, standing in front of her.

She doesn’t know what’s coming yet.

And you’re not there to shock her.

You’re there to protect and comfort her.

🫂 Step 4: Speak to her

Let her receive that.

❤️ Step 5: Give her what she didn’t get

This is the most important part.

Now give it to her.

You can imagine:

holding her

sitting beside her

putting a hand on her shoulder

💬 Say:

“I won’t leave you the way the other person did.”

🧘‍♀️ Step 6: Bring her forward with you

Instead of leaving her at that moment…

Imagine her walking with you into the present.

Not stuck there anymore.

💬 Tell her:

“You don’t have to stay in that moment.

You can come with me. I’ve got you now.”

🌱 Step 7: Anchor it in reality

Open your eyes.

Look around.

Remind yourself:

“That version of me is not alone anymore. I’m here.”

I did a different version of this exercise as well, future me approaching that "cage", picking up the keys and unlocking the door, freeing up my old self. I saw my past self so clearly, being comforted by my present self. 💗 And I felt something inside of me shift. The tension: like tightly twisted fabric: began to loosen. I imagined my future self hugging my past self. 🫂

It reminded me of that scene from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry thought it was his father who saved him from the Dementors. But later, he realizes: it was him. He saved himself. That’s what this felt like. I felt comforted. I didn’t feel alone anymore.

I sense that part of my story is finally reaching some kind of resolution. There’s still a part of me that wonders if I’m ruminating too much. It’s been months. 😅But I also know that grief isn’t linear. I can feel okay for weeks, and then suddenly another wave comes: another emotion to process. That doesn’t mean I’m going backwards. It doesn’t mean I’m resetting. It just means I’m moving forward: one wave at a time. 🌊

Through every process, I always remind myself to validate my feelings. To choose myself. To let myself feel and process everything. In 10 or 20 years, I won’t even remember these details anymore, not because they didn’t matter: but because that chapter will have been fully lived and fully closed. So now, I just let myself feel. This is just another wave. A stronger one. A different one. But it's still part of the process.

I pray that I continue to be guided and protected: by the universe, by God.

To make decisions in good faith,

To love in good faith, and

To live in good faith.

💞

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astronomy

Artemis II: Bringing Humans To the Moon and Back

April 12, 2026

The first 10 days of the month of April have been very surreal. I got to witness history in the making through Artemis II: NASA's mission to fly humans to the farthest point (doing a lunar flyby to the far side of the moon) and back to earth. The last time humans went to the moon was in 1972, and it's such a treat for the new generation of today to witness this huge milestone of space travel in their lifetime. For those 10 days, I have been watching updates of the mission everyday, and I felt like I was also in that spacecraft with the astronauts as they traveled to the moon and back to earth. 😁 It made me realize that my love for space is still within me, and it rekindled a passion that had been dormant inside for several years.

Let’s start with launch day. I actually watched the six-hour broadcast of the Artemis II launch day on YouTube. I think this was an effective way for me to get emotionally attached to this mission right from the start (LOL). I got to learn more about the life backgrounds of each of the four crew and I waited with the crowd as the anticipation of the take off slowly built up. I felt so emotional during the take-off that literal tears were flowing down my cheeks (😆). Yeah, I guess that was the tell-tale sign that okay, I'm going all-in for this mission.

It was during launch day that I met Rise, the cute plushie that would serve as the zero-gravity indicator during the Artemis II mission. It was designed by a third grader from California (how cool is that kid!) Instantly, I wanted one for myself. 😁

As the mission progressed, I got to learn about human space travel through the different content that I consumed online (the mission day highlights, press conferences, articles, and Instagram reels that appeared on my feed). I learned that there's a very diverse food menu in this mission. This was a surprise for me, because I had the idea that eating "space food" was not fun. Honestly, given that menu, it's not that bad at all.

They also had a lot of mission objectives! The crew wouldn't be bored at all in this mission. Every stage of the trip had a checklist of what to do and what to observe. I just can imagine the level of coordination that the Artemis II crew had to constantly do with Mission Control Center in Houston (MCC-H) in accomplishing these objectives, plus reporting any kind of problems that could arise inside the spacecraft.

The Artemis II crew followed a very organized schedule. Since they don't have a sense of day and night in the spacecraft, MCC-H served as their guide to their schedule. They play songs as wake-up calls for the crew (which they have selected themselves) to indicate the start of their day, and then they do a number of meetings with MCC-H reviewing the day's itinerary and coordinating live events with the media.

The space crew get reminded of their exercise schedules (amazing that they have exercise machines in the limited area of the spacecraft, but this is an important factor in space travel, else they will lose muscle mass), as well as eating and sleeping schedules. Since every item in that spacecraft was carefully curated and tracked, it's a normal protocol for the crew to ask help from MCC-H to locate items in the spacecraft. I particularly liked the one where Christina Hammock Koch was asking the MCC-H personnel to locate a lotion in the spacecraft.

As the mission progressed, everything seemed to go according to plan. So many things could have gone wrong, but they encountered only minor issues, and they were able to fix them in real time. As a software developer, I can imagine how difficult it would be to debug issues remotely. If it were a hardware issue requiring physical fixes, that would be even more challenging. I have immense respect for everyone involved in this mission. The level of coordination and orchestration of tasks between the teams from start to end of the mission is still something that my head cannot fathom. I want to learn more about this, especially now that I know that there are Artemis III & IV missions lined up in the future! Let's go and nerd out!🤓🚀

I really got amazed with the lot of complications involved in space travel (well, this time, it is rocket science, quite literally 🤣). One thing that was a highlight for me was the outbound trajectory correction burns (OTC) that they do during specific stages of the mission. I was really impressed when I learned that they had to cancel a scheduled OTC of the spacecraft for its travel to the moon because the actual trajectory was already accurate. The level of accuracy of this mission was so mind-blowing. 🤯

And we haven't even started with the images the crew has taken and sent back to earth. EVERYTHING WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I could just imagine the feeling of each of the astronauts as they saw the whole of the earth from above, especially Jeremy Hansen. It was his first time in space, and what a way to spend his debut space experience: straight to the moon! 🌕✨

Watching the Artemis II crew as the days of the mission passed, I truly felt that they were the best possible representations of humanity. Whenever I saw footage of them in media interviews during the mission, as well as the mission highlights, I can't help but feel so in awe of them. Aside from the fact that they are so smart and skilled, their auras felt so pure. I really saw in their eyes that child-like twinkle of happiness. Each of them really fulfilled their childhood dreams through this mission.

Also, can I just say that the men of this mission were so emotionally intelligent? One of the most touching moments of the mission was when one of the new observed craters was named after Carroll, Reid Wiseman's late wife. In that clip of them inside the craft during the lunar flyby observation stage, I saw two men get emotional and I couldn't help but cry with them. I think I always teared up watching this clip on Instagram. 🥲 I truly believe that it's healthy for men to show their emotions and I'm so glad this moment was witnessed by a lot of people around the world.

As of this writing, I’m still catching up on the post-splashdown press conferences and footage of the crew after getting back on earth. I am well aware that I have formed a parasocial relationship with them (😅), so I would be following their activities as they move on from this mission. 😁

Splashdown day finally came. As a non-NASA person, I felt like the reentry of the crew to the earth is one of the most delicate parts of the mission (same level as the launch). For me, the most scary part was the part of the reentry wherein the Orion spacecraft will go through the earth's atmosphere, with the heat shield, protecting the space crew inside, from the formation of heating plasma due to the friction of the atmosphere. The sequence of the splashdown happened during Saturday morning, local time. I was actually multi-tasking watching the NASA live coverage and working on my slides for my "Toastmaster of the Day" stint later that afternoon. Since I was the TOD, I had the authority to set the theme of our meeting. Well, guess what the theme was -- "Journey to the Moon", heavily inspired by this very mission. 😁

Switching between watching the splashdown live coverage and working on my TOD slides

From the atmosphere reentry and ocean touchdown, the duration of all of these stages would only happen in minutes, so it was very critical to monitor that everything was in good shape. As an audience, it was an intense moment for me. 😅

During reentry to the atmosphere, as the hot plasma builds up on the heat shield of the Orion spacecraft, there was an expected 6 minutes of loss of signal (LOS), meaning no audio communication and data gathering could be done during that time. When it happened, it was the longest 6 minutes of my life. 😅It was a peak intense moment as MCC-H waited for the comms to be reestablished again. Imagine being one of the crews' family members during this moment. 🥲 It was with a great sigh of relief when the comms were reestablished again after that grueling 6 minutes and the crew reported that they were still alive and in good shape. 😅

Artemis II Orion spacecraft with three good-looking parachutes deployed. This was the peak count of the YouTube live feed: 3 MILLION people watching!

When the parachutes got deployed and the spacecraft slowed down, I felt so amazed. Again, huge props to the teams involved. And when the aircraft splashed into the ocean, I couldn't help but clap. Out of joy. Out of relief. As what the NASA people mentioned during the post-splash down press conference, it was a textbook kind of landing. Everything worked as planned. 👏

Once again, immense respect to NASA and everyone behind this mission. They are incredible. I can only imagine the level of planning and coordination involved: especially among the engineers. Calculating trajectories, managing spacecraft systems, designing suits: everything had to work together seamlessly. And somehow, they made it look effortless.

Special shoutout to the MCC-H personnel who brought an Artemis plushie and was wearing a Sailormoon lanyard. You are a hero. 🫡

As much as I have gained a lot of scientific knowledge, there were also nuggets of wisdom earned from following the Artemis II mission.

This mission reminded me to also overthink the positive. We often prepare for what can go wrong: but what about what can go right?
Just like Orion spacecraft, we sometimes drift off course. But that’s part of the process. What matters is correcting our trajectory: those small adjustments that bring us back to our path. Even the spacecraft uses short OTC burns to stay on course. In the same way, it’s important for me to pause and ask: am I still heading toward the life I want?
Our childhood dreams inspire us to achieve great things in life, through passion and grit.
Seeing earth from space reminded me how small we are: and yet how meaningful this life can be. It brings me back to that childlike wonder I’ve always had.

Thank you, Artemis II. The mission was such an inspirational adventure for a lot of people in the world. For sure it was, for me.

This is just the beginning of human space exploration, and I hope to live long enough to see humans reach Mars. 👩‍🚀🚀✨

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books

Book Reads: The Reason for God (Timothy Keller) - Introduction

April 09, 2026

I want to try something new on the blog. It’s not entirely new, but it’s something I’ve been doing for some time now. Throughout the years, I’ve curated all the books I’ve read on this blog. This time, I would like to approach it differently. I will review books chapter by chapter, similar to how I experienced it with the Reddit Book Club (which I unfortunately lost consistency in 😅). However, I really enjoyed communicating with other readers and approaching the material in a deeper context. I believe this approach will work well for self-help books because they are rich in information and lessons. Each chapter contains valuable insights that require careful digestion.

The book that I chose to start this new format is "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller. It is one of the reference materials mentioned in one of our Alpha Series sessions. Through those sessions, I was introduced to great books related to religion. That's where I actually discovered C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity", which I finished reading last year but have not yet blogged about (it is already in the queue 😅).

I started reading "The Reason for God" a few weeks ago. Initially, I downloaded a sample on Kindle first to get a feel of the book. I liked what I read, and so after finishing the sample, I purchased it on Amazon. I have now completed rereading the Introduction part, and so these are my insights.

It was mentioned there that religion is the one that succeeds the triumvirate of race, gender, and class. And I agree with that. Religion is a powerful concept and force in humanity. Different religions can lead people to extremes, either toward great things or toward the worst things.

However, I am not entirely sure about the author’s observation that the world is becoming more religious and less religious simultaneously. I think I am more exposed to the side where the world is becoming less religious. Based on my observations of my friends, most of them are agnostic. I have only met a few who are very devout: either as practicing Catholics or as dedicated followers of their religion. This made me curious about how the book will expound on that statement.

I also like how the author described his journey in processing religion. He divided it into three barriers: the intellectual, the personal, and the social.

In my own life, I oscillate between the intellectual and the personal barriers. I have witnessed God do great things in my life: both in the smallest moments and in the grandest ones. However, there are still parts of my mind that want to understand religion in a logical way. Maybe that’s why I’m reading these books. I’m asking difficult questions, like the ones raised by the author. At the same time, I find myself questioning my own beliefs. I’ve often thought that no one religion is entirely right: but I want to challenge that idea. Why do I think that? If I consider myself as a Christian and believe the Bible is the source of truth, then that belief does not fully align with its teachings. This is an area where I feel confused, which is why I’m trying to study and explore different perspectives. I’m glad the author raised this issue on the onset. He mentioned that Christianity began to make more sense to him, and that he will expound on this throughout the book. I’m curious about how he arrived at the conclusion that Christianity is the one true religion.

On the personal barrier part, I am continuously rebuilding my relationship with God. I had been away for several years (more than a decade actually 😅), and only recently have I begun trying to reconnect with God/Creator/a higher being/Universe. By the way, I tend to use these terms interchangeably. I recognize that the term "god" can be tied closely to religion, while I sometimes prefer to describe this presence as the universe: the energy that sustains everything and keeps the world in motion. It’s difficult to fully articulate how I feel, but I know that I am still in the process of building that relationship with the Creator.

As for the third barrier, the social one, I am still searching. One of my guides right now are my friends in the Alpha series sessions. I’ve come to recognize the importance of having a community and people who can guide you as you grow in your faith. I’m open to learning about different religions because I’m curious about Buddhism and its teachings, as well as Christianity and Catholicism. I’m also fascinated by the social aspect of religion: how people come together, bond, and grow in faith as a community. This remains an ongoing journey for me.

Further more as I read the Introduction part (yes we are just in the beginning of the book 😆), it was also interesting when the author said that

"Three generations ago, most people inherited their religious beliefs rather than chose them."

I think this is true. From what I’ve observed in older generations compared to my own, people today seem to be more liberated when it comes to choosing a religion that aligns with their beliefs. I see this in my family and among my friends. People seem more empowered now to choose what resonates with them, rather than simply following the religion they were raised in. I see this as a positive shift because blindly following a belief is something that doesn’t appeal to me.

The author also mentioned that in the first half of the book, he will address the seven biggest objections and doubts about Christianity that he has encountered over the years. I appreciate how he lays out his arguments, and I’m curious about how he will develop them throughout the book.

Another passage also struck me:

"Achievements can ultimately feel unsatisfying, that human approval is fleeting, and that a life centered only on adventure can become a form of self-centeredness."

When I reflected on that, I realized that many of my own life experiences have been centered on myself, my comfort, my goals, my adventures. I now feel the desire to integrate my faith into that life. I’ve been "floating" in terms of my beliefs for more than a decade, and only recently have I felt redirected. I now recognize that religion, and spirituality, is an important part of my life. It’s something I once thought I could live without. I believed that being a good person was enough. But I’ve come to realize that there are forces greater than me in this life, and that I cannot face everything alone. I need guidance. I need something greater than myself to help me navigate life. I’ve come to accept that I will always return to my belief, especially in times of suffering. Even before, when I considered myself agnostic, I would still find myself turning to God in my lowest moments. That alone tells me something important about God's role in my life.

So now, I’ve reached a point where I can say that I need religion/spirituality in my life (are those terms interchangeable? I'm also not sure 😅). I need this connection. That’s why I’m on this journey, to move past the same three barriers the author described: the intellectual, the personal, and the social.

This is only the introduction of the book, and already I find myself reflecting deeply. I’m looking forward to seeing how those author's ideas unfold, and what new insights I’ll gain as I continue reading.
For now, this is my reflection on the introduction.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll follow along with me as I continue learning from this book. 🤓📚

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lessons

Live. Laugh. Love.

April 05, 2026

At the highest point of Indochina. It's windy up there.

The past several months feel like a blur. I didn’t realize it at first, but when someone pointed it out to me, I knew it was true. I feel like I’ve just been cruising through life with very little emotion. I don’t quite know how to describe it, but it feels like recently, I haven’t been fully invested in my own life.

As sad as it sounds, that’s my current reality. If life were food, I’d describe it as bland. I’m doing things just to keep myself going, not because I’m passionate about anything. Passion and inspiration feel muted. Every day feels like I’m on autopilot, like I’m only half-awake. Somewhere deep down, my subconscious knows this and wants to snap me out of it. That’s why I came up with this "timeline loop" mindset, to help me to cope to feel more alive and present.

I started focusing on systems. I’ve always loved to-do lists and the feeling of accomplishing tasks, but lately, I struggle to follow through. I wake up the next day feeling guilty, and because my motivation is low, I don’t get things done. Then the guilt carries over to the next day. It becomes a vicious cycle, one that continues to snowball, making me feel numb about everything.

Interestingly enough, people close to me seem to be going through the same exact thing. What is happening in the world? (😣) Some of my friends and I even joked about blaming it on the Mercury retrograde for all the emotional turbulence. But knowing I’m not alone in this somehow makes it easier.

Attending Alpha sessions were helping me. They help clear my mind and lift the fog. However, the effect doesn’t always last. After a few days, the fog returns, and I feel like a zombie again. 🧟‍♀️

Right now, though, as I'm writing this, I’m in a moment of clarity. So I’m taking this time to reflect.

One thing I’ve realized is that I know what I should be doing. When I talk to people, they’re relieved to hear that I understand what needs to change. But my struggle is the execution. There’s a gap between knowing something intellectually, versus actually taking it to heart and acting on it. That's the gap where I am currently struggling with.

I’ve also noticed that I have become very emotional. My tear ducts respond to even the smallest triggers. But I see this as a good sign. It means I’m releasing. There are still emotions stored within me, but I’m learning to process them better. Things that used to spiral me for hours or days now only affect me for minutes. That’s progress. That’s growth. 💓

Lately, I’ve also been feeling more contemplative with life (am I going through an existential crisis? 😅). I’m trying to step back and ask myself: why am I alive? What is my life's purpose? Why am I here? I recognize that this life, this body and all, is just something borrowed. And anytime, it can be returned back to the Universe, to the higher being that created me. And because of that, I have the understanding that I don’t need to overthink or take some things in life too seriously. As morbid as it sounds, we will all die anyway, right? 😁 I’m in my late 30s now. If the average human lifespan is in the late 70s, that gives me around 40 more years. But time moves so fast. We think we have all the time in the world, but before we know it, it's already the end. When I imagine myself on my deathbed, I don’t think I’ll care about the things I worry about today. What will matter are the love I gave, the love I received, and the memories I created.

That realization shifted my priorities.

I want to invest in experiences. I want to make time for the people who truly matter. I want to just go for it. Because at this stage in life, I’ve realized that the worst feeling I could have at the end is regret. And regret comes from not doing the things I wanted to do. That’s why I’ve been learning to release grudges. Not for others, but more for myself. I can’t control how people feel or act, but I can control my own energy. Letting go of negativity is how I take care of myself.

I truly believe that no love is ever wasted. Some experiences are painful, but looking back, I don’t have regrets. I did the best that I could with what I knew at the time. And I don’t blame myself for that. I’m actually tearing up while writing this (HUHU) because I’ve realized, while writing this, that many of the limiting negative beliefs I’ve had all my life were just stories my mind created. They are not true! The mind can play tricks, and it's good to have the tools to differentiate what makes sense versus what's being made up.

Also, I have to say that I deeply treasure the people who have stayed: those who check in, who show up, who care. Painful moments of my life have revealed something beautiful: the helpers. The people who show up for others, even while going through their own struggles. One person, in particular, shared her story with me. Her love story was one that I’ve admired for years. From the outside, it looked perfect. But hearing about the challenges she faced to protect her family made me realize that no love story is perfect. What matters is how we respond to what’s within our control. Listening to those stories had humbled me. These are things people don’t usually share, yet they trusted me with them. And through them, I realized that life is hard, but it can make you stronger. Because looking at them, they've been through those rough life experience, but here they are: stronger and better versions of themselves.

They reminded me that whatever I’m going through, this too shall pass.

Everything will be okay.

And to bring back my passion with life, that same friend asked: what did you love doing as a kid? And that question stayed with me. Because I think somewhere along the way, I lost joy in the things I used to love: music, concerts, K-dramas, K-pop. Slowly, quietly, that joy faded.

So now, I’m trying to find my way back.

I started by listing the things that make me happy. Simple things like talking to friends, connecting with new people through Toastmasters, spending time with my pets, listening to podcasts, attending Alpha sessions. I’m reconnecting with old interests, like astronomy. I’m taking steps to be more active in the community I joined recently. I’ve stopped waiting for people to join me before doing the things I want. Some of the best experiences come from doing things alone. I reminded myself: if fear is the only thing holding me back, then it’s probably something worth doing.

After all, I’ve done brave things before.

I traveled solo to Japan for the first time (and getting a tattoo!).

I joined a retreat during the pandemic.

I signed up for open water swimming without knowing anyone (even jumping off a cliff!).

I even taught myself how to ride a bike.

I’ve done hard things. Brave things. And somewhere along the way, I forgot that. But writing this now reminds me: I am capable. It really helps to be your own best friend: to cheer yourself on, to believe that everything will be okay. Because it will be.

This blog post feels like a love letter to myself. A reminder of who I am and what I’m capable of. 💓

I’ve been blogging for over ten years. I’ve stayed consistent in my own way. I’ve taken care of my health and gotten stronger. I’ve built habits: even small ones, like maintaining a Duolingo streak. I’ve grown in Toastmasters, found my voice, and stepped into leadership. These things matter. I should give myself credit for that.

I also believe that the Universe/God/a higher power has allowed these challenges to come to me because I am ready for them. Because I can handle them. And that, in itself, is enough. I believe in God’s perfect timing. Looking back, I can see how everything has unfolded the way it was meant to. And I trust that the future is unfolding too. So I don’t need to worry too much. I just need to focus on what I can control, cherish the people around me, and trust that everything will be okay. Because it will.

I will keep living. Keep loving. Keep showing up. This is a borrowed life, so I don’t need to take it too seriously.

So go ahead, Kath.

Live. Laugh. Love.

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places

Vietnam 2026: Day 2 ~ Cat Cat Village + Alpine Coaster + Moana Cafe Tour

April 04, 2026

The second day of our stay in Sapa had a planned itinerary, through a half-day tour we booked via Klook. Our call time was a bit early (8 AM). Thanks to my well-researched friends, we got a tour with a pickup point just a walking distance from our hotel. 😁

I think I wasn't able to sleep that well last night. I was one of the last people to go to sleep, but still I was the first one to wake up in the morning. 😅 I really needed my coffee for the day.

We were able to get our complimentary breakfast from our hotel, which served a variety of choices. I’m glad there were vegetables, fruits, and coffee. Vietnamese coffee is not served with sugar, they use condensed milk instead, which I got to like.

One of the things I enjoy about traveling with my friends is that we always distribute and assign tasks. One person books the flights, another handles accommodation. Whoever is assigned a task is also in charge of it during the trip. I was assigned to book the activities in Sapa, including this Klook tour, so it was automatic that I was the one that will lead the group for this day. I became the point of contact for our tour guide. Good thing, it was easy to contact our local guide. I added her on WhatsApp, and we were able to meet and locate each other easily.

Ready for day two! Wohoo!

Our meeting place was at Sa Pa Stone Church, which with just the looks of it, has a lot of history in it, and apparently it was built during the French colonial period in Vietnam (1900s). Since it was a Sunday, I think mass was just about to start when we got there. It has become a practice for me during recent trips to visit a church whenever I can. Since we still had time waiting for the other people in the tour, we visited the inside of the church. It was nice to take a moment for a quick prayer, before starting our day.

The beautiful Sa Pa church, also known as the Holy Rosary Church

We waited for a bit, and after a few minutes, we were called by our tour guide to join a van with the other groups included in that same tour.

Destination #1: Cat Cat Village

Our first stop in the itinerary was Cat Cat Village. It was just a few minutes’ ride from our pickup point, and along the way, we got a glimpse of the rice terraces of the Sapa mountains. It was so beautiful! Since it was still early morning, the weather was still cool, and we were able to see a sea of clouds enveloping the mountains. 😍 I also spotted a restaurant down below, which I would later discover was Moana Café, one of our stops for the day.

Initially, I thought this village was full of cats (😹), but apparently "Cat Cat" is the name of the ethnic group that settles here. It was a traditional village full of things to see, like the traditional houses, costumes, and the culture itself. Visitors come to experience this culturally rich place.

And so, this was where we had an organic encounter with a fellow Filipino traveler. Well, a little background story. Since I was the point-of-contact for our group on our tour, I was the one who received the email for the tour info, including the contact details of our tour guide. Interestingly, the organizer might have just copy-pasted the name, because I was addressed in a different name (a male's name) in the email. Turned out, this name belonged to this guy who we got to meet during the tour! One of my friends got to sit beside him in the van, and immediately did small talk (like he always does during travels haha he's such a social butterfly 🦋✨). When we got off the van and arrived in Cat Cat village, our friend, naturally, introduced him to the group. Maybe because of Toastmasters training, I was so game to do small talk. And this guy turned out to be a nice person (my first impression, at least 😂).

I somehow felt my friends were not 100% in the mood to entertain strangers, so I ended up as the sacrificial offering (LOL) for this social situation. There was even that moment wherein all four of them went to the CR at the same time, and so I ended up being in entertainer mode for this new friend. But all's well that ends well (hahaha thank you, Toastmasters, it was just like a Table Topics session). I want to believe I established good rapport with our new friend. 😁

Destination #1A: Rainbow Slide

Inside the Cat Cat village is this attraction called "Rainbow Slide" wherein you sit in an inflatable tube and slide down a sloped route. It was an optional part of the tour, but of course we were all in, so we availed of it. This was something that my friends saw on TikTok that they got interested in. And of course, I had to join them (because majority wins LOLOL).

The power of six! This was us (with our new friend!) before riding the rainbow slide

Here we are assembling for our Rainbow Slide ride

Since there were five of us in the group, we split into two batches, three and two, because we couldn’t all go at once. There was also an option to have a drone video taken, which, of course, costs extra. My friend and I had an inside joke about not availing the turtle videos during our trip to Apo Island two years ago, and we always regretted that. So we told ourselves that moving forward, we would splurge more during our travels. Because of that, we didn’t hesitate to add the drone option for our Rainbow Slide experience.

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A post shared by 카트 (@katalinarosario)

And honestly, it was worth every penny. It’s one of those experiences that will stay in our memories forever. We laugh every time we replay the video, and that shared joy is priceless. If there’s one lesson I can share, it’s this: when you travel, budget a little extra for experiences. You don’t have to hold back too much. YOU DESERVE IT! Go ahead and splurge a little, and don’t feel guilty about it.

Destination #1B: Into Cat Cat Village Itself

After that adrenaline-filled start, we continued walking down Cat Cat Village. This was where we really got to see the beauty of the place and the cultural life of the indigenous community. Of course, we took our time taking photos.

There was also a beautiful waterfall below. Lots of people were in costume, which was available for rent. Our new friend actually rented a costume, and so we supported him in taking his photos. 😁 There were lots of things to see in the village, lots of photo-worthy spots. We took our time to look around, and of course to snap some more shots! 📸

Mirror selfie!

There was also an area wherein local performers were holding a cultural show. We spent some time watching. At one point, we were playfully adding our own "subtitles" while people-watching.

There was also a part in the tour wherein our guide was introducing us to the houses of the locals in there. And then they offered us to try their locally-made wine. I actually loved it! It tasted like sweet alcohol. Our tour guide warned us not to drink too much because we might feel too happy afterwards. 😂

Here I am, caught in the act of drinking from their wooden shot glasses.

It was in Cat Cat village that I bought my new bag, which is now my default bag when I go out. I’m so happy I got this as a souvenir from Vietnam. Someone once told me to level-up my travel souvenirs. I used to just collect ref magnets and T-shirts (mostly for my dad), but now I’m exploring items like bags and fashion accessories (like earrings, necklace or bracelets) as souvenirs for my travels. This might be the start of that shift. 😁

The bag was available in several shops around Sapa and even Hanoi. Later that evening, my friends commented to me that they were proud to see me buying stuff for myself. Because I was not like this before. They've seen how I buy stuff, mostly, for my folks back home, during our past travels (specifically in the US and Japan). I distinctly remember during a US business trip, I bought Kate Spade wallets for my sister, sisters-in-law, and niece. They were so happy, and even reluctant to receive it, because they're not used to getting designer stuff. Guess what, I didn't buy one for myself. Now I look back and ask myself -- why??? My thinking process back then was: I was already blessed enough to travel and experience this wonderful stuff first-hand. The least I can do for my family is to buy stuff for them. But apparently, I was forgetting myself. I deserve souvenirs myself. I deserve buying things for myself during travels. So yeah, that was a pattern I'm starting to unlearn. 😊

And that was our tour in the village! Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Cat Cat Village. There was so much to see, even though we had limited time because it was a guided tour. I would have stayed longer, if possible. I had so much fun!

Destination #2: Alphine Coaster

Our next adventure was the Alphine Coaster ride. Buying that bag turned out to be a good decision, because my friend got to borrow my Anello bag because apparently bulky bags were not permitted in the Alphine coaster.

In line for the coaster tickets. And there's the Anello bag, with its new owner. 😁

We purchased for the two-rounds ride. This was another adrenaline-rich ride. 😂 I didn't have much photos while on the ride because it was highly likely that my phone would have flown off my hands during the ride.

During the first loop, I was scared, so I controlled the brakes most of the time. But on the second run, my friends encouraged me to let go and just enjoy it. Even the staff noticed it was my second round and told me to go for it, no brakes needed. At the last minute, before taking off for the second round, I decided to yes, go for it. AND I BRAVED IT. It was more fun when I just let go and let gravity take over.

And somehow, I realized that this reflected how I approach life. I tend to hesitate when trying new things because I’m afraid of failing. But I just had to trust the process. The ride was designed to be safe. And I could enjoy it fully if I just let go. And I did. Through my friends' encouragement (and that cute male staff, who actually held my hand while doing the demo of the brakes HAHAHA), I did it. This was such a wonderful realization through that coaster ride. 😍

Happy kids (at heart), drenched in adrenaline. 😆

Destination #3: Moana Café

After that, we headed to Moana Café as our next destination. Moana Café is also known for its scenic views and photo spots. But first, we had a quick coffee break!

I usually don’t like sweet coffee (I now prefer café lattes) but during this Vietnam trip, I found myself really enjoying the sweeter blends. I'M IN LOVE WITH THEIR COFFEE! ☕

Thanks to my friend who brought a tripod, we braved the afternoon sun and took photos at different spots. I’m really thankful to have friends who support each other’s solo shots. We all had our own poses and little gimmicks. Even the other tourists in line were supportive of our mini photoshoot.

And that was the end of our Klook tour! We had to apologize to our tour guide because our group was one of the last groups (or was the last one, I think?) to go back to our van. We got too caught up with taking photos. 😂There were still a lot of scenic spots there, but because of the limited time, we weren't able to snap photos with all of them. Oh well, at least we got to have great photos, and we really enjoyed taking each of them. 😁

~END OF TOUR~

We were dropped off on the same spot -- Sa Pa Church. Since we haven't had a proper lunch yet, we went to a nearby restaurant (the one recommended by our travel guide) for some traditional Vietnamese food.

They didn't have a menu in English so we had to use Google Translate to understand the menu. We were already famished, and we had a hard time deciding what to order, so we just asked the staff for their best seller. And these were what they recommended (apparently the restaurant's specialty was hotpots but we were not in the mood for a hot meal, so these were what he advised us to order).

I liked that dish with the yellow and violet rice crispies , served with pork bits in bamboo. Interestingly, there was no rice, which worked for me since I seldom eat rice (a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet routine). But we were famished, so we ended up making two orders of that rice crispies meal. But still, it was not enough to satisfy us.

After that meal, we headed out to get some bánh mì! 😂

This was our first bánh mì also, here in Vietnam. I love all the spices, even the cilantro, pickled radish, and cucumber. I noticed they always ask if they want them added (because some people don't eat them). But for me I don't have qualms with that. I always said: go add them all to my bread! 😆

It was a huge bread, which I ended up sharing with my friend (who also doesn't have a problem with cilantro).

After eating the half bánh mì, our bellies still had space for more (😆), so we crossed the street towards a milk tea house. I didn’t get milk tea, though. I went for their fruity variant (the one with lemon).

By this time, our group was already tired. Our new friend (who was several years young LOL) still had energy to go for a massage. But our group needed our nap, so we separated ways. 😁 After a quick nap, we went out again in the early evening to find dinner. We ended up having hot pot, which we were craving for, in one of the nearby restaurants from our hotel.

It was a perfect meal for me: a heartwarming broth soup with seafood and veggies. 😋

And of course, we still had space for dessert! We found a cute bakery, got some coffee, and I picked up some bread to take as a packed meal for the next day.

Speaking of the next day, it would be a full-packed one, because we would be going to Fansipan! That will be on the next post. ✨

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Pages

Movie Review: Obsession

Blue Moon

Goodbyes

Toastmasters District 75: The Speech Contest

Closing The Loop

Artemis II: Bringing Humans To the Moon and Back

Book Reads: The Reason for God (Timothy Keller) - Introduction

Live. Laugh. Love.