the sleepy head

Work From Home Essentials: AI Tools

Elbert Maceda — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:40:28 +0000

Since my one-year free Perplexity Pro is about to end (thanks, PayPal!), I'm keeping an eye out for a new, efficient AI tool for my personal projects. If you're like me—searching for one that fits both personal moments and work flows— I've scoured the web (thanks, Perplexity) to find the best LLM for your routine.

Working from home is no easy job, especially at times when we need answers quick and urgent. There's no officemate to tap on the shoulder, no IT guy down the hall, and no one to quickly bounce ideas off of. It's just you, your screen, and the pressure of a deadline quietly ticking in the background. That's where a good AI tool stops being a luxury and starts feeling like a quiet, reliable companion sitting right beside you at your desk.

Here’s how each one can bring a little ease and clarity to your day.

ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini
Claude

Core strengths of each LLMs

To save you time, here are the key differences among each LLMs, removing Gemini from the equation because, well, I kinda don’t like it much and I’m kinda sure that you don’t, too.

Tool	Best at	Weak spots/tradeoffs
Perplexity	Current info, live web search, research summaries with citations, “Google + analyst in one”	Less tuned for long-form creative writing and complex multi-step drafting
ChatGPT	General chatbot, creative writing, coding, step‑by‑step reasoning, multimodal (voice, images)	Web results and citations are not its primary design; can be weaker for rigorous research compared to Perplexity
Claude	Careful reasoning, long-document digestion, “space to think” analysis	Weaker for real-time web research; some workflows slower than ChatGPT; you don’t currently have it

ChatGPT

ChatGPT, from OpenAI, is like that reliable friend who listens to your ideas and helps turn them into emails, plans, or even code—handling text, images, and more.

I have a ChatGPT Business account courtesy of work so I cant really use it for any of my personal projects or queries but I am completely dependent with it during work hours. I can confidently say that I am well-versed of its standard responses and even mistakes.

Why it fits your WFH flow

It's so versatile for those quiet brainstorming moments or drafting client replies when you're sipping coffee alone
The custom setups let you build little helpers for your routine tasks, making solo work feel a touch more connected.
Strong at deeper thinking, which helps when you're piecing together big projects from your home setup.
Its responses are pretty fast compared to most LLMs I used.

CONS

Sometimes it guesses wrong on facts, so you double-check to keep things honest in your work. You gotta probe and ask follow-up questions; even challenge its responses.
The best parts often need a subscription, which is worth it if you're in it daily but gentle on the budget otherwise.

Perplexity

I have been with Perplexity for months now and I love every bit of it. Perplexity is your research buddy you can chat with while pulling fresh info from the web. It always shares its sources and ensures that there’s context to what it shows.

What I love about it is its seamless integration with Comet, its web browser where you can search for anything with realtime citations and sources. It is so powerful it can help you sort your emails, provide feedback on literally anything that’s on the browser with its Assistant. It is very handy I must say.

Why it fits your WFH flow

Perfect for digging into topics without leaving your cozy spot, like finding remote job tips or market updates with real sources.
It can summarize articles or even sketch simple charts, easing that overwhelm of endless tabs during focused hours.
The assistant side handles small steps like looking up spots or ideas, adding a bit of ease to your independent routine.
CONS
Shines brightest on facts and searches; for pure creative sparks, you might reach for something else.
Relies on the internet, so spotty home WiFi could slow the gentle pace.

Gemini

Gemini is Google's all-senses AI—text, pictures, sound—that lives right in your Google apps for everyday creating. I barely use it for regular queries because I find its responses too slow. But since Gemini is built in on Google Workspace, it’s super handy! You can ask it to summarise data on Google Sheets or ask for the formula you forgot.

Work also provides me with Google Workspace which unlocks every feature there is so I have a good grasp of how Gemini works.

Why it fits your WFH flow

If Google Docs or Sheets are your daily companions, it slips in seamlessly to tweak notes or analyze data without switching apps.
Handles visuals like feedback on your slides or quick image ideas, bringing a hopeful lift to content creation at home.
Feels like an extension of tools you already trust, fostering that sense of flow in your remote setup.
Veo and Imagen are great AI video and image generator!
CONS
Truly blooms if you're all-in on Google Workspace and premium; otherwise, can be a bit limited, and might not feel as personal.
Responses can vary, and top power might need the paid layer.

CLAUDE

Claude, by Anthropic, is a careful conversational AI that prioritizes being helpful and honest, great for writing and thinking deeply. Even though I haven’t tried using Claude yet, I am very excited about using it. I have a good understanding of what it can do and how much it can help me, especially that I am dedicating this year to finally work on my personal projects.

Why it fits your WFH flow

Excels at crafting thoughtful pieces—like blog drafts or strategies—that feel meaningful in your quiet workspace.
Manages big files or code patiently, and some versions even guide simple automations on your screen.
Its honest, safe style helps when you're working on personal or team topics that matter.
CONS
A bit more reserved creatively, which suits steady work but not wild brainstorming.
Might lag on super-fresh news without web pulls, and access varies by spot.

TODAY’S WORKSPACE

Writing from Latei

I seem to have so much time this weekend that my brain decided it wants to write about the different AI tools that I think are relevant for our daily personal and work lives. We had two plates of cheese sticks and a glass each of Matcha latte and Spanish latte which I missed.

I have not been out much lately so it makes these visits pretty special. It makes me appreciate the full glass of Spanish latte every sip.

_____________________________________________________________________

WHAT’S NEXT?

In the next few weeks or so, I should be able to decide which LLM to invest in — leaning toward either Perplexity or Claude. Once I do, I'm hoping it will finally give me the push I need to work on my 7-year manuscript.

Yes, seven years.

It's been sitting quietly in a folder, patient and waiting, stuck at 30,000 words after my initial edit. The goal is 50,000 — a bit ambitious, I know — but I'm hopeful that my energy for this year will make that stretch feel a little less intimidating and a whole lot more doable.

Because sometimes, all you need is the right attitude to turn a long-overdue dream into something you actually sit down and finish.

The real work begins.

Do you want to talk about something else? Reply with what you want to know and I’ll write it down for you!

Freedom Starts Here: A Beginner’s Guide to Remote Work

Elbert Maceda — Sat, 31 May 2025 12:13:36 +0000

TL;DR: Remote work offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build a life without having to adjust and move your entire life around work.

Get on with the juicy parts here:

🧭 START WITH YOUR WHY
🛤 CHOOSE YOUR REMOTE PATH
🛠 SET YOURSELF UP
📄GET REMOTE RESUME + ONLINE PRESENCE READY
🌐KNOW WHERE TO LOOK (JOB BOARDS)
🧪START SMALL
🧡 ONE LAST THING

🧭 Start With Your Why

Before diving into job boards or productivity hacks, ask yourself:

Why do I want to work remotely? Is it about escaping a commute? Spending more time with family? Earning more? Working while traveling?

Knowing your "why" gives you direction — and helps filter out paths that look good on the surface but don’t support the life you want to build.

When I was starting, I had always imagined myself working by the beach or from a mountainside with a stunning view. I always knew what I wanted to happen and why I wanted remote work instead of an on-site corporate job. A few years of working remotely, I have been able to do all the things I imagined myself doing, and more:

✅Work on the bus
✅Work on the plane
✅Work in the airport
✅Work in coffee shops
✅Work by the beach
✅Work in the car
✅Work whilst travelling
✅Work with a mountain view

🛤 Choose Your Remote Path

Remote work isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got options:

Full-time employee:

Work for a company with a remote or remote-first culture. Full-time employees get structure, salary and government-mandated benefits. Whilst this is great, there are only a handful of businesses in the country that offer a complete work-from-home setup. Philippine-based companies usually provide a hybrid work setup, but that’s not really what what we want.

Meanwhile, working full-time for overseas businesses and clients does not provide government-mandated benefits, as they are entities outside the country. They are not compelled to follow Philippine labor laws. It means that it is less secure but pays more.

However, there are a few agencies based in the Philippines that offer full remote work, which will be covered in the next issue.

Freelancer or Contractor:

One of the most accessible paths into remote work is going solo as a freelancer or contractor.

If you’ve got a marketable skill (writing, design, marketing, development, project management, or even strategic thinking), there’s a good chance you can package that expertise and offer it directly to clients without ever stepping into an office.

There are distinctions between a freelancer and a contractor:

A freelancer is more flexible and usually project-based. They juggle multiple clients, choose their own hours, and have a high level of autonomy. Freelancers tend to work independently, offering services like writing, design, development, or consulting. They're hired to deliver outcomes.

In remote work, freelancers are often used for overflow work, creative projects, virtual assistants, or specialised admin tasks where full-time staff aren’t required.

A contractor is typically brought in on a fixed-term basis to fill a defined role within a company. They may be remote, but their setup often mirrors that of an employee. They work on set hours, attend team meetings, and are accountable to a manager. Contractors usually work with one client at a time and may be under contract for months or even years. The relationship is more formal and structured.

In remote work, contractors are often indistinguishable from full-time staff in terms of day-to-day involvement. They are usually in a contractual agreement, rather than a regular binding employment contract. This is common in tech, marketing, and customer support roles.

Remote founder:

Build your own thing — product, service, newsletter, e-commerce shop, or agency. High risk, high reward. But it’s not really for most people who are starting up. It’s great when you have already built your path. But it can be too much work if you have just carved out your own path. It is worth considering, though, especially if you want to delve more into selling products.

Each path has different challenges and different freedoms. You don’t have to choose forever, just choose where you want to start.

🛠 Set Yourself Up (Even Before You Land the Role)

Even if you don’t have a remote job yet, you can start preparing by acquiring the necessary devices to start your journey. For starters, you can:

Create a quiet, intentional workspace (even if it’s just a corner). You should have a dedicated space in your house, even in your bedroom, that screams productivity every time you sit down or even look at it.
Get a reliable internet connection (non-negotiable). Your existing home internet should work fine, but it should have a minimum speed of 50 mbps.
Get a good device for work. Your existing laptop should work as long as it runs smooth with different Google Workspace platforms, basic Microsoft Office apps, or browsers like Chrome or Edge.
Familiarise yourself with remote tools like Slack, Notion, Zoom, Google Workspace, and project mangement softwares like Monday, Trello, Hubspot, and more
Practice managing your own time without someone watching. This can be a bit challenging at first. Having all the time in your hands can feel incredibly liberating, but it can also lead to a frantic scramble to make up for the hours you think you "wasted." It gets better as time goes on.

I will write more about remote work essentials in the next issue!

📄 Get Your Remote Resume + Online Presence Ready

Remote-friendly employers look for people who can collaborate across distance. Your online presence is necessary to provide trust signals to your prospect clients about your work ethic. There are a few ways to do this:

Resume: add "remote" where relevant (e.g. Marketing Manager, Remote – 2023 to Present). Tailor your resume for remote work jobs.
LinkedIn: update your LinkedIn profile with your past and current work experiences. Show that you can work independently, communicate clearly, and be proactive at work.
Portfolio or bio: position yourself as someone who thrives remotely, not just tolerates it. Highlight projects that showcase your technical, analytical, communication skills, and more, relevant for remote work.

🌐 Know Where to Look

Ready to explore the world of remote jobs? These platforms are a great place to start if you want to browse a range of available remote jobs, whether you are looking for full-time roles or freelance gigs. From general job boards to remote-specific sites and niche listings, here’s where you can begin your search:

🇵🇭 General Job Boards

JobStreet Philippines – One of the most widely used platforms for both local and international roles.
Kalibrr – Tech-forward platform popular with startups and younger professionals. Offers a streamlined application process and skills-matching features.
Indeed Philippines – Global reach with a localised version for Philippine-based roles.
LinkedIn Jobs – Widely used by professionals in urban areas and by recruiters for both corporate and digital roles.
WorkAbroad.ph – Specialised in overseas employment for Filipinos.

🧑‍💻 Freelance & Remote Work

OnlineJobs.ph – Focused on remote work for Filipino virtual assistants, marketers, and tech professionals.
Upwork – Popular global freelancing platform with strong uptake among Filipinos.
Freelancer.ph – Localised version of Freelancer.com, suited for short-term or project-based work.

💼 Niche or Industry-Specific Boards

Bossjob – Focused on white-collar, digital, and tech jobs. Uses AI to match jobs with applicants.
BestJobs Philippines – General employment site but strong in clerical and administrative roles.
Jobayan – A smaller, user-friendly platform that caters to both local and remote jobs.

Personal favorite: LinkedIn for more jobs in digital agencies, and OnlineJobs for more direct to clients remote jobs.

🧪 Start Small

You don’t need to quit your job tomorrow. Start by freelancing for one client. Or writing one case study. Or even taking volunteer gigs that have to do with marketing, designing, writing, or social media. Test what works for you. Experiment. Let it be messy.

Building your network also helps. Know the people who have been in the industry for a long time, or find the people who are also transitioning to remote work. It’s all about researching, gaining more knowledge in the industry, and creating your own experiences.

Five years ago, I started freelancing whilst I had a full-time corporate job. I was ghostwriting for different clients. My writing stints were a small-time job with very small pay, but they opened a whole range of possibilities and experiences. I wrote blogs, content articles until I found my way into a volunteer organisation and helped their marketing team. I was exposed to various CRMs and clients, and finally got around the digital marketing industry. Experience is key.

🧡 One Last Thing

Remote work is not only about the job itself and the money that comes with it. It’s about crafting a life that makes room for everything else — slow mornings, dog walks, movie nights, workouts, travel, unhurried breaks, time with your people, and moments with family.

If these things These things can be achieved by working remotely You can begin slowly. Quietly. Deliberately. Off the beaten track.

TODAY’S WORKSPACE

Weekend Writings

My current workspace situation is a bit peaceful sans Peewee poking on the table and the usual workday workload. Today is about crafting this email and being intentional about what I want to do. Slow Saturdays mean there’s more space to be creative and expressive.

_____________________________________________________________________

Are you ready to take on your next remote work? Share your thoughts and reply with what you want to know — I’ll write it down for you!

Life Lately...

Elbert Maceda — Thu, 29 May 2025 07:44:56 +0000

TL;DR: I've had too much time lately but still can’t seem to catch up with everyone, so the first thing I’m doing is reignite this newsletter to give you updates on work, industry trends, travel and tech lol I wish. This issue is a fresh start for the year… 5 months late.

This slow newsletter is about working and living at the same time. No work-life balance — just life balance, where you make work work for you.

Jump right at the juicy parts!

AT HOME
AT WORK
AT PROJECTS
AT WHAT’S NEXT
TRAVELS LATELY

AT HOME

I recently posted on my socials about how home makes me feel like I’m in a perpetual state of downtime despite the workdays.

While days usually go longer from where I am, there’s peace in actually letting things go very slowly. 🐢

I work during the entire day and walk Peewee right after. It’s been a routine at home, a complete opposite of what I used to do back in Baguio and Siquijor a couple of months ago!

Peewee wearing a black and white checkered dress with earclip is cutesy, ready to head out after a whole day of napping.

One of the most climactic things that happened at home very recently was when my aunts decided to finally harvest the fish they had been growing in the family pond. They had been rearing bangus (milkfish) and tilapia — both are freshwater fishes commonly farmed. They also caught a lot of crabs, albeit we didn’t grow them — they usually crawled from nearby ponds for food and whatever crab mentality they had. We had shrimps, but they were very small; they were only good for consumption.

As someone who works with data, numbers, and sheets, my contribution to this harvest was accounting for how much we lost, which was quite expected because we had to overhaul the entire area to make it livable for fishes — probs more or less than 600-sqm fishpond. So it’s a bit costly to work up. My aunts have expensive hobbies lately.

My cousin, manning the fort, they say.

Snaps of the fresh catch of Bangus or what’s left of them

Instagram post

Before the harvest, my aunts regularly visit the pond almost every Sunday to chill. They built a hut and made it their usual Sunday hangout place. Meanwhile, I occasionally visit to bring Peewee and her daddy along when they are up for it. Three months later, the aunts finally reaped what they sowed. The good thing about this harvest is that we made a few notes to ensure the next is going to be another fruitful one, or even better.

AT WORK!

Work has been really chill lately due to changes in the lead gen system the business has in place. This has given me a lot of time back to slow down and be more creative.

There are changes in productivity suites as well — we’re moving from Microsoft Office to Google Workspace. Communications is also going to be moved to Slack — which I think is a very chic way to go. It’s less corporate and more modern. This is the first major change I’m going to experience during my almost two-year tenure.

TODAY’S WORKSPACE

Live From Home

My current workstation situation: Peewee has decided to stand on my desk, fervently watching the door. Behind it are the cats she wants to chase and leap onto. To keep her from getting too restless, I have to put her on my lap — which also means she’s going to take over my desk.

Now, it’s just a regular workday.

_____________________________________________________________________

AT PROJECTS!

I am finally working on some of the projects I said I was doing. One of which is my portfolio — currently in progress, but I am finally getting somewhere. I am thinking of redirecting my domain to my porfolio, but I’m a bit conflicted because it looks… sad lol.

Although Canva has a good website builder from scratch, I don’t have an eye for design haha hence the crappy aesthetic or the lack thereof. Content-wise, it’s packed.

Furthermore, I have a few content articles in the pipe that can be helpful for people in the remote work industry.

Having worked in the industry for 5 years now, I have a good grasp of the necessary things to do in both freelancing and/or contractor jobs. (Don’t know the difference? I’ll talk about those and more in the next few issues.)

WHAT’S NEXT?

Next month is going to be very exciting! My first cousin is going to get married next weekend in Bohol. It means that all of my cousins will be there and we’ll have a quick reunion. I haven’t been to Bohol in years, so it is going to be another fun-filled adventure. I am excited about going to the beach again after a month at home. My tan is fading. I need to get burned again. 🏖️

Right after Bohol, I am going to head back to Cebu for my regular checkups and catch up with some friends who want to meet me. Meanwhile, Raffy is going to start processing his visa for Spain.

And in the midst of all these errands and travels, I will keep writing more content about remote work. The first issue would probably be about how to start being one if you’re planning to jump ship and leap into the world of remote work.

TRAVELS LATELY

VIGAN

Instagram post

BAGUIO

Instagram post

SAGADA

Instagram post

ILOCOS NORTE

Instagram post

LAOAG

Instagram post

SIQUIJOR

Instagram post

Help me keep sharing real stories — reply with what you want to know and I’ll write it down for you!

I am not my past

Elbert Maceda — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:03 +0000

AI-generated graphics: A man standing between his past struggles and hopeful future.

Yesterday, Sunday, I woke up around 9 AM, greeted by the warmth of the morning sun streaming through my window and the familiar sound of Sunday songs echoing from the living room downstairs. As I lay in bed, I reached for my phone and began scrolling through my Facebook timeline. One post, in particular, caught my attention—a story about how our past does not define our future.

The post featured a black-and-white photo taken under the Quirino LRT station overpass, accompanied by a brief caption about the author’s experience with homelessness. They shared how they once lived beneath that overpass with only a folding bed and a bag of clothes. Today, they are highly successful figures in their industry, helping corporations grow and coaching individuals to succeed. They’ve built a loving family and achieved remarkable professional success. In the post, they wrote, “We remind ourselves of our past not to feel pity, but to know we’ve come a long way.”

This post resonated deeply with me, not because I experienced homelessness, but because it reaffirmed my belief that my past does not define me. My past does not dictate my future; instead, it serves as a foundation for learning and growth.

Eight years ago, when I was 25, I believed I was living my best life. I felt accomplished and thrived in a routine that I thought I loved. I had moved to a big city, worked in offices I admired, and surrounded myself with people I adored. I was coaching, training, learning, and loving life. I believed I had everything figured out and that I was on the path to the life I had always envisioned. I thought it was all set in stone.

But three years later, everything fell apart. I lost everything I had worked so hard to build because I wasn’t ready for the challenges that came with it. I was emotionally unstable, too young, and too forceful in my pursuit of what I wanted. I was so focused on achieving my goals that I failed to understand the consequences of my actions. Had I been more emotionally stable, I might have excelled and done better.

Looking back, I realize that if I had known better, I would have chosen a different path. I would have been more soft, caring, empathetic, and more visionary. If I had been this aware before, I would have chosen a path that put people first. If only I were better, I would have been less destructive.

But the good news is that my past does not define my present. Today, I am emotionally stable and mentally prepared for the challenges that come my way.

When we learn from the lessons of the past, we grow. We look back and recognize our mistakes, which motivates us to make things right. What we do today holds immense importance because it shapes our future.

My early 30s have taught me to be more contemplative. I now understand that learning from the past is essential, but what truly matters is how we use those lessons to build a better future.

With all its triumphs and failures, the past is a stepping stone, not a destination. It is a place we visit to gather wisdom, not a place to reside. Our experiences, no matter how difficult, are opportunities for growth. Today, I choose to embrace the lessons of my past while focusing on the possibilities of my future. I am not my past, but the person I am becoming because of it. The journey forward is not defined by where I’ve been, but by where I choose to go.

I Can Finally See Myself in The Future

Elbert Maceda — Sun, 19 May 2024 17:14:58 +0000

Hey there!

I hope you’re doing well and that everything is going smoothly in your life. I hope there are exciting things happening for you, as they give us something to look forward to.

But if things are a bit slow for you, I hope you’re okay with that too. I hope you’re okay with the boredom, the routine, and the steadiness of life. Even though it might seem boring, it’s all part of the journey.

I’m having one of those nights where I feel sorry for myself for just being me. I think I’m going through an existential crisis after a random Sunday night with my cousins.

Instagram post

After hanging out with some friends at the coffee shop, I ran into my cousins at the night market. It’s not like we don’t see each other a lot, but moments like this make me realize that I might spend the rest of my life being the third or fifth wheel with my cousins simply because I have nothing else going on and I’m fun to be with, lol.

I’m starting to get used to the idea that I might end up taking care of their kids at some point and try to be the coolest uncle in the whole family. I’m also fine with being present at all our family gatherings, their in-laws, and their extended family parties—I’ll be there, always. Where else would I be, right? Maybe out with my friends.

So, it seems like my cousins are stuck with me, or maybe I’m the one who’s stuck with them. Who knows?

May The 4th Be With You (Even If It's Already The 5th)

Elbert Maceda — Sun, 05 May 2024 10:08:07 +0000

What I like (and hate) about riding the ferry to and from home is the amount of free time I get the entire evening, especially when there is no data and no books to read while I’m still sugar-high from all the coke I drank a couple of hours ago.

Because I am wide awake past midnight on a swaying boat under the bright stars, I will let you in on a couple of stories concluding how May 4th could be one of the saddest dates in our lives. You might not know it until you finish reading this post.

May 1

Let’s start with the 1st of May, Labor Day. It was my grandma’s birthday. May would always begin by celebrating my grandma’s birthday. My cousins and I would usually get together for the next coming days starting the first. My cousin from Cebu would come home with her parents for grandma’s birthday. My cousins and I would play all day long for days on end. We would dance at the disco, or play under the street light and make the most of the night together. We knew everyone and we had fun.

My grandma lived in a very small village called Silanga in Tangub City. It was named as such because they said it was facing the east, where the sun rises. Silangan in Tagalog. I didn’t know why they dropped the ’n’ and I didn’t have the energy to research so let’s leave it at that. It’s a small barangay, mostly consisting of fisherfolks. My grandfather was a fisherman when he was alive. He had a fishing pen back in the day, which was their main source of income. Those were said to be the glorious years of the family. The sea was prosperous; there was a lot of catch here and there.

When my grandpa died, my grandma, together with her five daughters (my aunts) endured tremendous hardships to get by day after day; meal after meal. With no permanent source of income, they were selling everything they could sell. From ukay-ukay, shells, rice, wood, vegetables, and other stuff. My aunts were creative and resourceful. They worked hard to earn money and feed the family.

While sacrificing much of their childhood, they didn’t sacrifice their studies. They persevered because they wanted to finish school. They had to make it work, enduring long walks to get to school and back home, whilst doing chores at home and other people’s. More than that, they had to do rations to make sure everybody got to eat.

I couldn’t imagine living in the same situation my aunts were in. I romanticised my life and squirmed at the sight of inconvenience. I had always been superficial and sickly so I might have not survived and died early on.

Fast forward to many years later, when my cousins and I were born in this world, our parents were already reaping what they sow. They found work and established their own families, at the same time keeping each other close. They were already prospering enough to get us what we needed. On top of everything, they made sure that we were still very close to each other.

The best part of my childhood was around this time of the year, starting the first of May till the fourth. My grandma’s birthday was the start of the week-long celebration; the start of my childhood summer.

Today, everything is entirely different. Most of my cousins are already in our early 30s, and late 20’s. We are now living our adult lives trying to keep it together whilst making sense of why we are doing what we are doing. Whilst we already have separate lives, we are still a close family, perhaps bonded by the childhood tradition that started every 1st of May.

May 2

Post-birthday celeb, May 2 would usually be an important day to prep for the next day. It’s considered a busy day for the aunts. I remember my aunts busy preparing and cooking food to bring home to my grandma. There would be lumpia, lechon, and all the usual food on village fiestas.

My cousins and I would do our own thing, huddled in a corner of my cousin’s room or in the living room, whilst the aunts were busy. We had a lot of things going on, so many games to play. Year after year.

The second day of May was a relevant day that bridges the birthday celebration to the village fiesta. It was an important day.

May 3

Village fiesta. For whatever reason, it was important for my grandma to celebrate fiesta. My grandma’s house would be flooded with friends, relatives, and neighbors. My cousins and I would then meet other distant cousins, catch up, and play with them all day until it was time for them to go.

I remember one hot summer fiesta under the banana trees between my grandma’s house and the small chapel. We would run, hide, chill, and cower under the shade. I don’t remember what we did exactly, but sometimes I ended up annoyed with some of my cousins simply because I was normally an angry child who didn’t know how to compartmentalize emotions. But I loved my cousins to bits nonetheless. I just hated the fact that I got annoyed when my way was not the highway. If that makes sense.

May 4

There is no story here, really.

It’s just that May 4th was always the day that everything ends.

It’s always going to be the day after the happy days; the day after days of good weekend and happy bonding.

The eminent day; a reality checker. The unchosen one. The least preferred. The aftermath of a good experience.

May 4th is me.

5 Reasons Why I Love Siquijor Island and Why You Should, Too!

Elbert Maceda — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000

One of the most beautiful sunsets in San Juan, Siquijor.

It’s true what they say, Siquijor is a magical place.

My friends and I decided to spend the entire Valentine’s week in Siquijor. Because we were single and ready to mingle, we had a really good reason to travel to somewhere nice. All alone together. And what better place to travel than Siquijor, the land of love potions, witchcraft, and wizardry? lol

We ended up zero in the love game during the love season, actually, but what I brought home with me was something so incredible.

There was something about the entire island that put me in complete awe: the eerie stillness of the water; the vivid orange that popped every sunset; and the soft hues in the early morning. Midday, the water sparked brightly in the distance. Everything was entirely beautiful, intensified by… magic. ✨

San Juan, Siquijor Island sunset. Isn’t that so divine? This photo does not do justice to the actual scenery: a tranquil peaceful place with soothing sunsets that make you feel alive; in the moment. Right here, right now😍

I had been to Boracay 5x, Siargao 3x, El Nido, Camiguin and Bohol once. I had gone on road trips with friends frequently around the beautiful Cebu beaches down south and up north, including Bantayan Island. I’ve had my share of lovely beaches, sunsets, and nature around the country except Luzon, cuz idk it seems scary up there lol

All those beautiful places have their own characteristics. People visit them because they offer something different and wonderful every time. They all vary in so many ways. However, Siquijor Island simply stood out for me, even deeper than I imagined.

It took me a couple of weeks to finally be able to put into words how I feel about Siquijor (albeit I kept calling it Camiguin or Siargao when I talked to friends). But I managed to digest them and come up with 5 reasons why I love Siquijor and why I think you should visit the island as one of your next holiday destinations.

Everything is Affordable — Especially the Food 🥘

One of the many things that surprised me was the prices of everything — the food, especially. With the awful PH economy and inflation, I expected everything would be pricey. I was already expecting it to be Siargiao-level expensive but lo and behold, it’s livable and cheap.

I’m a cheapskate. Being born into a family of workers, I tend to value where I put my money on. But the catch is I don’t really stop myself from getting what I want. If I want it, I get it. Pesto pasta? Yes! 😋

Rigatoni with fresh pesto at Dolce Amore in San Juan Siquijor is so much love!

Happily, Siquijor Island is not very expensive at all. On the first night, we passed by a neighbourhood barbecue stand along the two-lane main road. We paid less than 300php for dinner with my two girlfriends. The scrumptious homemade BBQ filled our tummy.

Authentic Italian pizza and pasta at Dolce Amore in San Juan, Siquijor. 👌

Okay, this one isn’t really cheap. But we’re singles, of course, we had to go ✨pizza, pasta & wine night✨ on a Valentine’s Day!

Besides the fancy dinners in fancy places, everything is affordable.

People Are Everything 👩🏻‍💼

People are naturally nice, especially in touristy places. Whilst locals in Siquijor are no exception, they are hands down one of the best people. They make sure that you have the best time in your stay.

Being far away from home, it’s important that you feel safe and secure with the people around you. I felt an immense trust in the people I met and talked to. From locals to fellow tourists, they were oozing with good vibes.

And the beach dogs are love!

Meet Choo, the Coral Cay momy doggo. Not her real name tho, but she responds with Choo. iykyk 🥲❤️‍🩹

Accessible Short Drive To Beautiful Destinations 🏍️

Going around Siquijor Island is easy. It takes a motorbike to go from one point to another. In my experience, Siquijor drives are pretty cool. The longest drive would probably be 45 mins depends on how fast you are driving. You can tour the entire island in a day with a few stops.

Liloan Forest Reserve, Siquijor Island

Before reaching the Hidden Beach (popular on Tiktok) we had to cross a forest. It was so amazing. Being in the middle of the forest, surrounded by towering trees, and dried leaves, felt like I was in a movie where I got to be the main character of course.

POV from a cliff that leads down to the beach. There’s a beach there somewhere.

The Calmness Is Healing

As I mentioned in my long intro, the eerie calmness of the beachfront in San Juan, Siquijor makes me feel so grounded. It was surprising how the water by the beach was so calm. It was completely the opposite of the huge waves you had to cross to get to the island.

The sunsets were magnificent. The mornings were misty. It felt like the entire island was covered with a magical healing blanket that whoever got in would feel a different kind

Or maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m just on a different level of peace in the moment I tend to appreciate and connect with what’s around me.

And I want the same peace and tranquillity for a bit.

Early morning view from the beachfront in San Juan, Siquijor.

They Have Really Good Biscocho

There’s a cute cafe along the road that sells biscocho in packs. I mean, it’s a pretty basic biscocho, small toasted bread coated with brown sugar, but it’s a good find. I like finding the good stuff and gravitating towards them lol

They sold the biscocho for 25php per pack, but right before I left the island they increased it to 35php! That’s inflation right before my eyes — in real time!

Jainin’s Cafe in San Juan, Siquijor.

I Can’t Get Enough Of Siquijor: What’s Next?

If you have read my email, you probably know by now what will happen next in my Siquijor journey. But if you haven’t received the newsletter, then no biggie. I am going to share bits and pieces of life in Siquijor, anyway, and be an advocate of the entire place.

So I’ll see you on the next one!

And don’t forget to subscribe to get more Siquijor updates!

Subscribe here — it’s free!

Happy New Year! Welcome, 2024.

Elbert Maceda — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 12:38:54 +0000

2023 Highlights

2023 was a year of healing, creating new connections and opportunities, flourishing old ones, and spending more quality time with the ones who mattered most.

People have been a great part of my healing and moving on from the year prior. They made me feel they were always there and I was a part of something.

Instagram post

I made a simple reel dedicated to the old and new people in my life who made me part of something valuable in 2023. This reel may not be a complete summary of my 2023, but it’s pretty much it lol

The first quarter of 2023 was filled with everything new. I landed a few work opportunities and tried to make the best out of them. After being jobless the entire 2022, having a few jobs at the same time early this year was completely validating. It made me realize that I still got it. It made me feel important; I was doing something relevant.

As someone who was used to being in the corporate, being part of the workforce was something to celebrate apart from the paychecks of course.

A huge chunk of the year was spent doing Search Engine Optimization jobs for an Australia-based digital marketing agency. I gained so much knowledge about everything SEO. The best part was that I am continuously learning, and gearing towards learning more about Pay Per Click/Google Ads.

To me, the most important part of working is continuous learning and I am in the perfect place where I get to learn more about SEO and Google Ads in the digital marketing space, especially since this industry is evolving and the only thing you can do is evolve with it in order to stay relevant.

One of my most fulfilling achievements this year — just very recently — is being able to help complete my friend’s website for her and her sister’s start-up agency. Their agency provides flexible remote workforce solutions for businesses of all scales. They help businesses thrive and ensure that daily tasks are taken care of so, businesses can function more efficiently and resources are allocated more strategically.

Having worked with Karla in the past — and in this current project together with Kristine, who has vast experience in sales and marketing — I am pretty confident that the quality of work is impeccable.

One of the things I liked about doing the website was implementing the concept, and making sure that both technical and on-page SEOs were in effect. Whilst it was completed on NYE —which was pretty tight — there were still a lot of opportunities to expand and optimize the content to make it more valuable to the target users.

Overall, 2023 was a great year — and glad to have ended it with a blast!

Welcome, 2024!

I feel very optimistic and excited this year!

Another year, another goals to achieve; milestones that keep me going forward.

For people like me who get really excited about achieving little goals, being able to do what I want is an integral part of why I do the things that I do.

Doing what I’m passionate about helps me achieve my goals.

With having defined goals and clear objectives of what I want to happen this year, this year is going to be more productive!

Discover Your Calling: The One Thing You Love Doing More Than Anything Else

Elbert Maceda — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 03:50:00 +0000

Image from Google Images

First, let’s take money out of the equation.

Let’s say money is not an issue; you don’t need to have it to do what you like — what’s that one thing you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life?

Knowing your interests and passions in life can be rewarding. It can help make you feel you’re in a better place. This even makes you feel like you won’t have to work a single day in your life.

Imagine yourself waking up every morning and walking to your made-up yoga studio inside a two-story bamboo house in the middle of a tropical rainforest in Thailand.

Or go to a remote community school every day across the jungle of an underdeveloped country to help teach kids who do not have access to quality education.

Or run your own little bookshop and indulge in the smell of wood with notes of vanilla, coffee, or chocolate in your surrounding. All those while spending days on end reading books you love.

Or travel from one place to another and discover new places, cultures, and people around the world.

Or manage your own cozy coffee shop where you brew cups of warm love and make cute latte arts.

Or establish a non-profit organization and work endlessly for causes that are close to your heart.

Can you see yourself doing one of those things and more?

While a lot of people have already figured out what they like to do, there are also those who are still discovering what their interests and passions are — it’s a long process that can take decades, and even then, it’s a continuous process and discovery.

If you are the latter, I asked ChatGPT (so you don’t have to) to come up with simple ways how to explore and discover your passions in life.

Here they are.

Take note of the highs

Take note of the things and activities that make you feel fulfilled, happy, or energized. Is it giving you a different kind of high when you are in the middle of doing it? Does it give you a complete relief when you’re done with the task?

More often than not, doing what you enjoy releases dopamine, neurotransmitter produced by the hypothalamus, a small region of the brain that helps you feel pleasure.

Pay attention to what you give your time to

Once you notice a different kind of high from the activities you have been doing, take note if those are the things that you want to spend a lot of time with. Will you be spending more time to improve yourself in that area? Do you want to do it more next time?

Having the drive to do those things is important to be able to keep doing it for a long time. It should be something that is worth spending your energy and time with without completly draining you. Instead, it should fuel you to do more.

Revisit Your Childhood

If you are still unsure of what you are passionate about, you can revisit and reminisce about your childhood. Think about the things that made you happy when you were growing up. Has it resonated in your adult life? Is it something that you still like to do now that you’re grown up?

Understanding what you like to do for the rest of your life can be hard work. But it is not something definite. Ultimately, as life goes on, your choices, interests, and passion, change over time.

It is definitely okay to jump from doing one thing to another as long as it fulfills you and makes you feel better. At the end of the day, nothing in life is written in stone. You have a lifetime to figure things out and do what you love to do in that specific moment.

What Motivates You To Move Forward?

Elbert Maceda — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:55:00 +0000

Are you stuck, baby gurl?

Is today one of the many days you don’t feel like yourself and you don’t know what the point is in moving forward? Or perhaps you feel stuck and you can’t move forward because it feels like there’s a huge wall right in front of where you’re heading?

I feel you. I am also that baby gurl.

But there’s a way forward. Read to learn more!

For several weeks now I have been feeling shitty about myself and everthing else. It feels like my life has stopped suddenly after trying to climb back up and make things better for me and the people around me. I don’t even know why I feel this shitty lately.

I know that there’s literally nothing to be sad about. But it feels like my heart is completely detached from my head. The heart feels what it wants and there’s nothing I can do about it but suffer in silence. I don’t see myself thriving and moving far and wide.

But I don’t just suck it up and let it consume me. Instead, I think of the many things that keep me going.

Here are what keeps me motivated to continue and live life every day. This might work for you!

Family Matters

Including my chosen family — friends who have been with me through the years. My support system is way incredible for me to give up on everything. I would not last this long by myself. Whenever I think about how people have helped me in so many different ways, I always feel a surge of gratitude.

The only thing I need to do to give back is to become better every day. I always feel loved by the people around me. And it’s more than enough for me to keep looking for better days. 🌻

Challenging And Meaningful Work

In the last couple of months, I had been so occupied with work. I juggled two jobs and barely caught sleep. Despite having only the weekend for sleep, I felt really productive. It seemed like my life had a purpose. Apart from the pay, it felt really amazing to be doing what I liked to do, after an entire year of doing nothing and being entirely anxious.

Clearing tasks every day kept me grounded and helped me focus. It also kept me from overthinking a lot about unnecessary things. Being busy is a blessing in disguise. So, to me, it’s important to find something that I liike to do whether it be volunteering, a day job, or simple things I like to do on a daily be basis. 👨‍💻

Internal Motivation

Most importantly, I always remind myself that I am enough and that I can do many great things. If there are days when I feel inadequate, I just pause, breathe, and look back at the things and people that make me feel enough.

I also love spoiling myself through different things. A cup of coffee? A couple of hours of funny reels? Yoga? Quick walk? Sleepover? Or late night movie marathon? I’m all in.

It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, we all have ourselves to be thankful for and let it be known that we love ourselves more! 🫶🏼

So those are the few ways that worked for me.
How about you? How do you motivate yourself?
Let me know!

My Favorite Neigborhood Coffee Shops!

Elbert Maceda — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In the pursuit of life's simple pleasures, two things have become an indispensable part of my routine: a good cup of coffee, and captivating stories that unfold within the people around me.

Coffee, with its rich aroma and invigorating warmth, has been my loyal companion since the moment I decided to be independent, moved away from the province, and the comfort of my family.

When I arrived in Cebu City in 2013, I met a friend who always brought a piping hot caffe mocha from Starbucks every week or so in his attempt to befriend me. (We’re still good friends today.)

It was then that I realized that coffee was more than just a morning pick-me-up cup; instead, it was a realm of diverse flavors, textures, and possibilities in a single cup. Each cup held the potential for a unique experience, a symphony of tastes that could be delightful or disappointing, depending on where it was brewed.

My craving for coffee took hold, fueling my desire to explore beyond Dunkin Donuts and Jollibee, the only places in my hometown back then where I could get a decent taste of black coffee.

From then on, I started to discover the true essence of local coffee shops. With every sip, It became a personal quest to unearth the hidden gems nestled within my neighborhood, where passionate baristas and distinctive brews awaited me, enchanting my curious taste buds and filling my life with stories every cup.

Without further ado, here are my favorite coffee shops around town.

Read more and let me know if you’ve ever been, or if you’d agree with me! ☕️👍🏻

Cebu City

I spent my entire young adulthood in Cebu City. From 2013 to 2020, right before the pandemic, Cebu molded me into the person I am today. It is where I learned so many things, discovered a lot of beautiful places, met so many wonderful people, and had my heart extremely broken. It is an enchanting place filled with bittersweet memories.

One of my many happy memories is found in coffee shops where I spent a great time reading, writing, and everything else in between.

Degree 9 Coffee & Roasting

Image from Google Images

This was my ex and, by default, my go-to coffee shop. Degree 9 was open 24 hours, and it was near the ex’s place so we always frequent here because he had to study for law school.

Degree 9 roasted their beans, and their coffee was really good! My favorite part was getting into the coffee shop and smelling the coffee beans — they filled every crevice and flower pot with coffee beans. I would not miss the irresistible coffee aroma with notes of dark chocolate, earthy undertones, and a hint of smokiness. I loved the smell.

I always ordered caffe mocha. And a cup would keep me awake for a good number of hours. The coffee was so strong it overpowered the chocolate. The espresso and the chocolate were not balanced, but I would not have it any other way. I loved how strong it was, but at the same time, I could still taste the chocolate.

Unfortunately, Degree 9 is permanently closed today.

Seattle’s Best

Image from Google Images

Whenever I wanted to go out for a stroll on a weekend, I would always want a cup of Classic Mocha from Seattle’s — sometimes paired with their breakfast food: two eggs, sausages, bacon, and some pancakes.

But what I loved most was their Classic Mocha! Contrary to Degree 9, Seattle’s Classic Mocha is very sweet. My favorite part was the chocolate bar slowly melting on the brim of the cup, till eventually falling down the bottom. It tasted sweet like a cup of Christmas cocoa drink. 🩷

The place was also good and convenient because, well, it’s in the mall.

UCC

Instagram post

UCC was not really my go-to coffee shop, but whenever I felt fancy and wanted a taste of good bitter coffee, I’d want a cup of caffe americano from UCC.

I thought their cup of caffe americano was pure espresso. What I meant was, the coffee was dark and the texture was a bit sticky that when I looked down at the cup all I saw was darkness and nothing else lol But I always loved it that way, albeit a bit expensive, it’s super worth it.

ABACA BAKING COMPANY

Image from Google Images

Since ABACA Baking Company opened in Ayala Center Cebu way back in 2016, it then became my go-to coffee shop during lunch or whenever my “lunch buddy” and I have time and energy to walk to Ayala. The mall was just a 5-min walk from the office so most of the time, we would go out for a walk to unwind for a bit.

And ABACA’s cold brew didn’t disappoint! It tastes so good that my day would not be complete without drinking one. The cold brew was bitter, but it had a note of ripe banana, and the flavor usually enhanced whenever I add more sugar syrup. I didn’t know for sure if there was banana in it, but it sure tasted like it had one — and I loved it.

YOLK - Mabolo

Instagram post

Yolk was also one of my favorite small coffee shops in Cebu! The place looked really good and contemporary. I enjoyed their espresso and their caffe americano. I thought they have the same caffe Americano as UCC, but Yolk was a bit more on the strong side.

Sadly, the same with Degree 9, Yolk is no longer in business today.

Ozamiz City

A few months prior to the pandemic, I was already decided to come home for good for a couple of reasons: 1. We lost my adoptive father so I had to stay for the parental; and 2. I really had nothing else to do in Cebu anymore.

After having been stuck at home for a long time, one day, I decided to finally explore what was around town, since I already decided to stay here for the rest of my life, why not just enjoy the things around me, right?

So as an explorer, here are the best coffee finds around town.

LATEI STUDIO

Latei is my friendly neighborhood coffee shop. I love staying here to do some work or even for a quick coffee run. I do my walks every day, mostly in the late afternoon or early evening, and I love stopping by to get a boost of energy. The robustness of the coffee and the touch of sweetness harmonize flawlessly, leaving you craving another sip of this exquisite concoction.

My go-to drink is always iced caffe Americano with hazelnut syrup for work and more energy. But I loved their iced Spanish Latte. A cup has a harmonious fusion of bold, strong coffee and subtle sweetness that delights my senses. With each sip, the robustness of the coffee and the touch of sweetness harmonize flawlessly, leaving me craving for more.

Their coffee tastes really good, albeit a bit toned down for my taste buds, but it’s still perfect. I brew a strong coffee at home (I think) and Latei’s variety of coffee gives me a certain satisfaction.

Nikko’s Cafe Cart

Image from Google Images

Yup, I liked Nikko’s better when they were on the cart before. Their coffee was good, and the service was fast. They also had rich, strong, and indesputably good coffee then. I don’t know what happened now. I haven’t been back since.

Très Coffee Compay

Okay, I got to say, Très’ coffee is hands down one of the best there is in town. The prices are really affordable for a good quality sip, too. It is far from mediocre for its price.

The place is pretty far — roughly a 10-min drive from my place, but I would love to frequent here on good days, though I know I’d always go for convenience so I might not be frequent here, after all.

It’s a pretty chill place as well. It’s also pretty small compared to your average-sized popular coffee chain, but the two-story coffee shop is Instagrammable enough.

Coffee is a need to get us going the entire day, and coffee shops are haven for making this godly drink possible.
Do you have a favorite coffee shop as well?
Let me know in the comments so I can also give it a try!

6 Ways To Find A Sense Of Belongingness

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 01:39:53 +0000

Are you currently in a stage where you are looking for a sense of belongingness? Do you want to be part of something important? Do you think you’re weird feeling that way?

Growing up, I spent most of my time playing with my cousins. Our families lived in one compound then, so we got to see and play with each other every day. But even when they moved out to their own houses eventually, I still hopped from one cousin to another, becoming the common playmate.

The summer days were long and nights were warm filled with memories, fun, adventures, comfort, and warmth. I was loved, greatly, but as a kid, I never really cared about love that much. I just lacked attention so I wanted it so bad.

The only feeling I remembered at the end of the day was never really knowing where to go, who to cry for, or who to have tantrums with.

Thank God I had a grandma ✝️ who loved me unconditionally, but her love was like a blanket that covered everyone. She loved all of us and I didn’t really like that I didn’t feel special lol

Having been abandoned and given away by my own mother when my father died months before I was born, I grappled with the very feeling that made me crave to belong to something. Anything.

Why is having a sense of belonging important?

I listened to a Google podcast last night when I was packing my stuff for my Cebu trip today and I learned that having a sense of belongingness creates a sense of purpose in life. The benefit of that is an extended happy and fulfilled life!

Not that I want to live for a long time, but the speakers noted that being a part of something; a community; a place makes you want to look forward to a lot of things.

According to Bard, a sense of belonging is said to be essential to our well-being. It helps us feel connected to others, supported, and less stressed. It also improves our mental and physical health and increases our happiness and satisfaction with life.

Here Are 6 Ways To Find A Sense Of Belongingness

Be Your Authentic Self

Don’t try to change yourself to fit in with others, but rather express your true personality, values, and opinions. This will help you attract people who appreciate you for who you are and share similar views.

Consider Your Living Situation

If you feel isolated or disconnected from your neighbors or roommates, try to reach out and initiate conversations or activities with them. You might find that you have more in common than you think.

Volunteer For A Cause That’s Close To Your Heart

Finding people that you share a purpose with is a great way to find a sense of belonging because when people are working towards the same goals, they often have more in common. If you’re not sure where to meet like-minded people, then you could start by volunteering for a cause close to your heart.

Share Your Passions And Interests

Whether it’s music, art, sports, books, or anything else that you enjoy, sharing your passions and interests with others can help you connect and bond over something that matters to you. You can join online or offline communities, clubs, or groups that cater to your hobbies and interests.

Get Involved In A Club

Joining a club is another way to meet new people who share your interests and have fun at the same time. You can look for clubs in your area or online that offer activities that you like or want to try. For example, you could join a book club, a hiking club, a chess club, a cooking club, or any club that you are interested in.

Practice An Attitude Of Acceptance

One of the barriers to finding a sense of belonging is feeling judged or rejected by others who are different from us. To overcome this, you need to practice an attitude of acceptance toward ourselves and others. This means acknowledging and respecting the diversity of opinions, beliefs, cultures, and lifestyles that exist in the world. It also means validating and empathizing with others’ feelings and experiences.

Finding a sense of belongingness is a common human need that can improve one’s motivation, health, and happiness. It can also help cope with loneliness and painful emotions. A sense of belongingness means feeling accepted and valued by a group or a community that shares some commonality with you.

Now that I am a complete adult, I never really cared much simply because I already know where I belong to, and the people I am comfortable with. Decades of discovering myself have led me to the people that I want to spend the rest of my life with.

But I hope these tips are helpful to you. Remember that finding a sense of belongingness is not always easy or quick, but it is possible and rewarding. However, easy or hard, always know that you are not alone in this journey. Just look around and reach out. 😊

32 And Still Feeling Blue

Elbert Maceda — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 00:18:32 +0000

First of all, Happy Easter!

I don’t remember much of what was said about easter in church when I was young and believing hard in religious institutions, but what I know is that God has risen from the dead, today, and he’s back to slay!

I also have forgotten how easter eggs and bunnies came out of that but I made a quick Bing search which summed it up for me and you coz I know you don’t know, too.

Now, since the god of heaven and earth and everything in between is now back up, I feel another sense of renewed energy and hope for the future. Jk. I felt already very hopeful a couple of weeks ago when I returned to Cebu and it has nothing to do about today.

That trip made me reconnect with a lot of things and a lot of friends. It gave me a boost of energy to get things going back up in my life after an entire year of downtime. I realized that that was exactly what I needed. Being extrovert and competitive in nature, I just found the right inspiration to move beyond today.

Now that I’m back, what’s next?

I’m not sure if it’s entirely coincidental or if it was purely a work manifestation, but after my trip to Cebu and a couple of job interviews, I finally got jobs to actually do!

Instagram post

The best part was being able to go on a work trip to a province in Luzon called Nueva Ecija! For the first time in my life, I got to travel to one of the provinces up north! It was helluva fun, being on the bus for 5 hours right after an hour~ flight. I was literally flown from my province to go to another province. The scenery was pretty much the same with trees and birds, but way hotter.

The bus ride was excruciatingly slow, but I just mostly chilled out and passed in and out of sleep. I felt like I got to emerge into the provincial Luzon commuting lifestyle: getting into jeeps, walking into streets, and getting on the bus like a pro, but didn’t actually know where to go and what to do. I miss this kind of feeling during solo travels. I wish to do it more in the near future.

One of the many things I was excited about being in Manila, was, of course, finally seeing my friends who are already based there!

Instagram post

It has been a long time since I saw them. Back to pre-pandemic, we spent most of our time volunteering together and doing the same things for a cause. And we never really lost touch with each other. I just wished we could do more trips together like a long trip to Luzon, or a short road trip somewhere near.

Perhaps, the travel, the new job, and the reconnecting with friends are actually the best 32nd birthday gift I have received. When you have lost touch with the things that matter in life, it becomes easy to appreciate them so much.

It’s pretty early to say what the year would look like for me, but as long as I have my eyes on the goal and the price, I’m sure I would do one helluva thing to make things work.

This season has made me realize that things will always get better. The wheel may turn, and sticks may burn char but we will always endure and get back up.

I hope you will also find renewed energy from the people you love, the places you’ve been to, and the environment you are comfortable with. Let’s enjoy moments while we still can!

Sunday is almost over! Ready for Monday?

Elbert Maceda — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Sunday is the best day to relax after all five days of hard work, and an entire day of partying or going out with friends, pampering yourself as a pretense of self-love to convince yourself that all those spendings are worth it lol jk. You do you. But Sunday is perhaps the only day that you get to actually rest from all the buzz that’s going on in your life.

Whnn the day slowly dies down and Sunday is almost over, Monday is inevitable, and going back to work is definitely happening.

To make your work life easier and get a lot of things done, I have 5 productivity tips for you to keep slaying everyday!

Prioritize your tasks. 🗒️
Make a list of all the tasks that you need to complete and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. Is it something that needs to be done ASAP? Or can I just sit on it for a bit?

Take breaks
Taking breaks can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. It’s always better to recharge now and then, especially when you feel like you’re out of ideas. When I’m writing and I get stuck, I just stand up and things would get better from then on. It’s like my mind is unclogged.

Use the Pomodoro technique
It means working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break. After four 25-minute work, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. It keeps you hyper-focused on what you are doing and helps you reach optimal productivity. And when you feel like you are getting tired, then it’s time for a break. I tend to work like this. Work in long streak minutes, and then take breaks. I didn’t know this is a valid technique until today.

Eliminate distractions
Turn off notifications on your phone to avoid distractions. You can get easily distracted when your phone’s always buzzing. I turn on Focused mode on my laptop whenever I’m working. This way, all nonwork-related apps would cease to notify me about things I don’t need for work.

Go to sleep, mothafucka
Sleep is very important in getting to experience the best quality of (work) life. Otherwise, you’d have to go get coffee constantly but still lags behind productivity because you’re always tired and you are always thinking about going to sleep. So just sleep

Do you have any productivity tips you’d share? Just reply to this email!

Is Love Still Alive?

Elbert Maceda — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

This is originally posted on my Tumblr blog and reposted here for updates.

It’s way past Valentine’s but if you are a hopeless romantic who had been longing for romantic love and relationship for a long time, and still don’t have anyone to date with, then you must have been extra dreadful considering that today’s a Monday, and you’re still zero in the love game.

But I guess having no one to date is not something big of a deal anymore. Lately, there has been a decline in people being in romantic relationships. Forbes released an article that notes single people are on the rise and there is a need for adapting to the trend. The upward trend is due to the fact that single people realized they have access to more improved economic opportunities and they have more control over how they spend their time and money.

Being single means that there is a world of possibilities for the things that you can do for yourself and the people you care about. It doesn’t mean that you can’t do the things you want when you are in a relationship, but it simply means that being single is ideal if you want to do more for yourself. It might sound selfish but it’s important to put your well-being first more than anything.

There has even been a decline in people celebrating Valentine’s day. YouGov America published an article last year stating that more than half of adult Americans don’t think that Valentine’s Day is a special occasion anymore. According to the survey, it has dipped in popularity compared to other holidays because of people’s previous disappointing experiences on Valentine’s day. If Americans are not happy with their previous experiences, then what more of Filipinos who get all the meager things in life?

But does that mean love is not in the air anymore?

Not entirely, but it seems likely that people — especially the millennial generation — want to take things slow. Not only are love and relationship slower with their generations, but they are also deliberately not having sex compared to the previous generations.

According to a New York Times article, “digital saturation has made millennials more socially isolated, restless, and entitled, which could explain why they are having less sex.” While this article was published months before the pandemic, I think, more than anything, it holds true to this day. Millennials are even more ‘isolated, restless, and entitled’ after having been forced to follow quarantine protocols and left with only social media and dating apps to fondle with. We very well know how important sex contributes to physical intimacy and healthy relationships. It is like food that fuels the fire. Take that away and people would be left craving for meat in a stick, consuming all the bits and pieces of everyone they see.

Dating has also become more complicated as people indulge in more short and quick media and platforms. It has tweaked their innate ability to make a conversation and understand the other person. They are easily distracted and they often look at superficial things.

A writer on Medium, a social publishing platform, enumerated ‘reasons why dating as a millennial is so screwed up’. She wrote that one of the reasons why is that they think that seeing photos of lovely couples is proof of love. People tend to associate perfect relationships with how good and fun they seemingly looked on social media when in fact, it does not in any way tell the complete story behind what people see on the platforms. It merely shows smiley faces and happy places while hiding the sad truths and the ugly fights.

All those things considred, I think love is not dead. In fact, it is everywhere. Love can be found in friends, family, partners, communities, and other people. People may have just found different kinds of love today instead of a heteronormative kind of romantic relationship. They have been more aware of what they want. It has become crystal clear that they prefer a specific kind of love over the romantic one.

A CNN article noted that “if you look around, you’ll quickly see that the yearning for love and romance is manifesting itself in different ways these days.” Whether it be from tv shows, books, stories, or songs — if not from people — love certainly can be found in mysterious places, things, and ways.

So if love is not found with you being in a relationship with another person/s, it is entirely okay. It might actually be a blessing in disguise. Just cherish the moments you have with yourself, while you can. You’d miss it one day!

Are you happily single? Or have you been single for a long time that it’s already making you feel miserable? Let me know!

Back in Cebu: Cousins' Day Out

Elbert Maceda — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 08:39:31 +0000

Are you close with your cousins? Do you even know them?

I live in a very closely-knitted family. My mom has six siblings (two brothers [one deceased] and five sisters). She lost her husband (my biological father) two months before I was born and I was taken under the care of one of my aunts. Growing up, I hopped from one aunt to another playing with my cousins every summer. I have nine first cousins (two removed jk).

The bulk of my childhood was spent with my grandma in our birthplace, where I had so much fun, and so much Coke to drink for myself. I ran, rode a bike, slept on the grass, read books, talked to old people, listened to old people talk, got shit-scared about supernatural beings, played under the moonlight with other kids on a long and empty street, learned to play mahjong, tong-its and loads of card games, slept under the moskitero (mosquito net)while listening to crickets and rustling leaves on the background, and woke up to chirping birds and mumbling voices somewhere in the distance.

Part of being young was waiting for cousins every weekend to come over to grandma’s house and play. But my most awaited moments were when my cousin from Cebu came home for grandma’s birthday every year. We would spend endless days and warm cozy nights together and it felt like one of the best days of my life. They are practically my siblings.

Today, now that we’re all grown-ups, we barely have time to come together. Well, I have time, being the sick and unemployed one. But it just takes effort to come together. Everything has to be considered — work leaves, work schedules, and everything in between. Adulting hit real hard.

Now that I got back to Cebu and since it was a weekend, my cousin planned to go to Cebu City to do a bunch of things all at once. I live with them in Minglanilla City, which is roughly a one to two-hour drive depending on traffic.

First, we went apartment hunting because my cousins and my sister are planning to live together. We found a good one in a prime location. Hopefully, all things go well so they would be able to move in together and we’d have a hangout place. 😂

After apartment hunting, we stopped by Ayala Center to grab coffee. We saw a new stall on the way to Bo’s and found out that they were giving free coffee to the 1st 100 customers at 4 PM. It was a new coffee place and nobody knew about that promo at that time, so we were the first ones in line!

PICK UP COFFEE is a new brand so I got curious and looked it up. Their website was not so useful, but it said that they were “founded in the midst of a “digital revolution.” Whatever that meant, I guess they started during the pandemic. A Preview article mentioned that PICKUP COFFE started as “delivery-only” with locations around Metro Manila. Now, they have so many branches in Luzon and Visayas. They are also so affordable from P50-P100!

L-R: Jomel (the cousin’s bf) and Hannie

After coffee and some bread, we head to Camiguin Road in the CBP. It’s somewhere behind 2Quad Building. It’s one of the few empty parks left in the CBP. Soon, all the empty lots will be filled with buildings and this entire place will turn into a concrete jungle. What little park we have left will be turned into a complete business district where people are built to be robots and exhausted to their wits working and making a life of their own. This is a price of progress.

After going round and round the street jogging and hiking (for me), Hannie and the bf, brought me to this small Thai food-inspired carinderia! It is a small place beside Sugbo Mercado. It’s a really small place, nothing fancy. But the food is really good! We shared a bowl of tom yum and got a plate of pad thai each. The pad is perfect 👌 It is complete with ingredients such as stir-fried noodles with eggs, vegetables, tofu, shrimp, garlic, red chili pepper, and peanuts! Super loved it!

We capped the night by meeting our super busy cousin, Justine, who consciously struggles with life between work and law school. If that is not something to proud of, then idk what is.

So here we were at Bo’s. Took a picture of the churros columns while she was studying. My cousins also had the time to talk about the apartment and their plans. I just hope that when I come and viist next time, they are already living in their apartment in the city.

Back in Cebu: Moving In

Elbert Maceda — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Have you ever had friends whom you have not talked to for a long period of time? But when you got the chance to finally meet and talk again, it felt like everything is all the same and familiar? Like all you have to do is update each other and pick up from where you guys left off?

This is exactly what it was with Karla!

Karla and me corporate-whoring days.

Karla has been one of my close friends since 2014 when we were in our corporate-whore era! She’s one of the two girlfriends I have closely bonded with. The other one is already in Germany doing German stuff and handling German things. Karla and I used to do a lot of things together. We would go out of town together with the rest of our friends at work. We would drink coffee, have dinner, eat dessert, go party, and talk about god knows what. We were always together until she moved to a different line of business in the office. But even then, we kept in touch and update each other on what was happening to both of us, especially through the good and the bad times.

Fast forward to today, passed the pandemic and all the shitstorm life has given us so far, Karla remained a true, good, loving, and aryat friend.

And she’s moving into a new place right when I visited Cebu — great timing! So I stayed with her for a couple of days before she moved in.

Of course, the first thing we did was chika all night and day. She left the corporate world and had gone freelance a long time ago. We’re both freelancers now, but she’s more stable than I am. Well, I have just been back in the game, hunting jobs for real so I’m giving myself a break at this point lol.

Her place is just around Cebu Business Park. It’s very accessible to everything. This area is the most ideal place to live in because everything is just within reach. You can walk or commute easily, or jog and exercise if you want to. The only cons in living here — and anywhere in Cebu, actually — is the traffic. Cars tend to get stuck in the area for a while during peak hours and seasons. Otherwise, it’s a really good place. I used to live just along Gorordo Avenue for a long time, and I never changed address until I went home for good.

Well, we did get out of her condo for a bit to get something to eat, buy stuff for her room, and drink coffee while waiting for our other close friend, Ly. One time we grabbed Jafar’s for lunch after Karla bought screwdrivers so we could finish setting up her new office table and chair.

I’ve never had Jafar’s shawarma for a long time. It’s good, but I couldn’t remember craving it. It’s just saks. The ladies had burritos and had a hard time finishing it. Girls be like super hungry but don’t finish their food ~ kidding.

My favorite time of the day is COFEE TIME! Karla made me try these drip coffee from Manila given by her workmate. And this is by far one of the best coffee I’ve ever had. My coffee is always black, but sometimes I like to add sugar to it so it’s bittersweet. But this one, I didn’t have to add anything. It’s as good as it was.

I needed coffee because Karla, being the girl boss that she was, made me write so many meta descriptions, and also because the coffee is so good it’s a sin not to drink a cup. ☕️ 😂

Are you also a coffee person? What is your favorite coffee ground and where do I get them? Let me know!

When Karla finally moved all her things from her previous unit in Persimmon (which I helped lift things lol), her girlfriends had a pajama party and rosè.

Ate a few slices of pizza when I arrived at the condo. I came very hungry from a two-hour commute!

L-R: Karla, Ping, Me, Jai

We capped the night with 24 Chicken, pizza, rosè, and a lot of chika! I just hope I have helped Karla moved in to her new place seamlessly. 😂😅

It’s very inspiring to be surrounded by powerful women. I have always been surrounded by women who have authority in their respective fields. It is also empowering other women who are continuously being encapsulated with gender roles, abuses, and indifference just because they are women.

It’s already 2023, but the amount of prejudices, hate, and abuses is still rampant in today’s society. We should be able to turn it around and change the culture. Women are power!

Back in Cebu: Day One

Elbert Maceda — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This is my BACK IN CEBU blog series, where I write about the things I did in Cebu with friends, family, and myself.

I am FINALLY back in Cebu City, a place where I mostly spent my young adulthood loving, discovering, and learning so many things in life. This is also where I met so many friends who I am so grateful to have. I had a good nine-year run in the Queen City of the South until I left for good, back at home in perpetual solitude.

Now, I am back here in Cebu since the second week of February. This is the first time I am back feeling energetic and excited to do stuff and see my friends.

Last year was very stressful. Although I was here a lot of times, I could not remember it being so comfortable. It was full of clinic visits, labs, and all things sick people did.

My travels last year pushed my physical limits. I was exhausted all the time and it was very uncomfortable and physically painful. I even had a chaperone with me to help me go around. I thought that was the end of me; that any day last year was my last day on earth; that I would fall unconscious to the ground while struggling to walk to my destination; or that I would just die in my sleep. Oomfie even skipped his class and told his students he was gonna see a dying friend. That friend was me. 😂

But what do I know — I am still here, alive, kicking, and getting more energy! Thank GOD! I am probably in remission, and at any given time I would relapse and my body would finally give up. But, who cares? What’s important is the NOW. And right now, I feel great! Ecstatic, even.

Have you experienced being so sick that you thought ‘this is it’?
What was it like?

The ferry docked super early in Cebu port. At 4 AM, everything was still and dark. There were barely any people around. I’d imagine them under those buildings tucked tightly inside their sheets snoring the night away while I am traversing one of the lonely streets in Cebu City.

I sent a message to my friends’ group chat. And luckily, my friend, Rome, who I had not met in a long time and was in Thailand at that time, woke up pretty early and called his partner, Mau, to know that I was in town. It meant that I had a place to crash for a few hours!

Invaded my friend’s desk and tried to work on my manuscript.

I couldn’t go back to sleep so I invaded my friend’s desk and tried to work on my manuscript. The manuscript had been going on for years now. I was just too lazy, distracted, and sick to finish it. Hopefully, I am meant to finish it and get published. If not, then, no worries, not a big deal either. 🤣

My friend, Mau, took my other friend, Troy, and me to a hearty lunch: lechon (original and spicy flavors), dinuguan, baked scallops, and pancit. 🐖🍜🦪❤️ Every time I come to Cebu, I make sure to eat lechon so this one already ticks off of my list.

When you used to live in the city for a long time where everything was within reach, and you transfer to a faraway land where everything consisted of nothing, then you’d have to just make a list of the things you wanted to eat or do when you get the chance. 🗒️

L-R: Neil, Troy, Rich, MJ, and Me @ Starbucks Axis

After lunch, we stopped over at Starbucks for coffee (and dessert for me: waffle with strawberry syrup and whipped cream ✅) We also bumped into a couple of friends from back to my volunteer days. It was unexpected, but it was nice to see them!

I liked how everything went. I finally met with friends I had not seen since the pandemic. We were able to talk about things that we didn’t normally talk about out loud. It was fulfilling and magical. I used to treasure friendships so much that I would move mountains just to see and do something for them. I may not have the same energy I had before but I still appreciate and love them all the same.

What about you?
Have you met with all of your friends now that the pandemic restrictions are over? Or have you already cut most of them off of your life?

Let me know!

Always,

Elbert!

P.S. Let me know if you want to write a story on mly blog! Just send me an email, and I’ll definitely post it in the next issue. ❤️

I Made An Email Newsletter For You!

Elbert Maceda — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:57:11 +0000

Do you still read blogs these days? Like random blogs from random people doing random stuff?

🎉IF SO🎉

Then I am here for you!

I found this great platform that allows me to blog my heart out and lets me send it directly to your email inbox!

This is so you can read my randomness in the middle of a boring day, or a sad sleepless night. You know, just to fill your lonely days and miserable nights and we can both be miserable together.

I just need you to cooperate by subscribing with your email so I can get inside your inbox unannounced! More importantly, I also need you to participate and reply with your random thoughts.

Part of why I am doing this is because I am also trying to bring out some precious things that I think are losing value today: 1. a long-ass love letter; and 2. a good conversation.

What do I mean?

A LONG-ASS LOVE LETTER

Back in the days, when I was young and madly in love, I used to write love letters to profess my heart's inner desires for my partner. You could say my love language was words of affirmation. I used to convince my partner to keep a joint journal so we could write down romantic shiznit and give it to the other person when it’s their turn to write shit 😂

Did you also do this joint journal with your partner before? Or was I the only one? I wanna know!

I was never the best at communicating verbally. I couldn’t express myself well in speaking, but it tend to get easier when I wrote down the words I wanted to say. So I started writing my feelings out until I became so comfortable doing it. There were times when I felt like writing the good stuff about being in love. It became a habit that the only way to express it was by sitting down, opening that empty notebook, and writing my heart out.

It always felt extraordinarily nice, having to express how I felt in words and also read lovely stuff from the one I loved. Things would get really exciting when they write their plans with me. It would seem like the world was made up of the nows. No yesterdays, no tomorrows, just conquering the now and immortalizing it in the journal.

Instagram post

Those were my journals from back then. The blue one was the one we used to write letters, plans, and to-do lists with each other. The journal was a gift from a friend. She bought it from the U.S. for me because she knew that I loved to write a journal. The paper was so smooth and crisp. It felt like parchment. The cover was thick and soft. It really made a good love journal. It served its purpose back then now, lost and nowhere to be found lol

A GOOD CONVERSATION

Over time, I have learned the art of having a good conversation. The only thing I discovered I have to do when talking to someone is simply listening.

There is no trick to doing it. It’s not magic. It’s not even very hard to do. I have learned that by listening I am able to respond appropriately. I would be able to follow up questions and uncover so many things that I want by simply listening.

And talking to someone allows you to understand where people come from in terms of their beliefs and ideals in life.

I want to keep doing those things: keep a good conversation going through writing long-ass letters.

In today’s age and time, we are bound by consuming short-form content from videos, articles, and captions to stories that are way too simplified. I’m not saying that it’s bad, but we seem to deliberately choose to miss the little things.

Let’s all bring it back. Let’s have good old conversations through emails! Let’s start revealing the little things that matter. Let’s uncover the things that we don’t normally speak out loud because we think other people might judge us. Let’s discuss the world and everything around us. Let’s just be us.

The deal is I start the conversation with my random blog posts, and you reply with yours and we can be random together!

So let’s start filling each other with love, stories, and letters!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Love,

Elbert

P.S. Let me know if you want to write a story on mly blog! Just send me an email, and I’ll definitely post it in the next issue. ❤️