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Not Just Surviving—Thriving in Two Cultures

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  • 2025: A Year of Small Wins and Big Lessons

    Venice Beach, California. 12/25/25

    2025 has been a year I don’t even have the right word to describe. Fires tore through various parts of LA at the start of the year, but I’m grateful that downtown remained untouched. Then came Donald Trump being sworn in as president, sweeping new tariffs under the administration, and ICE raids across Los Angeles and other cities in California. A new American pope was elected—and that’s only scratching the surface. So much happened, all at once.

    I don’t want to get too political here. I simply want to take a moment to reflect on some of the significant events that shaped my life this year.

    • Let me start with my health. After years of neglect—even though I was deeply into health and fitness before, and even became a fitness instructor—I’ve finally taken full charge of my well-being. Beyond committing to the gym, I’ve become much more intentional about what I eat. I’ve been starting my mornings with green smoothies for over a year now, and I’ve added juicing to my routine as well. What truly stands out in my health and fitness journey, though, is that I’m now able to run 5K to 10K races. This is incredibly meaningful to me, especially considering that I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis. Now I’m saying goodbye to the pain and running my way toward a healthier life.
    • I finally got a new car—my sixth in a lifetime. What makes this one special is the journey behind it. For someone who came to the U.S. with almost nothing, being able to own a car feels like a real achievement. Before this, I spent so much money renting cars. Eventually, I bought a secondhand sedan and drove it for nearly three years. This year, I upgraded to a brand-new SUV. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially in Los Angeles, where car culture is real. Getting from point A to point B without owning a car is nearly impossible. For me, this isn’t about status; it’s about progress and stability.
    • I watched my second Mariah Carey concert in Vegas, and it was incredibly special to me. As a longtime Mariah fan—a proud Lamb—the concert centered around my favorite album of all time, The Emancipation of Mimi. I know every song on that album by heart; I can even tell you which track comes next before it starts. Experiencing it live felt like a full-circle moment. 🦋
    • And speaking of music, I also had the chance to watch three Broadway shows—Hamilton, Les Misérables, and Moulin Rouge. These were major productions, and I felt incredibly fortunate to experience them at the iconic Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. I also attended orchestral concerts at the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall. After experiencing all of this, I know I want to watch even more Broadway and orchestra performances next year.
    • My two nieces came to visit me, and what made it especially meaningful was that they traveled all on their own—enduring a 14–15 hour flight from the Philippines. That alone was a reminder that they’ve truly grown up… and that I’m not getting any younger either.In time, they’ll make their own choices and navigate life on their own terms, but I’ll always be their supportive uncle, cheering them on from wherever I am. I’m already looking forward to seeing more of my family next year, as they’re planning a visit to the U.S. in the third quarter of 2026.
    • And last—but certainly not least—I’ve started reading the Bible again. I was once a Catholic seminarian, studying theology and philosophy, and at one point I probably thought that experience made me better than others. Somewhere along the way, though, I stopped reading the Bible altogether.

      Returning to it now is a very personal decision. I’ve set a goal to read the entire Bible before the end of 2026. If I can commit to reading all kinds of books, why not this one as well? I truly believe it holds countless lessons—about life, faith, humanity, and history. There’s a reason it remains the best-selling book of all time. I plan to come back to this blog a year from now and reflect on what has changed in me after reading the Bible from cover to cover.

    When I look back on my life in 2025, it was actually quite simple. I don’t have major achievements to boast about to the world. I’m neither a celebrity nor a political figure—I’m just someone navigating life on my own terms.

    I’ve even chosen to narrow down my circle on social media. Not because the people I no longer follow are “nonsense,” but because I want less noise. Life is already complicated, and I don’t want to add unnecessary distractions. A smaller circle brings more clarity and peace.

    Much of my life still revolves around work, but I’m learning not to let it overwhelm me. Life is too short to be consumed by stress, and I’m doing my best to find balance where I can.

    As we close the chapter on 2025, may we leave behind its worries and challenges and step into 2026 with positivity, purpose, and renewed energy.

  • What Really Happened at the First Thanksgiving (And Why It Matters)

    The book BLACK AF HISTORY The unwhitewashed history of America by Michael Harriot has taught me so much about American history from a different and eye-opening perspective. I’m not American. I wasn’t born and raised here, which is why I’ve been making an effort to truly understand the history of the country I live in. I don’t want to be here and know nothing about how this place came to be.

    Below is what I’ve learned about Thanksgiving.

    🌽 What Actually Happened at the First Thanksgiving (1621)

    1. It wasn’t called “Thanksgiving”

    The Pilgrims in Plymouth never called the 1621 gathering “Thanksgiving.”

    A Thanksgiving back then was a religious day of prayer and fasting, not feasting.

    The 1621 event was more like a harvest celebration.

    🦃 2. It was a 3-day feast

    The event lasted three days, sometime between late September and early November of 1621.

    It was held after the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest in the New World.

    🤝 3. About 90 Wampanoag people attended

    The Wampanoag were not “invited” in the way we think today.

    The settlers fired guns and cannons to celebrate their harvest. The noise alerted the nearby Wampanoag. About 90 Wampanoag men, led by Ousamequin (Massasoit), showed up—partly out of diplomacy, partly to investigate, and partly because they had a peace treaty with the settlers.

    Despite the tense circumstances, they ended up sharing food and participating.

    🍁 4. The foods were nothing like today

    There was no turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, or cranberry sauce.

    Foods likely included:

    Venison (deer)—provided by the Wampanoag Wild fowl (possibly duck or goose) Cornmeal porridge Eel and seafood Pumpkin and squash Nuts, beans, wild onions

    Potatoes and sugar were not available.

    ⚔️ 5. The Wampanoag had already been devastated

    Before meeting the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag had suffered a deadly epidemic (likely leptospirosis) from 1616–1619 that killed up to ⅔ of their population.

    This weakened them and made forming an alliance with the English a strategic necessity against rival tribes.

    🤫 6. Peace didn’t last long

    Although the 1621 feast was peaceful:

    Tensions grew in the following decades. Land disputes, colonial expansion, and cultural conflict eventually led to King Philip’s War (1675)—one of the deadliest conflicts in American history. Many Native people were killed, enslaved, or displaced.

    So the idyllic “cooperation” story taught in schools leaves out the long-term consequences.

    🌟 So what’s the real truth?

    The first Thanksgiving was:

    A harvest celebration, Shared between two very different groups, During a short moment of cooperation, That was followed by decades of conflict and tragedy for Native people.

    It wasn’t the perfect, friendly dinner often portrayed—but it was a real moment of coexistence in a much more complicated and painful history.

  • Why Wicked Hits Deep: A Personal Reflection

    I’m not a movie critic, but—just like you—I can tell when a film resonates with me. And Wicked resonated deeply.

    So why do I love Wicked?

    Part 1 made me fall in love with Elphaba. Cynthia Erivo is incredible. I actually didn’t realize she could sing; I first saw her in Harriet, where she was phenomenal. In Wicked, though, she completely broke me—in the best way. I cried so much during the scene where Elphaba is finally accepted, not just by Glinda, but by everyone at the school dance. It made me think of my own life—growing up gay, afraid of being mocked or isolated. You learn to act tough just to survive. You pretend the cruelty doesn’t bother you, even when it does. And still, you keep going. It’s hard, but you keep living.

    The movie also reflects how society—especially those with power—shapes the way people perceive others. When you’re powerless, you’re often forced to shrink, to take up as little space as possible, to accept that your worth won’t be recognized. And under that kind of pressure, you can lose sight of who you really are. Sometimes, even if you’re a good person, society pushes you into the role it expects: the outsider, the villain, the “wicked” one.

    Because I loved the movie so much, I immediately bought the Elphaba Barbie, the book, and the digital version the moment it was released on Prime—just so I could watch it over and over again. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it.

    We waited an entire year for Part 2, and yesterday, November 21, I finally watched it—Wicked: For Good. Like with most sequels, I knew it wouldn’t replicate the magic of Part 1, so I refused to compare them. I saw Part 2 as the redemption of Elphaba’s character and the sealing of her bond with Glinda. And as I’m writing this, I still tear up thinking about the scene where they face each other from opposite sides of a door, saying “I love you.” It reminded me of my best friend Jill. There’s something powerful about a friendship where, even without being related by blood, you feel connected like family. For me, that moment was the highlight of the whole movie.

    I’ve seen people online saying they didn’t like Part 2—that it didn’t live up to the first, or that they expected Elphaba to show off more powers, like some kind of mutant. And I’m just sitting here thinking, “Hello? That’s not what Wicked is about.” It’s pretty clear some of them haven’t seen the musical—or any musical at all.

    Elphaba wanted to be seen for who she really was — a good person, someone worthy of love and acceptance. Glinda, on the other hand, was already a star in her own right. She longed to feel important and to actually help others. At first, I didn’t really like her — she seemed like a rich girl used to getting everything she wanted. But Part 2 changed that for me. It deepened her character, made me understand her more, and I ended up loving her. That’s why I finally bought a Glinda Barbie — now she and Elphaba are inseparable in my collection.

    And, of course, all the other characters are magnificent too — the Wizard, Madame Morrible, Fiyero, Nessarose, Boq … everyone brings something special. I’m actually re-watching the movie because my experience last night was ruined by a noisy couple sitting next to me. I want to really feel it again.

    If you want to watch Wicked, I’d suggest going in without expecting flashy magical battles or superpowers. The movie is more about human experience — how we navigate life, how we form deep connections, how we crave to be seen, accepted, and loved… and how someone can change for good.

  • Showing Up for Myself on My Birthday

    Happy 45th Bday to Me

    So, today is my 45th birthday, and it’s my fifth time celebrating it here in Los Angeles. To be honest, I’m not always excited about birthdays—they bring up a lot of emotion for me. I’m so used to celebrating with my sister, whose birthday is just a day after mine. I always think of my mom making us spaghetti, with ice cream, cake, and all the other foods that made the day special.

    So this year, I’m choosing to keep my birthday simple, private, special, and stress-free. I’m taking my time today, and in my own way, I’m celebrating it the best I can.

    Nov 13 – 9 PM: I started things off the night before my birthday by watching one of my favorite movies—Wicked—with my favorite character, the Elphaba Barbie, by my side. It’s such a feel-good movie, filled with amazing songs and incredible singers. There’s so much about Elphaba’s character that resonates with me, and I honestly can’t wait to watch Wicked: Part 2.

    Nov 14 — 8:30 AM: I woke up around this time. I didn’t go to work—because why not? It’s my birthday. As much as I wanted to sleep in, I had to get up because I was already hungry, and my body clock is so used to waking up early in the morning.

    Usually, I make a green smoothie for breakfast—but not today! It’s my special day, so I made a proper Filipino breakfast: rice, fried eggs, and longganisa. Food has a way of grounding me and making me feel at home again. LA is home now, but where you come from is a different kind of home.

    There’s a storm today and in the coming days, so it felt extra cozy eating my Filipino breakfast, sipping coffee, and watching the rain through the window.

    10:00 AM: Wicked still isn’t over. Today, it turned into a full-on Wicked sing-along. LOL. I was belting my heart out to the songs, and honestly, I didn’t care if my neighbors heard me.

    11:30 PM: By this time, the rain had slowed down bit. As much as I wanted to just become lazy and stay at home I decided to go to the gym.

    I planned to sweat on my birthday, and not even a full-on storm can stop me. I’m going to the gym regardless. It’s my birthday—nature can try, but it’s not raining on my parade.

    1:30 PM: As a Barbie collector, I’ve been wanting to visit the Mattel headquarters in El Segundo. I heard they have a small store there, and I figured I might find some bargain Barbies. So off I went.

    Well, they definitely had plenty of Barbies—and other brands too. But honestly, I was a little disappointed. Their selection of Signature Barbies, you know, the collector’s edition ones, was pretty limited. It’s funny because it’s actually easier to find them online than at Mattel’s own store. Still, I was glad I went—it satisfied my curiosity.

    3:30 PM: While waiting to head to Hollywood to watch Moulin Rouge! The Musical, I decided to make some beet juice. I’ve been drinking it for months now, and it’s become part of my routine. I’ll definitely write another blog entry soon about the benefits of juicing and green smoothies.

    5:00 PM: Off I drove to Hollywood. I braved the storm and the night driving (my night vision is really bad), and one thing immediately stood out: the streetlights along Crenshaw Blvd all the way to Hollywood were practically nonexistent. I didn’t take the freeway, and I rarely drive in that area since I live in the south of LA now—but wow, it was wild. No streetlights at all! Honestly, LA, if you want people to get into accidents, this is exactly how to make it happen. Turning off streetlights during a heavy downpour? Unreal.

    8:00 PM: Moulin Rouge! was my third musical of the year—I’d already seen Hamilton and Les Misérables, both huge Broadway productions. With Moulin Rouge!, though, I just wasn’t feeling it. The production quality was outstanding, and the singers were absolutely amazing, but something just didn’t click for me. I found myself getting bored halfway through. Still, since this was my birthday treat to myself—and I’d braved the weather and night driving to get there—I sat through the full 2+ hour performance and really tried to enjoy it. But honestly? I still didn’t.

    So there you have it—this was how I spent my birthday. It wasn’t really a celebration; it was more of a much-needed me time. For once, I didn’t think about work, bills, or the future. I just allowed myself to enjoy the day, completely pressure-free. I’m officially 45, and after everything I’ve been through, I’m still here, “dancing through life,” as the song from Wicked says. I’m looking forward to more birthdays, more growth, and many productive years ahead—God willing.

  • Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone at the WeHo Halloween Parade

    Last night, I joined the 2025 West Hollywood Halloween Parade — my first time ever participating in something like that! I’d never really done anything like it before, especially dressing up for Halloween. Growing up in the Philippines, Halloween wasn’t really a big deal—well, at least not back in my day. Of course, Filipinos love to pick up Western traditions, so I guess it’s becoming more popular there now. But when I was growing up, our version of “Halloween” was visiting cemeteries, cleaning tombs, spending a couple of days praying, and catching up with family and friends. Anyway, back to West Hollywood — last night, I went all out and dressed up as KAREN!

    I really wanted to stay in character the whole night, but I realized if I did, I’d probably miss out on all the fun. Plus, let’s be honest—I was a little scared people might actually hate me for acting like a real Karen! 😂 To be honest, I kind of hated my costume halfway through the night anyway. Everywhere I looked, there were people in jaw-dropping, creative outfits—movie characters, pop icons, spooky creatures, you name it. The whole street felt like a living, breathing runway of imagination. The party itself was massive! The crowd stretched for blocks, and they said there were nearly half a million people out there. It was chaotic, colorful, and absolutely unforgettable.

    By around 10 p.m., I started to feel the exhaustion kicking in. The street party was scheduled to wrap up by 11 because of noise complaints, but of course, the bars in WeHo kept the celebration going until around 2 a.m. I honestly had no intention of staying out that late. Don’t get me wrong—I really enjoyed the festivities, the people-watching, and all the wild creativity—but deep down, I knew this kind of massive crowd just wasn’t my scene. I didn’t feel completely comfortable being surrounded by that many people; part of me couldn’t shake off the uneasiness. Still, I’m glad I went—it was something worth experiencing at least once. In fact, I think I enjoyed chatting with my partner’s friends more than being out in the middle of the chaos! It gave me a different kind of fun, more relaxed and genuine. I told myself I probably wouldn’t do this again… but then again, never say never. Maybe if I come up with a really good costume next year, I’ll find myself back out there, ready to give it another shot. 🎭

  • From Treadmill to Triumph: My First 5K and Beyond

    I started running this year — well, technically, I began easing into it back in November 2024. I started with slow jogs on the treadmill, just 5 minutes at a time. Little by little, I worked my way up to 10 minutes, then 20, until eventually I was able to run a full 30 minutes without stopping.

    To stay motivated, I began signing up for virtual runs. By accident, I ended up registering for six of them — but I completed each one successfully. After that, I felt ready for something more. That’s when I decided to try an in-person race. So in February 2025, I signed up for my first 5K at Griffith Park.

    Griffith Park – February 2025
    Griffith Park – February 2025
    Griffith Park – February 2025

    This race was really meaningful to me. It was my first official 5K, and I was genuinely proud of myself. Not too long ago, even walking for five minutes was painful because of my plantar fasciitis — so being able to run an entire race felt like a big personal victory.

    I went alone that morning. The race started around 7am, and I didn’t have anyone there cheering me on. My friends were probably still asleep — it was a Saturday, after all — and I didn’t expect anyone to rearrange their day just to watch me run. It was just me, showing up for myself. And honestly, that made it even more special.

    After that race, I knew I wanted to keep going. I started signing up for more events — the LA 5K in March, the Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K in May (I did the 5K), and the Santa Monica 10K in September. I had also registered for the Thrive Half Marathon in San Diego on November 1, but I decided to hold off on that one for now. I wasn’t quite ready yet, and I wanted to honor where my body is at instead of pushing myself too soon.

    LA 5K – March 2025
    LA 5K – March 2025
    Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K – May 2025
    Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K – May 2025
    Santa Monica Classic 10K – September 2025
    Santa Monica Classic 10K – September 2025

    A lot of people assume running is an easy sport. And in some ways, it is — you just put one foot in front of the other. But if you’re training for races like a 5K, a half marathon, or even a full marathon, there’s a lot more to it. You have to prepare, be consistent, and take care of your body. It’s definitely not as effortless as it looks.

    It can also get surprisingly expensive if you want to avoid injuries. One of the biggest things is investing in good shoes. I didn’t realize how important that was until I found myself with 5 pairs — each for a different purpose. I’ve always been loyal to Nike, so I have one pair for casual walks, another pair for daily training, one for trail runs, and my Vomero 18s for race day. They’re not elite shoes or anything, but they’re really comfortable for me, and that matters.

    Comfortable running clothes are also really important. I haven’t splurged on high-end gear like Lululemon or Nike Elite yet — I don’t think expensive clothing automatically makes you run faster. For now, I stick to Spyder and a few generic brands, which work just fine. That said, I’m thinking of treating myself to some Lululemon gear soon.

    Nutrition is also a big part of my running routine. For breakfast, I usually have green smoothies, and I also make beet juice and ginger shots. I always have salad. On top of that, I include protein drinks to help with recovery and keep my energy up.

    The most important lesson I’ve learned from running is to enjoy it. I don’t want to force myself or pretend to be an elite athlete, posting photos on Instagram or Facebook to show the world what I’m doing. This journey is very personal to me — not long ago, I could barely manage long walks, and now I’m running 5K and 10K races.

    I may not be as young or as strong as I once was, but at 45, I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished — especially compared to many of my peers. That said, I still have to be careful and listen to my body. If something feels off, I don’t push it. For me, running should always remain fun, personal, and noncompetitive.

  • Falling for Éponine | Les Mis at Pantages Hollywood

    Last night, I went out to see Les Misérables at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. It was my second time watching a musical at that magnificent venue, and it never fails to impress. The show started at 8 PM, but I arrived two hours early so I could take a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard.

    The Pantages is located right on the world-famous Walk of Fame, so there’s always plenty to take in—tourists bustling about, food vendors, souvenir shops, bars, and all kinds of quirky stores. With time to kill, I grabbed an overpriced burger from Shake Shack (because, why not?).

    Afterward, I made a quick stop at Amoeba Music, just to soak in that nostalgic atmosphere. There’s something timeless about flipping through CD racks—it takes me back to the days when music wasn’t just streamed, but held in your hands. Don’t get me wrong—I still buy CDs and tapes even now, and I have a reliable player for these almost-forgotten gems.

    Photo: LA Times
    Photo: Variety
    Photo: californiathroughmylens.com

    After leaving Amoeba, I decided to head into the Pantages Theatre. I still had about 45 minutes before the show started, but figured it was better to go in early—mainly because walking along the Walk of Fame felt like it could get me high. The smell of weed was everywhere, thick in the air. Honestly, just breathing in all that secondhand smoke felt like it could alter your state of mind.

    Besides, I’ve always loved taking in the theater’s stunning interior. It’s like stepping into another era. I couldn’t help but imagine what it must’ve been like back in the day, when people dressed to the nines for a night at the theater—surrounded by all that grandeur and old Hollywood opulence.

    Of course, I’d been listening to the Les Misérables soundtrack nonstop for the past two weeks. That’s something I always do before seeing a musical. Personally, I find it hard to catch all the lyrics when they’re being sung live. So, getting familiar with the songs ahead of time really helps me follow the story and fully appreciate the performance.

    Okay, I’m not about to write a full review of the musical—that’s a bit too much work. But overall, Les Misérables is absolutely a must-watch. One character, in particular, really struck me and moved me to tears: Éponine. I was literally crying the entire time during her death scene. Her story, her voice, her longing—it just hit me hard.

    Of course, the actress who played Éponine was incredible—but what really got to me was the character herself. Éponine is the third wheel in the love story between Cosette and Marius. She’s madly in love with Marius, her friend, but keeps it all to herself. Her love is quiet, unreciprocated, and unwavering. She even follows him into battle, just to be near him. And in the end, she confesses her love as she dies in his arms.

    Les Misérables is filled with injustice, and one of the most painful ones is about love. I cried because I’ve been there—more than once. Falling in love with a friend, holding it in, or worse, having them know but still only seeing you as “just a friend”—it’s a kind of heartbreak that cuts deep. Éponine’s story hit far too close to home.

    So that’s how I spent my Saturday night, October 18—and I have to say, it was time well spent. Next month, on November 14, I’ll be treating myself to Moulin Rouge as a birthday gift. Can’t wait!

  • Mariah Carey’s Here for It All: From Best to (Still Amazing) Rest

    I’ve been waiting for this album for years, and finally—after a seven-year wait—Mariah Carey released it on September 26. I haven’t stopped listening since. The whole album has such a chill vibe, reminiscent of her previous release, Caution. There’s not a lot of belting, which makes sense—our voices naturally change as we age. But Mariah has more than earned her place in music history; she doesn’t need to prove anything anymore. I don’t even mind if she lip-syncs at concerts—I already know what she’s capable of.


    Can’t remember the last time I bought a CD — but Mariah made me do it! 💿🎤

    Back to the album: I absolutely love it. Every track is a gem, and I’m excited to rank them based purely on my own taste.

    1. Nothing is Impossible – Okay, I’ll admit it—I cried when I heard this song. Mariah’s songwriting talent shines so strongly here, and this track is proof of just how powerful her pen is. The message resonated deeply with what I’m going through right now, and I think it will connect with listeners everywhere. I’d even say it carries the same emotional weight as her classic “Hero.”
    2. I Won’t Allow It – This song is full of shade. The lyrics really reveal a lot about her past relationship with her ex. But if you just listen to the music without focusing too much on the words, it’s actually a great track. The upbeat tempo is so catchy that you might even forget the song is all about her ex. Click here to listen on Apple Music
    3. In Your Feelings – Here’s another track with a good dose of shade—but in a more emotional way. It captures that complicated feeling of going through a breakup while still hoping for another chance. It’s raw, honest, and relatable.
    4. Type Dangerous – Released earlier this year alongside 5. Sugar Sweet, this track brings an energetic, up-tempo beat — true to Mariah’s signature sound, yet fresh enough to connect with today’s listeners.
    5. Sugar Sweet
    6. Confetti & Champaigne – This song has such a chill vibe. It makes me feel like I’m in my city apartment during winter, lounging by the window and, yes, with a glass of champagne in hand.😁
    7. Play this Song – A duet with Anderson Paak
    8. Here for it All – I feel sad when I listen to this song. I feel like Mariah is saying goodbye.
    9. Mi
    10. Jesus I do
    11. My Love

    I haven’t stopped listening to this album since it dropped. It’s genuinely one of the best—easily a 10 out of 10. The track arrangement feels like it mirrors her love story with her ex: the beginning sparks, the relationship, the heartbreak, and finally, moving on.

    I even went out of my way to check two different Barnes & Noble locations—Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey—just to get a physical copy. They didn’t have it. I know I could’ve just ordered it online from the start, but I wanted that nostalgic feeling of walking into a store and buying a record in person. In the end, I gave in and got it on Amazon. Worth it.

  • From Snooze to Smooth: Sunday, Upgraded

    I always try my best not to be lazy on the weekends. Even when I plan to stay up late and sleep in, my body just doesn’t cooperate with that rhythm anymore. These days, I naturally wake up around 6:30 or 7:00 a.m., no matter what. So if I stay up too late, the next day feels completely off—because I’m still waking up early regardless.

    That being said, I do everything I can to hijack my Sundays in the best way possible.

    6:30 a.m. – My roommate’s dog starts barking like clockwork, begging to go outside. Coincidentally (or not), it’s also around the time my bladder decides I have no choice but to get up. So, I’m up. To ease into the morning, I usually put on some worship music or chill morning tracks to help me focus and center myself. Then I sit down with the LA Times—been a subscriber for almost three years now.

    7:30 a.m. – Time for my green smoothie ritual. Just so you know, I’ve been doing this for 10 months now—and honestly, I feel amazing. I use frozen mango instead of ice (pro tip), coconut water as the base, then toss in celery, kale, banana, a dash of turmeric powder, oats, collagen and protein powder, plus a touch of honey for balance. Once that’s blended, I throw on my workout gear and head straight to the gym.

    During my daily commute, I make it a habit to listen to worship songs—it helps ground me before the day really begins.

    8:45 a.m. – I have to say, my gym is one of the best in Los Angeles. I go to ICONIX in Inglewood. I’ve been a member at LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and even Equinox (definitely the priciest), but ICONIX strikes a great balance—it feels premium without the pretentious price tag. Today, I joined a spinning class, which was perfect for giving my knees a break since I’m usually pounding the pavement (and treadmill) training for a marathon.

    10:30 a.m. – After sweating it out at the gym, it’s brunch time. One of the best things about living in South LA is how close the beaches are—literally just a stone’s throw away. There’s a whole stretch of coastal gems nearby: Redondo Beach, Hermosa, Manhattan, Venice, Santa Monica… I love them all, but I keep coming back to Venice Beach. There’s something undeniably charming about it. Plus, my favorite burrito spot—Breakaway Cafe—is right here, with laid-back outdoor seating that’s perfect for soaking in the vibe.

    1:00 p.m. – One of my favorite ways to pass time is by hanging out in a bookstore. And for me, one of the best spots is the Barnes & Noble in Marina del Rey. It’s surprisingly spacious and rarely crowded, which makes it feel like a little escape.

    To be honest, I don’t buy books as often as I used to—mostly because the font sizes feel too small for me now (I’m getting old). So these days, I love browsing, snapping photos of interesting titles, and then looking them up later on my Kindle. That said, I still make it a point to support bookstores now and then, especially by picking up hardcovers—the font size is bigger, and there’s just something satisfying about holding a real book.

    3:00 p.m. – Sometimes I’ll catch a movie before heading home, or stop by a museum if I’m in the mood. But today, I decided to head back early and catch up on some reading. I’ve always loved books, especially ones about U.S. history and politics.

    As a Filipino living in the U.S., learning about the country’s past helps me understand its present—and reading about American politics keeps me informed, especially during this time when the nation feels more divided than ever.

    Right now, I’m diving into Black AF History by Michael Harriot and 107 Days, a new release by Kamala Harris. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not a Democrat, Republican, or even a self-proclaimed liberal. I try to listen to all sides and form my own perspective.

    6:00 p.m. I make dinner and ginger shots. I’ve been juicing for quite some time now. I make ginger shots, and beets juice. They say the health benefits of these is amazing. I have a doctor appointment in a week so we’ll see if this is true or not.

    8:00 p.m. I wind down by listening to music and right now I’m listening more to Mariah Carey’s newest album in 7 years – Here for it all. I actually went to 2 Barnes and Nobles stores today to get a copy (cos I still love buying CDs and actually go to a store though I have apple music that I can listen to the album instantly) they’re not available. I might just buy it online instead.

    10:00 p.m. – By this time, I’m winding down and getting ready for bed—because tomorrow, I return to the trenches (aka my toxic workplace). I do my absolute best to squeeze every ounce of joy out of the weekend, because starting Monday, I’m back to dodging passive-aggressive emails, fake smiles, and whatever dark magic keeps my coworkers so relentlessly evil. Pray for me. lol

    So, that’s it. This is how I hijack my Sunday to have the best day. What about you? Tell me how you spend your Sundays or Saturdays.