An Afternoon at Silver Reef Dive

 Spent the day with the usual company at Silver Reef. We ordered from the restaurant which has a lot of options and categories. While waiting for the food to be served, we went down to the beach and took photos. Some lovely twinkle lights in the evening made the pool area look dreamy. We also loved the murals found in many spots around the place. Must visit!


Book: The Shack

I first knew about this story from watching the movie that was recommended by a friend. I was moved and cried buckets watching it and decided to read the book.

It has a wonderful way of presenting a conversation with God through the painful story of the main character Mackenzie, a father, a husband and a friend.

I've had my questions and the dialogues gave me some answers. What I especially liked is how I was able to visualize God in a way that is different than what he is usually portrayed.. as an invisible man residing in the clouds, only hearing an authoritative voice. The book gives you another way of getting to know God that is easier to comprehend.

It also talks about forgiveness and judgement among many other things.

If you've read it, I'd be glad to know what you thought of this book.

White and Simple Invitations for an intimate wedding

I made these invitations for a couple tying the knot in the new year. They wanted a simple and light theme but with a rustic accent. The dried flowers and the jute twine were perfect additions to the creamy white matte paper. The design features some light hand drawn leaves and tiny flowers, which were added sparingly on each page. It's finished with kraft envelopes, which I made myself using WRMK Envelope Punch, because these types are not readily available in the city. Guest names were done in calligraphy using white ink Dr PH Martin's Bleed Proof White ink.


Working on these was quite enjoyable especially when I came to the part of adding the flowers. I was very satisfied how they all came together wonderfully. I hope you like them too!


Feature: Galleria 6200 by Carmel June "CJ" Saga


Back in September, I had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed and featured in Carmel June "CJ" Saga's vlog series "Galleria 6200". This series includes brands and small business that are located in Dumaguete City ranging from arts, crafts, food, culture and more.

We shot the interview at a friend's house in Valencia, Negros Oriental. The day was a lot of fun. They took photos and clips of some of my work, we had a quick demonstration on painting loose flowers and calligraphy. After the shoot, we sat and exchanged fun stories.

This video premiered in her Youtube channel on November 29, 2020.

Painting Simple Flowers using a triangle brush

I recently got myself a triangle brush, Princeton Velvetouch Petals No. 8. I watch some tutorial videos on Youtube on how to use it. At first, it was a bit disorienting, but I got the hang of it and it is actually quite easy. It makes these fluffy florals like carnations. Other types are also possible like loose roses and five petal flowers.


Here showing you my finished work. I made a simple bouquet from it and also, I filmed it so you can try it too!





Barter stories

The current barter trend is something I never expected to pick up so fast in just a few days. I first knew about it from being invited to the group of more than 22k members.

I'm actually not so much into trends but this one got my attention. Because for so long I have wanted to declutter and bring more peace to my work space slash living space. It can be difficult to live minimally especially if you're running an online shop and being a semi artist, semi-designer, semi-photographer.

So I found the barter concept very helpful, but it does challenge my introversion. I did it anyway.
6 barters after, 5 out of 6 being successful, I'm thankful that I got mostly things I needed that I didnt have to get myself and also freeing up a bit more of my space. Another good thing is knowing that my stuff went to safe and goof hands and it brought joy and use to them. Some new people I exchanged with are very nice that I was happy to add a little extra to the package.

I was also very happy to know that they dedicate Thursdays to local farmers because it helps that the essential grocery items we take for granted (rice, sugar, coffee) reach them easier than usual.

Bartering has helped a lot of people during this Covid season.

Pastel Filipiniana Birthday Party Favor Bags

A friend throwing a joint birthday party for her son and daughter asked me to do write guest names in calligraphy for their party favors. She likes these bags made of buri or pandan leaves. It's a great fit for the party's theme which is Filipiniana pastels.

The bag contained a lot of goodies that kids would love, traditional Filipino toys like jack stones, pickup sticks, rubber bands, marbles and a few sweets.

For the adult guests, she used the same type of bags and put calico bags with Pinoy goodies like tableya (cocoa), rice and coffee beans. I made kraft gift tags that were attached to the bags to label their contents.

I love how they all turned out!