Rediscovering Beth: From Legal to Baker’s, and Traveler’s Notes

  6th blog From Solo Flights to Virtual Dates: My Online Romance Journey   Welcome back to the thrilling saga of my life! From 'I do' to 'I don’t' and now to 'certified, but fingers crossed, not permanently single,' (LOL)   this blog chronicles my adventures as a seasoned expert in solo living. Strap in, because it’s still just me, myself, and my unwaveringly loyal Wi-Fi password!   Single and fabulous—yes, Beth! It took some convincing on my part (haha), but here I am, embracing my status with humor and resilience. The big question, 'What’s next?' With limited opportunities to meet men face-to-face, I boldly ventured into the realm of online dating—not as a casual pastime, but as a serious, data-driven expedition. From DateInAsia to OKCupid, Bumble to ChristianDating, ChristianCupid, Tinder, Badoo, Coffee Meets Bagel, and even CatholicMatch.com—yep, I’ve tried them all. 'Wow,' you might think, 'that’s quite the roster! And still no l...

  5th blog:  Turning Keys into Cash: The Realities of Condo Investment   Investing in a condo unit with visions of rental income often feels like pursuing a golden dream—dazzling, full of potential, yet not without its hidden complexities. The success of this venture rests entirely on securing that elusive tenant: someone who won't magnify every minor flaw, who pays rent and utilities with unwavering reliability, and who integrates seamlessly without derailing your plans with ceaseless demands or missed obligations.   It was 2015—a year of booming real estate, where every corner of the city buzzed with talk of prime properties and promising returns. I was caught in the tide, seduced by the excitement and fueled by the notion that I couldn’t afford to be left behind. So, with more impulsiveness than prudence, I leapt aboard the bandwagon.   The property I chose seemed like a gem: a location with potential, convenience, and opportunity. Or so I convi...

  4th blog From Spare Change to Life Change: Saving and Investing Wisely   I was just 15 years old, standing in line at a bank in Greenhills, San Juan City, clutching a crumpled Php15—the first money I had ever saved. It felt insignificant, almost laughable, but to me, it was a spark of something bigger: the beginning of a habit that would shape my life. I never had much, but I understood the power of saving.   Looking back, I owe this lesson to my mother. As a child, I used to see her as a relentless penny-pincher, questioning every purchase and holding on to every peso like it was gold. I didn’t understand then—how could I? But now I see it clearly. She wasn’t hoarding; she was building. She was quietly, selflessly sacrificing so that she could leave behind enough for her children—a legacy of love and security. And for that, I will forever be grateful.   Let me fast-track to my college days. I spent a year at the College of the Holy Spirit, living in a ...

  3rd blog Civil to Sacred:  Navigating the Path to Church Annulment   When you delve into the painful events of your past, you face a choice: let them fade into oblivion or allow them to haunt the corners of your mind. My journey through immense sadness and heartache has left me intensely sensitive and emotional. This sensitivity, while a rare gift, is also a double-edged sword. The crushing insecurities that fractured my marriage weighed me down like an anchor in a stormy sea. Yet, amidst the turmoil, I unearthed invaluable lessons that have molded me into the resilient person I am today.   The entire process of my civil annulment took about one and a half years, with each step swiftly and efficiently completed. In other cases, the process can extend to three or more years, and petitions may even be denied. In my case, the relatively short duration can be attributed to several factors: 1) We had no children, 2) There were no common properties to dispute, 3) My lawy...

2nd blog From Vows to Verdict:  A Walk Through the Civil Annulment Process It all started on a fateful day in October 2000, when I walked down the aisle with dreams of a blissful future. But life, in its unpredictable ways, had other plans. Out of respect for my ex-husband, who cannot respond to this blog, I won’t delve into the specific reasons behind my decision to file for annulment. Despite the heartaches and tears, I refuse to see those 18 years as wasted. Every trial was a test of faith, courage, perseverance, and self-love. Over time, I gathered the fragments of my shattered dreams and carved out a new direction. All is not lost; I have emerged stronger—and ready to begin again. Right after our marriage, my relationship with my husband became turbulent and rocky. Almost every day, we found ourselves embroiled in arguments. If my memory serves me right, it wasn't until 2016—sixteen years after our wedding—that I finally decided to file for civil annulment. For the longest tim...

1st blog Rediscovering Beth:   From Legal Notes to Baker's and Traveler's Notes   About Me Hello and welcome! My name is Carlyn, but most people know me as Beth—a paralegal, online English instructor, corporate secretary, and passionate baker. Life has taken me through winding roads, and I’ve emerged not only as a breast cancer survivor, but also as a woman embracing change, purpose, and creativity. Today, I step into a new role: a budding blogger. Creating this blog is my way of sharing my story and connecting with others who are navigating their own turning points. It’s a space where I reflect, encourage, and grow—alongside you. 🌿 My Journey Life hasn’t always been easy. My civil annulment in 2018 and church annulment in 2021 were two of the most challenging—and ultimately liberating—experiences of my life. Those years taught me the power of self-reinvention, and they led me back to the things that bring me peace and purpose. In rediscovering who I am, I’ve fou...