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

My 33rd blog: (just one of my battles in life) The Lump That Changed Everything: My Path Through Uncertainty   Each of us faces trials uniquely designed to test our strength and resilience. For much of my life, I’ve seen myself as fragile, struggling to withstand the pain and hardships that came my way. Yet, through every storm, one truth has remained unwavering—I have stood firm in my Catholic faith. Though I may falter time and again, I do not let the beliefs of others shake my own. And if there is one certainty I hold onto, it is that God does not burden us beyond what we can endure. That, I know for sure.   In 2016, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ—stage 0 to 1 breast cancer. Not the most daunting prognosis, some might say. But for me, it felt unbearable. At the time, my ex-husband and I had separated, leaving me to navigate the weight of the diagnosis alone. I was working nights at an online English school, teaching Japanese professionals who demanded...

  My 32nd blog (What To Do if You  Lose Your Passport Abroad) Lost & Found: Navigating Travel Mishaps   Kevin, my fellow baker, thought his driver’s license was lost for good—until a kind soul picked it up and returned it. I call that divine intervention. How many would do the same these days? It's reassuring to know that good souls still walk this earth.   But what if the lost item had been a wallet filled with cash? Stories of honest taxi drivers returning wallets remind me that integrity still thrives, especially here in the Philippines.   Personally, I’ve lost jewelry and IDs before—never to be found. But in Japan, it's a different story. My Japanese best friend proudly claims that if you lose something in Tokyo, you can return to the same spot and often find it waiting for you. I believe her. Having visited Japan multiple times, I’ve experienced this firsthand.   As a frequent traveler, I know losing something abroad can be daunting...

My 31st Blog: From Law to Life: How My Paralegal Skills Solve Everyday Problems   Early this morning, as I started my usual chores, I received a message from a fellow baker who runs a food delivery business using his motorbike. His message read: "Te Beth, can I ask a question? Na-hulog kasi license ko kagabi sa pagde-deliver, di ko lang alam kung saan. Paano po ba gagawin ko? (English translation: "Sister Beth, can I ask a question? I dropped my license last night while making a delivery, but I don't know where it fell. What should I do? ") It was a classic case of an everyday setback—one that, fortunately, my paralegal knowledge could help resolve.   Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents   The most important document you’ll need is a notarized Affidavit of Loss, which serves as a formal declaration of how your license was lost.   Who Can Prepare an Affidavit of Loss?   Anyone can draft an Affidavit of Loss, even non-lawyers, as long ...

  My 30th blog: More Than Messages: Finding Meaning in a Constant Online Male Friend   As much as this could have been a sensational, juicy headline—trust me, it’s not. Lol. Instead, this is simply a story about an American friend I met on a dating site. For nearly a year now, we’ve been exchanging thoughts, perspectives, and emotional support through words and voice— little echoes sent between us across time zones, shaping a connection neither of us anticipated but somehow nurtured into something real.   To be precise, we started messaging on June 20, 2024. Crazy how time flies, right? His name is Danny. And Danny, if you’re reading this, don’t even start worrying about privacy—your name is practically everywhere. Lol.   Let’s Rewind a Bit   For a couple of years, I dabbled in online dating (no need to mention the site). One day, I stumbled upon a profile that caught my eye, and instead of waiting around, I took the initiative. That’s r...

  My 29 th blog: From Flour to Fonts:    My Creative Journey From Printing Press to Baking and Beyond   In my early blog posts, I reflected on my life's turning points—marriage, annulment, and moving forward. Yet, I had left unexplored the years that shaped me before those events—the chapter where my creative journey truly took root: my time in our family’s printing press.   Before its doors closed in 2011, I served as EDP head, navigating the evolving landscape of layout design. My first tools were far from the sleek digital software of today. I worked with an IBM electronic typewriter with memory before transitioning to Pagemaker and CorelDRAW. Graphic design wasn’t just a profession—it was an inheritance. My parents built their first humble printing press in PhilamLife, Quezon City, laying the foundation for the artistry that runs through my veins.   Recognizing the business’s potential, my parents entrusted it to my eldest sister, who t...

  Flour, Friendship, and Triumph: A Toast to Our Baking Journey   Today, we gathered to celebrate an important milestone—our success in passing the TESDA-accredited Baking and Pastry Making Course. Though I’ve attended baking classes before, this TESDA course was the icing on the cake —it covered everything in depth. What I hadn’t learned in previous schools, I discovered here, proving that valuable knowledge can come free. Some say, ‘Nothing in life comes free,’ but this course was proof that you don’t always have to break the bank to gain something truly valuable.   Our class was a mixed bag —most were young, but others, like me, proved that it’s never too late to sharpen our tools and master new skills, as long as passion drives us forward.  Just as we were enjoying our gathering, a delightful surprise arrived—our TESDA certificates landed in our inboxes! The timing was spot on, making our celebration even sweeter.  Looking ahead, I plan to put what I’ve ...

My 27th blog: Sacred Steps and Storied Streets: A Binondo Church Pilgrimage & Chinatown Walking Tour   Many thoughts swirled in my mind as I sat down to write about our pilgrimage to Binondo Church and our walking tour of Chinatown.   First, I cherished the deepening bond with my sisters from Seeds of Online Community as we shared this meaningful journey. Second, I had a humbling realization—my knees are decidedly weaker than they were last year, a truth both inconvenient and undeniable. Third, I couldn’t help but observe the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in Manila, a disparity that plays out vividly in the bustling streets of Binondo. And lastly, I found myself caught in a hopia rivalry—Holland vs. Salazar’s. Flaky crusts, distinct fillings, and an unspoken competition so intriguing, it deserved serious contemplation.   There’s plenty to unpack, and I hope to present it clearly and engagingly for your appreciation.   For weeks, I had look...

The Hotdog That Fought Back: A Tale of Betrayal and Bandages   I had already indulged in a Jollibee cheeseburger meal—fries, drink, and all—yet, as the night stretched on, my stomach shamelessly demanded more. A quick inspection of the fridge revealed a treasure buried beneath ice cubes: hotdogs. Without hesitation, I grabbed the knife on the counter, and—without thinking—attempted to slice through a frozen hotdog.   Naturally, the laws of physics laughed in my face. The knife slid, and my middle finger bore the consequences. A sharp sting, a flash of regret, and the sobering truth—I had been bested in combat by a frozen hotdog. It didn’t fight fair, but then again, neither does life.   Lessons from a Kitchen Injury As I pressed a piece of cloth against my wounded finger, I pondered the life lessons this incident had so generously handed me: 1.      Gluttony: Dinner had already been served and devoured, yet I refused to let my stomach ...

Still Sensitive, Still Faithful: A Reflection on Prayer and Emotion   After our daily rosary, our Leader expressed her frustration—despite her continuous efforts to invite more people through church bulletins, the same devoted individuals remained the ones answering the call to prayer. I understood her sentiment, but explaining the reasons felt difficult. After all, my fellow rosary prayer group members are based in Australia, while I am the only one praying from the Philippines.   At one point, a member suggested that perhaps the repetitive nature of the rosary made it less appealing to others. In response, our Leader offered a heartfelt perspective: “Would a wife ever tire of hearing her husband say, ‘I love you’? Would a mother grow weary of her child saying, ‘I love you, Mama’? Of course not.”   There is truly a quiet comfort in routine prayers, a steady rhythm in the daily recitation of the rosary—a space where faith feels like an anchor. And yet, despite...

  The Heart of Motherhood: A Perspective Beyond Parenthood   Tomorrow, May 11, is Mother’s Day—a time to celebrate the incredible women in our lives. I’ll be sending warm greetings to my sisters, friends, and relatives who embody the essence of motherhood in their own ways. Though I’ve never been a mother myself, caring for my little Shih Tzu has given me a glimpse into the nurturing, patience, and unconditional love that motherhood represents.   I don’t need to belabor the traditional definition of motherhood—carrying a child, giving birth, and introducing them to the world. But at its core, motherhood extends far beyond biology; it is about nurturing, protecting, and loving another life in the deepest way possible. That, I can wholeheartedly attest to—as a pet parent.   In my own family, I see the profound ways my sisters nurture their children with love and devotion. They sacrifice and dedicate their lives to ensuring their children grow into strong, kin...

    My 23rd blog: Bake It with Love: Crisp, Chewy, and a Gift for Mom   In my previous blog, I shared a glimpse into my baking journey—a passion that began with cookies and a lifelong love for sweets. True to my word, I won’t keep you waiting. Today, I’m diving straight into tips for achieving the perfect balance of  crisp edges and chewy centers  in your cookies.   Of course, everyone has their own preferences—after all,  different strokes for different folks . But personally, I adore cookies that deliver a satisfying crunch on the outside while staying irresistibly soft in the middle. So, my tips will focus on helping you achieve that ideal texture.   And for those kids out there wondering what to give their moms on Mother’s Day, why not express your love through baking? A batch of homemade cookies, served on a platter filled with  warmth, tenderness, and passion , is a heartfelt way to show appreciation.   Let’s get ...