#ByHermes

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Falling in and out of love so many times in the past just wore and burned me out in the process. Sure, I miss the thrill, I miss the butterflies in my stomach, and I miss everything that comes with sharing a piece, if not all, of my heart with somebody else.

The thing is, I've been told that love should never be hard to find. I've been (or probably still am) a victim of the cliche saying, "If it's meant for you, it will come," but until when should I wait? Is it a blessing or a curse? No one knows for sure.

I'm not one to shy away from pursuing something or someone I love. I've always loved that about myself — always going after what I want until I get to call it mine. But as I grow older, I realized how it also made me very cautious of people and things that are worth my energy. Is it a blessing or a curse? No one knows for sure.

I like someone, and while I hate to admit how it's been so confusing lately, I decided to pine, albeit not seeing any light from the tunnel I'm currently walking on. But the point is, the thrill is there, the butterflies are there, and my heart is so ready to be enchanted. All I need is a hundred percent reciprocation because I have never entertained half-assed interest. Is it a blessing or a curse? No one knows for sure.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Here's to hoping that I'll get it right this time

The last week of October '23 really challenged my outlook in life and how I want to live in the days to come. I was full of regrets, full of guilt. Admittedly, I wasn't the best person you'll come across who knows all the right things to say or do. I was never that… until I had an epiphany that I wanted to be.

I'm 26, turning 27 in less than two months. Is it too late now to be the person I wanted to become?

Most people would say it will never be too late, but as a mere human, I couldn't help but feel like I wasted so many years trying to become someone I'm not meant to be, someone I thought I was meant to be.

Less than two months into this year, and I want to make things right. My vision is not crystal clear as of this point, but I know now what path I'd like to take, and it's nowhere near similar to what I thought of in my early 20s.

I was wrong all along.

— Here's to hoping that I'll get it right this time.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Currently in Vietnam, living my best life.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

"By the way, you look beautiful tonight."

It was during the most unlikely time when you utter these words to me. We were already drunk from one too many shots, unaware of what would happen next. And yet, you remained clear to my eyes. 

At that moment, I was relishing how good of a company you were, unbothered by the people around us, while the speakers left no room for silence.

Your skin was cold, so I held your hand. But you leaned in to kiss me instead as if that press of your lips on mine would keep you warm. Nevertheless, I surrendered.

With you around, I simply find myself relinquishing all my willpower and just going where your high would take me.

Carefully and gently, but oh so intensely.

— past midnight

[oeuvrebyhermes]

You're addicting

I tasted you once and, since then, I keep looking for you in all the places I go to.

You're addicting, and the high you give is the only high I chase.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

A new K-concept in Poblacion

A lot has changed in Makati's hippest bloc Poblacion since the onset of the pandemic. Many Poblacion favorites have succumbed to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, yes, but new concepts have started to open, ensuring the streets of Poblacion are more alive than ever.

One of the few new concepts in Makati's most interesting neighborhood is West 32, a Korean-American fusion restaurant located in the bustling area of Kalayaan Ave.

Read the full story here.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

You have a lot in common, except for one

One of the main reasons you previously kept running through my head was your wisdom and how much of a conversationalist you are. You have a way with words and make me want for more. But sadly, you lack with intention.

There are many instances in life where we overthink how things would have turned out differently depending on how we wanted them. It would have been lovely to end this story of us the way I wanted it, but I guess I was the only one wanting it so bad.

Then someone so similar to you walked towards my direction. Suddenly, my stomach churned, my heartbeat fast, and my brain echos, "here you go again."

That's right. Here I go again.

But if "here I go again" means knowing a soul as beautiful as yours, then count me in. If "here I go again" means having the privilege to learn your perplexities, then sign me the fuck up.

You have a lot in common, except for one, you don't know what you want, but he does.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Goodbye, 2020!

For someone who’s relatively young and hasn’t experienced a global health crisis as huge as this pandemic, 2020 surely gave me more than just a taste of it and how it could upend our lives and turn the entire world upside down. 

In this article on PeopleAsia, I reflect on 2020′s greatest life lessons as I prepare to welcome 2021. 

Happy New Year!

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After seven months since my last pre-COVID-19 travel, visiting Boracay recently has given me a broad idea on how future domestic trips to vacation destinations would be like in the coming months.

Read more.

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I thought I wouldn't be able to get a glimpse of the beach anytime soon this year. But thanks for this work assignment, I saw the waters. And not just an ordinary beach, but the one with the most picturesque view of the sunset—Boracay.

In case you missed it, this paradise is now open for domestic tourists! If you're planning to visit, know the safety guidelines here.

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Two years.

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A silver lining

I’ve always been drawn with scented candles. Upon lighting one, it fascinates me how it immediately radiates a relaxing vibe in any space.

This year, most notably during the imposed lockdown, I caught myself trying different local brands of scented candles. Since I’ve been working from home most of the time, I light up my candle more than once a day whenever I feel even a pinch of stress or pressure from work. I also light it up when I meditate or about to go to sleep. It keeps me company while I work, and it also stays by my side in stillness. Which is why I thought to myself, that instead of continually buying, why not just make my own?

After countless YouTube tutorials here and there, I made these first batch of candles using some makeshift equipment. Lighting candles are relaxing, but after making these, I realized that making them are therapeutic on its own.  

If not for quarantine and the excess time I have these days, I wouldn’t be able to push myself to explore this creativity. So, despite everything that’s been happening, I remain grateful for all the silver linings I get to take advantage of.  

[oeuvrebyhermes]

When I got sick during the quarantine, my mom made me ginger concoctions from scratch to relieve my sore throat and boost my immune system. So, when I found out about Rooted Wellness (@rootedwellnessph), I've never been more enthusiastic to try a ready-made ginger elixir.

Digestive tonic products like this ginger elixir are very much helpful during this time of the pandemic. Not only does it help you avoid flu-like diseases, but it also helps in resetting your gut.

I've always had reservations in taking vitamins so finding natural alternatives like this in keeping my gut healthy is really a blessing.

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On the other side of the fence

As a writer, I tell other people’s stories through my words. This time, I’m going to be the subject of my own story as I share my experience as a COVID suspect in the Philippines.

Kindly click this link to know what’s it like to get a swab test in the Philippines and when you should get one.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Darkness Is Just As Necessary As Light

There was a time in my life where you would never see me without my camera hanging on my neck or glued to my hands. I just thought that wherever I go, there’s always something worth capturing. Even at home, when I stay in on weekends, I’ll take photos of random things I find, and I’d be preoccupied.

Then I lost that passion.

Almost everyone is in self-quarantine right now. In the Philippines, a curfew from 8 PM to 5 AM is implemented; you can’t go out of the house if not for grocery or bank transactions, and all businesses, public and private, are suspended. One month left of this cycle before everything goes back to normal, hopefully.

I woke up differently today. I started my day meditating, got my coffee, and went straight to my bookshelves to pick up some wisdom. Truth be told, I have unfinished work in the office. But in times like this, I just want to bask in the goodness of rest and stillness.

Who would have thought that a forced self-quarantine is what it takes for me to pick up my camera once again, not for work, but solely for art?

And so, I took photos. Lots of them. In my room, of my food, the plants outside, and everything else. It felt so good. I wouldn’t have done this again if not for the enforced suspension of everything.

The coronavirus is not something to be taken lightly, but right now, we’re left with no choice but to appreciate and be grateful for what’s left within our reach. In essence, communication, social media, art, music, love, home-cooked meals, and so much more.

Perhaps this is what humankind needs right now—realignment, refinement, and new appreciation of life. So, hold on, this is just another lesson in our journey. We’ll all be okay. It’s a promise that never fails.

[oeuvrebyhermes]

Long live print

PeopleAsia celebrates its 20th anniversary as one of the top lifestyle glossies in the Philippines, and I'm more than grateful to be part of it. Print has never been more alive! And I'm here to serve the industry, to live a profession I once used to just dream. Here's to another 20 more years! Long live print!