Working on the blog for this week.

The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world, with the festive spirit kicking off as early as September. As soon as the “ber” months begin, malls start decorating with Christmas lights and trees, and familiar holiday tunes begin playing—ushering in four months of joyful anticipation and cultural warmth.

Kat recently celebrated her milestone 40th birthday with a blend of simplicity and intimacy. The day included a Japanese lunch, a shopping trip to Uniqlo, and a cozy family gathering at home. After 25 years together and 12 years of marriage, the celebration reflected deep love, shared growth, and excitement for the future.

Joyce participated in a district-level inter-school chess competition, finishing 4th out of over 40 female players and earning a bronze medal. She had a 3–2 win-loss record, and a win in her final match could have secured silver and a spot in the nationals. Her school, St. Cyr Academy, won overall gold by points against 20 schools.

Interestingly, a physical exam was required for the chess tournament—a surprising but understandable precaution given the scale of the event. With students traveling and competing for long hours, organizers likely wanted to ensure everyone’s health and safety, even in a mentally focused sport like chess. Joyce also celebrated Araw ng Wika at school, proudly wearing a Filipiniana outfit that honored Filipino heritage. The event featured performances and activities that celebrated the richness of the Filipino language and culture, allowing students to connect with their roots in a meaningful way.

On the entertainment front, two K-dramas made it to the watchlist: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Unlock My Boss. The former was a new release with a whimsical mix of food, royalty, and romance, while the latter was a quirky tech-mystery series picked up while waiting for other episodes. Both added variety and charm to the viewing experience.

Meanwhile, internet connectivity has been spotty in the area, with GLOBE/GOMO fiber experiencing intermittent issues. The recent heat and rain may have affected the infrastructure, causing slowdowns and dropouts. Users are hoping for swift diagnostics and repairs to restore stable service. These moments—whether festive, personal, competitive, cultural, or everyday—paint a vivid picture of life’s rhythm: celebrations, challenges, and small joys that make each season memorable.

This Month's Quote

Markets are driven by fear and greed - know which one’s in control.

Ber-months Christmas is Near

Longest Christmas...

The Philippines really does have one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. It’s only the start of the “ber” months, and I can already feel the holiday spirit. Some SM malls have Christmas trees and lights up, and even a few Christmas songs are starting to play in the background. It’s funny but also heartwarming—four months of anticipation, decorations, and little reminders that Christmas here isn’t just a day, it’s a whole season of joy and togetherness. It’s Christmas in the Philippines, and yes, we know—it’s only September..

Katrina's Birthday just turn 40s

Mid-life literally...

Kat just entered her fabulous 40s, and we marked the occasion with a mix of simple joys and heartfelt moments. We kicked off the celebration with a cozy Japanese lunch—her favorite—followed by a relaxed shopping spree at Uniqlo where she picked out a few stylish pieces. Later in the day, we gathered with her family at the apartment, sharing laughter, stories, and a thoughtfully prepared food set that made the evening feel extra special. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was intimate, meaningful, and very us.

It’s incredible to think that I’ve known Kat for 25 years now. We’ve been married for about 12 of those years, and the journey we’ve shared has been nothing short of transformative. A lot can happen in a decade—career shifts, family milestones, quiet victories, and the kind of growth that only time and love can bring. Through it all, we’ve built a life rooted in trust, humor, and shared dreams.

As we look ahead to our fifties, sixties, and beyond, there’s a quiet excitement in knowing that the best chapters may still be unwritten. We’re embracing the future with gratitude, curiosity, and a deep commitment to each other. Here's to growing older together—with grace, adventure, and love that keeps evolving.

Medical Exam for the Competition

Medical for chess competition...

It’s quite amusing that a physical exam is required for a chess competition—after all, it’s not exactly a physically demanding sport. But considering this is a district-level inter-school event, I understand why the organizers would implement standard precautions. These requirements likely ensure that all participants are in good health, especially since the event involves travel, long hours of concentration, and interaction among students from different schools. It’s part of a broader effort to maintain safety and accountability, even in activities that are primarily mental rather than physical.

Chess Competion for Primary Students in Private School

Chess for kids...

Joyce earned a well-deserved bronze medal, placing 4th out of more than 40 female chess players who competed in the district-level inter-private school tournament. Her performance was impressive, especially considering the level of competition and the pressure of representing her school. She finished with a 3-win, 2-loss record—just one win shy of securing the silver medal. Her final match was a nail-biter, and had she clinched that last victory, she would have moved up to second place, qualifying for the city-level competition. Still, her achievement speaks volumes about her skill, focus, and determination. St. Cyr Academy, the school she represented, also had a stellar showing, winning the overall gold by points against 20 participating schools. Their collective effort and strategic play across all boards made them the top-performing school in the tournament.

Araw ng Wika and Filipiniana

Celebrating a heritage...

Joyce recently celebrated Araw ng Wika with pride and elegance, joining her school’s festivities in full cultural spirit. She wore a beautiful Filipiniana ensemble, perfectly capturing the essence of traditional Filipino heritage. Her outfit reflected the rich history and artistry of our culture—graceful, dignified, and vibrant.

The event itself was a meaningful tribute to the Filipino language and identity, filled with performances, speeches, and activities that honored our roots. Joyce’s participation wasn’t just about dressing up—it was a celebration of national pride and a chance to connect with the values and traditions that shape who we are.

Kdrama Bon Appetite Your Majesty and Unlock My Boss

Monthly drama series...

We recently wrapped up two K-dramas: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Unlock My Boss. Both offered something unique and kept us entertained in different ways. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty was a fresh release, and we dove into it right away. It had a charming blend of romance, food, and royal flair—lighthearted but surprisingly heartfelt. The culinary scenes were a treat, and the storyline had just enough whimsy to keep us hooked. Unlock My Boss, on the other hand, was a spontaneous pick while waiting for new episodes of other shows. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The mix of tech, mystery, and humor made for an intriguing watch, and the concept of a CEO trapped inside a smartphone was both quirky and thought-provoking. It’s always fun discovering new series and seeing how different genres play out. These two definitely added variety to our watchlist.

GOMO Fiber Intermittent Internet Connection Issues

Terrible telco service

The GLOBE/GOMO fiber connection in our area has been quite unstable lately. We've been experiencing intermittent slowdowns and occasional dropouts, which have made online tasks more frustrating than usual. It’s possible that the recent bouts of intense heat and heavy rain have affected the outdoor fiber infrastructure—moisture intrusion, thermal expansion, or even minor physical damage to exposed lines could be contributing to the issue. Given that fiber optics are sensitive to environmental conditions, especially in tropical climates like ours, it wouldn’t be surprising if the weather played a role. Hopefully, the service providers are already working on diagnostics and repairs to restore consistent connectivity soon.

It’s been seven months since I resigned, and most of that time has been spent with my family—especially Kat—where I truly felt my presence making a difference in her well-being. I’ve also managed household matters like renovations, school needs, and daily routines, while picking up new skills in stocks, crypto, AI, and even video editing. Despite asthma flaring up during the rainy season, I’m grateful I can still manage it with my medication.

On the investing side, I’ve been hit hard by the proposed Konectedong Pinoy Bill, which dragged PLDT and Globe down more than 10% below my average, making them tough holds despite their long-term strength. Adding to the challenge is Ghost Month (August 23–September 21), which has brought even more uncertainty to the market. Still, the past months have given me time to breathe, reconnect, and prepare—I know it’s time to shift gears and start building forward again.ng for the “spiritual murk” to pass. For me, it’s been a reminder to stay grounded and patient, even when everything feels a little unsettled.

This Month's Quote

Our biggest regrets are not for the things we have done but for the things we haven’t done.
— Chad Michael Murray

Productivity after going back in the Philippines

Productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about staying focused on what truly matters and finishing it with purpose...

It’s been seven months now since I resigned back in February 2025, and most of that time I’ve poured into my family and, most importantly, into Kat. Being here with her every day has made me realize how much my presence really matters. I feel that just being beside her has not only improved her well-being but may have even given her more time with us—and that alone makes this decision worth it. These past months have also been about catching up on the things I missed when we weren’t together and finally taking care of matters I had to set aside before. I sorted out the Avida unit processes and contracts, kept the Santolan renovations moving forward, looked after Joyce’s school needs, and made sure Jace’s daily routine was in order.

But beyond the responsibilities, I’ve had more precious conversations with Kat, moments that feel priceless now. I’ve also spent some time learning—studying stocks and crypto, tinkering with AI, even trying my hand at video editing. Somewhere along the way, I started sketching out a rough plan for a software I’d love to create one day. For now, though, I know I’ve been too relaxed to push it seriously—but deep inside, I feel the need to commit to it soon.

Looking at where we are now, I feel our family is in a better place than before. The break gave me a chance to breathe, reconnect, and just be present for the people who matter most. But I also know it’s time to shift gears again. The pause is over, and I need to start moving forward—strengthening our finances, focusing on our plans, and making sure we continue building a good future together.

Asthma Attacks

Breathing difficulties...

The past few nights have been colder than usual because of the rainy season, and it hasn’t been easy for me. Lately, my asthma has been acting up again, and there were times I felt the tightness in my chest creeping in just as I was about to sleep. Thankfully, I still have my Ventolin puff with me, along with my maintenance Seretide, which help me manage those difficult nights. Even though it’s a bit of a struggle, I’m grateful that with these, I can still get through the evenings and rest.

Philippine Stocks

Money Money Money...

The proposed Konectedong Pinoy (KP) Bill has had a significant impact on two of my key holdings—PLDT and Globe Telecom. The market reacted negatively to the bill’s potential effects on the telecom industry, causing both stocks to plunge more than 10% below my current average. For long-term investors like me, it’s been tough to see such sharp declines, especially since these companies have traditionally been viewed as stable blue-chip choices. While the upcoming dividends may help cushion some of the losses, the overall outlook feels shaky at the moment. PLDT and Globe are still fundamentally strong companies with established infrastructures and market dominance, but right now the sentiment surrounding them is weak, making them appear like “bad” stocks to hold in the short term.

This year’s Ghost Month runs from August 23 to September 21, with its peak during the Hungry Ghost Festival on September 6. I’ve been really feeling its effect on the stock market—and on my portfolio. There's a quiet tension that creeps in when traditional beliefs meet modern investing. Many investors tend to pull back during this period, waiting for the “spiritual murk” to pass. For me, it’s been a reminder to stay grounded and patient, even when everything feels a little unsettled.

Crypto Ethereum

Ethereum’s volatility is both its risk and its reward—what shakes the faint-hearted builds opportunity for the patient...

These past few months, even though I started a bit late with investing in stocks and exploring crypto, the experience has opened up a whole new awareness for me. I’ve become more attentive to current news and trends, and I’ve also started learning technical aspects like candlestick charts and different market indicators.

Korean Drama this August

Kdrama fever...

Completed Series "The Trunk", "Eve", "Trigger" and currently watching the ongoing series "Beyond the Bar".

The MoneyWise Engineer: Best Investments for Passive Income

Filipino easy to learn investing tips...

Aside from the usual rain showers and occasional typhoons, the month of July passed by in the blink of an eye. It felt unusually fast, almost as if the days melted into each other. Much of the time was spent on K-drama marathons—Kat especially indulged in long sessions of watching, which also meant more late nights, extra snacking, and, as a result, a little extra weight gain. On my end, I found myself diving back into nostalgia by revisiting the first and second versions of Kingdom Rush, a classic tower defense game that never fails to pull me in with its strategy and charm. Meanwhile, Joyce has been busy with her school intramurals, juggling both academics and sports, which kept her schedule quite packed.

Outside, the Santolan renovations are still underway, with progress being slow but steady; hopefully, everything will be wrapped up by late September or October. On a different note, I started reading a new web novel titled Hundred Regression, where the protagonist—along with countless other youths—is forced into a brutal death match, creating a mix of suspense and excitement that makes it hard to put down.

Financially, I made some moves in my portfolio by adding STI and URC. However, the market wasn’t too kind—barely a week after I bought URC, its value dropped by more than 10%. What stung even more was that I attempted an early round of cost averaging, which unfortunately dragged my overall average down instead of improving it. It’s a tough lesson in patience and timing, but one I’ll carry forward.

This Month's Quote

Love, like a typhoon, can shake us to our core — fierce in its arrival, but leaving behind a sky clearer and brighter than before.

Binge Watching Kdrama

From superhuman battles in Moving to ghostly romances in Hotel del Luna, watching K-dramas is like living many lives—each story a mix of laughter, tears, and lessons that stay long after the screen fades...

Recently, I’ve spent a good amount of time catching up on several Korean dramas, each offering a different flavor of storytelling and emotion. The lineup included Moving, Dream, Mercy for None, Melo Movie, The Sound of Your Heart, and Hotel del Luna.

Joyce Birthday

Eleven years of joy, love, and laughter—happy birthday to my wonderful daughter, who makes every day brighter...

Joyce recently turned 11 this year, and it’s hard to believe how quickly time flies—it feels like only yesterday she was still a little girl, and now she’s growing up so fast. We had originally planned to celebrate her birthday with a small food treat in school, but classes were suspended due to heavy rainfall, which meant a change of plans. Still, this year’s celebration was meaningful in its own way. It was my first time celebrating her birthday since returning to the Philippines for good, and that alone made the day special. Instead of the school gathering, we enjoyed a simple get-together at home with her cousins, sharing food, laughter, and happy memories. As I watched her celebrate, I couldn’t help but hope that this fast passage of time leads her toward good things, and not into any terrible changes as she continues to grow and evolve.

St Cyr Intramurals

Intramurals aren’t just about winning—they’re about teamwork, school spirit, and memories made on and off the court...

Joyce enjoyed her last intramural year at St. Cyr, which is somewhat like a school sportsfest. Since she’s not particularly athletic, she chose to participate in the chess competition instead. Overall, it was still a fun experience for her—a refreshing change of pace from the usual study routines.

Santolan Renovations

Home renovations come with surprises—sometimes the plans change, the goals shift, but in the end it teaches us patience and flexibility...

The Santolan renovations are still ongoing, but significant progress has already been made. The stairs are now fully completed, and the second floor is more or less finished in terms of structure. The target for overall completion is still set around the end of September, although there are a few pending tasks that need attention. On the second floor, electrical work is still in progress, along with several additional fixtures that were identified after heavy rains revealed some areas that needed adjustment. Meanwhile, the first-floor toilet is scheduled to be completed by next month, along with other finishing touches and fine details that will tie the whole project together. While there are still a few hurdles left, it’s encouraging to see the renovation steadily taking shape.

Kingdom Rush

A battle of strategy, timing, and the thrill of holding the line against impossible odds (and infinite retries)...

’ve recently been spending some of my free time replaying Kingdom Rush and Kingdom Rush Frontiers, and honestly, it reminded me why these games are considered classics in the tower defense genre. The first Kingdom Rush hooked me right away with its simple but challenging gameplay. Every stage felt like a puzzle where I had to carefully plan out my towers and upgrades, and the mix of enemies kept things exciting. What I really enjoyed was the humor and personality—whether it was the quirky voice lines, funny enemy designs, or the bright fantasy art style, it always kept the game light and entertaining even when the levels got tough.

When I moved on to Kingdom Rush Frontiers, it felt like the perfect sequel. It took everything I loved about the original and expanded it—more towers, new heroes, exotic maps, and tougher challenges. I found myself experimenting with different strategies and combinations just to see what worked best, and that made the experience even more fun. It’s definitely a game that keeps you coming back for “just one more round.”

For me, both Kingdom Rush 1 and 2 are more than just games; they’re a mix of strategy, creativity, and nostalgia. They’re easy to pick up, but mastering them takes patience and planning—which is exactly what makes every victory feel so rewarding. Even after all these years, I can say these two remain some of the best tower defense games I’ve ever played.

The Max-Level Player’s 100th Regression

Every reset is not just a second chance—it’s a brutal reminder that survival demands both courage and sacrifice...

I recently started reading The Max-Level Player’s 100th Regression after seeing some clips on YouTube Shorts, and it immediately drew me in. The story follows a protagonist who has already lived through ninety-nine failed cycles of a deadly survival game, now entering his 100th regression. Unlike the other youths forced into the death matches for the first time, he carries both the burden and advantage of experience, making him sharp, calculating, and almost weary of the endless struggle. What I enjoy most so far is how the novel balances action and strategy. The battles are intense but never mindless, and the sense of survival keeps each chapter gripping. Beyond the fights, it also explores the loneliness of restarting over and over again, and the question of what true victory really means. Overall, it’s a dark but refreshing take on the regression genre, and definitely worth reading if you enjoy survival and strategy-driven stories. Read it throught this webtoon The Max-Level Player’s 100th Regression.

Stocks add STI and URC

Wrong buy entry point for URC, decent returns for STI...

Lately I’ve been keeping an eye on my portfolio, particularly on STI and URC. STI Education Systems Holdings has actually been a bright spot, currently trading around ₱1.44–₱1.45, with a solid one-year return of about 33%, easily outperforming both its sector and the broader market. Its fundamentals remain attractive with a low P/E, steady earnings, and a modest dividend yield that make it feel like a stable long-term hold. On the other hand, my position in Universal Robina Corporation has been much more difficult. The stock is hovering in the ₱83–₱84 range, and while URC remains a blue-chip company with a strong market presence and reliable dividends, its performance over the past year has been underwhelming, lagging behind the food industry and the broader PSE index. Unfortunately, because of its recent drop after I entered, I’m currently sitting on a considerable loss with URC—made worse by my attempt at early cost averaging, which only pulled my overall average down further. It’s a hard lesson in patience and timing, contrasting the steadier gains I’ve seen with STI.

This month officially kicked off the back-to-school season for Joyce, which meant the end of summer break and the start of a new school routine. There was a bit of excitement and nervous energy as we prepped her school supplies and adjusted to earlier mornings again. We also celebrated a big milestone—Jace turned 13! We kept things simple but meaningful, celebrating at home with a small cake, some of his favorite food, and a quick dinner out after attending church together. It was a cozy family moment, and he was all smiles.

I also found some time to dive into a few manga and manhwa titles. Two that really stood out this month were Craft Gurashi, which had a relaxing slice-of-life vibe, and Duchess in Ruin, a dramatic story with strong characters and a great plot twist. Reading those gave me some much-needed quiet moments in between our busier days.

One of the best deals this month was a 70% discount on an annual Disney+ subscription—I got it for just P1,200! Total steal. That led to a lot of binge-watching with Kat. We got through several K-dramas (some tearjerkers, some romantic comedies), and also explored a bunch of Disney+ originals and nostalgic favorites. It became our way to unwind at night after long days.

This Month's Quote

You said my life was meaningless, right? Then take this meaningless life, and see what it's worth!
— Subaru Natsuki

Joyce is back to School

A new school year is a fresh chapter—make it count, one page at a time...

This June, Joyce is officially back to school—and it’s a big year ahead as she enters Grade 6! It's her final year at her current school, and next year, she’ll be moving on to a new environment with more challenging academics and new experiences.

We're both excited and a little nervous about what’s ahead, but more than anything, we’re proud of how far she’s come. This year, we're hoping she can strengthen her skills in Math and Filipino—two subjects that have challenged her in the past, but ones we know she can improve on with patience, practice, and a little extra support.

Grade 6 is more than just another school year—it’s a stepping stone toward a bigger world. We’re cheering Joyce on as she takes this next step, and we’ll be with her every lesson, every quiz, and every small victory along the way.

Jace Birthday

Thirteen is not just a number, it’s the start of becoming who you’re meant to be.

This month, we celebrated a big milestone—our son Jace officially became a teenager! Born with Down syndrome, Jace has taught us more about love, patience, and joy than we could ever imagine. We kept his 13th birthday simple but meaningful: a morning at church, a small celebration at home, and dinner with my wife’s family. No big party, just the warmth of loved ones and the kind of day Jace enjoys most.Thirteen is a new chapter, and we’re so proud of how far he’s come. Happy birthday, Jace—you are deeply loved, and we’re with you every step of the way.

Isekai Craft Gurashi

Another Isekai'd life...

I’ve recently started reading Isekai Craft Gurashi, and it's been such a relaxing and enjoyable ride so far, mangadex-isekai-craft-gurashi-jiyuu-kimama-na-seisan-shoku-no-honobono-slow-life. Unlike the usual action-packed isekai stories, this one leans into a slower, slice-of-life pace that focuses more on crafting, daily living, and the little joys of starting over in another world.

The main character finds themselves in a peaceful fantasy setting and begins building a quiet life from scratch—gathering materials, crafting tools, and slowly making a home. It's got a cozy, calming vibe that makes it the perfect escape after a long day. If you're into light fantasy, world-building, and wholesome adventures, this one’s worth checking out!

Duchess in Ruin

Webtoon series...

I recently started reading a new manhwa series called Duchess in Ruin, and it’s been a pretty solid find. The plot has a nice balance of drama, mystery, and a bit of romance—nothing overly complicated, but definitely engaging enough to keep you turning the pages.

What really caught my attention, though, is the artwork. The visuals are clean, expressive, and detailed, which really helps bring the characters and setting to life. If you're into noble drama, strong female leads, and well-drawn storytelling, Duchess in Ruin is definitely worth checking out.

Kdramas Marathon of June

Kdrama binge watching...

Watch alot of kdrama this months with include Tastefully Yours, Narco-Saints, 9 Puzzles, Squid Game, Vigilante, Our Unwritten Seoul, Oh My Ghost Clients. Too much binge watching during late nights.

Disney Plus for 1 year 2025

70% discount for disney plus...

I just subscribed to 1 year disney plus due to this huge discount. Disney Plus plans in the Philippines just got a huge discount. Of course, this is only for a limited time. But, those who subscribe now could get a massive 75 percent price slash. Yugatech news 2025 https://www.yugatech.com/promos/disney-plus-plans-in-the-philippines-get-huge-discount/.

Disney Marathon

Disney binge watching...

Watched alot of backlog of shows from Inside Out 1-2, Mulan 1-2, Moana 1-2 and Frozen Theater Presentation. June truly tooks some watching to next level.

Managing our Avida unit here in Paranaque has become a surprisingly demanding task, particularly when it involves coordinating fixtures and renovations. It's not just about approving plans; it's the constant back-and-forth with contractors, sourcing materials, and ensuring everything adheres to the building's regulations. This entire property management overhead has consistently eaten up a significant chunk of my workday—I'd estimate at least 15-20% of my time is diverted to it. I'm really hoping to delegate this responsibility to a professional property manager or even a trusted assistant before we eventually make our big move to another place. The goal is to offload this entirely so I can fully focus on my primary work.

On a more personal note, we've made significant strides with Joyce's orthodontic journey. This has been a long-term plan, going back a couple of years, and we're finally seeing it come to fruition. After extensive teeth preparations, which involved several visits to the orthodontist for detailed assessments and minor procedures, she's now all set. She's scheduled to receive her expanders, braces, and retainers in stages throughout this year, starting very soon. We're all excited for her to have that confident smile.

Separately, I've been on the hunt for a high-quality AI voice text-to-speech converter for a new project. My requirements are pretty specific: it needs to sound natural, have a good range of voices, and offer flexible integration. After testing several options, Kokoro TTS really stands out. It seems to meet most of my needs, particularly its realistic intonation and ability to handle various speaking styles, which is crucial for the content I'm developing.

The early onset of the May rains this year in Metro Manila is proving to be quite disruptive. It started pouring around the first week of May, much earlier than the usual full swing of the rainy season. This is a significant concern because it's already impacting our ongoing construction and renovation projects. The constant downpours are causing delays, especially with outdoor work like concrete pouring and roofing, and also creating logistical challenges for material deliveries. We're now having to adjust timelines and work around the weather, which adds complexity and potential cost increases to these projects.

This Month's Quote

If you only move, you can definitely reach a new world. But if you stop, nothing will change.
― L from Death Note

Rental Management

Managing rentals means constant oversight...

Overseeing the Avida unit in Pasig has become an unexpectedly arduous undertaking. The coordination of necessary fixtures and renovations alone demands substantial effort. Beyond mere plan approvals, it involves a continuous dialogue with contractors, meticulous material procurement, and strict adherence to building codes. This administrative burden of property management regularly consumes a significant portion of my professional hours—a discernible 15-20% of my weekly work output. My ambition is to soon transfer this responsibility to a specialized property manager or a capable assistant, ideally before our eventual relocation. Relinquishing this task would allow for an undivided focus on my core professional responsibilities.

Joyce Braces

Braces, a temporary journey for a lifetime of smiles...

Switching to a personal update, significant progress has been made regarding Joyce's orthodontic treatment. This initiative, contemplated for some time, is now materializing. Following thorough dental preparations—a process entailing multiple consultations with the orthodontist for precise evaluations and minor interventions—she is now ready. The forthcoming stages involve the phased application of expanders, braces, and retainers over the course of this year, commencing shortly. The anticipation for her achieving a more confident smile is palpable within the family.

Kokoro TTS

Kokoro TTS, The clarity of voice, redefined...

On a separate note, my search for a superior AI voice text-to-speech converter for an upcoming endeavor has been ongoing. My criteria are rather precise: the output must possess natural vocal qualities, offer a diverse selection of voices, and allow for adaptable integration. Following trials of numerous platforms, Kokoro TTS has distinguished itself. It appears to fulfill the majority of my prerequisites, notably its authentic intonation and capacity to render various speaking styles—attributes essential for the material I am currently producing.

Raining

May rains, early start, project delays...

The premature arrival of May's precipitation in Metro Manila this year is proving considerably problematic. Beginning around the first week of the month, the rainfall commenced well in advance of the typical rainy season's peak. This early start raises substantial concern as it is already affecting our various construction and renovation endeavors. The persistent deluges are instigating delays, particularly for exterior tasks such as concrete work and roofing, while simultaneously posing logistical hurdles for material transport. Consequently, we are compelled to revise project timelines and adapt our operations to the inclement weather, thereby introducing additional complexities and potential cost escalations to these undertakings.

Minor Fixtures and Renovations

Minor fixes, major impact...

Fixture and renovations, In any endeavor, it's often the seemingly minor adjustments and routine maintenance that collectively create a profound effect. Think of it this way: consistently sharpening your skills through daily practice, fixing a small glitch in a process before it escalates, or even just regularly decluttering your workspace. Each of these individual "minor fixes" might appear insignificant on its own.However, the cumulative result is a major impact on overall efficiency, quality, and long-term success. Neglecting these small details can lead to compounded problems, increased costs, and ultimately, missed opportunities. Conversely, a proactive approach to addressing the small stuff not only prevents larger issues but also fosters continuous improvement and resilience. It's the philosophy that a stitch in time saves nine, demonstrating how seemingly insignificant efforts can dramatically shape outcomes.

This April was a month of diverse activities, blending family celebrations, cultural reflection, technological exploration, and personal growth. A simple but heartwarming birthday celebration for Nanay Noemi kicked off the month, filled with shared food and familial warmth. The K-drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" sparked a nostalgic reflection on the challenges faced by past generations in the Philippines, highlighting the value of familial stories. Technological curiosity led to an exploration of AI-generated art in the Studio Ghibli style, showcasing the impressive advancements in AI's ability to replicate complex artistic aesthetics. Financially, the month saw the initiation of day trading on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), investing in TEL and JFC shares, with the aim of generating additional income amidst market uncertainties influenced by Trump's tariff policies. Family pride was a highlight, as Joyce received High Honors at her recognition day, a testament to her perseverance despite academic challenges. Joyce also addressed dental concerns with a checkup and preparations for braces. Finally, the month concluded with a focus on personal introspection, as the author and their family utilized the Lenten period for self-reflection and goal realignment, choosing a personal approach over traditional religious observance.

This Month's Quote

"Those who forgive themselves, and are able to accept their true nature... They are the strong ones!"
― Itachi Uchiha from Naruto

Nanay Noemis' Birthday

Another year of life...

Nanay Noemi's birthday was marked by a simple, cozy celebration at her home. During our visit, we presented her with a birthday cake we'd picked up. Complementing our contribution, a generous serving of flavorful palabok and an additional cake were already set out, making for a lovely, albeit modest, birthday meal shared together.

Kdrama When Life Gives you Tangerines

Life and born in the 50s...

While Kat and I were watching the K-drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' it struck a chord with us. Even though we were born in the 80s, the show depicted scenarios and values that felt familiar, strongly reminding us of the stories our own parents shared about their younger years here in the Philippines. It really highlighted the significant challenges and sacrifices our parents' generation faced, painting a vivid picture of the difficult times they navigated.

Ghibli Art

AI generated Artwork...

A popular trend recently involves leveraging advanced AI tools to create images in the unmistakable style of Studio Ghibli. While earlier AI could perform basic style mimicry, today's generative models are far more adept at capturing the specific nuances of complex aesthetics like Ghibli's, thanks to significant technological improvements. This increased capability means the AI-generated results are not only more stylistically accurate but are also steadily improving in terms of overall image quality, detail, and artistic coherence, making the trend more prominent and the outputs more impressive.

I recently went through my photo collection, dug up several interesting pictures, and decided to experiment with an AI tool to transform them into the Studio Ghibli art style. I was curious to see how the AI would reinterpret these familiar images with that iconic, painterly animation look.

Trump Tariffs, Risk of Recession

Uncertainty...

The increasing tariffs being imposed by the United States are creating significant issues and contributing to a climate of considerable uncertainty and volatility within the global market. These tariffs, often implemented on imported goods from various countries, have the potential to disrupt established trade relationships, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and ultimately dampen economic growth. Consequently, investors are reacting cautiously, leading to fluctuations and unpredictability in stock prices and other financial instruments as they attempt to assess the potential long-term impacts.

Investing again in Stocks

Times of uncertainty are also times of opportunity...

I've started investing some capital in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) for TEL (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company) and JFC (Jollibee Foods Corporation) shares. My goal is to explore day trading as a way to generate additional income.

Joyce Recognition Day

Awards and merits...

The family celebrated a truly wonderful recognition day at St. Cyr Academy, as their daughter, Joyce, was awarded High Honors. This achievement was particularly significant because, despite facing challenges with lower scores in Filipino and Araling Panlipunan, Joyce demonstrated remarkable perseverance and dedication to excel in her other subjects. Her hard work and commitment clearly paid off, making the entire family incredibly proud of her accomplishment.

Joyce Dental Checkup

Teeth falling off..

Noticing that two of her molar teeth were becoming loose, Joyce had a timely dental appointment, which also happened to be scheduled for her regular teeth cleaning. Visiting her dentist in Parañaque, she underwent both a thorough checkup to assess the loose teeth and her routine cleaning. Additionally, the dentist advised her to begin the necessary dental preparations for the future application of braces, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term orthodontic needs.

Lenten Season

Reflection and adjustments...

While not conventionally religious, particularly during this time which doesn't carry the traditional Lenten observances for us due to our infrequent church attendance, we are intentionally using this period for personal reflection and the re-evaluation of our goals. We believe in the importance of inner examination and aligning our actions with our aspirations, finding our own meaning in this season rather than adhering strictly to religious customs.

The Infographics Show: What Are TARIFFS And Do They Work

For the last few months and recent days tariffs is being pushed by US to the entire world...