Being Average

I’m going to get personal in this post, so please bear with me.

I’ve always wanted to be the best at what I do. Be it in school, my job, my art, or even sometimes with how I dress up.

Despite my efforts, I don’t really excel. It seems like I’m doing alright–nothing particularly exciting, to put it succinctly.

Yes, I passed and graduated from college, but I didn’t really excel at it. There are no medals whatsoever. Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond grateful that I have a degree.

Prior to the pandemic, I had already begun my career as a Primary School Teacher and was starting to truly enjoy and appreciate every moment of my experience. It’s just the right mix of fun and exhausting, but unfortunately, that mix gradually changed when we switched to online classes, and the fun part is slowly slipping away. Excessive online tracking, the need to prolong work hours, and the stress of unstable internet are just some of the issues. As a result, I was no longer putting forth my best effort. One interjection to summarize that? It’s definitely UGH!

With all that pressure from work, I badly needed an escape. Drawing is one of the things I can focus on to keep me sane. I’ve always loved drawing for as long as I can remember. I’ve done everything from sketching on the back of my writing notebooks to using my classmates’ willing arms as my canvas. As soon as I began working, my passion for creating art was pushed to the back of my priorities. Now, when I do have time, I’m stuck with mediocre art. I am unable to make any progress due to my lack of time. After work, all I want to do is just binge-watch movies or sleep. It’s so frustrating because it’s like losing a huge part of myself.

Just recently, I started vlogging to see if it works for me. I actually had fun filming and editing until I ran out of content. Why? My life is uninteresting to start with, that’s why. So, back to zero. Again.

I guess you are now seeing a pattern here.

Truthfully, I’m starting to be okay with just being average. I’ll probably find my niche soon… Or not. I’m content with my current life, but I also have plans for the future. While I may be average, this average gal will never give up on trying.

PS. This was first published in 2022. Although there have been many changes since then, a few things still resonate with me. Thus, I’m republishing it.

Distance Teaching Is Burning Me Out

There I said it. I’m burned out.

I thought this pandemic will end in two months tops. Boy, was I wrong!

Since distance teaching started around March 2020, I had unending tasks piled on top of the other. Deadlines after deadlines. I’m exhausted.

Other countries are slowly adapting to face-to-face classes already which is great, but from where I am, it’s not yet ideal. *sigh*

I can’t differentiate work and rest anymore. Send help.

On a positive note, we are about to end this school year and finally be able to have our vacation. Please hurry!

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job and the school I’m working for. I’m just having a hard time adjusting with this set-up. It’s just not for me. I’m just not my best anymore.

Thinking about it, I should have cherished the times when my class was noisier and messier than usual. I miss those times.

I despise you, COVID.

Kaya & Chanom’s Thai Milk Tea ♡ | Milk Tea Review

Milk Tea Rating: 3.9/5

(Late post!)

When I see milk tea, I try to buy it!

When I saw Kaya & Chanom’s big sign from the moment I looked up from the ground floor of Ayala Malls Central Bloc, I couldn’t help but visit it right away.

“What are they selling? Are they a coffee shop? A milk tea shop? Or both?”

I just have to find out!

First sip thoughts?

It’s less sweet than what I’m used to which might work for others. In my opinion, it’s almost leaning towards watery, but it’s still refreshing nevertheless.

Sadly though, they only have Thai Milk Tea (Php 109) for their milk tea at the time of my visit (March 2020), but they still have other drinks and snacks for us to check. Might visit again and try another drink from them once mall operation is back or avail it through their online delivery!

See you in my next post! ♡

Facebook: Kaya & Chanom Cebu

Instagram: @kayachanomofficial

Books & Brews Cafe’s Iced Matcha and Iced Hazelnut Latte ♡ | Coffee Review

Coffee Rating: 4.5/5

I’ve been eyeing this place for the longest time and finally I’m here!

Located at the back of Mango Square Mall (near the parking area), this place, I noticed, is the go-to for people who wants a safe and quiet place to study, read a book or just enjoy their cup of coffee in peace.

They have an open kitchen/bar which is a plus when it comes to sanitary–we can see how our food and drinks are made.

You can also borrow books while you’re there!

And a big YES for stainless straws and mason jars! ♡ #SaveTheEarth

Okay, now back to my review on the drinks. I ordered the Iced Hazelnut Latte and my friend ordered Iced Matcha.

For my drink, I was happy. It was not too sweet and not too watery considering there was ice on it for some time already. However, for the Iced Matcha, my friend said it was a bit watery, thus the 4.5 rating.

For sure I’ll be coming back for their other drinks next time and hopefully, I’ll be able to update my rating! ♡

Fat Fook Taiwanese Kitchen’s Wintermelon Milk Tea ♡ | Milk Tea Review

Milk Tea Rating: 5/5

If you are craving for milk tea, then you will do whatever it takes to get one.. Right?!

Well, a long queue is an exception for me though (aka lazy, but working on it!) that’s why I never get the chance to try some of the new hyped drinks unless they are not anymore, well, hyped. LOL. Am I the only one?!

Fat Fook is a Taiwanese restaurant serving authentic Taiwanese food. Fat Fook literally means Fat (in English) = Big | Fook (in Cantonese) = Good Fortune / Happiness.

It had a long queue, but luckily they had a separate booth solely for their drinks/desserts which was very convenient for people like me.

I ordered their Wintermelon Milk Tea priced at Php 100 + Php 20 for the pearls.

I love the taste! I guess you can say you can never go wrong with Wintermelon Milk Tea–for Fat Fook it definitely applies!

I totally recommend! ♡

Facebook: Fat Fook Manila

Instagram: @fatfookmanila

The Lemon Co’s Lemonade with Yakult ♡ | Drink Review

My Rating: 5/5

I am obsessed with The Lemon Co’s Lemonade with Yakult! ♡

I’ve been ordering it for a straight week now. It’s cheaper than milk tea (price and size fixed at medium and Php 69 respectively) + it’s healthier (freshly squeezed lemon and Yakult) so it’s a win. LOL.

If you are a Yakult lover then this should be on your must-try list.

Steffi Tip: You can order this with 50% – 75% brown sugar. The sweetness will not be overpowering the drink and brown sugar, in my opinion, tastes yummier.

If you tried it already, tell me what you think! ♡

Sometimes..

“When you love someone,

you want what’s best for them,

and sometimes what’s best for them..

Isn’t you.”

– J.M. Darhower

Denial

Denial

You see it happening right in front of your eyes.

You hear it being said to you over and over again.

You feel your heart break into million pieces while your throat tightens into an impossible knot.

You can even taste your own tears running down your face now.

Yet you still listen to that tiny crack of voice inside your head that ever so softly whispers,

“It’s not true–it can’t be true.. Right?”

Letting Go

I looked at myself in the mirror today and suddenly had the urge to get a pair of scissors and just chop off my hair right then and there.

And so I did.

Looking at myself after my impulsive decision, I began to panic.

It’s way too short.

I looked around the floor. Hair everywhere–a lot of them.

I focused my gaze on the mirror again.

I look younger now. I feel lighter.

Along with my hair are the feelings I’m bottling up inside me.

I smiled.

I’m letting them go now.

I’ve let them go.

Siao Tea’s Classic Milk Tea ♡ | Milk Tea Review

My Milk Tea Rating: 5/5

I discovered this drink by chance when I was walking along the streets during Sinulog Festival in Cebu last January 20, 2019. It means that this post is long overdue. Apologies.

The Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival is an annual cultural and religious festival which is held on the 3rd Sunday of January in Cebu City, and is the centre of the Santo Niño Catholic celebrations in the Philippines. (via Wikipedia)

Going back, I saw a girl holding a bottle of water on one hand and a bottle of this milk tea on the other. I was skeptical because as per previous experience with bottled milk teas, the taste is just average, if not below, but I still gave it a try because.. Milk tea! LOL.

Mind blown! ♡

This to-go milk tea is super yummy, creamy and not watery whatsoever + you can definitely taste the tea!

This was priced at Php 80 for 300 ml which was acceptable considering it was during the festival.

While writing this post, I searched if Siao Tea has a physical shop that I can get more of their drinks from, but unfortunately it’s just via online to date.

Regardless, it still had great reviews on their Facebook and Instagram page + I saw they have different flavors as well! I’m assuming what I bought was their Classic flavor.

I’ll probably order soon and so should you! ♡

Facebook: Siao Tea

Instagram: @siaotea