• Random

    A Bittersweet Farewell

    June 21, 2024

    Today, I felt a little pang of sadness.

    It happened when I noticed I had been removed from the Viber group, “Team Loxon.” Just a small notification, really — just a group that’s no longer on my screen. But it struck a chord deeper than I expected. That quiet removal felt like a closing door, like the final period at the end of a long chapter.

    It’s strange how something so simple can stir up emotions you thought were settled. I guess I was hoping, maybe just quietly, that there would be a goodbye. A short message. A few words to acknowledge that I had been part of something, that I had contributed, even in small ways. Just a “thank you,” or a “you’ll be missed.” But there was only silence.

    And I get it — people are busy. Everyone moves forward with their own concerns, their own to-do lists, their own paths. It wasn’t personal, and maybe there was no malice behind it at all. Still, that absence of closure stung. Because even when we choose to leave something behind, we often hope that what we gave mattered to someone.

    But as the initial sadness settled, I reminded myself: this was a step I chose. A decision I made for my well-being, for my growth, for the next phase of my life. And sometimes, even necessary change comes with quiet losses. Not everything ends with a bow. Not every goodbye is spoken aloud.

    I’m choosing to focus on the good — the time I spent with Team Loxon was valuable. I learned new things. I faced challenges. I grew. I laughed. I shared space with people who, in that season of life, walked alongside me. For that, I am grateful.

    And maybe not all goodbyes need words. Maybe some endings are just meant to teach us to let go with grace, even if the departure feels unnoticed.

    So here I am, closing this chapter in my own way — with a heart full of appreciation, a tinge of sadness, and an open mind for what’s to come. The silence doesn’t erase the memories, and being removed from a group doesn’t erase the part I played in it.

    Here’s to new beginnings — quiet, soft, and full of possibility.

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  • Random,  Shopping

    Yearning for Amazon Finds

    June 18, 2024

    Today, I found myself browsing Amazon, and my fingers were itching to click that checkout button. If only I had the money, I would’ve already checked out everything in my cart. There are a few things I’ve been eyeing—like iPhone cases. Specifically, I want a transparent one, and a classy black one.

    Aside from phone cases, I’m also itching to get myself a Stalogy notebook. There’s something about starting fresh with a crisp, new notebook/journal that gets me excited about journaling my days. And of course, I can’t forget about pens! A good set of pens makes planning and note-taking so much more enjoyable.

    However, the reality is that I am currently without work. I’m hopeful that things will turn around soon. But for now, my shopping spree remains a daydream. I’ll have to hold off until my wallet agrees with my wishlist. Until then, I’ll keep adding items to my cart and imagining the day when I can finally hit that “Place Your Order” button without a second thought.

    Maybe soon I’ll find a way to treat myself to a few of these goodies. For now, I’ll just enjoy the anticipation and keep my fingers crossed for some extra cash to come my way. I’ll stay patient and keep my spirits high. I know that better days are ahead. Until then, I’ll enjoy the thrill of window shopping and planning for brighter times ahead.

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  • Random

    My Exit Interview Experience

    June 17, 2024

    Today marked a significant milestone in my professional journey — my exit interview, scheduled at 9 AM.

    There’s something symbolic about an exit interview. It’s not just the last formal task before leaving a company; it’s a moment where you pause, look back, and truly take in what this chapter of your life meant. Walking into it, I had assumed Sir Chino, my direct supervisor, would be the one to conduct it. I had mentally prepared for the weight that might come with a more personal discussion. But instead, it was Ms. Pat from HR who facilitated the session.

    Oddly enough, I felt relieved. Not because I had anything difficult to say, but because her presence made the whole process feel neutral, balanced, and more manageable. Ms. Pat carried herself with a calm professionalism, but also a quiet warmth — the kind that makes you feel like it’s okay to be honest, to be vulnerable, to speak with both clarity and kindness.

    The interview itself involved a lot of rating-based questions — scales from 1 to 5 on everything from work environment and leadership, to personal development, communication, and management. It felt procedural on the surface, but each question tugged at specific memories: the late nights, the last-minute tasks, the unexpected wins, and the steady rhythm of teamwork that got me through it all.

    I found myself giving mostly 5s. Not because I wanted to appear polite or avoid critique, but because I truly felt content and grateful for what I had experienced. And when the question about colleagues came up, without hesitation, I said “6.” The scale only went up to 5, I know — but it just slipped out. A little, unintentional rebellion against the formality of the form, but a sincere expression of how much they meant to me. The people I worked with weren’t just co-workers — they were my support system, my sounding board, my daily rhythm. It was in the small things: shared inside jokes during lunch breaks, stepping in for each other without question, and celebrating wins — both personal and professional — like a true team.

    As the interview drew to a close, I felt a strange mix of emotions — relief, nostalgia, a quiet pride, and a touch of sadness. I reflected on how far I’d come: the challenges I faced and learned from, the roles I grew into, the doubts I worked through, and the confidence I slowly built. It was humbling to realize how much this role, this team, this experience had shaped me — not just as a professional, but as a person.

    What struck me most was how human the exit interview felt. It wasn’t just about gathering data or checking boxes. It was a space for closure — a rare moment in the fast-paced world of work to pause, speak, and be heard. Ms. Pat listened with sincerity, and I left that virtual room not just feeling like I had closed a door, but that I had been acknowledged — that my presence, my work, my growth had mattered.

    And so, as I walk away from this chapter, I do so with immense gratitude — for the role that challenged me, the mentors who guided me, the colleagues who stood by me, and the quiet moments that made it all meaningful. Today wasn’t just an end — it was also a beginning. The horizon is wide open now, full of unknowns, and that’s okay. Because endings like these are not about loss — they’re about making room.

    Here’s to growth, to lessons learned, and to all the possibilities still waiting.

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  • Travels,  USA

    A Day Out

    June 10, 2024

    Yesterday turned into a surprisingly delightful day, starting with a simple errand and ending with memorable adventures. My brother-in-law needed to get his guitar serviced, so we headed to Guitar Center. While he went inside to take care of his guitar, we waited in the car, planning the rest of our day. Our stomachs led us to our next destination: the Oriental Store in Raleigh.

    Walking into the Oriental store felt like stepping back into the Philippines. The aisles were packed with familiar Filipino goods, bringing a wave of nostalgia. From snacks to condiments, it was like a mini homecoming. Although the prices were significantly higher than what we were used to back home, the craving for those familiar flavors made it worth it. We decided to have lunch there and ordered some of our favorite dishes: longganisa, Bicol Express, laing, and BBQ. The food was fantastic! The portions were generous, and every bite was a comforting taste of home. The longganisa was perfectly spiced, the Bicol Express had just the right amount of heat, the laing was creamy and delicious, and the BBQ was tender and flavorful. It was honestly one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time.

    Despite not feeling our best, we didn’t want to waste the day, so we decided to make the most of it and headed to Pullen Park. Even though it was extremely hot, we pushed through with the idea of having fun at the park. The place was bustling with people, all soaking under the sun and playing with their families.

    My nephew was over the moon with excitement. He got to ride the paddle boat, the train, and the carousel. We also joined him on the train ride, which was a lot of fun and gave us a great view of the park. The sun was blazing, but it didn’t deter anyone from enjoying the day. Everywhere we looked, families were having picnics, kids were running around, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy.


    His laughter and joy were infectious, lifting our spirits and making us forget we weren’t feeling well. Watching him have so much fun was the highlight of our day. We ended up enjoying every moment, from the rides to just being outdoors together. The day was a perfect blend of cherished memories and simple joys, proving that sometimes, a bit of home and family fun can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

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  • Travels,  USA

    A Tuesday

    May 22, 2024
    Yesterday was one of those wonderful, unplanned days that end up being unforgettable. We decided to take a spontaneous trip to Downtown Cary Park, just a 20-minute drive from home. Honestly, I didn’t know exactly where we were heading, only that it was somewhere in Cary. As we drove into downtown, I couldn’t help but notice how much it reminded me of Wilmington with its charming streets and friendly atmosphere. We found a spot in the public parking area and headed straight to the park. It was absolutely beautiful – the kind of place that immediately puts you at ease. After a bit of exploring, we started to feel hungry. We stumbled upon a little stand and treated ourselves to some rose ice cream and coffee. The flavors were as delightful as they sound, and they gave us the perfect boost to continue our adventure.
    As we walked around the park, we discovered a lovely botanical garden. It was the perfect spot to rest for a while. My brother-in-law took a nap on a bench while my nephew and I roamed around, marveling at the beautiful plants and flowers.
    Around 5 PM, I asked my nephew if he wanted to check out the playground. He enthusiastically agreed, so we left his parents and my mom in the botanical garden and made our way to the playground. We had an absolute blast climbing, hurdling, and even taking turns on the slide. It felt great to let loose and have fun together.
    After a while, we heard my nephew’s dad calling his name – it was time to go. We reluctantly left the playground and regrouped with the family. Our day wasn’t over yet, though. We headed to a nearby Korean restaurant for dinner. The samgyupsal and hotpot were delicious and the perfect way to end our spontaneous outing.
    All in all, it was a fantastic day filled with laughter, relaxation, and quality family time. Sometimes, the best days are the ones you don’t plan at all.
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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 4 of 4 States in 4-Days: Virginia

    April 30, 2024

    Day 4 of our adventure began with a little extra snooze time—I must’ve needed it! I woke up feeling refreshed from a great night’s sleep. Breakfast was our usual eggs, but this time with a bonus—bacon! I was craving sausage, but no luck there.

    It was bittersweet knowing that today marked the end of our journey, a mix of contentment from the experiences we’d had and a touch of sadness that it was all coming to a close.

    Newport News, VA

    We started our day by exploring Victory Landing Park, we found ourselves momentarily lost before finding our path. Eventually, we found a spot to park, soaked in the sun and cool breeze and enjoyed the tranquil beauty around us. We stayed for about an hour, simply soaking in the beauty of the place. The distant calls of seabirds, and the peaceful atmosphere made it easy to lose track of time.

    Virginia Beach, VA

    Next up was Virginia Beach. The sun blazed down. We strolled along the boardwalk, taking in the sights. I wish we’d booked a room at one of the beachside inn we passed, so we could’ve taken a dip before heading out.

    We ended up at Ocean Eddies Seafood Restaurant for snacks, enjoying delicious calamares and a refreshing sundae. The calamares were perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender inside, while the sundae was a delightful treat, a perfect way to cool down on such a hot day.

    As the day unfolded, I made time to pick up some souvenirs. Though I found a few lovely items, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I should have ventured a bit further off to find something truly unique and special.

    Our adventure concluded with a grand buffet feast at Yukai Japanese & Seafood Buffet, where I indulged in sushi, salmon, oysters, shrimp, and more. As we savored each bite, I couldn’t help but reflect on the memories made and the bonds forged throughout our journey—a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure, a day filled with joy, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and richness of our experiences.

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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 3 of 4 States in 4-Days: Pennsylvania and D.C.

    April 29, 2024

    Day 3 of the adventure started with a bit of a rough start—I ended up pulling an all-nighter thanks to the K-Drama “Queen of Tears.” Sleep finally caught up with me around 4am, only to be interrupted by my sister and my 4-year old nephew. Breakfast was a blur of sausage, eggs, and apple juice, the classic combo. I even attempted pancakes, but let’s just say they weren’t my finest culinary moment.

    But hey, today had something exciting in store.

    Hershey, PA

    Now, my relationship with chocolate is a bit like a rollercoaster—sometimes I am all in, other times it is a hard pass. But today was like a dream come true. You can imagine how happy I was. Every moment was delightful and filled with sweetness and joy. Stepping into Hershey’s Chocolate World, I expected a simple shopping spree, but my sister had other plans. We ended up on the adventure journey, though I suspect we weren’t on the same page about which tour to take. My nephew had a blast on the Candy Expedition.


    Despite the confusion, I managed to snag some adorable keychains, fridge magnets, and shot glasses, all carefully chosen with my workmates in mind. I can already picture their smiles when they see these souvenirs!

    Washington, DC

    As we drove into the capital, I couldn’t help but notice how scorching hot it was, despite the leafy canopy of trees lining the streets. I did feel hunger creeping up on me as we strolled along. All I wanted was to stay in the cool confines of the car, but duty called. Off we went, ready to explore the nation’s capital, even if it meant enduring a bit of heatstroke along the way. Waiting for the Circulator was bit of a drag. We waited nearly 45minutes for a dollar ride. Nothing beats exploring the city with good company. I was torn between wanting to soak in the sights and yearning for the sweet relief of air conditioning.



    Alexandria, VA

    Today’s adventure led us straight to Jollibee in Virginia. With 2-piece chicken and palabok on the table, we were ready for a taste of home. Despite missing out on my beloved sundae, the hearty portions of chicken made up for it, American-style! Every bite was a nostalgic journey, reminding us of the comforts of Filipino cuisine. Jollibee in Virginia isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a heartwarming reminder that home is wherever good food and good company come together.

    Sitting there with my uncle and mom, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The familiar flavors and the warmth of the restaurant’s ambiance wrapped around us like a comforting hug. It was a beautiful reminder that, no matter how far we roam, the tastes and traditions of home are always there to bring us back to our roots.

    After a hearty meal at Jollibee, we made our way to Holiday Inn. Though the elevator felt a bit dated, the cozy atmosphere more than made up for it. I welcomed the comfort of our room and drifted off to sleep early, knowing that a good night’s rest awaited. Sometimes, the simple joys of a cozy inn are all you need to recharge for the adventures ahead.

    As I nestled into the soft, welcoming bed, I reflected on the day’s adventures, from the sweet delights of Hershey’s Chocolate World to the historical splendor of Washington, DC, and the comforting familiarity of Jollibee. It had been a day filled with little moments of joy and discovery, and now, with the promise of a peaceful night’s sleep, I felt ready to embrace whatever adventures tomorrow might bring.

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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 2 of 4 States in 4-Days: New Jersey and Pennsylvania

    April 28, 2024

    It’s Day 2 of our adventure through four states in four days, and it’s a day filled with surprises and unforgettable moments.

    Last night’s sleep was a bit of a struggle. The bed felt unfamiliar, and I found myself tossing and turning throughout the night. Luckily, Uncle refrained from cranking up the air conditioner, despite the freezing temperatures outside our cozy room.

    Morning greeted me with laziness, and I dragged myself out of bed later than planned. Breakfast at the neighborhood inn didn’t quite hit the spot. I was yearning for something comforting, like a warm bowl of rice porridge, but we were in the land of sausages and eggs. So, I settled for a simple meal of sausage, egg, and apple juice, and skipping the usual dose of caffeine.

    After fueling up, we decided to revisit the boardwalk in the broad daylight. I snagged a sweater from the souvenir shop to combat the chilly breeze, along with some keychains and fridge magnets to commemorate our journey. A quick walk to the beach followed before we hit the road again, bound for our next destination.

    Philadelphia, PA

    Parking proved to be a bit of a challenge upon our arrival in the city. After circling the streets in search of a parking spot, we eventually parked in a nearby building. Stepping out of the car, we were met with a wave of heat that made me regret wearing that sweater.

    Our exploration of Philly was a whirlwind affair. We wandered around, soaking in the sights, and indulging in a bit of souvenir shopping. The Liberty Bell was a highlight, though the tight security and my nephew’s tendency to bolt kept us on our toes.

    After a quick tour, we went to look for the famed cheesesteak joints.

    After our bustling day exploring Philly, we were all feeling a bit worn out, so we decided to call it a day and drive to Holiday Inn. But you know what? The Holiday Inn turned out to be a hidden gem—affordable and squeaky clean.

    Once we were settled in, the temptation to keep exploring tugged at us once more. The exhaustion had a tight grip on us, and even our designated driver couldn’t resist the siren song of sleep.

    Instead of going out, we opted for delivery and treated ourselves to a feast of Asian cuisine. With each dish that arrived, our order seemed enough. We surrendered to the embrace of sleep, dreaming of the adventures that awaited us on the next day.

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  • Travels,  USA

    Day 1 of 4 States in 4-Days: New Jersey

    April 27, 2024

    Thanks a lot to my Uncle for being the organizer of this trip. If it were up to just us, we’d probably still be debating where to go! As someone who’s used to planning trips back home, organizing adventures in US is a whole new challenge. With my Uncle and Rajha’s knack for planning, we were all set to roll. My Uncle had this whole itinerary mapped out, and all we had to do was nod along. I mean, it’s my first time venturing out of state, so I was game for wherever we go. Literally.

    So, when departure rolled around on Friday night and the return was set for Tuesday, I was like, “Four days and five nights of adventure, here we come!” Little did I know, it was gonna be quite the ride.

    We kicked things off by picking up our rental car. Yep, we needed a whole car because squeezing into ours wasn’t an option. Then, after 9 pm, we hit the road straight for New Jersey. Shoutout to my brother-in-law for pulling off that epic drive. Seriously, 11 hours including pit stops? That’s dedication right there.

    Jersey City, NJ

    Now, picture this – windy, chilly weather, and me without a jacket. Smart move, right? Long sleeves were all I had to brave the chilly wind. But hey, with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the backdrop, I couldn’t complain. Snapping pics left and right at Liberty State Park, trying to capture the whole park with the stunning NYC skyline in the distance – unforgettable.

    As we strolled back to the car, my stomach was rumbling like a thunderstorm, reminding me that it was time for lunch. We skipped breakfast, so I was definitely overdue for a hearty meal. My Uncle mentioned White Castle burgers. I figured, why not? Well, let me tell you, those two-bite burger didn’t just fill me up but also knocked my taste buds. No wonder my uncle is such a fan! It’s a shame they’re nowhere to be found in North Carolina, let alone the Philippines.

    Atlantic City, NJ

    We checked into Eldorado Motor Inn around 3 pm and, boy, were we ready to stretch our legs. Well, except it was freezing outside, so we opted to cozy up indoors for a while. But eventually, we hit the boardwalk around 7pm. And let me tell you, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. My Uncle mentioned how it used to be bustling with people, but hey, I kind of liked the quiet vibe too.

    As for food, we stumbled upon this Mexican diner – a total jackpot. Wraps, sandwiches, chicken wings – you name it, we devoured it. And the portions? Huge! Definitely meant for sharing, but who’s got time for that when the food’s this good?

    Stay tuned for Day 2 of our adventure!

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  • Travels,  USA

    Strawberry Day to Remember

    April 21, 2024

    We didn’t let the day pass without going strawberry picking! Rajha and my sister Judy were invited to attend an event, and of course, we happily tagged along. It turned out to be such a fun experience for the whole family. Almost everyone attending the event were Filipinos, which made it feel like a big family gathering, though I also spotted a few Chinese and a few Americans around. They gave us commemorative shirts and buckets to fill, which added a special touch to the day. Even with the sun shining intensely overhead, our excitement never faded as we walked through the strawberry fields.

    My nephew was especially thrilled—eagerly picking strawberries, even the ones that were a little too ripe or already starting to spoil. I noticed most of the berries were very ripe, but he didn’t mind at all. And when he saw my bucket wasn’t filling up as fast as his, he started putting strawberries in mine, proudly helping me “catch up.” It’s those small, thoughtful gestures that make the day feel extra meaningful.

    After we filled our buckets, it was time for a sweet reward: ice cream! And not your typical flavors—we got to try yellow squash, sweet potato, sweet corn, and blueberry. So refreshing, so unique, and honestly, so good! My nephew enjoyed every bite, his smile as big as the sun we spent the day under.

    Shortly after our ice cream break, we decided to head home since the weather forecast said heavy rain was coming. It felt like the perfect time to wrap up a day already filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Sometimes, it’s the little moments that leave the biggest mark.

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