Chasing Dreams

How I met Gianna is a story I would save for another time, but meeting these Filipino women artisans who are behind some of Gianna Fair Trade‘s intricately-designed eco-friendly products is my story for the day.

It was March 26–incidentally, my Dad‘s death anniversary–a date which, for the past 4 years since he passed away, I’ve made a point to devote to a special cause. Gianna couldn’t possibly have an idea of that little detail, hence there was no doubt in my heart that it was God who caused everything that lead me to that day.

And what a day it was, indeed. You see, it’s one thing seeing Gianna Fair Trade’s products in the website, it’s another thing being right in the heart of its mission. There I was in what they call their office-slash-production-site somewhere in an urban poor community along Boni Avenue, in awe of all the labor of love and women empowerment happening in such a small space!

And I got to do what I enjoy most–capture moments in photographs! (:

Nanay Norma showed us how she makes ipad cases out of recycled billboards/tarps.
Know more about Nanay Norma here. (Oh, and yes, that’s Gianna right there.)

Nanay Lorilai showed us a sample of her masterpiece, a backpack, also made of recycled tarp.
Know more about Nanay Lorilai here.

Filipino women artisans of Gianna

Meet Dahlia and her newborn Archie. A young mother at age 20, her dreams mostly revolve around the future of her son. Know more about Dahlia here.

Gianna Fair Trade’s mission is to empower underprivileged women artisans from developing countries through education and sustainable commerce, giving these women a better chance at providing for their family and their kids, and ultimately in reaching their dreams.

As Gianna talked to the mothers about a plethora of topics–from raising kids, to Filipino values, to new product ideas, to quality control–I could only imagine how hard these women work in hopes of making a difference in the lives of their children, their families, and their community. Each one of these mothers has a story to tell, and Gianna makes sure that building relationships with them is a priority.

Gianna’s dream of helping these women chase their dreams hits close to home and fits right into my bucket list. I’m more than honored to be part of such a worthy cause, and would like to invite you (if, for whatever reason, you find yourself on this page) to contribute also to these women’s dreams. Message me or email me at riz [at] chasingdreams.net to know how. (:

I’ve been meaning to post an obligatory birthday blog. It has been a tradition I didn’t realize I was doing, documenting my birthday year after year after year since 2003 (and no, I’m not going to link back to my tabulas and blogspot days anymore because the older birthday posts are just too embarrassing).

I did write a birthday blog two weeks ago, but I posted it on a more discrete place, and well, maybe I’ll link back to it next year when I’m ready. Right now I just want an excuse to post these photos, hee.

I guess what set this year apart from the other birthdays was, this time, I wanted to lie low on the celebrations. And yes, contrary to the photos you’re seeing, I really did plan on just having a quiet day at home where I can work and contemplate on the past 27 years of my life (srsly), my only wish being that baby Isaac spent the day with me. But then my Mom, being the mother that she is (why thank you, mother!), couldn’t stop herself from preparing a surprise (and quick) birthday lunch for me, before she went out-of-town with some of our balikbayan relatives. Other highlights include dinner with Kuya Nate, Ate Imy & Isaac, the usual after-dinner coffee with Xai & Ivy, a bouquet of balloons delivered by Mark the latte boy, a pair of Nike slippers from my New Yorker cousin, a happy birthday serenade via Skype, and a humiliating photo album posted by Kuya Nikos in Facebook.

I can’t think of anything else I haven’t said already in my past birthdays, about growing one year older, leaving the past behind, being thankful for what you have, and how, when you turn a certain age, it would feel like your life is never going to be the same again. (Reading my old birthday posts, I find it funny now how I would say those very words every year!)

But ahh, a word to those who are turning 27, just.. keep it cool. When you reach this age, you will feel all sorts of pressure. See, your age is closer to 30 now, and if you’re like me who still doesn’t have a kid at this age, everyone will keep reminding you of your biological clock. Be ready to answer questions like, ‘when are you getting married?’ or ‘do you have a boyfriend?’, or ‘what are you waiting for?’, you’ll encounter lots of those on a daily basis. Prepare a standard answer, practice your smile. Keep your composure, there’s no need to feel anxious.

By this time you would have experienced how it’s like to have your heart broken, found success (or failure) in your career, enjoyed your independence, made countless of mistakes. That’s fine, what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger, we often hear and say. At 27, you will always find yourself drawing strength from your past experiences and realizing that with God’s grace, you have, indeed, become a better person.

Sure, you will have to make decisions that will alter your life forever, but what I’ve come to realize is, whatever choice you make, or wherever God places you when you turn 27, you will be okay. Whether you choose to pursue your career, or settle down and start a family (or whether you’re already raising a family!), know that not one choice is better than the other. You will do fine, either way. And God.. God will remain faithful no matter what, you’ll just have to keep trusting and believing that He’s got the rest of your life in His hands.

DAY TWENTY. A few people asked me what my job is exactly because I seem to be working everywhere and with so much time in my hands. Well, I don’t really have a lot of time in my hands, lol, however, my flexible schedule allows me to work anytime, anywhere (as long as I have my laptop with me and some fast internet connection).

I’m still doing Internet Marketing and SEO (and no, please don’t ask me what that is), only this time, I’m doing it home-based. After my two-year stint with US Auto Parts (USAP) as part of their Search Engine Marketing team, and, give-or-take four years doing Internet Marketing both full-time and freelance, I decided to take the leap and do things my own way.

And just for the record, since we’re at it, my work experience with USAP was nothing short of awesome. They were kind to me, gave me my biggest break, sent me to New York for training, and trusted me with responsibilities I would never entrust myself. It is there in USAP (and under Marc‘s mentorship) where I was able to envision how I’d like my future to be like, and how to do it. I wouldn’t even know half of what I know about the industry I’m now in if not for the opportunity to pick Marc’s brains (heh) and to work with the best marketing team in the world. It’s the best training ground for those who want to take Internet Marketing seriously, if I do say so myself. At one point I really thought I was going to stay there for good because I loved the people and my job there. Resigning was not in the original plan, but I guess I was able to resign because, admittedly, they were able to equip me enough to take on the next chapter of my career.

Which brings us to now, and this work-from-home status. I’ve been doing this for the past 5 months, and here’s some of the things about working from home that you might want to be aware of, before you start taking the leap yourself.

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