The Paradise that is Ephrathah Farms

Rhiza4 Comments

Ephrathah Farms

Ephrathah Farms

Summer has long been over but we still keep looking back and reminiscing our time at Ephrathah Farms. Located in the quiet town of Badiangan, Iloilo, the farm has been there for a while, growing organic produce that are sold at SM Iloilo Supermarket.

With hectares of land and natural resources, it makes sense that the family who owns this piece of property would develop it and welcome others to enjoy this paradise; after all, you won’t really keep a place this beautiful to yourself would you? :)

And so early this year, the hotel and the resort were opened to the public; and in May, just as summer was about to end, we had the privilege of coming over to stay there for a couple of days.  Continue reading “The Paradise that is Ephrathah Farms” →

ChasingDreams.Net, Year 6

Rhiza1 Comment

chasingdreams

Chasing Dreams

Exactly one month ago, on June 19, this blog (quietly) turned 6 years old. It always feels like it’s my birthday when this blog turns another year, and I can’t help but wax poetic about how this little space in the web has changed my life.

The truth is, blog posts like this are the hardest ones to write, especially since I’ve written several versions of this over the past 6 years. But words have to be said, milestones have to be time-stamped, gratitude has to be expressed. I will always be grateful for this platform that the Lord has given me, and for the countless of blessings and opportunities that came with Chasing Dreams.

This blog has seen me through my cynical + and rebellious years +; to finding love and losing it + and finding it again +; through heart breaks +, deaths and being alone +; through places +, wasted plane tickets +, Hillsong and detours +; from Sydney + to New York + and my endless moving from one place to another +; through making a long distance relationship work +, planning a wedding +, becoming a wife +, surviving pregnancy + and embracing motherhood +; celebrations +, career growth +, passion projects +, Pursuit Community +, growing in faith +, the continuous pursuit + for my calling and purpose +. This blog has seen me grow in so many levels, and I’m so humbled that anyone would keep reading this thing, much more that anyone would walk alongside me in this journey.

The best things

Yesterday someone messaged me out of the blue, thanking me for being one of the first people who inspired her to write. I’ve met a lot of friends and made a significant amount of income and business through this space; but the best kind of affirmation, really, is knowing that somehow this blog has become a channel of blessing and inspiration to another person. It’s humbling and mind-blowing how the Lord affirms to me and reminds me why this space even exists, and why I should keep trying.

The best things that came out of this blog, indeed, are the opportunities to contribute to other people’s dreams, to see them find their voice, their purpose, their place in this world. I’m grateful for the chance to meet other women who uphold the same faith and values and passions, that we can encourage and strengthen each other in our individual pursuits. And I love that I get to do all of these while preserving trinkets of my days in this little space. 

Passion Cards, Chasing Dreams edition (and a giveaway!)

To celebrate this 6th year, I’ve put together a new set of Passion Cards, the Chasing Dreams edition, which is now available in the shop. It comes with 11 cards (instead of the usual 10), with carefully curated quotes and Bible verses that I hope will inspire you in your journey to make those dreams happen! You can buy this special edition HERE.

But wait, there’s more. :) I’ve put together some of my favorite things—paper, pens, washi tape (from Art and Sky!) and some passion cards—and doing a little giveaway! Visit my Instagram to know more!

Ready for Year 7? :)

Dream on, dreamers, dream on!

It’s The Little Things: 02

RhizaLeave a comment

It's the little things 02

I’m normally a navy blue and grey kinda girl, but I’m going through a blush-and-mint phase right now. I don’t know why! Anyway. Two weeks ago I started an “It’s The Little Things” series here because of my love for discovering new brands, and being intentional in choosing products I support or buy for myself.

Hence, I thought I’d list and share some of these little things that make me happy and inspired and hope that you find something that you will love yourself. Here are my happy little things this week!  Continue reading “It’s The Little Things: 02” →

Selah: Pause & Reflect

Rhiza4 Comments

Lately I’ve been waking up in the morning feeling all sorts of panic. I’ve been losing sleep, juggling too many projects at the same time, getting my deadlines and commitments mixed up, having too many unanswered messages, drowning in lists, bills, codes.

And then there’s the struggle with raising twin toddlers who are growing way too fast, and that nagging guilt that comes with not being able to be there for them as much as I want/need.

That’s not to say that I’m unhappy. There’s so much to be grateful for—I love my job, I have a work setup that’s very supportive of my family’s circumstances, I’m able to earn a bit from something I love to do on the side, I belong to a community I’m passionate about, and have a growing network of clients, collaborators and friends. Most of all, I have two happy and healthy kids, a supportive and loving husband, roof above our heads, food on the table, a warm bed at night.

I guess the “panic” comes from feeling tired all the time, and being frustrated about the lists that never end, the hours that don’t seem to be enough, and the fact that I have to keep working even when sometimes working is the last thing I want to do.  Continue reading “Selah: Pause & Reflect” →

Pursuit Manila: Music, Stories & Photographs

Rhiza4 Comments

Ashes to Beauty x Pursuit Manila

Ashes to Beauty x Team Instax

Last month I talked about how I met Julianne through Pursuit Community. You see, the amazing thing about pursuing your God-given dreams is that, you are never alone. When you step out in faith to pursue your dream, the Lord brings His people together to accomplish something that’s even bigger than all of your dreams combined.

This couldn’t be more true in my life right now, and year 2015 has been an eye-opener for me as far chasing dreams and pursuing passions is concerned.

Ashes to Beauty x Pursuit Manila

And so on May 16, that’s exactly what happened. About 50 of us gathered at Heima Brixton, listened to Julie’s music and story, and found that our stories are all connected in this beautiful, God-orchestrated master piece. God brought us together to realize things we wouldn’t have realized on our own; and His message to us that day was crystal clear: No mess is too great, no hearts too broken, and no failures too big for Him to turn our ashes to beauty.  Continue reading “Pursuit Manila: Music, Stories & Photographs” →

It’s The Little Things: 01

RhizaLeave a comment

favoritethings01

I have become a very reluctant shopper. Pre-motherhood, I was impulsive and didn’t think so much about how I spent my money. I swiped my credit card irresponsibly, consumed my loneliness with (careless) retail therapy, and collected too many unnecessary stuff.

Things have changed, and motherhood has taught me to think many times over before purchasing anything at all. I suppose my reluctance comes from being budget-conscious as well as being more intentional about keeping a specific set of values and style. I became careful about the brands I choose, and only stuck with ones that are familiar and I’m sure of. I’m less of a hoarder, but I still make it a point to “enjoy the little things”, as they say. That said, I thought I’d curate some of these little things that pass my reluctant-shopper filter. :)

Here are some of the items that I’m loving lately. Check them out!  Continue reading “It’s The Little Things: 01” →