The Kindred Spirits Annual Outreach Program

December has always been a whirlwind of emotions, activities, and celebrations. The moment the calendar flips to the last month of the year, it feels like the universe hands us an invitation to dive into a festive marathon. This year, I found myself hopping from one themed party to another, attending awards nights, and being swept away by the sheer energy of the holiday season.

Don't get me wrong---I love the holidays and everything that comes with them. But let’s be real: it’s exhausting. Physically, I feel drained; emotionally, I’m teetering between elation and fatigue. Some days, it feels like I’m running on nothing but the adrenaline of the moment and the joy of seeing everyone so festive and full of life.

Yet, amidst the overwhelming schedule and endless socializing, there’s this small, persistent voice inside me that says, Do more. Be more.

For me, December isn’t just about parties, gifts, or even the recognition of awards. It’s about purpose, making sure I cap off the year with something that truly matters. That’s why, no matter how busy or tired I get, I make time for my yearly panata: The Kindred Spirits Annual Outreach Program.

This outreach program is close to my heart, and it’s a promise I’ve made to myself to give back to those who need it most. This year, my recipients are the families affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon. Their lives have been turned upside down, and while I know I can’t fix everything, I can do something.

This program isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about sharing what I have—whether it’s food packs, toys for the kids, or simply offering a moment of joy and relief. It’s my way of reminding myself (and hopefully others) that Christmas is more than just lights, music, and presents. It’s about giving from the heart.

It’s easy to get lost in the sparkle of the season, but true fulfillment comes when you know you’ve made someone’s life a little brighter, even for just a moment.

Yes, December is overwhelming. Yes, I’m tired. But when I think about the smiles of those we’ll help, the laughter of children receiving unexpected gifts, and the gratitude of families who feel seen and cared for, it becomes worth every ounce of effort.

I’ll be sharing updates on the outreach soon, and if you feel inspired to join or support, I’d be more than happy to have you on board. Together, let’s make this December not just overwhelming, but truly heartwarming.

Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄

9 Years with Filipino Homes: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

Nine years ago, we took a leap of faith and entered the world of real estate with Filipino Homes. It was a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and  hope that this path would lead us somewhere meaningful. Looking back now, it’s incredible to see how much has changed---not just in our careers but in our lives as a whole. Filipino Homes didn’t just open doors for us; it built a home where we could grow, thrive, and find a community that feels like family.

The early days were no walk in the park. There were endless learning curves, countless rejections, and moments of doubt that made us question if we were really cut out for this industry. But those challenges shaped us. They taught us resilience, strengthened our work ethic, and reminded us to celebrate even the smallest wins. Filipino Homes gave us not only the tools to succeed but also a support system that made every step forward feel like a collective victory.

Through the years, we’ve celebrated milestones we never thought possible. From closing dream deals, mentoring new agents, and even being recognized as one of the Top Real Estate Superstars. But more than that, what truly stands out are the relationships we’ve built along the way. The clients who became friends, the team members who became like family, and the mentors who believed in us when we struggled to believe in ourselves.

This nine-year journey is not just about our personal growth; it’s about being part of something bigger. Filipino Homes has taught us that success is sweeter when shared and that real estate is more than just closing deals—it’s about creating opportunities and being a tool for others to find their own sense of home.

As we celebrate this milestone today, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of this journey: our mentors, teammates, clients, referrals, families, friends, and, of course, our Big Boss Anthony Leuterio and Boss May who has been our anchor through it all. Here’s to nine years of growth, grit, and endless possibilities... and to the many more years ahead with Filipino Homes.

Happy 9th anniversary to us! Thank you for being part of our story.

Finding My Flow

In October 2024, I signed up for a Yoga Class, and it is a journey I didn’t know I ever needed. Trust me, I know... I know this is a big leap to take, but I am pretty proud of that decision. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the schedule and poses or even find peace amidst the chaos of my daily life, but I knew I had to try, and it's the best decision I’ve ever made in my self-love era.

My very first session was all about awkwardly stretching while trying to balance and follow the instructor. I couldn’t even touch my toes without wincing. My body felt stiff, and my mind was louder than I realized, filled with doubts about whether I belonged on that mat. My mind used to juggling endless tasks, resisted the idea of slowing down. But Khalon became my sanctuary, and surprisingly, now... I look forward to the next session every time.

Over the month, I noticed subtle shifts. I can now take deep breaths. If you know me, it's always been difficult for me to breathe properly in certain situations. The poses, once intimidating, became opportunities to challenge myself and celebrate progress. Every time I feel the pain, I love it. That simply means my muscles are doing their magic. Showing up twice or thrice a week transformed yoga from a fitness routine into my healing ritual.

Now, even when life gets busy and schedules clash, I find ways to keep the practice alive, even at home. A quiet corner of my attic room has become my personal studio. With a mat rolled out and soft music playing, I’ve learned to create the same sense of calm and connection within my own space.

Yoga has become more than just a workout, it’s a reminder that I can carry calm within me, no matter where I am. Studio days are still my favorite when time allows, but I’ve embraced the beauty of flexibility, both in my body and my routine.

Have you ever tried yoga? I’d love to hear about your experiences or what you do to find your calm amidst the chaos. Let’s talk in the comments! Namaste 🌿

IS IT TOO LATE NOW?

You ever find yourself questioning decisions you thought were set in stone years ago? Like, “Hey, is it too late now?” Well, that’s exactly where I’m at right now, contemplating going back to school for a second degree. Really.

But I’m stuck. Do I go for BS Real Estate Management, which makes total sense because, hello, it’s my career, my bread and butter. Or do I throw caution to the wind and dive into something completely different and totally exciting for me right now---Philosophy? I mean, existential questions have been creeping into my mind lately, and I’ve found myself completely fascinated by this new world of deep thought. So yeah, BS Philosophy has become this weird new crush I didn’t see coming!

On one side, Real Estate Management is a smart, sensible choice. It’s in line with everything I’m doing, and I know it’ll boost my career. On the other side, Philosophy is a completely different vibe, one that feels like feeding my soul in a way I didn’t expect. Can you tell I’m torn?

Then there’s that looming, annoying voice in my head asking: “Is it too late for this?” Like, shouldn’t I have figured this out 10 years ago? But—is it really about being too late? Or is it about giving myself permission to grow in ways I didn’t expect?

I mean, why should I limit myself? I could chase Real Estate Management and sharpen my skills, make better deals, and grow my business. Or, I could nerd out with existential philosophers, question life, and get deep. Both options are appealing in their own way, and both paths lead to different versions of me.

But really, the best part of this dilemma is realizing that I still have the chance to make a choice. I can do something completely practical or something that feeds a newfound passion... and maybe, just maybe, there’s no wrong answer.

I’m still figuring it out. Help!

Missed Opportunity : A REDIRECTION

Lately, I’ve found myself strolling down memory lane, bumping into moments I hadn’t thought about in years. One memory, in particular, popped up out of nowhere---it’s about a life-changing opportunity that I’ve kept to myself all this time. Not even my closest friends or family know this story.

So, here’s the tea: Right after college, there was still a part of me that dreamt of continuing my studies. I applied for a scholarship for a Master’s Degree at Mother of Life Center (MOLC)--- and I got it!

Here’s a snippet of the email I received:

"Greetings in Mary, Mother of Life!"

We are happy to announce your admission as a scholar at MOTHER OF LIFE CENTER (MOLC) for the academic year 2013-2014. Please find the attached Letter of Acceptance and a Direction Map to the Center, along with the necessary requirements. We look forward to your confirmation and attendance. Congratulations, and may God bless you!"


I was beyond excited, but there was a catch. As a fresh grad, I didn’t have the financial means. Sure, the scholarship covered tuition, but I still had to think about transportation, living expenses, and everything else. Most scholars had sponsors from sectarian groups or private individuals, but I didn’t have anyone who could help me with those costs.

Knowing my family’s situation, I kept this opportunity to myself. I needed to start earning, so... I turned down the offer and dove straight into employment.

Fast forward while I was working at PSI as a “bayaning puyat”, I got a call from MOLC’s Dean of Studies. She urged me not to give up on the scholarship, reminding me that I was one of only two people from Negros Island who had been accepted.

Sometimes, I still wonder, “What if?” What if I had taken the leap? Would I have become a nun like I once thought? Or maybe I would’ve followed my passion for teaching Religious Studies?

Well, who knows? It's all in the past now and my "not-stpd-afterall" choices had led me to FH and, eventually, to my husband's loving arms. My two forever! 

Indeed, life is full of choices. Some we pursue, some we let go. There’s no sense in dwelling on what could have been. Life is about creating our own meaning from the choices we make. I am where I am, not because it was meant to be, but because I chose this path, and God is with me.

Happy Birthday, Maria!

Happy Birthday, Maria!

To me, you’re more like a soulmate than just being a neighbor, classmate, distant relative, and barkada. What we have is something special. It’s in every shared memory and in the unspoken understanding between us. It is something indescribable. Now, look at you- Sed’s appointed guardian! 

How have you been? I can only imagine how challenging life in Aus must be for you. I know the weight of being far from home all too well, as I can't even stay 7 days away from Sed.  I couldn’t be prouder of you for making it this far. Your absence made a great impact on me. You are greatly missed. Since you left, I’ve felt so sepanx, but ofcourse, you know nothing about this because I know you’re already battling homesickness. You’ve had to be strong, and so have I, in different ways. I know you’re doing everything to adjust, to be resilient, and to face the challenges ahead. And I admire you for that.

I truly hope you’ve found some happiness there. I hope you’re fighting for the life you deserve, even when things feel heavy. I know you might be keeping some struggles to yourself, and even though I’d love to ask you all about them, I’ll just wait until you’re ready to share.

Just know that, no matter what, we are always here for you. Ready to listen, ready to support you the way you’ve always supported us. The distance might be far, but our love and connection aren’t going anywhere. We are always with you in prayers.

All I hope for is that you’re okay, that you’re finding strength in each day, and that you remember... we’re here, whenever you need us. You are part of our family.

XoXo, Team V.

Existential Crisis

Featured Book: No Exit

"To be a woman is to confront the freedom and responsibility of existence head-on. As Sartre taught, existence precedes essence, so a woman is not born with a predefined role or purpose. Her essence is something she creates through her actions, decisions, and the meaning she assigns to her life. It’s about living with authenticity, forging her path, and defining what it means to be a woman on her own terms." - ME as a pseudo-existentialist in a beauty pageant

They say that once you dive into the works of Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, there’s no fixing you. I can relate to that. The first time I picked up their books, I had no idea just how much they would change me. But now, after immersing myself in their thoughts, I can feel the difference. The shift in the way I see the world and my place in it.

Existentialism isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a lens through which everything else starts to look different. Sartre’s ideas on freedom and responsibility, and Camus’ thoughts on absurdity and the search for meaning, have a way of digging deep into your soul. They force you to confront the uncomfortable truths about life, and once you’ve seen those truths, it’s hard to unsee them. 

For me, this journey into existentialism has brought on a deep sense of crisis. It’s not a crisis in the sense of panic or fear, but more of a deep questioning about everything: What does it all mean? What am I supposed to do with this existence? The more I think about it, the more I realize that these questions don’t have easy answers...if they have answers at all.

Knowing Sartre and Camus has made me acutely aware of the contradictions in life. We crave meaning, yet we’re confronted with the "absurd". We’re free to make our own choices, yet that freedom can feel overwhelming. We search for purpose, but purpose is something we have to create for ourselves, often in a world that seems indifferent to our struggles.

And so, here I am, yapping nonsense with these ideas, feeling both liberated and burdened by them. There’s a certain beauty in embracing the absurd, in acknowledging that life doesn’t have to have a predetermined meaning. But there’s also a weight that comes with it, a weight that I carry with me every day.

It’s a strange feeling. Sometimes it feels like too much, like the world is too big and my place in it too small. But other times, it’s empowering to know that I am the author of my own story, that I have the freedom to choose how I respond to the absurdity around me. Oftentimes, it's scary.

I don’t have it all figured out, obviously. I am far from it. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe this isn’t about finding answers, but about learning to live with questions. It’s about embracing the uncertainty, the freedom, the absurdity, and finding a way to make peace with it all... but just how? Well, that's the point, right? To  keep questioning, exploring, and perhaps... growing.

For now, I’ll keep reading, keep thinking, and keep searching. And even though it feels like there’s no fixing me after Sartre and Camus, maybe that’s okay. Just deal with it, okay? It's me now. 

P.S //Thank you for understanding this phase of mine.

Solace in Stillness

Today was one of those days. I woke up at 3 PM but stayed in bed until 5 PM, feeling too heavy to move. My only meal was a single Foodman ensaymada bread and a few sips of fresh milk. I had no desire to do anything; my head throbbed, my body ached, and my heart was burdened with a thousand small sorrows. 

It's been 3 days now, and I would randomly tell Dadikins, "Di, I want to cry," and when he asks why, "I don't know why." is what I reply... or maybe... it's a lie? Probably it’s the petty issues happening in my life, or the music in the car that's hurting me, stirring emotions I can't process. I couldn’t bring myself to scroll through socmed --- I just didn’t want to see anyone and any news about "it". Even the thought of watching a GoSe or Ghibli or online retail therapy, hoping to divert my attention, held no appeal. I'm quiet surprised! I certainly know why, but the depth of the hurt surprises me. It’s unexpected  and it's pulling me under. Why and how does "it" managed to weigh so heavily on my heart?

P.S Emily in Paris Season 4 is here and I suddenly felt okay. Plus the new episode of Pulang Araw gave me some light. Yes, OK na si OA! ^^ #Jeonghannnaaaa!

FH: Instrument of God's Grace

The story of our journey, Dadi and I, is one of grit, perseverance, and hard work. We've built our lives, our careers, and our family with the same spirit that has driven us to succeed in the ever-demanding world of real estate.

When we decided to take this path as licensed real estate broker and unit managers, we knew the road wouldn't be easy. It was a challenge we willingly accepted, something worth every step, every sweat, every tears. Our combined efforts have brought us to where we are today: Top Sales Managers, national awardees, and consistent leaders of Team Prime. But our success isn't just about the honor we've garnered all these years... it's about the people we've impacted and the team we've built.

We began our journey humbly, but with great ambition. Partnering with various developers, we quickly established ourselves as top performers, consistently ranking among the best in Visayas and on a nationwide scale. Over the years, we've been recognized as top agents and sales managers, celebrated for our leadership and commitment to excellence. From our early days in Bacolod to becoming nationwide top sellers, it’s been a whirlwind of growth.

But success, we’ve learned, isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building relationships, touching lives, and helping our clients achieve their own dreams of homeownership. It’s about the joy we feel when we hand over the keys to a family’s new home or when our clients realize the long-term value of their investment. Real estate, for us, is not just about properties--- it’s about people and the legacy we’re building.

In 2017, our dreams started to take shape. We invested in our first house, marking a significant milestone for our family. This was just the beginning. In 2022, we expanded our portfolio with a second house investment, and today, we acquired our second ride. Each achievement brought us closer to the "dream life" we envisioned for ourselves, a life where hard work translates into peace of mind and financial security.

Our journey also took us beyond the shores of the Philippines. From Japan to Singapore, Bali to Thailand, Malaysia to Hongkong, our travels have opened our eyes to global real estate trends and the importance of expanding our horizons. We attended international conferences, participated in international roadshows, and cultivated relationships with clients and investors from all walks of life. These experiences have not only enriched our careers but also deepened our understanding of what it means to succeed in this industry.

Yet, amid all the success, we remain grounded in one simple truth: the true measure of success is not found in the places we've been or the things we've acquired, but in the lives we've touched. Our real estate journey is about helping others achieve their dreams while building a legacy beyond material possessions. 

Real estate success is a process. It’s not always easy, but every challenge we’ve faced has been a stepping stone toward something greater. As we continue this journey, we wear our real estate hats proudly, knowing that we’re in the business of making a real, sustainable impact on the lives of real people. We trust the process and embrace the future with optimism.

Through all the milestones we’ve achieved, our investments, our travels, and our recognitions, one thing remains constant: the desire to keep moving forward, to keep striving for more, and to keep touching lives. It’s not easy, but as we often remind ourselves, it’s going to be worth it.

Because of FH/LR, we're not just living, we're thriving. And the best part? This is only the beginning.

An "ALMOST THERE" Dream

Many years ago, I've dreamed of standing before a large audience, sharing my success story as a Guest Speaker at a Graduation Ceremony. I knew it would be SYMBOLIC--- A WINNING MOMENT! 

I’ve always believed that to earn such an honor, one must be a person of success. So, I threw myself into my work, striving relentlessly day and night.

But as the years passed, and graduation after graduation went by without an invitation, doubt crept in. "Was I not accomplished enough?" Then came the day when I saw a Facebook post from an acquaintance who had been invited to speak at our Alma Mater. It stung deeply. But instead of feeling bad, I found a renewed sense of motivation. I worked harder, prayed more, and soon enough, my efforts began to bear fruit.

As I’ve grown older and wiser, I’ve come to realize that success isn’t defined by external validation, it is about how I perceive myself, how I measure my progress against my own standards. Age has granted me the freedom to set my own benchmarks. Success, I’ve learned, is aligning my goals with my values, pursuing what genuinely resonates with me, and embracing my personal growth. With this mindset, I’ve come to cherish my unique journey, understanding that success is a subjective concept --- one that I define for myself only.

Then, yesterday, the long-awaited moment finally arrived. My former teacher invited me to be a Guest Speaker at our Alma Mater’s Recognition Ceremony. While it wasn’t the Graduation Ceremony I’d envisioned, it was close, still, and I was elated. I quickly accepted, eager to share my story with the students, and began drafting my speech immediately. The nerves are there, but so is the excitement, and I’m ready to inspire.

To be invited by my Alma Mater as a guest speaker is more than just an acknowledgment of my accomplishments; it’s an affirmation of my character, values, and the impact I can have on future generations. I am deeply honored by this invitation, and I think I can finally say---“ALMOST THERE.”

P.S. This post was drafted on February 8, 2024, on my Mac Notes.