Katkat Rocks!: Personal

Begin With the End... Or Don’t (Roxy Takes on the UAE)

Journey 2:18:00 PM

Al Seef, Old Dubai reminds me of Assassin's Creed and I love it!

They always say to begin with the end in mind. It’s a beautiful idea--if you’re the kind of person who writes in neat bullet points and lives by five-year plans taped to your fridge. Reality, for me, has other plans. After a few too many smackdowns from life, I started to wonder: why obsess about how the story ends, when you can just exist in the middle and avoid disappointment altogether.

I know. That’s the lazy, even cowardly way to live. But let’s be honest, haven’t we all been tempted? Whenever I try to coast, though, I remember the movie City of Angels: an angel becomes human for love, and the human dies about five minutes later. It’s like buying in at support only to get whipsawed by a fakeout. Even when you plan, the plot twists are non-negotiable.

For the greater good?

So what am I really here to share? I wish I could say it’s for the greater good, or to uplift the world, or something noble like that. In reality, I just want to entertain you. (And, full disclosure, I’m also hoping to snag a shiny spot in a magazine feature for my company. I don’t expect you to care about that, but, hey, if you do, I might like you a little bit more. If you can see through the layers of delusion, self-deprecation, and semi-serious ambition, you might stick around for the story. And if you don’t, that’s fine. I’ll keep writing anyway.

Fuck Tiktok and Algorithms

Why do I want to share?

Because I’m tired of letting algorithms and trending TikToks decide who gets to have a voice. Because every time I update this blog, I get to trick myself into thinking I’m as legitimate a writer, a marketer, or at least someone who didn’t give up and disappear when vlogging killed the blogging star as my favorite influencer. Also, because I like the idea of “plot twists.”

Come for the curiosity. Stay for whatever happens next.

Let’s rewind...

New Year of 2025

It’s the start of the year, and my untouched goals are still stuck in last year’s to-do list. I’d just left an IT company, my first crash course in both outsourced tech and the AI arms race. Suddenly everyone was talking about ChatGPT, cybersecurity, and how soon we’d all be replaced by code.

Moving to the UAE? Not part of the grand plan.

Until a friend staged an intervention. (There’s always that one friend, right? The one who refuses to let you stagnate just because you’ve become comfortably numb.) Anyway, the pandemic had already convinced me to retire from trying so hard. But I got nudged into doing something--not just for me, but for my family. Even if “contributing” to them still feels a bit abstract because who really needs more help. *side eyes the family tree*

If you’ve known me for more than a minute, you’ll know that my main contribution to the world is a series of unpredictable reinventions. Every time things get too boring, the universe plucks me out and dumps me somewhere new, just for sport. I am the queen of unexpected pivots... usually right after everyone else has already outgrown them.

I used to think that made me adventurous, until I met the real main characters: the digital nomad-turned-cult-leader, or the glitched-out influencer I now low-key obsess over. So I’m not even close. In fact, next to them, I’m more like a well-behaved NPC in the simulation, watching the chaos from a safe distance. That used to make me feel small until I realized, lately, that the only difference between background and foreground is the decision to step forward.

Somebody Rip My Heart Out and Let Me Feel Again

What changed? And why I’m playing again? This is the real reason I’m sharing: I made a decision to be alive again. That’s it. There was no dramatic awakening, just a subtle but radical “yes” to playing my own game, even if I don’t know the rules. Sometimes all it takes is deciding not to tap out.

Into the Urbanised Desert and Little Girl Dreamscapes

Landing in the UAE with zero expectations, I figured I’d rely on the only cheat code I’ve ever known: a little bit of faith and a lot of luck. Since I came back to religion, I seem to stumble into fortune like I did as a kid. If anyone’s judging my strategy, save it. Maybe try the rosary yourself. I’m not gatekeeping. As for the dream of working in media? I gave it a shot...sort of.

Turns out, showing up at Media City and knocking on office doors with nothing but my “quirky” personal essays and no formal journalism cred isn’t a power move, but it sure is a story. It didn’t pan out (yet). The logical next step? Resurrect the blog, get some eyes on it, and maybe, just maybe, hack my way onto the radar of someone who matters.

Roxy's Key Takeaways

So what’s the takeaway? If you’ve read this far, congratulations... you’re either my future biographer or just nosy. Either way, here’s what I want you to leave with: 1. You don’t have to be the main character to matter... Background players can still switch lanes, take up space, and write plot twists. 2. Life never goes as planned, but plans are overrated. Living beats plotting. 3. You can want things unapologetically...even if part of you feels selfish for wanting them 4. The only thing separating a bystander from a player is the decision to play. And, sometimes, just dumb luck. So, why do I write?

Because I’d rather take my chances at the table than sit on the sidelines. If my words amuse you, challenge you, or make you cringe a little, that’s already more than enough.

Thanks for coming for the curiosity... Stay for the plot twist.

Footnote: (But why in fck's name is this center-aligned? Has it always been like this How do I fix this?)

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The AirAsia Red Hot Party in Davao

Davao Events and Lifestyle 10:10:00 AM

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Let the Sunshine In: Go Island Hopping!!!

Journey 2:36:00 AM

I was looking forward to getting out of the rut I had been stuck in coming into the new year. Everything I thought about life and love was challenged and I naturally responded the way a normal human being would: lock self in room, eat heart out and sleep off the most part of the day.

70% Introverted

30% of this

I go through these phases where I feel like an extrovert and really enjoy being sociable. But a few days (or sometimes weeks) after being a “social butterfly”, I immediately get confronted with how introverted I really am and how being around people for too long drains the life out of me.

To balance it out, nag-e-ermitanyo ako to recover from socializing. That’s what happened for the first few months of 2017: I closed myself off after being too much of everything for everyone else, forgetting to be myself and to go in the direction I've been meaning to.

Too much closing off eventually sucked the life out of me. I was ready to get unstuck and hit the real world again.

Thankfully, what goes down must come back up and I managed to get back up thanks to the arrival of my good friend, summer, and a little help from my influencer friends (without their knowledge)

Summer Sunshine

Summer makes life seem generally fun. It's always been the case for me. Doses of sunlight seem to rid me of the the blues quicker than caffeine does.

And off to the sunny side of life I went. The Davao Digital Influencers decided to gather members 'round to a quick one-day getaway sponsored by WayPH.com: an island hopping excursion around Talicud, Samal Island. I thought it was a great way to kick the blues out of my system, welcome the sunshine in and finally get the motivation I need to get back on track.

Here's one of my favorite children songs, for more emphasis.

Let the Sunshine: Go Island Hopping

This was my second time doing the Island Hopping Tour all over Samal/Talicud. My first one was with a bunch of strangers. Naki-avail lang ko sa joiners' opportunity because an acquaintance organized a group getaway. Saying no to the chance would have been a waste because, for one, most of these boats for island hopping are only really affordable when you book as a group. Pakyawan (hiring the entire boat exclusively) costs more or less Php10,000. And secondly, I was also in the middle of my ermitanyo stage that first time. I had to go even if it meant having to socialize with a bunch of strangers. Although I did make a few friends there.

DDI and WayPH

I thought the tour with DDI and WayPH was waayyy better than my previous island hopping experience for four reasons:

The food was amazing. If you're getting your Samal Island Hopping from WayPH, get the one with the food na. Pramis, you won't be disappointed. Apart from being boy-abunda the serving, the taste also makes you want to take a second serving or more.

Bikong babalik-balikan mo.

Food for the Gods, Brownies and Bananaaahh!

Lunchtime snaps of these yummy delights! seafood pansit, sinugbang panga, ginisang shrimps
Informative. There were random facts about the islands that were thrown our way. Kaiser of WayPH was an excellent host! (Even let me borrow his iPhone cable because I left mine at home. Noice!) Although admittedly, I was too busy trying to catch some sleep and get good photos that I only remember a few things.
Snorkeling options. You can rent gears while on board. For Php150, it's super worth every penny to enjoy the marine life without the water getting in your line of sight or robbing you out of air.

The lifevests are free.
It's the company, not the destination. I was with people I have more in common with than the last time. Oftentimes, it's really not the destination but the company.

Team Can't-Swim

Photo-lovin' bunch

same IDs

Blogger/Vlogger, dzai!

How to get the tour:

On WayPH.com, you can get the Talicud Samal Island Hopping Tour as a group or as a joiner (meaning you'll be thrown in with a bunch of groups or strangers). If you're going to get the pakyawan, you can customize the tour according to your preference: with or without food, which island to spend more time on, etc. I suggest listening to suggestions from Kaiser or WayPH because they know the time constraints, the in-and-outs of the islands better.

Final Thoughts

Needless to say, the sun revitalized me to take on the world again. It's been a whole month of socializing after the island hopping and I've been enjoying the company of other people for four whole weeks. Not sure when my next downtime will be and I do not look forward to it. Nevertheless, here's to hoping you give the sunny weather the chance to open up your disheartened, (possibly) cold heart and get yourself the summer you deserve!

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OPPO F1s: Summer Destination

Journey 10:00:00 AM

My dream summer vacation is backpacking in Southeast Asia. A former business venture partner, who now lives the dream in Singapore, introduced me to backpacking across Asia and I've been wanting to do it since. Alone. In nothing but tank tops, shorts and some suntan lotion. Former-business-venture-partner did it alone too. I tend to like following my mentors' steps - to a tee.

Mui Ne is a sight to behold, no?

Backpacking across Asia, riding trains if it can be helped and taking amazing, panoramic pictures of myself in Lara Croft outfit in these famous sites give me a boner. They really do.

It's too beautiful. Boner.

On top of that, I've been dreaming of exclusively having just tank tops, v-neck shirts, jean (shorts and pants) in my wardrobe for a long time now. I think this multi-city summer vacay would be the best way to initiate me into the minimalist world.

The tour I have in mind involves lots of temples and impressive architectural structures - modern and ancient; major tourist spots; exotic food and animals; Vietnamese coffee and craft beer.

Ca phe sua da, oh la la!

Now, I don't pretend to be the planner, I rather just wing it. But with just 7 days and a limited fund, I need someone to take care of the details for me. Thankfully, I've LJ-Sky for that. I simply gave them a list of my musts: 7 days, 4 cities (Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam - Thailand too if it's possible), lots of train rides, and as budget-friendly as possible. They're the only agency I know that customizes tours and travels to my fancy at reasonable rates, and that I trust with every last penny I'll have saved.

The only other thing I need now is the assurance that I'll be taking the best pictures - for myself, for business, and for plenty of social media approval. I live by the statement "proof or it didn't happen".

This except better outfit and camera. Parang Mui ne na.

This is why I really think OPPO F1s would fit perfectly in my grand summer plan. Not only do I badly need a phone upgrade, but also that I really think my selfie situation could be better. I also expect to do more selfie-ing with this trip, it being a solo trip and all.

OPPO F1s powerful camera features make it the Selfie Expert: 16mp camera, panoramic options and a beauty cam which captures Instagram-ready selfies each time (even in low-light). This is thanks to its 1/3.1-inch sensor and F/2.0 aperture.

Just imagining this sitting beside my iced Vietnamese coffee. For IG.

I'm excited about the panorama option for the front cam - since I'm not too keen with having to ask random strangers to take photos of me. I also like how it's smaller than my current phone, so a one-hand hold isn't impossible.

I guess that wraps up my dream summer destination. The only thing left now is to turn it into a reality.

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Mysterescape Davao

Davao Events and Lifestyle 12:30:00 PM

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IVF Davao and Merck PH Give Life to Dreams

Events 10:15:00 PM

I never thought it'd ever come to this...worrying about fertility and ever being able to have a family of my own. Going through life YOLO-ing may have its perks, but it certainly has its downsides and one of which is the inevitability of having to question your ability to have a home to go to after all is said and done. After all the partying, the dream-chasing, will you be content going home to an empty couch, a peaceful space, yes, but far too quiet for an aging you? These were questions I feel that I eventually have to face and continually bugs me a boring day in and out.

So when Merck Philippines held a seminar on fertility awareness last October 2016, I knew I couldn't let that opportunity pass. Merck Philippines, the local arm of the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, joined forces with IVF Davao, Inc, Mindanao's first IVF facility, for this event. This project also coincides with IVF Davao's first year anniversary.

Infertility plagues many couples and its often a painful topic to talk about to outsiders, let alone publicly. One in eight hearts aches for a child worldwide. An infertile woman said of the issue, "I felt like I was grieving so many things. This loss felt so different because there was no body, no funeral, just the death of our dreams." Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of unprotected intercourse. In particular, one out of ten Filipinos suffers from infertility. According to Dr. Ma. Lourdes Cablin, President of IVF Davao, this is a sizeable number of the population.

In Vitro Fertilization Davao Clients

As someone whose priority is finding my place under this sun and cementing a legacy for myself, having kids is definitely something I'd put on the back burner at the moment. But just because I don't want that now, doesn't mean I don't want it sometime in the future. I've only heard of artificial means of getting pregnant through Hollywood tales. Hearing about these pregnancy methods (ART or Assisted Reproductive Technology/In Vitro Fertilization) from local doctors certainly puts my mind at ease that: one, the technology does exist; two, it's here in the Philippines; three, it's safe; and four, it doesn't cost a million.

ART or In Vitro Fertilization involves removing eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them outside her body. It's straight out of a movie or a commercial; only it's real. During the event at Marco Polo, couples who've successfully conceived through this method through IVF Davao shared their experience. Their stories were wrought with emotion and the doctors who've attended to them also provided detailed information on the whole process.

This isn't a one-stop deal and definitely not for the faint of heart. So it helps to have a team who has you and your partner's back and your utmost made sure they were cared for every step of the way. Which made me all the more excited about getting checked for options on possible infertility prevention. I found out about egg freezing which costs Php15,000 a year with a maintenance fee that gets cheaper each year. That's certainly a viable option for ladies like me who, if I may say it again, dreams of having kids with a big "but not yet."

Answering the audience's questions were the IVF Davao Team of Doctors and their clients

IVF Davao is the first clinic of its kind in Mindanao. Their mission is to deliver competitive service with compassion, respect and utmost accountability, quality care to clients, and providing a venue for continuing education through training and research. They're located at BWC Building, Brokenshire Hospital, Madapo Hills Davao City and may be reached through these numbers: 63 82 305-1163 / 305-3521 local 4507 and this email: ivfdavaoinc@gmail.com. IVF Davao is also on Facebook, like their page and leave a message for your queries.

Besh, if I'd ever need a sperm donor some time in the very distant future, would you volunteer?

Lastly, you may be just as relieved as I am to find out that the price for In Vitro is close to only a quarter of a million - that's about a down payment for a really nice car, which isn't so bad. With lab maintenance and continuing education of doctors, that's a really great bargain for couples who long to become parents.

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