Day dreamer and Believer: Diaries

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Heeeyyyy guys! After several attempts of blogging something personal here, I FINALLY DID IT! Waaaahh goosebumps hahaha! This is my first entry this year so you gotta brace yourself because this will be lengthy. I miss you my blog! I missed you, missdream-girl!!! My 17 year old self is very happy!

January 2022 started with very high hopes for me! Board exam theoretical phase finally happened. We thought it's going to be a smooth start until Omicron happened too which resulted to another round of practical phase cancellation. For those of you who didn't know, I took up Dentistry in my college years and after 2 years of delay because of the pandemic I was able to finally take my exam!

Fast forward to February, I was still able to take orders for Valentine's (I bake and started my own home based pastry business last July 2021) in between reviews. I want to continue saving up while still reviewing.

BOARDS JOURNEY

It went by fast then here came March. It was the month of roller coaster of experiences and emotions. I got into an accident 3 days before board exam. It wasn't a smooth journey but all thanks to my friends who helped me get through the toughest days of my practicals.

Btw, let me just tell you how CRAZY & DIFFICULT THAT BOARD EXAM WAS!!! It was so difficult that I always talk to somebody and ask him/her to tell me and assure me na "Please, tell me I'll pass the boards, diba! Diba. you think I will pass naman! Diba you know I did my best! Diba you saw me how hard I pushed myself." Hahaha! My brothers told me that they never entertained any idea of me failing the exam. I didn't cried before nor during the exam days but I cried the day before they posted the results! I was never confident but I knew I had an edge because I studied and I prayed religiously for that license.

Then came March 17, I didn't know it was the day. It was I think 10pm already, I was half asleep when my brothers opened the door and shouted, "CONGRATULATIONS DRA. SHAIRA MANALO!!!" It was the most surreal moment for me! I didn't cried but I shouted happily instead because FINALLYYYYY, IT HAPPENED ALREADY! MY DREAM IS FINALLY A REALITY!

How did my life changed this 2022? Physically, I don't think there has been a lot (I still didn't lose weight though haha) but now that I am a licensed dentist already I gained more self confidence and became more independent. I instantly felt the responsibilities of adulthood the first time I held my first day salary on my hands. Ganon pala ang feeling na officially working ka na! You have the power over your money and you'll decide whether you'll spend it wisely for your needs or spoil yourself with your wants. Bills started to pile up and investments showed up. So far, I can happily say that I'm investing my salary in myself when I started studying Orthodontics and Oral Surgery.

As for my work as a dentist, I work in 3 clinics. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays I work in my tita's clinic. I'm lucky I am able to handle my own patients here and slowly establish my own practice. Most of my patients here are prostho patients. On Tuesdays and Saturdays I work in Top A Dental Clinic. My practice here is Ortho. On Sundays I work in Winning Smile Dental Clinic. I handle general cases here but recently I noticed that I handle more pediatric patients in this clinic. I'm happy with the warm welcome that I have received from these 3 clinics. They're all generous, thoughtful and kind and they let me experience all my firsts in my dental practice. I'm almost 7 months now in practice (not that long though) and I feel really happy and blessed. :)

Update with fam? Well, I guess everyone got busier! My youngest brother is already in his 3rd year college and my eldest brother is already graduating from college. My mom is still busy at work and our Casa Elberta. My mom and I invested in a beach house last year and we named it after her name. We let people rent in on holidays, during the summer or anytime they wish to relax and spend some quiet time with the view of the sea.

When I started working I promised myself to always give part of my salary to my brothers and my mom even if it's not that much. I also promised myself to at least provide my brothers' baon so I can help lessen my mom's monthly expenses. I want to spoil them and give them whatever I receive and work hard for. I can't wait for next year! Hopefully we'll push through with our travel together! (fingers crossed) :)

Love life update? We're still fond of going on food trips on dates. Haha! Kidding aside, we only get a chance to date for 3 hours a week ever since I started working. It only happens every time he fetch me after work on Sundays or sometimes we both take a leave from work. I realized when I started working na there are really times when you can't communicate or talk for a whole day and it's okay. Iba nga pala pag working! Hindi mo na minsan namamalayan ang oras. Our 5th anniversary is getting closer!!! 4 years went by fast but we surely ticked off most of our goals together. Hihi. I can't wait for what's in store in the coming years but I'm most excited for an upcoming trip early next year with him.

Hint: We're going to the City of Gold!! To more adventures together, my love!

Foods and Travels? Well, I get to explore more food corners, cafes and restaurants this year than during the pandemic season. I missed the feeling of going out with friends, family or with Pau to try out food recos. I am also hyped by tiktok to try the ones near our place. Well, my favorite is still Yumi's Kitchen. Super satisfying and the foods are superb!

For travels naman, I probably have a beach entry every month ever since I passed the boards. I haven't been to somewhere farther, no plane rides yet ever since 2020 (Supposedly I have one early next month for my birthday but it got cancelled due to personal reasons even if I have purchased my ticket already) but I'm crossing my fingers that next year would be the start of my international travel diaries. I can wait for it naman. It's just a few months away!

I'm happy to be back in blogging and give an update here! I hope I can do more in the next posts. Let's stay connected!

Leave your blogs below so I can have a good read too in my spare time ;)

xoxo,

Heeyyyy MAYYY! Sorry for being MIA again as festivities and celebrations occupied my days during the past weeks. I know I promised this blog post last month but because it turned out to be a backlog I decided to publish it instead on a perfect timing such as Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful moms out there. :) This post is dedicated to the woman I look up to and I am most proud of, to the woman I love and care for the most-- my mama.

First of all, Congratulations Mama! I am proud of you everyday-- from your small achievements to big ones. I am really thankful because you raised me in to a woman I am most thankful now. You never hindered me in achieving my big big dreams and instead supported me in every step to reach it even if it almost left you nothing. You are an all-in mom and words cannot express how thankful I am to be the first child to give you the priceless smile when I came out of this world. Being a mom to 3 children was never easy when all you thought of was the best for us three-- to live a happy and comfortable life. I know your dreams went on hold while fulfilling and working for ours. Being the eldest among the 3, now it's my turn to help you build your dreams and make them come in to reality.

This is the facade of my mom's beach house in the little town of Pagkilatan. This is her dream, her ultimate dream actually. It is still raw and unfinished but this view brings the biggest smile to her face ever since it was built. My mom's dream is to have a house of her own in a beautiful place where she can live comfortably and peacefully as she gets older. She would always tell me even if I was still a kid back then, "Gusto ko na ng sariling bahay. Hindi counted ang apartment ha.". Growing up it became my goal as well. I will help my mom as soon as I finish college in building her dream house. Graduation came but pandemic as well. I thought I will be able to save up for that house already but plans went a little messed up. I was really tested but God has never forsaken me. He lifted me up and showed me the path. He lead me to Shai Bakes. As a way of taking advantage of this waiting game I'm working my ass off to be of help to my mom's expenses in our house. Little by little, day by day I know we're getting there.

Our beach house is designed by my cousin, Architect Arlyssa Bustillo. She's really good and I highly recommend her. :)

This is the only picture that I have now of our room. It wasn't painted yet here but the 2 rooms downstairs are almost fully done now. We have a total of 4 rooms for each one of us. I want to give you room tours soon but our rooms are still empty! Hahaha. We only have one bed for each 2 rooms in the first floor and that's it. I'll saved up for the furniture probably after I helped with the continuous construction of the second floor.

I decided to put this world map photo wall from Sweden on the first room aka Aerolle's room. I love that it's overlooking from the street view.

Here's the floor detail of our 2 bathrooms in the 1st floor. Isn't it really cute? I picked our tiles!

Excuse my morning face hahaha! This house is where I feel relaxed the most. I forget all the stress from baking. I am able to complete 8-10 hours of sleep and I never skipped a meal here. Ang sarap gumising dito everyday promise.

This is the view from the balcony on the second floor-- Sikar Beach, Isla Verde & the wide seaside view of Pagkilatan

It is in our mini kitchen where I spend most of my time when we are there. I love cooking so much and I love organizing our kitchen utensils and mini pantry too. We still don't have storage area for these but I'm already saving up for it.

I also picked the counter tiles to match our house's interior. Isn't the print so cute?? :)

We added some accent floor tiles too on our living area. I don't know what's the real theme of this house but we're slowly transforming it into a half modern mediterranean half morrocan inspired home.

Hi neighbor! We're located next to Sikar Beach Resort!

See, I just love taking selfies and spending my quiet and stress free weekends here. Haha! I hope I can invite you soon when this pandemic is all over.

Meet our 2 months old baby Houston. He's half spitz half siberian husky. How I wish he looks as calm and relaxed as in the pictures. He tends to be wild at times.

These are the only pictures that I can show you for now. Some parts of our house are still under construction while some parts that I wasn't able to update here were already done. I'll post an update here once we start with our room's interior and once our stairs are done. I can't wait for you to see it! :)

Congratulations mama! I always got your back! Through thick and thin, I'm always here. I love you & Happy Mother's Day!

UPDATE

Beach View

Our dining area

Fully painted rooms on the first floor

xoxo,

Life update: I'm still kicking and alive!!! As promised, I'm making a comeback and I'm doing my best to spend more of my spare time on my online space by sharing and updating you with some of the things that I'm currently loving and I'm currently up to. First things first, I'm a working woman now- not as a dentist (soon I will be and I'll keep you with me in every step of my journey) but a baker during the morning and a blogger during the night! I work home-based, full time and I couldn't be more thankful for it. As my friends call me, I'm a very "busy woman" now. I can't even finish a netflix series (except for Emily in Paris teheee it's so nice!! I'm looking forward to Season 2) now that's why I opt for netflix movies preferably Christmas special instead. Anyway, I'd like to share with you some of the events and things that I were up to recently.

I'm a year older!! Yes, I'm 24 and still looking young! Haha! I celebrated my birthday last September 30 with a very intimate set up. I can't even believe my birthday would be covered by quarantine period!! Anyway, I'm really thankful for what I have been and for what I have went through for the past 24 years. I didn't know I'd grow up into a mature and business minded woman who's only goal as of now is to help my mom in all ways I can and to save money for my future investments. This year hit me hard in a good way! I didn't know the word "productive" have a deeper meaning when I started working and earning everyday. I'm just really thankful that slowly, the dreams that I didn't knew were coming were slowly making it's way to the top and turning itself into reality.

Birthday dress from SHEIN

I used to celebrate my birthdays with a lot of friends but this year was different. We were only 10 who celebrated together but it felt like a community. I'm happy my family is complete and my boyfriend was able to come! It's his first time to be with me in my exact birth date. I'm happy that my 2 closest friends were also with me on my birthday! I cooked/baked some of the foods like honey mustard and original wings that I've always loved! I also baked my birthday cake. I cried because I thought it was a fail (HAHAHA) but I'm happy that it wasn't after all because my cousins loved it! It's a heart shaped pink dulce de leche cheesecake by the way. I also ordered some foods from local homebased stores like Lechon Belly from Peng's Kitchen, Cordon Bleu and Lumpiang Shanghai from Gunitahanan, Pizza from Micah's Catering, and ice cream cakes from Donn & Mary's Creamery. They didn't disappoint me! Everything's worth the try! :)

Did you noticed that I got a haircut? :) Fast forward to 3 days after my birthday, Pau and I celebrated our anniversary in advance while he's still on vacation before he went back to work. It was my idea to have a home dinner and I'm happy it turned out the way we want it to be. 3 years of being in a relationship with Pau? Well, I think we've become mature enough to know our priorities this time. During our first and second years together, we used to be always together- from morning texts, to everyday lunch dates, to night video calls. We're inseparable. When he passed the boards, got a job in Lucena then in Manila, we seldomly do the things that we used to do before. We only get to see each other once every 2 months and talk every night after he gets back to work. Same with me, I became very busy that sometimes instead of talking at night, I tell him I want to rest and sleep early. Our relationship doesn't get boring because of work. It gets exciting instead because we're slowly building our dreams together. There are times when I complain that he's too workaholic but he always makes me realize that he has deadlines to meet. He tells me that he's working hard to give me a future that I deserve. As of now, we're both working far from each other but our dreams and goals bind us together. Thank you always, Pau! :)

I'm not suppose to include this here but I just have to. My life update wouldn't be complete without my everyday routine and Shai Bakes is already part of it! As of now I'm really happy and grateful to all the people who's been supporting, trying and buying my baked goods. Having Shai Bakes is like having a baby. It excites me on how I see it grow. Its achievements and milestones are something I want to share with everyone. I have much to share and look forward to in my growing business and I want you guys to be part of it. The holidays is fast approaching and I'm looking forward to see your tables and Christmas set up with Shai Bakes on it! Watch out for our 11.11 SALE & GIVEAWAY!!! It's going to be a BIG one! :)

I really don't have a day off because I accept orders everyday. But, even for a short notice, I make it a point to spend some quality time with the people I want to laugh and tell stories with! My friends keep me sane! They're one of the best support system that I have and I'm really thankful for them. Chikas and food cravings bind us. On some days we're craving for burger, while on the next we'll go out for pizza! I don't know what's next? Nuggets maybe? Haha! I know I wouldn't survive my busy life right now without their memes on our chat box! Thanks for always keeping up with my schedule! I owe you cheesecakes on Christmas!!! Hahaha!

This was the most recent trip I went to! It was just last Sunday in our bukid. We had a plan of going there but I wasn't prepared because I was hesistant at first that it'll push through because of the weather. When we got there, it just happened that everyone was so excited and hopeful to push it! I can't do anything but join even if I wasn't prepared. I'm wearing a big shirt, denim shorts and slippers. We climbed a mountain (literal!!!) and I slid twice before we got there. I told myself I wouldn't go for a swim but when I got there, I just couldn't resist the cold and clean water from the falls! It was so tempting and everyone went for it! I wasn't prepared for half the adventure we went to but it was a memorable experience and worth the hike!

Let's keep in touch! I still have so many things to share! Watch out for outfit, foodie and skincare posts up next! See you! :)

xoxo,

Here I am digging in some photos I wasn't able to upload here while reminiscing the wedding day of one of my closest and eldest cousin. It was a memorable one because she's my first cousin in our mother side to get married. Imagine how giddy and excited everyone was! I was very happy to be part of the entourage and be chosen as her maid of honor. We were all so excited back then- I was with her during the preparation period and I also headed her surprise bridal shower. It was fun and fulfilling to arrange such a huge celebration and I'm happy she made me part of it. She has now her son who's my grandson and he's the cutest little man that we have now!

The best part of the preparation where the whole entourage is excited about was the gown fitting! Who doesn't want this? The bridesmaid dresses were designed as infinity dresses so we would be able to style it in different ways the way we want it to be. It was in skyblue too and I didn't expected that this color will convey a lively, youthful and fun vibes! Speaking of bridesmaid dresses, I've came across a collection of beautiful bridesmaid dresses from Alfabridal. I know I've said this many times but they sell really chic and sophisticated dresses for all occasions. Every time I browse their website I would always imagine myself in those dresses and think who's going to be the next in line bride among my friends and cousins! Hahaha! I want to be a bridesmaid again! Here's to the 2 best set of dresses that I loved from their collection.

I'm always on for florals! These designs convey a femme and chic spirit that anyone who'd wear this would feel like a walking beauty queen or model. I love everything here but the second dress with a deep V-neck is my favorite among all of these.

Pastel and nude are the colors I secretly love because it gives a high end vibe with a high degree of elegance. These dresses may not show off too much skin nor have prints or anything on it but its structure and color stood up for its beauty.

I really wish to be a bridesmaid again soon! (Hopefully my guy cousins are reading this!! Hahaha!) As for my recommendation, I highly approve and recommend Alfabridal for your one stop shop for all your wedding preparation needs! You can visit their website for more designs and ideas! :) See you in my next posts!

xoxo,

Hello everyone!!! I have been MIA during the past few months because I opened up a home based business that's keeping me busy every single day since the day we started. I have a long story to tell and a lot to share and I'm happy that I finally have the time to do it now.
With all the things that's happening now I have so many what ifs in my mind. I think a lot. I'm thinking if for how long am I still gonna wait for this pandemic to end and start my life as a working and earning woman who's slowly building and investing on her dreams. This waiting game brought out the best in me. For some reason, I feel like I'm already old enough to be still dependent to my single mom who earns and provides for the family. I'm already a college graduate, a degree holder of Doctor of Dental Medicine, but still has no license because of the cancellation of the board exam last May and on December. I have my whole life this 2020 figured already. I started reviewing for boards since last January 2020. I was thinking that after I passed the boards, I will work with my tita as an associate dentist and will still be a part time blogger. Years after I become an established dentist, I want to learn baking and start a pastry shop business beside my dental clinic. It makes me happy whenever I think how my life would have been if this pandemic didn't happen. But things went upside down- waiting became longer and dreams went on hold.

During early June, I decided to try baking again like it was my first time. I tried baking 2 years ago, but everything was a fail. I don't know why the pastries that I tried to bake didn't came up with how it's supposed to look. I tried a few times and repeat it again but still, it failed. Fast forward to 2020 when this pandemic happened and all I was left were notes in preparation for boards, I decided to try baking again as an outlet whenever I feel like I cannot absorb the lectures anymore. I don't have any baking instruments to be honest. I borrowed my lola's oven toaster (the one in the picture above), my tita's extra measuring cups and bought a few basic ingredients- flour, sugar, baking powder.. and started baking. I don't know if it's just me but I'm grateful from where I started. I know a lot wouldn't believe but this oven toaster will forever hold a special place in my heart. It is where Shai Bakes started. It is what I used for the first month where I baked 1,700 + cookies in the first two weeks. I wake up really early because it can only accommodate 6 cookies at a time and we have set our delivery hours during lunch time. Imagine the panic and stress it brought me hahaha! Starting a business means risking the only amount that you have and working hard to make that very small start up into something bigger. I started with a budget of Php 2,000 and didn't expected for it to grow. Being in a business also means being open minded to all the possibilities that can happen. Businesses doesn't become successful overnight. It takes months to years and it requires a lot of guts and hard work.

For the first 3 weeks of Shai Bakes, I can only bake classic chocolate chip cookies. I'm not ashamed of that because it's the OG cookies where Shai Bakes is now known for. I also don't know if people only say it's delicious because most of my first customers are my friends or they just loved how it tastes like. Repeat orders and repeat customers made me believe that my products are worth coming back for. From classic chocolate chip cookies, I decided to add red velvet, double chocolate and s'more cookies.

I was asked once if I could bake something that's healthier and I came up with lemon crinkles and lemon bars. I only have few customers for these 2 products but I want to market it and suggest my customers to try it since I want these two to be appreciated and known in Batangas. Lemon bars are my personal favorite in my menu. It's for you to find out why! :)

I have decided to put cinnamon rolls too on my menu and it surprisingly became an instant crowd favorite!

My blueberry minis started my cheesecake series! It's crazy how my cheesecakes became in demand since September started and I receive orders of it almost everyday.

My first cake was also a blueberry cheesecake which I made as a request from a friend. It's funny to think how everything went so fast. From opening on July 5th with only classic chocolate chip cookies on my menu, to baking a cake in less than 2 months, and now receiving orders everyday (I only have certain delivery days before like twice a week.)

Then came strawberry cheesecake...

And now with added mango and oreo flavors. There are still a lot to come and I'm excited to share it with you soon!

Shai Bakes is one of the best thing that happened to me this year. I may not be able to follow my planned timeline but God redirected me to something unexpected that's now a big part of my life. I'm 3 months baking now and I already have my own baking equipment given by Pau. He never failed to send me a helping hand and show his support even if he's not physically by myside all the time. I also wouldn't be able to achieve all of these without my mom and brother's all out support. They were my backbone and crying shoulder when I feel down and tired. Shai Bakes wouldn't be standing for 3 months without my strong support system and I couldn't be more thankful for their presence. My customers and their orders are my happiness now. Their satisfaction is my satisfaction too.

I really hope this little business of mine would reach more people especially this coming holidays. I'd love to see more satisfied and happy customers with my baked goods!

There's one last thing I want to say, that is to never stop praying and wishing for your dreams to come true. Start small, work hard, and slowly, it will be given to you. Be proud of yourself for what you have achieved.
Advance Happy Holidays! See you in my next posts :)

xoxo,

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