Conozco Pablo

The 21st of January 2026 marks the end of the 14th chapter of my life, which also means that another 1,000 days have passed 😂. This chapter was not only about time moving forward, but also about personal reflection, adjustment, and maturity. During this period, I searched for meaning in life, questioned my values, and learned more about the importance of human connections. It was a phase that helped me better understand who I am and how I relate to others and the world around me. Learning from Past Challenges The 13th chapter of my life left a lasting impact on me and strongly shaped the one that followed. The pandemic changed daily life, work routines, and social relationships in ways I had never experienced before. During this time, I also chose to let go of unhealthy habits and distanced myself from certain people. The sudden death of my father was the most difficult experience, forcing me to confront loss, grief, and uncertainty. These events made the 14th chapter a pe...

Across dreams, struggles, and life as a whole, one idea repeatedly emerges with striking clarity: the remarkable power of the human mind. The belief that our thoughts can shape our reality has become especially popular in recent years, largely influenced by Rhonda Byrne’s book The Secret . This philosophy was once my personal guiding principle especially in my younger years, when I was deeply idealistic and highly optimistic. In truth, The Secret had a profound impact on me. Looking back now, I can say that I have, in many ways, realized most of the dreams I once imagined. With that in mind, this article will examine the role of optimism, manifestation, and mental power, exploring how emotions evolve into thoughts and how those thoughts ultimately influence the path we take through life. This mindset is the focus of this blogpost. The Power of Optimism Optimism is a beacon of hope that shines through the darkest of storms. It is the belief that positive outcomes are not ...

When I look back on the year, I understand that it was not about perfect numbers or completing every goal. It was a year of adjustment, balance, and quiet growth. Some changes were planned, others were forced by life and work. A few goals were achieved, many were not, but almost all of them taught me something important. This reflection is not about success or failure, but about learning; learning my limits, my priorities, and how personal growth often happens slowly. Reading Less, Learning More Reading was one area where this became clear. I wanted to read 21 books in 2025, but I finished only 12. At first, this felt disappointing. Over time, I realized that the quality of what I read mattered more than the number. Books like Sapiens, Think Again, Factfulness, and Stolen Focus were not easy or fast reads. They required focus and patience, and they stayed with me long after I finished them. Instead of reading many light books, I chose fewer books with deeper ideas about his...

There are words that stay with us long after the people who spoke them are gone. For me, one of those words is the Cebuano phrase: “Padayon lang.” These simple words describe my life motto. It is short, almost ordinary. It does not shine with poetry. Yet it has a quiet strength, the kind that you don’t just think about but actually feel deep inside. Literally, it means “just continue” or “keep going.” But in Cebuano life, padayon lang is less of a command and more of gentle encouragement, just a soft pat on the shoulder, a light that shows you the way in the dark. I first heard it as a child, when I struggled with school and say, “Padayon lang sa imong pagtuon.” Keep studying. It is not a word of triumph. It does not promise success. Unlike congratulations or I’m proud of you, padayon lang accepts that life is hard, that the road is tiring, and yet it reminds us that moving forward, even slowly, even step by step is still worth it. It is the Cebuano spirit of resilience, no...

People often asked about the differences between iconoclasts and conformists, and which one is better. The truth is, neither is inherently better or worse than the other. It really depends on the situation and context. This is the focus of this blogpost. Iconoclasts are individuals who challenge the status quo and are willing to take risks and try new things. They often possess unique and creative ideas that can lead to innovation and progress. However, their nonconformity can also lead to resistance from others who may be uncomfortable with change. For example, some of the most celebrated artists, musicians, and writers of our time were iconoclasts who pushed the limits of their craft and challenged traditional conventions. On the other hand, conformists tend to adhere to social norms and expectations, and prioritize fitting in with the group. This can lead to a sense of security and belonging, as well as smoother social interactions. However, conformity can also s...

Since December last year, I have been immersing myself on learning French and Spanish. It may not be the most practical thing to learn two languages at the same time, but I think that consistent efforts could be the key. This approach has proven effective for me in the past, and currently I am hoping would work again to my advantage. This known as the Seinfeld Technique, which is the focus of this blogpost. Seinfield technique is named after comedian Jerry Seinfeld, is a simple yet powerful productivity method built on one principle: don’t break the chain. Originally intended for writing jokes daily, Seinfeld’s method involves marking an X on a calendar each day you complete a task—and then refusing to break the streak. In language learning, this approach can be a game-changer. It shifts the focus from dramatic effort to steady, daily exposure, turning progress into a habit rather than a hurdle. Imagine a language learner who commits to practicing Spanish for just 15 minut...

In a world full of numbers and percentages, there's one rule that stands out as both intriguing and surprisingly applicable to our everyday activities: the Pareto Principle. Personally, I first came to know about this principle from an exam question, which I unfortunately did not unanswered correctly. However, this same principle has guided me in helping me meet my income goal inspite of working less. So, what's the deal with this fancy-sounding principle, and how does it affect our daily lives? Well, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans, in plain terms! The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is like the ultimate life hack. It states that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts. In simpler terms, it means that a small portion of what you do will lead to most of your achievements. Let's dive into the world of work. I've hopped from job to job, experiencing the good, the bad, and the quirky. Here's how the Pa...

Ah, the annual tradition of looking back at the whirlwind that was yet another year—2024. A solid 366 days of experiences, revelations, and "tiny wins" that are supposedly turning me into a better version of myself. Or so I hope. Here’s my gloriously minuscule progress: 1. Books Read: 20 Yes, I joined the bookworm elite this year. My top picks include Start with Why by Simon Sinek (because clearly, I needed a reason), Happy Sexy Millionaire by Steven Bartlett (spoiler: I am none of these), and the timeless Atomic Habits by James Clear—because nothing screams "growth" like habitually reading about habits. 2. Gym: 118 Visits Originally, the plan was weight loss. Surprise twist: my weight stayed put, but hey, I can now bench press my feelings. Strength over skinny, right? Sure. Let’s go with that. 3. French 101, Seriously This Time After a long hiatus of dabbling in French (read: Googling how to say croissant), I finally committed this year. I started with ...

"Débrouillard" is a delightful French word that doesn’t have a perfect English equivalent. I came to know about this word, because somehow it reflects the motivation I have on what tasks to accomplish, and which kind of jobs I would like to have. "Débrouillard" refers to someone who is resourceful and able to solve problems in creative ways, often with limited resources. Think of it as the superpower of "figuring it out,". But what does it actually mean to be débrouillard? Is it a magical quality reserved for Parisians on bicycles? Or is it a skill that we, mere mortals, can develop and master? Let’s delve into the world of being débrouillard, exploring its ups, downs, and amusing real-life examples. Being débrouillard makes you a master of improvisation. Imagine needing to make dinner with only wilted vegetables, three peanuts, and a can of sardines. While most people might panic or order takeout, a débrouillard can whip up a decent meal with these seemin...

Moving to a new country can be both exhilarating and challenging. When I arrived in Norway, I faced the daunting task of adapting to a new culture, a foreign language, and building a life from the ground up. In those early days, the mantra "en dag om gangen," which translates to "one day at a time," became my guiding light. The Arrival: A World of Uncertainty Stepping off the plane in Norway, I was immediately struck by the unfamiliar surroundings and the realization that I was far from home. The Norwegian language, with its melodic but mystifying sounds, posed a formidable barrier. I had no work lined up, and I didn't know a soul I could trust to help me navigate this new chapter of my life. It was a daunting prospect, to say the least. Learning the Language: Babysteps to Communication One of the first and most crucial challenges was the language barrier. Learning Norwegian was essential not only for daily communication but also for securing...