Conozco Pablo

Some ideas refuse to disappear, even when the world changes around them. One of them is the French expression Noblesse Oblige. It simply means that privilege comes with responsibility. If life has given you education, opportunity, influence, or success, then you have a duty to use those gifts for something greater than yourself. It is an old idea, perhaps even an unfashionable one, but I think it still deserves a place in the modern world. I have thought about this a lot over the past few years. When I left the Philippines and moved to Norway, I did not arrive with privilege. Like many immigrants, I started almost from the beginning. I had to learn a new language, adapt to a different culture, rebuild my career, and prove myself again. Nothing was handed to me. Every step forward came through long shifts, sacrifices, studying after work, and refusing to give up when life became difficult. Today, I live a life that my younger self could only imagine. ...

As we grow older, our bodies and minds change in ways that can be both funny and annoying. Here are 10 signs that you are getting older. If you recognize some of them, welcome to the club! First, you may feel like a detective when you cannot find your glasses or phone. You look everywhere and later realize you were holding them the whole time. It feels like you have the power to make things disappear. Another sign is when your joints start making cracking sounds like an old wooden floor. You may make strange noises every time you sit down or stand up. It sounds like your body is making music that nobody enjoys. You may also notice that your memory is not as good as before. You might forget where your things were, what you ate for breakfast, or even someone’s name. It can feel like your memory only remembers embarrassing moments. Another sign of getting older is making references that younger people do not understand. You may talk about cassette tapes, rotary pho...

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...

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...

As an introvert, I've often been labeled as timid in various situations, which tends to carry a negative connotation, especially in our fast-paced world where introversion is not typically favored. However, there's an aspect that is frequently overlooked – being timid can come with some unexpected benefits. While there are advantages to being timid, it's also important to acknowledge the potential downsides. First of all, being timid can hold you back in social situations. If you're always hesitant to speak up or put yourself out there, you might miss out on opportunities to connect with others or pursue your goals. You might find yourself feeling left out or overlooked, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Another potential problem with being timid is that it can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. When you're always second-guessing yourself and holding back, you might start to believe that you don't have any...

Health is that elusive state of being that we all strive for, yet never quite seem to reach. We all have our own definition of what it means to be healthy, whether it's the absence of illness or the ability to run a marathon without breaking a sweat. But the truth is, defining health is no easy feat. It's like trying to catch a greased pig - you can chase after it, but it always seems to slip away. So, let's take a lighthearted look at the complex nature of health and how we can try to define it. I have come to understand that determining who is healthy is not as simple as it may seem. The connection between norms and health is intricate, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. In my experience, health is not just about the absence of disease but also about meeting societal norms. For instance, a patient who presents with symptoms of depression and anxiety may be considered unhealthy, even though there is no physical ailment. This ...

In the demanding world of healthcare, the phrase "Push Yourself to Your Limits" takes on a profound meaning. Healthcare providers often find themselves navigating challenging circumstances that test their physical, emotional, and mental boundaries. In this article, we'll explore the hard experiences of healthcare providers, the advantages of pushing one's limits, and the potential disadvantages that come with this demanding profession. Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, face a multitude of challenges that push them to their limits. Long and irregular working hours, exposure to infectious diseases, emotionally taxing patient cases, and the responsibility of making critical decisions are just a few of the hardships they encounter daily. Additionally, the ongoing pressure to stay updated with medical advancements and maintain high standards of care adds to their demanding workload. However, unknow...

We have so much to do, so limited time, but so little things accomplished. Yet, we still feel bored. Isn't that a paradox? People get easily bored. Sometimes, even the most exciting and adventurous among us can find ourselves feeling a little bit bored. But hey, that's okay - boredom can actually be a good thing! First, let's talk about the signs that you're bored. Maybe you're scrolling through social media for the hundredth time today, or you've resorted to counting the tiles on your ceiling. Perhaps you're watching paint dry or taking extra long bathroom breaks just to pass the time. Whatever the case may be, if you're feeling uninterested, restless, or just plain blah, you might be bored. Boredom has always been a part of human life, but it seems like we're hearing more and more about it these days. With the prevalence of smartphones and social media, people are increasingly complaining about being bored. However, is modern bo...

In the heart of Korean wisdom lies the saying, "Namoo-eh-seo tteo-reo-ji-neun won-soong-i," which translates to "Even a monkey falls from a tree." This proverbial gem encapsulates a profound truth: even the most skilled or experienced individuals can make mistakes or experience failure. Let's delve into the significance of this saying in Korean society and culture. This is the focus of this blogpost. Within Korean culture, this saying reflects the value placed on humility and perseverance. It encourages individuals to approach success with humility, acknowledging that setbacks are a natural part of life's journey. This mindset fosters resilience and a willingness to learn from mistakes, traits highly regarded in Korean society. In contemporary Korea,  the proverb remains as pertinent as ever. In a society known for its emphasis on academic and professional achievement, the pressure to succeed can be immense. As a person who was focused on academi...

Wow, can you believe it's been 15 years since that life-changing moment when I ranked sixth among 88,000 nursing graduates in the Philippines? Talk about a journey! But let me tell you, it's been one heck of a ride, and I've picked up some major lessons along the way. Different start First off, learning is like a hunger that comes from deep within. I've soaked up experiences like a sponge, from being a clinical instructor in the nursing academe to freelancing as a nursing lecturer. I've dived into nursing research with not one, but two master theses, dipped my toes into nursing administration as an assistant to the nursing dean, and even started at the bottom as a nursing assistant in a nursing home in Oslo, Norway. And let's not forget my time as a nurse in various hospital wards—Obstetric-gynecology, medical-surgical, pediatric units, and specializing in substance abuse in the acute department. Yep, I've seen it all—from different body openings...