• Wedding bells and concert thrills

    Wedding bells and concert thrills

    Preparing for a wedding can be a lot of work, and it has certainly been no exception for me. Over the past few months, I have been planning the event on a granular level. It has been more exhausting than I anticipated, especially since the wedding will take place in the Philippines, and I am currently in Cayman. With so much to do and so little time, I put my Derivatives course on hold to ensure I had enough time to prepare for the big day. I want to ensure everything is in place for the wedding, and I can’t wait to see all my hard work come to fruition in a few weeks! Secondly, I have been watching a new reality TV show on…

  • Embracing change as I approach my 30s

    Embracing change as I approach my 30s

    As I approach my 30s, I can’t help but reflect on the changes in my life over the past decade. I am proud of myself for persevering through life’s ups and downs and remaining committed to my goals and dreams. Recently, I have realized that my life is changing even more than I thought it would. Choosing a healthier lifestyle Choosing a healthier lifestyle is difficult and easier said than done. It’s incredibly challenging when there are so many online resources promising quick solutions to losing weight or getting fit. In today’s world, it’s effortless to find shortcuts to almost everything, thanks to AI technology that is widely available to everyone. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle requires more than consulting AI-powered assistants. Making real progress…

  • Stylish flat lay showcasing a black leather wallet and modern technology devices on a marble surface.

    Decoding ‘Billions’: An Investment Professional’s Perspective”

    I recently discovered a Netflix series called “Billions” (I know I’m late! Almost everyone in my workplace watched it years ago). I was amazed by the series because it provides great detail about the investment industry. I’ve watched many series where the main characters are doctors, art curators, book editors/publishers, and physicists, but never one about a portfolio manager. So, you can imagine my excitement when I finally found a series representing my profession. I’m currently on the 8th episode, and I can’t help but wonder how people outside of the industry perceive us after watching it. I wonder if they are curious about how much of what is shown on TV happens in real life. The answer is quite simple. Like most TV series,…

  • Toronto Day 6: Niagara Falls and Nathan Phillips Square

    Toronto Day 6: Niagara Falls and Nathan Phillips Square

    Save the best for the last! This day is my fiancรฉ’s 40th birthday. I decided to get a private tour of Niagra Falls instead of DIY-ing it myself. Niagara Falls is about 2 hours away from Toronto, and with this weather, it would have been a painful experience for us to do all the commute and transfers just to see the falls. I figured it was more convenient to just pay a little bit more for a private tour where all we have to do is relax while we are being driven around the area, and most importantly, we are being guided through the history of the place. Our first stop is Niagara On The Lake. It is often called “The Prettiest Town in Canada”…

  • A cozy picnic setup on a blanket with fruits, bread, waffles, and drinks outdoors.

    Journey to Self-Discovery: From Humble Beginnings to High Society

    This post is dedicated to my dear friend Bea, who has consistently been my pillar of support and a trusted confidant whenever I’ve needed someone to turn to. Sometimes, I have this nagging feeling that I don’t fit in with the people I am surrounded with. I’m just a simple girl who once dreamed of being among the most intelligent and successful people in society. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve finally made it; other times, I wonder if I deserve to be here. There are moments when I feel like I’m trying too hard to fit in. I’m not sure if I’ve grown or if I’m just acting as the person I eventually want to become. I grew up in a modest background in the…

  • Sleek modern interior of a beauty store with cosmetics and chic decor.

    Toronto Day 5: Black Friday and NBA Game

    My co-worker Paula and I had planned to meet on Saturday, but we decided to change the schedule to Friday morning. We had no specific plans for the morning except for shopping for Black Friday. We headed to Vaughan Mills outlet mall early in the morning to avoid the long lines. However, I could only buy four items from Kate Spade because the crowds were insane and the lines were too long. At times, it seemed like it wasn’t worth the wait and that I should have just shopped online instead. I can understand buying in bulk for retail stores, but if you’re like us and only want to buy one or two items, it’s not worth the wait (unless you want something limited edition!)….