As soon as Isabel got accustomed to football training, she used this as an escape to find peace and enjoyment. The sense of teamwork and camaraderie are also some of the factors that led her to enjoy the sport.

Personally, I find it to be a way to leave all my problems behind and live in the moment. With the ball, on the field, with others you enjoy being with, you feel a certain sense of peace and enjoyment. It's also a way to connect, not only literally but figuratively. Connecting passes, connecting/bonding with teammates, it is this feeling of chemistry that allows you to ignore other stressful duties in life.

But aside from the connections and the inner peace Isabel had found in football, she claims that playing puts her in a happier mood. “As stated previously, playing football makes me feel connected and free. Scientifically it is also said that physical activity releases endorphins, which decreases anxiety and allows one to be happier, which I find to be an interesting plus or explanation.”

With the recent pandemic lockdowns that the majority of us have faced, many were unable to do the activities they once loved. This change had also affected Isabel, but that does not mean she had lost sight of what was important. “Right now, I see it [football] as an important activity, especially since we are moving back to face-to-face training and it is essential mentally and physically to go out after being locked in your home for years.”

Isabel’s passion for football is a telltale sign of how doing the things that make you happy can bring out the best in you. Pursuing one’s passions can teach important life skills such as confidence and teamwork. In the process of following our ambitions, may we also find like-minded individuals who may share the same interests.

Although it seems set in stone from the beginning that she'd be teaching to students, a young Ms. Ramos hopped from different dream careers before figuring out her knack for guiding others through education. Going from engineering to law to journalism to architecture to education, Ms. Ramos experienced moments of confusion as she considered her plans for the future. Nonetheless, she stuck it out, bringing justice to the notion that her desire to serve others is much bigger than her doubt.

As she continues to inspire so many, there should be no question that at the very core of Ms. Ramos' being is her big heart. "In anything you do, make sure that it always comes from the heart. Whether inspiring or helping out people, or washing dishes, it must always come from the heart," she advises all the young dreamers of the world.

And truly, a testament to that advice is Ms. Ramos herself. When asked if dreams come true, she responds with a smile, "Of course! I became a teacher!"

For Regi, baking isn’t just limited to getting to mix and experiment with the ingredients. She believes that even the preparation beforehand, such as watching videos or looking up recipes plays a significant part in baking, adding that it “still feels like part of the process”. She also mentioned that watching cooking shows was a bonding activity for her and her dad.

When asked about any memorable moments baking, Regi mentioned the peak season of Regi’s Cheesecake in December. It was her first time getting to engage with her newly hired assistants, staying up until 5 a.m. Though it was a bit hard sometimes, Regi found it quite enjoyable, being able to listen to music, talk with her assistants and even share food together late at night.

“I think that’s one of the joys that you get to experience when you bake. It’s not really with what you do, as in actual baking, but it’s also what happens when you bake.” Regi adds, emphasizing how baking can also be a fun bonding activity for her and her family.

It may come across as a surprise but starting a business was not actually in Regi’s list of “things to do over the pandemic”. Like others, Regi turned to baking, at first, as a pastime to cope with the new ‘stay-at-home’ setup and started out baking cookies first. However, after many unsuccessful attempts, baking cheesecake seemed like a better option. When she brought it over for her cousin’s birthday party, it was a big hit and many of her titas encouraged her to try selling it as a product, so she and her sisters tried it out.

Their first major event for selling cheesecake was Mother’s Day and it turned successful for Regi’s business. News about her business spread via word of mouth and people started requesting more flavors such as Oreo or Blueberry. From then on, Regi’s business continued to grow and as of now, they are supplying cheesecakes for two cafes in BF Homes and in the province.

As the pandemic begins to subside, Regi’s Cheesecake has begun to focus more on building up their marketing following the announcement of Alert Level 1. Regi also mentioned that they are looking to sell in bazaars since they were previously more focused on online selling. When asked if she wants to continue her business in the near future, Regi was quick to reply with a yes.

While the pandemic has set some ablaze with new passions, there are those that are struggling to fuel their passion through the new normal. When asked about advice she would give to others to keep their passion burning, Regi mentioned that it is important to keep oneself motivated that there will be a tomorrow. “Everyday, if you improve 1%, that’s fine. That’s, like, really fine because everyday you get to improve,” Regi added, emphasizing the importance of celebrating even the smallest of achievements.

Regi ended with one last piece of advice that anyone, no matter their passion, can follow. “There are actually many, many countless endless ways as long as you want it.” Whether it be finding one’s passion or keeping it alive, there will always be a way to reach it as long as there’s a desire to keep things burning.

References

Segarra, K. (February 23). The amazing mental health benefits of baking. https://medium.com/change-your-mind/the-amazing-mental-health-benefits-of-baking-30f1b2cea93e