A Bird, a Bamboo, and the Unfolding of Memory

Hello, friends.

Have you ever had one of those moments? You’re going about your day, feeling aligned and on track, when suddenly, a small, everyday thing triggers a rush of memories, pulling your entire past into the present

That happened to me recently. I was just working at my desk, like any other day, when a bird outside my window caught my attention. It was so focused, perching and gathering food. My eyes followed it as it flew over to a patch of bamboo.

Looking at the bamboo, I was instantly transported back to my childhood. The sight of it brought back memories of my parents gathering bamboo shoots for meals. But then, a much more vivid and painful memory surfaced, triggered by the very branches of that bamboo.

As kids, my sister and I loved playing in the river. One day, we found some laundry soap and decided to make bubbles. We were so innocent and caught up in the fun that we used every last bit of it. When our mom found out, she grabbed a bamboo branch and hit us with it. The memory of crying, hurt, and confusion came rushing back. I was too young to understand what was happening or why joy had suddenly turned to punishment.

It's incredible how a tiny moment—a bird, a plant—can unlock something so deeply buried. For a second, I was right back there, thousands of miles away from the life I have now. But as an adult, I've had the time and space to process those tough times. I've learned that those painful experiences, while difficult, have contributed to who I am today. They've built a resilience in me that I might not have otherwise.

I’ve made peace with my past, not by forgetting it, but by accepting it as a part of my story. I've realized that those struggles didn't define me, but they did shape me.

As I sat there, staring at the bamboo, I caught a glimpse of the birds in my peripheral vision. I snapped back to the present, remembering that I can’t change the past. There's nothing to do but accept it. I looked around my office, appreciating the simple things—the sunlight, the birds, the quiet hum of the day.

I went back to work, a little more aware of the journey that brought me here. I even sent a few funny memes to my colleagues, finding joy in the simple, normal parts of my day. It's a powerful lesson—that we can hold our past without being held back by it and find gratitude in the present, no matter where we came from.

Back to the Philippines After 14 Years – My Second Blog Entry

🌟 Happy Summer, Folks! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share my second blog, and let me tell you, it’s something truly spectacular! After 14 long years, I’m finally back in the beautiful Philippines! 💖 It’s been a journey of patience, and to be completely honest, I was a bit nervous at first. The thought of traveling without my kids made my heart race. But once I stepped onto that plane surrounded by fellow adventurers, an exhilarating wave of relief washed over me—I realized I could absolutely do this! It felt so liberating in ways I never anticipated!

We embarked on an incredible non-stop 16-hour flight, departing at midnight, and you know what? Dinner was served soon after takeoff! I savored rice, chicken, and delicious vegetables, while my husband went for the beef with rice. Wow, the food went above and beyond my expectations! I usually brace myself for mediocre airline meals, but this was surprisingly mouthwatering! After our meal, we were offered coffee and tea, but with sleepy eyes, we opted to catch some z’s instead!

About 7 hours in, we were treated to snacks! I munched on a ham and cheese croissant paired with apple juice, while my husband enjoyed the same delightful treat. After the snack, we drifted off into dreamland again. Hours flew by, and soon, breakfast came—and let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing! We were served a full Filipino breakfast featuring fried rice, scrumptious eggs, and longganisa (Filipino sausage). For airline food, this deserves a jaw-dropping 9.9 out of 10!

When we landed in vibrant Manila around 5:00 AM, the excitement was palpable as everyone on the plane erupted into applause! There’s something just heartwarming about that moment, isn’t there? We breezed through immigration and had our luggage whisked away for our domestic flight. That’s when the tropical heat hit me—wow! The kind of heat that embraces you, sinking deep into your skin. No matter how lightly you dress, it’s still HOT and fabulously humid!

While waiting for our next flight, I dashed outside to grab some food. To my surprise, the rice and fried chicken spot was just outside the airport! As I awaited my order, I felt the amazing heat drenching my back. The tropical warmth felt like a joyful “welcome back” to paradise!

During our adventure, we immersed ourselves in local transportation—jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis. It was an eye-opening experience to see how life dances differently here. Visiting my dad’s farm was a touching moment. Just being there, witnessing where he grows crops, reminded me of the pure joys of rural life!

And of course—rain is just part of everyday life in the Philippines! One minute it’s bright and sunny, and the next it’s pouring! We brought a bunch of raincoats to share, and wouldn’t you know it, it started raining just a few hours after we arrived! I’m so glad we came prepared!

I think that’s all the excitement for now, but stay tuned! I’ll be sharing more as this exhilarating journey unfolds!

Before I dash off, I just have to mention my little Amazon Affiliate store: MJDaydream. I don’t make a ton from it, but every contribution counts—especially since the income helps support our family back home in the Philippines. Each click and purchase really creates a ripple of difference, and I wholeheartedly appreciate your support!

Until next time!

Where Memories Bloom: Life's Little Wonders at MJDAYDREAM

Hi everyone!

Welcome to my little corner of the internet — MJDAYDREAM! I created this space to give you a quick glimpse into how a "little rice-picker girl" discovered the power of a smile. You see, if you ever had the chance to meet me and share your name, chances are your face is etched into my photographic memory. I seem to have this uncanny ability to remember everyone I meet — even years later. It’s a quirky little blessing, I suppose.

My journey began on my father’s farm, a place where technology simply didn’t exist. He inherited a vast piece of land from my grandfather, and that’s where I learned the value of hard work. I planted sugarcane, harvested coffee, and picked and planted rice — not for business, but to feed our family. Childhood was a blend of simplicity and adventure: bathing in the river, climbing trees barefoot, collecting snails for lunch, and hunting for mud crabs beneath rocks. At night, our world lit up with gas lamps. I slept on a woven bamboo bed and ate with my bare hands. The rooster? That was our alarm clock. The river? Our shower and washing machine.

Eating ripe jackfruit and young coconut was part of everyday life. Digging up sweet potatoes and cassava meant it was time for an afternoon meal. And rice? Rice wasn’t just food. It was the food. Missing rice at a meal was like showing up to a marathon without running shoes. As a kid, I didn’t always love it. But looking back now, I cherish every bit of it. As a teenager, I took a job as a nanny, which slowly shifted into helping my dad care for my younger siblings. It was never easy, but it was a stepping stone — a way to save money and eventually pursue my education in the city. I became a proud working student, focused and determined to turn my dreams into reality.

Fast forward a few years — I got married young and moved to the United States, where I started a new chapter. I built a family of my own, earned a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Office Information, and landed a fulfilling job in the high-tech world. Every single day, I wake up grateful. Life hasn’t always been smooth, but I believe every twist and turn has made the journey more meaningful. People often say, “You only live once,” but I believe: “We live every day — so make it count.”

Today, my life is a beautiful mix of my rustic beginnings and the blessings of modern living. I still find joy in the simplest things: the sweetness of ripe fruit, the thrill of a mountain hike, the giggles from riding my silly bike. Food continues to be a passion — a delicious, soul-fueling adventure. Here at MJDAYDREAM, you’ll find joy, laughter, heartfelt stories, and a celebration of life’s little wonders. This is a space where the mountains meet the modern, where memories are held close, and where every single day is a dream waiting to be lived.Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll stay a while. 💛

This is a glimpse of my father's rice farm.

The rice is planted in square blocks, each carefully managed to ensure healthy growth. Attention to detail is crucial when planting rice, as bugs and other insects can destroy the entire crop. Since my dad refuses to use pesticides, he builds scarecrows to help chase away birds and insects.

Watering is one of the most important parts of rice farming. Each block must receive just the right amount of water—too much can harm or even kill the rice. Every morning, my dad adjusts the flow of water, making sure each block gets an equal and balanced supply.

Where Memories Bloom: Life's Little Wonders at MJDAYDREAM

This is a glimpse of my father's rice farm.

The rice is planted in square blocks, each carefully managed to ensure healthy growth. Attention to detail is crucial when planting rice, as bugs and other insects can destroy the entire crop. Since my dad refuses to use pesticides, he builds scarecrows to help chase away birds and insects.

Watering is one of the most important parts of rice farming. Each block must receive just the right amount of water—too much can harm or even kill the rice. Every morning, my dad adjusts the flow of water, making sure each block gets an equal and balanced supply.

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A Bird, a Bamboo, and the Unfolding of Memory

🌟 Happy Summer, Folks! 🌟

Where Memories Bloom: Life's Little Wonders at MJDAYDREAM

Hi everyone!

This is a glimpse of my father's rice farm.

The rice is planted in square blocks, each carefully managed to ensure healthy growth. Attention to detail is crucial when planting rice, as bugs and other insects can destroy the entire crop. Since my dad refuses to use pesticides, he builds scarecrows to help chase away birds and insects.

Watering is one of the most important parts of rice farming. Each block must receive just the right amount of water—too much can harm or even kill the rice. Every morning, my dad adjusts the flow of water, making sure each block gets an equal and balanced supply.

Where Memories Bloom: Life's Little Wonders at MJDAYDREAM

This is a glimpse of my father's rice farm.

The rice is planted in square blocks, each carefully managed to ensure healthy growth. Attention to detail is crucial when planting rice, as bugs and other insects can destroy the entire crop. Since my dad refuses to use pesticides, he builds scarecrows to help chase away birds and insects.

Watering is one of the most important parts of rice farming. Each block must receive just the right amount of water—too much can harm or even kill the rice. Every morning, my dad adjusts the flow of water, making sure each block gets an equal and balanced supply.

15

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