Barrio Girl

07/09/2024

What a gift to be alive. 🍃🕊️

love, Barrio Girl

07/09/2024

All pink for today. From pink ribbon, to rose pink dress and shoes. Was really happy to finally spend time with friends. And also salamat mam Noreen sa lunch happy birthday to your little girls. 🌸

love,
Barrio Girl

05/09/2024

Thank you Yoyo Ashi for the lettering. And thank you August for being so generous. ❤️

love, Barrio Girl

04/09/2024

One night at the Faculty room while preparing for our night class, I remember we had a short talk with one of our friends.

I was in dilemma if I should quit my job and start a business. Then you were teary eyed for you just got back from a heart to heart conversation with our boss because you were also in dilemma if you would pursue your calling or not. Then our friend was also problematic for something personal.

Then our friend told you her dream was for you to preside the mass when she’d get married someday. Then you replied, Paparia sa jud ko. Pray for me I really wanted to become a priest. But if you are ready already and I am not yet one, then go ahead and go marry. Then our friend said, no I’ll wait for you. Then I chimed in that my dream was for me to be successful in the path I was about to enter, which is selling. And you told me you’ll pray for my success.

That was 6 years ago, Ris. I miss our random dinners while waiting for our night classes. And sometimes muabsent pa jud ko. 😅 Those years…

Now 6 years after, I already got what I prayed for, and we were standing here inside my dream taking a picture. You were here to hand me this invitation. You are also on your way to your prayer, your dream. And who knows, after few years, we’ll see each other again, you at the lectern, me at the audience, and our good friend kneeling infront of the altar with her veil.

That night with our dilemmas, the three of us, the faculty windows overlooking Tagnipa streets, the waiting college students for their night class… we have come so far Ris. We have come so far. 🍃

love,
Barrio Girl

03/09/2024

Without knowing it Dada and I realized we already became the adults we needed when we were little.

We’ve done it before and will still do it in the future if necessary.

I remember when I was violated before while there was an ongoing construction of canals infront of our house almost 6 years ago. There was one person who kept on cat calling me and shouting at me while they were working even if we didn’t know each other.

I told my then boyfriend now husband about it. Luckily the contractor for that project was his classmate and friend. The morning after that his friend fired the person. What the person did to me was not an isolated case. There were already previous complaints about his behavior. I benefited from a just leadership and I’d happily do it for other women too.

While I was having coffee and journaling last Sunday, I wrote there that I was proud of what we did. It was the right thing to do, and I realized not knowingly, Dada and I already became the adults we needed when we were young.

love,
Barrio Girl

02/09/2024

My brother doing another of our store's project earlier tonight. I let him chose yesterday who would do the lettering for our ad. Would it be me or would it be him?

Of course I am not adept in painting and lettering so he is doing the job. 😅 Can't risk crooked letters that everyone would see. XD

But really, supporting one's talent unconditionally feels good. I remember when I was still in college, my mother used to give me 500 pesos for monthly allowance. Just an extra for snacks or for miscellaneous stuffs.

But instead of keeping it for myself, everytime I received my money I'd happily spend it on paints. I'd buy lots of paints and brushes and give them as a surprise for my brother who was still in Elementary during that time. I'd usually find him sleeping when I came home at late afternoons and I'd hide my gifts underneath his pillow.

Being an education student, I learned that it is essential to support a child's talent and strength. And I'm glad I did it for him. Now, I have a dependable ally, a personal painter. Even the design of our store was his idea. I just let him do his thing.

If you are reading this and you have a child, or a younger sibling, just support them. You'll see wonders unfold right infront your eyes if you do so.

love,
Barrio Girl

01/09/2024

This is the other side of entrepreneurship. Someone will always get something from you. We are just only 4 years in the business and we had encountered a lot of the same scenarios.

Betrayal from employees. Betrayal from other people. And now, stolen stuffs by an outsider.

I thought I’d get used to it but when I look at our camera, my heart still sank. Dada said it’s fine, ma balik ra ang kwarta. Gamay rana na kantidad di rana katibag. And still,

today I wanna feel my vulnerability. I wanna savor this emotion. This emotion of being betrayed for so many times. Different faces, different individuals, several lessons.

And yes, this is the other side of growth. You’ve got to be tough here if you wanna stay here. The business world is definitely not for the weak and hot tempered. Financial growth will cook you in fire as it slowly gives you its bonuses and gifts.

It is a mental and emotional war. The Universe tests you asa raka taman. And It observes if you will still persevere amidst the difficulties and pains you encounter along the way.

I remember when I questioned God before.

“Why me?! Why do I have these problems specially in the family and people around me when all I have inside is pure intention?!”

And I heard Him answer, “Why not? Why not you? This is what you’ve prayed for. This is what you’ve desired. You prayed for growth financially and spiritually and this is it. This is the growth you’ve prayed for. These are the people you need to keep and you need to avoid.”

So, here it is. A typical moment in an entrepreneur’s life. Getting used to betrayals and stealing like it’s a Thanks God It’s Friday. Humana natas anxieties if you’ll succeed or not, ari napod tas polishing the systems.

But honestly, no matter how good your system is, great employees and honest people are still your biggest assets as an owner.

love,
Barrio Girl

31/08/2024

Our new project is done in 4 hours. 💪 Yey ❤️ Thank you to Tito Dario for doing our cabinets for our poultry products and a divider for our liquor section.

Gonna continue painting this side of our store with Dada soon. 🍃

love,
Barrio Girl

31/08/2024

My old phone casing served me for 2 years and 9 months. I bought it the day of our wedding. After our reception at lunch, Dada and I went to a nearby store and bought it.

This one habit of mine of keeping things given the condition that they still serve their purpose is one of my favorites. Because this one habit made me save ample amount of money while I was still in my early twenties and was still working.

I remember most of the people around me that time had several phone cases, several tumblers, several stuff. And though, admittedly, opening parcels give us temporary dopamine, I was never into that thing. I realized back then that we didn’t need much stuff mga Ka Barrio.

And living simple and consuming less material things made me save up when I was still young. Most of my savings I used as my contribution when Dada and I started our first store. I had a money intended to buy experience and to spend on mistakes.

Not giving in to consumerism gave me freedom to stop the things I no longer wanna do and gave me the chance to explore the things I was now ready to do. Eventually this habit of mine gave me financial stability and hopefully soon time freedom.

Nothing is impossible mga Ka Barrio. And nothing is permanent also. As long as you know yourself, you know your God, you do hard and smart work, then you are good to go.

Start young. The best time was yesterday. The second best is now.

love,
Barrio Girl

29/08/2024

Two years ago I planned to learn and enhance the skill of leadership on my 28th year.

I thought from all the skills I need to learn, this one I’d ace it. I thought it would be easy.

But here I am facing difficulties like I did with other skills before. In fact, it is one of the hardest.

This year Dada and I won a lot of things. We are winning as individuals but as leaders, there are hard things we gotta face.

And today we are reminded of a lot of lessons we cannot yet disclosed. And we are really trying to extend our patience as far as we could. As neutral as we are. As considerate and as understanding as we could be. As long as it doesn’t hurt our business yet, then it is still fine.

But yeah. It is hard. Being an entrepreneur is great and is a blessing, but it is hard. So hard that though you are winning, you know in yourself at some aspects you are failing. And if you won’t address it as early as you can, then you’ll lose everything.

love,
Barrio Girl

28/08/2024

Thank you God for everything. ❤️

love, Barrio Girl

22/08/2024

On a beautiful sunny morning in August the carnival truck passed me by. And I thought of that post in Facebook that says “There is something sad about seeing the carnival team pack up.”

Well, we’re adults now and it is normal to feel that way. We are now in the middle of our chaos, of our storms, of our struggles and identity crises, who wouldn’t miss our carefree childhood?

And yes, the reality is we grow old, we mature, and we move on. Time had passed us by already. This is our new normal now. And we gotta be used to it.

love,
Barrio Girl

19/08/2024

We have our second tubo na mga Ka Barrio. And after few days nag unpacking nasad mi sa fast moving items. To God be all the glory. ☝️

Excited for next year while enjoying the rest of this year. Excited for the Karag karag moments soon with Dada. 🤣🙏❤️🍃

love, Barrio Girl

19/08/2024

Hi! This is Barrio Girl and this is our typical day at the store. 😉

By the way mga Ka Barrio we have freshly made homemade Peanut Butter made by Kuya Ashi and Ate Anne. Barato ra and lami sija. ☺️

For those who want to have a side line, please pm them. They have a reseller promo that gives you 1 free Peanut Butter if you buy 10 pcs.

Thank you mga Ka Barrio ☺️❤️.

love, Barrio Girl

16/08/2024

Audited for straight 9 hours and my mind is here. It has been a busy and productive year. And I can’t wait to be here again to tally our progress and evaluate how I lived this wondrous season.

See you in 4 months 🍃.

love,
Barrio Girl

14/08/2024

Kaboy 🍠

3/4 Kamote
1 Ube Condensed Milk
1 twin pack Star Margarine
4 pcs plain Happy
Lumpia Wrapper

~

Mash sweet potato. Mix all the other ingredients. Set aside for 20 minutes. Make a roll using Lumpia wrapper. Then fry until golden brown.

love,
Barrio Girl

14/08/2024

A Day in the Life of a 28-year-old & 30-year-old Sari-Sari Store Owners 🍃

Before, I was so afraid having lots of responsibilities. I was afraid to take them. But then I thought it was also just for my own benefit. For I would learn a lot of things.

Fast forward now Dada and I have learned a lot of things indeed. Yes, we had a lot of stress, but alongside with it were the valuable lessons.

love,
Barrio Girl

09/08/2024

Grow to your full potential. “Be like a tree.”

They said it is sad because I’ll grow old here. I’ll be stuck here with our business. But they are not the captain of my life.

I am the captain of my life. And I can’t really see myself that way. I don’t look myself that way. Since I already decided to make my dreams come true, the very least I can gift myself is to dream big. And not limit myself to my past achievements.

Life is indeed spiral, but it is forward in motion. It shouldn’t be backward or stagnant.

As what the adage says, “Bloom where you are planted.” So, grow to your potential. Fill your potential. Fulfill your potential.

Don’t put a lid to your growth, development, and evolution. And even if you are afraid, still jump that highest cliff.

Jump scared.

love,
Barrio Girl

08/08/2024

Kaya pa dzai? 😅🤣
Laban dae. Ayawg tulala dae kay para nis ekonomiya dae 😳😍🥹🥺

Nadungan ag audit, deliveries, influx of store traffic right after inventory. 🤣🤣🤣 Naa pay repack konon. Laban 🛒🛒🛒

07/08/2024

Today is believed to be a lucky day. A symbolism for infinity ♾️.

May we be showered upon infinite blessings in family, in love, in marriage, in business, in career, and in living in general. 🍃

love,
Barrio Girl

05/08/2024

There was a point in my life when I questioned everything and everyone.

I was never a breadwinner but the emotional burdens and responsibilities I carried since I was a child till adulthood was so heavy I could relate to those who are winning their bread.

I grew up not sharing most of my problems because at a young age I was already expected to act and think like a mature person. A lot of people always asked for my advice since High School, but when it was my time to ask for help, there was no one out there.

And when I entered the business world, the more I felt my aloneness. My friends and family ran to me for comfort and wisdom but when I was drowning, there was no one to call. No one to seek advice from.

There was a time I questioned God. Why was it that my love ones had me, a pillar, a wood to lean on and depend on, but I didn't have one like me. I begged for a mentor and no one came. Not even a shadow. All I wanted was just to have a friend like me. Someone that was open, someone I could asked some wisdom from.

God's answer came almost a year later. I was having a lovely conversation with a friend and she cried because again I enlightened here with her big decisions in life, and that made me realize, I could no longer asked God for someone like me, because I was already the bestest friend I could ever have.

I was the very gift to myself. God made that epiphany so clear that I realized there and then that whenever I need someone to call for a drink, to call for help, to ask for some wisdom, I just have to separate my current problematic self from my state of being and summon my motherly soul and ask her for help. For her wisdom. For her courage and enlightenment.

Being strong, dependable, and intelligent are three of the greatest gifts you could ever have in life. But they, too, come with the highest price. Loneliness. And the inevitable possibility of being alone.

And yet, still, we are never truly alone. Because in the darkness, in our deepest pits, in our gravest battles and wars in life, we realize we Have him. Aside from our own selves, swords and sheaths, we have Him. Our lone general above, guiding our paths here below.

So, blessed are the kind daughters and sons of the family. Blessed are the so called black sheeps. Blessed are the ones judged as arrogant and rude for their solitude. Blessed are those left alone and misunderstood. Blessed are those who are constantly in the battle ground.

For you are a strong warrior of God. And you'll gain your deserved blessings from up above.

love,
Barrio Girl

Ngayon hindi kana bata, magulang mo na ang nag susumbong ng mga problema nila at yung sa'yo naman yung tinatago mo.

03/08/2024

Thank you, July, for your wondrous deeds. May August give us triple. 🍃🌾

Earlier today I saw a picture of our old store. Small. Not so complete. It was still less than a week since we started this business and a surge of gratitude overwhelmed me. Now, sometimes, we can hardly navigate through the store because of stocks and now it has two rooms already.

We have bought a lot of things already in the span of two years and our oldest goals and targets are so far behind compared to our present targets now.

If Dada and I were to go back in time, two years ago, and tell our 28 and 26-year-old selves our current progress, surely they won’t believe us.

That big, fearful jump we made two years ago was worth it. It is true that you only have to start. Let the Universe take you through the process. Listen to your intuition, your heart’s longing, and enjoy the suicidal free fall ride to growth.

You just have to start, that’s it. Start small. Start young. Start now. 🕰️

love,
Barrio Girl

01/08/2024

We had a meeting today, the two of us. Finally we made an effort to give it a sit down. From last year till today, in the span of 9 months, we lost a big chunk of funds. It is quite big we could have bought a lot of reinforcing bars from it for home foundation.

We don’t know where it went given the fact that the moment we started business, I never stopped auditing since.

But we thought, this is how it works. This is the risk of the business world. Betrayals. Losses. Big and small, all the same. Every penny came from sweat, blood, hardwork and anxieties, and yet

this is inevitable. This is part of the process.
Our process.

Gratefully, we both learned to stay calm specially in situations like this. Or, maybe, we hold tightly to our mantra 4 years ago that translates to, “ We are not here just to earn a penny, we are here to learn.”

We accepted the situation in a calm way, with coffee, and drizzling rain. We just made a decision and another plan, we revised everything, and we set to start again. This time carefully. With more caution, and more wisdom, and still more accommodation for mistakes and shortcomings.

No complain. No blaming. No heavy hearts. We just proceeded through the day like an ordinary day. Mundane yet contented. Mundane yet happy being with each other.

Compared to all the blessings we have received since the pandemic, our loss is just a speck. It may be big in a monetary way but compared to our growth and how far we have evolved, it is so minute.

We know we are still blessed. Just yesterday we made another big step and we just thank Him for providing for us because we know without Him it was impossible to happen.

So, here is Dada grilling some fish while we move on to our next chapters carrying lots of lessons.

Still, 2024 is so far the best for us.

love,
Barrio Girl

01/08/2024

Thank you month of July ☔️ and hello month of August 🍃. May the abundance of the previous month triple and bless us more. Love, Barrio Girl

30/07/2024

Arroz Caldo for a rainy day. ☔️

~Use the present tense. Be grateful. And toss it into the Universe and completely forget about it.

They said those are the secret for manifesting things faster.

You'll be surprised the sooner you toss it the sooner it will come back to you with results.

So, we did. Everytime we are pressured with Life and our simple joys and dreams, we always talk and decide today will be the day, let's toss it. Let's forget about it, we just have to work hard, do our part, be grateful and let God and the Universe do Their wondrous deeds.

And we pray in present tense. Specially me. Instead of praying "Hopefully we'll have this, Lord,"

I say, "Thank you, Lord, because we are already on the process of things. We are already in our waiting season and each step and decision we do drives us nearer to our goals, and dreams, and joys."

One day, we just woke up realizing we already manifest fast. Everything we aspire, and everything I write on my logs and journals, they really come true. Almost accurately.

And if it doesn't come our way, we still say, "Thank you, Lord, for you redirected us. We know if it isn't for us it won't land in our hands. Thank you for the guidance."

Your reality is a mere reflection of what is going on inside your head. You are a mind with a body, not a body with a mind.

So, plant seeds of love, of gratefulness, of forgiveness, of hope, and of dreams in that magical, super computer made of goo protected by your skull.

If you do labor, with good intentions, surely God and the Universe will shower you blessings. You can soak under it and share its downpour to someone else.

And that is why I am sharing glimpses of our ordinary life in the barrio. Because we are so blessed, Dada and I. May our simple videos give you a little comfort, a breather, a breeze of fresh air if you are currently in a havoc or a storm.

It will pass soon. Everything shall pass soon.

love,
Barrio Girl

27/07/2024

The cutting board we ordered online finally arrived. 🫑🌶️ It is made from Mahogany wood and it is very thick and sturdy. Plus we were given instruction how to take good care of it. Today I’ll be cooking Arroz Caldo and hope you’ll watch our next video. ☺️ love, Barrio Girl

26/07/2024

I don’t tolerate rudeness and disrespect, to me and to my helpers at the store. So, should you. Speak your mind. Communicate that you are not happy with what they are doing and don’t tolerate it. We need to have boundaries. Before we become someone, an employee, an owner, a service provider, we are a person. We didn’t evolve to be the person who we are now just to be treated badly. love, Barrio Girl

23/07/2024

Sometimes it's tiring being the bigger person. People don't really care if you'd get hurt as long as they get what they want, but when they are suffering, you still think of their welfare.

When people demand so much from you and expect you to not really change at all and serve them, run errands for them, let you carry all the burdens for them, sometimes you feel it is unfair.

But it is unfair because you let them. Though you can read everything they do behind your back and in front of you, you still seek goodness in them and see them as ordinary people who err.

But it is tiring. But you're also not like them. You cannot just abandon things and people. You cannot also demand understanding and comfort from others for they too are busy with their own lives.

And what a life.

Sometimes it is just you. And you alone. As always. Trying to figure things out. Listening to endless chatter.

~memento mori

21/07/2024

When I realized I had a different calling in life, I panicked.

Because I didn’t have a plan. As a left brainer, I badly needed a plan.
But God was the one planning. I didn’t have a choice but to follow.

I was depressed for having a good life and my depression was a wake up call for me that my chapter had already ended and I needed to leave na to traverse to another journey. If I wouldn’t do it, I knew I’d forever be stuck in that loop.

And so I waded through unknown waters, crying and scared. I dived, I drowned, I swam and floated. And I waded anyway.

I never questioned His plans. I trusted Him. All I prayed before was for me to have strength, courage, wisdom, and will to go on.

And here we are 6 years after. Enjoying a serene, quiet, almost unknown life. Watching the trees, and the afternoons pass by.

I was plugged out and here I am planted where I could bloom the most.

Life is what you make it. But honestly, sometimes it is not our job to perfectly plan things. We can plan, but not everything is in our little hands.

love,
Barrio Girl

20/07/2024

The month of storms. ⛈️ ☔️

love,
Barrio Girl