Latest Posts

A Season of Change: From Lost to Found

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Wow, time really flies! It feels like we just welcomed the new year, and now the first quarter is almost over. Three months have passed in a blink—crazy, right?

This made me realize how important it is to enjoy every moment. Right now, exactly where you are, is the youngest you’ll ever be. So spend time with your loved ones, do what makes you happy, pursue that career, start that business—whatever it is you’ve been putting off. There’s no such thing as perfect timing. If you keep waiting for the “right moment,” you might miss out on so many opportunities just because you don’t feel ready.

Lately, I’ve been wanting to document everything. I’ve never been good at keeping planners—I’d always start strong, then end up leaving pages blank. But this time, I want to make it a habit. Even though I have this blog to look back on, I also want to organize my thoughts and track where life (and God) is leading me.

I don’t want to stress too much about the future. Overthinking drains my energy and steals time I could use to celebrate life and make memories. And honestly? I’m tired of that.

So here’s to living in the moment, taking chances, and making every second count.

Sharing a glimpse of my three-month planner view! It may not be as perfect as those who swear by their planners, but honestly, I think it’s not bad at all.

What I appreciate the most is seeing how my life has shifted—moving from happiness to struggles, feeling lost, then finding the strength to get back on track and start fresh. From exploring new possibilities and manifesting what I want to finally achieving a major goal: landing a new job.

Looking back at these moments is truly heartwarming. It reminds me how far I’ve come, and I’m so proud of myself for not giving up.

But my story doesn’t end here. Landing this new job is just the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with fresh challenges and valuable lessons. I believe that God wouldn’t place me here if I couldn’t overcome what’s ahead. So, I’m embracing this journey with faith, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

March-masaya

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Today was my first day at my new job! I was so excited and nervous because I met a lot of new people, stepped into a totally new environment, and experienced a different work culture. It was a big change, but I looked forward to learning and growing in this new chapter.

I still can’t believe that I have a new job. This is truly a blessing from God. I am nothing without Him, and that’s why I am so grateful. I will do my very best to grow, learn, contribute, and enjoy this new journey.

Another unexpected but pleasant surprise—I got my new laptop! I was already planning on buying one because my current laptop is slowly hitting the bottom. However, the company provided a brand-new laptop, and I’m so amazed because I didn’t expect it right away. What’s even better is that it comes with the operating system I’m most comfortable with, making the transition even smoother.

Another challenging part now is mastering the Microsoft workspace and other tools. But with the power of the internet, everything is now at our fingertips. I will definitely upskill and study to ensure I work efficiently and productively in my new company.

Setbacks to New Beginnings

Published by Kima Rodriguez

The start of the year didn’t go as I had hoped. Life has a way of reminding us that change is the only constant, and part of that reality was facing an unexpected challenge—I got laid off. It was a tough moment, but I held onto the belief that every obstacle serves a purpose, even if we don’t see it right away.

While January brought bad news, I refused to let it define my year. I reminded myself that setbacks aren’t the end; they’re just redirections toward something better. And just before February comes to a close, I received some incredible news—a new job offer!

This experience has reinforced my faith that everything happens for a reason. Challenges may shake us, but they also pave the way for new opportunities. Here’s to moving forward, embracing change, and trusting the journey ahead!

Welcome 2025 ✨

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Every New Year, I love starting fresh by setting goals, creating systems, and choosing a theme to guide me. For 2025, I’ve decided to call it my “Self-Improvement Year.”

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. I want to focus on improving every part of myself, step by step. Whether it’s my health, habits, or mindset, this year is all about becoming a better version of me.

Of course, everything depends on how consistent I can be. It won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to try, learn, and grow. Here’s to 2025—a year of transformation and growth.

The Journey Back to Balance

There was a time when I felt more in tune with my body—not too slim, not too heavy, just a version of myself that felt right. Lately, though, I’ve been longing to return to that balance. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about feeling good in my skin again.

Body shaming has been a constant sting, coming from places I didn’t expect and sometimes from strangers. It’s exhausting. I’ve carried those words with me, but now I want to let them go and focus on change—not for them, but for me.

The challenge? I have PCOS, which makes losing weight a tougher climb. It feels like a battle with my own body at times, but I’m not giving up. Slowly, steadily, I’m committing to a healthier version of myself—one step, one day at a time.

This isn’t just about a number on the scale. It’s about reclaiming the confidence and joy that comes with feeling strong and healthy. No shortcuts, no rushing—just patience and persistence. And one day, I’ll get there.

The Journey to a Better System

I’ve watched countless vloggers and content creators preach about setting proper goals and following SMART plans. Their enthusiasm is contagious, but here’s the truth—none of it has ever worked for me. Maybe it’s on a case-to-case basis?

So, I’m shifting my focus. Instead of obsessing over goals, I’m choosing to build a system—a way of living that centers on consistent actions, no matter how small. It’s not about the outcome but the habits I form along the way.

For me, it’s about showing up every day, even when I don’t feel like it. It’s about staying disciplined and committed, whether I’m feeling inspired or stuck in a rut. Motivation comes and goes, but a system? That’s the foundation I can rely on, no matter the mood, environment, or circumstances.

This journey isn’t glamorous, but I believe it’s the kind of quiet, steady effort that leads to real growth. No shortcuts, no pressure—just progress, one step at a time.

The Journey Through a Constantly Changing World

Life feels like a busy highway sometimes—one where I’ve been running non-stop, chasing something I couldn’t even define. From graduation until now, I’ve been consumed by worry, stress, and the weight of overthinking my future. It’s like I was sprinting, hoping to reach a destination I wasn’t even sure existed.

But recently, I had a realization: I don’t have to keep running. It’s okay to pause, take a break, and breathe. I can sit down, relax, and think about my next steps with a clear mind. Life isn’t a race; it’s a journey that unfolds at its own pace.

We’re all unique, with talents and skills that shape our growth and self-discovery. And while change can feel overwhelming, I’ve come to understand that it’s a natural part of life. Instead of fearing it, I need to embrace it, adapt, and trust the process.

If something is meant for me, it will come. I don’t need to chase it relentlessly; I just need to stay open and prepared for what’s next. After all, everything happens for a reason, and this journey is as much about the pauses as it is about the progress.

My First Week as a UX Researcher

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.

This question resonated with me because I never got to share my experience of the first day as a UX Researcher, not even during my first job at a tech company.

I’ll divide my answer into two parts: first, my experience with my first job at an agency, and second, my most recent and current role at a product company.

Qairos Asia

My first week as a UX Researcher felt like a dream come true. I was nervous, overwhelmed, and questioning: Did I make it?

One of the main reasons I struggle with confidence when socializing is my fear and hesitation to feel comfortable around others again. This started during the pandemic when lockdowns forced us into isolation. At the time, I managed our small family business and did side hustles remotely, with minimal interaction beyond my family. This lack of social engagement significantly impacted my ability to connect with others and took a toll on my mental health, especially when it came to meeting and bonding with people.

During my first week, everyone was incredibly welcoming. I could hardly believe I had made it this far after transitioning careers. In my mind, I was screaming and celebrating how proud I was of myself. Van, the HR representative, gave me a tour of the Qairos office as well as the other side, which houses MLT.

During my first week, I met a lot of people and was assigned a “buddy” named Ven. She showed me around the office, explained everyone’s roles, and even invited me to join them for lunch. Since we follow a hybrid setup, we primarily stayed in the office during our return-to-office (RTO) days.

To add a little fun to my first week, I noticed someone who caught my attention. It’s a bit funny and maybe a little weird, but I’ve had a crush on him ever since—and he still hasn’t noticed, haha!

Overall, I truly enjoyed my first week at the company. However, I couldn’t help but feel shy and a bit out of place—they all seemed so polished and came from prestigious universities like the Big 4. I struggled with low self-esteem, feeling like I didn’t belong. That’s why I’m incredibly thankful and grateful to my UX Research lead, who not only trained me and taught me everything I needed to know but also helped boost my confidence along the way.

Booky (current)

My first week as a UX Researcher at Booky was both fun and exciting. Although this is my second role as a UX Researcher, it’s my first time working in a product company, which made the experience even more special.

There’s a notable difference between Qairos and Booky. Qairos focuses on client-based projects, catering to specific client needs, while Booky is dedicated to product improvement projects, enhancing its product offerings.

Here at Booky, I’ve noticed that many of my colleagues come from Big 4 universities, or at the very least, are from the top 10. At first, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider, like I didn’t belong. However, having faced this kind of dilemma before, I’ve come to realize that it’s all in my mind—just a product of my overthinking.

But you know, Booky feels like an answered prayer. I truly believe it’s a blessing from God, and I know that He brought me here because He wants me to be here, where I will be guided and taken care of.

I was nervous during my first week, especially since I didn’t know anyone and found it challenging to socialize in a fully remote setup. Despite the difficulty, I’m grateful for the flexibility of working remotely, as it allows me to manage my time better. The UX team, however, made me feel incredibly welcome. I’m truly blessed to work with such a supportive group, and I feel safe and comfortable around them.

I was so excited to get my work email—it felt like a big milestone! It’s a bit funny, but I regret not mentioning earlier that my nickname is actually Kima, and I would have liked it to be included in my work email.

Overall, I’m incredibly thankful to God for guiding me to these two companies. I’m truly happy that the culture and people in both organizations are fun and a joy to work with.

Now, here at Booky, I’m thoroughly enjoying my experience and have no plans of leaving anytime soon.

This photo is Kima Rodriguez new skincare.

My New Skincare

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I’m the kind of woman who can’t resist the allure of the skincare section at the mall. There’s something about browsing through shelves of creams, serums, and masks that fills me with excitement and pure joy. Buying skincare products isn’t just a routine—it’s a little ritual that makes me genuinely happy.

Back in high school and college, my skincare routine was as simple as it could get—just using body soap. Sometimes, I had a little extra money. I treated myself to iWhite skincare products from the convenience store during those times. I especially loved those sachet-sized goodies—they were affordable, convenient, and a small luxury at the time.

When online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada became popular, I finally had access to various affordable face masks. It felt like a dream come true for a skincare enthusiast like me! However, I’ve always been cautious to ensure that I’m purchasing authentic products. Skincare is something I take seriously, and with so many counterfeit items flooding the market, especially online, it can be tricky. I make it a point to double-check reviews, seller ratings, and product details before hitting “add to cart” to avoid any harmful effects on my skin.

Last November, I decided to splurge on a new set of skincare products—definitely pricier than what I usually go for. For the longest time, I’d been using Nacific Korean skincare products, and they worked wonders for my skin. However, over time, I started noticing fewer visible results. Whether it was my skin plateauing or just my curiosity kicking in, I felt it was time for a change. I wanted to explore something new, and honestly, the excitement of trying out a fresh lineup of skincare products felt like the perfect motivation.

Kiehl’s always catches my eye whenever I visit the mall. There’s something about it that gives me the impression of being a high-quality brand. I’ve read countless positive reviews about their products, and even some of my favorite bloggers swear by them. Over time, this built up a strong feeling in me: “I want to try it because it seems so effective.”

Finally, I decided to give it a try. After just a month of using the products, I noticed a significant improvement—my blemishes had faded, and the dark circles under my eyes were less prominent. Even my friends commented on how much brighter and clearer my bare skin looked. I’m so impressed that I plan to keep using these products and will definitely restock when I run out!

ALT Mive Style FOlder Flip Phone

Love at First Flip

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Minimalism is about simplifying your life by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of excess stuff. Digital minimalism does the same with technology. It helps you use your devices and apps more mindfully. This approach helps you avoid digital distractions. Both aim to create more space for what’s important. One focuses on physical things. The other focuses on your digital life.

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time on my smartphone. I mostly watch short videos, read comments, and get caught up in content. It’s starting to take a toll on my mental health, and I realize it’s affecting how I feel overall.

My screen time is consistently around 7-10 hours a day. I spend most of this time on social media. Somehow, I still managed to get work done during all that time. How do I even juggle both? It’s crazy, lol!

I’ve decided to gradually reduce my social media usage, starting with Instagram, X, and TikTok. I can’t promise I’ve completely quit them, but I’ve cut back. Still, there are moments when I find myself scrolling and watching short videos. Then, I realize it’s already midnight without even noticing how much time has passed!

The two social media platforms I can’t let go of right now are Facebook and YouTube (does YouTube even count as social media?). Facebook is where all my family and relatives stay connected, especially through group chats and posts for greetings. My parents love being featured in posts—they’re 100% into it! They even keep track of likes and comments, reading each one, especially on special occasions. That’s why deactivating my account isn’t an option.

As for YouTube, it’s my go-to for learning and entertainment. Fun fact: I discovered Digital Minimalism through YouTube! I’ve watched tons of vlogs about dumb phones and how switching to one has improved people’s lives. It’s something I’d like to try for myself.

I bought a new phone after coming across it on TikTok while searching for dumbphones—specifically flip phones with keypads, because I miss the nostalgic vibes. My first choice was the Samsung Folder 2, but many content creators recommended this model called Mive Style Folder instead, highlighting its newer Android version. So, I decided to go with this one!

Mive Style Folder with physical keypad and touch screen.

This phone isn’t a true “dumbphone” since it runs on Android Go v.12, which still allows me to download apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Grab, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, Booky, and even all the Google apps—including YouTube!

Mive Style Folder with headphone jack.

The headphone jack is a huge plus! Nowadays, most new phones have ditched it in favor of Bluetooth headphones. I still prefer the classic plug-and-play headphones—no charging needed, just simple and reliable.

Mive Style Folder with Type C charging port.

One of the main reasons I chose this phone is its Type-C charging port. My power bank has a built-in Type-C cable, so I don’t need to carry extra charger cords. It’s also super convenient since most of my devices use Type-C charging as well.

Mive Style FOlder with rear camer of 8 mega pixel with flash.

This phone features a 5mp front camera and an 8mp rear camera. It supports one Nano SIM card and has an SD card slot that can handle up to 512GB of storage.

This is the menu of ALT Mive Style Folder with Nova Launcher and Crayon Icon Pack.

This isn’t exactly a dumb phone—it’s still a smartphone since it runs on Android. However, its small screen and limited RAM naturally curb social media usage, which is one of the reasons I love it so much!

The built-in LED lights make the phone adorable. They let me easily notice notifications or any activity on the phone at a glance!

How does YouTube look on this phone? Surprisingly good! The sound is loud and clear, making for an enjoyable experience. While it can be a bit laggy due to the 2GB RAM, it still gets the job done perfectly fine.

How does YouTube look on this phone? Surprisingly good! The sound is loud and clear, making for an enjoyable experience. While it can be a bit laggy due to the 2GB RAM, it still gets the job done perfectly fine.

Overall this phone amazes me and makes me happy to use it. But the biggest question for myself is, will I be able to survive with just using this phone? Well, we’ll see because I planned to use it as my main phone and my iPhone is for my work-related only.

The real reason I can’t part with my iPhone is for work—replying to emails, Slack, accessing documents, and contacting users. But… it’s strictly for work now! I haven’t installed any social media apps on it!

I’ll be updating this blog with my thoughts on using this phone as my main personal device and for work after a month. As you can tell, I haven’t included any work-related details here yet.

Hello December 2024 ✨

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Reaching the 12th month of the year marks the approach of the year’s end. It is a time for gathering with family and loved ones, exchanging gifts, celebrating Christmas, and preparing for the new year ahead.

As I walked through the mall, I couldn’t help but notice the wide variety of planners—each with beautiful designs, well-organized pages, and high-quality covers. Are you one of those people who loves picking up a new planner for the upcoming year? I am, too, but I’ve never been able to consistently stick with it all the way through December. That’s why I’m so impressed by those who manage to record their plans and activities regularly, whether in a traditional notebook or a digital planner.

Today marks the first day of December, and it’s also my father’s birthday! Birthdays are always special to me because they remind me to thank God for another year of life, for the gift of time, and for the opportunity to celebrate the person being honored.

Life is unpredictable, and we can never truly know how long we’ll have with our loved ones. That’s why it’s so important to cherish every moment—because living life to the fullest means making the most of the time we have, even though we can’t always predict what lies ahead.

We went to church this morning, as Sundays are a time for us Christians to gather, pray, and reflect. My dad wore a red shirt, and after Mass, the priest surprised him by mentioning his name to the congregation. It made my dad feel happy, special, and truly grateful.

After Sunday Mass, we headed to the nearby mall to celebrate my father’s birthday. My mom preferred to stay home after lunch, as she didn’t want to travel to different places on my dad’s special day. She believes in the “pamahiin” (Filipino superstitions) that suggest it’s best to remain at home.

We are celebrating my dad's birthday!
Yay! I treated my family to Mesa Restaurant, and we absolutely loved the food. I wasn’t able to capture every dish, but that’s okay—we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch!
We are celebrating my dad's birthday.
The three little pigs are complete! I’m the biggest one, but also the cutest! Haha, just kidding! 😁
My parents in Mesa Restaurant.
My beautiful mom and handsome dad! They’re kind of twinning with the color of their tops, haha! But most importantly, happy tummy!

We were all happy with our lunch, thanks to the delicious food prepared by Mesa Restaurant. The only downside was that the serving time was a bit longer than I expected, especially since we only ordered a few dishes. But I understand—it was lunchtime, so there were a lot of orders to accommodate. Once the food arrived, though, everything was worth the wait because we were all so hungry!

This is my favorite Kare-Kare dish.
My all-time favorite! I’ve noticed that whenever I try a new restaurant, I always end up ordering Kare-Kare. 😂

After enjoying our delicious lunch, we planned to relax at a coffee shop, but my sister spotted a “Caramia Cake” stall and decided to buy a cake for my dad’s birthday. What I love about Caramia Cake is that they offer free samples of their different flavors. The one that caught our attention the most was the Black Forest variant, so that’s what my sister chose for our dad.

This is the birthday cake baked by CaraMia for my dad.
Tadaa! Caramia Cake with Desication.

After buying the cake, we headed home to relax and bond with each other. I can truly vouch for how close we are and how much we enjoy being home together!

Do it now

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I don’t know how to describe some recent scenarios in my life, but I want to take a risk and do it. I know I am nervous and scared of doing new things alone and outside of my comfort zone, but I believe in myself. I know I can do it, especially if I am given a chance.

Have you ever imagined what your dream job, business, or company would be? These questions always come to mind, and I think about every single detail and ask myself what I really want in life.

When I was in high school, I loved using computers. I also blog using Blogspot and Multiply. It’s so fun and engaging for me, especially creating my layout. I also used Friendster to make the layout for my profile, and I really loved that experience.

Now, whenever I remember those memories, I’m still excited and happy. I know my dream is to be a web developer, but I recently figured it out. I was so confused back then about what path to take. Well, the environment and people around us have a big impact on our decision-making. I embraced a different path and really enjoyed it. But I guess what’s really for me will come my way at the right time.

Who would have thought that I would successfully transition my career to UX Design? This is one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I’m so blessed, and I know I did my best for it.

If you really work hard for something, you’re going to get it! But if that something is not for you, don’t worry. I’m sure there’s always a good path that God plans for you.

I really had a rough road on my UX Design journey, but every hard work has an end and a new beginning. Now, even though I am experiencing challenges, I’m enjoying it because I love what I do.

My dream is to have my own business, a freelancing business that helps people make their dream websites come to fruition.

I’m still learning. Learning is a never-ending process, especially with continuous new experiences and failures.

I’m excited to face this new journey and hope to land my first client!

Embracing Failures

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Today is the last day of June 2024, and I feel like sharing a recent experience just to release and to look forward to in the upcoming months.

These past few weeks, I’ve been doing my tasks. As much as possible, I’m trying to give my all to produce quality output. But as a human, I don’t know what will come my way- the so-called unfortunate events.

Life is unpredictable and full of surprises. At some point, I knew that I wouldn’t get or achieve everything at once. Some of my plans and goals won’t fall into place as I want them to, but it doesn’t mean I will no longer perceive them.

I love receiving feedback for improvements. I’m the type of person who’s open to learning and breakthroughs. I’m not afraid to make mistakes because I believe that failing is an essential step to success.

I see failure as a mind opener that I must undergo many times. This experience will wake me up and give me much learning to help me build a better version of myself.

I’m also prone to errors and mistakes, so I strive to do my best to understand and improve my skills to provide excellent service and competitive output.

In my whole life, it never crossed my mind to waste other people’s time, energy, effort, and resources. As much as possible, I finish every task on my own without asking for help. I know the feeling of begging and being a hindrance to someone and that is the worst feeling I ever wanted to feel.

It’s painful for me that some people will see me like that. But people’s perspectives and opinions of me are out of my control. I can’t please everyone, and I don’t have to. I just want to focus on the people who appreciate me and be happy and content.

I’m tired of proving myself to everyone. That’s one of the lessons I learned in life. I’ll focus on what I must do: enjoy the process, give my best, and only compare myself to my past version.