Shainne Hostalero

Dear Friends, For 10 good years, this blog has been an online portfolio and a constant confidant. A decade wasn't easy but we have to move forward - to be better, change, and achieve greater heights. Starting today, I will be permanently moving to shainnehostalero.com . Some of my past posts were imported to the site and some will remain here. The new site will be the new piece on the web that shall carry my random musings and readings; and of course, to serve as a professional and official online portfolio as a social entrepreneur and an environmental journalist. Though it is quite painful to leave this blog, I know that moving to the next will bring me better output. I cannot wait to see all of you there. Shainne

Not all students share the same privilege. Some students are working too simultaneous with their studies to suffice their need for allowance and pay other expenses. Some have parents who are on a no-work, no-pay setup; and not all have the means to access classes online (unless they have signed up for it since the very beginning; unless it was explained to them during the enrollment process - this way, they know what they got into.) Ending the semester early is not a disrespect to the academic calendar, especially that we are in the middle of a health crisis. Postponing school activities at this point is not being lazy. It is for everyone's safety.  Universities and other Colleges must decide now who they are and what they want to project: Student-centered? Faculty-centered? Admin-centered? Who are your biggest stakeholders? What you decide on during this crisis will say a lot about the core values you want to embody. It will also decide the fate of the institution for t...

Aggressiveness, in the positive and leadership context, can be defined as 'readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity,'  or the 'quality or state of being forceful.' It can also be synonymous with action, initiative, drive, emphasis,  and fierceness . In this time of Public Health Emergency due to the pandemic Coronavirus or COVID-19 and its confirmed cases, there is nothing more reassuring right now than the voice of our leaders declaring safety measures, plans, and communicating the current state of the organization and imperative actions to be performed keeping the well-being of his/her people in his/her thoughts - and yes, in a prompt manner. We need aggressive leaders - the ones who are passionate, present, and exuberant. We need leaders of caliber - the ones who do not only have degrees to boast but with emphatic strategies that uplift the morale and ensures the welfare of the organization; the ones who do not tolerate mediocrity; the ones who constan...

Today's the fourth day of the year, its first Saturday. I have spent the first three days thinking thoroughly my plan for the year. Of course, plans are not something we follow religiously but it is nice that we have an overview of the path we want to take for the year. No one knows how long we are still going to hang here, but it is best to make the most of our time while we still have it. Herein, I wrote down the list (not in a particular order)of what I will do this 2020. I try my very best to achieve these goals, especially now that I am getting older and have paved the 20s goodbye. 1. Read more books - at least 35 to 40 books  During the past years, I read a lot. I go by a minimum of three books per month. 2019 came, I don't know, perhaps I have gone extremely busy (or extremely lazy reading) that I haven't opened yet the books I have subscribed myself to. I still have hundreds of purchased e-books in my Google Drive that I have yet to sort and pay attention to....

I haven't written anything here since forever but I'm very glad to share that I'm ending this year in a good note. Of course, like many of you, this year wasn't perfect, we just made every single moment count and we only count those things that really mattered the most. This year, I am happy to gain another year of life. I have finished my graduate studies, I was kind-of praised and satisfied of being able to do my job in the academe efficiently, and I have given the opportunity to create and explore more adventures with and for Happy Shift. It was not easy. My road to #sablay2019 was not all rainbows and butterflies. I always thought that I was terrible at doing work in my chosen field. But I think what makes us survive is to wake up each day and decide that we will fight and we will do anything - you know, whatever it takes. I know I should not be happy about eliminating some people in my life but it feels lighter to do so. I had the courage to ditch toxic peopl...

The day has come. I'm in no training wheels anymore. After this weekend, I'll be moving to a new location, quite farther than the current, but this is where I should be and the reason why I was trained beforehand. It is bitter-sweet, if I may say. It's nice to know that this is growth and gives me a sense of (more) independence to challenge myself to decide and do things mostly my own at this point in time. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't doubt myself, I still am until now, and I know I still will. On the other hand, it is hard to leave people (of course, not entirely because I'll be just moving) I've been with for half of 2019. In fact, they helped me to know myself better and gave me a direction of who I really want to be - as a person and as a leader. It was and still a tough road for all of us. I'm confident that we all share the same sentiments, and it's great to receive assistance and support from people I didn't expect in the begi...

"Those are tidy shelves," I so thought to myself. I was walking inside a thrift book shop to find inspiration of, maybe, what I want to do next about my life. I must say, browsing books there quite gave me a sign of direction; or so, I believe. I am still at a lost about life. Majority of it is still about my degree(s) - there is always a compelling art to what should  or could  come next after the other. They say it is not what you achieve, but what you overcome. I am pleased that if I repeat it to myself, I will become at ease. Browsing through books, some titles sparked ideas and ideals for me. Sustainability, Education Administration, Social Entrepreneur, Career, to name a few. Maybe those words were hints from the universe of where I should put my efforts and attention to. When I was in my early 20s, I'd like to believe that I will get answers when I turn a little older. I hit 25, and I did not get answers. I am on my way through the big 3-0, and certainly, I...

Thanks to Labor Day, I have finally got a chance to watch another movie - and no, it's not Avengers: End Game, but another film that stars Mark Ruffalo, 13 Going 30 . I was a teenager when the movie was released. I remember relating to how we wish we are mature or old enough to live the life we always wanted - like real grown-ups, doing whatever we like, going to places where our parents or guardians do not permit, or having to meet someone we can relate more with - be in a relationship with, or even marry. I turned a little 30 a week back, and I think it was quite timely for me to see the film. Like Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner's character), I wish I also had a chance to go back to a time I most wanted or have the opportunity to change a life's decision. Haha! Aren't we all are, at some point? While I may have a few regrets, I'm also grateful to reach the age when I don't fear much at all vis-a-vis to life back then. If I am asked today, I can afford to lo...

In the past, I also had a fair share of handling finances improperly. As an adult, bills are inevitable and totally overwhelming at some point. One thing I learned through the years is that it is not how much you earn, it is how much you save and invest. When I was in my early 20s, saving is part of my monthly/bi-monthly plans. I save at least 10 to 20 percent of my salary. I know this could be ideal, but I also know that it was not enough. I enrolled myself in graduate studies in a state university - though it is not that expensive compared to other private universities, it also needed planning. Apartment rent took a big chunk of my budget, especially in Manila. The rate is too steep, but the convenience is priceless since it is near where I was working and accessible whenever I need to attend meetings, conferences, or the like. I was a struggling millennial. I was living to pay the bills. Aren't we all are? Continuously, I have learned what could work from what could not. H...

Lately, I've had enough of people. Well, some. They seem so toxic for me, and I know, and I don't want to live my life feeling like this all time. I've lost many people in life (literally), and that made me more firm in thinking that life is... indeed short. More than a year ago, I lost my uncle. He was my confidant through all these years, and it was sudden that he passed away. Up until now, I cannot talk about him without shedding tears and feeling sad. There are lots of ifs, buts, and what could have been. It was and still so painful. I felt like I've lost a friend. I can only count the people who have been with me when I was down and who never left my side through all the pains and aches in life. Maybe three? Never a lover. Honestly, among the ones I have dated in the past 'til the present, I haven't found a non-judgmental individual. Like the one who will love you at your worst. Maybe this love I've found all along was shallow. Perhaps I haven...

2018 was one hella challenging year for me. The depression, the questionable life, and other challenges. I went to a whirlwind of emotions and workaholism. LOL. I have managed to survive, anyway. Business was good in 2018, and I hope it continues. I have discovered so many things about myself, too. Things that I did not even notice even way before. I think that was what reflection can do for you. My experiences are humbling. I was always being reminded to remain simple, get my feet to stay on the ground, and cherish people who want to be part of my life. I have managed to eliminate people who only remember me because they needed something or purely bored and I was the nearest person whom they can bug and willing to entertain. I have had enough. Bahala na kayo sa buhay niyo! Hahaha! I started 2019 with flu. I thought 2018 would spare me from any form of sickness, but NO. The universe has its own way of reminding me that I am only human and I need rest, too. I worked non-stop for t...

Hello! I know social media and the internet is already part of us and posting, commenting, resharing, and other activities are uncontrollable especially if it is done publicly. We all have different opinions, thoughts, and beliefs, and it is nice to share it with others and eventually know someone who can relate. Since that is easier to comment without thinking, bash without knowing, and express their opinion without understanding, the turnout of comments, views, and the words that came with it really affect me not just as a person, but most especially as a parent. It then pushed me to somehow express my sentiment about the matter. I have uploaded on my personal Instagram account a Boomerang Story of my son wearing a turban/headband. I have also cut his bangs since that it was already interfering his sight, hence the not-so-pleasing outcome that many people have pointed out. I am NOT an influencer  or even social media famous , hence why it affected me because I only add...

Since I started out Happy Shift two years ago - put on hold, then restart again April of this year, it was and still is a struggle. You need to research, develop, promote, do customer service, and always uplift the brand. Being a business major myself, many of my friends think that it will be easier since I have a background. Perhaps, at some point, but never entirely. I always believe that hardwork will pay off and working smart is indeed the key. Also, I firmly believe that I couldn't do it with the people around me who give their support even in just simply like my brand's page, Facebook posts, or Instagram uploads. I also like to believe that there's always good in everybody and that people are also willing to help you and not ask for anything in return, except for you to appreciate them. I'm not close to success but I'm glad how things have started and gone its course. I couldn't say that I haven't experienced any tremors yet, but I'm proud to s...

There were really days, huh? I've been so tired for the last two years - mentally, physically, and emotionally. You know, I'd like to believe that I have lengthened my patience, perhaps through time, through experience, and through downfalls, but sometimes I just lose it. How about you? Maybe I'm asking for validation if someone in here feels the same, too. I think the emotional tiredness is one of the hardest to recover with. If you are physically or mentally tired, you may have to sleep on it then it gets better. But, when you are emotionally exhausted, it doesn't really follow. You'll get this many blunders in life that you wanna yell at everyone who is actually annoying, doesn't have manners or discipline. But, you want to take the high road and be a bigger person because it is actually appropriate at the moment. However, things may get off at hand sometimes. Have you ever forced yourself to love somebody because it's the best thing to do? I think ...

Since How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) is already uploaded on Netflix (complete 9 seasons!), I've decided to give it a go and re-watched it again. It took me way back to my college days when I first completed all episodes and talked about it with my barkada . It was a whole lot of nostalgia and the feels .  Photo from web I've spent almost two weeks re-watching it and dread the remaining ninth season because somehow, I don't want it to end. Hahaha! It felt like my life has been over and out again, and episode per episode has been nothing but sort-of communicating to me that "look at yo' life, gurl," and at the same time, "you're in a good place now."  My college barkada's everyday spiel is how episodes went, how funny they were, and our in-depth thoughts on Ted's dilemma. We are somehow deciphering who we are in the TV series or looking out for our own Marshmallow and Lilypad.  Maybe, why I'm saying this is because HIMYM has...

I was tagged by numerous photos on social media by a friend. The images were mainly the memories we had in a workplace, where, I must say, contributed to who I am today - as a person, as a marketer, a writer, an educator, a friend, and a human being. I can't help but reminisce the past; the time of how we started - all the friendships we built from the ground to up, as well as the rifts and the differences we decided to mature enough to set aside. It was happy, it was sad, it was dramatic, it was fun. It led different emotions and realizations, that up until now if we had the chance, we will go back to it. But maybe life made us not to go back. Perhaps there is a reason why we cannot change what we did, why we cannot go back to what we have missed, and why we cannot touch what we weren't able to reach. I was single for quite long and fooled enough to know that there was love everywhere in every form. I had and still have friends who consider me as part of their family; an...

Before April ends, I would like to thank everyone who took away some moments from their busy day to greet me a happy birthday last Sunday. All the well wishes are so heartwarming, and I felt the love and care that went with it. My late 20s is serious about changing my life. It was really a roller coaster ride because a part of me does not want to add one more year for the same reason I had - I want to be forever 22. I have some bittersweet realizations turning a year older because do you see the thought of this sentence? A year older, it means adding another 12 months to my life. I am also happy to have another dozen of months to live my life, struggle, and lose some sleep yet again. How exciting, huh. Kidding. I am grateful for my life because I am far lucky I know to have given the most precious gift on earth, and yes, it is now time for me to use it for the better. I am happy to reunite with some old friends whom I think I could get older with. I am glad to have a supportive fam...

I grew up in a not-so-rich family. I was raised by my grandparents in modest means. They sent me to school for my so-called brighter future. It was worth it, if I may say. I have experienced both public and private school. When I was in my first and second grade, I was enrolled in a public elementary school. We were more than 50 students in one classroom. There were bullies everywhere and terror teachers, too. I was six years old mumbling through the corridors how life was for my other classmates. Being friendly was not innate to me as I did enjoy the company of myself most of the time. I was raised to bring good grades. I was not expected to be on the honor roll. I was just encouraged to have at least good grades, but more importantly, I was motivated to work hard for all the things I would do even if it means I fail, so as long as I could learn something that will help me through life. It was in the earlier of times I have awakened to how life was and how it will be. There were...

Today, I was able to submit a manuscript. I have been quite thinking about it for a week now and I thought that maybe if I start doing it, then I would have gone to finish it. I did, actually; and it felt good. When I first decided to start my manuscript, I was so scared. I fear that it will not be as successful as what I want it to be. But, later on, I felt incomplete because I know in myself I'm not trying (not trying hard enough). Then I started. I penned all the words as it came to me like hot flushes under the scorching hotness of the sun. I let my mind run the letters and the words to form a sentence, a paragraph, and it eventually became a piece. As of this moment, I'm not in, any way, care about where my manuscript will take me as I know whatever and wherever it will lead me in the days to come, it is already considered as an achievement. Pushing myself to produce one is good enough for me to know that I can. Following your passion was never easy. Well, at le...

So  ito nga. Yung mga besh ko na magkakausap kami tungkol sa mga librong nabasa namin. Ang saya. Kasi minsan wala akong kakwentuhan tungkol sa mga libro na nabasa ko o nabasa nila. Yung iba sobrang lalim, yung iba sadyang walang interes lang. Lahat kami stressed  sa kung paano tatakbo ang kanya-kanya naming grupo. Ewan. Bahala na si Batman. Lagi lang naman siya ang bahala. Kaya niya na yan. Going back . Madami ako nabasang libro dati pati na rin siguro ngayon, may iilan. Sa sobrang busy  ko sa trabaho at sa bahay eh bakit ba hindi na ko makapagbasa. Nung mag-isa akong namumuhay sa tuktok ng building dati, madami akong oras mag- emote. Kada librong nakakaiyak na nabasa ko, iiyak ako. SO WHAT?  HAHAHA. Feel na feel ko bawat chapters. Kasama ko ang tahimik na mundo ko, tanaw ang mga bahay, buildings , at mga billboards sa malayo. Pati na rin yung langit at ulap na nagsasabi sakin dati na "lumabas ka naman sa lungga mo." Karamihan ng hugot ko sa mga sinusulat,...