ECQ Season 2 in the Philippines

ECQ Season 2

A year ago, when the ECQ Season 1 was announced, we were all hopeful that one day, this pandemic would end. However, it’s been a year, it just got worst.

Yes, there are vaccines, but there are also new strains.

Yes, there are strict protocols like curfew and new ECQ stuff, but there’s no mass testing.

Yes, there are vaccines, but our LGU is still out of reach.

Honestly, I’ve become more anxious because I live with a senior citizen. That worries me more than my own health. Our house is an open door. Literally.

How am I coping?

First, I rest. I have decided to do nothing at certain days. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed with tons of adjustments and works. Hence, I feel stressed! Anyways, I still find time to work on my pendings. Chill, self.

Second, I rearrange my room every two weeks or whenever I feel to rearrange it. There’s a time when I decided to rearrange it just because I want to and I feel bored.

Third, I journal. I have started writing random stuff without being obligated to post it online. I have kept all those thoughts in my cutie notebook. That sparks joy. Writing just for myself.

Fourth, I try to read books during my free time. Really. I have convinced myself not to buy books unless I have finished reading all my new ones.

Lastly, I try to be spiritually healthy by listening to online retreats, reading daily gospel, attending weekly Bible sharing, and listening to Mass.

Just random thoughts as a writer/MA student/employee/eldest Asian daughter.

You see, being an artist in this time of pandemic is definitely challenging. People expect you or you expect to write more just because you are at home. I set expectations to myself as well to write more and to be more productive just how I do it before pandemic.

I would not want to use pandemic as an excuse but it seems like to be a valid excuse. (Ang gulo ko. Sorry) Basically, I am thriving to be that ‘ideal’ writer who still contributes something to the art world. Chz.

Anyways, this is just an update post about how am I dealing with life lately.

How are you, folks? I hope you are all well and healthy.

Follow me on Twitter! @kimderla Instagram @kim.derla

When you buy art from artists, you are not just buying their products/services. You support their hardwork.

When you buy art from artists, you are not just buying their products/services.

You support their humble beginnings. Becoming an artist is not something a person can do overnight. It’s not magic, nor there is any secret formula on becoming one. Sleepless nights, newbie-feels in the field, and uncertainties are always present.

When you buy art from artists, you support the way they cope with tons of rejections. You support how they stood up and got back to the track. Crafting an art is not easy. It includes series of setbacks and failures. Still, artists thrive despite their personal issues in life.

When you buy art from artists, you support how they’ve honed their craft. You support their studies about it. You support their research on making their craft better. You push them for their betterment. You also support how they present their final outputs.

When you buy art from artists, you are subconsciously telling them to continue creating. You give them the means and the encouragement to keep on doing what the world needs. Art may not feed your physical body, but it is something that feeds your soul.

Again, when you buy art from artists, you are urging them to make this world a better place despite of all the mess present in life.

To the artists reading this, padayon!

To our supporters, salamat!

The Write Things 2019

After actively participating in National Youth Day in Cebu, I confronted myself to rest and to be more passive in life. I kept on reminding myself to be more relaxed and stress-free on the next half of 2019.

However, life has its own twists and turns. The next day after National Youth Day, Teacher Roel of Write Things sent me an invitation to be one of their facilitators. I did not reply right away. I mean, I just stared at his message for a long time. After reading his message, I contemplated about life in general. I doubted my capabilities.

I know, I just had (still have) trust issues even with myself. I never thought of joining that two-week writing workshop with kids and teens because I am too shy. With some advice of my closest friends, I finally said NO to his offer. But, he refused my NO. He only said that he only accepts my YES. I had no intentions of being a facilitator. But still, I said YES anyway (after questioning myself for the last time).

Before I started being the facilitator, I prayed for the wisdom and knowledge. I couldn’t do it without God’s help. Hey. Thank God, it turned out really great! (Well, great is just an underestimation).

This is me, explaining how fun creative writing is! 🙂

Teacher Roel doing an orientation to our students.

Teacher Neni welcoming our dearest young writers!

Dr. Gemino Abad, UP professor, Palanca Awardee, & our guest author.

Ms. Mina V. Esguerra, founder of #romanceclass, and our guest author.

Our youngest writer! She’s only 7 years old.

Some materials for our zine-making activity.

Write Things Teen Class of 2019

Write Things Kids Class of 2019

I really am grateful for what happened for these two weeks. I mean, I couldn’t contain my joy and happiness. That YES is really a great experience. I am able to share my insights about creative writing and guide my students finish their book.

How was your summer, folks? 🙂