So... I'm turning 42. Or maybe I already did? Honestly, I’ve stopped counting. Not because I’m avoiding my age like an overdue bill, but because time feels like that one coworker who’s always around but you never really talk to. Anyway—Aries. Born under the fire sign that apparently means I’m passionate, driven, and just a bit dramatic (but in a charming way, okay?). Basically, I’m the type who’ll plan an entire new life direction at 3AM then forget about it by sunrise because I got distracted by a new productivity app.

Last year, I picked up running. For health? Yes. For sanity? Definitely. For the thrill of watching my bank account cry every time I see a new pair of running shoes? Also yes. Is it helping me lose weight? That depends—are we talking physically, emotionally, or financially?

Now, let’s talk about hormones. Or maybe not. These hormones are out here cosplaying as emotional terrorists—messing with my sleep, my weight, my skin, my sanity. It's like puberty threw a boomerang and it came back, just angrier and more chaotic. As a night owl, sleep and I are basically in a situationship. I want it. It avoids me. When we do meet, it’s intense and short-lived. On my worst days, I feel like a zombie who accidentally wandered into a productivity seminar and decided to stay.

Also, let’s address the elephant in the brain—undiagnosed ADHD. High-functioning, they say. Which means I function… while also forgetting where I put my phone, why I opened the fridge, (or why is my phone inside the fridge???) and how I ended up watching a documentary about ancient plumbing systems during my break.

This morning, Le husband NoodleBoy—bless his unintentionally savage soul—asked me, “So, are you running a 42K tomorrow for your birthday?” LUUUHH! Patya nalang ko! Me, looking like a panda with 2 hours of sleep and a mental load heavier than my laundry basket, was just... Sir, right now, I can barely run my life. Would it be iconic? Yes. Would I survive? Maybe. Would I finish in under 7 hours? Debatable. But honestly, I’m in that season where self-preservation is the real flex. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone—except maybe my past self, who thought she’d have life figured out by 30. (She was cute.)

Truth is, I sometimes lay awake staring at the ceiling, wondering:  What have I been doing with my life so far? Am I making a mark or just circling the same routine until I run out of ink? I feel like I’m in the middle of a midlife plot twist, where I’m both the main character and the unreliable narrator. Do I continue this path? Or veer off to the road less traveled where there's a cottage, a garden, and maybe slightly more sleep?

And yet... despite the chaos, the anxiety, and the lingering feeling that I’ve been winging it since 2004—I feel hopeful. Like rain on your wedding day or free food when you're already full. Not what you expected, but somehow... still kind of perfect?

So here I am. Forty-two. Sleep-deprived, hormone-ravaged, emotionally bruised, but spiritually scrappy. Anxious but excited. Unprepared but lowkey confident. I’m not who I thought I’d be—but I think I’m starting to like who I actually am. Padayon lang ta sa gibati. Even if the feelings are loud and messy, and a little sweaty from that last run... or indoor cycling.

Tonight, as I looked at myself in the mirror, it dawned on me that 2004 was a lifetime ago. There, staring back at me, was a girl twice the size of my old self, getting ready for a weekend coffee date with my husband. No matter how busy our work week gets, we make sure to carve out quality time together, as if we don’t already spend 24/7 together, both working remotely from home. Still, quality time *IS* quality time together.

As I reminisced about how bustling the streets of downtown Ormoc City were 20 years ago, my mind wandered to twentysomething us, painting the town red with booze and beyond, bar hopping like there was no tomorrow, chugging beer like we were putting out fires in our bellies. 

Now, it’s eerily quiet where the parties used to rage. The people at the table near us were engrossed in conversations about their work lives, clocking in, keeping timers, and billing clients by the hour. At another table, a big family gathered, from toddlers to teens, obviously enjoying a bonding moment.

My mind flashed back to our usual watering hole, which was always full of tables with people we exchanged stories with—mostly peers, schoolmates, and even rivals. We were united by one common thing: we were party animals, and we knew how to have a good time without getting killed, arrested, or committing a crime. We drank with everyone within arm's reach.

Social distancing was unheard of back then, and we literally rubbed elbows with everyone who’s anyone. I suddenly missed the servers and bartenders who we knew personally and who gave us free shots, while I now slurped my extra caffeinated Java Chip frappe. How far I’ve come from shots of tequila chased down with ice-cold Red Horse beer. 

The aesthetically designed coffee shop we were at now in 2024 played lo-fi music instead of the all-too-familiar electronic dance or house music that was on constant replay on my old iPod. It had a really lovely ambiance, and I savored every moment because I’m still with the love of my life, my best friend, soulmate, and leading man… my cariño mio.

We spent the rest of our night walking around the dining district, where most shops were already closed, simply enjoying the cool night breeze. We talked about how the caste system was a real thing before, where people had to be matched according to their social classes, being shunned by their families when they fought for love, or in some cases, having to elope. We shuddered at the thought of it, had we been subjected to something like that. 

Our evening was briefly interrupted when our son, NoodleLito, called to ask for the Apple ID password, jolting me back to reality and reminding me of how much technology has advanced. Now, I can see someone's face to talk to them, and can’t express my annoyance, unlike before, when I could flip my phone hard when I wanted to “slam” it.

Everyone younger than us probably flocked to a new spot in the city where all the cool kids hung out, especially since there was a tattoo event happening tonight. But the crowd just isn’t for us anymore. Loud music gives me a mother-lovin' migraine, and I really don’t want to be screaming my lungs out and then losing my voice when I have back-to-back Zoom meetings on Mondays. 

So, we drove around the city proper for a bit, enjoying the traffic-less streets of Ormoc, a place that still feels like a sleepy town even as it progresses economically. My heart belongs here, though I sometimes dream of what it'd be like to live in a rural town in Okinawa with colder weather and better sushi.

We decided to conclude the night and head home when we realized we were low on gas. Lo and behold, we still don’t have a 24-hour gasoline station. When we arrived home, we didn’t immediately go in because, naturally, you’d have people/neighbors/friends to greet you. It’s more fun talking outside on the street, standing up for another hour, than actually going in and sitting down.

Looking up, it seemed the skies were going to be a killjoy again and rain cats and dogs soon, so we called it a night. Here's a fact: I’m the person who’s cleaning their house at 2 AM, doing the laundry, and watering their plants—not because I’m on drugs, but simply because my body clock is different and I’ve thrived working graveyard shifts for two decades now. 

Once the torrential downpour started, the lights went out, signaling I ought to take advantage of this “bed” weather. Unfortunately, the caffeine was too strong for me to hit the sack, so here I am writing this post at 3 AM. Thank goodness for cellular data and Fallout Radio.

But I guess now that the lights are back, the water is probably back (yes, unfortunately, the water in Ormoc gets cut off every time it rains). I’m ready for a warm shower so I can change into my favorite pajamas and cuddle with my family. A perfect end to a Saturday night… or maybe I’ll stay up a little bit more and do a K-drama marathon.

Hello, beautiful mamas!

I see you there, cradling your new baby, lost in the profound love and awe that only motherhood can bring. You're absolutely glowing. But let me guess, you've also found yourself looking in the mirror, feeling a bit of disconnect between the woman you see and the woman you remember, right? Trust me, I've been there.

It took years and years for me to battle this crazy weight issue. What with all the hormones that are going haywire!? I never imagined I'd worry about my weight considering that was just 99 lbs when I got married!

But becoming a mother really is an extraordinary journey, filled with highs and lows, and the changes it brings to our bodies can be tough to navigate. After NoodleLito was born, I remember the feelings of exhaustion, frustration, and sometimes, a little sadness. I looked at my post-baby body and thought, "Will I ever get my old self back?"

Here's the thing, my beautiful mama friends. Giving birth is a miracle, and with it comes a whirlwind of physical, emotional, and mental transformations. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. It's okay to feel like it's hard. Because it is.

New moms often grapple with sleep deprivation, anxiety, hormonal changes, and the constant demand of caring for a newborn. All these can take a toll on our mental health, affecting how we feel about ourselves and our bodies. And let's face it, societal pressure to "bounce back" doesn't make it any easier.

But remember, our bodies have done something amazing – we've brought life into this world! It's okay to take time to heal, recover, and adjust to this new phase of life. And when it comes to shedding that postpartum weight, I want you to know: it's not about bouncing back, it's about moving forward to a healthier, stronger you.

I wish I heard of the Yoli Better Body System sooner because this approach to health and wellness is not about a quick fix or unrealistic diets. That would have saved me from years and years of trial and error! I did all sorts of fiets you can imagine. From South Beath Diet to Juicing to Intermittent Fasting! I now realize it's about nurturing our bodies with what they need to heal and strengthen post-pregnancy. It's about balance. I used to drink Balance Complete from Young Living and that worked for me, but I can't afford it anymore due to the International shipping rates.

I have yet to gather my photos to compare the weight changes over the past 10 years (2013 to 2023) so please check back when I update this blog post!

Had I known about the BBS or carb cycling, then that would have saved me a decade's worth of yo-yo dieting. My fellow mommy bloggers and I have found that this program is flexible and straightforward especially for new moms. With nutritional supplements to boost our health, delicious meal plans, and a supportive community, I'm sure you would be able to incorporate it into your busy routine. Trust me, this is a game-changer. (Speaking of games, here's a post on what it is in the Better Body System in gamer terms to help you understand how it works.)

Anyway, what I appreciate most about the BBS is that it emphasizes health over size and nourishment over deprivation. When I did my 28-day Transformation Challenge, I didn't just lose weight. I actually gained energy, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. I felt like a supermom! (I shared about it recently in my Facebook page - HERE.)

Mumshies, our bodies have gone through incredible changes, and it's time we celebrate and care for them. Yes, the journey to postpartum weight loss might seem daunting. But with patience, support, and a balanced approach like the Yoli Better Body System, it's not just doable, it's achievable.

I've been where you are now, and I can tell you with all my heart - you are strong, you are beautiful, and you can do this. Embrace the journey, mama. Your health and happiness are worth it!

Sharing a reminder from Speed 🐢: tldr;

When it comes to sustainable weight loss, it's all about channeling your inner tortoise. Yep, you heard me right—the humble tortoise, known for its slow and steady approach. While the hare may have speed on its side, the tortoise wins the race in the long run. And let me tell you, the same principle applies to achieving a healthy weight.

In this fast-paced world where we expect instant results, it's easy to get caught up in crash diets, extreme workout regimens, and the quest for rapid weight loss. But here's the thing: those quick fixes rarely stand the test of time. Sure, they may lead to temporary results, but they often leave us feeling deprived, exhausted, and ultimately disappointed.

That's where I, your friendly neighborhood tortoise, comes in, teaching you the power of consistency and patience. See, sustainable weight loss is not a sprint, my friend. It's more like a marathon, a journey that requires endurance and a commitment to long-term change. It's about making small, manageable adjustments to our lifestyle that we can maintain for the long haul.

Just like the tortoise, we need to pace ourselves. Instead of obsessing over the number on the scale or trying to reach an arbitrary deadline, let's focus on creating healthy habits that become second nature. It's about nourishing our bodies with wholesome, nutritious foods that provide sustained energy and fuel us for success.

Think of it as a slow and steady process of self-discovery. It's about finding an exercise routine that brings joy rather than punishing ourselves with grueling workouts. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a dance class, or an invigorating bike ride, let's embrace activities that make us feel alive and keep us coming back for more.

As a tortoise, I want to remind everyone to enjoy the journey. Weight loss is not just about the destination—it's about the experiences along the way. It's about savoring the flavors of nourishing meals, celebrating small victories, and learning from setbacks. Embrace the bumps in the road as learning opportunities, and never lose sight of the bigger picture: a healthier, happier you.

And here's the best part: the tortoise's approach leads to lasting results. While the hare may burn out and revert to old habits, the tortoise keeps moving forward, one step at a time. As we gradually shed those extra pounds, our bodies adjust, our minds adapt, and we create a solid foundation for lifelong well-being.

So, my friend, let's be tortoises in this weight loss race. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. It may take time, but the results will be worth it. Remember, slow progress is still progress, and as we cross that finish line, we'll be proud of the tortoise-like determination that got us there. 

With love,

Speed 🐢 

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A post shared by ✨🌛Maria 🌕ilbularya🌜✨ (@maria_oilbularya)

Shortly after I gave birth to Mikko Vincenzo aka NoodleLito, we were given a book that introduced us to Montessori's holistic, self-paced, and experiential approach to learning. We were blessed to have been handed down quite a significant number of educational toys to help a child's development, so we actually didn't spend much for NoodleLito in trying to teach him to embrace multi-sensory learning. We even jumped at the opportunity to start him on Your Baby Can Read as early as 3 months old. Looking back, I think this is why he has a penchant for learning and singing songs in different languages. He still enjoys listening to classical music because of Baby Einstein and he has turned out to be a very good reader (and talker!).

Be that as it may, my husband, Michael aka NoodleBoy, and I decided to enroll him at our alma mater. Fast forward to kindergarten, we hit a bump in the road when his neurodevelopmental pediatrician suggested he undergo occupational therapy because he had motor issues mainly with writing and even suspected dyspraxia. But because of early intervention, that greatly helped NoodleLito reach his milestones in a timely fashion. Nonetheless, the good doctor recommended that we pull him out from conventional school and get him on a Montessori program. Alas, we didn't... yet. But we heeded the doctor's advice that one of us needs to be constantly looking after the child and to let go of his Yaya because it was somehow hindering his growth and independence.

Having completed our primary and secondary education from a conventional school, my husband and I thought the same experience would be good for NoodleLito. On the contrary, it wasn't. His focus and concentration became constant challenges and the way his brain was "wired" clearly wasn't meant for the traditional method. He excelled in his little ways on his own but not quite what the norms expected, so he didn't quite "shine". It was then when we realized we are only limiting his potentials by stubbornly continuing to do so. I already feel a bit guilty by encouraging NoodleLito to use his right hand for writing when in fact his dominant hand is really the left one. We feel that he is becoming ambidextrous now. Is that a good thing or is he getting more confused? Will this cross-dominance hurt his brain or boost his brainpower? Who knows? And I digress.

Now even before Covid reared its ugly head, we were already shopping for homeschool providers. We searched high and low and by that, I mean all over the internet, in NoodleLito’s best interest. Months later, what we were looking for was just right in front of us –OrmocHoly Trinity Montessori Academy. I remember sending Teacher Jane a message on Facebook sometime in November 2019 with an inquiry. I was informed that their distance learning program was for special cases only and she explained the home-like setup of the school and the learning approach at length which I was utterly grateful for.

Then 2020 came and hit us like a tidal wave. Homeschool was no longer an option as it became the reality. With all its uncertainties unfolding and the pandemic-related unknown, part of me still felt like everything was also falling into place. We were lucky to be admitted to OHTMA where there is but a limited number of students that can be accepted in a school year. We were probably one of the earliest to be enrolled because the family was truly excited about this new adventure. So excited that we just absolutely ran with it! Get in the program, do all that we can, and give it our 100%! Yes, our family has never felt so alive and so united.

Just a few months in, we saw NoodleLito literally transform in front of our very eyes. Not just because he's grown so much but it's almost like he's spreading his wings for the first time. He started to show his talents more, amazed us with all sorts of trivia and general information that he picked up by himself, and discovered kinesthetic learning to boot! It's like we've begun to unlock his potentials and he is well on his way to "self-regulation". Without so much academic pressure, NoodleLito is much happier, much more willing to explore and crack the books (or in this digital age, surf the web for infinite learning), and we can see his brilliance finally shining through.

Academic Achiever Award, Creative Thinker Award, Word Whiz Award, Punctuality Award, Character Merit Award, Word Smart - Multiple Intelligence Award, Science Month - First Place Young Scientist Award, Scouting Month - Best in Backyard Camping, Scouting Month - Best in Map Reading, English Month - Best in Family Short Story Role Play, English Month - First Place in Poem Writing, Family Christmas Tree Decoration, Christmas Quiz Bee - Second Place, Mathematics Month - Geometric City First Place (Elementary), Mathematics Month - Ipon Challenge Third Place (Middle Elementary), Family of the Year AY 2020-2021

So in conclusion, I may be what one would call a stage mother, a soccer mom, or what have you but honestly, I'm not like that. I'm just here to support our NoodleLito in absolutely any way I can along with his dad and his grandparents. With the help of our dear Trinitarian faculty and following the Montessori approach, I believe that NoodleLito can live a more meaningful life, be more accountable for his actions or take more responsibility, and be able to listen to his feelings more. With this partnership, I believe that together we can bring out the best in NoodleLito. I definitely encourage every family out there to look into this lifestyle, mindset, and upbringing.

Thank you, Ormoc Holy Trinity Montessori Academy, for giving us the honor to be the Family of the Year AY 2020-2021!

Can you believe NoodleBoy and I have been married for 10 years?!? Yes, ladies and gents, it's been 
1 decade,
3,650 days,
87,600 hours,
5,256,000 minutes!

It’s been an amazing 10-year journey being married and here's to many more adventures to come! ❤️

In my now-defunct blog, I had extensively documented my so-called love life but I will still continue to document our married life here. 

To start, here's my Happy Wife, Happy Life TIP #1 — If you don’t have an Instagram husband... make sure you get yourself one. 😉

I remember my very first Instagram post back in 2010 and it was taken during the First Clicks Photography Workshop that NoodleBoy and I participated in. After all these years, I'm lucky to have my own personal paparazzo. 

What can I say? Ten years have gone by just like that and here we are, about 10 or 20 pounds heavier but our love is definitely 10 or 20 times stronger! Like I said before, the search is over. There’s no happy ending after all… Just happily ever after.

Hey, everyone! Maria here. I've decided to retire my old blog, Basta Igat, Sikat! by Maria, to make way for a new version as we move on with our new normal lives during the pandemic (and post COVID craziness!). I know our lives have all been affected by the virus and we're all struggling mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. So, from the Home of the Queen Pineapples and the City of Beautiful People, I'd like to officially welcome everybody to my new blog, simply titled, MARIA FRANCO, as we continue to talk about life in general. Categories are up at the menu bar and some links at the side. This new blog will mainly tackle my ongoing pursuit for Clean Beauty as Maria Oilbularya and creating products for Savon Ormocana, as well as trying to age gracefully, plus some family moments for documentation purposes and travel articles that will most likely be posted once tourism is back on its feet as it is currently on hold what with all the protocols in place, and of course, not to forget our recently launched video game creator page in Facebook. Also, I turned my previous Youtube channel to more of a family virtual game space but all my old videos from circa 2005 up to the present are still up. If there's anything that 2020 has affirmed for me, it's that life is truly precious and we definitely should live life to the fullest. So, here's me trying to reinvent myself as we journey on with life at the speed of a dozen WTFs per minute. Looking forward to what lies ahead and wishing everyone the best of what's to come!