My Spiritual Journey in Life so far

I was never that religious. Like never.

But I can most definitely say that a part of me is slightly a bit more spiritual.

My journey began with scars from a traumatic childhood past and it only surfaced in my life when I was in my early 20s.

I would have bouts of shouting and having that feeling of holding in anger inside so much and just hating the outside world for no apparent reason.

During that time, I was on a high. I was pursuing what I’m truly passionate about, making and creating desserts as a Pastry Cook at well-known restaurants in the metro. But on the inside, I felt a strong desire to be whole, seeking for something to complete my entire existence. I was longing for a spiritual experience in my life that I gave up my work as a Pastry Cook, left Manila in a blur and flew to Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

There, I have found refuge at Daniw and Pi’s place, Bahay Kalipay. It’s a Yoga and Retreat Center that feeds you all raw food, makes you fast on Buko( coconuts ) for a day and a place where you can meet different types of people from all walks of life.

In that place, I was able to start my healing process. I met El Kalinado, a wonderful Sound Healer who is a good friend of mine who initially asked me about what I’ve went through in life. He helped me heal that even after 1 year from Bahay Kalipay when we separated ways, he assisted me to regain back what I’ve lost spiritually with a ritual that he did when I was still working for Philippine Tatler. It’s something that I cannot forget, that shamanic experience that I would forever reminisce in my heart, truly!

I’ve met Pi Villaraza who pioneered Inner Dance in the Philippines and is known worldwide for its healing and amazing experience that it brings. I also met Daniw, who’s gentle personality made sure that everyone’s being taken good care of at Bahay Kalipay.

I’ve also made a good friend, Karen Diu who was a former accountant, got stressed by her job and familial responsibilities, who woke up one day with so much pain in her body and internally as well – and decided to actually give up everything – and flew to Bahay Kalipay and live there. She was staying for 6 months already when I’ve arrived and I can vividly remember the time when I devoured your homemade peanut butter stash! I loved every moment with you, Karen!!!

Then I met Steve, a good friend of mine as well who is a photographer and a volunteer at Bahay Kalipay as well.

I volunteered in their Raw Food Kitchen, as we make breakfasts cutting papayas, bananas, making raw nut mylks and chocolate sauces – and we even created raw vegan desserts for Christmas and New Year’s celebration! I was so inlove with life back then ( I am too right now! ) but then I felt a certain nudge from within that calls me to go back to Manila.

And so after more than a month at Bahay Kalipay, I went back to Manila and restarted everything – from my relationships and even with my job. I was Pescetarian back then and only turned completely Vegan after my first Veg Up in 2014. I was working for Philippine Tatler and I remember when I was having issues with my digestion, I made a commitment to eat only fruits the next day and it lasted for a month. I was healing at all levels through the Raw Food Lifestyle and I was releasing all toxic and unnecessary emotions and guilt in the process. I became a Fully Raw Vegan for more than 2 years and it was great, I experienced most bliss during this process.

But things kinda sort of happen and I was put into a position that I had to eat cooked food for a few months and even chicken and fish. Such circumstance happened twice and right now that I have fully recovered, I’m still transitioning to becoming a Vegan once again.

In the last few months, I find it challenging as I’ve gotten used to eating non vegan food but now I’m proud to say that I only eat eggs and I’m working to have a substitute for it in the face of scrambled tofu.

You may say,but this is only mostly about food. But let me tell you that my eating patterns and habits hugely reflect my emotional and internal state,thus reflecting where I am in my spiritual journey as well!

It has been a whirlwind and I wouldn’t change anything that I’ve experienced so far for anything in this world. They made me who I am today and I’m very happy about that.

I may be currently struggling with my weight but I lovingly embrace my body and its imperfections. I may be struggling with my Purpose but every day, I find a reason to wake up and start a change within. I may be struggling with exactly what career I should be taking, but I get up every morning and do small things that I love to do and share it with the world.

I have experienced and met a whole bunch of people who changed my life for the better and I’m grateful for all of them!

To you, who’s reading this at this very moment, thank you so much for taking the time! We may have crossed paths and I thank You for sharing Your Light with all of us! Thank you for reading up to this point, The Divine in me honours the Divine in You. Namaste!

Love lots,

Raw Beauty