We often hear the saying, “Blood is thicker than water.” In simple terms, it means that family bonds are stronger and more enduring than any other relationship. But as time goes by, I’ve realized that this isn’t always true. Blood Isn’t Always the Basis Yes, there are times when family is the first to catch us when we fall. But what if it’s your very own blood who hurt you, abandoned you, or was never there when you needed them? This is where the truth comes in—that sometimes the people who know us and understand us best aren’t relatives, but those who truly care and choose to stay. Shared Experiences Run Deeper There are friends who became more like siblings than actual brothers or sisters. Teachers who acted more like parents than parents themselves. People we met in the middle of struggles who, up to this day, never left our side. These relationships are not bound by blood but by trust, respect, and the depth of shared experiences. What Truly Connects People Blood is not...

In December 2020, we received a very precious gift from God. After a decade of being married, we're finally blessed and expecting a child. We went to my OB-GYN doctor to confirm, and yes we're having a baby! But we needed to be extra careful as there's just so many factors and threats to my pregnancy - age, subchorionic hemorrhage, risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and of course the covid-19 pandemic. I was in bedrest and had to take lots of medicines for my subchorionic hemorrhage during most of my first trimester bu fortunately, I didn't have morning sickness. I wore PPE (face mask, face shield, and gown) during my clinic appointments. I religiously monitored my blood sugar levels starting second trimester and my blood pressure during my third trimester. Despite all the hardships, we knew in our hearts that it's all gonna be worth it. Part of being cautious, we only go out of the house for hospital visits. So, everything we needed we buy online to be ...

I have a female Persian cat named Kerri and she has been a source of joy since 2014. I decided to make a comic illustration series dedicated to her, which I will name "The Life of Kerri-chan". This is my first original comic scene called "I fit!". This shows how our Persian cat, Kerri, would be more interested in a box instead of her canned foods.  I also made this illustration called "Cat Needs Attention" showing Kerri being too needy. I was finishing some work that's already due and she kept scratching my leg as if begging for something. I gave her food but she decided to keep coming back and annoy me as she needed (or maybe 'wanted') all the attention at a very busy moment. Then, I also did this illustration called "Peek-a-boo!" Because sometimes, Kerri pops up out of nowhere and likes to surprise me with her big round eyes and cute little nose. Sometimes she'd pop up from the edge of my bed, from my working table, ...

Korean restaurants have popped out everywhere here in the Philippines for the past year. Many Filipinos have embraced their Samgyeopsal where you grill pork meat on the table together with sliced onion, garlic, kimchi and other vegetables, and wrap in a lettuce leaf, and then dip in different sauces. Kimchi is just one of the many side dishes served when you order Samgyeopsal and it has been well-received and loved by many Filipinos like me. But my love for kimchi started decades ago as a child where my lola (grandmother), my mother, and I would share a jar of it. We would scoop just a small serving of kimchi during the meal because before, it was rare to find it in supermarkets or grocery stores so eating in small amounts would mean we get to eat it more often. We loved pairing it with fried fish. Now that I'm a grown up, my love for kimchi has grown and I've always wanted to learn how to make it since it has a lovely precious memory of my childhood and of my loved ones. So...

Here's a quick watercolor typography tutorial using Adobe Photoshop. Try this and tag me on your project photos in Instagram @glai.creativelife or hashtag it #gclinspired :) Download links: Green watercolor texture & Brown watercolor wash Raustila font Subscriber font

For my love of Japanese food, especially sashimi, I created this watercolor clipart set that features ten (10) kinds of sushi. All elements are available in individual PNG with transparent background, JPEG, and Illustrator EPS files. The images can be used digitally or in print on your projects. Available at Gumroad:   

Here's a video recipe of an easy grilled squid recipe that is a perfect at-home meal with the family, especially during summer. It can be paired with freshly cooked steamed rice together with an ice-cold beverage. I shared how to clean the squid so you will know what to do especially if it's your first time to handle squid. If you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #homebasedchef and share it in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter. Enjoy! 

Here's a video recipe of Japanese Katsu Curry using three kinds of meat - shrimp, pork, and chicken. This recipe is good for 5-6 persons and is perfect for a weekend lunch or dinner with your whole family. Feel free to create the one that you prefer. If you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #homebasedchef and share it in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter. Enjoy! 

Here are 15 beach essentials you must not forget on your next beach getaway. 1. Sun Hat ... to lessen the damage to your skin by blocking UV rays. 2. Flip-flops ... to casually roam around the beach. 3. Sun Screen / Sun Block ... to protect you from UVA/UVB rays and sunburn. 4. Swimwear ... to feel comfortable swimming and having fun on the beach. 5. Camera ... to capture all the fun memories of you and your friends. 6. Towel ... to keep you dry after swim. 7. Reusable Water Bottle ... to keep you hydrated while avoiding single-use plastic bottles. 8. Sunglasses ... to protect your eyes from light, debris, dust and wind. 9. Tote Bag ... to carry all your stuff. 10. Waterproof Phone Pouch/Case ... to protect your phone from water, dust and sand damages. 11. Hair Comb ... to keep your hair tangle-free. 12. Lip Balm ... to protect your delicate lips from sun and keep it moisturized. 13. Tank Top ... to cover up before/after swim or pair with shorts for casual...

There are many different brands and kinds of watercolor art supplies in the market and these are what I have acquired in the past years: Prang, Pentel, Faber-Castell, etc. These are cheap products, more like beginner sets but are totally workable! Plus, they are available in most bookstores here in the Philippines. But recently I invested in artist grade ones like Holbein watercolor tubes from Pens Galore Philippines and Escoda brushes from ArtWhale.PH . These cannot be found in the shops near my location, so I'm glad I found these online shops. From left to right: Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Round Brush - Size 3/0 Escoda Reserva Kolinsky-tajmyr Sable Round Brush - Size 2 Escoda Reserva Kolinsky-tajmyr Sable Round Brush - Size 4 Escoda Aquario Squirrel Round Mop - Size 10 Escoda Reserva Kolinsky-tajmyr Sable Round Brush - Size 8 Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Rigger Brush - Size 4 Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Bright Brush -...

Home-based Chef recently shared a shrimp pasta recipe that is very easy to make and healthy too! I highly suggest that you try it and you'll be impressed with how light and at the same time savory this recipe is. I personally think it's better than some overpriced, over-hyped pastas that you order in restaurants. Here's the link to the recipe. Enjoy!