Our first baby.

Our little Santana.

Suddenly, the house feels a little warmer, our conversations a little happier, and our hearts a little fuller. There is something magical about having a baby in the family—the tiny hands, the innocent eyes, the little cries that somehow make everyone smile.

But perhaps no one is happier than my mother. After all, Santana is her first apo, her first grandchild. Watching her hold Santana for the first time was a beautiful reminder that some dreams take years to arrive, but when they do, they are worth every moment of waiting.

And as I watch this little baby begin her journey, I can’t help but wonder…

When will I have a child of my own?

I am excited for that day, too. Excited to know what it feels like to hold my own child, to watch those little eyes discover the world, and to experience a love I know must be completely different from anything else.

But for now, I have Santana.

I can’t wait to watch her grow, from her first steps to her first words, her first adventures, and all the dreams she will someday chase.

And I promise to be there along the way—not just as an uncle, but as a supportive uncle who will always cheer her on, protect her, spoil her a little, and love her endlessly.

Welcome to the world, Santana.

You are already so deeply loved.

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It was 2017, inside the familiar walls of the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office of the Cebu Capitol. My boss, Sir Boboi Costas, had held a lottery, a solitary chance to enter the sanctuary of Cebu’s “Chocolate Queen” at Casa de Cacao. I have no idea what it was, but it brought me curiosity what the realm of Cebu’s Chocolate Queen looked like.

In a room full of people, my name was the one called out into the air, 3 of us where chosen out of a number in the office. I thought I had simply won a ticket to taste artisanal chocolate. I didn’t know I had been chosen by the universe to have prepared me for a friendship that I least expected – a friendship with the Chocolate Queen herself, Ms. Raquel Toquero Choa.

I was in awe – she was everywhere – in the media, had a Ted Talk session, and her footsteps in every corner of different consulates in the country and rubbing elbows with the ambassadors and officials.

Our friendship began in the warmth of that afternoon, rising like the rich, intoxicating steam of traditional sikwate. It was an instant, gentle locking of gears, a recognition between two spirits who didn’t need to explain themselves to be understood – both of us are artists, that with wild imaginations and turning our crafts into something sublime.

There is tenderness in the way how I look at her today. Ms. Raquel has become my creative north star, a living breath of pure inspiration, that every time I need some inspiration, I go head her store called The Chocolate Chamber in Robinsons Galleria and sip sikwate. It has always been my creative relief.

Over the years, my taste, my eye for design, the way I crave depth and storytelling in every physical space I create—it has all grown to mirror hers. To look at my own aesthetic choices today is to see a love letter written in her handwriting.

We see the world through the same lens of quiet drama. We are moved by the same rustic textures, the exact same alignment of a shadow in a room, and the silent poetry of an elegantly staged space. Our design instincts don’t just align; they dance together. A single nod from her is all the confirmation my creative soul ever needs.

I still revisit that day at the Capitol with a sense of quiet awe. If that random piece of paper hadn’t been mine, where would my creative heart have anchored itself? It wasn’t just luck; it was destiny opening a heavy door so that two artists could find their rhythm.

Ms, Raquel Toquero Choa, for everyone else, she is The Chocolate Queen, but as for me, she is a dear friend, a muse, and a boost of inspiration.

The post Ms. Raquel Choa, “The Chocolate Queen.” appeared first on kimocea.

I see fancy little crochet hanging, inviting passerby to buy them. I stood there, utterly fascinated if she can somewhat personalize a design that I want, and thankfully, she said she can, and I was excited.

In the soft rush of our exchange, her name somehow slipped past me. Yet, a digital footprint remains—her social media space breathes under the title Mariya Handicrafts. Perhaps her name is Maria, or Mary, or truly Mariya. Names are just whispers; her true identity lives in the brilliant artistry of her craft. From that Sunday forward, she became my absolute favorite crochet maker in the city, the only pair of hands I will trust with the custom creations I wish to bring and wear, and also give away as gifts.

Should you wish to find a piece of this magic yourself, her temporary haven waits for you where the city’s devotion meets its daily rush.

Look for her art near Santo Niño, resting gently beside Chowking:

• The Days: From Friday’s dawn through Sunday’s dusk.
• The Hours: She gently unfolds her world as early as 10:00 AM, staying until the city lights glow at 8:00 PM.

As always, I remain a quiet guardian of the local spirit, here to support the independent artists who keep the old, beautiful ways alive in a hurried world. If your soul takes you downtown on a weekend stroll, let your eyes linger near the basilica. You might just find Mariya Handicrafts, waiting to weave a little warmth into your day.

The post How I Stumbled Upon My New Favorite Local Crochet Artist appeared first on kimocea.

Looking back at the milestones, the late nights, and the continuous process of creating, I realize how much of my foundation was built on the wisdom, discipline, and generosity of these legendary mentors. It was an absolute honor to be trained by the very best:

Michael Williams (One of the original casts of Miss Saigon) for teaching me the fundamentals during the “Basic Theater Workshop” under Little Boy Productions. He taught me the discipline it takes to command a space.

Gabe Mercado (of SPIT) for opening my mind to Improv Theater at PETA. He showed me how to think on my feet, trust my instincts, and find magic in the unexpected.

Pinky Amador, whose Acting Masterclass pushed my boundaries and taught me what it truly means to dig deep and commit to a character and a vision.

Tatang Ricky Lee, for the masterclasses in storytelling during his Creative Writing Workshop. He didn’t just teach me how to write; he taught me how to see the human condition and give it a voice.

Julie Ann Fran from Star Magic Philippines, for the brief voice lessons, even for a very short stint! I miss you, teacher!

Every “Action!”, every script written and every creative risk taken carries a piece of their mentorship. To be shaped by their brilliance is a gift that keeps on giving.

To my mentors: Thank you for passing on the torch.

The post My Creative Mentors appeared first on kimocea.

He was born and raised in a small town in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, my papa is from a political clan in the town of Camarines Sur from long ago – Governor Paz Cea de Conde (1st woman Governor in the Philippines), Governor Gerardo Fuentebella Cea, Senator Edmundo Cea (Senator), et al; As a corporate man, he was working as a Vice President for a multinational logistics company.

My papa always had a plan to run for Mayor in his town, he gave back and served until it was his time to go from this beautiful world.

Growing up, I always wished my papa was still alive so I can give back with whatever he deserved as a hardworking father, but though destiny did not make it happen, I always know that my papa is somehow proud of what I have become, and I promise to give back and continue the legacy that he has started – of being a good family and a community man.

My papa left this beautiful world when I was a young man, in my early 20’s when everything was still a blur for me, when figuring out who I was was my priority and making money was in the least of my concern, because at the back of my mind, I always have my father to back me up.

As a young artist, I was a headache, and I know for sure that my father was not proud of my dire love for the arts, and I barely make enough money. It’s out there, artists have always been stereotyped as “starving.” Artists have always been viewed as “talented but poor.” My papa, being a Vice President of a company and a barangay politician, has always wanted me to become an executive leader, a manager, someone of high regards; but I was doing otherwise because then again, I was still discovering who I was and it’s in the arts that I find solace. His well-intended concern was for me to have a firm future, just like any other parents would. Growing up, it was hard to grasp his reasons, but as I grow older, I genuinely understand why.

I am thankful that somehow as years passed by, I have managed to grow up and economically understand that I need to have my creativity work for me, and here we are doing creative things and earning at the same time.

I know I always had papa’s leadership style, and I always wish to continue being a great leader in this young age. Papa, I know you have been gone for more than a decade, but you are always a part of me and who I am capable of becoming.

The post Papa Santi appeared first on kimocea.

Joanna Wang is Taiwanese-American Singer-Songwriter and a left-handed guitarist; and of all the other singers that I admire, she is my favorite. She has influenced my life for 9 years now. Her music and personality best describe me and my mood.

All of her songs are well-loved, but the song that I love most is her singing a 1952 hit “That’s All” by Nat King Cole. Her husky and calm voice give life to every melody and words from the song.

Bringing much emotions to me is this verse where the singer assures that there is not much that he is asking in a relationship, but honest love. It goes –

If you’re wondering what I’m asking in return, dear
You’ll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it’s me that you’ll adore
For now and ever more
That’s all, that’s all

I listen to her song most often, especially when I feel the need to have some dopamine hit and creative inspiration. Her music has always been my comfort. A very classic artist I must say.

Though she widely received positive feedbacks from her album “Let’s Start From Here”, she may not like the whole concept and being called a Jazz Singer was not a thing for her.

“I just want to say that singing less ‘high’ (upbeat) songs doesn’t necessarily equate to being jazzy. That’s a misunderstanding I seem to hear a lot in Asia.”; “I don’t think I am a jazz singer; but unfortunately, I’ve been stuck with this label for some odd reason.” she explained with a little frown in one interview.

Later on in 2019, Joanna found her calling and came back to the limelight with her retro romance album. I still love her nonetheless.

Here is the music video of my most loved song from Joanna. Enjoy the song.

I love you, Joanna. From your number #1 fan from the Philippines.

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If there is one person worthy of the first feature in my blog that would be my mama. Her name is Verginia Ingkong Eniola – Cea from Ozamis City, Philippines. “Vergie” for short. She was an Accountant when she was younger, until she decided to do business after my Papa died in 2006 at the age of 55 years old. My papa (God bless his soul) was a Corporate Man (VP) for a Logistics Company, and a Politician.

Her children are Katrina Angelie, Karlo Angelo, Krista Angela and Kristiana Angelica. Chronologically, yes I am the second child.

I always admire my mama’s thrifty attitude, she has always been good at budgeting and handling finances, well she was an Accountant, she should know better.

Compared to my papa, I am more closer to her. She understands me more than anyone in the family.

She puts us first and makes sure we get quality education, and we did. My mama is into fitness, she owned a community gym inside our village for quite sometime, until she decided to put it for sale in 2018. Though without a gym, she manages to do daily Zumba sessions with fellow titas in our subdivision at the community hall. She is slimmer and looks younger than the rest of my sisters. Haha.

My mama owns and runs her transportation business now.

Following the footsteps of my papa, She also plans to run for politics at the next election. I will be forever supportive.

I will do my best to provide and give back to my mama. Besides, that is our work as children – To give back to our parents who took care of us since since we were innocent little kids. Let’s all Make Our Mama Proud.

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