Dear Friends,
Thank you for joining me on this platform! After giving it a lot of thought these past few months, we've found a home!
There was a need for a fresher outlet and a greater draw to have conversations and connect on new topics. There was a struggle, though, about whether or not I'd start a new blog or create a new site, and eventually, I decided to take my own advice-- to start where I am and just ship it, because eventually (and learning from my own experience) all of the back and forth and idea bouncing suck the life out of the creativity and lead to nowhere. [Read: Get out of your own way].
Also, thank God for Craig Mod. After returning from my first trip to Japan earlier this year, I had a terrible case of withdrawals (naturally). Craig had been a mainstay for me on Twitter and Instagram for awhile now, and I love his thoughts on tech/business matters. His images from his daily experiences in Japan (which are what my dreams of Japan are made of) provided me with the fix I needed. He had posted a recent image from one of his latest adventures on IG and I wanted more. I subscribed to his newsletters, and here we are...
Craig's notes are simple, informative and insightful--without involving extra layers of fluff. From how-tos, his accounts on his latest trips to smaller, lesser known communities in Japan, to reviews on the hottest pizza joints in Tokyo, it was just the spark of inspiration I needed and what I hope to accomplish with "the ambassadeur". Did I mention that his notes are actual letters, dispatches even, minus the anxiety and pressure involved with other platforms and channels?
--By the way, do you feel the pressure, too? We'll touch on this later.
Why "the ambassadeur"?
"Ambassadeur" is the french word for "Ambassador", by definition, a diplomat/representative or a champion for something. Growing up, there were dreams of becoming one, and today, I guess I'm still striving for that role in unlikely shapes and forms-- championing various causes, individuals, and ideas. I'll write about them and share them with you here. (And if you're not about it, I won't hold it against you-- the Unsubscribe button will always be available below).
I had a taste of Ambassadorship, though, back in 2016, when I visited the US Embassy (along with some of my classmates turned besties) in Paris, France. If you'd like to read about it, I've posted an excerpt about the visit from my Travel Journal here (thank you, Prof Allison). It was the last entry of about 12 assessments, mind you, and was written after the entire whirlwind experience abroad. Lots of sentiment and insight into pre-Brexit France.
Current Shifts
Instagram has lost its magic on me and I'm sure I'll have more to say as the platform evolves. Despite its existing model centered around stories (doesn't it leave you wanting more?) and ad placements (ugh, don't get me started on the "influencers"), I would encourage you as I do with my students, to keep the posts coming even if you are feeling the pressure.
Can we get back to sharing without expectation? Can we make it all about the content and images again?
And if you are building up your brand or someone else's and are experiencing resistance, know this--your audience, the right folks, will find you and will appreciate what you have to offer and say. But you have to start now--share your personal story. Present us with your vision, your voice. The more you produce and share the work that you love to do with good, authentic intentions, they (your audience) will come to you.
General Consumption
Currently on rotation:
BTS -- (who would've thought, but I love a good hardworking boy band); their example sheds a light on the significance of an online community of advocates (aka your audience finding you). Their positive messaging has resonated with millions around the world thanks to the power of social media and their consistency in producing digital content for their A.R.M.Y. has positioned them in history--from debuting 5 years ago in South Korea to becoming the biggest group in the world. The R&B/Hip Hop/EDM tracks: "Best of Me", "Airplane pt. 2", "FAKE LOVE", and "Magic Shop" are my personal favorites.
Streaming:
Terrace House, Opening New Doors -- Pt. 2 was a glorious binge on Netflix! If we haven't discussed this show previously (holler at your girl).
Queer Eye -- Season 2 is also available to stream on Netflix. Keep the kleenex handy!
Dissect Podcast -- Season 3 is dedicated to the music of Frank Ocean. Season 2 Episode 11 and 12 (Runaway Pt. 1 and 2) blew me away.
Monocle 24 -- Love Monocle magazine? Monocle 24 is the radio version highlighting what Monocle does best: international news and shows on foreign affairs, biz, culture, food, design, and more. "The Monocle Daily" is my go-to for the latest-- download the app, listen directly on the website or on Soundcloud.
On the Radar:
FIFA World Cup Russia -- which country will prevail? (I'll be cheering for Iceland and South Korea).
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" -- a documentary on the life and legacy of Mr. Fred Rogers in theaters June 23.
Target's Made by Design -- a new line of minimalist household items in direct competition with those found at Ikea (Sweden) and Muji (Japan) will be available online and in-stores June 23.
Kyoto, Japan - Top 3 Moments
1.) There were no photos allowed inside this unassuming temple, which houses 1,001 life-sized Buddhas in Kyoto, Japan. (Sanjusangendo Temple, 2018). Once inside, I was enamored, humbled even. I can picture the statues lined up in that room, basking in their grandeur and splendor. Perhaps memories like this-- captured with our hearts and in such tranquility are everlasting.
2.) It was our first time boarding a local bus in Japan, and my cousin and I stood right next to the exit (and driver) in case of any issues (for first-timers, Japanese routes and codings can seem daunting). This bus driver sensed our anxiety and in broken English asked us where we would embark. At the next stop while more passengers piled on --he demonstrated how to use the machine and even counted the exact change for us. There were many other moments similar to this during my trip, from the 7/11 cashier to the bartender at K6. Their simple acts of generosity and grace overcame any language or cultural barrier.
3) The sun was setting over the district of Gion and crowds were starting to gather to catch a glimpse of geishas making their way to their evening's engagements. My cousin and I needed to rest our feet and we chose this bridge not knowing it would be a popular spot for various photo opps. I snapped this image after I took a photo WITH the school girls in view. (We all held up the peace sign, of course, grinning from ear to ear). They were visiting from a rural region, on a field trip, and I couldn't help but see myself in them (many moons ago, but minus the cell phones), and how far we'd come...
The Ultimate Trailblazer
I meant to send this letter out a few days ago, but my heart was completely out of it. I don't think I will ever get over the passing of Anthony Bourdain. Like many others, he was our hero, the rebel trailblazer. His experiences abroad, his insight and the empathy he showed to everyone especially to my home country and countrymen in the Philippines made him that much more special. He was my unofficial guide when I ventured out of my own comfort zone and into other people's worlds--apart from my own this past decade.
Moving forward, we can only hope for the best-- that there will be continued dialogue about depression and mental health, and if sharing my own experiences can help, I will. Travel and writing, brainstorming-- creating something out of my own design has gotten me out of some serious funks, although, in darker moments, it was easier to just stay within myself and hole up. It takes a considerable amount of courage to not only acknowledge the situation but to eventually reach out.
During these sensitive moments, in our hyper-connected world, I hope you make time out for yourself, to unplug, or to even dabble in your curiosities. Just know, I will always be rooting for you.
