Reliving My Passion with Metro

            Passion is defined as a strong emotion or enthusiasm to do something. It is one of the things that make us human and make our lives more colorful. As unique as we all are, our passions are different, and although we may not fully understand why feel such strong emotions over something, I bet we can all agree that our passions as individuals make us happy. There are even some who turned their passion projects into full-time careers which is a clear testament to how passion can help us realize our goals. 

         While I don't normally write about myself on this site, I love to think that there's always a space for stories in Cebu. Those who I know personally would probably know by now that I am passionate about things pertaining to creative arts. This is something that I know even as a child. Growing up, I always find myself doodling, making illustrations, or doing something crafty. I was a fan of the hit Filipino fantasy series Encantadia, and I can still vividly remember how I draw my own version of the princesses' outfits if I were to design them. In high school, I made scrapbooks for my closest friends and it was not for a school project or anything. It's solely for my love of designing crafts and keeping memories. 

        Come college days, I still love drawing dresses during my free time, and had so much fun thinking this dress is perfect for my friend or for a celebrity. This sounds so funny but this is true. Honestly, if I were from a well-off family, I would have pursued a degree in Arts, but regardless, I'm contented with where I am. I took up Education by the way and now finishing my thesis for my Literature degree in grad school. 

        I remember one of my classmates bringing this crayon box with 64 pieces. The brand was Crayola and I just couldn't help myself longing to have it as I thought I could make my illustrations colorful using those colors with fancy names like Periwinkle, and Apple Grannysmith among others. Come on, those names are never found in boxes of 16 which my mom would normally buy us. Somehow, I couldn't just forget about it and actually bought a box for myself using my first salary as an ESL teacher. I got mine from Metro Department Store which was referred to me by my classmate. Having to get it for me was pure bliss and even though it's been years, I still feel happy remembering it. 

     So what happened with the crayons? I actually gave it to my younger brother along with color pastels that I also got from Metro, no kidding, I always shop at Metro for my arts and crafts needs as I find it convenient to shop there and you can freely ask their salespersons for options. Going back, the crayons are long gone in my little brother's messy hands as a kid and I'm just happy that I'm able to contribute to his creativity. My little brother who is now 13, is a lover of arts and I am proud that he cultivates his skills in drawing. In fact, he won first at the Visayan Tattoo design competition for kids hosted by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. 

      My little brother and I checking out the school supplies area at the Metro Ayala Department Store

                           It's amazing how Metro Ayala has all the art coloring needs an artist needs!

                        Had a fun time checking the cute journalling and stationery sets in Metro

                Thinking of making a collab painting with my brother. What should we paint? hmmm...

This is a fan art recently finished by my brother featuring the Upper-Rank demons of the anime series '

Demon Slayer':

       What I love most about passion is that it never stops as we grow older. As we get older, we also get to discover new passions. Another passion that I was able to fuel with Metro is my passion for making a gastronomical delight, baking cakes and pastries, specifically. I bought my first oven at Metro which costs around 4,000PHP. It was decent for its price and I was so happy that I was able to bake cakes, cookies, and my first pieces of bread with it. Here's a fact, I actually made my brother's birthday cake for his first birthday! Although I am not selling my baked goods, I am grateful that I'm able to feed my family with what I come up with and to share it with the people I love most! I often bake cookies and bread as gifts of gratitude. 

                                           Had a blast looking at the different oven options in Metro

Nostalgia alert! This is the exact same oven I bought for myself! I felt so emotional seeing this model. Still available in Metro Ayala!

Other baking needs are also in Metro like this electric mixer which is currently on SALE! How cool is that?

While roaming around, we also found these cute cooking appliances with Mickey Mouse by Asahi! They're honestly so, so cute, just look at this pancake maker below:

     Now that I am slowly running a small business centered on art journaling and fashion accessories, Metro also has everything I need to help it keep running. Art journaling has helped me a lot, especially during the pandemic and if you would love to start your journey with it, I highly recommend getting the essentials at the Metro Ayala Department Store where a lot of supplies are in store. 

Since we were at the school supplies section, I also helped my brother choose some materials he needed for his face mask design project in school. 

For those whose passion is to travel and go places, Metro Ayala has surprises for you, I'm so amazed to find out that most of their durable travel bags are on sale for up to 50%. With these functional travel bags, you would not regret it if you #ShopTheMetroStores

How about you, what's your Metro story that ignited your passion? All thanks to Metro, I can always relive my passion and share it with others!