Article by: Giorgia Ocampo Danga
Graphics by: Elena Salazar
Photos by: Mae Pascual
Empowered women empower women.
Last April 21, 2018, Belle De Jour Rendezvous: Women in Action featured four experts to talk about being healthy, staying active, and pursuing new passions. With the summer sun high up in the sky, it’s the perfect time to get out of our comfort zone and try new things.
Here’s how to get started on four hobbies you might want to give a try this summer.
4. Calligraphy
What you need:Â AÂ calligraphy brush pen and paper
Getting started: Drills. Drills. Drills! Most of us might be guilty of thinking the brush pen will magically do the writing for us. Truth be told, it takes thousands of strokes to get that perfectly handwritten inspirational quote. Nicole Sanchez, a calligrapher, suggests printing out guidelines (tip: you can get those on the internet for free!) and doing the basic strokes over and over to build a solid foundation through muscle memory. After all, practice makes perfect!
She also reminds us to not spend over the budget on brush pens!
 3. Photography
What you need:Â From DSLRs to smartphone cameras, any camera will do!
Getting started: It’s not about how high-tech our gadget is, it’s about how we take shots. Gorva Bernardo, a photographer, gave us these tips on taking good photos:
- Find a good source of light. Gorva recommends early in the morning and late in the afternoon for the perfect natural light.
- Practice the rule of thirds. You can set the camera grid on your cameras if you’re having a hard time estimating.
- Take multiple shots and then choose the best to keep after.
- Experiment. Get those creative juices flowing and learn through trial and error.
2. Working out
What you need: Work out clothes
Getting started: “Work out because you love yourself enough to be the best person you can be.” Exercising is essential to our physical health. But most of us would imagine dumbbells and treadmills and already feel tired. Working out need not be burdensome. Patricia Mirasol, a health communications specialist, encourages scheduling a workout that fits our lifestyle and to honor that sched. Choose a work out that you enjoy so that it will work for you in the long run. Zumba, yoga, boxing, swimming, running…the list never ends! Consistency is key.
1. Volunteering
What you need: AÂ genuine heart
Getting started: Volunteering is scientifically proven to improve our health. Carla Piscoso, a business and fitness enthusiast, highlights the importance of being fit, not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. Volunteering is easy! First, you have to identify the causes you are passionate about. You may want to look for non-government organizations (NGOs) online.
Identify what you’re good at and what you can offer. Consider your schedule and their location before you commit. Some organizations require you to submit an application form; for others, you may want to e-mail or DM on their respective sites.
How about you? What new hobbies are you trying out this season? Tell us in the comments!
