As a trying-hard plantita, I have always wanted to grow cucumber (Cucumis sativus). I just love this cucurbit! It is so versatile as it can be savory or sweet, think desserts, or even drinks! It is definitely packed with refreshing healthy goodness.

Honestly, my gardening skills are rather so-so. I’ve had more than my fair share of dried out seedlings and rotten leaves. Yet, I have never stopped. No, I don’t have a big garden, only “big plans”. For now, what I have are a few potted plants which when arranged rather close enough could actually conjure a pretty lush green picture. My time here at ATI RTC 8 has made me believe that I could actually have a green thumb!

This pandemic, the travel bans mean having more time for the other things we love to do. For me it was catching up with readings and my favorite documentaries or TV series on BBC Earth. I have always been vocal of my love for Joanna Lumley, the late great Anthony Bourdain (rerun heaven), and of course, Simon Reeve. Yeah, it was the easy smile that got me to take notice but it was the content that got me really hooked, promise!

Empty chairs
Silent hallways
Clean office desks

These are what would come to greet you should you be able to walk past the strict security at the Visayas State University's main gate and visit the ATI RTC 8 office. From the usual office conundrum of whirring printers and glaring laptop and desktop monitors, the silence is something for the books. You can now hear the birds chirp!

All these belie the true nature of what ATI is actually doing.