I vividly remember celebrating Issa’s first job abroad in Singapore, being her first visitor, and exploring Tokyo together. Issa is not only a dear friend but also one of the few who has ventured to visit me here in San Sebastian. Her career in marketing, coupled with the joys and challenges of motherhood, offers incredible insights and inspiration. Also insightful: our cringey memories of suffering through long distance relationships—WAH! Join us for a personal and heartwarming conversation about friendship, career, LDR, and the beautiful chaos of life across four countries.
Podcast Transcript
Welcome to I Suck at Small Talk!
I'm Janine Ramirez and today I have someone that I'm uber comfy with to ease myself into these interviews but that's also so weird interviewing people that you know so well.
But I will introduce her to you.
So the amazing, amazing Issa Abrillo Velete who has been my soul sister since freshman orientation at Ateneo.
So I remember meeting her for the first time.
And it was crazy.
Like, I don't know, there was that game that we were like smashing into each other, which is so violent.
I don't know why that was the game and the orientation.
And then... Yeah, na parang chain.
Like you're linked in a chain.
Then you have to like break the chain or something.
And it's just...
From the start, intense na yung relationship na.
And I remember her getting her job in Singapore and her telling me and me jumping on my bed like, oh my God.
And I think like right after I booked tickets, my flights to go there na wala pa siya dun.
I'm gonna visit you.
And then from Singapore, she even went to
Tokyo also for work and then to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and now she's in Parma in Italy so all of this while juggling a successful career and her family life I'm so amazed at ease and that's why I'm having her on my podcast so thank you Issa for for joining me in ISOC at Smalltalk
How are you?
I'm good.
But also, I agree with Patty that you don't suck at small talk.
Maybe I talk too much at small talk?
Yeah.
Like, this is not the right name for your podcast, but it's okay.
I was telling her, it's like, I realized after my conversation with her that it's something more internal.
Like, it's me.
But of course, like with you guys, it's not na kasi small talk.
No, it's not.
Like, and maybe it was more beforehand and certain types of people that I really, like, I'm like frozen and I don't know what to say.
Because I was like so plada, right?
In college.
You were, but I think over time, which I think a lot of people do, you sort of learned how to talk, to do small talk because it's more about asking questions.
And every time I introduce you to somebody, that's what you do anyway.
You like start talking to them and you start asking questions.
Janine Ramirez
But it's not your fault na, it's theirs.
They suck at small talk.
I'm going to call it they's.
They suck at small talk.
It's not your problem.
Okay, game.
I have questions and I want to know the answers.
It's not just like sucking at small talk but there are a lot of insecurities and struggles that we have.
And I've always admired your confidence because it's like
It's like so natural and when you have a goal, like you go for it without a doubt, without hesitation and it's like, yeah, like fearlessly.
Like let's say, Manila to Singapore, were you super sure na parang okay, I want this job, I'm gonna go for it?
Like what was that like?
Right there!
How does that even come out?
Natural?
Natural.
No, but it's like, I was thinking about it because di ba you were sharing with me some of the questions that you were gonna ask.
But then I was really thinking about, was I ever scared moving to Singapore?
And I cannot remember feeling scared with Singapore.
It was just excited.
I was just super, super excited.
I really don't remember fearing any, like, oh, what if I get there and I'm not gonna enjoy it?
Ibang nga all these questions.
And I was thinking about why I wasn't scared.
And I really think it's just because I'm lucky to have that sense of security at home.
So parang if anything goes wrong, if I can't pack it, if it doesn't go the way I think it should go or the way I want it to go,
I have my family at home who I know will not judge me.
And I have you guys who I'm sure you guys will be my hype men.
So I think it was that.
It wasn't scary because even when I was younger, I've always wanted to be independent.
And my family hated it so much because I was like, I want to live in a condo by myself.
At 18, I'm like, how do you have money?
How would you get a condo?
Are you gonna pay for it?
Who's gonna pay for your rent?
Like, I remember my dad and mom laughing because I was like, I was like 18 and wanting to live on my own because everybody was in frickin' in Katipunan, what were the names of those condos?
Ay, yung mga dorms and ano.
Prince David's.
Oh my God.
Prince David's.
So in my head, we're like, oh.
Burgundy.
Ay, Burgundy.
Burgundy plus.
I was like, how?
How can people, why can other people live on their own?
So I remember even in college, I was like that.
But you lived so close.
I know, I know.
I lived 20 minutes away from Kapipunan.
No, but then it was also cool because when the Singapore offer came, before that, siguro a year before, Marvs and I were talking about it.
They were like, maybe at one point we should try living somewhere kasi when will you do it pa?
Like when will we try?
And then it came, so both of us were like thinking about it and we never really searched until the opportunity came.
So for me, when things like that happen, parang you don't question it, diba?
You need to sort of go for
I think it's a cliche.
Mentally, you were prepared because you've been thinking about it and you've been wanting it and then you have the support system naman na you know there parang no matter what happens, whether you succeed or fail, you're good anyway.
But was it hard?
Singapore.
I don't know.
Yeah, because there's like a really fun, I guess, and supportive also Filipino community there.
So I guess no, but did you ever feel homesick despite all of that or no na?
Singapore not so much because only when I miss you guys or when I miss family like events and stuff and you kind of want to be part of that.
At one point, I think we had like a
Janine Ramirez
Not so much because it was just so new to live alone, to have money of my own.
Diba?
Like Singapore for myself and even for Marvs, that was your first foray into just thinking about yourself.
Not having somebody tell you what time you should go home, what... Diba?
When you don't live with your parents.
Yun yun eh.
That was the first time.
So... Honestly, I can't remember any fear with Singapore.
And like you said, we had such a big
A journey with Filipina Mom Issa Abrillo
And so we managed to go home every, nga nga siguro four times a year if I remember right.
Three or four times a year.
So it wasn't that scary because you could always go.
And like people like you coming.
Yeah, you were like a hostel, okay?
Every week or something, you have to book in advance because there's always someone staying with you.
But then you were the first visitor, right?
And you came talaga before everybody else.
And I didn't even know Singapore then.
But it was really fun, diba?
So no, Singapore was easy.
It was an easy choice to make.
I have to say though that I applaud that you were so confident even if you had a relationship.
Because when I look back, and it's so gross, okay, I find myself so gross, that it was such a big deal for me when I'd have to leave Manila for work and leave a partner behind and parang the whole missing thing.
Parang now that I'm older, I'm like, what?
I had more fun!
Ay nako!
But was like LDR hard?
Ours was fake LDR.
We were apart for four months.
And in that four months, he came.
So super fast lang.
But we made that decision because I knew that he could come.
Because at that time, Singapore was still offering long-term passes for people to move.
So we knew it was gonna be easy.
So I remember I also had another long-distance relationship before.
Yes!
Are you sure you wanna mention?
No.
My point is...
My point is, with Marvs, it wasn't really long distance.
But it only works when you guys have a plan.
Even with all my other friends who've done long distance, I only see it working when they know, okay, this is our timeline.
This is when we're gonna see each other.
Kasi without that, you're gonna get used to the fact that you're apart.
And I don't really see the point unless you know you're gonna be together.
But that's me.
Other people can make it work.
Me, I cannot.
I don't know how.
Without a deadline or a tension.
Yeah, me too.
I can't do it.
But I think you have something to look forward to.
At least you know you're going to see each other.
Because I also had LDR and it was like, when are we even gonna see each other?
It was so hard.
It made it so hard.
But if you have a date and the tickets and all of that ready, parang I think that makes it...
Janine Ramirez titled Global Insights A Journey with Filipina Mom Issa Abrillo
somebody physically around.
Yeah, me also.
I like hugs.
So there, that's the advice, guys, for LDR.
Make sure you have your timelines.
Toto naman, di ba?
Yeah, yeah.
But I don't know now.
Maybe that's our generation.
We're old nais.
Maybe, no.
Maybe.
I'm speaking lang for what I think I could do.
But either way, I don't think I could do LDR.
Kaya nga, four months lang eh.
After that, wala na.
Okay, ayoko na ng heart stuff because who knows what's going to happen.
But you've had like, there, your corporate adventures are really scattered around the world.
Do you have a favorite city that you lived in?
That you'd consider living in again?
I don't know if I'd consider living there again, but I really love Japan.
Like, Tokyo was... And you know, right?
Yeah!
I think Japan is one of the countries that I've visited, like, a lot more times.
Usually, I don't like going back to a country that I've already been to or the city.
Parang, ah, I'll spend my money on something.
But Japan is like, just... I love it also.
It's so worth it.
I'm so jealous that you got to live, that you got to, yeah, but it's like short lang.
But anyway.
Yeah, but you were the same.
You did all of your, like, different, you lived almost in the same places that I did.
I mean, you did Amsterdam, so you went to Netherlands, you did Tokyo, and then you did Dubai, was it?
Yeah.
Dubai?
Yeah, Dubai and Doha.
Oh, Doha.
And what, what's there another one?
No, I think that was it.
Yeah.
I just followed you.
Thank you, you guys.
Subscribe to my newsletters.
Joke lang.
But okay, so you've lived in all these.
So what, okay, give me the lowdown of how long where?
Like Singapore, how long were you there?
Almost five years.
So, 2011 to 2016.
Tagalos.
And then, Tokyo was 2016 to 2020.
Our shortest so far was the Netherlands which was 2020 in the middle of the pandemic until 2022.
Gulo.
And then, now 22 to 23.
One year na in Italy.
Actually, we just celebrated our one year in Italy.
Wow!
Congratulations!
I can't even say anything.
But yeah, like what about Japan do you love?
I mean, I'm sure you'll agree.
One, the food is just so MG.
Like, honestly, any kind of food.
Yeah, but we're both living in places now that are also very, like, foodie.
I know, that's true, except I prefer Japanese food, so that's maybe one.
And then two, wala, parang Japan is just so cool.
Like, the vibe and the culture.
Parang you feel the culture so much, but then you also have, which is a bit traditional, but then you have like this super cool, hip, effortless vibe.
I don't know, whenever
Like whenever I walk the streets of Tokyo or even in the mga small cities or towns around, somehow there's always that one or two streets and you're like, my God, the stores are so cool, the people are so cool, everyone just looks... It's not even about beautiful, parang it's just, I don't know, the craft, the way they think, the... I don't know, it's... Yeah, the whole package.
I remember, Marvs, we were deciding at that time, diba?
I had an option to leave the company and work for a different company in Paris.
So we're like, okay.
Two different cities, one European, one Asian, both with languages that you need to learn.
You need to learn French to live in Paris.
You need to learn Japanese to live in Japan.
Where do you want to live?
And I was arguing with him because I was like, but I want, in my head kasi, like, we want to go global.
We were living in Asia already, so we need to go Europe.
And then he was like, but babe, when have you ever met anybody
A journey with Filipina Mom Issa Abrillo
Come on, Issa.
Japan, Japan.
Exception.
But it's true.
Even if we live in Asia, Japan is its own animal.
It's so different.
It's an alien world that I absolutely love.
I wanna go back!
We're trying to go visit next year.
Because we haven't visited since we left.
Because we left in the pandemic.
Like March 2020.
No, August 2020.
So...
Ang galing niyo talaga, Is.
I swear.
So purposeful all the time and then you make it happen.
Because there, I think you guys were really thinking of living in Japan, right?
Even before the opportunity presented itself.
Whenever I have career problems, I like talking to Issa.
But this is like new that I never really had to ask.
But making friends in a new city.
So when we were in college, like I was like super shy.
You're super shy!
And you had like so many friends.
And it's just through Issa that I kind of like know who is who.
Because if not, I'd just be in my cave.
But what is your trick
to making friends and especially, you know, outside of our country, like in a new city.
I don't think there's any trick.
I think, one, I think it helps when you really like talking to people.
I mean, I'm super extroverted, so it's different, right?
Like the comfort level when there's new people is different for different people.
For me, it's like when there's new people, it's like, oh, somebody to talk to.
So parang that in itself already removes all the barriers.
Although the older I get, the harder it gets.
The older we get, the harder it gets.
But it's different.
Like, new person, okay, yeah, sometimes it's exciting to get to know the person.
But sometimes the connection, di ba parang... It's different, Jan.
Like, to have someone to meet up with and talk to, but to have someone that you feel like is a friend for life.
Was that hard for you to find also in the cities you've lived?
Weirdly enough, there was always somebody that we found, that we could, that I found, like me personally, that I could talk to.
But it's not, it got harder the older we got talaga.
Like the, especially Netherlands and Italy, parang, kasi you also have the aspect of kids.
So,
It could help or not help.
Because then you have more parents to speak to.
But then, like you said, you don't have connections with everybody.
So you don't really want to waste your time talking to someone you're not interested in talking to, right?
So it's like, the first step is, okay, try to see if it's a connection.
And if it's not, like, something that you'll be so comfortable with.
I still say hi when I see them.
I do small talk.
Yowls.
But...
But hindi na yung parang, yeah.
Especially if you don't have that much time, right?
Exactly.
Kasi when will you do it?
Like, I really felt in Netherlands and here, the kid aspect really takes up so much of your time.
So, it's either... And we don't have help, right?
So you need to get a babysitter for you to be able to go out.
So we've been trying to do that better.
Para Marvs and I have a bit more adult time.
But it's not easy.
And you really need to...
A Journey with Filipina Mom Issa Abrillo
Why are we so like philosophical and parang always talking about life?
But I think we share, we have that in common that we don't like the parang random like light conversations and I think we're also the same in that we're just honest
Yeah, I'll tell you even if it's like a crappy part of my life.
Yeah, what do you want to know about my exes?
Is it like to the point of too much information?
Yeah, like sometimes it's like ay, parang baka I should have said it.
Baka they're like uncomfortable, right?
Like sometimes I remember I always, now na, I always ask like if it's not too personal.
Like I kinda add that as a disclaimer.
Like if it's okay with you or you don't have to tell me but if you feel comfortable in telling me, you can tell me.
Otherwise, sometimes it's right, di ba?
We're so open.
That maybe for other people, it's like, why is she so open?
We're not like best friends.
I know!
With this parang blog and newsletter thing, parang I got messages na like, thank you for opening up.
I'm like, it's not just me!
Okay, so speaking of like deep talk, like deep s**t, I'm going to make you pull all your wisdom together and reflect on, out of all the, like your entire life experience, your career in like so many different countries and from each country, what is like the most valuable lesson that you learned like in each country?
Ang hirap na.
Ang hirap, no?
Hello, I gave you this question beforehand.
I know, I know, I know.
Tingga ba?
Hindi.
I know I'm telling you that I had a hard time thinking about it.
Like, kanina I was like, what did I learn?
Where did I learn everything?
No, but Singapore, I think.
It's really funny because when I thought about it, I felt like everything I learned was always something that drove me towards the next.
Feeling ko, I mean, that's how I thought about it.
Kasi like, in Singapore, it was just about how big the world is and how much stuff there is to see and to do and to learn from.
Parang that was really it.
Okay, there's so many things out there that we never, that I at least, never really experienced or thought about when we were in Manila.
Because I think maybe culturally my family wasn't so much into that.
So it wasn't fed into me by family.
It was just something I had to learn or to see.
So I think Singapore for me was that.
Like shucks, the world is so big.
There's so much we can gain from it.
And I just wanna get that experience.
So it was that.
And then Tokyo was interesting because that was the first time I became a mom.
And then it's Tokyo.
So it was a combination of all the mom stuff which is essentially beyond yourself and how do I learn how to raise my child in this environment sort of lesson.
I can't think of a proper lesson but it was that learning that I was getting.
But then also it was about maybe the big lesson there was
Culture is so strong in some countries and you need to learn how to adapt and how to... How do you effectively make an impact or how do you effectively drive change without disrespecting culture?
I think for me that was a huge lesson at least from the professional piece but actually even personally kasi the culture was just so ingrained there so you cannot laugh at different cultures and you cannot say one is better than the other but if indeed you felt there was something you wanted to change for me it was that
How do I do that without the disrespect?
And with a proper level of... Like still honoring the culture that is, but parang pushing also for change and innovation.
And not coming in as saying, I know better than you, right?
Because that's the worst thing you can do.
Oh, that's so annoying.
Anyway, mayayami akong hugot with that.
Kasi when you come in especially you're not from that country and then you come in and you say you think you're better, like why?
Why would you even think that?
So for me that was really in Tokyo.
It was that combination of being a mom and then that piece.
And then of course with my husband pa.
So actually Tokyo for us was so pivotal because I think that's also where we
I really understood what it meant to be partners.
Me and Marvs.
Kasi grabe the sacrifices both of us had to make eh.
So it was, for me, that's why maybe to me Tokyo was so special.
Because you learn so many things there.
And Netherlands was the pandemic.
So... What did any of us learn in the pandemic?
So honestly, in the Netherlands... No, actually, in the Netherlands, one of the big... Because their culture is so direct, right?
So I think for me, the biggest learning is if you don't ask, you don't get.
So you need to say it.
If you don't say it, you're not gonna get it.
Because that's really how they are.
They just say it.
Not necessarily always in a rude way, sometimes in a rude way.
But you need to ask.
If there's something you want or if you don't ask, you're not even gonna know the answer.
So you need to ask.
And in Italy, we're still learning and figuring out.
Because honestly, it's like Manila.
Like the culture is like Manila's values.
Like, that was the first thing both of us were thinking about.
Kasi one, it's about family.
Family is so big.
It's about food.
The same way that we talk about food, other food while we're eating, it's the same here.
Like, we're eating yummy pasta and we're all like, oh, you know, the ragu pasta and that kind of stuff.
And the salumi in this place is so good, you should go there next time.
Like, it's so Filipino.
And then all the inefficiency and the bureaucracy is the same.
There's that here also.
Government, same.
And then also a little bit of the, I would say the patriarchal thinking is the same.
Diba?
Because Manila, no matter what you say, women are super strong, but no matter what you say, you still have that very patriarchal mindset.
And I don't blame it.
It's how Asians necessarily are usually raised.
Yeah.
I mean, we have to acknowledge it before it's changed.
But yeah, so that is super different here.
Here, the women are like, parang if you catcall or parang if a guy does something to a girl, it's like,
Ano?
Ano?
Lesson, they'll really get pissed.
Parang I was out with the parang girlfriends and wives of the barcada of Mikkel.
And we... One was parang lasing na.
And we were just in the street.
And there was a guy that just goes like, Oh wow, you look really good, but not in a bastos way.
Like, oh, so cute.
Parang ganon.
And she got pissed.
As in, she was like, what are you saying?
And then, parang he was like, whoa.
I just want to give you a compliment but fine.
I'm not gonna say anything anymore.
You know what I mean?
Because it wasn't like catcalling or parang objectifying.
It was actually really nice but I guess they're so used to standing up for themselves.
And when I watched Barbie with two of the girls here, and there's that scene in Barbie na they go into the real world and the guys are like, yeah.
And then they're parang rollerblading, and then there are guys catcalling and all of that.
They're like, that's so intense, ta-ta-ta.
And I'm like, yeah, that's Manila.
I was commuting in Manila all the time.
I'd be in like baggy clothes because I don't want, you know, I don't want to call attention to myself.
But here, parang they're matriarchal, I feel.
More in the north than the rest of Spain.
In the south.
Yeah.
But yeah, it's so interesting kasi, no?
Like, just comparing.
I mean, Italy and Spain are so close to each other.
But in terms of geography, right?
But then,
I feel like Italy is a little bit more traditional than Spain is.
And I would say, like I said, that patriarchy, that thinking is really still there.
That expectation, oh, you need to have children, you need to get married, you need to... All of those things that we grew up with in Manila, it's the same.
So that's why you're like, it's really like Manila.
Even like the passion and the dancing and the singing and all of that, it's the same.
So there's so many cool things.
I mean, that's why we love Philippines so much, right?
Because that piece of it is so fun.
So it's the same here.
Plus all the inefficiencies.
Okay, we talked about Manila and then we talked about like Aki and Bas and you know, wanting to leave Japan to kind of give Aki a different point of view or worldview.
What are like Pinoy things or values or whatever, something Pinoy that you want to make sure you instill in them even when you guys are living everywhere?
No, but it's super important.
But I think we're lucky because at least here now, where we live nga, it's so similar.
So this whole thing on family and respect, I think is really one thing na so Filipino.
Like spending time together, having dinner together.
I think even if Aki now complains.
No way!
Because he's six years old.
Yeah, he complains about like, why do you have to do this?
He's starting to complain already.
Parang ang patient mo ah.
I'm the more patient one.
I know it won't seem like it because Marvs is so chill but I'm the more patient one.
Poker face ni Marvs pero deep inside asar na asar na siya.
No, but it's really that.
I think it's the family spending time.
Kasi that's so Filipino.
And the love for food, which Bas seems to have.
Aki doesn't seem to have, so... Aki said the other day, Mama, when we're rich, or if we become rich, I think Bas will just want to pay all of the chefs.
I'm like, why?
No way!
Yeah, he said that.
I'm like, why?
Because he likes to eat everything.
He likes trying everything.
Yeah, but Aki realized it because he knows he doesn't.
Yeah, he saw the difference.
He's not so much into food.
Yeah, so it's funny.
But yeah, food, family, and all of those things that we grew up with, with the respect and stuff, I think that's something you don't wanna... And plus the humor.
Yeah.
Filipino humor.
Like, I know every nationality will say it.
Well, with Marvs, I don't doubt that.
Exactly.
It's impossible that they won't.
Kaya diba, like, I think every nationality has things their humor is so special, but it probably is.
So I think for us, it's such a big deal that they get our... and laughing even when it's shitty.
I think that's a Filipino thing.
It is!
Oh my gosh, like I was talking to Elisa.
Every time I talk to Elisa, we talk about like really intense shitty stuff.
We're always laughing.
What's wrong with us?
Are we crazy?
Why are we laughing?
Kasi what else will you do?
If you can't do anything, then you laugh.
There will be something funny about... Well, no, no, no.
Not everything.
No.
But yeah, like a lot of things, like I'd rather laugh about it and be able to find the humor in it than be ultra defensive and you know, super serious about it.
But I imagine that there are some things in history that, you know, we cannot joke about or laugh at.
Filipino history, yes.
Because Filipinos can laugh at anything.
Anything.
Okay!
Let's come to an end, Ys, because we have so much chismis pa to talk about after.
At I wanna ask everyone that I have on, because this is called I Suck, and because I think parang there, you're like this fearless person, but is there something that you felt like you genuinely struggled with, and how did you overcome that?
I think it's finding the balance talaga.
And it's probably the most typical one you're gonna hear with a lot of women.
But me, it's really finding that balance.
Still being a 100% great mom, being amazing at your job, and then also making sure
You take care of your partner.
And then also, not forgetting your own identity.
Parang, how the hell do you do that?
Yeah, how do you do all of that?
No, but I don't.
That's my point.
I don't.
Because it's such a struggle.
So, like, something will give, you know?
Like, sometimes I feel so bad because I'm working so late.
And so, when the kids see me, I'm so tired.
They can't even speak to me because my brain is still on the job.
And then similarly, when I'm at work, and
I had spent time with the kids focusing on other things.
Parang I don't feel naman I'm on top of work.
And then you also have a partner.
Parang how do you spend time?
And then I want to work out.
And then I want to properly learn Italian.
I want to be able to read a book.
Hang out with my friends.
So parang... When do you do all of that?
It's so hard to be excellent at all these things.
Wala talaga.
Kailangan average.
And I really don't think...
But I really don't know how other people do it and if they are actually able to do it.
With a lot of help, I guess, right?
Exactly.
I was gonna say I'm lucky I have a partner that's super supportive, right?
Parang I really feel like we're equals in the relationship.
And I don't think everybody has that.
But other people also have other things.
Kasi kami, we live alone eh.
So for us, it's the two of us need to really figure things out.
For others, it's great when you have your family around you and help around you.
So that somehow, not makes it easier, but it helps, right?
But it's still difficult.
I can't imagine for everybody na.
I'm sure everybody's in the same situation.
With or without kids.
Yeah, there's always this, you know that there's something that you're not doing well.
I don't know but is there some people that
It seems, maybe no, and maybe that's why I wanna have these conversations with people.
Like, I feel like you would've been one of the ones that just got everything, you know, and is doing everything great.
And so I wanna have these conversations to find out if it's true, number one.
And if it's not, like, parang how to get over that.
That idea that we have to be amazing at all these things that we wanna achieve in our lives.
No, it's really hard.
And you really need to give yourself the grace, I would say.
You don't have to be perfect at everything.
And then in the end, it's really what your priorities are.
Parang you'll have to prioritize.
And there will be something that's more important.
And to me, it's really family.
But that's a struggle trying to put that in action.
Kasi with a family, it feels like parang they're just there, right?
They're waiting.
The demand is different.
When you're at work, the demand is so obvious because it's like you're so accountable.
So with a family thing, you need to remember you're really... It's like you need to have your own accountability.
Na parang, s**t, I'm not doing this enough with my kid.
I'm not spending enough time with my husband.
You're gonna give yourself KPIs for your family life, Is?
Not KPIs, but at least... Because who's gonna hold me accountable?
Isurvey natin si Aki and si Marvs.
Did mama give you breakfast this morning?
Was she there when you needed help with homework?
Are you satisfied with your mama's love and affection?
That's a joke.
Does she hug you enough?
Yeah.
And then there's this whole gentle parenting and old school parenting.
Nako, don't even get me started because that's even a completely different story.
That's a different podcast that you and like Burns can...
Together and Jella.
But how interesting would it be to have the three of us talking about that?
Because I feel like the girls are so different.
It's true.
It's true.
Even just parang being with you and Jella in Paris, right?
And just see you and Marvs, and then Jella and Ross, and it's like, just so different, but we all get along.
Because there's respect, like you said.
Yeah, it is.
You can't judge people, really.
Well, we can't judge other people.
Yeah, but we always judge ourselves.
Why?
Okay.
Let's end there and try to do some yoga and meditation and give ourselves the grace and appreciation after we end this.
That we deserve.
Yes.
But thanks so much, Issa.
It was super fun catching up and throwing out questions that made you reflect and think.
You made me reflect so much.
It's so annoying.
Brain drain ba?
But I loved your answers and I hope our listeners did too.
So if you did, reach out to Issa and don't forget to subscribe.
Thanks, Is!
And thank you to whoever is listening.
Bye!
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