My Jogging + Fitness Journey in Mandaue City Cebu
Tuesday, April 22
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After a season of “rest” (a.k.a. juggling mommy life, business, and everything in between), I’m finally back on the road—literally! I’ve laced up my running shoes, grabbed my water bottle, and embraced my fitness era once again right here in the heart of Mandaue City, Cebu.
There’s something so grounding and empowering about moving your body, especially outdoors. Jogging clears my mind, helps me stay energized for the kids, and gives me that little moment of “me time” before the day gets wild.
Also Read: Back on Track with IPI Fun Run 2025 My Comeback to Running!
My Favorite Jogging and Fitness Spots in Mandaue City
1. Under Mactan Second Bridge or UCLM or areas within AC Cortes
It’s a go-to for early morning runners and fitness buffs. It’s safe, clean, and surrounded by that student energy that makes you feel young again. I usually go before 7AM to avoid the heat.
2. Mandaue City Heritage Plaza
This one is perfect for brisk walking or light jogging. Plus, there are benches and some open spaces for stretching or bodyweight workouts. I love the peaceful vibe here, especially in the mornings.
3. Mandani Bay Boardwalk (Soon to Open)
Hands down my fave for an early morning or golden hour jog. The view is chef’s kiss and it’s so IG-worthy too! The fresh air, the sound of the water, and the clean surroundings just make it easy to move.
4. Cebu Doctors University Open Area (near the boardwalk)
Not exactly a public gym, but if you’re in the area, you’ll spot fellow fitness junkies doing jumping jacks, Zumba, or jogging in circles. It's a nice, casual spot to get those steps in.
5. Parkmall Area (especially near the boardwalk side)
Surprisingly, the area outside Parkmall has become a little fitness haven. Some moms like me come here for light runs, and you’ll even find small pop-up zumba sessions or HIIT groups in the early evening.
My Fitness Routine (As a Busy Mom of Three!)
I try to keep things realistic. Some days it’s a 20-minute jog, other days it’s just stretching and a few rounds of squats while watching the kids play. What matters is consistency and listening to your body.
Here’s a peek at my weekly flow:
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3x a week jogging (either Parkmall or Mandani Bay)
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2x a week home workouts (I follow YouTube vids—quick 15-minute full-body ones)
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1 rest day / active play day with the kids
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1 soul care day: a light walk, a smoothie, and skincare
Why I Love Running Again
Aside from staying healthy and fit, running reminds me that I can always hit “reset.” Even when life gets busy, even when routines get messy—we can always choose to move forward. Literally and figuratively.
If you’re thinking of getting back into jogging too, sis, do it! Even 10 minutes a day is a win. Start small. Find your happy pace. And don’t forget to hydrate and wear sunscreen—Cebu heat is real! It's okay to start running in the afternoons too.
Let’s celebrate strength, softness, and self-care. One jog at a time
For Inquiries, suggestions, and sponsorship, you may contact me thru:Email: thegraceglam@gmail.comInstagram: @graciinnaaTiktok: https://tiktok.com/@graciinnaa
I Was Silenced… But Not Defeated
Wednesday, April 16
Hi Besties! How are you? This Holy Week I have to share something. I finally got the time and courage to post about this. And I hope you'll keep reading.
There’s a part of my journey I’ve kept quiet about.
Not because I was ashamed, but because I needed time—to process, to protect my peace, and to find my voice again. Today, I’m choosing to speak.
5 years ago, 2019 to be exact. I was quietly canceled by a blogging community I once called my online home. Without much warning or clarity, I found myself on the outside—unfollowed, ignored, removed. I didn’t fight it publicly. I didn’t clap back. I didn’t even try to explain my side. I stayed silent. Not out of guilt, but out of wisdom.
Sometimes, silence is strength.
And sometimes, it’s survival.
At first, I questioned everything.
Was I too bold? Too honest? Too different?
Was my presence threatening to the status quo? The truth is, we may never fully understand why some people choose to cut others off. But I’ve realized—what they did says more about them than it does about me.
I may have been removed from a group, but I was never removed from my calling. I’m still here. Still writing. Still creating. Still loving the space I’ve built online—one that’s rooted in truth, authenticity, and grace. And that is because, I am here for you my readers and silent followers. Who still to this day reads my blog.
This experience reminded me that not all communities are safe spaces. And not all groups are meant to be forever. And that’s okay. Because I belong to something deeper than a social circle. I belong to a purpose.
To anyone who’s ever been canceled, cast out, or made to feel like your voice no longer matters—please know this:
You are not invisible.
You are not alone.
You are not done.
Your story still matters. Your voice still carries weight. And your light? Still needed.
I’m not writing this to start drama. I’m writing it to start healing. Because now I am back to creating content again. And I am planning to go all out! No more excuses, my passion will continue. For me, and maybe for you too.
I was silenced once… but I’m speaking again—louder, wiser, and more free than ever.
If you have ever have to go through what I have gone through then know that you are not alone. If you are a content creator also who experienced this then remember these things:
Know your why. Communities will come and go, but your mission should stay steady.
Let rejection redirect you. Sometimes the door closes because you're meant to build your own.
Create from a place of healing, not revenge. Your best work flows from peace.
Find your people. The internet is big enough for your tribe—they’ll find you when you show up as your real self.
Remember: your voice is valid. No one can cancel the purpose God has placed inside you.
My Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Passport 2025
Friday, April 11
Hey besties! Have you got your own Jubilee Pilgrimage passport already? Well, if you haven't and you dont know what a Pilgrimage passport is then read on. 😀👍
Experience grace, history, and renewal—one church at a time.
The Jubilee Year 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Catholics around the world to reconnect with their faith, walk in prayer, and celebrate the mercy of God. One special way pilgrims are doing this is through the Jubilee Pilgrimage Passport—a spiritual keepsake that helps guide and document your visits to designated churches throughout the Holy Year.
What Is the Jubilee Pilgrimage Passport?
The Jubilee Passport is similar to a travel passport but for your spiritual journey. It allows pilgrims to collect stamps from each designated Jubilee Church, serving as both a devotional tool and a personal record of faith.
With each stamp, you mark not just a physical destination—but a sacred encounter with God.
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this is how the Pilgrimage Passport looks like on the outside (it really looks and is designed to look like a passport) its so cool |
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I got my pilgrimage passport here at the National Shrine of St. Joseph located in Mandaue |
The Jubilee Tradition
The tradition of Jubilee Years dates back to 1300 A.D., when Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Holy Year to encourage pilgrimages to Rome. Since then, the Church has held Jubilee Years every 25 years, with some extraordinary Jubilees in between (like the Year of Mercy in 2015).
A key component of a Jubilee is pilgrimage—journeying to holy sites, especially those designated as "Jubilee Churches," to receive special indulgences, engage in prayer, and renew one's relationship with the Lord.
The Pilgrimage Passport is a modern way of honoring this centuries-old practice. It encourages the faithful to rediscover the richness of our Catholic heritage—locally and globally.
If you want to know the list of churches here in Cebu please refer to the below list. For the complete list of churches you can visit you may also refer here on this link 👉 https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/list-jubilee-2025-pilgrim-churches-in-the-philippines/
List of Jubilee Churches (Cebu and Nearby Areas)
Each of these churches is a designated pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year 2025. Bring your passport to collect your stamp and spend time in prayer or attend Mass.
(Note: This list is based on current designations and may be updated. Always check with your local diocese.)
Cebu Jubilee Churches
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Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral – Cebu City
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Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu – Cebu City
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Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Cebu City
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St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish – Mabolo, Cebu
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Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish – Capitol Site, Cebu
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Archdiocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod – SRP, Cebu City
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Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus – Lahug, Cebu
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St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish – Carcar City
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Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish – Pardo, Cebu
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San Isidro Labrador Parish – Talamban, Cebu
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Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish – Minglanilla
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St. Francis of Assisi Parish – Balamban
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Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception – Oslob
How to Use Your Pilgrimage Passport
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Pick up your passport at your parish office or diocesan center.
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Plan your visits to any (or all!) of the Jubilee Churches.
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Attend Mass, pray, or go to confession at each location.
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Collect your stamp at the parish office or designated area.
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Reflect on the spiritual graces you've received.
Why Join the Jubilee Pilgrimage?
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Deepen your prayer life
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Reconnect with the sacraments
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Explore the beauty of our faith and heritage
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Experience the joy of journeying with others
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Receive indulgences granted by the Church during Jubilee years
Whether you're a long-time devotee or just rediscovering your faith, the Jubilee Pilgrimage Passport is a meaningful way to mark your journey.
Get your passport today at your parish or diocesan office
Share your journey on social media using hashtags like:
#Jubilee2025 #PilgrimagePassport #FaithInCebu
Tag us or comment below with your first stop—we’d love to follow your pilgrimage too!
I am so excited to get my passport stamped this weekend! See yah besties!
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” – Psalm 84:5
Growing Beyond an Unfulfilling Marriage
Saturday, April 5
There comes a time in every woman’s life when she must pause and ask herself: Am I truly living, or am I just surviving?
For years, I believed that staying in my marriage was the "right" thing to do. I told myself that sacrifices were part of love. I buried my dreams, dimmed my light, and silenced the voice inside me that whispered, “There’s more to life than this.”
But lately, something in me has shifted. I've started to redefine what rich means to me. It's no longer just about money in the bank or material things — it’s about emotional freedom, peace of mind, purpose, and personal growth.
And the truth is, I can’t step into that richness if I’m constantly feeling emotionally drained, undervalued, or stuck in a relationship that no longer nurtures who I’m becoming.
A Rich Mindset Begins with Radical Self-Honesty
One of the most powerful steps in embracing a rich mindset is being radically honest with yourself. For me, it meant admitting that I’ve outgrown the version of myself that stayed silent just to keep the peace.
I’ve learned that peace bought at the expense of your own soul isn’t peace at all — it’s self-abandonment.
Growth Demands Space
Just like a plant can’t thrive in a pot that’s too small, I’ve realized that I can’t grow if I keep shrinking myself to fit into a marriage that feels more like a cage than a partnership.
I want to thrive — spiritually, emotionally, financially. I want to build a life that reflects the woman I am becoming. That requires brave decisions. That requires faith.
You Are Not Selfish for Choosing You
Let’s be clear: choosing to grow out of a relationship that limits you isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.
It’s saying, “I matter too.”
It’s saying, “My purpose matters.”
And most importantly, it’s saying, “I trust that God didn’t bring me this far to live a life half-lived.”
What a Rich Mindset Looks Like
Believing you are worthy of more, even when it’s uncomfortable to pursue it.
Taking accountability for your healing and growth.
Letting go of what’s no longer aligned — no matter how familiar it feels.
Trusting in abundance, not scarcity — in love, life, and opportunity.
Surrounding yourself with people who pour into your vision instead of draining your energy.
Moving Forward, Not in Fear — But in Faith
I'm not writing this because I have it all figured out. I’m writing this because I’m choosing courage over comfort. I'm choosing to believe that the best version of me is on the other side of this difficult chapter.
If you’re reading this and it resonates, know this: you are not alone. You are allowed to want more. You are allowed to pursue a life that reflects your dreams and honors your soul.
This is not the end — this is the beginning of your rich girl era — the one where you choose healing, growth, purpose, and power.
And I’m right here with you, walking the path, one brave step at a time.
That Life Update and Yes I am Back to Content Creation
Thursday, April 3
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with fellow bloggers as we dine in at Fely J's in Greenbelt Ayala Malls |
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my new blog besties Johanna Marie and Jelly |
- “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go." — Dr. Seuss
Baby Abigail and White Dove (Personal Collection)
Thursday, September 5
Finding Love, Reconciliation, and Balance
Monday, May 6
Hey there, lovely souls! Today, I want to share a piece of my heart with you—a story of love, trials, and the messy but beautiful journey of marriage and motherhood.
Let's rewind a bit. Picture this: a bustling office, the clickety-clack of keyboards, and the occasional aroma of coffee wafting through the air. That's where it all began—the subtle glances, the shared laughs, and before I knew it, I found myself falling for someone who wasn't my spouse. Yep, you heard that right.
Now, before you judge, let me take you behind the scenes. You see, being a mom and a wife while also climbing the corporate ladder is no easy feat. Balancing deadline and date nights with your significant other—it's enough to make anyone's head spin.
And then, there's the allure of the office crush—the witty banter, the understanding nods, the sense of camaraderie that comes with tackling projects side by side. It's a dangerous dance, one that I found myself caught up in before I even realized it.
But here's the thing about marriage: it's messy, it's complicated, but it's also worth fighting for. As the days turned into weeks and the guilt gnawed at my conscience, I knew I had a choice to make. Did I succumb to the allure of the forbidden, or did I roll up my sleeves and fight tooth and nail for what truly mattered?
Spoiler alert: I chose the latter. Because beneath the surface of doubt and temptation, there lies a love that's deeper than any office flirtation—a love that's woven into the fabric of family, of commitment, of the shared dreams and memories that make life worth living.
So, I did what any determined mama bear would do—I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I poured my heart and soul into rekindling the flames of romance with my spouse, into showing up not just as a wife, but as a partner, a confidante, a best friend.
And let me tell you, it wasn't easy. There were tears, there were tough conversations, there were moments when I wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits. But through it all, there was a glimmer of hope—a belief that with time, patience, and a whole lot of love, we could weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.
And you know what? We did. Because here's the beautiful truth about marriage: it's not about avoiding the storms, but about learning to dance in the rain—to hold each other close, to weather the highs and lows together, to emerge battered but unbroken, hand in hand.
So, to all the moms out there juggling a million hats, to all the wives feeling lost in the chaos of everyday life, and to anyone who's ever found themselves tempted by the allure of something new and exciting, I see you. I feel you. And I'm here to tell you that you're not alone.
Keep fighting the good fight, keep chasing after love with reckless abandon, and above all, keep believing that the best is yet to come. Because if there's one thing I've learned on this wild journey called life, it's that love—true, messy, imperfect love—is always worth fighting for.
My Scheduled C-Section Anxiety Tips
Wednesday, August 2
As the day of your scheduled C-section operation approaches, it is entirely natural to experience feelings of apprehension and worry. The thought of undergoing surgery and the anticipation of meeting your newborn can bring a mix of emotions. However, it's crucial to remember that a C-section is a routine and safe procedure performed by skilled medical professionals. We will explore several strategies to help ease your worries and approach your upcoming C-section confidently and calmly.
Knowledge is Power
One of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety is to educate yourself about the C-section procedure. Talk to your healthcare provider and ask any questions you may have about the operation. Understanding the steps involved, potential risks, and the recovery process can significantly alleviate fears stemming from the unknown. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and eases uncertainty.
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