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dhellski · 4 years

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A life with a Father, a real father: A tribute to Rev. Fr. Erasmo “Sonny” Ramirez OP.

October 10, 2020: Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfurnished in the sight of my God. Revelation 3.2.

It saddened me today when I heard the news that you’re gone, our beloved Rev. Fr. Sonny Ramirez. It’s a shame I didn’t pay a visit when I know I can – I have never forgotten you in my heart, for all the good deeds you have shared not only to me and my family, but to thousands of people who have believed in you. May your soul rest in Peace. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.

My first encounter

It was year 2000, after my high school when I decided to seek my fortune in Manila and to be with Fr. Sonny, whom i considered at first, unknown and totally not even in the table of consanguinity. He is a total stranger to me, but God has already planned that for me, He made that person I called “a stranger” as an instrument who will change my life in both physical and spiritual aspects.

My impression to him was very remarkable as it’s my first time to see a big priest in a “short and sando” but with a huge voice echoing all over the house – asking to call someone on the phone. I can vividly remember how he introduced me to everybody that I am a brother of Dheo (who was with him for I think 2 years before I came in) and just had no idea and doesn’t know anything about Manila. Grabe ka sa akin Father, nakakaluwas po ako ng Manila yearly. Haha. So that introduction made me calmed and settled for the day. I am an observer and if I am not mistaken, I was the last scholar who joined his foundation at that time of the year, for 4 years. So, I wouldn’t have a basis and observation of how a new person’s reaction, being new to the foundation.

I am a promdi and not used to live with other people in the same house, yes, we were like 19? (I can’t recall) scholars at that time. But I settled in quickly because I felt the spirit of being a family with a Father Sonny and so many mothers – our Titas, who are very supportive of Father Sonny and who loved us just like their own children.

Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Edition in 2000

The life in the foundation is like in the PBB, “Ang Teleserye ng Totoong Buhay”. Way back then, my housemates were from different provinces, with different personalities, dialects, perception in life but with only one goal – to finish college and support our own families back home. We were divided into two (2) houses and the only difference from PBB was that, there were no cameras and what makes us bonded; faith in God, trust to each other and respect Father to the best way we can, even if we only see him on a weekend. There were no auditions, but he has this great big heart and he knows who to put people, right for his foundation.

Our setup was the same concept as PBB, we have chores assigned, routines every day, and schooling we need to focus on. I remember waking up early in the morning to pray the rosary, clean the house, prepare food for everyone, washing the dishes, laundry, and during our free time, we still clean the house. Haha. On Wednesday, we go to Baclaran Church and so as on Friday to Quiapo Church then Saturday for Bible Quiz show and Sunday TV Mass at RPN 9. Our directives were coming from directly from Father, we obey his rules, and follows his instructions even we know it’s the same but given every time and all over again. Haha

We had the unboxing show before, he loves taking his religious stuff out from the bodega every week, unpack then repack it again. It can’t be live as during the unpacking time, he would normally fall asleep, wait for him to wake up and then our work continues – it’s our fun times as we would know his awake when his snore stops. Haha Father, you were like a living alarm clock!

We felt like we are chef of our own house, we are the ones deciding what food we will serve to everyone. Name it, as we are from different provinces, we prepare our own delicacies and give our best, so everybody enjoys our food – but not me, haha I don’t even cook that time. Ginisang corned beef sa relpolyo, sardines with papaya, and all the cooks of corned beef! We have meat and fish but you know, it’s more exciting when you don’t know what’s the verdict of what you up to – at least damay-damay na!

I must say, nothing compares “Mompo” and “Oscha” together, we are sorry Father but we drink it with oscha on the side (these haven’t been blessed). I am not proud of this doing but as an excuse, at least it’s not a regular liquor for drinkers.

I thought to be independent and built my camaraderie within the foundation. Father taught us to be on our own, make our own decisions and face the reality in life. We are in the depth of trying out new things and make believe in ourselves for whatever future endeavours may bring us. Together with our perseverance and guidance from Father and his supporters around us, we will be ready to face the next chapter of our lives, outside his house and foundation.

My firs job as Production Coordinator

We are not forced to follow his path and become a Priest or a Nun. We have the freedom to choose what course we would like to take and so as the school we would like to be with. How lucky we are, aren’t we? I am very grateful and had a very vast experience when I was with the foundation. When I first joined the foundation, I was like an ordinary scholar who would want to just finish college and then go and have my own life after. I didn’t realize that, with the exposures and experiences I have gained during my time, it will be my advantage of becoming who I am right now. In every good deeds and blessings we received, it’s up on us how we will repay even in our own little way, and having said that, I am contributing to the foundation to solicit money not for my own consumption, but for the entire scholars of the foundation. Being in a foundation, we are wearing so many hats, from being a scholar, housemates, coordinator of the show, a friend, and a good follower of God through Father.

I considered it my first job because I am owning it. Father will give you a task not to test you but to assure you that you will be ready in the future. I am inviting communities to sponsor the Sunday TV Mass we aired at RPN 9, and the exposure of talking to them, inviting them in the show was a very good experience at the age of 17! I never thought it’s where my career started, grateful that I was trained of a boss with a big heart and will encourage you to step up and focus on your strength, and let your failures be the guide to a better move in life.

Perks in the foundation

Common, meeting celebrities face-to-face, get a chance to know some of prominent personalities in the Philippines. He is the spiritual adviser of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and so I was able to get inside Malacanang on face value. Yikes! Mel Mathay, Boots Anson-Roa, Christopher De Leon, Sandy Andolong, Ian Venracion, Fernando Poe Jr, Rudy Fernandez, Phillip Salvador, Jaime Rivera, and so many others. I am glad that I can sit with them over dinner, talk to them like nobody – we’re like a family.

We have tons of sponsors; we have supplies and sky’s the limit especially on foods – from appetizers to desserts. I remember receiving deliveries of ice cream, canned goods, and rice – our garage was like a minimart. The fear of famine is not on us but rather the fear of how we will consume all these goods, but since Father and the foundation is generous enough, we shared all the these to those who are in need in our community. We repack all these items and distribute it the areas with full of hope and we considered a family to us.

Being in the foundation was like living the dream, father came from a well-to-do family but whatever we eat, it’s the same as what Father will eat. He eats steak, boneless bangus (yes, feeling ko mayaman ka before if you have it), and so are we. I love visiting our pantry and stockroom as it’s my first time seeing imported goods and the cache is, you can eat too, so long as he knows what you are taking and eating. Haha, sa dami nun, he wouldn’t know what’s missing! Hahaha Herford? Corned beef again, we already enjoyed that with hot pandesal back then.

Father would normally take you out-of-town for his house or building blessing, retreat, mass, visiting a friend and so many other purposes – this was awesome and being a promdi, you would appreciate every “broom” of his car. I have visited a lot of provinces in the Philippines because of him. A bit of a work but rest are for pleasure!

My first fight with Father

I left the foundation with a heavy heart. I know I did what is expected of me but due to some circumstances, I failed him in some way. I won’t lengthen the story, but I know Father is expecting more of me. It was a rainy Sunday when we were in RPN 9 for Sunday TV Mass. I couldn’t fill in the crowd seats and the only attendees were good enough to sit on the aisle to make it “daya” the camera and make it full of mass-goers in the TV. What can I do? It’s beyond my control and the community we invited that time was very apologetic that some didn’t make it. I was called by Father and the scuffle started. I felt embarrassed in front of so many people, so I decide to go home and pack my stuff and run away from the foundation.

My last encounter with Father

It was so many years when I left the foundation and heard that Father Sony was sick - stroke. I didn’t know at first how will I approach Father again since I left the foundation, but I know it’s about time to repent our misunderstanding before. Who am I to prolong my agony where I know this stranger to me before helped me and made me who I am now today? I was surprised that despite he’s sick, with so many happenings in life, he didn’t forget my name. I didn’t cry as I know in my heart, he didn’t take our misunderstanding as judgement of who we are before, but an encouragement to see it on a brighter side, no one is above anyone else. I felt I wasted so many years where I can make it more fruitful with him, his blessings and continuous guidance, even if I am no longer in the foundation. I am really sorry, Father!

Goodbye, Father!

I know this blog is not enough to thank you for everything, how you touched our lives and the others and continuing to be a blessing even if you’re gone. But I am no one without your help and forever guidance. I will forever treasure every moment you were with us, during the times I was in the foundation and even more in my heart now that you’re gone. Thank you and may you be happier with our Lord. Please watch over us until we meet again!

Thanks again Father and we love you!

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chocobroing · 6 years

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A New World Chapter 6~Gladio/OFC, Ignis/OFC, Noctluna, Promdy NSFW!

Tagging: @themissimmortal, @lady-asuka, @ignis-scientia-estrogen-brigade, @itshaejinju, @poisonous-panda, @dirtyffxvconfession, @xnoctits, @cupnoodle-queen, @chocobro-daydreams, @nifwrites

Warnings: Horror movies, sexual content, bath sex, childbirth

...

Chapter 6: A Day in the Life

A few days after Christmas, the snow got really bad. It was a borderline blizzard. The roads were closed and no one could get to work. The snow was about seven feet tall and a snow truck couldn’t get out there. The only one who went to work was Gladio so he could help anyone who was stuck in the storm. Ella never really worried about Gladio when he worked because he knew what he was doing, but here she was praying that he was going to be okay and that he wouldn’t get stuck in the snow.

Ignis, who adjusted to having his sight back in his remaining eye, made everyone some warm soup and hot chocolate and they lit a fire in the fireplace to keep the house warm just in case the power went out. It probably wouldn’t because Ella’s father installed a backup generator for the backup generator. Ella wasn’t worried about the power, but she was worried sick about Gladio. She gazed down at her sparkling engagement ring on her left ring finger and prayed to God that he would make it out of the storm in one piece. She just got him. She couldn’t lose him now. She wouldn’t survive if she lost him.

Prompto, the ever-glowing sunshine, noticed Ella nibbling on her bottom lip nervously and decided to cheer her up. He sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Hey, don’t worry, Ella,” he said cheerfully, causing her to gaze at him with a furrowed brow. “I know Gladio. He’s tough. A little storm like this is nothing. He’s held back three Behemoths at the same time. He went up against the Blade Master and survived.”

“The Blade Master?” That piqued Ella’s curiosity and it took her mind off worrying. “Who’s that?”

“He was original Shield to the King,” answered Prompto, thinking back to what Gladio told him. “You see, after Gladio had his pride bruised by Ravus Nox Fleuret, Luna’s brother, he left the group and joined up with Marshal Cor Leonis, a friend of Noct’s dad. Cor knew where the dungeon housing the Blade Master was and Gladio wanted to go up and claim the honor of fighting said Master. Gladio got knocked down a few pegs when he first went up against the Master and he trained hard to reach a level that rivaled the Master. Finally, he managed to best the Blade Master and claimed his sword. Gladio learned that Cor also fought the Master but he survived when most men died. That’s where Cor got his moniker ‘The Immortal’. Gladio got some of his scars from it. Gladio’s tough, Ella. You don’t need to worry about him.”

Ella nodded in consideration and was slightly awed that her fiancé went up against such a dangerous foe and survived. She knew Gladio was a tough fighter but she never knew about the Blade Master story.

“So, the Blade Master was a ghost?” she asked, thinking about the man Gladio fought against.

“Not exactly,” replied Prompto. “In my world, magic was real and it kept his will alive. He was waiting for the chosen Shield that would protect the chosen King. Gladio proved himself worthy—of living and power.”

“That sounds like my Gladio,” said Ella, smiling to herself. “He’s too stubborn to quit.”

“That he is,” mused Prompto, nodding. “He’s not a quitter and he refuses to let others quit. His father and sister were the same way.”

“Wait, Gladio has a sister?” That came as a shock to Ella because he never talked about his family.

“Yeah,” replied the blonde, nodding again. “Didn’t the big guy tell you?”

“No,” said Ella bitterly, narrowing her eyes in anger. “He didn’t tell me anything. Why wouldn’t he tell me?”

“I’ve known Gladio for a long time,” said Prompto hesitantly. “It probably hurts him to talk about his family. His father died when the Empire attacked our home. According to some documents I’ve read, Lord Amicitia’s body was placed right next to the king’s when they took over Insomnia. Gladio never had time to grieve for his father the right way. He took out his anger on everyone, mostly Noctis because Noct was not hiding his grief from everyone. Ignis was the mediator in our group so he had to frequently tell Gladio to back off of Noctis. Iris, Gladio’s sister, survived the attack on our home because some loyal servants of the Amicitias and we met up with her in Lestallum. She, too, was affected by her father’s death but she hated to let anyone see it. I’ve walked in on her crying a few times and was sworn to secrecy not to tell anyone. Do you get it now?”

Ella’s anger melted away and she felt immense pity for Gladio and his sister, who was pushed out into the real world too quick. She knew Gladio wasn’t one for showing weakness. He always acted too macho to reveal the feelings in his heart and when he did, he did it out of anger. He never hit anyone but he would raise his voice and say sharp things.

“I’ve told him about my family life,” remarked Ella, still curious. “Why didn’t he tell me about his?”

“Some things are more painful than others, Eleanor,” said Ignis, sitting down on the couch. “It’s not easy for Gladio to admit that he is flesh and blood too. During the time Noctis was in the Crystal, Gladio told me that he regretted not telling his father that he loved him. Gladio, of course, would tell his father that he loved him, but Gladio felt he didn’t say it enough.”

“I see,” whispered Ella, nodding, with a sad expression on her face. “Poor guy. No one would know he is carrying all that baggage around. He’s always so happy and content.”

Ignis gave her a soft smile. “Being around a loved one can change everything,” he said gently, placing a hand on her arm. “He confided in me that with you, everything will be okay. He told me that you make him feel better. You make him happier, Eleanor. You’re the reason for the twinkle in his eyes and the joy in his heart.” The sincerity of Ignis’s words made her smile and she felt a little better.

She didn’t want to dwell on depressing things so she decided to change the subject. “How about we have a movie day?” she suggested. “I’ve set up the Blu-Ray player to watch The Conjuring. What do you guys think?”

“Isn’t The Conjuring a horror movie?” asked Prompto, looking a bit nervous. “They’re not my cup of tea.”

“Oh, come on, Prompto,” said Noctis, appearing from relatively nowhere. “It’s not that bad.”

“Okay,” said the blonde, looking a bit hesitant. “But, if I end up with nightmares, I’m kicking Gladio’s ass.”

“Fair enough,” remarked Ella, shrugging as she went the put the disc in the player.

…

About thirty minutes into the movie, Prompto was clinging to Cindy and burying his face into her shoulder. Freya was hiding her face in Ignis’s shirt, trembling in fear. Luna had a protective hand over her stomach and used Noctis’s shirt as her vision block. Ignis, Noctis, Cindy, and Ella just stared at the screen in awestruck fascination. When Prompto thought it was safe, he turned and looked back at the movie only to hide again because it showed the witch Bathsheba. To make himself feel better, he started up a conversation with Ella.

“Y-you know, you and Gladio remind me of Ed and Lorraine,” he remarked in a shaky voice, making it a mission to avoid looking at the movie.

“How so?” asked Ella, chuckling, not taking her eyes off the screen. “Those two are the best power couple ever. Noct and Luna are more like them.”

“Thanks,” said Noct brightly, seeing that as a compliment.

Soon, the conversation went flat because everyone kept screaming at the jump-scares and were terrified by the creepy stuff happening. Even dignified Ignis jumped in shock. Prompto was pretty much sobbing at the end when the exorcism was almost done. When Ed condemned Bathsheba back to hell, everyone did an ovation. They were happy that the bitch was sent back to hell where she belonged. Finally, the movie ended and everyone was quiet until Ella spoke up.

“Anyone wanna watch the second one?” she asked with a devious smirk on her face.

“No way in hell!” yowled Prompto, trembling like a leaf. “I’m done with scary things!” As soon as he said that, the power went out and the room was pitch black. A loud, high-pitched scream came from Prompto and he jumped into Ella’s lap like he was a five-year-old.

Ella felt like her legs were going to lose circulation because how large Prompto was. He wasn’t fat but he was muscular and muscle weighed more than fat. He wrapped his arms around her neck and sobbed into her shoulder like a child. Apparently, he was too afraid to know that she felt like she was being strangled by him.

“Prompto,” she said in a strained, choked tone. “The house has a back-up generator. It will turn the lights back on in a second.”

“It’s Bathsheba!” he screamed, ignoring her trying to reason with him. “The witch has come to kill us!”

“No, she hasn’t, Prom,” said Noctis, reaching around in the dark to grab Prompto by the arm. “It’s just a movie and the Warrens condemned her to hell so she can’t come back. I promise she isn’t here.”

That calmed Prompto down a bit. “Really?” he asked, a hopeful note in his voice.

“Yeah, hon,” said Cindy gently, placing a hand on his other arm. “That witch ain’t coming back. ‘Sides, if she did, y’all could send her back. Y’all fought daemons. She’s a cake-walk compared to them.”

“You’re right,” said Prompto in a confident tone, unaware he was still on Ella. “We are stronger than her.”

“As great as that is, Prompto,” squeaked Ella, pushing on his chest to get his attention, “could you please get off of me? You weigh more than you look, you know.”

“A-are you calling me fat?” asked Prompto, sounding wounded.

“N-no,” wheezed Ella, feeling as if her chest would explode because how heavy Prompto was. “Muscle weighs more than fat, meathead.”

“Oh,” said Prompto cheerfully, getting off of her lap.

As soon as he was off, Ella gasped to catch her breath and placed a hand to her chest to slow her racing heart. “God, Prompto,” she sighed, shaking her head. “You are bigger than me, you know that, right?”

“Well, not by much,” he pointed out. “You’re five foot four and I’m five foot eight.”

Ella let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes, and she straightened in her seat. “I swear, when the lights are back on again, I will kick your little Chocobo booty.” That sounded like a promise, but Prompto knew she wouldn’t act on it. He was too lovable to stay angry at. However, he got off her lap and it felt like she could breathe again. It was a like a huge bag of bricks had been lifted off of her.

Suddenly, the front door slammed open and shut and everyone jumped like it was a gunshot going off. Prompto was back in Ella’s arms and everyone huddled around each other in a protective manner.

“It’s the witch!” bawled Prompto, clinging to Ella again. “She’s here to kill us!”

Everyone was too scared to deny his claim and tensed up. Noctis and Ignis got in front of the women and Prompto to form a protective shield. Like predators, they carefully walked over to the entrance of the living room to confront whatever was coming. It wasn’t long before Prompto jumped up and joined the other two, pulling his pistol out of its carrier. Ella positioned herself in front of Luna and Cindy just in case a crazy axe murderer was going to strike at them. A large black figure moved down the hallway leading into the living room and Ella’s heart skipped a beat.

A low, familiar groan came from the figure but no one relaxed. “I’m exhausted,” complained the voice, sounding very much like Gladio. “Hey, why are the lights off?”

As soon as he said those words, the lights flickered back on and the heater came back on. The first thing Ella saw was Gladio standing in the entrance of the living room looking like a giant human popsicle. His police uniform and official jacket were covered in white powder and his face was unusually pale. His lower jaw trembled with shivers and shaky breaths came from his blue lips. His long black hair was completely mussed from the storm and his amber eyes were full of exhaustion. It was apparent that willpower was the only thing keeping him on his feet.

Ella dashed over to him and threw her arms around him, ignoring the fact that he was freezing. She ran her fingers through his drenched, tangled hair and held him tightly, trying to transfer her body heat to him. It wasn’t like Gladio to get cold easily. He always felt like a huge furnace and it kept Ella warm in bed. The fact that he was shaking from head to toe told Ella how cold it was outside.

“You need to get out of these wet clothes,” she said immediately, peeling his jacket off his shoulders. “We need to get you into a hot bath or shower. You’ll catch pneumonia if you don’t get warm and dry soon.”

“Ella, baby,” he said shakily, trying to sound strong and nonchalant, “really, I’m fine. I’ve been through worse.”

That wasn’t untrue but she didn’t want to hear it. “Gladio, get into the bathroom and into the tub,” she said, enunciating her words slowly like she was talking to an idiot. “You’ll catch your death from chill.”

“Babe, I’m fine,” he said again, taking her warm hands into his cold ones.

“Gladiolus, don’t argue with her,” said Ignis, coming to Ella’s rescue and sounding just like his usual mother-hen self. “She’s right. You’ll get ill if you don’t get warm soon. Go draw a hot bath and soak in it. It will raise your temperature again.”

“Iggy, I’m fine,” he repeated, sounding more annoyed this time. “Stop mothering me.”

“Dude, your lips are blue,” intoned Noct, pointing to Gladio’s mouth. “Do what Ella says. You’ll get hypothermia if you don’t warm up.”

Gladio looked like he wanted to deny it but he conceded with a sigh. “Fine,” he groused, pursing his lips in a pout. “But only if she takes a bath with me.” He wrapped his arms around Ella in a possessive way, not unlike a child latching to its mother’s leg when going to school the first time.

Cindy and Luna hid their laughs with coughs and Ella’s face flooded with heat, making her face crimson. She would never hear the end of it from the others. She knew Gladio could be clingy sometimes when it came to her. He was acting like a big baby.

“Alright,” sighed Ella a little dramatically. “But it’s a bath only, Gladio. No…playtime in the tub, okay? That’d be a mess I’d have to clean up later.” Her stern look dissuaded any argument Gladio might have.

“Okay,” he agreed a little reluctantly, deflated from her words.

With that, the two walked to the bathroom and shut the door behind them.

…

Once in the tub, Gladio sat behind Ella and she had her back resting against his muscled chest, sighing in contentment. He wrapped his arms around her stomach and smelled the fresh scent of her skin. When he looked down past her shoulder, he could see her breasts lifting and falling with each breath she took. She looked very happy being in his arms again. He wanted to make some passionate love to her but he was going to respect her wishes and hold off. Just feeling her nestled up in his arms was enough.

“Don’t fall asleep,” he said, his chest rumbling from his voice.

“I’m not,” she murmured, her eyelids heavy from weariness. “I’m not sleepy.”

Gladio smiled at her in a fond manner and stroked her arms with his large, calloused hands, making her sleepier. He kissed her on the side of her head and his lips trailed down her cheek and neck, stopping at where her shoulder and neck met. She let a small smile spread across her face and rested her head on his shoulder.

“That feels nice, Gladio,” she murmured, sounding very pleased.

“You haven’t been sleeping well, huh, baby?” Even though it was a question, he knew the answer because he had been in her bed. He knew that she was exhausted from her work.

“The weather has been hell on my job,” she whispered, tension building in her brow. “Not many people buying means no money, which means not much in the bank, and that—”

“Shh,” murmured Gladio, kissing the shell of her ear. “Let it go, baby. Go to your quiet place.”

She allowed a chuckle to escape her lips. “Shut up,” she teased, poking him and leaving a crescent-shaped indent with one of her long, sharp nails. “How do you feel, Gladio?”

“I’m warming up if that’s what you’re asking,” he replied suavely, running his fingers over her stomach. “On the other hand, there’s something else that’s warming up too.”

When she looked back at him, she saw him giving her a sultry smirk and it made her feel weak. She knew she told him no bath sex but he was too damn persuasive. The look he was giving her made her breathless. His half-lidded amber eyes were dark, almost a melted color, and his lips were parted. She turned so her body was facing him and placed her hands on either side of his face, bending to press her lips to his. As soon as their lips met, Gladio reacted immediately and moved so his wet form covered hers. Ella spread her legs to accompany him and he sank into her effortlessly with a deep groan.

The love-making was fast and erratic as if Gladio was needing it to feel alive. He had a rough hand supporting her back and surged into her, causing her to let out moans of bliss. She couldn’t even breathe because of the heat and how she could feel his deep thrusts in her throat. She wrapped her arms around him and arched up into him, pressing her chest against his. He let out a growling moan and came deep inside of her, holding her tightly. She looked at him through blurred eyes and could see the passion and adoration in his handsome face. A smile spread on her face and she caressed his cheek with a gentle hand.

A loud moan came from her as she reached her climax and her inner muscles contracted around his member. She dug her nails into his back and her head fell back, giving him access to her throat. Gladio’s vengeful lips sought her neck and began kissing and biting it, leaving marks on her skin. She didn’t feel any pain because she was in the throes of ecstasy. In the midst of her high, she was dimly aware of Gladio fisting her caramel locks of hair and growling her name. Hot cream shot into her uterus and it prompted her to release, hard. She screamed out Gladio’s name as she clenched around him and released her liquid onto his member.

Finally, boneless, she fell against him, her cheek resting against his chest, and drifted between awake and asleep. Gladio ran a soothing hand down the column of her back and smiled when she nuzzled into him. They stayed in the water until it started to cool. Gladio pulled out of her but kept her in a tight embrace. With all of his strength, he picked her up and carried her out of the tub, wrapping her up in a towel first before wrapping himself.

After he wrapped the towel around himself, he gazed back at Ella and saw her legs were trembling with the effort to keep herself upright. He tried not to feel prideful, but he couldn’t help himself. It gave him primal glee to know that he reduced her to a shaking, graceless mess. Smiling, he approached her and scooped her up, carrying her out of the bathroom with her head resting on his shoulder. He knew that she was almost asleep. Her breathing became steady and even.

When he stepped out into the family room, he saw that the gang was watching a movie about an animated lion cub and the cub was crying out for his dad. He recognized the movie as something from Disney, one of the biggest animation studios ever, but this one wasn’t entirely light and cheerful. The cub found his father’s body and began crying and snuggling into the body. Gladio gazed over at Noctis and saw that the king was crying out loud. The poor man was bent over, his face buried in his hands, and Luna wrapped her arms around him, tears in her eyes as well. Gladio didn’t know what the movie was all about since he just got out of the bathroom, but he knew it hit Noctis hard.

“What’s going on?” Gladio asked quietly, looking over to Ignis for answers.

“Freya turned on this movie called The Lion King,” explained the tawny-haired man, nibbling on his bottom lip nervously. “It’s about a young lion prince and his relationship with his father. The cub’s uncle murdered the father and the little cub is devastated. I think Freya didn’t know how hard this movie would hit Noctis. She didn’t know about his father.”

Gladio’s gaze traveled over to the bent over king and saw that Freya and Prompto were trying to comfort him. He felt deep pity for the young king. He didn’t know that his father’s death still affected him like this.

“For heaven’s sake, Gladiolus,” hissed Ignis, getting the shield’s attention.

“What, Iggy?” Gladio was lost as to why Ignis sounded so scandalized.

“Put some clothes on,” he said, exasperated. Sometimes, Ignis felt like the only adult in this family.

Gladio just remembered that he and Ella were still naked from the bath and hurried to get to their room. As Gladio was drying her off, Ella seemed to wake up enough to get dressed. She selected a loose long-sleeved shirt and a pair of warm, comfortable woolen pants and she tied her hair up in a sloppy manner. Without a further word, she got into bed and bundled herself up under the covers, falling asleep almost immediately. Gladio gave the sleeping woman a kiss on the forehead and stroked her cheek with a gentle hand.

“I love you, baby,” he whispered to her, feeling her shift under his touch.

“I love you too,” she mumbled before turning on her side and going into a deep doze.

With a fond smile, Gladio turned the light off, walked out of the room, and carefully shut the door behind him. Ella needed some rest after the hectic week she had been through. He was exhausted too but he was used to grueling work. He was trained for it, and he expected it. However, Ella was a small woman and she wasn’t used to heavy work. The snow made it extra hard for her because it did some water damage to the store and ruined some of the stock. That was money being lost and it had to be replaced, but trucks or planes couldn’t make it out in the storm. He’d help her, but she was more stubborn than him. He loved that about her.

When he got back to the living room, he saw that Noctis was wrapped in a blanket roll and the tears were gone. His face was still flushed and his eyes were red-rimmed. However, he seemed better now that the death scene was over. Gladio let out a sigh and walked over to sit next to Noct, who scooted a bit to give the larger man some room.

“Where’s Ella?” stage-whispered Prompto, leaning over from his spot on the other couch.

“Sleeping,” replied Gladio quietly so he wouldn’t interrupt the movie. “She was bone-tired after that bath. Hell, she almost fell asleep in the tub.”

“Indeed, she would have if you didn’t make her, as you put it, bone-tired,” interjected Ignis, giving the large man a disapproving look.

Gladio had the grace to look flustered and embarrassed. “You heard that, huh?” he muttered, nibbling on his lower lip.

“We all did, Gladio,” commented Freya dryly, turning to give him a deadpan look. “Why do you think we turned The Lion King on? You were both too loud. Also, we could hear the thudding in the tub.”

Prompto let out a snort. “If you really wanna get the motor running, why don’t you just fuck her at work?” he suggested sarcastically. “I’m sure that would get her rocks off.”

Gladio smirked at the idea. “Not a bad idea,” he admitted, looking devious. “I’d love to bend her over the desk, rip open her professional outfit, and bury myself right in her—”

“Are you done?” hissed Noctis, shooting them all a glare. “I’m watching my movie.”

“Sorry, princess,” said Gladio, settling back on the couch. “I didn’t know a movie about an animated lion and his doofus co-pilots meant so much to you.”

“In Noct’s perspective,” came Luna’s soft voice, “he’s Simba, I’m Nala, Prompto is Timon, Ignis is Zazu, and you, Gladiolus, are Pumbaa.”

“He thinks I’m that fatass pig!” Gladio sounded horrified. “That’s rude, Noct!”

“You’re right, Gladiolus,” agreed Ignis, his irritation coming to the surface. “The pig is smarter than you.”

That burn was too much for Prompto. The blonde fell over Cindy and the couple began snorting and laughing. Freya had to bite her bottom lip to keep herself from laughing out loud. Ignis seemed proud of his little zinger. Noctis put a hand over his mouth to smother his laughter and Luna, to her credit, did a good job hiding her chuckles. However, when she did, she felt a sharp-shooting pain in her abdomen. It felt like her pelvis was screaming in pain. She had felt some cramps during the day, but thought it was just pregnancy gas. However, these cramps felt different. Noctis seemed to notice her discomfort.

“Lu, you okay?” he asked, concerned for his wife.

“I-it’s fine, Noct,” she said weakly, placing a hand on her stomach. “I just felt some pain.”

“Hey, where’s that odd water coming from?” asked Prompto, pointing out a growing stain near Luna’s legs.

Ignis and Gladio knew immediately what it was. Freya bolted off of her comfortable position near Ignis and ran to turn the lights on, noticing the water was from Luna herself. Noctis and Prompto began to panic. Luna was in shock, but she wasn’t terrified.

“Oh, shit,” said Gladio, running to grab his phone. “We need to call an ambulance.”

“We can’t!” snapped Ignis, his stress coming out as anger. “The roads are bloody closed! The ambulance wouldn’t make it!”

“Airlift?” suggested Freya, a note of hysteria in her voice.

“It’s too dangerous,” negated Ignis, shaking his head. “She’s either going to have to hold on, or she delivers right here in the family room. Freya, love, you are a medical practitioner. You’ve delivered babies.”

“No, I haven’t!” screamed Freya, panicking. “I’ve delivered puppies and kittens, not human babies!”

“How different can it be?” asked Prompto, smiling in his fear.

Before Freya could answer, Luna let out a pain-filled scream and placed a hand on her stomach, bracing herself. The scream made everyone jump and shake. They had never heard such a horrible sound from the sweet, quiet woman known as Luna. Dismissing her obvious lack of training, Freya was the first to move.

“We are not delivering this baby in the living room,” she said sharply. “Noct, carry her to your room. Ignis, get me some towels, scissors, and water. Make sure you disinfect the scissors. I have some rubbing alcohol in the bathroom. Gladio, wake up Ella and tell her it’s time. Prompto, you and Cindy keep trying to get ahold of the hospital. The phone lines and cell service are most likely knocked out but keep trying.” Everyone just stared at her, not moving, as they took her in her orderly, professional attitude that she portrayed at work. “Go! Now!” At the sound of her voice, everyone moved.

Noctis scooped Luna up and dashed out of the living room. Ignis ran about the house looking for the items Freya told him to find. Gladio was quick in going to his and Ella’s room to wake his sleeping lover up. Freya ran into hers and Ignis’s room and changed into some scrubs. She found some rubber gloves and went into the process of scrubbing her hands. Ignis was in the same bathroom with her, disinfecting the scissors like she ordered. They barely acknowledged each other because how important this was.

After cleaning her hands, Freya slipped on the gloves and ran into Noctis and Luna’s room. Ignis followed after her with the towels, scissors, and a basin of warm water. Ella was in the room, hair mussed from sleeping but wide awake. She held Luna’s hand as the woman tensed with a contraction. Noctis hurried to pull up her maternity gown and remove her panties, so Freya could get to work. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Freya carefully spread Luna’s legs and saw that it was past being time to deliver.

“Okay, Luna, I need you to push,” instructed Freya, positioning her hands in front of Luna’s vaginal opening to catch the baby when it was time.

With a loud scream, Luna pushed and squeezed Noctis and Ella’s hands, sweating with the exertion. Noctis felt like passing out but he had to be strong for his wife’s sake. He glanced over to Freya, who looked deep in concentration, and Ignis, whose face was a pale shade of green, and noted that whatever the other man saw, it wasn’t pretty and Ignis had seen some shit.

Much to their shock, Prompto came in with the camera he got for Christmas and prepared to take pictures. Noctis was wondering what the fuck Prompto was thinking, but couldn’t find himself to care. Luna, however, noticed and went into full daemon mode.

“GET OUT!” she screamed at the blonde, who was shaken by the sight of the baby crowning.

The man ran out of the room, green in the face, and went to throw up presumably. Luna didn’t seem to give a shit at the moment because she was still pushing and screaming out her agony. Ella grabbed a washcloth and pressed it to Luna’s forehead, wiping the sweat away. Noctis stroked the hair out of Luna’s face and caressed her cheeks, trying to keep her calm.

After what felt like hours later, the baby was finally out. Freya’s brown eyes were full of tears and a smile spread across her face as the beautiful little human fell into her hands. Ignis was quick in getting a towel and wrapped the baby up. Freya took the scissors from Ignis and snipped the umbilical cord, snapping the baby free from its bonds from the sac. The little one let out a mewling cry and the happy parents looked to see their pride and joy. Luna and Noctis fell in love with the baby instantly. Freya handed the baby to its beaming mother and Noctis had nothing but love and happiness in his eyes.

“It’s a beautiful girl,” said Freya, her voice weak and hoarse from shock.

Everyone noticed that the baby had a small tuft of black hair and the congratulations commenced. Gladio walked over to Noct and pulled the smaller man into a hug. Ignis patted Noct on the shoulder and beamed at his crying friend. Prompto dashed in, camera in hand, and snapped a picture of the baby immediately. He threw his arms around Noctis and hugged his friend tight.

“Congratulations, man!” he cried, patting his buddy on the back. “She’s beautiful!”

“Yeah, looks nothing like you,” jabbed Gladio, smirking in a teasing manner.

“Oh, shut up,” snapped Noctis but his smile never wavered.

The boys crowded around Luna and the baby, oohing and awing over the tiny person. Ella helped Freya with the afterbirth and hugged her shaken sister tight. Cindy ran in, phone in hand, and smiled upon seeing Luna and the baby.

“Great news,” she breathed, green eyes beaming. “I got through to the hospital and they’re sending an ambulance.”

“About bloody time,” snorted Ignis, shaking his head. “Freya here already did their work for them.” He went over to his lover and kissed her on the forehead, noting how pale she was. “Are you alright, darling?”

“I just helped a woman deliver a baby, Ignis,” replied Freya, eyes wide. “How do you think I’m doing? I’ve never delivered a human baby before.”

“You did beautifully, my love,” he purred, pressing a kiss to her neck. His lips started trailing lower and lower, over her shoulder, until Freya lightly patted him on the chest.

“Stop it,” she reproved, but she was smiling. She couldn’t help it. He was too magnetic and persuasive. She wondered how anyone could resist him once he turned the charm on. “We can do this later. Preferably after I shower.”

Ignis gave nod but his green eye darkened with lust at the thoughts of what was to come. He was anticipating and his body was waking up at his salacious thoughts. He couldn’t wait to get her alone. All he wanted was to pin her to a bed and adore her until her body was sore and trembling. To distract himself, he gazed over at the happy couple holding their baby. He smiled softly and saw how tenderly Noctis kissed his wife on the forehead. He felt like a proud father and wished that King Regis could see this.

“I haven’t seen anything this miraculous since the Lady Lunafreya healed my sight and allowed me to see you,” said Ignis, smiling at Freya, who blushed crimson.

“That had to be your best Christmas gift, huh?” Freya was only poking fun at him, but she knew he meant it.

“Of course,” he replied in a silky tone, pressing another kiss to her temples.

“You did good,” she said softly, wrapping her arms around him and squeezed him tight as they watched everyone admire the baby.

“No, you did,” said Ignis, giving her a look of pure love and adoration. He gave her another kiss on the forehead and held her close.

It didn’t take long for the EMTs to arrive with a stretcher. Even though Luna was fine, they still placed her and the baby on the bed and ran her out to the ambulance. Noctis ran after them, followed by Prompto and Cindy. Freya dashed after the EMTs and told them everything that happened, about how she was a veterinarian and that she was the only one who knew how to deliver a baby.

As Gladio watched everything happening, he realized that there was a never dull moment in this crazy family and he hoped it would never go away. The craziness fit their family. It’s what made them, well, them. This was them. This was their family, and they couldn’t be happier. No matter what hard times would come, they would always lean on each other, like many families did before them. This was a family that many wanted and that Gladio felt blessed and lucky to have. He wouldn’t trade it for the world. He found his reasons for living and continuing on, and this was it. He couldn’t wait to see what the coming years would bring him and it anticipated it with open arms. As long as Ella and his family were at his side, he didn’t need anything more. The future was waiting and he couldn’t wait to be a part of it.

#gladiolus amicitia #original female character #gladio/ofc #ignis scientia #ignis/ofc #prompto argentum #cindy aurum #prompto/cindy #noctis lucis caelum #lunafreya nox fleuret #noctluna

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muniph · 6 years

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Note: This list is a personal list made by the author, and is not a paid post. This does not represent a list vouched for by MUNI in its entirety, and there are many other brands that could also fall within this list but just did not make it to the author’s cut at this time.

Christmas seasons usually ushers in chaos, confusion, even more horrendous traffic and panic-buying for those of us who cannot escape the tradition / social norm of gift-giving.

As a result, most people usually wind up giving and receiving more Christmas sweets than we can consume without getting diabetes (also usually painfully over-packaged in layers of foil and cellophane), every kind of hand soap (in various plastic containers), and oftentimes, random other products we don’t really know what to do with and can’t figure out how to politely dispose of (therefore a waste of resources in production and transport, and a pending landfill problem).

While I feel we should spend more time and resources on creating special memories with loved ones vs. filling their lives with more stuff, we recognize that people WILL consume nonetheless. Fortunately, there are products / gift ideas that are actually useful and meaningful.

I’ve made a rundown of Zero Waste Gift Ideas for varying budgets, recipient personas (for the foodies, the style savvy, zero waste explorers, travelers, etc.), and recipient sensibilities to zero waste living (from not so savvy, to those ready take it to the next level).

Read all the way ’til the end for the best (and bonus) ideas, and zero waste factoids! 🙂

FOR THE FOODIE (so in the Philippines, basically everyone)

Filipinos love gathering over food, and in the world over, we’ve seen a lack of people congregating over a wholesome meal made fresh that celebrates locally sourced / real food items with minimal to no preservatives. In his book and documentary In Defense of Food (watchable on Netflix), writer Michael Pollan encourages us to “Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants”.

Here are just some gifts of health and sumptuous flavor that you can give your foodie friends, without any of the plastic packaging. (There are waaay too many glass bottle products for me to include in this list right now, so I only included the ones I love / are unique / am using right now.)

#1-3 Unique beverages and spirits from local makers

Bayani Brew Tea Concentrate with gift tag

Proudly Promdi Bugnay Wine

Proudly Promdi Tapuey Rice Wine

Tea concentrate from Bayani Brew (P180/500ml bottle of concentrate good for making 3 liters of tea; P165/500ml bottle for orders of 12 bottles and up) Happy that Bayani Brew’s teas are finally available in glass bottles! Available in lemongrass pandan and sweet potato leaf flavors, made with organically grown crops sourced directly from farmers at up to 5x above market prices from partner farming communities including Gawad Kalinga, brewed with traditional methods, and sweetened with premium raw brown sugar. * Order via www.shopee.com/bayanibrew or their Facebook page, or email to [email protected]. Lemongrass pandan concentrate is also available via Blue Kitchen outlets in Rockwell, Uptown BGC, Shangri-la Plaza and Robinson’s Magnolia (call to confirm availability).

Tapuey rice wine from Proudly Promdi (P400/500ml bottle) Made from locally produced gluttonous rice, cooked, fermented and then stored in earthen jars for two to three months. It is a local drink used and served during rituals and special occasions, which you can drink over ice or mixed in other drinks.

Bugnay fruit wine from Proudly Promdi (P490/bottle) Bugnay is a tropical fruit and berry that contains anti-oxidants and is good for the heart. The wines are all-natural (no additives) and handmade by the winemaking tribes of Adams in Ilocos Norte. * Order via www.proudlypromdi.myshopify.com or their Facebook page, or email to [email protected]. Bottles are also stocked at Ritual in Makati and Roots in Katipunan (call to confirm availability).

#4-5 Zero Waste snack & sweets

Mana Bites Matcha Made in Heaven bars + cookies!

Baby Cafe Package-free Coconut Chips

Baby Cafe Coco Chips (P1.25/gram or P100/80 grams) For those you know who are nuts about coconuts, this is a great treat, available in unsweetened and coconut sugar-sweetened (crispier!) variants, you can opt to get as little or as much as you might like. They have them available in kraft pouches too, but for a truly zero waste gift, I’d recommend repacking them into another airtight container your recipient can reuse, and that would be part of your gift too! * Order via Baby Cafe’s Instagram or Facebook page, or email to [email protected].

Mana Bites snack subscription (P300 and up) Taking from our recent MUNI Meetup on Zero Waste Ways in Business, Mana Bites offers a zero waste snack subscription where they rotate 2 containers to you or your chosen recipient for P200, then you can subscribe for any number of sweets over your chosen duration! Apart from being zero waste, Mana Bites uses healthy, wholesome ingredients, rich in fiber, and sweeten their treats without using refined sugar, and opting for more wholesome alternatives like coconut sugar. * Order via Mana Bites’ Instagram or Facebook page, or email to [email protected].

#6 A regular delivery of fresh, organic veggies

Gulay Pambahay from Good Food Community

Salad veggies from Good Food Community

Good Food Community veggie subscription (P300 for 1-week delivery or P1,050 for 4-week delivery of Salad Pack subscription – a half-kilo mix of salad greens and other veggies that can be eaten raw; or P580 for 1-week delivery or P2,170 for 4-week delivery of Bayong Pambahay subscription – 3.5kgs of seasonal 9-12 hearty and leafy veggies) Truly a gift of health to your recipient, and security to Good Food’s partner farmers in Tarlac! Just check that your recipient is someone looking to live healthier by making his / her own food from scratch and is looking for healthier, organic, fair trade veggies to make sure food doesn’t go to waste. 🙂 * Order via www.good-food-coop.myshopify.com or email [email protected].

FOR THE STYLE SAVVY

Piling textile waste is a growing problem in the fashion industry today, and while arguably, the best way to combat this is by curbing consumption and choosing pre-loved items, there are makers that are more mindful about their use of textiles, sourcing scraps instead of always using virgin material, making designs that last, and practicing fair labor practices.

These gift ideas would be great for your fashion-forward trendsetter friends who can help make sustainable fashion a style standard and not just a trend.

#7-8 Practical everyday items made with scrap fabric

R2R Travel wallet

R2R Laptop Sleeve

R2R’s Matt travel wallet with wristlet (P1,049) and Charlie laptop sleeve (P1,749) are made with the signature R2R weave and are practical items for people to use. The laptop sleeve also comes with an indigenous textile flap, handwoven by talented artisan communities in the Philippines. It fastens with an adjustable belt, allowing it to hold a laptop as small as 11-inches or more heavy-duty like a 13″ Macbook. * Order via www.thingsthatmatter.ph – R2R’s new e-commerce baby, which houses other meaningful, homegrown brands and gift ideas too.

#9 A completely upcycled, statement zero waste top

Anthill Fabric Gallery’s Pamana zero waste top (P3499 and P3799) Another brand featured at our recent MUNI Meetup on Zero Waste Ways in Business, Anthill produced this blouse with a 100% zero waste pattern – no end cuts, no remnant fabrics. It is handwoven from 100% waste or discarded fabrics from local designers and garment manufacturing in Cebu, cut into strips by partner social enterprise PTI International, and upcycled and handwoven into this fabric by a partner Argao Weaving Community. * Order via www.facebook.com/AnthillFabricGallery or via email to [email protected].

FOR ZERO WASTE EXPLORERS

One way to get folks into zero waste habits is by showing them alternatives and letting them try it! Sometimes, all we need to do is find out where certain things are available, and be guided into the process by a supportive friend. 🙂

There are different options here for friends in different parts of their Zero Waste journey, so make sure you give them a gift for the appropriate leg of their journey so that you’re sure it won’t be an item that just lies around idle and not in use, otherwise, that would be a bigger waste!

#10-11 Zero Waste dental hygiene

Bamboo toothbrushes by GoZero (P75) Prior to this option, bamboo toothbrushes were a lot more expensive, and for people to shift the habit from plastic to bamboo, price was a major factor. (Did you know that in the US alone, 850 million to 1 billion toothbrushes go to landfills annually?) GoZero has now made this a less elitist lifestyle choice. Pair it with your own toothpaste made with baking soda, just enough virgin coconut oil to make it into a paste, and a few drops of food grade peppermint essential oil (or check out the next item on this list). * Order via www.facebook.com/GoZeroPH.

Remineralizing Tooth Powder (P150/110 grams) and Black Toothpaste (P150/190 grams) by Zero Basics Toothpaste tubes are insidious and unnecessary when there are options like a simple recipe (in bamboo toothbrush blurb) and alternatives like these by Zero Basics. These are probably for the more zero waste savvy friends of yours, especially since the black toothpaste made with activated charcoal may be intimidating. 🙂 * Order via Zero Basics’ Facebook or Instagram, and check out the 3-in-1 face mask too (I’ve tried it myself!).

#12-13 Liquid hand soap and plastic-free, toxin-free home cleaning products

Lemongrass liquid soap by Ritual (P170/350ml signature Ritual gin bottle – same container as the Citronella dish liquid in above photo, P210 with canvas pouch & card; P230/700ml bottle, P280 with canvas pouch & card) A great entry-level gift that’s also generic enough and functional for everyone, minus the typical plastic bottle container. This mild, all-natural liquid soap is 100% biodegradable and made with coconut-based cleansers and pure organic lemongrass essential oil. May be used as a hand or body wash.

Green cleaning box set by Ritual (P900/box set containing Citronella Dish Liquid (700ml), Citronella or Lemongrass Enzyme Deodorizer (350ml Spray), 2 segments of Victoria Herbal Laundry Bar, 500g of borax, 500g of baking soda, 2 packs of laundry starch, and 1 coconut fiber scrubber) Another hyper-practical gift for young (or progressive) eco-moms, dads, and basically anyone who has their own space! Check out these other green home cleaning tips from Ritual’s Bea Misa Crisostomo at our recent MUNI Meetup on Zero Waste Ways at Home. * Order via www.ritualph.myshopify.com or the specific product links above.

#14 Reusable beeswax wraps

NatuWrap Beeswax food wraps by Milea All Organics (P395/set of 3 – 1 6.5″x6.5″, 1 10″x10″, and 1 14″x14″ wrap) Plastic wrap / seran wrap / cling wrap is one of my pet peeves, and is unsustainable, single-use, petroleum-based, and insidious af. Because it’s so thin, it deceivingly feels like it’s “not wasteful”! Not all beeswax wraps are made equal, and this one right here is made with beeswax and tree resin harvested straight from their organic farm, and muslin fabric vs. colorful, printed fabrics that may likely have polyester or other mixes that may make them non-biodegradable (which some sellers claim). Ask about the textile too when buying your beeswax wraps. 🙂 * Order via www.milea.ph or catch them at Legazpi Sunday Market.

#15-16 Zero waste feminine hygiene For gift recipients you know have been considering it, but haven’t taken the leap just yet! Disposable sanitary napkins, like diapers last 100-200 years, and one of the unfortunately popular items that are collected from cleanup dives or coastal cleanups. Plastic tampon applicators don’t help either. Here are some possible alternatives:

Reusable cloth napkins from Ka Nami Cloth Pads

Menstrual cups from Sinaya Cup

Reusable cloth pads by Ka Nami Cloth Pads (P120/pad) Haven’t used these myself, but Angel of Ka Nami swears they’re absorbent! They’re also a fraction of the price I bought my Charlie Banana cloth pads years ago at P900 for a box of 3. It takes a certain level of commitment to wash the pads though, so make sure your recipient is open to it. It’s a great first step before moving them onto the next, more zero waste option. * Order via Ka Nami’s Facebook, or their partner Hamsa Earth-conscious Collections. They’re based in Bacolod, in case that’s relevant to you. 🙂

Menstrual cups by Sinaya Cup (P1,199/cup) Yes, I’ve had mine for nearly two years, but I still alternate this with cloth pads. 😀 Nonetheless, it’s a great option for active days when I go swimming or diving, or am traveling and washing cloth pads is out of the question. This requires a certain level of commitment from the recipient though, and I won’t deny that it takes getting used to. Ultimately, once you get used to it, it’s a more convenient, zero waste option than the cloth pads as it also requires less water and soap to clean! * Order via www.sinayacup.com, Sinaya Cup’s Facebook or [email protected].

FOR TRAVELERS, LEARNERS & DOERS

In my mind, nothing beats the gift of experience and shared memories. ❤ Naturally, there are many more experiences that could have made this list, but, Here are just a few ideas from things I’ve tried myself and would love to do again and again!

#17-19 Travel Experiences

Skin-diving Day Trip with Reef Nomads (P3,000/person inclusive of guide and lessons, transpo, meals, sanctuary fees; +P300 for equipment rental) The Philippines is the center of the center of marine biodiversity, and it’s ironic that not more Filipinos take to the water! I believe that reconnecting people to nature and seeing both the beauty, and also the human-induced degradation of resources can compel people to take on more pro-environmental behavior. * Check out trip schedules via Reef Nomads’ Facebook page.

Overnight stay at Sonya’s Garden (P3,000/person on weekdays, P3,400/person on weekends, inclusive of 1 lunch or dinner, breakfast, and “art of doing nothing” activities including gardening and composting) Perfect for your mom, tita, tumitita friends, or partner. Fell in love with it when I first stayed over, and it’s a place I’d love to be able to regularly go to because of the serenity and warm, familial staff. Food is veg-friendly and organically grown on site, and you may request for certain food items according to your dietary preferences. When I’m here, I feel like a queen / haciendera of sorts, but of the just, wholesome, organic, fair trade kind, because of the community that Sonya’s Garden has been able to help. 🙂 * Book via www.sonyasgarden.com/bed-breakfast.

6D/5N Zero Waste-themed trip throughout Negros Occidental with MUNI (P21,500/person for applications sent by November 30, inclusive of activities like farm tours, snorkeling, a customized MUNI Meetup, etc., accommodations, meals, transportation, guide fees and zero waste essentials) Didn’t plan on including this in the list, but hey, might as well. 🙂 Naturally, this would be for a more special person in your life who you feel could use more than just a day trip, and could use the boost of inspiration + community support from MUNI and its partners in organic farming, marine conservation, sustainable tourism, and social enterprise. Here, travelers can learn about integrated, zero waste farming practices, the impact of plastics on our oceans, sustainable sourcing and production in business, and discover how they can contribute in their own way. * View trip details here, and e-mail inquiries to [email protected].

FOR THE DIY GIFT-GIVERS

#20-23 Labor of love ideas (yup, I guess I went past 20)

These are relatively simple, inexpensive, but some more time-intensive ideas that I’m just throwing out there, but you’ll have to put in the work / time for yourself. 😉

Cook a healthy meal (or plan a cookout) with your loved ones using plant-based, package-free food items Nothing says I love you, I care about your health, and “hey, it’s doable!” more than taking the time to make a meal from scratch. You can get organic produce from Good Food Community, cool salts from Ritual, and experiment with hearty veg stews or simple one-pot meals.

Make your own personal care products for them A simple recipe is the toothpaste one I mentioned above, but you can also make other personal care products like salves / balms or yoga mat sprays with kitchen ingredients like baking soda, virgin coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and various essential oils. Avoid giving folks anything for their face or underarms if you’re new to the world of personal care DIY and are unsure of their skin’s reaction to those ingredients.

Plan a wholesome Netflix documentary binge with them Provided that they have open minds (because you don’t want to be forcing them to sit through these documentaries), check out In Defense of Food, Cooked, Chasing Coral, A Plastic Ocean, Mission Blue, and True Cost to name a few. Sometimes, people need the extra encouragement by having someone to watch these things with and become more mindful of the impact of mindless consumption on our own health and that of the planet. Couple it with wholesome snacks mentioned earlier in this list!

Take the time to hear them out and give long, warm hugs Sometimes the only thing our family and friends really need from us are undivided attention and an un-judgmental ear. 🙂

There are a lot more options that could be added to this list, but it’s a hefty list for now! What other options would you guys recommend? I’d love to know your ideas!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jen Horn is the founder of MUNI, an advocate of responsible travel & consumption, and a communications and community engagement consultant. She enjoys being in, on, under, or near the water, eating veggies, witty remarks and sarcasm, and learning about link between psychology and pro-environmental behavior. She works to use jedi mind tricks to help the world triumph over apathy, single-use plastic, among other things we don’t need in the world. Follow her at @nomadmanager.

Conscious Christmas List: 20 Zero Waste Gift Ideas for Every Budget Note: This list is a personal list made by the author, and is not a paid post.

#conscious christmas #gift ideas #Zero waste

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