If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go?

I’d give those tickets away. Perhaps I’d give it to someone who wants to go the Paris Summer Olympics 2024. Because I’m focused on reviewing for my GRE exams for M.B.A. or J.D..

Most importantly, I’m not into the habit of grabbing freebies. There is such an ugly thing called greed. So not unless if it’s for my further education, I am more than happy to let them go. Pass.

What’s the story behind your nickname?

Neng is what my family calls me (exclusively). It’s very dear to me. It’s usually the nickname being the youngest daughter amongst Filipinos.

Aina has been my nickname among my friends and school mates, even to my coworkers and all others. I’d appreciate if you call me Aina.

Tweety was my chat name on a national cable network chatroom in the Philippines in the early 2000s. It was my name behind exposè on donation scam, prostitution and drug rings happening in that media platform. Tweety bird is tattooed on my right hand.

Some Hawaiians or Hawaii locals are uncomfortable calling me Aina, as it means the land, the sacred land here in Hawaii. That they rather sabotage my legal first name, Sabiniana than calling me Aina. But I got the nickname long, long before I got here. And I don’t have any intention of misleading others of my race, as I believe on equity and equality, and inclusion.

Finally, I really do believe that when calling someone by that person’s nickname—whether knowingly or unknowingly—you’re establishing closeness, not necessarily intimacy, but again closeness. It breaks the invisible wall that inhibits closer connections.

What are your future travel plans?

My goal is to pursue my graduate degree;

Either an M.B. A. or a J. D.—

I have to make it happen

“come hell or high waters.”

It’s not for vanity,

nor for prestige,

neither . . . pride.

Rather, a commitment to one’s self

That I would pursue higher education

Before I die.

So help me God.

“Focus, focus!”

What would you change about modern society?

Diversity: Honoring each and everyone’s differences in culture and mindset.

Inclusivity: Welcoming everyone regardless of one’s religion, sexual orientation, and race.

Equality: Treating everyone with the same respect and regard.

Acceptance: Acknowledging that I have no control over others’ behavior that I can only show and or model these changes I wish for the society; because my power is limited only to myself.

Finally, the only things I can demand to this modern society, are civility and respect.

What do you listen to while you work?

A local National Public Radio (NPR)

That is community driven,

Community supported,

Community inspired

Not only because I love listening to news and current events,

Likewise classical and jazz music as well—

It’s where I earn for a living.

I love you ❤️ HPR!

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Clear hot soup

with a little bit of greens,

a little bit of meat,

and a good portion of noodles—

A great go-to when sick.

Dimsum on Sunday brunch is fun.

Steak or pasta for dinner are best served with wine.

But the comfort from food

Actually comes from the heart of the cook, or chef,

who gets it done.

What’s your favorite game (card, board, video, etc.)? Why?

Aside from being our family’s favorite way to bond, Scrabble is a good way to boost your vocabulary skills. Plus, it’s fun:

Vowels score one.

Consonants vary;

But Q, X, and J are the highest.

Having S and blank tiles are game changing.

Aim for triple and double word lots or letters

To score better.

It’s a bummer

To have so much of the same letter;

Likewise, if you have all consonants.

Ensure in every turn that you score more than your opponent—

And you’d be the winner.

Connect words as much as you can

To master.

Dogs or cats?

Our furry beloved. . .

We gave them names.

We expect them to follow

Or behave like us.

But the truth is;

They can never be like us.

The point is,

Put your index finger to your heart

And keep it there:

That amid the differences,

Dogs and cats are capable of love.

They bring us joy;

So let’s return that with human warmth.