Hi !

If you saw me talk at a webinar or deliver a talk in person, I hope you didn't notice that public speaking terrifies the heck out of me.

Thing is, I’m more comfortable writing things down than standing on a stage with a mic, a spotlight and an audience.

But last week, I did something I never thought I could:

I gave a TEDx Talk at Ateneo De Manila University.

To be honest, I almost said NO.

Whenever I do public speaking, my throat tightens. I lose my words. I worry about being judged or messing up.

But when I saw the theme — “Microbiome: Ecosystem Inside You” — something in me said: this is my jam!

Because this isn’t just about gut health.

It’s about how we were taught to fear rice, carbs, and the very foods that raised us.

It’s about diet culture, metabolic disease, and why the solution might be in our traditions — not in the latest diet trends.

So I wrote a talk called:

Extra Rice: Why Your Gut Loves What Diet Culture Hates

It’s about the gut microbiome, Filipino food, and how eating with intention — not restriction — can change everything.

I talked about science. I told stories. I even mentioned kaning lamig.

If you’re curious, here’s the full script:

👉 Extra Rice: Why Your Gut Loves What Diet Culture Hates

It’s not perfect. I was nervous the whole time.

But I’m glad I did it.

If there’s one thing I hope it shows, it’s that you don’t need to give up your culture to be healthy. And you don’t have to be fearless to speak up — just willing.

Thanks for being here and following my journey, .

Til next time,

Grace