Posts

Pilgrimage with the Bernardus Community of St. Joseph Ambarawa

Image
On Sunday June 29, 2025, I joined a special spiritual journey with the Bernardus Community from St. Joseph  Ambarawa. Our destination was Gua Maria Puhsarang (Puhsarang Marian Grotto), located in Kediri, East Java. This site is one of the most well-known Catholic pilgrimage places in Indonesia, cherished for its unique design and deep historical roots. A Journey Through the Fog Our journey began early in the morning. A thick fog blanketed the road, creating a quiet and sacred atmosphere. From the bus window, trees appeared faintly through the mist, as if nature was guiding us on a peaceful spiritual path. Arriving at Gua Maria Puhsarang When we arrived at the Puhsarang Lourdes Grotto , we were welcomed by serene surroundings and stunning architecture. The church itself was built in 1936 by Father Jan Wolters, CM, and architect Henri Maclaine Pont. It beautifully blends traditional Javanese design with European Catholic symbolism, making it both unique and culturally rooted. Our g...

Song Review: Without You – Mariah Carey (1994)

Image
  Original songwriters: Pete Ham & Tom Evans Popularized by Harry Nilsson (1971) Covered by Mariah Carey in her album "Music Box" (1993) Mariah Carey's rendition of “Without You” is a powerful emotional ballad that combines haunting vulnerability with vocal grandeur. While the song itself is a cover, her interpretation adds a uniquely heartfelt and soulful depth that makes it feel like her own. It became a massive global hit and a staple of '90s pop ballads. Lyrics & Interpretation Verse 1: "No, I can't forget this evening or your face as you were leaving But I guess that's just the way the story goes..." These opening lines immediately draw listeners into a scene of heartbreak and remembrance. Mariah delivers them with a soft, almost trembling voice, full of sadness and reflection. The idea that the departure is part of an inevitable story underscores the universality of heartbreak. Chorus: "I can't live, if living is with...

From Hobby to Income: The Story of KKOT Bouquet

Image
It all started as a small hobby during my spare time arranging flowers, matching colors, picking the perfect wrapping, and adding personal touches to each bouquet. It brought me peace and joy. I never imagined that from this simple pleasure, KKOT Bouquet would be born. At first, I only made bouquets for close friends. Some needed graduation bouquets, birthday gifts, even snack and money bouquets. Slowly, requests started coming from people outside my circle. They would say, “Your bouquets feel different they have heart.” That simple sentence became a turning point. Maybe this was more than just a hobby; maybe it was an opportunity. With a small amount of capital and a big dose of courage, I officially started KKOT Bouquet . I chose the name “KKOT” because it means “flower” in Korean, a nod to my love for Korean culture and the aesthetic that often inspires my bouquet designs. I taught myself how to promote on social media, manage simple finances, and engage with customers. Every orde...

First Go, First Responsibility

Image
I had completed my driving course just two weeks earlier. My driver’s license had yet to be issued, and my confidence was still as low as a raised handbrake. Up until that point, I had only driven short distances around the neighborhood, always accompanied by my older brother. But on that day, I was faced with a decision that would become a defining moment. That morning, my brother Aziz—a tobacco entrepreneur—was in a rush to open his store in Bandungan. Approximately thirty minutes after his departure, I noticed the keys to the store lying near the sofa.   I immediately called him. His voice was filled with frustration. “Oh no. Can you send them to the store? But who could deliver them? Online couriers would take too long…” I swallowed hard. I was home alone. Our parents were out of town. Then I saw the car keys hanging nearby, almost as if they were calling out to me. “I’ll take them.” Half anxious, half determined, I grabbed the store keys, got into the car, and began ...