Sharing Passions at IgniteOruba

Imagine talking about something you really love in just 5 minutes? Sounds crazy right? But that is exactly what happened at IgniteOruba last April 26, 2014 at Al Oruba International School. More than 20 speakers and artists performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd to talk about their passions and endeavors and The Pink Tarha was proud to be a part of the speakers for that event!

If you’re familiar with the popular TedTalks, then you’ll have an idea of what Ignite events are like. However in Ignite events, speakers are tasked to dish out their stories in a series of twenty slides that automatically progresses every fifteen seconds. That's a total of five minutes for the entire speech. For the past two years, the school supported and organized TEDxOruba events. But this year the organizers wanted something new and fresh and decided to organize IgniteOruba, in hopes of sparking new passions and developing awareness of one’s talents and skills.

Sundrenched was in the Philippines when she asked me to give a talk about The Pink Tarha at IgniteOruba. I was excited, elated and terrified about the whole idea. How can I resist? So I prepared my slides and my speech the moment I got the confirmation from the event coordinator. I then realized how hard it was to sum up five amazing years into five minutes!

On the day of the event I was accompanied by my husband and our friend Jou. The event was held at the school auditorium with the men and women’s seats segregated. The school auditorium is just perfect for this kind of event. It’s a shame I wasn't able to take photos because our camera phones were collected at the reception. Oh well, you’ll just have to take my word for it! Kidding. Here are some photos from the event organizers.

Hosts Hussam Galal and Ahmed Salah

Seeing the stage and the red curtains gave me the jitters. But all that was forgotten when the show started. We watched a mix of young students and adults talk about their various interests and passions. And it wasn't limited to speeches, some presented their musical talents and another student rapped in Arabic. One of the speakers talked about overcoming stage fright and another urged her father to quit smoking.

While most of the speeches were in Arabic, we could tell by the way the students presented their talk that they truly prepared for this moment. Kudus to the school faculty and students who worked really hard on this endeavor!

Dr. Mohamed AL-Saadoun on Staying Positive

Moumen Afandy on Life Obstacles

Dr. Safaa Mahfouz talked about Self-Improvement

Abdullah Aqily talked about his journey as a Fat Fighter

Sampaguita Pride talked about The Pink Tarha

My takeaway from this experience? I think the jolt of excitement of being on stage boosted my morale and has inspired me to pursue and tick off a few items from my bucket list. I realized that the things we do can turn into something great if we pour love, dedication and patience into everything that we do. IgniteOruba has indeed ignited a new passion in me, a new lease on life as a writer and artist.

To the organizers of IgniteOruba thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to share our passion with everyone that night. More power!

Cheers!
Sampaguita Pride  

How To Wear The Pink Tarha, Literally (And World Hijab Day!)

Hello, Riyadhizens! It's me, Sampaguita Pride! Remember me? Hehe. It's been quite a while since I last posted anything for the blog and I just want to say that I'm really happy to be writing again. I missed you all! Oh, I'm still here in the Philippines, but I just had to share this with you. As a Pink Tarha, how can I not write about this? :)

February 1 is World Hijab Day! It is a special day where Muslim ladies and non-Muslim ladies alike, wear a hijab to promote awareness and understanding of why Muslim women wear their hijab. It also aims to enlighten people that the hijab is not a form of oppression for Muslim women. According to BBC News, the movement was initiated by Nazma Khan from the US and is observed in more than 50 countries across the globe. You can read more about World Hijab Day and stories of Hijabis on their website: worldhijabday.com

Let me just clarify that this is not an Islamic holiday, but rather a worldwide effort to shed positive light about the Hijab and to promote peace and understanding. But whatever our beliefs may be, let's take a moment to appreciate the bright and courageous women under the veil. Let us not forget that underneath the Hijab is a woman, a human being, who deserves respect and courtesy regardless of her religion and beliefs. Just like everyone else. Don't let appearances alienate us from one another. Let us support diversity. As the saying goes, Don't be an Angry Bird. :))

For those who live in Saudi Arabia, we all know that it's customary to wear the Abaya and Tarha in public even if you're not a Muslim. It's part of the package of living and working in Saudi Arabia. Back then, I didn't know how to wear the Tarha. I just draped it around my head when I was told to cover my hair. I felt that it was just something that I had to do to comply. But deep down, I knew it had its benefits. Plus, I always thought that the tarhas worn by some Syrian and Jordanian ladies were really pretty. 

Ironically, I learned to wear the hijab when I stayed here in Manila and embraced Islam. Now I wear my hijab or Tarha on a regular basis. When I first wore the hijab here in the Philippines, I immediately noticed that men would promptly lower their gaze or look away. Random people would greet me, "Asalamu' Alaykum", even non-Muslims. When I ask for directions, people would take the time to answer me and remind me to be careful and be safe. Isn't that wonderful?

The Hijab is not just a piece of cloth. It is the wholesome way that a woman presents herself to others, in her thoughts, attitude, action and speech. Wearing the hijab became a personal reminder for me to moderate how I behave in public. I try to speak softly and be more patient with people around me.

So in support of World Hijab Day, I want to share a simple tutorial on how to wrap your Hijab or Tarha. It's really simple and pretty.

Me wearing a pink hijab!

There are a lot of ways to wear the hijab but this is my favorite. I normally wear an inner hijab bonnet or "ninja" inner but this is optional. In fact, you can even wear it without pins and brooches. I use pins because I like my hijabs securely fastened to my inner bonnets. This way, I don't have to keep adjusting my Hijab in the middle of the day. But I have heard of mommies veering away from hijab pins, for safety reasons. :)

Here's what I use for this hijab style:

What you need.

This style is easy and can be done in just 3 steps but I made a detailed tutorial for those who are completely new to this. (I still can't believe I'm making a tutorial, hahaha!) Here goes my first ever tutorial:

Step 1: Tie your hair into a bun and wear an inner hijab or a bonnet.

Step 2: Fold your rectangle scarf or pashmina so that it's 2/3 of its actual width.

Step 3: Put it on your head, folded side facing out. Make sure that one end is shorter than the other. For me, the shorter end is usually on the left. But you can choose whichever side you prefer. :)

Step 4: Pin the hijab in place using a safety pin or a no-snag pin.

Step 5: Pull the shorter end of the hijab up and over your head.

Step 6: Secure the shorter end on top with a small pin. Be careful not to hurt yourself.

Step 7: Now pull the longer end of your hijab across your chest.

Step 8: Pull the longer end up and over your head closer to your inner hijab. 

Step 9: Pin in place.

Step 10: Arrange the folds accordingly.

Step 11: Use a brooch or a regular pin to secure the hijab close.

Step 12: And you're done! Smile, it's charity! :)

Easy right? You can also check YouTube for tutorial on other variations and styles. Maybe you'll want to wear a pink hijab too just to show your support for World Hijab Day. If you do, don't forget to post it and tag us, okay? :)

I hope you liked this tutorial and thank you for reading our blog! :)

Much Love,
Sampaguita Pride

Sublime at 29

WHO HERE IS thankful that The Pink Tarha exists? Blow your air kisses and wave your thanks along Sundrenched's way as we celebrate her 29th birthday today! It's overwhelming to imagine how this is the fifth time we're greeting her on our blog and I think it's only fair to say that The Pink Tarha has really, really gone a long way.

I looked back in our past birthday greetings to her and it's been well-known to our long-time readers that The Pink Tarha is S' brainchild. She's also our resident "Woman of Wisdom" and is clearly on the forefront of steering the direction of where the blog is going (or not going).

To stir things up a bit, let me throw in some trivia into the mix. Something you might not know about S? Well, I'm one of her closest friends and just to share some stuff you might want to know...

1. She doesn't like her eggs runny. Well-done is the way to go.

2. She's actually a big fan of wrestling.

3. She's not fond of fresh vegetables (she prefers the cooked ones).

4. She was actually raised in the province and was never brought up as a city girl.

5. She's actually pretty shy (at first!).

Also, we have some messages from her closest girls here in Riyadh.

Shoegarfreeruby: 

"There's no stopping this lady in blooming into a more beautiful woman as the years pass by. The Pink Tarha is a reflection of how vibrant, colorful and wonderful Sundrenched is inside and out. Not only is she blessed with wisdom, but with respect because of her beautiful heart.

Happy birthday dear Sundrenched! May you continue to inspire others to see the brighter side of things everyday. You always are an overflow of brilliant ideas! Thank you for being a trustworthy friend, like a rare gem that is hard to find (and expensive, LOL!). We love you."

From our Honorary Pink Tarha girls.

Jamila F.:

"Sundrenched is a witty and snobby lady....at first! hahh kidding!!

She has introduced me to see the world in a different perspective most especially Riyadh.  Enjoying life even with its restrictions, and loving whatever the situation is.  She's a very understanding and opinionated person who is on top of most of things.  I hope and pray that you enjoy your day! Happy happy birthday!! And may you be more blessed on your special day!"

Jou P.: 

"Have you ever heard of the Midas Touch? The king who was cursed with being able to turn everything he touches into gold? I've come to believe that S has that, only difference is, she turns everything she puts her mind and hands on into something beautiful; one look at Pink Tarha, her brainchild, and you'll see what I mean.

S is brilliant but unassuming, logical but passionate. She's just one of those people who would move you with her quiet confidence and meaningful stares (this one I've learned from experience in more ways than one). In the four years that I've come to know S, she has become one of my closest friends, my confidant, my mentor (she continues to inspire me not just to write but to create), my telebabad (this almost reveals what generation we're from), over-cofee partner and most recently, my favorite travel buddy (her wonder&wanderlust is simply contagious).

Anyway, Eyecandy just called to say that this isn't supposed to be a lengthy testimonial. Hence, let me just say, Happy Birthday, I wish you more miles to cover, books to read and wonderful things to discover. Your Mahn, Jou."

--

So to the lady who started it all, who never flinched at the thought of living in Saudi Arabia and even went on ahead writing about all the good things in it, let's raise our coffee mugs this morning to toast our beloved premier blogger, a trendsetter in all things pink and positive in Riyadh, imitated but never duplicated...truly one-of-a-kind...

Happy Birthday S! 

You might not know this, but she owns Maldives! :P JK

She will probably kill me for posting this photo of hers because she's one of the most modest people I know (not obvious from the posing, but it's true)...Nevertheless, in our true online birthday greeting tradition, here's our birthday girl in her best shot in Maldives!

Feel free to send your birthday love and wishes to Sundrenched in the comments section below.

As for me, I know how you like things simple, so my message to you is: "You know I love you girl." xoxo ;) Oh, and I baked a cake for you! 

Cheers!
#Eyecandy

Double Celebration

We're having a double celebration today as we celebrate Sampaguita Pride's birthday and Father's Day! (Okay, triple na since birthday din ni Jose Rizal (the Philippines' national hero)! :D

As you all know, our newest member Sampaguita Pride is this blog's DIY Queen. She does not only act on things she's set on doing but she find ways, sometimes going as far as being eco-friendly and organic, to do them. Behind the beautiful face is a more beautiful personality that had us at first sight... she is a welcome fit to The Pink Tarha!

For the hard work and patience in your studies and career, for the gift of hope you share with the kids in your advocacy, for the care and love you shower your family and friends... we're proud of you, P! Thank you for being a part of this blog, and our lives. ^_^

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sampaguita Pride!

And since you're on your vacation in the Philippines, we're expecting a birthday feast when you get back. Lol!

Of course, today is father's day too. So to all fathers out there, including the men who serve as the pillars of The Pink Tarha's lives...

HAPPY, HAPPY

FATHER'S

DAY!

For Shoegarfreeruby and I (the remaining Pink Tarhas in Riyadh because E and P are on their vacation in Manila), we consider ourselves our fathers' daughters... in all the sense of that phrase. And this quote has always been true:

"There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself."  And their "guiding hand will remain forever in our hearts." 

To our fathers, we love you! :)