Spring Intern #201 (25 April-17 July 2025) | Kendrick Dominic “KD” Yu (IG: @teatokd.yu) | Quezon City, Metro Manila, PHILIPPINES
Before coming to Obubu, I spent nearly two fulfilling decades in a full-time corporate job. As someone who is naturally risk averse, I’ve always thrived in environments that offer stability, structure, and security. Stepping outside of that comfort zone wasn’t easy.
Still, one passion has quietly shaped my life: TEA. Introduced to me by my parents shortly after milk and water, tea became more than just a drink—it became a companion. Growing up in the Philippines, where coffee dominates and tea culture remains largely underdeveloped, pursuing this passion often felt like a solitary journey. I then found myself searching for deeper understanding, connection, and meaning through tea.
Joining Obubu marked a major turning point. It was a bold step away from the familiar and a leap toward something that had been quietly calling me for years. During my stay at Obubu, however, I found myself often haunted by questions:
“Am I learning enough?”
“Am I doing enough?”
“Am I making the most of this experience?”
These questions pushed me to seek more exposure, more activity, more involvement—sometimes to the point of restlessness and frustration. I began to feel impatient and discontented, as if I was falling short of some invisible benchmark.
Then, on a quiet day, I remembered the Japanese proverb: “Ichigo Ichie”—One time, one meeting. A gentle but powerful reminder that every encounter is unique, unrepeatable, and worth treasuring.
That moment shifted something in me. My questions changed:
“Am I contributing enough?”
“Am I doing enough for others?”
“Am I making a positive impact in someone else’s life?”
From then on, my perspective deepened. My time at Obubu didn’t just expand my knowledge of tea—it gave me a safe and supportive space to express myself fully. It reawakened my passion, while also allowing me to reconnect with who I am. Through each harvest, each shared moment, and every lesson learned, I grew not only in knowledge but in confidence, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Three months may seem short. But what truly matters is not the length of time, but the impact we leave on others and the memories we carry with us.
Ichigo Ichie perfectly captures this chapter of my journey—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always treasure. I’ll carry it with me proudly, always remembering that I am and will always be Intern #201. So what’s next? There’s so much on my drawing board, and I’m incredibly excited to watch each idea unfold and take shape. But for now…
JAPANESE TEAS TO THE PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭! :)
