Banter Archives - Page 2 of 2

Why I Created Make it Mariko – by Founder Gina Rosales

November 13, 2018. JON’S DAY.

An Inspiring Day for Progressives: Jane Kim’s Election Party

Last year was so busy that we didn’t have a chance to talk about the incredible 2018 election party we planned for San Francisco Board Supervisor Jane Kim! Read More

Why I’m Quitting Tech To Be An Entrepinay

After 7 years, today is my last day at Google / X. Honestly, I never thought I’d stay for that long. And the funny thing is, I almost didn’t accept the job. But here I am 7 years later, and ready to take the leap and go full time #Entrepinay (aka Pinay entrepreneur). Reflecting back, there wasn’t one moment that brought me to this decision. Instead it was a perfectly timed chain of events, a lot of faith, and listening to signs from the universe that led me to this current endeavor.
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Top 10 Magical, Meaningful Moments of 2017!

Wow, is 2017 seriously over already? This has been a WHIRLWIND year, in a really awesome crazy way. Make it Mariko has grown and expanded our reach like no other, and we’re so thankful for every single client, community, and organization that has crossed our paths this year. We look forward to growing our family even more in 2018!

Here’s a recap of our favorite magical, meaningful moments of 2017:

Shay & Oliver’s Colorful Buddhist Wedding in San Francisco

Shay and Oliver were such a kind and beautiful couple with a unique vision for their wedding. They were set on having a small, intimate wedding with less than 50 people. Shay was living in Florida, and Oliver in Vallejo. This would be the first time that their families would meet, and they wanted it to be a personal experience where everyone would have time to get to know each other.Read More

CAMP: A Creative Business Conference Like No Other

A few weeks ago I attended back to back conferences, both of which could not be more different from each other. I’ll post a separate blog about conference #2, but first off, CAMP, aka The Unique CAMP. This is not your typical business conference. Imagine yourself in the woods of Big Bear, CA, with 200 other business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives, camping in YMCA bunks, making up chants, taking workshops, doing archery, with no access to cell phones or laptops. I have to say, it was a beautiful thing full of beautiful people. Read More

Hiring a NEW Event Coordinator!

Well, it’s been about a year and a half owning my own business, and it’s definitely been a roller coaster ride (the awesome scary kind). I’m the kind of person that is used to doing things my own way, so bringing on new team members was a little scary. But I did it, and hired two interns this past year who have been amazing helpers and taught me a lot about what it takes to be a great manager (shout out Megan and Monica!).

But it’s time — time to expand the team, and let go of some duties, and bring in some fresh new ideas. Because if I’m not growing, I’m staying the same, and the same is boring.

So I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hiring the FIRST part-time addition to our team – a new Event Coordinator! My business is my baby, and I care about it a lot. But as my mom always says, I need to build and grow. So I’m ready. If this job description sounds like something you’re interested in, please apply. I promise it’ll be a roller coaster ride of awesomeness, and who knows what surprises will be at the end 🙂

Please pass this along to anyone you know would be interested!

– Gina Mariko

Four Events in One Week (aka That Time I Got Stress Hives)

Launching and operating your own event company is hard work. It’s even harder when you’re still balancing a part-time job at a huge tech company as the Marketing Events Lead, as I currently am. Looking back, this first year in business was all about testing my limits and finding my balance. I’m grateful for it all.Read More

#todadit – What it Means & How I live

*Tattoo done by Candi at Tuesday Tattoos

When people see my tattoo they always ask me what “to da dit” means. Well, here’s how I normally explain to da dit to people, and this is why it means so much to me:

It literally means “to the death”, just said in a Filipino accent.

At family parties and holidays, we always have a ton of people over our house – anywhere from 15 to 40 people at a time. We’re Filipino and Japanese, so you can always expect a ton of food, karaoke/singing/performing of some kind, and of course alcohol. Everyone is an Auntie/Uncle or a Tito/Tita regardless of blood relation.Read More

What is Cloud Banter?

Clouds. There’s something so beautiful, and peaceful, and oh so magical about them. I’m mad about clouds. I find peace looking at them, staring at them, pondering their beauty and purpose. They also make me feel closer to nature, to the universe, and most importantly, to those who have passed before me. Clouds are a symbol of my spirituality.

Banter. noun – the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. It’s light, it’s fun, it’s informal. It’s the conversations that make up our everyday chatter. The time we fill in between moments. The way we connect with each other as humans.