My name is Pao. I love writing and have been keeping journals since I was very young. I’ve recently started a fountain pen collection early in May 2014. I’m a new collector and I love documenting the new things that I learn about this wonderful, wonderful hobby. I found the best place to flourish as a pen collector is among really nice pen nerds like myself. Fountain Pen Network Philippines is one such place, and I’m glad to be part of it.
I think that collecting pens is much like collecting anything else…you try out as many pens as you can and decide for yourself which ones you like and which ones you don’t. Regardless of the brand or price, if you’re happy with what you have, then it’s all good.
Aside from writing, I love photography, cheese, cats, reading and trying out new places to eat. My other blog is My Quiet Place which is more about my reflections about the Bible.
I hope you enjoy looking around my blog. If you’re a fellow pen nerd and you want to exchange links, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment. 🙂
DISCLAIMER ABOUT REVIEW POSTS
I didn’t start this blog with a review blog in mind. It’s really just a place where I can put my thoughts about my hobbies and love for writing. That being said, I want to stress that I DON’T DO PAID BLOG POSTS. If you want me to review your product, all you really need to do is ask. Nicely. ^_^ I also don’t review products that I don’t like. I find it unpleasant to write about things that I didn’t enjoy, so I just don’t do it. If I know the seller, I give a feedback privately. I only like writing about things that I actually enjoyed using. If it’s a mixed review (there are good and bad points), I try my best to phrase the negative parts as civilly as possible. If you’re expecting a highly-opinionated, negative rant, I’m sorry but you came to the wrong place. I’m contented with my blog being a bright, sunny, and happy place in the world wide web.
Please also keep in mind that some of the old pen and ink reviews I wrote were written when I was a newbie and had limited points of reference with which to compare my writing experience. Take each review with a grain of salt. I hope the reviews help, but the best way to find what works for you and what doesn’t is to try these products yourself. 🙂
The Serial Doodler 
Hi! Found your blog while looking up on Alunsina. I just (re)started journaling and I decided to up the ante.
I just dropped by to say that your blog is helpful, since I’m also considering finally trying fountain pens, something I have contemplated about since high school but I was scared.
Keep on blogging!
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Hi Ronin, thank you for your comment. I actually first tried a fountain pen back in college and right after using up my first converter of ink, i washed the pen and it got clogged. over a decade later, I picked one up again and this time I found a group of fountain pen enthusiasts to help me out. haha. the rest is history. 🙂 glad you find this blog helpful. if you need help with anything just leave me a comment 🙂
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I stumble upon your site upon searching about fountain pens.
Similarly, I am a pen collector (from ballpens to gel pens, including pencils and markers too) and lately I’m planning to level it up by buying fountain pens (which are more pricey).
My first one was the one from Sheaffer and I’m planning to buy more but I really have no idea about fountain pens. Any suggestions for starters? or where I can learn more about it?
Also, it would be nice to add a contact page here…
Rock on! 🙂
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Hi AJ! Glad to meet a fellow fountain pen enthusiast! If you haven’t done so yet, you can join the Fountain Pen Network Philippines FB Group or you can join the forums http://fpn-p.org (you’ll need to post an introduction with a photo for your membership to be approved). I only started using fountain pens last year, and I learned so much about it through this group. The first pen that I used was a Parker Vector, which was a gift. What kind of Sheaffer do you have? My gateway drug for pens is a TWSBI 580. That pen really started me into collecting pens. I suggest you go to the nearest Scribe Writing Essentials and try one out. 🙂
If you do join the Fountain Pen Network FB Group, give me a shoutout so I’ll know it’s you. My name’s Pao-Pei Alfonso. 🙂
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Well it’s just a Sheaffer VFM (the orange one), well, I was out that time looking for a pen when I saw this less pricey fountain pen so I bought it and that started my interest in FPs. I haven’t tried using it though… I’m the type who keeps my pens (though, i sometimes think that it is a waste of purpose on the pens’ part). 🙂
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Hello–I’m revising my (old) editorial website and wanted to ask whether I might display one of your lovely images that you show under Pen Reviews. I would certainly credit the photo to you. The image would be either the Pelikan M600 Striated Blue or the Cross Century II Medalist. Thank you in advance!
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Hi Jody. Not a problem. 🙂
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Wow–thank you, Pao. You are most generous. If I end up doing so, I’ll let you know.
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Pao, I live in the Phils. too and collect fountain pens, but I was hoping to let go of some of my vintage pieces (mostly Watermans), especially as I need to pay for vet bills with a cat who may have diabetes. Would you be interested / know anyone who is interested? Most of my pens have flex nibs too, if that helps. It would just be easier to sell them locally than have to send them to a buyer overseas (shipping costs). Please tell me ASAP if you are, so I can take photos and notes of my stock.
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Hello, I’m not really in the market for new pens right now, but your best bet in reaching a local market about this is to post it on fpn-p.org. That way, local collectors can see what you are selling and you can get an idea how much similar kinds of pens go for in the market. My handle there is siopaopei. If you do get to post your pens on the forum’s marketplace, i’ll check them out too.
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I really like your philosophy about your opinions and what you write about. The internet is already full of negative people and I really welcome a site where I can read about positive adventures in writing items. No bad reviews. This is something new and I will come back often. By registering, I know I will not miss any of your posts. I love pens, papers and journals probably as much as you do.
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Hi! I am currently taking up law and I plan to use fountain pens for note-taking and during exams. Can you suggest a beginner and budget-friendly fountain pen that I can buy from local online stores/bookstores? I prefer something that has a nib which is equivalent or similar to an ordinary 0.7mm gel pen. Not too thin nor too thick. Thank you Pao 🙂
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Hi Erin. There are a lot of budget-friendly options available online. I would recomment Pilot Metropolitan, Pilot Petite, Platinum Preppy. Still on the entry level but a bit pricier than the ones already mentioned – Lamy Safari, TWSBI Eco. As far as nib size, perhaps a Japanese medium or European fine would suit you. Happy hunting!
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Hello Pao! I’m a fountain pen enthusiast as well, and I absolutely adore your blog 🙂 I hope it would be all right if I added you to my blogroll?
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Thank you for the kind words. Absolutely! Add away. I’ll go ahead and add yours to my blog roll too. I’m afraid I haven’t updated that in a while. Thanks for dropping by!
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Gotcha. 😀 Linked you!
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Hi Pao!
I’m so happy to have found your blog through your old link, when I was looking for reviews for the Yumi inserts. And even happier to see that you’ve been keeping it updated.
It’s nearing midnight as I write this, so I can’t delve into your blog at the moment, but I look forward to reading your posts. I look to others for inspiration to continue writing in my journal. Writing is therapeutic, but I’ve realised that I need help to keep up the habit.
Anyhow, keep safe and healthy during these uncertain times!
Sincerely,
Yel
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Hello, thanks for visiting. 🙂 Writing has been a great source of comfort for me during this time. Wouldn’t it be interesting to read these entries a few years from now, when things are back to normal and the world has moved on from this nightmare?
Take care and keep safe! Keep writing. 🙂
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Hi There,
What’s the best way to connect with you? I’m looking for a web form or an email address. I’d like to talk to you about a product I’d like to share with you and see if you want to review?
Thanks!
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