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Calligraphy by Pauline Ibarra

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Calligraphy & Wax Sealing Workshop with Café Mary Grace

June 10, 2026

In a world that rarely hits the pause button, finding a moment to slow down and join a cursive calligraphy workshop is a gentle gift to oneself. That was exactly what we did at the inaugural The Art of Slow workshop series, hosted in partnership with Café Mary Grace at their Parqal Aseana branch.

It was an honor to collaborate with a brand that embodies the comfort and goodness of home. Together, we designed an intimate afternoon dedicated to mindful creativity, heartfelt letter writing, and the nostalgic ritual of wax sealing.

Unlike rigid, traditional calligraphy classes that focus heavily on strict rules, this session was all about mindful cursive calligraphy. The goal wasn’t about perfection. It was about enjoying the process and discovering a personal, unhurried rhythm.

Seeing the participants thoroughly enjoying calligraphy (with most of them doing it for the first time!) was incredibly rewarding.

Mid-way through our writing session, Café Mary Grace treated our participants to a food tasting featuring their latest menu.

While the participants captured content and enjoyed the highly Instagrammable Parqal branch, we indulged in Café Mary Grace‘s latest menu additions. I was treated to the Toasted Vigan Longganiza Pasta, paired with a refreshing glass of Lemon Basil Soda.

To sweeten the end of our class, we were also served their latest dessert, the Mango Mousse. Chilled, light, and with just the right amount of sweetness, it was such a comforting treat for a warm afternoon.

The heart of the workshop unfolded during the final hour. Putting aside our practice sheets, participants selected premium stationery to write a heartfelt letter. Some chose to write personal notes to their loved ones, while others, a letter to their future selves.

To seal the envelopes, we introduced the art of wax sealing. Watching the wax melt slowly over the flame added an extra layer of comfort to the room. The physical act of pressing a custom brass seal into the warm wax served as a beautiful commitment to the words written inside.

Every single letter written during the workshop was unique, carrying the distinct personality of its creator. I left the Parqal branch feeling really proud of every participant who took a creative pause with us.

Want to explore the beauty of unhurried writing and rediscover the joy of pen meeting paper? Sign up for the newsletter to get first dibs on upcoming calligraphy workshops and intimate studio classes in Manila.

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Hello! I’m Pauline and welcome to the Happy Hands Project! I’m a lettering artist and calligrapher located in Manila, Philippines.
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