Gender Month Forum at the ADB

Yesterday was a remarkable opportunity to learn more on woman empowerment. I was fortunate to be part of the Gender Month Forum at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) featuring former UNDP Administrator and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. 

Representing my blog never fails to make me giddy. 

I began my day with a hearty breakfast at the ADB cafeteria. 

I had tawilis, garlic rice, and scrambled eggs. 

Then, I proceeded to the library to hang out before the event.  

I ordered a cuppa... 

...and knitted! 

Before I knew it, it was conference time. 

I posed for my traditional ADB photo. 

I also spotted my grade school friend Dani in the audience. 

Ms. Clark imparted nuggets of wisdom on women empowerment. My key takeaway is that women should lean in and do everything they can to get access to education, positions in the workforce, professional and special interest networks, healthcare, childcare, reproductive health, and more. Women should work together to progress, rather than stop fighting for their rights. They should also involve men in their fight for gender equality. It is crucial to let men know that everyone should have equal rights, as we are all human. 

After the forum, I had the famous ADB crinkles which never disappoint. 

I went back to Starbucks for a roast chicken and vegetables bistro box and an americano. Also, I continued knitting. 

It is always amazing to witness women leaders and Ms. Clark is an epitome of female empowerment. I am thankful for this opportunity from the ADB, and I hope that there will be more chances to learn from leaders in their esteemed organization. 

Knitting x Tapsilog x Ice Cream

Yesterday was another fun day of knitting, shopping, and eating! I began with tapsilog brunch at Rodic’s. 

After my hearty meal, I dropped by Hey Kessy to buy yarns. 

I then proceeded to Manila Creamery for dessert. I chose the carrot cake gelato. 

It was delicious!

I had coffee and continued knitting...

...then I picked up one of my new yarns to crochet... 

 ...this white beret inspired by Meghan Markle’s style!

I enjoyed being creative while eating and buying new yarns. I hope to have more food trips to inspire me to make more, whether it is through knitting, crocheting, or even art journaling!

Snood for My Mom

Yesterday, I watched a movie starring Pia Wurtzbach. My Perfect You was funny and entertaining. It was also memorable because it’s the first movie that I knitted along to. 

Yes, I brought my needles and yarn with me and I knitted inside the cinema!  

I continued knitting while eating dinner at Breakfast Bin.

Before I knew it, I already finished this snood for my mom. She has an upcoming trip to a cold destination, so the bulky yarn I used for this snood will keep her warm. 

The snood can be used as a cowl wrap and a hood for rainy days. 

It can also jazz up any outfit! 

Knitting this for my mom was fun. It was also a treat to knit inside the movie house, but I wouldn’t  do that with finer yarn.  

My knitting memories are piling up, and I like it that way! Here’s to more knitting memories with yummy yarn and delicious food. 

Knitting x Aglio Olio

Yesterday, I attended the birthday lunch of one of my uncles. He celebrated it at Amici. I brought along my knitting with me and played with my needles as I enjoyed my aglio olio pasta.  

For dessert, I had their coffee mudslide gelato and americano. It was a winning combination! 

It was fun to knit while catching-up with family. Knitting while chatting was a chill activity. I look forward to bringing my knitting with me to more social events! 

Rediscovering Crochet

I began my day with a Vietnamese brunch at Pho Hoa. I had the chili shrimps rice meal, with coffee (not pictured). I enjoyed my delicious meal and I was even able to squeeze in some knitting on the side. 

I also rediscovered crochet, which I taught to myself when I was in college using a book I bought in the US. I recently reoriented myself with the basics through YouTube, and I must say that I was happy to crochet again as I finished an oversized cowl. 

I chose a milk cotton blend yarn in clay. 

The cowl matches most of my clothes, and is perfect for air conditioned venues. 

I also crocheted a headband and water bottle cozy using scrap yarn from my Banaue Knitting Adventure. 

I was delightful to decorate my Starbucks water bottle with colorful yarn!

There is quiet joy in crafting, and these days, you will either see me knitting or crocheting, with a cup of coffee waiting for me in between stitches. I hope that you will also find a hobby that will fulfill you and allow your mind to drift away. For now, I will get back to my needles and continue creating!

Relaxing with Knitting

I am enjoying freestyle knitting. I realized that my initial yarn and needle stash was not enough, so I bought more yarns and a new pair of 5mm needles from Gantsilyo Guru. 

I immediately tried knitting one of my new yarns, and I brought it with me to the spa. I knitted while waiting for my turn...

 ...and I continued knitting while having my Thai foot massage! I chose the recliner beside the lamp, so I was able to knit. 

This tabletop yarn is a joy to work with. I simply cannot get enough of the color transition.  

Here’s to more relaxing moments while knitting!

Hope in a Necklace

I bought a new necklace for myself. My love for jewelry is quite obvious based on my frequent purchases, but I am now a conscious consumer. I focus on bling that is handmade, bought from a social enterprise, and is local. 

Good thing Tayo Collective has a minimalist necklace collection that suits all of the above criteria. Their gold-filled necklaces are classy, barely-there, and ideal for layering with other jewelry. Each piece is crafted by a woman rescued from the sex trade. 

As a woman and a fan of handmade jewelry, I find this cause amazing and transformative. And since their necklaces are sold through social enterprise collective Things That Matter, it was easy and convenient for me to make that purchase. 

I received my necklace via same-day delivery, and I was thrilled with how pretty and minimalist it is. I feel strongest after a workout, so here I was wearing it after an hour of cardio. It is empowering to wear the creation of another empowered woman. This will definitely be a conversation starter, and a wardrobe staple that will remind me that beautiful things happen if I will yearn for those that matter. 

Knitting Brunch

This morning and afternoon was a fun one. I began the day with a workout on my stationary bike. 

I worked out while knitting and reading!

I ate my favorite A.M. steak bowl at KFC.  

I also brisk-walked a bit at UP. It was there that I met up with my high school friend Luti for some church time at Pink Sisters and lunch.  

I am glad that my friend also likes serene spaces such as this one.  

We ate lunch at Breakfast Bin, where I had my usual toasted naked longganisa.  

It was delicious, as always.  

We then proceeded to SGD for coffee. Their SGD black never disappoints. It is also one of my preferred knitting spaces. 

It was fun to catch-up over prayer, food, coffee, and knitting with my friend. Looking forward to more happy Saturdays!

I Knitted An Infinity Scarf!

I have been knitting an infinity scarf for the past few days. I brought my needles and yarn with me to coffee, lunch, dinner, the mall, and even to bed. 

Knitting has been a relaxing process, and I prefer freestyle knitting because I do not want to depend on patterns. I want knitting to be a fluid and zen experience to clear my mind and encourage thought processing. 

I finished my infinity scarf this morning, and I can say that it was a rewarding experience. I used yarn which is ideal for our tropical climate. I intend to use it while hanging out in air-conditioned locations. 

True to form, I chose a neutral color combination which will work with any outfit. I am happy to finish something tangible using the skill I acquired from my Banaue Knitting Adventure.  

I intend to continue knitting because it makes me happy! Scarves will always be in style, so I think I will make more in my free time. For now, I look forward to casting on new yarn on my needles and beginning again. 

Black Coffee and Knitting

Yesterday was a laid back time for knitting. I stayed at SGD Coffee for my favorite SGD black. It was the perfect drink for some freestyle knitting. 

I love their full-bodied coffee and unpretentious ambience. They also have fast internet connection! 

I attempted to read while knitting too.  

After my solo coffee x knitting time, I met my Banaue Knitting Adventure tour mate-turned-friend Tricia (and her husband Cholo!) over coffee and pie at Pi Breakfast and Pies. I got the smash pie and brewed coffee. 

It was their yema pie and it was delicious! It was also lovely to catch-up with Tricia while knitting. 

I look forward to more afternoons for crafting, bonding with friends, and amazing coffee! 

Pixie Ramen Monster

Yesterday, I dropped by my derma for my usual treatment. While waiting for her assistant to prep me, I knitted on the bed. It was relaxing, and it also made me happy!

After my check-up, I proceeded to the salon for my pixie update for March. 

I knitted some more while having coffee, then I met my BFF for sizzling ramen at Kureji. 

I had the sizzling shoyu ramen. It was delicious and flavorful. The sizzling stoneware kept the broth hot and tasty as my BFF and I updated each other on our lives. 

We had coffee afterwards, and I knitted while we talked. It was comforting, and knitting helps me focus better. 

It was a fun day, and an insightful evening. Here’s to more ramen, knitting, and cups of coffee.  

Beer and Knitting

I recently took up freestyle knitting, and yesterday, I brought my yarn and needles to Cibo. I ordered beer and truffle pasta. While waiting for my lunch, I knitted mindlessly, as I mindfully processed my thoughts. 

I was lost in my thoughts when my pasta was brought to my table. Knitting has become my therapy because I get to think, reflect, and relax. It is also a convenient craft to take with me wherever I need to be.  

My truffle pasta and beer lunch was superb!

After lunch, I went to The Craft Central to purchase a couple more yarns and a pack of stitch markers. 

They also had this crafting nook that they use for workshops. Since the shop did not have anything planned for that day, I knitted on their table while listening to their Ed Sheeran playlist. 

That was a quietly fun day. I look forward to knitting in more places. 

Bless This Yarn

I learned how to knit during my recent Knitting Adventure at Uhaj, Banaue. I learned the basics and I prefer to work without a pattern.

By working as I go, knitting has become a meditative experience. It has done wonders to clear my mind and process the right thoughts. It is totally aligned with my goal to live life with mindfulness!

I purchased new yarns and a smaller set of knitting needles which are perfect for my small hands. I then proceeded to knit, and I enjoyed it! I ended up knitting for almost twelve hours yesterday.  

I am happy with my new hobby this year. I hope you will also discover a new craft that will bring you joy! 

Art Fair 2018

Art Fair Philippines is one of my favorite annual events because I am guaranteed to see works that will inspire me. This year, I visited the fair on a Friday to avoid the weekend crowd. 

I started my day with a delicious breakfast sandwich and a double-double. I was fascinated with the knit design of Tim Hortons’ cup, as it reminded me of my recent Knitting Adventure at Banaue. 

I also had some quiet time at Greenbelt Chapel. 

Before I knew it, the fair was already open for the day!

Allow me to share with you the pieces which have caught my eye. 

This cute K9 will guard the works of art!

Sublime piece by my college classmate Maxine Syjuco. 

Meeting THE Kidlat Tahimik was the highlight of my visit. He is known as the Father of Philippine Cinema. Here was his imposing work. 

I also attended a special screening of Kidlat Tahimik’s films at the roofdeck. 

I then proceeded to LTD All-Day Dining for lunch and coffee. 

I had a delicious chorizo pasta, sansrival and cappuccino. 

I had a wonderful day at the fair and I am definitely inspired to infuse whimsy and design into the everyday. 

Living Architecture Guided Tour and Talk

Last Wednesday, I joined the Living Architecture guided tour and talk on Gaudi at the UP Vargas Museum. I was curious to know how these structures integrate nature into their designs and how people keep them alive. 

I was happy to see a mix of students, professionals, and art enthusiasts. 

It was an engaging tour, where I learned that architects design structures to be living by integrating the natural environment and allow people to use it in a flowing manner. An example of which are buildings that utilize green energy, contain markets and food halls, and combine cultural centers with public spaces like skater parks amidst an arresting natural landscape. 

We then proceeded to a talk on Gaudi and his groundbreaking work, the Sagrada Familia.  

The speaker, Architect Choie Funk, discussed Gaudi’s natural influences and how she has applied them in the design elements found all-throughout his work. 

My key takeaway from this experience is that “design solves problems”, as Ms. Funk explained to us. If we can use our knowledge in design to tackle issues not just in our personal lives but in our society and environment, then the world will be a better place.

Design and structures live on as we make use of them and integrate them into our routines. I look forward to letting nature influence me more as I go about my day-to-day life. And of course, I will keep on applying design thinking to solve problems with a dose of empathy. 

Calado Earrings

I have always been a supporter of locally-made items, handmade businesses, and social enterprises. 

These three factors all make up Calado, a heritage jewelry brand owned by Tricia Ancheta. I met her during my Banaue trip, and I was fascinated with her handmade earrings once I viewed them online. Her merchandise are handmade by plateros or silversmiths in Dauis, Bohol. These craftspeople have inherited the art of jewelry-making from their ancestors, who learned the skill during the Spanish regime. 

The jewelry are all made of sterling silver, with the option of having them dipped in 24k. Since my style leans toward edgy and minimalist, Tricia personally helped me select the pair which would suit my taste. Her suggestion, the Mirasol spiral hoop earrings in sterling silver, was perfect and I bought them with no regrets. 

I love the premium packaging and classy presentation of my purchase. 

My Mirasol hoops looks even better in person! Check out the intricate detail, which is a trademark of Dauis jewelry-making. 

My favorite thing about Calado earrings is that they are lightweight! Tricia wanted to present a brand of earrings that she could comfortably wear (and buy, as the prices are reasonable for the amazing quality of the pieces). 

The story of Calado is included inside their jewelry boxes. 

I am delighted to own a pair of Calado earrings and I hope that more ladies will discover this local, handmade, and social-enterprise-made brand! I will rock these earrings in my everyday life and fancier events. 

The earrings make me feel beautiful and classy! 

Manila Creamery

After my awesome meal from Quixote, I bought dessert from Manila Creamery, which was also located inside Malingap Central. 

I’ve been hearing good things about this brand, so I decided to give it a try.  

There were so many unique flavors to choose from. 

I gave in to the Quatro Leches Cake. I paid Php120 for a single scoop. 

IT WAS DELICIOUS!

The flavors didn’t outdo each other, and yes, there was enough cake to make this ice cream a chewy, unforgettable delight.  

I will be back, Manila Creamery!

Quixote Paella

Last Monday, I had lunch at Quixote, which is owned by Cholo and Tricia Ancheta. I met this lovely couple during my Banaue trip, and when I found out that they have a Spanish kitchen near my house, I knew I had to try it out!

It is conveniently located inside Malingap Central Food Hall, am air-conditioned food park with parking and clean restrooms. Those factors alone were enough for me to try it out!

Their affordable menu features Spanish’s favorites. I went for their paella x salpicao combo for only Php340. I chose the carne paella because I’m really carnivorous and hungry! 

I had no regrets with my order as it was good for one person. There was also great service, and a hip playlist!

The paella and salpicao were both delicious and filling! It was great value for money and the food was one of the best I have tried in the Maginhawa neighborhood. 

Presentation was also excellent! I paid for a quality, delicious Spanish meal that looks as good as it tastes. 

I put the salpicao on top of my paella and it was awesome. 

Congratulations Cholo and Tricia! I had a delicious meal. I will be back! 

Zapateria

Last Saturday, I was fortunate to attend the community launch of my friend Unyx Sta. Ana’s co-creation lab Zapateria. It is located in the heart of Marikina. Her dad, Rico Sta. Ana, is one of the city’s distinguished shoe designers. Here, he is shown cutting the ribbon and formally opening this wonderful space for makers. 

Unyx was a grade school friend, so naturally I was able to reunite with ladies from my Miriam College Grade School life. Here, I am with Erika Bolante, the interior designer of Zapateria. 

Erika designed the space, including this shoe chandelier.  

It was a fine touch to showcase local leather...

...And to showcase shoe designs from the 80’s and 90’s.  

I also caught up with Anj, another grade school friend. We share the same birthday and we were born at the same hospital!

Various aspects of shoemaking, as well as sample shoe designs, adorn the space. 

My friends and I proceeded to eat lunch. The bacon-wrapped bananas were so good! 

Also met up with Gianina and her husband Carlo. 

It was also thrilling to get a photograph with Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, who happens to be related to Unyx. 

Finally, a photo with Unyx and the rest of my grade school girls!

I had an amazing afternoon! It was great to see my friends again and of course, it was fulfilling to see Unyx and her dad open a promising co-creation space for the Marikina shoemaking industry.  

Congratulations Unyx and Zapateria! 

Big Bad Wolf

Last Thursday, I was fortunate to have the time and opportunity to attend the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair. I went there during lunch time, so I was able to buy food from the catering booth within the premises. After a hearty meal, I was energized to hunt for books to add to my collection. 

Despite having attended several book fairs in the past, I was still overwhelmed with the volume of books available at the fair. 

The price points were pocket-friendly! 

I was tempted to hoard, but I intentionally did not get a cart so I could avoid doing so. Instead, I decided to buy one from every genre in mind.  

That did not stop me though from perusing aisle after aisle of beautiful books!

As always, it was heartwarming to see many Filipinos buy books in fairs like this one.  

There was a short queue to the cashiers.  

This handwritten sign caught my attention. So true!

In the end, I paid for five books. One from art, self-help, adult coloring books, food, and fiction. 

I spend Php1,250 for five books. Not bad at all! I celebrated this with a latte (not pictured) and a butterscotch blonde from Where’s Marcel. 

If Big Bad Wolf will return to Manila, I will definitely be back! It was a fun, value-for-money experience. Here’s to more books and unforgettable reading-related events!