PAWS Pet Cafe

Yesterday was the first day of the PAWS Pet Cafe at Ayala Vertis North. It is an amazing experience for everyone to support the charity, and to possibly consider pet adoption as well. 

A purchase of at least P200 worth of dog food, food and drinks from select restaurants in the mall, and cash donation will entitle you to 45-minutes inside the pet cafe. 

Sebastian’s Ice Cream even has a doggos delight dairy-free ice cream for dogs!

I opted for the cash donation and enjoyed my afternoon with the dogs assigned during my stay. 

It was fun and relaxing!

I even fed them with treats. 

With Dr. Dong-dong...

 ...and Dr. Yan-yan!

The PAWS Pet Cafe runs until July 29, 2018, from Fridays to Sundays, 1-9PM at the lobby of Vertis North. Hope you can check it out soon!

St. Jude, San Beda, and Toastbox

Yesterday, I finally tried Habitual Coffee at Vertis North. I was with Luti, and interestingly, their playlist consisted of Pearl Jam’s greatest hits!

Their flat white was right on the money. It was bold and satisfyingly apt for the sunny afternoon, and grunge rock!

Next on our agenda was the novena to St. Jude at the patron’s shrine in Manila, where we were able to pray for our intentions and give thanks. 

Our next stop was the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey inside San Beda University. I love the interiors of this quaint chapel, and it has a charm which is cleverly unexpected from the outside. 

It is still one of my favorite go-to places whenever I need silence and peace for reflection. 

For dinner, I had the blueberry and cream cheese toast with tea at Toastbox. They have closed their Philippine operations yesterday, and they begin operations today under a new name, called Nanyang. It will be a rebranded local version of a kopitiam. 

I definitely had a lovely day with my friend Luti and it was fun to explore churches and have coffee while listening to Pearl Jam. I was also lucky to have Toastbox for one last time. I will treasure today as it was truly meaningful. Hopefully, I can have more days like this. 

Lasagna Foodtrip

Yesterday, my friend Luti and I went to House of Lasagna to satisfy our cravings for their signature pasta dishes. 

We had the lasagna carbonara. It was good, but a little on the sweet side. Very Pinoy.   

Their garlic bread was just right to balance their cheesy lasagnas. 

We also got the beef lasagna. It was yummy and it tasted like childhood.  

It wasn’t the best lasagnas we’ve ever had, but they were good considering the affordable price points.  

Here’s to more food trips with great friends like Luti! 

How I Learned Food Illustration

A year has passed since I took my food illustration workshop with Teacher Jane Gaspar. Back then, I was still actively sketching my meals on my Traveler’s Notebook, and I wanted to hone my craft.

Enter Jane and her skills- she is one of the best food sketchers in the country today, and her Instagram account is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. 

My workshop with her last year was not only fun, it was also inspiring! I am not traditionally talented in art, but Jane somehow made me believe that I can draw my meals and post them online. Anyone who knows me well will not be surprised with this hobby of mine as I am such a foodie. I carried on with drawing, posting, and sharing my food illustrations, which I continue to do today.  

Take this meal I had a few months ago, which I haven’t shared with you yet. This was at Nord’s Bread Hub at SM The Block.  

I had this delicious salted egg and smoked fish pasta...

...and freshly brewed coffee.  

I illustrated my food as follows on my Traveler’s Notebook, using watercolor inserts from another local crafter and illustrator, AireesCreates.  

I still occasionally sketch my food, and it has given me joy. It is my hope that more people will learn this hobby and enjoy it as much as I do. Thus, I am promoting Jane’s Food Illustration workshop next month! 

I can guarantee that you will learn heaps from her, and she will guide you throughout the whole class. She will also continue giving you feedback and support online after the workshop. She has since become my friend and has been supportive of all my endeavours.  

I hope that you will consider attending the workshop. Jane is also open to private workshops and art classes. You may contact her through 09773296777 and jane.u.gaspar@gmail.com. 

Enjoy eating and sketching, friends!

Knitting Along

I am currently waiting for updates from the opportunities I have recently been exploring. While doing so, I have been reading, working out, eating right, listening to music, visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe, filtering my social media accounts (think deleting people whom I do not personally know and interact with), blogging, and of course, knitting. 

 I learned how to knit in Banaue with social enterprise Knitting Expedition. I realized that I work best without a pattern, so I knit scarves which do not require one. Freestyle knitting has brought me immense joy and peace, as it has enabled me to find solace in silence and repetitive stitches. Working with yarn has a calming effect. I have also brought my knitting projects with me, such as in seminars and conferences.

Knitting has also allowed me to meet other people, such as local online and offline sellers of yarns and notions. I have since become a buyer of yarns from Gantsilyo Guru, The Craft Central, and Dreams Yarnshoppe.

Knitting has also become a hobby that I could take alone with me, whether I am visiting family or catching up with my late high school friend Diane. I have even tried knitting while sipping beer and while waiting for my turn the dermatologist’s!

My favorite knitting pairing is definitely with Philippine craft coffee. Knitting while sipping Sagada coffee with my high school bestie at SGD was fun. Their coffee is to-die-for. 

I know that knitting will take me places, and life will surely get better for me. For now, I am taking my yarn and needles with me as I explore opportunities for me to grow, learn, and succeed.  

It is only the beginning. 

Faith and Furbabies

Yesterday, I decided to eat at Breakfast Bin again. I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice. 

For dessert, I had scoops of rural chocolate and purple love (ube!) from Papa Diddi’s. 

I offered eggs and had some religious articles blessed at St. Clare Monastery. 

Then, it was playtime with the furbabies at Barkin Blends Dog Cafe! Ella, my favorite, was busy with other customers, so I spent time with their doggos. 

Here I am with Vader! 

Kaoroo seems to like my bracelet watch. 

With Ella’s son, Chocnut!

With Toffee!

Martha and Forrest!

And lastly, our sleeping angel Loki (he’s tame and nice, promise! This is just his default sleeping face).

I hope that you also have places to go to when you need to renew your faith and catch some furry hugs. For all the days in between, there will always be ice cream. Enjoy life, because it is definitely too short. 

Diane’s 31st

Yesterday, my friend Luti and I remembered our high school Diane. She would have been thirty-one. 

We went to UP Town Center for a food coma worthy of our late friend. She was a foodie as well, so we planned on eating nothing but the best. 

First stop was local favorite The Chocolate Kiss.  

Luti had the taco salad, while I had chicken satay with nasi goreng. Both of our orders were delicious!

We stopped by Biblio, a secondhand bookshop for good measure. Diane loved to read. 

I bought a bamboo toothbrush holder for my toothbrush made of the same material. I also got a pack of world map postcards. I was able to score free Sagada coffee with my purchases. 

Diane would have loved this bookstore, as well as their local coffee.  

Next, we went to Waffable by Rustic Mornings. I got an apple crumble waffle. It was amazing!

Later during the day, we had an early dinner of hotdog and mac n’ cheese at Starr’s. 

Then, we returned to The Chocolate Kiss for cake slices in honor of our birthday girl. 

Luti chose the devil’s food cake, while I had my favorite, dayap chiffon!

Happy birthday Diane!

Lastly, we passed by Diane’s final resting place. 

We all miss our friend. 

We hope that shes in a better place now. 

And someday, we will see her again. 

We hope that Diane likes our simple tribute to her in the form of yummy mains and cakes. It was a food coma to remember, and a celebration that we look forward to observing again next year.  

I hope that you will also make time for your late loved ones, and continue praying for their eternal repose. They are our guardian angels. Let us never forget them.  

#TheCrimeCircle

I am honored to be part of the Blog Tour for Filipino multi-genre author, Yeyet Soriano’s latest novel, The Crime Circle. I received a review copy from the author, and since I have previously read her other works, I already knew that this book will be awesome. 

I was not disappointed, as it was everything I needed during the past week. It helped me relax and get lost in the world of four novellas which told the story of four different crimes.  

Interestingly, the four novellas are released separately, enabling readers to have a dose of crime and mystery the whole year. The first novella, 3B4U, was already relased as an ebook on Amazon last March 24, 2018. 

The Crime Circle print versions are now available in its entirety via the local print order form and the international print order form. 

It follows the journey of David Roces from 90’s fictional rock god to social hermit. The unexplained deaths of his fellow rock musicians have caused him to disappear from public view. It was a fun read because I felt so invested in the story as I am a 90’s rock fan! I felt that Ms. Soriano has truly captured the grit and spirit of that era- and its tendency to be conducive to fan obsessions. 

3B4U is already available online through the local print order form, the international print order form, and via Amazon. 

Lost  follows the story of Zia, an artist who is haunted by childhood traumas. Her mother-figure, Steph, helps her emerge from the shadows to eventually overcome her demons. I enjoyed this novella because I also had some battles to fight in the past (didn’t we all?). It is truly inspiring to follow a female protagonist as she uses art to empower herself. 

Lost will be released as an ebook on Amazon on May 31, 2018. It is already available via the local print order form and the international print order form. 

 Climb was about Pablo, an IT professional/erotic fiction writer/subdivision heist intel broker. Wait, what? If that doesn’t interest you yet, then I don’t know what will! Also, I think anyone who lives in a subdivision will feel the chills as this novella narrates a series of home robberies. You will definitely rethink about who you trust, and how you secure your valuables.

It will be released as an ebook on Amazon on August 2018. It is already available via the local print order form and the international print order form. 

Last but not the least, Breathe was an entertaining read as it followed a fictional Filipino female crime author who writes about her memories of a childhood crime. I am happy to see female protagonists who have unconventional jobs, like crime authors!

It will be released as an ebook on Amazon on October 2018. It is already available via the local print order form and the international print order form.

So pour yourself a cup of coffee, and give your usual novels a break. Give The Crime Circle a chance as it was an engaging read. It will restore your faith in our country too, because while we have so much crime in our society, we also have a lot of goodness around us. Congratulations to Ms. Soriano on another successful novel- and I look forward to reading more from her in the near future. 

World Competitiveness Yearbook Results 2018

Yesterday, I was able to attend the World Competitiveness Yearbook Results conference for this year at the AIM. I am a keen follower of competition in business, and I was eager to learn about the position of the Philippines in the ASEAN region and among the world.

While our country has been performing well these past few years, I have learned these key points from the conference:

1. We need to strengthen our SME’s as this will drive innovation.  

2. We need more master and doctorate graduates in STEM in order to sustain innovation.  

3. We need to educate OFW’s and BPO workers (two of the most productive types of contributors to our economy) on how they could sustain their livelihoods outside of their jobs. This could be done by proper financial education, further academic studies, setting up their own businesses, and even being involved with trade organizations in their field. 

4. We need to learn how to learn, and in order for the Philippines to effectively sustain its competitiveness, we need to learn fast.  

It was an insightful conference, and I am sure that I will be able to apply these lessons as I continue blogging and exploring corporate opportunities. I look forward to attending more conferences and seminars to sharpen the saw and engage with business leaders. 

Gantsilyo Guru

Yesterday, I finally got to visit Gantsilyo Guru’s yarn shop at Pasig City. It is located along Shaw Boulevard, and it is best to search for it via Waze or Google Maps. 

I have already ordered from Gantsilyo Guru online, but being surrounded by her yarns is still better than the virtual store!

I was overwhelmed with her inventory and dreamy store. 

I went there for plastic knitting needles in 6mm, and I was not disappointed as Trey (Gantsilyo Guru herself) has them on-hand. 

Part of my knitting journey is the purchasing of yarns and notions. Being able to visit yarn and craft stores across Manila is thrilling and inspiring. I hope that you will also find a craft to commit to, and while you’re at it, visit stores which sell materials and handmade items. It will truly enrich your life and develop discipline which you never knew you had. 

Here’s to more stitches and yarn options!

Handcrafted you Harl’s

I am happy with my new handbag by Philippine social enterprise Handcrafted by Harl’s. They employ PWD’s to make leather goods by hand (cut, punch, and stitch). They do not have a catalog as they constantly update their on-hand inventory based on the available leather, and they never make the same bag twice as they are fond of using rough or rugged-finish leather. Each bag or wallet has unique markings and scratches which give them a distressed, vintage finish. 

My unlined handbag is perfect for my petite frame. It is roomy enough to hold my daily essentials, but still structured enough to make me look polished. The vintage look is something that will definitely improve with age. 

I was personally assisted by Harl and his wife, Sheila. My ordering process was quick and seamless. They were also helpful with my queries, as they do not have a catalog and I was only referring to the information they provided to make me decide which bag to pick. 

I am happy with my new bag and it is really beautifully made. It matches all my outfits and I can see that it has been designed well. I hope that you will also consider buying a bag from Harl (just message him via Facebook or Instagram) and other social enterprises in the near future! You will be able to empower others while getting something made with so much love. 

Pasta and Yarn

Yesterday, I was able to enjoy knitting while eating delicious Italian food at one of my usual restaurants, Cibo. This time, I tried something I’ve never had before- the penne al’amado with burrata. 

The braised beef beautifully complemented the cheese, resulting in a flavorful meal that brightened up my Monday. 

My red grape shake and coffee made lunch- and knitting- relaxing.  

After finishing my meal, I proceeded to a store I have never been to before: Dreams Yarnshoppe. I was looking forward to it, and I was not disappointed.  

The store had a killer inventory for such a small space! 

Prices were reasonable for the thrifty crafter.  

I ended up with a variegated ball of yarn and a pair of oversized needles to go with it. I also got some extra point protectors.

I was definitely happy, and I carried on with my shopping. I got a 90’s pair of sunnies to update my look.  

It was similar to my old pairs of sunnies during my childhood. I am happy that skinny frames are back because I can be my 90’s self again somehow! 

I am lucky to have been able to enjoy my Monday with delicious food, a memorable retail experience, and some crafting along the way. I hope to discover more stores to inspire me create, write, and explore!

Faith, Food, and Film

Luti and I were able to go to Padre Pio Center at Libis, Quezon City yesterday. She is one of my best friends from high school, and we both had intentions to pray for. 

It was a solemn, quiet place of worship. We did not feel like we were still stuck in the city.  

We were able to do some shopping at the chapel store. I stumbled upon these cookies made of leftover bits of host from Dauis, Bohol. I had to buy a few packs to try at home. 

The center has a spacious chapel where masses are held daily. 

We then proceeded to St. Clare Monastery for more prayers. 

We were also able to have our Padre Pio souvenirs blessed by the sister at the convent.  

A hearty lunch at Breakfast Bin followed our prayerful journey.  

Of course, dessert was obligatory thanks to the scorching summer heat. We both had ice cream at Maginhawa favorite, Papa Diddi’s. I had roasted strawberry and ube this time! 

After our meal, I went to UP Cine Adarna to watch my grade school friend Ida Anita del Mundo’s film K’na the Dreamweaver. 

It was a beautiful love letter to the T’boli people and their rich culture.  

Lake Sebu was stunning onscreen! 

There were several scenes of t’nalak weaving, which was my favorite part about this movie. I love local textiles, so I’m all for promoting the art of weaving on film. 

I was fortunate to be able to spend time to pray, appreciate delicious food, and watch a friend’s film. I also had the chance to do so with my friend Luti. Life is definitely more fun with a little help from our friends- and a lot of faith. 

Puppies, Coffee, and Cinnamon

I had a latte with my favorite dog Ella yesterday as Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. You can expect to see me here on Sundays as it has already become my default happy place. 

It was time for Ella’s nap so I let her snooze on my lap. 

Of course, the cafe also has other dogs! I couldn’t resist having pics taken with the whole gang again. 

After my fluffy adventure, I returned to Lil’ Orbits Mini-Donuts to have their cinnamon dozen. 

It was heavenly! 

If you want to be happy, spend time with dogs and have some mini-donuts! That formula has never failed me. 

Have a great week ahead, friends! 

Human Nature Launch

Yesterday, I attended the magalogue turnover and new product launch at Human Nature, a social enterprise that is close to my heart. The company launched its new anti-dandruff shampoo and reformulated body lotions. They also kicked-off their tenth year anniversary, which is happening this 2018.  

I sell Human Nature products via my online store. Please do support and buy today! The company provides employment to Gawad Kalinga residents and beneficiaries. Plus, the products are affordable and effective. My favorites are the sunflower oil and Radiant Grace moisturizer. 

Of course, a visit to Human Nature is never complete without their free-flowing brewed coffee (on the house!) from social enterprise Cafe Lugud. 

Light snacks were served and this Pinoy pasta was delicious!

I also met Gel of Aurae Natura, a new social enterprise which sells essential oils! Their products look promising, and I love their packaging. 

I continue to be a core advocate for Human Nature because they pay it forward. I have deep respect for a brand that champions the poor and encourages Filipinos to buy local. I hope that you will also buy Human Nature and experience the goodness today!

Thirty-Fun

This was me nine years ago. I was working at my first job in a local bank. I was mighty proud of my desk, my business attire, and PC! But I was not happy about my body. I was not confident even if I was not overweight. I just didn’t feel good about myself. I had no exercise, and I did not watch what I ate. 

Good thing I realized that the secret behind confidence is hard work! I started exercising by doing Zumba and cardio.  

I enjoyed food but I became more selective. Mindful eating became a healthier process since I made each meal count. I ate to live, rather than the other way around. 

I also supported social enterprises to remind me that the things I own matter as well. I use handmade, artisan-made objects to motivate me to live meaningfully and appreciate the littlest details. 

My quest for social enterprises has led me to a trip to Banaue with Knitting Expedition, where I learned basic knitting and met some awesome people.  

I never stopped enjoying food. I just did so in moderation. 

I also continued supporting charities, like World Vision and PAWS.  

While waiting for the right opportunity for me, I attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to sharpen the saw, so to speak.  

Whenever I need good vibes, I visit Barkin Blends Dog Cafe to cuddle with my favorite chiweenie, Ella.  

So now, I am thirty-one and confident! I am happy with the life I have built for myself. I am excited to continue growing, learning, and being. 

I hope you will continue following me as I improve myself! 

Soup and Soul

I have been recently trying to reflect on the important things in my life. It was interesting to review my skills, and it has enabled me to find ways to improve myself. I signed up for seminars, conferences, and workshops to expose myself to industry experts and leaders. I read books, learned to knit, and prayed like it’s no one’s business. 

I also became more selective of the food I eat because I want to make each meal count.

One of my favorite spots for mindful eating can be found in a lot of malls in the metro. Cafe Mary Grace serves a filling version of seafood chowder which always speaks to my soul. It’s a revival in a bowl. I enjoy it with the Mary Grace Tandem, an insanely delicious combo of grilled ensaymada and rich colonial-style hot chocolate. This meal has never failed me, and you have to give it a try.  

You will find your soul and stay for the chocolate. It is truly a win-win situation each time! 

Mini Donuts

One of the perks of exploring the metro is finding unexpected delights. I was surprised to find Mini Donuts during my recent visit to Sta. Lucia Mall. It has been years since I last had these. They were my usual treats at the Glorietta Playground (at the activity center) during the nineties.  

Buying a dozen in 2018 was thrilling! I got mine in cookies and cream sugar.  

It is still so good! 

The flavor was just right and it was not too sweet. It went well with the coffee I purchased elsewhere. It was a tasty trip down memory lane.  

Stumbling upon my childhood favorites can be a 90’s throwback. I am brought back to the days when I would worry about homework, replacing the batteries on my Walkman (which played cassette tapes!), and reading Sweet Valley High.  

These Mini Donuts are a sweet reminder that the good old days were indeed special. I look forward to buying my next dozen over a cup of 2018 coffee! 

Katsu x Strawberry Taho

Yesterday, I had the chicken katsu bento at Yabu. It was refreshing to knit and eat at a place which I have not visited in quite a while. 

I missed grinding their sesame seeds! 

Of course, I also missed their delicious katsu. Quality and taste are still excellent after all these years.  

For dessert, I had strawberry taho from Soy Yummy. It was a yummy treat after running some errands at the bank.  

I like rediscovering trusted old places like Yabu because they do seem to get better as the years go by. Relatively newer places like Soy Yummy are worth trying out as well because you will never know when you will stumble upon a new favorite. Also, it keeps me young and current to try new things! I will definitely eat more fresh offerings this year (in moderation, of course). After all, I workout so I deserve this!

Breakfast and Lemonade

Yesterday’s brunch was this happy plate of bratwurst, beans, eggs, and mashed potatoes from Pancake House. It was called the My Breakfast Medley. It reminded me of an English breakkie, and it was delicious! 

I also had lemonade with Yakult later during the day, and it is already my favorite variant of the drink.  

I got to walk around the mall after mass and I got to spend some time inside The Craft Central. I enjoyed looking around the store, appreciating their planner wall, taking note of their handmade finds, and purchasing some yarn. 

I found this sign on their floor, and I could not resist taking a photo of it. If I could tell a story of how my day went, I would say that I powered through with brunch, some KFC for dinner, a killer lemonade, mass, and some handmade inspo. That should get me through the week with good vibes!