Wander Space Sunday

Last Sunday, I returned to The Wander Space to look around for inspo and of course, to shop!

It’s impossible to feel sad in this place. I mean, the dream catchers simply inspire me to think of good vibes already! 

My first purchase were these 5mm circular knitting needles from stockist String Strand Strung.  

I also got these handmade onyx earrings from Made By KCA (Black + Stars? Totally me).

Lastly, I got this handmade leather slim card case from Raqsified. 

All of my purcheses made me want to immediately embrace my creative side, so I sat down and did some knitting.  

They also have a cafe, which I will patronize next time that I am not already full!

Their dreamy store simply makes me unwind and relax. I will be back for more wandering and shopping soon! 

Father’s Day Food Coma

Yesterday, I celebrated Father’s Day with my family at Amici Technohub. Since my parents value their privacy, I do not involve them with my blog. So let me just share with you some photos I took from our food coma lunch. 

Technohub is home to ducks! They live along the stream which surrounds the property. 

It was fun to chase them around while waiting for our orders. 

We had pizza margherita...

 ...and I had creamy truffle rigatoni. The pizza is our go-to order there, while the pasta was a new dish. It was delicious! I will definitely order it again. 

I finished my lunch with cookies and cream gelato. 

Father’s day 2018 was a laid-back celebration for my family. Here’s hoping that next year, we will be blessed to have another celebration that’s worth blogging about. 

Knit, Nom, Now

I am a firm believer in rising above challenges through action. Lately, I have been dealing with some personal matters which I have already resolved. To celebrate these small wins, I went to Human Nature to transact orders and to have a cup of coffee. 

I am a Human Nature dealer, so if you would like to buy affordable yet high quality natural products, you may order from my online shop!

I used my Knitting Expedition tiyargo bag  to carry all my purchases. I also took another photo because it amuses me how much the social enterprise brands I support complement each other with ease and style.  The coffee beside me in the photo is from Cafe Lugud, my Ifugao bangles are from Natalya Lagdameo, my T’boli bangles are from Nawa, and the location was of course the Human Nature flagship store! All of these brands are social enterprises, so they do not just look good- they also commit to doing good as well 

After shopping, I went to the new Rodic’s branch along Maginhawa with air conditioning! I had tapsilog while knitting. 

After wrapping up all my errands, I bought my dad his favorite yema cake. 

And later that night, I finally finished knitting my first beanie. I knitted it using the magic loop technique. It was also my first time to knit in the round! This is definitely proof that I am willing to learn- and from YouTube, at that!

I am overjoyed with my small wins, and I also feel accomplished to have knitted a beanie! I am truly determined to overcome each challenge with positivity, optimism, and action. Here’s to more small wins and lessons learned along the way!

Prayer and Hope

Yesterday, I had a meeting in Ortigas. I knitted while waiting for it to commence, and as always, knitting was able to give me a sense of purpose and calmness. 

It turned out to be a productive morning filled with promising opportunities! Before proceeding to the rest of my day’s agenda, I dropped by Padre Pio’s relic and statue at St. Francis of Assisi Parish to give thanks. I also prayed for wisdom in discernment and guidance as I embark on changes in my life. 

I had the creamy cheesy penne, donut, and coffee combo from Mister Donut. It was a delicious and comforting lunch on a rainy day. I recommend that you try this combo as well, not just on rainy days! The pasta was indeed cheesy and creamy. And their donuts and coffee are always on point. 

I wrapped up all my tasks for the day and had dinner at Breakfast Bin. I opted for my go-to meal there: the toasted naked longganisa, with a runny fried egg, talangka brown rice, and spiced vinegar. 

I hope that you will never be afraid of exploring opportunities! Prayer works, and it helps in thinking things through. Meanwhile, knitting keeps my mind sharp with every stitch. 

And as always, food nourishes me and warms my soul.  

May you have a great weekend ahead, friends! 

Prayer in Action

I never get tired of visiting my usual churches for prayer and reflection. It gives me me a sense of peace and fulfillment to go to places of worship, so whenever my schedule permits, I always drop by my favorites. 

My first was St. Clare Monastery.  

My second one was St. Jude. 

I wrapped up my prayer tour with a visit to Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey inside San Beda University. 

I hope you will also find the places that restore your faith and inspire you to pray. God bless you!

Crafting Potential

Yesterday, I bought yarns from one of my go-to handmade shops, The Craft Central. I did not have any particular project in mind. I simply wanted the colors I got and filled my basket. 

I do believe in surrounding myself with things that fill my heart with joy. Knitting using yarns in colors that I like makes me giddy, and it helps clear my mind. 

I also believe in shopping small and independent, that is why I frequent craft shops, indie businesses, and local brands. The yarns I bought yesterday were from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and just like The Craft Central, it fulfills all three aforementioned qualities. 

Simply put, having a handmade lifestyle makes me smile!

If you would like to learn a craft of two, here are the upcoming workshops at The Craft Central SM North Edsa:

I hope that you will also find your craft, and enjoy shopping for supplies every now and then! It is good for your soul. 

Stormy-Day Friendship

We all have friends who are there for us not just in happy times, but also during difficult moments. Transitions are challenging because they have a feel of tentativeness. Right now, I am going through one, and my high school BFF Luti is here with me to make me realize things and help me dissect all the issues I have to process at the moment. 

To say that I am lucky to have her at the moment is an understatement. And yesterday, even if it was raining hard, she met up with me to catch-up.  

Before dinner, I was able to buy notions frm String Strand Strung at The Wander Space, a travel-themed shop and cafe which I have previously featured in this blog. Indeed, I do stay loyal to indie shops which sell handmade and local goodies. If they stock craft supplies, then that is a definite winner in my book. 

After shopping, we proceeded to Malingap Central. 

I had delicious roast beef from Alfred’s...

...and Mangga at Suman gelato from Manila Creamery. 

It was lovely to catch-up up with my besty, but we had to cut our dinner short due to the rain. 

I made myself a cuppa and carried on with my knitting by the time I got home.  

I hope that you will also find your stormy-day friend who will literally accompany you in the middle of a thunderstorm- and provide you with the eureka breakthrough you never knew you needed. 

Technology, Jobs, and Knitting

I just finished knitting a blue-and-pink scarf which I have been working on during a particularly difficult time with a friend. I have previously shared that it was painful to complete it because I remembered talking to this person, whom I have trusted through the years. Now that circumstances have been unfavorable with this individual due to variables beyond my control, I have decided to move on by stitching it to completion. Seeing it done was bittersweet, because it was tangible proof that I am resilient enough to complete tasks even if the story behind it was an unhappy one. Nevertheless, knitting it was a process that started with a sad conversation, and ended with the realization that I am stronger than I think I am.

Having said that, I began knitting another scarf yesterday, using new needles and a Sweet Roll branded variegated yarn. It was thrilling to begin again, so to speak, with new notions and the determination to move on. While knitting this new project, I have also listened to the Technology and Jobs podcast produced by the Asian Development Bank, or the ADB.

It is a four-episode podcast series which tackled the future of work in the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is ironic that I was listening to the series while knitting, which is a handmade craft that takes time, effort, and dedication. While I am doing this as a hobby, I am aware of how technology is rapidly changing work today, both for better, and for worse.

Screenshot from ADB’s Soundcloud page, as hyperlinked above.

I have learned key insights from this series, such as the need for companies to ensure that technology will not replace human labor, the importance of continuous training in skills, and the message for BPO employees to enter the outsourcing industry, but not stay there for long. As a former BPO employee, I am grateful for half-a-decade’s worth of training and work experience. However, I am also glad to have exited before I felt the burnout due to the repetitive nature of my role. Now that I am looking for a job in the corporate sector, I am constantly training and enriching myself through reading, listening to podcasts, and attending seminars and conferences.

Knitting has also helped me grasp the importance of handmade crafts. While a machine may replace a pair of knitting needles, it could never replace the skill of working hands. There is love and dedication that is poured out to every hand-knitted project. The same goes with technology and jobs.

As a jobseeker, I blog everyday to share my thoughts on relevant topics and self-improvement. I maximize the technology available to me to update my website, speakoutsam.com. I use the internet to communicate with my peers and to coordinate with individuals who are capable of organizing learning events and opportunities. Still, the ideas are all my own. Technology merely helps me get my message out into the world.

As I continue knitting, job seeking, reading, and listening to podcasts, I hope that I will be able to stay relevant and up-to-date with today’s trends and opportunities. May the paradox of my handmade lifestyle and digital blogging encourage you to also pursuit your passions and to always be yourself! Because at the end of the day, what makes us human is something that technology will never, ever be able to replace. 

Signed Inspo

Yesterday was a rainy one, so I decided to stay at home. I worked out, carried on with my reading, and listened to classical music.

Imagine my surprise when I finally received the print copy of The Crime Circle by Yeyet Soriano, a novel which I have reviewed a few weeks ago here on my blog. I won the digital raffle for the participants of the said novel’s blog tour, and I was lucky to be one of the winners.

I was glad that the book came with freebies which enhanced my appreciation for the book. The postcards and bookmarks feature haunting illustrations and quotes from the novel.  

I can’t wait to reread it, because we all know that the print edition is always the best reading experience for a seasoned bookworm. 

Like most avid bibliophiles, it is especially thrilling to have my books signed by the authors themselves. I do consider Yeyet as one of my friends, so the personal message is more than appreciated. It is especially empowering to receive  motivating words from a strong and talented author!

I am lucky to be part of the local writing and reading community which has enabled me to appreciate our local culture better through novels written by Filipino authors. I am also happy to be a part of more blog tours for upcoming novels! If you want to have the same reading experience, check out Yeyet Soriano’s novels and continue following me here on my blog! The Filipino reader and writer deserves more love, and there is no better time to begin the journey to reading local than now.

Rainy Day Knitting

I always knew that living the handmade lifestyle will be beneficial in the long run. Yesterday was no exception. I was stuck at home due to the rain, so I finished the novel I was reading. When I realized that I needed a short break from books, I picked up my knitting needles and continued working on the scarf I began a fortnight ago. 

This project was actually painful to finish. I was knitting this scarf while having a particularly difficult conversation with a friend, and yes, it helped me calm down. Knitting does that to me- it eases me through pain and helps me clear my mind. Picking my needles up again was my cue to carry on with life. For every stitch, I become a stronger version of myself. Just like the scarves I make, I become warmer and more resilient because I was made to withstand tough times. 

I look forward to knitting, going back to reading, and yes, living a handmade lifestyle during this rainy season and beyond. Life may throw some challenges along my way, but I was built to handle them with a couple of needles and a bunch of books. I hope that you will also find your own handmade lifestyle, so that you will see the difference it can make! 

Cut and Concert

Yesterday, I had my pixie trimmed at another salon that I go to every now and then. One of the ways that I care for my mental health is through getting a monthly haircut. There is something powerful and soul-reviving about a few snips that could define my features. Since having a pixie almost two years ago, I noticed that it has given me no choice but to embrace my face- flaws and all. I don’t have a long curtain of hair to hide from. Also, it’s a pretty good foundation for the things that define my style, like earrings and lipstick. 

The whole process of having my hair shampooed... 

...cut, blow-dried... 

...and styled, has an enormous effect on my self-esteem and mood. If I could handle the monthly task of maintaining my personal hairstyle, then I can certainly manage a routine that will help me grow as a person.  

Another way that I care for myself is by treating myself to concerts every now and then. From intimate bar or museum shows to stadium performances, it has always been a part of my life to enjoy live music. Last night, I watched Iisa, the much-awaited concert of 3D (Danao, Dancel and Dumas) at the Kia Theatre. 

There is something empowering about watching a concert on my own. If I can handle the feels without anyone else with me, then I can certainly move on and learn from the past through songs and memorable lyrics. 

I ate dessert first...

...and later had a burrito in between performances. 

The whole concert was an emotional journey, as the artists (especially Ebe Dancel) sang songs which have already become the soundtrack of my life. I left the concert happier and more alive, as I was able to listen to music which have touched my soul at some point in time. 

I take care of myself, by indulging myself in haircuts, food, and concerts, because I want to be carry on with life as a happier individual. I do not believe in standing still, as I am more keen on doing things that will have an impact on my life so that I could pass it on to others. It’s helpful to have a routine, like a monthly haircut. It’s also fantastic to have a treat every now and then, like a concert with all the feels. I deserve to be human, and I hope that you will also find what speaks to you so that you can share it to others as well.  

Early Start

Lately, I’ve been having trouble sleeping and waking up early. I’m normally a morning person, but the past few months have been challenging work-wise, as well as on the personal level. I have switched-up my workout schedule to the evening, and it has messed-up with my body clock. I have been waking up at 10am during the past few weeks, and it has been frustrating. I have been wanting for my schedule to go back to normal.  

I’ve tried lavender oil, soothing music, reading... but nothing has worked.  

Until I woke up bright and early this morning! 

It was totally unexpected, as I even worked out last night. I also woke up to a rainy morning, but I was ready to exercise and burn some calories. I was not in the mood to go back to sleep. I was awake enough to slay.  

Working out early in the morning, eating breakfast with an afterburn, and downing a couple of cups of arabica was refreshing. I finally feel like myself after weeks of waking up before noon and adjusting my day to the unusual routine. I am unsure of what triggered this return to normalcy, but I guess it was because I finally wanted it badly.  I hope that I will wake up again early tomorrow so that I can do some cardio and banish all the bad vibes away. 

Pressed Coffee Life

The past few days have been challenging for me, as I have been dealing with some personal matters. Good thing, I have friends who are here to hold my hand through every challenge. 

One of them is Karel, who is my high school friend! We had brunch at my usual Breakfast Bin, where we both had toasted naked longganisa.  

We continued catching-up at Papa Diddi’s for some ice cream and coffee.  

I had purple love (ube) and jackfruit ice cream...

 ...and of course, Sagada pressed coffee!

Life gives us challenges so that we could think out of the box. Friends like Karel are simply there to help us laughs through the pain. Laughter helps, because it keeps us grounded and hopeful for better days to come. Delicious food will always be therapeutic. And just like my life right now, pressed coffee is amazing because of the pressure applied to bring out its flavor.

I’d like to think that my life is simply brewing a more flavorful future for me, and that an awakening is just around the corner. 

All I have to do is to trust the process, and do my best.  

Ardent Prayer in Time of Trial

I did this brush lettering of the prayer found on my bookmark while it was raining hard last night. It was a calming exercise. I thought of sharing this with you all here, in case you also need a prayer in time of trial. Godbless you!

Classic Cinema Posters

I enjoyed viewing the exhibit on Vic Delotavo’s movie posters for Philippine cinema. His works for the eighties and nineties have been iconic, and they have been executed without photoshop or filters. 

The Vargas Museum was the ideal venue for the said exhibit. The natural light brought these posters back to life, and as a cinema enthusiast at a time of digital film and photo editing, I felt as if I was brought back in time. 

I may be unfamiliar with most of the films in the exhibit, but the overall design was enjoyable. 

Posters like this one for Impaktita set the tone for the film, and in those days before social media, they served as key promotional materials for movies. 

Since I am celebrating the tenth year anniversary of my university graduation today, I posed by this poster for The Graduates. 

I also got to view a beautiful exhibit on Batanes and its Ivatan culture. 

There was no better way for me to celebrate ten years of being a college graduate than to visit a nearby museum to appreciate classic film posters and the people of one of my favorite provinces, Batanes. I hope that I can explore more museums, watch more films, and travel more in the future. For now, I am enjoying life, and blogging about it, one day at a time. 

Pancakes and Prayers

It’s not always easy to stay positive during tough times. Recently, I faced an incident wherein I had to question the sincerity of people I trusted the most. It was difficult, but I had to carry on with life.

One of the things that I looked forward to was rewarding myself after a workout, and yesterday, I finally gave in and tried the pancake waffle set (P160) at Breakfast Bin.  

Those would have to be the best pancakes I have ever had! They were fluffy, not to sweet, and filling. They were not airy at all, unlike fast-food pancakes. They are the real deal.  

I also dropped by St. Clare to give thanks and to pray for my intentions. 

I also bought my favorite dirty ice cream sandwich from the vendor near UP Sunken Garden. I love the dirty ice cream there because it is avocado-flavored!

Then, I dropped by the hospital for my blood test. I am praying for great results!

My last stop was the hospital chapel. I may not be able to control everything, but I can move forward and be healed.  

May God provide me with the strength to face each new day and the wisdom to learn from my recent challenges. 

Skin Dare

​Yesterday, I paid my dermatologist a visit. I wouldn’t say that I was thrilled to be back for an acne treatment, but I am happy that my last visit for the said purpose was last year. I am fortunate that my skin is definitely improving with skin care products from both my dermatologist’s clinic (Flawless acne toner) and Human Nature’s acne defense line. 

Going for my skin care treatments make me feel more confident with my imperfections. Here I am with a pimple patch on my chin and a bare face from the clinic.  I am lucky to have access to affordable skin care and medical treatments. I think the next step is to own my imperfections and rock them everyday. 

Being confident is not easy, but it starts with what I have. I have a face than I am happy to bare even after a treatment. I keep on smiling even when times are rough. I move on from pain but I learn from my mistakes. 

At the end of the day, confidence is showing up no matter what, and controlling my reactions even to things beyond my control.  

So what if I occasionally have acne? It’s normal, and it’s treatable. I have skin care products that manage that, and keep me fresh. If you also suffer from acne or any skin condition, please don’t despair! There are dermatologists who can help you, and products that could ease your way into recovery. We are more than the skin we are in. Use your skills to propel yourself forward, while taking care of yourself.

Dare to be confident today! 

PAWS Pet Cafe Sunday

Yesterday, I got to spend another afternoon with dogs at the the PAWS Pet Cafe, a pop-up fundraising event at Vertis North. Donations are welcome in cash and in kind! For every P200 donation, you will be able to spend forty-five minutes with PAWS Doctor Dogs, who are trained to be sociable around fellow animals and humans alike. In fact, these Doctor Docs visit hospitals and schools to provide cheer and happy vibes. 

I was able to spend time with Storm... 

...and Bailey, who thinks that he’s a lapdog!  

While the Doctor Dogs are not adoptable as they already have furever homes, PAWS still has animals in ther shelter who are in need of foster or furever homes. Please consider adopting, fostering, donating, or volunteering! There is definitely a way that you could help the dogs and cats at the PAWS shelter.  

The PAWS Pet Cafe will run from Fridays to Sundays, 1-9PM, all weekends of June and July! Please consider donating and spending your precious time with their doctor dogs. Better yet, I hope that you will also adopt a pet instead of buying one from a breeder.  

Have a great week ahead, everyone! 

Knitting Expedition Starter Pack

I have previously shared with you about Knitting Expedition, a social enterprise that employs mothers from Banaue to knit toys, home decor, and now, bags! Their first bag, the Tiyargo (which means summer in Ifugao), was originally meant to be a beach or market tote. Since I am a city girl at heart, I have reinterpreted it as a carry-all, and yesterday, I brought it with me to Human Nature. 

The bag was chic and sturdy enough to house all of my purchases for the month of June. 

It can also stand on its own and hold its shape. For a multitasker, it’s quite a looker too. 

It also matches all my outfits, whether I am shopping in casual clothes, or hauling daily essentials on a work day. The possibilities seem endless for this bag, especially when its owner plans to carry it to opportunities along the way. 

If you also want your own Tiyargo bag, you may check out Knitting Expedition‘s social media pages, such as their well-curated Instagram account. Their website contains their catalog and online store. Do support this business, where every item has been knitted with love. Who knows, it might also encourage you to visit Banaue someday, just as I did!

Brush Lettering and Dinner with Friends

I finally got to update my brush lettering supplies with this haul from The Craft Central. I got a journal insert for my TN, a pack of black brush pens, and a practice workbook. 

I tried them all at The Craft Central Cafe and it was worth every penny! 

I had the good tapa from the cafe and it was good! My friend also told me that the chicken picatta was also delicious. 

Their latte was also to die for. 

It was a happy night with my friends in a crafty cafe! I hope to enjoy this again soon.