Colourfully Hooked

I finally finished the colorful cowl I was crocheting in shell stitch! It was fun to work with this variegated yarn I got from VC Trading. Of course, I couldn’t resist crocheting with my handmade plushies, Tubbs and Ella!

I worked through this cowl during my birthday, as I was resigning from my previous job, and as I was transitioning back to freelance life. It was quite a journey. 

I look forward to giving this as a present to someone who’s celebrating her birthday soon. 

It is also noteworthy that I now crochet with ease as I have recenly had glasses made for my astigmatism. I hope that the condition will be corrected by next year. In the meantime, I will crochet, knit, and blog as I wear my stylish specs- and live a purposeful life!

Child Sponsorship Goals

Yesterday, I received the annual progress report of my World Vision sponsored child. My girl is now fifteen years old and is very active in her community’s activities. They have livelihood and values seminars which train her to be a better individual. She is also enjoying school, and is excelling in reading and writing. 

I am very proud of my girl and I am confident that World Vision is supporting her development and education. As her sponsor, I feel motivated to continue providing for her learning opportunities. I a inspired to work hard to continue being her sponsor. I hope that as she progresses, I also improve and never stop learning!

To learn more on child sponsorship, click here.  

Fit and Faithful

I usually spend my mornings working out at my local park. The other day, I chose to have breakfast at Tropical Hut, where I had their omelette and coffee. 

For lunch, I went to Pancake House for their corned beef hash and rice.  

I had some time in between commitments, so I was able to swing by St. Clare Monastery for some prayer and thanksgiving.  

I was also able to try Maxi Mango’s famous mango float from Davao. I was lucky enough to catch their pop-up at Trinoma. The long lines were worth it! It was a delicious dessert, and I really hope that they will have a permanent spot in Manila someday.  

I wrapped up my day with dinner and a belated birthday gift from a family friend. 

I stick to my fitness, food, and faith routine because it works for me. It also provides balance to my life, now that I am working freelance and blogging on the side. I am looking for a permanent job too, and it helps to align my goals as I follow a working routine. Here’s to better opportunities to come as I carry on with my daily schedule! 

Food Fight

Lately, I’ve been working out like crazy. I’ve been combining Zumba with cardio exercises throughout the day. It is only fitting that I nourish myself with the right food, such as this delicious adobo flakes kare-kare from Figaro. 

I also had lemonade and coffee to keep me awake for a day of working and burning calories.  

For dessert, I had this choco banana ice cream crepe from Crazy Crepes. So good!

Before going home, I got to have my glasses for astigmatism adjusted to better fit my face.  

Life isn’t always easy, but with the right workouts and nourishment, we will have a more balanced existence. Here’s to having it all without compromising our values, one day at a time. 

Sunday with Ella!

Last Sunday, I got to spend time with Ella and the other dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. It was another afternoon of yummy milk tea, cuddles, and kisses. I look forward to more laidback moments with these furry friends who never fail to uplift my mood!

August Coffee with Diane

Yesterday, I was able to visit my friend Diane’s final resting place. But first, I went to my local park for Zumba and breakfast. 

I brought my pass for next month’s Manila International Book Fair with me. Diane used to accompany me to previous book fairs when she was still alive. She is always on my mind whenever I visit anything book-related. 

I miss my friend, but I know that she is happy with my determination to thrive and carry on. I will be just fine.  

Zumba Saturday

Yesterday, I defied the rain and worked out at my local park. It was fun to burn calories while thinking of my agenda for the weekend. 

Afterwards, I grabbed breakfast to-go from Jollibee. Their breakfast burger steak is my favorite among their morning selections, and it is delicious with coffee. 

Rewarding myself after a rainy-day workout is a must. I have to focus on my fitness goals, but I also have to nourish myself so that I could keep going. Don’t forget to eat right and keep on moving, so that you will also attain your own fitness goals. 

Warmth in my Heart

Last night, I tried dining at the newly-opened cafe near my house. I had chicken arroz caldo and breads for takeaway. I sat down to savor the warm broth of the porridge, and I felt warmth in my heart. The simple recipe of my dinner, and the knowledge that the cafe is a social enterprise, brought happiness to my soul. 

I enjoyed my dinner, and I will definitely be back to have more meals for a cause!

Thursday Learning

Yesterday, I managed to keep my cool amidst the traffic from Quezon City to Makati. I opted to ride the P2P so that I could relax and nap on the road. 

Before I knew it, I was already in Makati for the Birla Breakfast Forum.  

I enjoyed learning from the family behind Palawan Pawnshop. It was interesting to know that the five children currently run the business, and they still prefer to spend their free time together.  

The Asian Institute of Management never fails to fascinate me as there is always a fabulous learning experience every time I’m there. 

For lunch, I opted to have Indian food at Glorietta.  

I ordered this delicious chicken tikka masala.  

I had a lovely day at a conference and of course, a yummy Indian meal. I am thankful that I get invited to events that enable me to interact with business leaders and listen to insightful talks. I look forward to more conferences and seminars to spark my creativity! 

Simple Hump Day

Yesterday, I started my day with my usual workout at the park.  

I had breakfast and coffee afterwards.

Then, I went to the mall for some retail therapy. 

I bought lipsticks from Sunnies Face for me and my mom. 

I queued up for it.

By the time it was my turn, I already knew shades I would purchase. While waiting for my payment to settle, I appreciated the store’s interiors. I especially liked the pink floor. 

Actually, almost the entire store was pink and cream!

I later watched Crazy Rich Asians. I enjoyed it so

much! 

I always get giddy whenever I see anything The Little Mermaid. In this case, I saw this children’s book at a secondhand bookstore. I remember having a similar one when I was a kid. 

I dropped by Sta. Clara since I was already in the area. I prayed for a better future and I gave thanks for all the blessings I have been receiving so far. 

Before I knew it, it was time to claim my Sunnies Specs. 

I chose this cool cateye pair called Harlow. 

I wrapped up my day with Rodic’s tapsilog...

...and delicious Turkish ice cream! 

I enjoyed my hump day and I look forward to more relaxing days that make all the hard work worth it. 

Crochet and Coffee

I’ve been crocheting, eating, and sipping coffee for the past few days. It has been a relaxing routine to balance my workouts.  

This was Breakfast Bin’s adobo with egg and talangka rice. 

For dessert, I had Papa Diddis’ cheese and coffee ice cream. 

And yesterday’s lunch was at UCC. I had their famous rice casserole with curry hamburg. 

I capped off my meal with my usual kori kohi. 

Living simply does not mean that I have to have a boring life. I still enjoy the food that I crave for and I manage to carry on with my handmade lifestyle. I believe that the secret to my resilience is that I know what my priorities are. For as long as I have good food and yarn to work with, I know that I will have joy in my life. I hope that you will also find yours! 

Doggo Hugs at 32

I capped off my birthday week with waffles and bacon! (P.S. Those white streaks on my hair are from my wax! They’re not gray hair!) 

And of course, doggo hugs!

Barkin Blends will always be my happy place, and it was only fitting that I celebrated my birthday there. I am thirty-two, but these dogs keep me forever young! Here’s to more cuddles with the creatures who give me licks, smiles, and kisses! 

Sam the Dragon

My alma mater, UA&P, had its Grand Alumni Homecoming the other night. I had to be there as I had happy memories there both as a student and as an employee. It was also a great time to catch-up with friends! I had a fabulous time and I will surely be back.

Lunch with Choi

My birthday celebration continued the other day  as I had lunch with my cousin Choi at CoCo Ichibanya and Scout’s Honor. It was a lovely afternoon of good eats and hearty laughter! I am thankful for priceless moments with family, and I hope that next time, we will have more happy stories to share with each other. 

I Melted My Heart

Yesterday, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and aligue. It was perfect with a book and coffee. 

I was still hungry after finishing my meal, so I had this hot chocolate stirrer for dessert. 

It was a delicious drink, I must say! The chocolate melted after ten minutes of stirring. It resulted to a full-bodied chocolate experience.  

My early morning, post-workout feels melted along with this hot chocolate. I will definitely have it again at Breakfast Bin, which has already become my happy place along Maginhawa. I look forward to more simple breakfasts and moments along my favorite foodie street in my city!

Chewy Beginnings

The past week has been challenging for me, but I am still here! I didn’t die, and I am still able to crochet, blog, and have fun!

I had a relaxing lunch at Scout’s Honor yesterday with my family. I had their pesto mealballs rice bowl. It was delicious! 

I also had their Americano and make-your-own cookie. Mine had a chewy base with dark chocolate, cream cheese, and Chocnut.  

My visit to any restaurant won’t be complete without a powder room break. Their washroom did not disappoint! 

I am digging their millennial pink walls and various frames. 

I had a lovely lunch, and I am so inspired to begin again. Here’s to more lunches and possibilities!

Millennial Pink Reimagined

Yesterday, I went to the Pink Sisters convent to pray and give thanks for 32 years of life!

Then, I watched Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WiFi. It was a beautiful film! Sue Ramirez was fantastic.  

I had this fabulous shawarma rice from Persian Avenue and lemonade from Muscle Beach. 

Before I knew it, it was time for my appointment at my derma. 

After my treatment, I went to St. Clare for more prayers.  

And I also went to St. Jude to pray for a better job opportunity.  

I capped off my visit to Manila with some Yakult lemon tea.  

And I had a windy selfie next to CEU’s pink wall.  

I started my day with the Pink Sisters and ended my day with a pink selfie. I am a millennial with priorities, and that includes self-care and prayer. I hope to keep it up as I look for better opportunities and possibilities!

Yarn and Possibilities

I was greeted by these balls of yarn when I got home from work the other night. These were my purchases from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and I was able to get them using my birthday discount as a funATTIC cardholder. I even got the multicolor mandala yarn cake (the one with the card on it) for free, as a gift from the owner. To say that I am thrilled is an understatement!

I also got to watch Bela Padilla’s new film The Day After Valentine’s yesterday. I enjoyed it because it featured baybayin and Paper Moon Cafe, which is one of my favorite dessert places. The story is also heartbreaking. Do check it out in cinemas everywhere!

The thing about yarn and film is that there is always the promise of possibilities about them. Yarn is used to knit and crochet beautiful scarves and wearables. Movies help us see reality in a better light through cinematic imagery. I am grateful for these mediums that allow me to experience creativity firsthand. I know that for as long as I have yarn on my needles and hooks, I can make things better. And while there are movies to watch, I can be inspired to live a more meaningful life.  

Here’s to more possibilities, with every stitch and scene in between.  

Stability Eats

Yesterday, I experienced driving through really strong rains. By the time I parked my car, I was starving! I decided to eat breakfast at Jollibee while waiting for the P2P bus to take me to Ortigas. 

I enjoyed my “stopover” meal of breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

I also bought hot calamansi juice to sip while inside the P2P bus.  

I got some work done in the morning, then I went to UA&P to check out the new caf inside MPC.  

I had chicken siomai with java rice.  

And I also had my favorite Chillers fresh avocado shake!  

For early dinner, I checked out Ça Va at Podium. It’s a newly opened creperie and floral atelier. 

I invited Anne, the lady behind 11*11 Handmade  to join me! I really enjoyed catching up with her over good food and coffee.

My sriracha meatballs rice bowl was amazing! It went well with my flat white.  

Food is my love language, but I prefer to eat it rather than cook it! I find joy in comfort food and coffee. I know that even when the skies are not blue, I will still be okay for as long as I know what truly makes me happy.  

32!

I turned 32 yesterday! I started my day by crocheting... 

 ...getting work done...

 ...and hearing mass at my alma mater’s beautiful chapel. 

For lunch, I had this chocolate cake and latte from Starbucks.  

I was able to spend lunch time with Karen, my friend from work.  

  I also received a small cake from the office. 

I managed to crochet a bit in school before taking the train back north. 

Then, I had this delicious violet bread for snack. 

And before I knew it, it was time for dinner with my family and friends at Botejyu!

I had an amazing day and it was fabulous to spend it with the people I love and the food I enjoy. Here’s to more beautiful memories as I embark on my 32nd year of life!