Palm Sunday

It’s a different kind of Holy Week for me this year as my dad battles a terminal illness. We may not be able to celebrate it out of town as a family, but I’m grateful that we still have each other. 

I celebrated Palm Sunday with mass at the Pink Sisters Convent. The priest asked us to what we can change in ourselves in order to be more like Christ. I resolve to have a favor mindset moving forward in order to expect blessings and welcome more opportunities into my life. 

May this be a season not just of gratitude, but also of new beginnings. 

NKTI Lenten Pilgrimage 2019

I joined the NKTI (National Kidney and Transplant Institute) Lenten Pilgrimage last April 13, 2019 to three churches in Pampanga. I was lucky to have a free day to explore these churches and spiritually nourish myself in time for Holy Week. 

I started my day with some crochet in the tour bus.  

Our first stop was the Lahar Church dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes at Cabetican, Bacolor, Pampanga. The church was submerged in lahar during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 90’s. 

I got to eat street food like scramble and buko sherbet before our mass and recollection. 

Our second stop was St. James the Apostle Church at Betis, Guagua, Pampanga. 

We were able to stopover for food and drinks at Guagua’s town plaza. I was to find a Rizal monument there!

Our last stop was the St. Augustine Parish, an adobe church with historical significance at Lubao, Pampanga. 

Before going home, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin.  

I am grateful for the opportunity to pray, tour, and worship with the men and women of NKTI at Pampanga. I am inspired to remain steadfast in faith as I carry on with life, and it is my hope that I can share this faith with others through this blog, and social media. 

May you have a blessed Holy Week ahead! 

Stitch and Sponsor

There are simple ways for me to truly feel blessed. One of them is child sponsorship. I have been sponsoring this girl’s education for twelve years now. It feels amazing that I get to change one life’s trajectory, even in my own small way. 

I also feel blessed whenever I knit. I am thankful for the yarn that I turn into scarves, such as this chunky cowl that I made while attending meetings and focus group discussions this past week. I keep my hands busy by knitting while showing up to discussions that not only sustain me, but also enrich my life. 

When I keep myself going and thriving, I feel as if I can embrace my true self after all and conquer each day with a gratitude mindset.  

By stitching and sponsoring, I get to share my blessings and skill while living my best life. It is up to me to continue doing so, and these two passions inspire me to continue working and simply showing up everyday. 

Squad Goals

I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe last Wednesday night to hug my doggo friends. It’s no secret that I’m going through a lot with my dad’s terminal illness, and I find that being with dogs keeps my spirits up. 

It’s important that I have my happy place to go to whenever life gets too much to handle. It just so happened that mine has dogs and a lot of love. 

I’ll be back soon! 

Summer Donation

Yesterday, I had brunch at Bon Appetea, a new all-day breakfast place at my local park. They serve milk tea, pasta, breakfast rice meals, and coffee. 

I had their Spanish sardines rice bowl with brewed coffee. It was delicious!

Then, I went to my local Red Cross chapter to donate blood. 

Donating blood is free, and it empowers me as it enables me to help save lives. To donate blood, please go to your local Red Cross chapter or hospital blood bank. Every blood donor is a hero!

I ended my morning with a selfie with the Rizal Monument at the Quezon City Hall. I’m a huge Rizal fan, and this made me giddy as it was my first time to see the statue up close. 

We had to rush my father to the hospital very early yesterday morning, so I needed a heavy brunch for a successful blood donation. I also had meetings yesterday, so my blood donation provided me with much-needed good vibes in order to be professional. 

Sharing our blessings can lead to good karma in all aspects of our lives. Donate blood, volunteer, or spend time with the needy. Summer is meant to spread sunshine with those who need it most.  

Everyday Hero

Yesterday, I treated my helper again to lunch. It was a holiday in the Philippines (Day of Valor), and it was just fitting to share a meal with the person who makes life easier for me and my family. She is our everyday hero, and I’m grateful that she’s in our lives. 

I also had coffee with her at Starbucks because I found out that she’s never had a frappe in her entire life. It’s remarkable to share firsts with friends, and I’m happy to have been privileged to buy coffee for my helper. 

Let’s continue celebrating our daily heroes who never cease to simplify our lives. 

Mabuhay po kayo! 

Film to Faith

Yesterday, I watched Jino to Mari, a Filipino indie film directed by Joselito Altarejos. It tackled poverty as a social context and the extreme choices that have to be made in order to make ends meet. Angela Cortez delivered the performance of a lifetime in this film, as she played a young mother who had to shoot a pornography film for her family. It was a heartbreaking movie that reminded me to count my blessings and appreciate the opportunities that I have. 

The movie saddened me (which was good, since that was what the director hopefully intends), so I ate the bulgogi beef rice bowl at 8Bowls Asian Kitchen. It was delicious and great value for Php99!

Later, I went to St. Clare to give thanks, pray for my intentions, and offer eggs. 

I enjoy watching indie films because they give me a glimpse of reality that commercial films don’t usually portray. Coupled with affordable but delicious food and a dash of prayer, I know that I can pursue the opportunities that are within my reach to escape the undesirable circumstances in my own life. All I have to do is act on my goals, and keep on pursuing the things that inspire me to dream.  

Sunday Recoupment

This week has been pretty intense. I survived a traumatic job interview with a company who misleads their applicants. I was lucky that I trusted my instincts and left. 

I also got into a violent incident in the train, which didn’t stop me from attending a seminar at AIM.  

These incidents made me feel tired, so I ordered Japanese food to keep my spirits up. I had the omu curry rice at Kimono Ken, which is a restaurant that I’ve been frequenting since my uni days. I had a delicious lunch and I will definitely be back!

I capped off my lunch with my usual Assam milk tea at Serenitea. 

It’s easy to bounce back from setbacks as long as I learn from them in order to prevent them from happening again. In this case, I learned to research thoroughly on the companies I apply for, continue to trust my instincts, and maintain my composure whenever I am attacked in public. I believe I was able to do so as I was offered a seat on the train by a kind gentleman. 

Here’s to more lessons, foodie adventures, and milk tea! 

Furry Kisses

Self-care remains to be my top priority. Amidst all the challenges that my family and I are currently facing, I find time to take a step back. I take short coffee breaks to see the bigger picture and work on my personal goals. 

One of my go-to rituals is visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I am already a regular in both of their branches. Since I was in Quezon City yesterday, I visited their SM North Towers cafe to have a cuppa with my furry friends.  

Milo the Yorkie was especially clingy to me yesterday. Of course, I also spent time with my favorite doggo, Ella the black chiweenie.  

Hugging dogs and receiving kisses from them can be therapeutic, and this dog cafe reminds me that life can be better as long as I continue to seek for my bliss. 

Purposeful Lunch

Yesterday, I ate lunch with my helper at a restaurant near home. We ordered simple brunch fare with cuppa for me and some bottomless iced tea for her. We enjoyed our meal as it was a change of scenery and I believe that the simplest moments are made memorable with delicious food. 

People ask me why I often go out with my helper. She’s part of the family and she gets to eat whatever we are blessed to enjoy. I am privileged to have extra time and resources to share with my helper. It also builds trust and keeps me updated with her life. 

Please treat your helpers like family. Spend time with them, and take them out for a meal or two. You will get loyalty and sincere concern in return.  

Meet and Watch

Yesterday, I had meetings at both Megamall and BGC. To save time and energy, I opted to take the MRT and BGC bus. It saved me heaps of time, and I still felt relaxed by the time I arrived at BGC. 

Both meetings were productive, but I was especially proud of myself during the BGC meeting because I was able to share more insights about this blog and how it influences me to curate my lifestyle on-the-go. Usually, it’s the other way around, but my previous experiences give me the creativity to explore more and make the most out of life. Sharing my life here on my humble home on the interwebs pushes me to live more with less. 

I had sizzling burger steak with egg at the food court for dinner. This was my favorite lunch during my Miriam grade school days, so I eat this whenever I can for nostalgia.  

Lastly, I watched Pansamantagal at Cinema Centenario. It was a funny movie on living life as if it were your last and not minding other people’s opinions. I highly recommend it!

Life is too short. Make the most out of your time here on earth. Share what motivates you to inspire others. And watch movies with a heart. We are only here pansamantagal (for the meantime).

UP Therapy

Yesterday, I had early dinner with my best friend Luti. I was feeling the stress from my violent incident at the MRT, so I was glad that she was able to make time for me. 

But first, I had binatog   (boiled white corn with desiccated coconut and cheese) from a street vendor. It was the best appetizer!

Luti and I chose Steakfix at Maginhawa, where we both got the Hawaiian chicken steak. 

I got the chicken plate with two sidings: mucha rice and cheesy mushroom omelette. It was delicious!

For our nightcap, we had milk tea at Nomu. I got the jasmine green tea with pearls, and it was so good!

We all need friends, food, and milk tea after a long day. Thank God I have my best friend and the best food trip options close to home!

Family Business Approach

Yesterday, I encountered a lady in the MRT who was forcing me to give her space. Since there wasn’t any space anymore inside the train, I fought for my place in the packed car. When we arrived at Cubao station, she violently pushed me just as passengers were leaving the train. I fell on the guys who were seated before I hit the floor. I was in shock, but luckily, I didn’t sustain any injuries and I didn’t lose anything.  

I made it AIM in Makati in one piece!  

I was able to attend the invitation-only Developing and Growing the Business Family Segment Forum. 

It was amusing to see my middle name on my nameplate instead of my surname. I guess the intern mistyped my name! 

My key takeaway for this forum is that risk management is an important part of assessing the family business. By capitalizing on areas with potential for earnings and managing risks, businesses built by families can survive financial and personal obstacles. There is a science behind developing family businesses, and it’s more than just ensuring that its members are having harmonious relationships. Because as it was discussed in the forum, harmony does not equate to unity. 

Rainbow Scarf

I knitted this rainbow scarf while attending conferences, at a coworking space, at a focus group discussion, and while reading books and listening to music at home. I am fond of unplugging from social media from time to time and just allow myself to knit. The handmade pastime keeps me busy as I process my thoughts on work, the challenges I am facing, and everything in between. 

I am straight, but I respect people of all genders. It is my hope that by knitting this rainbow scarf, I can continue embracing diversity and the colorful future that awaits me.  

The joy that knitting gives me is priceless. Having a hobby that keeps your hands busy will reward you with a better attention span, the best sparks of brilliance (I’ve experienced having creative ideas while knitting and crocheting!), and a renewed appreciation for the simplicity of handmade. 

I hope that you will also discover the joys of knitting or any handmade hobby soon! 

UP Day to Night

I may not be from UP Diliman, but I frequent the vast campus to do some brisk walking, watch indie films at the Film Center, eat street food and tapsilog, and unwind after a long day. I am drawn to the smple details that most people overlook, such as beautiful sidewalk flowers, the lights at night, and the trees that keep the campus green and lush. 

I am thankful to live close to this urban sanctuary. It is my hope that I will have more chances to enjoy the priceless experience of simply being with trees, comfort food, and fresh air. 

Escolta Walk

I spent March 30th (Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday) with a special walking tour of Escolta, Manila. Together with my helper, Racquel, I explored what was once the country’s premier business and retail district with a DIY photo walk. 

Our first stop was the Sta. Cruz Parish, which welcomes the faithful to the historical district. 

Then, it was time to visit heritage buildings and appreciate fine architectural details. 

The Regina Building and First United Building are just two of the remaining (and well-maintained) heritage buildings in the area. The latter has become particularly popular with millennials as it houses a community museum, coworking space, a cafe, bar, barbershop, indie boutiques, and offices. 

It is an intersection of our cultural origins and adaptive reuse. 

The First United Building has just turned ninety years old. 

The building hosts several events such as parties and gigs on nights and weekends.  

The community museum features the restored office of the late Sy Lian Teng, who was the building’s late owner.  

It is a testament to the man’s resilience and enduring business acumen which has influenced the building’s and Escolta’s trajectory.  

With today’s gigantic malls, it is mind boggling that our retail behavior has been largely influenced by Escolta and the building’s very own Berg’s Department Store. It sold the finest RTW for women, which at that time was a modern innovation in Southeast Asia (most women still had made-to-order clothes at that time).

The 1950’s refrigerator still works today! It is used during events in the building. 

The building has beautiful details which are rarely seen on today’s more practical structures.  

I also checked out my college friend Daniela Calumba’s store at the building’s ground floor. Her eponymous handmade jewelry and organic line of toiletries have been making waves for their handmade production process. 

I got an amulet from her partner Alaala Sala’s line of vintage accessories. 

The space is collectively known as HUB | Make:Lab.  

The place is a retail haven for objects that will delight the vintage connoisseur.  

There are stamps too from all over the world. 

As a history geek and vintage enthusiast, this building was a treasure trove for me!

We continued our walk to other parts of Escolta. 

My grandfather, who is an accountant, used to have an office at the Madrigal Building. 

We took a detour to Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world. 

We cooled down with some excellent milk tea at 80 Memories Tofu House.  

We also dropped by Binondo Church to pray for our intentions and to give thanks.  

I was fascinated with the lost graves of Bindondo, where the city’s original Chinese elite were interred. 

We also went to the Calvo Building, which houses the Escolta Museum. It is also the original site of the GMA Network. 

We made one final stop before going home. The Manila Post Office, which I have toured earlier this year, continues to remind passersby that history is everywhere, and that it can literally connect us all together. 

Escolta was once known as the Queen of Streets. With its enduring beauty and continuous significance, it remains to be an important part of our country’s rich culture. It is also a reminder for us to innovate and rise above the wars that destroy us. 

Like Escolta, we must never forget who we really are. 

Refilling Hearts

Yesterday, I attended the launch of the refilling station for home care products at the Human Nature flagship store. I was eager to witness this important milestone for our company. 

In case you missed it, I sell Human Nature products through my online store! Please support me while also helping the communities that are assisted with livelihood and skills training by the company. Every purchase counts as you switch to natural personal and home care products!

As always, every Human Nature event is an opportunity to catch up with fellow dealers turned friends, such as Kristel.  

I joined some games to get the party started. We were asked what we will do if we were given Php1M, and we told the crowd that we will train communities to create livelihood opportunities and multiply that impact across the country, similar to what Human Nature is already doing. We can even theoretically collaborate with them!

Of course, the event is not all fun and games. The environment urgently needs our help in conserving finite resources and living sustainably, that’s why I brought my helper Racquel with me. It is important that my staff also knows about this cause, and that she sees firsthand how this advocacy is translated into a practical solution, such as our new refilling station. It also matters to me that she witnesses what I do for a living (while I also work freelance and search for corporate employment). It is my hope that she lives more sustainably as well after hearing the speeches on that day. 

I saw more friends in the Core Advocate group, which is comprised of long-time dealers who have taken time to take the advocacy through the next level. Maque and Lei have been with me during a community breakfast with the flagship store’s neighbors last year, and we have also joined a community immersion at the GK Enchanted Farm last February.  

We had our fill of coffee and pastries as we witnessed this milestone. 

Megs and Ate Rhea have become my friends through the years. They are sone of the reasons why Human Nature continues to grow. 

Ate Yla has been managing the flagship store and has turned it into a powerhouse of social enterprise. She has also become a dear friend. 

Here we are with our president Anna Meloto-Wilk, who empowered us all with a heartfelt speech on saving Mother Nature in our own little way and still selling quality natural products. Her own journey into sustainability in her own home (as a wife and mum of six kids) and in her job was not easy, but it  eventually became a conscious choice.

I am so proud of Human Nature, and I am honored to be one its core advocates who share the goodness with each sale. 

I hope that you, dear reader, will continue to support me and my Human Nature online store! Our company continues to change lives and lead by example in the industry.

Here’s to more years of sustainability and success!

Rafe x Bench 2019

Yesterday was a beautiful one for a fashion show! I went to Day 1 of the Bench Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019 presentation at Bench Tower to see the trends of the season.  

It was a proud moment for me as well because my designer friend Rafe New York designed a special collab with Bench, just in time for the summer. 

His collection is marked by bold colors and gumamela prints which are perfect for day-to-night styling. 

His clothes also have an androgynous feel, and they also look and feel timeless. 

I am happy that Rafe continues to make a stylish impact in the Philippines, and the world. His designs are wearable but still stunning. I can’t wait to see how his new collection will translate to everyday wear. 

I had a fun time watching the show and buying key pieces from the collection for me and my family. 

It was a treat to see local celebrities on the runway! Gabbi Garcia was stunning in Rafe’s clothes. 

Kisses Delavin made the gumamela print preppy. 

Juliana Gomez was a refreshing presence with her cool swagger. 

I couldn’t be happier with the casual vibe of the collab!  

It was also a treat to meet social media fashion icon Lolandrogynous in the audience. 

And I got to have a photo with local sweetheart Kim Chiu. 

It was an unforgettable night, and I love Rafe’s inimitable talent. 

Here’s to more style stories to come!

Common Ground

Last March 28, I got to witness the opening of Common Ground , a ceramic art collaboration of Israel and the Philippines. It was held at the UP College of Fine Arts (UPCFA). 

It was my first time at the beautiful new building of the UPCFA. It was the perfect venue to showcase the exhibit, which was the culmination of a week-long partnership between noted Israeli ceramic artist Roy Maayan and the UPCFA students. The college is planning to institute a multi-disciplinary Ceramic Arts Program as a new minor in the future, and this collaboration is in line with that vision. 

The Embassy of Israel has been a cultural partner of the UPCFA, and this collaboration has not only benefited the students and the artist himself, but also the public at large. The exhibit is just the beginning of a visual conversation between the Israel and the Philippines through ceramic arts. 

Jezzel Wee, one of the artists in the exhibit, hosted the event and brought a youthful vibe to the evening. 

Dean Leonardo C. Rosete welcomed everyone by saying that ceramics are “vessels of cultural exchange”. The masterclasses and open studio which was shared by the guest artist and the students has created an environment where art could be created and cultural ties could be strengthened.  

To continue with the theme of cultural exchange, the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Rafael Harpaz has mentioned in his speech that he made ceramics as a child. His early exposure to the arts has led him to seek “culture as the highest form of satisfaction” amidst his hectic schedule and diplomatic career. He cited as an example of his visits to local tourist attractions and the simple joy of eating halo-halo in the Philippines as his introductions to our local flavors. 

Later during the evening, I chatted with him about his early interest in ceramics. He said that while he no longer practices it, he is still appreciates the art. He is happy to continue the long-standing partnership between the Embassy of Israel and the UPCFA to bridge our common cultures and inspire the future of Philippine art.  

The UP President, Danilo L. Concepcion (second from left), has also spoken during the event. He said that since assuming his presidency, he has declared that each new building in all UP campuses should have an artwork. He mentioned that the education of artists is important for our culture, and that international art collaborations is essential for the university. He thanked the Embassy of Israel and Roy Maayan for their efforts in enriching the UPCFA with this endeavor. 

The UP Kontra-GaPi performed lively musical numbers during the intermission. 

Lastly, Roy Maayan himself said in his message that he was happy to witness firsthand the talents and skills of the UPCFA artists during their masterclasses and activities. As an Israeli “Clay Ambassador”, he shares his rich expertise to students and artists around the world. He mentioned that he has found friends amongst the Filipinos he has worked with during this collaboration. I witnessed this first-hand as the warmth between the artist and the students was present. 

Finally, it was time to open the exhibit! 

Roy Maayan has used the Tembel hat, an Israeli bowl-shaped cloth hat as his cultural “base” for his works in this exhibit. 

He mentioned that he combined tuff, a volcanic rock found his his country to be combined with some of the tembel hats, like the two bottom hats in this photo. He said that tuff and clay both share common processes of firing in order to form hard objects, and this is something that he highlights whenever he goes around as a clay ambassador. Every culture has something worth exchanging and elevating into art!

Another Israeli element which Roy Maayan has used as a base for the exhibit is the matka. It is a wooden paddle which the UPCFA students has embellished with local elements, making it entirely their own.  

My personal favorite was “Hangover” by Blessi Bariuan, because it spoke to me about overcoming a night of drinking and paddling through to carry on the next day. 

Roy Maayan has given the students the freedom to inject local elements, while also contributing his own matkas with natural and earthy themes to showcase the commonality between all cultures: we are all made of the earth, and we can all collaborate together. 

The mix of students, faculty, the diplomatic community, the media, and art enthusiasts like myself has made the evening a memorable and fun exchange between two rich cultures. 

I was able to meet new friends from the Embassy of Israel, appreciate beautiful works of art made by an established Israeli clay ambassador and emerging Filipino artists, and witness the friendship formed over clay and culture. I am thankful that there are events that showcase the commonality that we all share in order to enrich our own respective experiences and perspectives. The future of art lies in collaboration, as the world is becoming more connected by globalization and social media. It is up to us to personalize the art that we make and share the art that we appreciate to make the world a better place to live in. 

Jude x Camillus

Yesterday, I went to Mendiola after working at The Study Workspace.  

St. Camillus’ heart relic was at St. Jude for one day only. I took advantage of this chance to venerate the relic and pray for St. Camillus’ intercession. I had my terminally-ill father in mind, my best friend Luti (whose rheumatoid arthritis is in remission), my friend who is graduating this June, my family, and of course, myself, as I endure the challenges of jobhunting and freelance work. 

Then, I proceeded to the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat to continue praying. 

The abbey is one of my go-to places for silence and reflection.  

Faith for me is an unceasing journey. I am amazed with how it is still strong amidst all the rejections and negativity. Prayer helps in reinforcing my faith, and it keeps me going. I am optimistic that I can be strong enough to carry on with each new day.