Chinatown Museum

Last January 7, I explored Binondo with my friend Mitzie. We started our day with a visit to the Chinatown Museum. It is conveniently located at the fourth floor of Lucky Chinatown Mall, which is right in front of Binondo Church.

It’s proximity to the center of Chinese Catholicism means that the museum begins with a model of the Binondo Church

Binondo Church replica

Icons of Chinese-Filipino faith welcome guests to the museum

The next gallery was a rich display of trade products which went through Bindondo since the Spanish colonial period.

Chinese trade products are on display at the museum

The Manton de Manila is one of the important trade products during the Galleon Trade

Ceramics are some of the remarkable trade products that passed through Binondo

Spices are abundant in the Philippines and neighboring countries

One of the highlights of the museum is the Alcaiceria, which was the residence and trading post of Chinese transients.

The Alcaiceria, where products such as textiles and other basic needs are sold

Another highlight was the panaderia, which showcased the best of Chinese baking since the colonial period. Examples of their popular bread products are siopao and hopia, which we still enjoy today.

The panaderia shows the best of Chinese baking through the centuries

Other Chinese-Filipino trading products were displayed throughout the museum. Some of these include furniture, rum, cigars, and cigarettes.

A replica Ahtay four-poster bed highlights the exceptional design and style of the renowned furniture-maker

Sungka game

Binondo is the first financial district

Rum is one of the export products of the Chinese-Filipino community to this day

Cigars and cigarettes is one of the historical products from Binondo

The third highlight of the museum is the Esteros de Binondo, where it is shown as an island connected to mainland Manila through bridges. Surrounding it are estuaries or esteros, where trading thrived via cascos.

Cascos transports goods from Binondo to other parts of Manila, and eventually the Philippines

The museum continued to educate us guests with various products and places which made Bindondo the center of trading in the country back in the day.

The Botica shows the different Chinese herbs for sale in Binondo

More wares at the Botica

The author poses with her friend Mitzie at the model tranvia

The tranvia is an early example of public transport in Manila

Chinese cuisine is already part of Filipino culture, and many consider it to be comfort food

The author and Mitzie enjoy a day at Chinatown Museum

I enjoyed my visit, and I would recommend it to everyone! I paid Php150 for my ticket. Students are entitled to a discounted rate of Php100, while senior citizens and PWD guests can enter for Php120.

The museum is operational from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening.

There is a package counter onsite for guests to leave their bags and other bulky belongings.

The museum allows video and still photography, provided that flash is disabled.

For more information, please visit the their website today!

Cuddling Through 2020

I frequently visit Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe because I can’t have a dog of my own. My family is allergic to dogs, so the short-term solution is to hang out at a dog cafe.

My visit last Sunday was a real treat because my favorite dog at Sta. Lucia was at the SM North Towers branch for a limited time.

Piolo the Labrador retriever is my favorite at Sta. Lucia because he was the one who hugged me at the very moment that my father passed away.

The author cuddles to Piolo, the Labrador retriever

I realize that life is too short, and my visits to the dog cafe help me appreciate the beauty of simple moments. Aside from helping me cope with grief and stress, the dogs at Barkin’ Blends have reassured me that loyalty and love still exist in this world.

Thus, I am continuing my coffee with dog visits in 2020!

Piolo is very clingy

My original favorite is Ella the chiweenie, who still continues to hug me whenever I visit the north branch. I always make time for her, even if there are other dogs in the cafe who beg for my attention.

Nothing beats my first doggo love!

The author always hangs out with her favorite dog, Ella the chiweenie

I hope that you will also visit Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at Sta. Lucia Mall or my home base, SM North Towers. They also sell healthy homemade treats for your dogs. For more information, please visit their website.

Happy new year!

2020 Fitness Goals

This year, I do not have grand fitness goals or exercise challenges for myself. Rather, the plan is to stay consistent by working out daily. Yes, every single day.

Consistency is better than out of this world goals or unattainable records. I simply want to continue what I have already started years ago. Exercising daily is key to maintaining a healthy body, mind, and soul. When I am fit, I am able to balance my priorities and also see clearly as far as other aspects of my life are concerned.

Fitness has also enabled me to try new activities with no fear. My love for cardio means that I can walk for miles without breaking a sweat, and continue being a foodie without fear of gaining weight. My confidence has also been reinforced by my daily workouts, as I have no self-doubt on what my body can do and achieve.

I am also aware of my limitations, and I am working on my shortcomings. My workouts keep me focused on what’s important so that I can improve, day by day.

This year, I will continue being my own fitness inspiration. The goal is to burn calories daily and be better than who I was yesterday, so that I can continue enjoying the present which will lead to a brighter and more stable future.

Manilakad

Yesterday, I joined the Manilakad walking tour. The experience covers Quiapo, Intramuros, and Binondo. Our tour guide, JP Ordono, has grown an organic following on Facebook based on his popular tours around Manila. His fast-paced walking tours have been known to be engaging and entertaining, and it certainly did not disappoint!

According to JP, “the objective of this tour is to prove that Manila is a safe place to walk in. It is also rich in history and culture”.

His wife Pura helps him with his tours and keeps everyone in the group together

Our tour began at San Sebastian Church, which I first toured a couple of years ago.

San Sebastian is the only gothic church in the country

It is especially beautiful when all the chandeliers are on

The church is undergoing an extensive restoration

The tour commences in front of the church

Our group was comprised of different folks who were united by our love for history and culture.

The group is a varied group of people

We all appreciated the old houses along San Sebastian Street, which used to be an elite area.

The former Monaco Consulate proudly strands along San Sebastian Street

The house remains beautiful despite its ruined state

The side of San Sebastian braves the electric wires of the modern times

Despite the challenges of dilapidation and modernity, the street remains to be a poetic souvenir from a bygone era.

San Sebastian Street is dotted with charming old homes

A few steps away is the University of the East (UE) which was my late father’s alma mater. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and commuted to this uni from his hometown of Malabon (and back) everyday.

The University of the East is the author’s late father’s alma mater

Manila is still festively lit for the holidays

Isko keeps Manila clean

Right beside UE is the Youniversity Suites, the retrofitted Laperal Apartments. It is now a hip dorm, food court, and mini mall.

The pun-ny name is evident of the crowd it caters to

The Youniversity Suites is a hip dorm and food court at University Belt.

Some of our groupmates had merienda at Binondo Lumpia House to prepare for our three-hour tour.

Binondo Lumpia House inside Youniversity Suites is known for their fresh lumpia

Manila continues to surprise with lovely details amidst its grittiness

We also passed by Bilibid Viejo, where a prison used to stand. Old houses such as this one still dot the street.

Bilibid Viejo is known to a bygone prison and its old residences

It is also known for the Pagoda Mansion, which is a distinct property in the area of esteros and colonial architecture.

The Pagoda Mansion continues to survive the modern times

This mini Nazarene inspires e faithful to continue praying

I was particularly glad to find this mini Nazarene chapel. I am a devotee of Jesus the Nazarene, and it was an honor to pray in front of this statue.

The author, herself a Nazarene devotee, prays in front of this statue of Jesus

Interestingly, the Pagoda Mansion is still visible from a few blocks away.

The Pagoda Mansion or the Ocampo Mansion, is still seen from a few blocks away

Since it was subdivided decades ago, the mansion’s extended property has since been owned by different people. However, intricate details of the original property can still be seen today.

The Pagoda or Ocampo Mansion’s extended property has since been subdivided, but its grand details are still visible

The author enjoys a light moment at the Ocampo Mansion

We passed by Hidalgo Street, where a tranvia used to pass through. It also used to be a wealthy street back in the day.

Old and new blend together at Hidalgo Street

The Paterno house is still evident of the owners’ wealth

The beautiful Padilla house is now an art gallery

No visit to Hidalgo Street is complete without a visit to Bakerite, where the tasty loaf bread was invented.

Bakerite is the home to the famous tasty bread

The author buys tasty bread to enjoy at home

Some houses along Hidalgo Street contain a courtyard

This 7-Eleven is the site of the original UP College of Fine Arts

The former Manuel L. Quezon University is still beautiful

Another home with a courtyard

This property is now home to many renters

Hidalgo Street is also home to the old Araneta mansion, which is now a parochial school.

The Nazarene Catholic School stands on the site of the original Araneta Mansion

The Aranetas originally owned this home

Ruins cannot reduce the beauty of old homes along Hidalgo Street

The tranvia line used to pass through this very street

At present, Hidalgo Street is home to apartment dwellers and Manileños.

Filipinos are really pun-ny

We then rode the jeepney to our next stop.

The author onboard a jeepney to the tour’s next stop

The jeepney ride is also the perfect break from all that walking

Our next stop was the Manila City Hall.

The Manila City Hall is an imposing presence amidst its neighboring mall

Beside it is the Arroceros Park, the last lung of Manila.

This was also the site of the Parian, the old Chinese settlement during the Spanish colonial period.

It is a beautiful evening to explore Manila

We also got to visit the Bonifacio Monument. It is now clean and free from garbage, thanks to Mayor Isko Moreno.

The Kartilya ng Katipunan

At the Bonifacio Monument

The City Hall also has a statue of Arsenio H. Lacson, who was the mayor of Manila from 1952 to 1962.

The statue of Arsenio H. Lacson is a tribute to the late colorful mayor of Manila

I was also surprised to see these historical markers which explain the importance of Manila during the Second World War.

World War II Manila historical marker

World War II Manila Historical Marker

From there, we walked to the National Museum’s exterior.

The imposing National Museum is framed by the LRT tracks and trees

The National Museum is so pretty at night

The National Museum of Anthropology

The tour continued way into the night. This was already past 9:00PM.

The group continues their tour by the National Museum’s exterior

Manila is a city that never sleeps

Manila’s energy is electric at night

Our National Museum

The author is in awe of the lighted National Museum

The Gomburza Monument

Our group continued our tour with a brief stop at Intramuros to regroup and appreciate the legacy of the colonial period.

The Bayleaf Hotel at Intramuros

The Mapua Chapel

Puerta del Parian harkens back to the Spanish colonial heritage of the Walled City

The former site of The Philippine Herald is now a Starbucks and McDonald’s

Letran

Our group walks to Lawton

Our group makes a quick stop to Lawton, where we appreciate another monument to Andres Bonifacio

Andres Bonifacio

Right behind Bonifacio’s statue is the Manila Central Office, which I toured last year.

Manila Central Post Office

And a few steps away is the Jones Bridge. It was recently restored, and the La Madre Filipina statues are currently being moved atop the bridge’s pillars.

La Madre Filipina

The gorgeous Jones Bridge

The author at Jones Bridge

The Post Office as seen from Jones Bridge

The author enjoys the lighted Jones Bridge

Our last stop was Binondo for late dinner and drinks.

Binondo promises yummy eats and lucky charms

We were taken by our guide to Ying Ying, which is open from 7:00AM to 2:00AM. It offers delicious and value for money Chinese food.

Ying Ying offers delicious Chinese food

Ying Ying also offers rice toppings which are served fast

The author enjoys dinner with tour groupmate Maria

This does not look delicious, but their beef curry rice is delicious!

I ordered their beef curry rice and a cold one for good measure. The combo was delicious!

A cold one is always a good idea

Binondo at night

It was one of the best tours I’ve ever had, and I highly recommend it! Follow Manilakad on Facebook for upcoming tour schedules. You may also contact the tour guide JP Ordona and his wife Pura on their number +63 916 359 7888 for custom private tours.

I hope that you will also walk around Manila this 2020!

Starting 2020 For Less

Starting 2020 for Less

Sam Lucas

Drive is launching 50/hr price rate on all compact cars and 4-seater hatchbacks on selected dates this January 2020

Drive is launching 75/hr price rate on sedans on selected dates this January 2020

Drive Manila kicks off the New Year with a 25% Price Drop from January 6-9 and January 13-16, 2020. In response to the success of the 50/hour promo rate in September of 2019, we want to thank all our loyal renters with another price drop to open 2020. 

The price drop to 50/hour applies to all 4 seaters, from compact cars to hatchbacks, while the 75/hour price drop applies to Vios or any sedan rented using the Drive app. 

The New Year is the perfect time for new beginnings. People are starting new jobs, school terms, and even businesses. The phrase “New Year, New Me” has gone from cliched catchphrase  to the new normal. People are brimming with new ideas for getaways, and ideal destinations. While January signals this new start, we can't escape the challenging commutes to and from the province after the holidays or getting back to the grind of the metro. 

Drive is perfect for people who want to enjoy their new beginnings with the convenience of driving a car that is assured to be five years old or newer. Safety is ensured with every car rented out by Drive. And with these unbeatable price drops at the start of the new decade, you can enjoy your fresh start in style and with the utmost convenience.

Check out the full schedule of Drive price drops for the whole year. So plan those trips now!

Drive schedules price drops on selected dates this 2020

Now is the perfect time to start renting a car with Drive! Download the Drive app on iOS or Google Play to enjoy safe and convenient car rental like no other. Like the Drive Manila Facebook page, as well to receive the latest updates on upcoming promos and events. You may also message Kayle and her 24/7 customer support team for more information regarding the January 2020 price drop.

Get your fresh start for less this New Year with Drive!

Friday No. 1

I was able to hear mass at 5:00 AM yesterday at the famous Quiapo Church in Manila. I was able to give thanks for a successful 2019, and I prayed for more blessings to come in 2020.

Quiapo Church is lively at 5:00 AM

The church was filled with people as the Translacion is nearing. It is the upcoming procession of the Black Nazarene, which will happen next Friday.

The festive vibe anticipates the upcoming Translacion

As it was also the first Friday of the year (and the decade), the church was packed. I was able to hear mass outside the church, and I followed the liturgical ceremony from a large screen. This however did not ruin the mass for me, and the atmosphere was still solemn.

The author poses by the famous minor basilica

Quiapo Church continues to be a relevant place of worship for the faithful

After mass, I ate breakfast at Jollibee, where I got to watch the next mass from the best seat in the house!

The best seat in the house

The author enjoys sunrise while eating breakfast

It was inspiring to see the sea of devotees from three stories up.

Quiapo Church is filled with devotees at sunrise

I am proud to have the time for my faith, and the courage to venture out into crowded churches for the sake of thanksgiving and worship. I hope that the new year will be prosperous for me and my family, and that it will bring forth many opportunities for my career.

May God bless us all!

The festively-lit Church looks gorgeous at sunrise

Drive Media Kickoff Training

Seeing 2020: The Drive Media Kickoff Training

Training

by Sam Lucas

January 2, 2020

Drive Media had their initial kickoff training at the UP Enterprise Center last January 2. It was a lively morning for learning and sharpening the saw. Keats Ronquillo, Drive Manila’s Site Lead for Bohol and Drive Media, trained me and Gene Rose Imphang on the basics of blogging, photography, and vlogging.

The team enjoys a light moment at the Drive Media training

We reviewed the basics of journalistic feature writing to get acquainted with the company standard. We also reviewed the basics of photography, especially for tours and events. We are enthusiastic that everything will be applied when we launch our tours and events in Drive Manila.

Gene Imphang, Keats Ronquillo, and Sam Lucas refresh their media knowledge

Keats reviews the team on basic journalistic writing

This training was aligned with Drive’s vision to promote the company as more than just a mere car rental service. Drive sells the tour experience to joiners through their upcoming tours. They will also enrich their partners and officers with industry knowledge through standard training, which will also be shared on social media and blogs in the future.

Make sure to download the Drive app on iOS or Google Play to experience car rental like no other. Also, follow Drive Manila on Facebook on keep updated on future events and promos.

Have a fruitful 2020 ahead!

Jan 1 Joys

I am grateful to have the privilege of beginning the year on a high note. I celebrated the new year with mass at the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila, where I got to pray for my intentions and of course, give thanks for all the blessings that I have received.

Then, I had dinner with my family at Cibo. I started my meal with a cold one and some minestrone soup.

I also ordered my Cibo favorite, the Farfalle alla Genovese. Everything was delicious, comforting, and celebratory!

Cheers to a bountiful year ahead!

Salted Egg Eve

My final lunch for 2019 was this Benchto meal at Bench Cafe. I had B1, which was the salted egg chicken set. It was deliciously filling, and I highly recommend it if you are also into the whole salted egg craze of this decade.

I am ending 2019 with a simple snack of gifted biscuits and English breakfast tea. The holidays have been kind to me, despite being the first without my father. With friends and family who constantly feed and support me, I am more inspired to pursue my passions, work harder, and of course, eat like it’s always my last day on earth.

Here’s to chasing our bliss this 2020! Happy new year and may God bless us all!

Rizal Day 2019

I’m one of those Rizal die-hard fans who visit Luneta on Rizal Day. Yesterday was no exception, as I made the trip to visit my favorite hero.

This year, I hired one of the onsite photographers to take my photo by his final resting place.

As is my custom, I visited the site of his execution.

Then, I decided to date myself at the Luneta Hotel for late lunch. I wrote about this hotel in college as it is known for its French Renaissance architecture. Today, it proudly stands amidst the modern buildings of Manila.

It was the perfect setting for my solo date. I had the truffle pasta, and of course, San Miguel Pale Pilsen.

For dessert, I had the hotel’s famous sampaguita ice cream and coffee. Everything was delicious!

I feel thankful for all the blessings I have received this year. I am optimistic that the new decade will bring forth more positive energy and love for me and my family.

Happy new year!

Finishing Strong: Drive's Year-end Celebration

Finishing Strong: Drive's Year-end Celebration

Yearender

by Sam Lucas

December 30, 2019

Drive Manila was overflowing with the holiday spirit during its 2019 year end party at Murato Streat on December 29. It was a casual get together and meet and greet with the company's officers and partners, over dinner and drinks. The event also marked the first anniversary of the Drive app, an important milestone that began the the company's accelerated growth, which is anticipated to continue in the coming year.

Drive's correspondent Sam Lucas was on the scene, and got the firsthand details regarding how Drive became a part of their personal growth and improvement. 

Drive founder Mike Miranda, shared  that there will be continuous training for sales and marketing staff in the following months, to support the growth of partners and growing needs of the renters. Upgrading standards in quality and safety continue to be key focal points for Drive.

Ms. Grace Miranda, Drive's CEO has also shared how Drive has started with some of their vehicles initially as part of a TVNS. The breakthrough came in deciding to change the model from TVNS to a rental service.Their vision was a service that would cater to families like theirs, who wanted to travel and go around the country without sacrificing comfort. 

They wanted to make car rental hassle free for both the partners and the renters, by streamlining the Know Your Customer (KYC) and on- boarding process. After seeing an increase in demand, they found friends who were willing to rent out their cars and Drive was born. In 2018, they launched the app and also increased their presence on social media. Ms. Grace has stressed that this is aligned part of their vision to make Drive's service accessible, but also secure to ensure that all their partners adhere to their standards. Her vision is to bring Drive to other parts of the country, such as Cebu and Zamboanga, not just to provide business opportunities but also to help Filipinos move around more conveniently.

Sam also spoke to Keats Ronquillo, the Site Lead for Drive Bohol. He joined Drive with confidence as Mike was a good friend  since high school. He believes that travelling around Bohol is best experienced on one's own time and not with a tour group. Having Drive will make booking a vehicle available anytime will make sightseeing around the province more convenient and economical. The beautiful sights of Bohol is also conducive for leisurely driving, at one's own pace. In Bohol, Keats is also a teacher for the Deaf, and he foresees Drive's continuous inclusive partnership with PWD partners and renters.

Drive partners Kevin and Rebecca Regaña, Lydia and Jun Cabero, and Carlo Tagle, had only good things to say about Drive. They shared how Kayle Miranda, Drive's Chief Marketing Officer, is always available to assist them with their concerns regarding rental, booking, and customer service. They also expressed how happy they were with how the Drive augmented their income and helped their families in the process. 

Ms. Eva Parreño of AccessiWheels shared how Mr. Miranda helped her startup. She mentioned how AccessiWheels connects sensitive drivers to people with mobility concerns, and their partnership with Drive has helped PWDs successfully and autonomously move around. She sees a continuing of this collaboration in 2020, and to continue the visibility of AccessiWheels through Drive's app and social media platforms.

Kayle Miranda, Drive's Chief Marketing Officer. shared that there are many opportunities for work from home job seekers in the coming months. She is looking for people to support her as Drive is continuously growing, and building her team which will undergo intensive training in early 2020. She is inviting everyone to like Drive Manila on Facebook stay posted for upcoming job openings for sales and marketing.

Finally, there was Gene Rose Imphang, a tour organizer who is part of Drive's upcoming tour at Angono, Rizal. This is the first of many tourism events which will promote Drive's partnerships with different LGUs and organizations. She is excited to see how Drive will make day tours easier and more convenient for renters and optimistic about the company's growth and upcoming projects.

There are events to come at Drive Manila, stay tuned for an expanding car rental experience that continues to be more convenient and inclusive. 

Don't forget to like Drive Manila on Facebook, and to download the Drive app on Apple or Google Play, and here's to an awesome 2020!

Mint Organizer

I have been collecting Starbucks planners since 2006. It has become a part of my Christmas traditions, and accomplishing something involving coffee is totally worth it. It has helped me get through the grief I felt when my close friend Diane died in a car accident in 2008. Recently, this tradition has been a comfort as I am still processing my father’s passing last May.

I was determined to make the most out of the holidays despite the personal pain I still carried in my heart. Coffee and a planner definitely sounded like a good idea.

Midway through collecting stickers for the planner, I fell in love with the mint travel organizer. I decided to pursue it instead for a change, and I needed a notebook cover to begin with.

The travel organizer did not disappoint! It was worth all the cups of coffee I sipped while running holiday errands and finishing year-end work.

I have also finished crocheting my last scarf for this decade in Starbucks branches.

Some people may laugh at the idea of collecting stickers for a travel organizer, but for me it is a personal ritual to get over grief. The organizer is just a simple reminder that a new year is just around the corner. A new beginning is possible, and it helps to plan, sort through my priorities, and power my way through my goals.

For everything in between, there will always be coffee and notebooks to help me through the new decade.

Kamayan Christmas

Yesterday, I spent some time with our loyal helper Racquel for a simple Christmas treat. I took her to my favorite restaurant Gubat, where we got to eat with our hands.

I had the longganisa (again!) with additional salted egg and burong kanin (fermented rice). It was perfect with my beer.

We took a quick stroll around the Diliman Bonsai Society after our meal. It was hard to believe that we were still in the city.

We also had some Starbucks coffees, and watched Sunod, starring Carmina Villaroel. It was a beautiful horror movie which was shot at Escolta, which we visited earlier this year.

I later finished crocheting the scarf I have been making all throughout the holiday season. It is finally done, and I am ready to begin again with a brand new colorway.

Christmas is better when with local food, handmade hobbies, and simple joys. May you find the season to be merry and bright with those who have been loyal to you.

Gubat Xmas

Christmas isn’t over yet as I celebrated the festive season with my high school BFF Luti and her sister Amihan at Gubat. It’s my go-to hidden garden restaurant in the city because of its rustic ambience and simple food.

Our group all had rice meals. I had the longganisa meal and made it merrier with a cold one and a cuppa.

The best company is made even better with food and greenery. Here’s to more memorable meals with friends!

Barkmas

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has became my destination for good vibes. I have been a regular since 2014, and I have spent my Christmas breaks with their dogs for five years now. This year is no exception, as I braved the MMFF mall crowd to hug my furry faves Ella and Piolo. It is indeed a Merry Christmas with these dogs around.

You will definitely find me here even when the holidays are through! Hope you can also visit one of their two branches soon.

Christmas Crochet

Yesterday, I watched two MMFF movies: Write About Love, and Culion. Both were superb! Then, I had some Starbucks Christmas Blend and spent some time crocheting.

I am determined to continue enjoying the holidays despite the grief that is weighing me down from time to time. My dad’s death is pushing me to celebrate life, and I am happy that I have a hobby such as crochet. It keeps me motivated to enjoy the quiet moments.

To more films and stitches to enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is never easy for us left behind. My dad passed away this year, so it’s just me and my mom now. Still, I am determined to have a lovely Christmas because the reason for the season is Jesus.

I dropped by my late friend Diane’s vault to kickstart my celebration. I realized that the departed never really leave us, they just remind us of how valuable life is. I won’t feel sad that I am left behind anymore. Rather, I will make it a Christmas gift to myself to have a full life even if I’m mostly by myself.

Merry Christmas!

Burger and Beers

Last night, I spent time with my Dubai-based friend Charms at Pound. We had delicious burgers and beer! I had the loco moco which was a yummy rice meal to go with my Brew Kettle beer.

Afterwards, we decided to have more drinks while watching live music at Conspiracy. It was my first time there, and definitely not my last.

It pays to have good friends to share quiet meals and live music with. I am thankful for the company and the conversation. ‘Til next time!

Doggo and brew

I am not a big hugger with people, but it’s the complete opposite when it comes to dogs! I am a total softie when it comes to pups, and this is evident in every visit to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I can’t resist their dogs, and each visit uplifts my mood.

I also enjoy a cuppa, whether it’s the weekend or not. If it’s a Sunday, you can usually see me sound tripping on ‘90s throwback FM while sipping my coffee. The combination of sentimental tunes and strong coffee just relaxes me.

I look forward to my next weekend with the same enthusiasm for my usual activities. I hope that you have also perfected your off-duty routine, as this will save you precious free time and energy.

Have a pleasant week ahead!

Fancy

Yesterday was a fancy one. I had my hair and makeup done for a project which was a lot of fun to do. I am thankful to be offered opportunities that not only let me earn money, but also make me happy!

After work, I met up with my Dubai-based friend Charms for some late lunch and beers at Cafe Breton. It was a nice meal, and of course, it was lovely to catch-up with a friend.

I hope that there will be more friends to keep me company, and work to continue making me feel fancy! Life is good.