The Last Manilaners

I can write a long entry about last night, but I am still not over how excellent the new iWant docuseries The Last Manilaners is. It is now streaming on iWant, and I highly recommend it. It is the perfect content for us WWII enthusiasts, and you won’t be disappointed with how well-researched and rendered it is.

I was invited by my friends from the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, and I am thankful for the chance to see the series on the big screen. The Dolphy Theater was the perfect venue for the esteemed event, and it was a fitting tribute to the resilience of the Manila Jewish refugees.

Here’s to more historical events this 2020!

The author poses at the red carpet

The author with Danica Marollano, press officer

The author with Jamela Macalino of the Israeli Embassy

The Last Manilaners is now streaming on iWant

Happy Chinese New Year

I recently celebrated Chinese New Year at Binondo. I joined the street festivities and ate dumplings. Looking forward to the best of luck in my life this 2020!

Cny with Human Nature

Yesterday, I celebrated Chinese New Year with my Human Nature Flagship Store family. I’m incredibly thankful for the blessings that I have received while being part of this family.

I hope that you will all continue supporting my online Human Nature store this Year of the Metal Rat. We just launched our eye cream and still continue to offer our bestsellers, such as our sunflower oil. Do check my store out!

Blessings!

Vitalis Villas

I recently spent a night at Vitalis Villas, dubbed as the Santorini of the North. I got to swim, eat delicious food such as Vigan longganisa and salted fish, and relax by our private pool.

I also got to spend much-needed time with my family. I am now back in the city, and I miss the beach already! I hope to be back soon.

The author at Vitalis Villas

Breakfast with the breathtaking view of Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Vigan By Night

I recently got to explore the Hispanic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was a dream come true to tour this place, as it has always been on top of my must-see spots before I die.

I started my evening tour with a kalesa ride to Calle Crisologo.

The author enters Vigan’s town center by carriage

Calle Crisologo is filled with shops and restaurants.

The author at Calle Crisologo

The author checks out the shops along Calle Crisologo

I had the best vigan empanada i’Ve ever had at Irene’s Vigan Empanada.

Irene’s Vigan Empanada is a popular eatery along the famous street

Irene’s famous empanada does not disappoint

i had sorbetes along Calle Crisologo for dessert.

The author tries the sorbetes at Vigan

Cheese, pineapple, and ube sorbetes at Vigan

A cold beer at the ROOFTOP of Hotel Luna is a good idea.

The author’s favorite beer at the Hotel Luna roof deck

Leona Florentino’s monument at Vigan

I got to explore the famous monuments at Vigan’s city center.

Jose Rizal at Vigan

The Dancing FoUntain Show was a trippy experience after dark.

Vigan’s Dancing Fountain Show

The fountain show features popular songs along with its water features

The author enjoys Vigan at night

Ilocos Sur continues to attract both local and foreign tourists with its Old World charm

After walking around the plaza, i Looked around antique shops. Lucy Chan’s Antique House has the best selection of trinkets and home fUrnishings from another era.

Antique jewelry on display at Lucy Chan Antique House

Lucy Chan offers unique antique home furnishings and trinkets

I relaxed with a cup of hot rice coffee and some balikUtsa, a local sugarcane candy at coffee break Vigan.

The author enjoys rice coffee and balikutsa, a local candy made of sugarcane molasses

It was a comfortingly delicious treat.

Good night, Vigan!

I hope to be back soon, Vigan!

Hotel Luna

I recently stayed at the Hotel Luna with my US-based family. It was our first time at Vigan, the historical heritage town at Ilocos Sur. I was excited to visit this Hispanic city, and I was lucky to have stayed at the first and only museum hotel in the country.

Hotel Luna is located at the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I am sharing with you my favorite artworks at Hotel Luna. It was magical to stay at a hotel with paintings, sculptures, and history.

I hope that you will also visit Vigan soon!

Three Women by BenCab

Maria Makiling by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Untitled by Juvenal Sanso

Gregorio del Pilar by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Boxes and Jarlet by Arturo Luz

The author with various artworks at Hotel Luna

Martyr’s Struggle by BenCab

Laces and Roses by Louie Tolentino

Cradle of Hope in Pink by Ramon Orlina

La Mandolinera by Juan Luna y Novicio

The pool at Hotel Luna attracts city guests

The author is happy to begin her Vigan journey at Hotel Luna

Borealis Heart

Borealis Crystals is a homegrown jewelry brand that I love. Here are a few reasons why this shop keeps me coming back for more:

• It is PWD-owned and managed

• Most of their jewelry, especially the bespoke ones, are locally handmade using quality materials

• Their online platform allows them to price their bling fairly

• They offer bespoke orders which may take time to make, but will definitely be worth your money

• Every purchase helps a PWD family and their artisans continue their craft and business

I am so into this garnet and sterling silver ring which I purchased from Borealis Crystals. It is not my first purchase, and once again, I am one happy customer. The ring looks and feels more expensive than it really is. They used materials to give it a premium vibe, which also works with my vintage aesthetic.

This is not a sponsored post, and I am simply a satisfied customer and fan. Please check out Borealis Crystals’ Instagram page and order a bauble or two soon! You won’t regret it.

Fresh Lumpia

I recently had the best fresh lumpia I’ve ever had at Binondo Lumpia House. It is located at the second floor of the Youniversity Suites, a hip mall and dormitory along Recto, Manila.

Youniversity Suites has a hipster ambience

Youniversity Suites is hard to miss along the busy avenue. It has a number of brightly-lit coffee shops and stores at the ground floor. Once you enter the building, you are welcomed by a multi-level food court with an airplane to decorate the place.

Binondo Lumpia House serves fresh lumpia and rice for only Php108

One flight up will take you to the Binondo Lumpia House, which serves killer lumpiang sariwa and rice for only Php108. They also offer food and drinks at student-friendly prices.

This is the best fresh lumpia I’ve ever had

The lumpia was packed with vegetables and delicious garlic sauce. It was definitely worth the train ride to Recto!

The casual vibe of Youniversity Suites’ food court is a refreshing change at Recto

Binondo Lumpia House offers food at friendly prices

Go ahead and give this fresh lumpia a try. It is my new favorite, and I will definitely be back!

One Barkin’

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has recently merged their two branches into one solid branch. Their north branch, which is located at SM North Towers, remains strong.

Their dogs from the east have all transferred there, much to the delight of their regular customers. Now, everyone can enjoy all of the Barkin’ Buddies under one roof.

The author gets kisses from Piolo

I am a longtime fan of the cafe, and I am really excited to see all the dogs in one place.

Forrest enjoys scratches from the author

The author is all smiles with Bubbles

The dogs have provided me with much-needed comfort during the darkest days of my life. They have also provided joy during my times of bliss.

Forrest likes kissing the author

The author snuggles with the sleeping dogs

One last kiss from Forrest

I do hope that you will also visit their north branch one of these days! Promise, you won’t regret it.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe

Instagram: @barkinblends

AJ Mitchell In Manila

Last January 19, I was able to attend a round table session with AJ Mitchell at Cuesina, a Filipino restaurant at the Venice Grand Canal Mall. The American singer and songwriter was in Manila for a mall tour at selected malls to promote his upcoming album, Skyview.

The American singer answers questions from the Filipino press

Aside from promoting his music, we also got a glimpse of the singer’s personal influences. AJ shared that he started writing songs at the age of six and that he counts The Beatles and Coldplay among his favorite bands of all time. His songwriting process is straightforward, as he says that the melody comes first then he sings it in his phone. He later adds the words then plays it in his piano.

AJ Mitchell thanks his Filipino fans for all their support

He also looks forward to meeting Filipino musicians such as Morissette during his visit.

The author with AJ Mitchell

Among the random trivia that he shares about himself is that he can’t have caffeine. He prefers hot tea to protect his voice.

He enjoys playing the piano, and it is central in his songwriting process. He also makes sure to enjoy his life so far. He shared that he likes to go to the beach, play basketball, and spend time with family.

His upcoming album, Skyview, has an interesting inspiration. He wants to let his fans know about his home town of Belleville, IL through his music. To be able to share about his personal experiences through his songs is a privilege for him, and he hopes that his Filipino fans will continue supporting him.

Read more on AJ here.

AJ performs at the Venice Grand Canal Mall

After the intimate press conference, we proceeded to his mall show near the grand canal. It was a performance to remember, as AJ made sure to connect with his fans. He really enjoys performing and makes sure that his audience is having a good time.

I definitely enjoyed the show, and I can’t wait to listen to more music from AJ!

AJ enjoys singing for his Filipino fans

AJ is set to release his album Skyview soon

The author enjoys AJ Mitchell’s show

Energy to Eat

I enjoy walking around the UP Academic Oval at night because of the cool breeze around the campus. I feel recharged whenever I am surrounded by the trees on campus, and it inspires me to go further with my workouts.

The UP Oblation looks majestic at night

I also appreciate the presence of the other joggers and brisk walkers around me. It makes me feel like I’m part of a cardio collective of sorts.

The tree-lined U.P. Academic Oval

Aside from the endorphins that I get from my cardio fix, I also find joy in eating various street foods found on campus.

My favorites are carioca, shredded sweet corn with cheese, and soy milk.

Carioca

Shredded corn with cheese

Soy milk

It is free to workout at UP and the street food makes the afterburn worth it. Do give it a try soon!

Comfort and Prayer

Last Wednesday, I was able to have late lunch at Gubat. It has become my favorite hideaway at UP Diliman. I like their kamayan concept, where people have to eat with their hands. However, I also wanted to try their food with cutlery so I brought my own.
I was not disappointed! Their longganisa meal looked and tased fancier with cutlery.

The author brings her own utensils to Gubat, a kamayan restaurant

The author is all smiles with her favorite longganisa meal at Gubat

After my comforting meal, I went to St. Clare Monastery to pray for my intentions and to give thanks for all my blessings.

The author poses with her patroness, St. Clare

The author offers eggs at St. Clare Monastery

Food and faith are two passions of mine. It has become my custom to frequently practice both. I hope that you will continue to follow my foodie and faith adventures this 2020!

Curry Udon Satisfaction

I went back to Marugame Udon after my first visit last week. This time, I ordered the curry udon with tamago ten.

It was delightful to watch my udon being prepared for me.

The author watches her udon being prepared for her

This is not a sponsored post. I am just really happy with the dining experience at Marugame Udon. I enjoy how they prepare the meals in front of their customers, and how orderly everything is.

The rich curry broth is poured into the udon

My curry udon with tamago ten was delicious! Of course, I had beer to go with it, and it made the meal more special.

The author enjoys her curry udon and tamago ten with beer

The tamago ten goes well with the curry udon

I will definitely be back for more curry udon!

Gather all your friends for AJ Mitchell’s Manila mall shows!

American pop sensation AJ Mitchell is set to serenade and meet his Filipino fans for an upcoming series of mall tours.

The eighteen-year-old pop singer-songwriter will be performing in select Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, from January 17 to 18, 2020 with the following schedule:

• 01/17/20: Uptown Bonifacio (Friday, 7pm)

• 01/18/20: Venice Grand Canal Mall (Saturday, 3pm)

• 01/18/20: Eastwood City (Saturday, 7pm)

“This will be my first time in the Philippines,” the teen heartthrob reveals in an interview. “I’m so excited to experience the culture and see as much as I can while there. I can’t wait to eat the amazing food and hopefully see some of the beaches as well.”

With Nathan Huang of Nathan & Mercury and featuring Any Name’s Okay as opening act, the American recording artist will perform some fan favorites, including the mid-tempo jam “All My Friends” and the global smash “Slow Dance.”

Getting to know AJ Mitchell

With a slick and show-stopping voice, charismatic personality, and sharp songwriting chops, it’s no surprise that the fast-rising star has already charted three hits on the US top 40 radio chart in a span of less than two years: “Girls,” “All My Friends,” which peaked inside the top 25, and the Ava Max duet “Slow Dance,” now ranked #29 and still climbing. 

In terms of streaming, AJ Mitchell has racked up more than 100 million streams and 4.15 million monthly listeners on Spotify, cementing himself as 2019’s most promising male artist.

Outside the US, the Philippines is considered to be one of the biggest music markets of AJ Mitchell, whose latest single “Slow Dance,” a collaboration with hit-maker Ava Max, is currently making waves in local streaming playlists and top 40 radio stations. “I was pleasantly surprised when I first learned this and I’m so excited to finally get to meet some of my Filipino fans,” the young musician/performer opens up about the warm reception on his previous and recent releases. 

As for Ava Max, the pop phenom who has shown significant international attention with “Sweet and Psycho,” which topped the charts in 26 countries and landed a top 10 peak at the Billboard Hot 100 last year, the All My Friends singer has always been vocal about admiring her work ethic and talent. “Working with Ava Max was such an incredible experience. After sending her the track, she sent back her verse within hours. Even on the very first take she sounded so amazing that we immediately knew she was the one for the song.”

New album in the works

This year, AJ Mitchell will be releasing his debut full-length album under Sony Music. “This has been a wild ride so far and every day I think of how blessed I have been,” the budding pop personality reflects. “Over the next few years, I have so much more I hope to accomplish. Right now I can’t wait to finally release my first album called Skyview. Beyond that, I hope to have a #1 song, win a Grammy, go out on an international tour, and so much more.”

AJ Mitchell’s latest single “Slow Dance” is now available on all music streaming and download platforms worldwide.You can watch the official music video of “Slow Dance” on Youtube, and stream the track in its entirety on Spotify.

source: Sony Music Philippines

Ash Fall

Last Sunday night, the whole metro was stunned by the ash fall caused by the Taal Volcano Eruption. It was a humbling reminder that Mother Nature is indeed powerful.

Instead of dwelling on the negative effects of this natural calamity, I have chosen to use the holiday (work and classes have been suspended in most institutions in Manila and nearby provinces) to run some errands. Life must go on, and I have to ensure that my family is alright.

The author rides a tricycle in a face mask a day after the Taal Volcano eruption

As it was only a day after ash fell on Metro Manila, I wore a face mask and glasses as I ventured out for some urgent tasks. The air was dusty and ash was everywhere, but I managed to overcome my allergies.

I rewarded myself with a gyudon lunch at Hachiboru after a productive morning.

The author’s delicious gyudon lunch at Hachiboru

After running more errands, I bought some Chinese dinner for takeaway at El Presidente of Binondo. I got myself a lemon chicken bento, while I got my mom a sweet and sour pork bento.

The sumptuous choices at El Presidente of Binondo attracts hungry diners

After ticking all the items off my to-do list, I went home and relaxed. I took out my crochet project and watched Kim Enson’s vlogs.

The author crochets while watching her favorite vlogger, Kim Enson

A catastrophic day does not mean that my world should stop. I still push myself to be productive, and I do so by balancing my tasks with some of my favorite interests, which include food and crochet.

Life is too short. Make each moment, whether it is good or bad, count!

Monstar Hub: A Startup Community

Last January 11, I was privileged to be part of Monstar Hub’s grand opening at Buendia, Makati City. Ms. Judy Lorenzo, the owner of Monstar Hub and the founder and COO of myBOSS.asia Inc., was there to personally open the space and welcome guests. It was a night of networking, exchanging of ideas, and positive vibes over snacks and beer.

The author poses with her “media” badge at the Monstar Hub opening event

I was excited to witness this because I am an advocate of entrepreneurship. Being an online seller myself via my online shop, I understand that it takes guts to put up a business. And to see a coworking space and incubator for SMEs rise in the middle of Makati is remarkable!

Judy explained during her opening remarks that the biggest challenges that startup entrepreneurs face are admin-related. This has inspired her to put up myBOSS, a back office shared services company that aims to handle the back-end needs of SMEs such as taxes and financial reports. Their website and online portal is targeted for launching by the end of this month, so now is the perfect time to invest in a membership at Monstar Hub.

Members have the option to enjoy myBOSS so that they can focus on running their businesses with ease.

myBoss envisions itself to be an online hub where startup entrepreneurs can view their business records online

Judy further stated that she put up the business to solve her own problems with being an entrepreneur. The vision is to have a collaboration among colleagues to scale up each other’s businesses. This can be achieved through a hub which can foster a community spirit.

Most startup entrepreneurs cannot afford having a workplace to call their own. Working together and making a difference is the grand vision of Monstar Hub.

Different rooms make Monstar Hub an ideal incubator for startup businesses

Monstar Hub envisions a community of entrepreneurs. Judy is not just selling the seats, rather, she is also selling the company’s purpose, which is is to help startup entrepreneurs grow.

Ms. Lorenzo introduces the different stakeholders who helped her put up Monstar Hub

Customer service experience, social impact, and scalability are her top values. And with myBOSS’s efficient service, the backend admin work is taken cared of so that community members can focus on operations and marketing.

Her community emphasis is evident in the hub’s official hashtag, which is #makingsolutionstogether.  

Allan Lim, Monstar Hub’s Managing Director, promises global expansion opportunities for potential members thanks to Monstar Lab’s international presence

Mr. Allan Lim, the Managing Director of Monstar Lab Philippines, supported Judy’s vision of a community by explaining that global expansion is possible for SMEs thanks to MonstarLab’s international network across 15 countries. With that, opportunity and access outside the Philippines is possible. 

This means that competition is possible on a global scale, and it all starts with Monstar Hub.

If you have a startup business and you are interested in having access to technical expertise and market expansion, visit Monstar Hub today!

Monstar Hub Philippines

G/F, SM Cyber Makati Two Bldg., Jupiter Street, corner Gil Puyat, Makati City

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonstarHubPhilippines/

Blessed Presents

I was surprised last Friday when I got home to a big package from my friends at The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind my favorite yarn store have recently been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt.

For Christmas, they sent me this care package filled with goodies from Jesus’ part of the world:

• A magnet from Egypt, which is perfect since I collect magnets!

• A papyrus scroll of the Ten Commandments

• A box of dates

• An olive wood rosary

• A sterling silver cross necklace

• A Mother of Perpetual Help keychain

• Small crucifix with bottles of earthen elements from the Holy Land

The author poses with her gifts from the Holy Land

Religious items and sweets from the Holy Land

This present makes me feel so giddy. The religious articles have already been blessed, and they are ready to be used in prayer.

I can’t wait to have a more rewarding year ahead, knowing that I have friends who kept me in their hearts whilst they were in the Holy Land.

May we all be filled with blessings this year, and beyond!

Marugame Udon

It was my first time to eat at Marugame Udon last Thursday. I was with my best friend Jay for a quick catch up lunch. We ate at the UP Town Center branch because it was conveniently located next to our favorite bookstore, Fully Booked.

The self-service concept was a sensory experience! There were tasty choices for sides to go along with your udon.

Freshly-made udon welcomes diners

Different kinds of Japanese side dishes such as omurice are lined up for the picking

Spam musubi happens to be the author’s favorite

I chose the curry udon, and it did not disappoint. It tasted similarly to the curry udon I enjoyed at Harajuku a few years ago.

Excellent curry udon

Of course, I had beer with it. It was a delicious meal, and I highly recommend it!

24K 2020

After my Chinatown Museum visit and Binondo food trip with my friend Mitzie, I went to Chinatown Gold Center to buy some gold charms. It is located near the Carriedo Fountain and stands right next to the Sta. Cruz Church.

Covo 24K is located near Carriedo Fountain

The Chinatown Gold Center is located beside Sta. Cruz Church

My favorite store there is Covo 24K Gold. As the name suggests, the shop sells 24K pure gold charms which can be combined with beads for a totally personal bracelet.

All charms at Covo are made of 24K gold

I chose rose quartz beads and a piyao good luck charm during my first visit to Covo 24K.

This time, I added heart, clover, and koi charms. I got to keep the extra rose quartz beads which they had to remove when they included the new charms.

The author’s bracelet gets an upgrade with a heart, clover, and koi charm

The author considers this to be her mantra bracelet for 2020

I still believe that hard work and faith matter more than luck. These charms are simply reminders for me to enjoy the fruits of my labor, and to keep going so that I will be able to buy more charms in the future.

I hope that you will also visit this charming shop soon!

Binondo Dumplings and Tea

I was craving for authentic Chinese dumplings and noodles after my Chinatown Museum tour, so my friend Mitzie and I walked to Tasty Dumplings.

It is located beside Binondo Church, and is unmissable with its distinct black and yellow signage. I ordered the house special, which was dumplings with tossed noodles.

It was served with the noodles drenched their special sauce, with flavorful clear soup on the side. It was a delicious dish, and I enjoyed it with chilled soy milk. My meal only cost a little over Php200.

Tasty dumplings and tossed noodles

The author enjoys Tasty dumplings with her friend Mitzie

Our second stop was Eng Bee Tin, which is next to the other side of Binondo Church. It is known for ube hopia, so I ordered their ube milk tea.

It was the best milk tea I’ve ever had, hands down!

A cold cup of ube milk tea can be purchased for Php75 at Eng Bee Tin’s takeout counter

The Great Buddha’s latte and Eng Bee Tin’s ube milk tea make a lovely combo

Mitzie and I both had coffee and hopia at The Great Buddha Cafe, which is located at the second floor of Eng Bee Tin. Not only do they serve coffee, they also have hot food and Chinese souvenirs such as lucky keychains and ornaments.

My latte was rich and strong. It was the right partner for my whole-wheat ube hopia, which we purchased at the ground floor.

The author enjoys whole-wheat ube hopia with her coffee

The author and her friend Mitzie take a photo with the Great Buddha

No visit to Eng Bee Tin is complete without a photo with the Great Buddha at the cafe. We posed for good luck and prosperity this 2020.

I hope that you will also have a Binondo food trip soon!