Sakaling Hindi Makarating 2018

Last Saturday night, I watched Sakaling Hindi Makarating by Ice Idanan at Cinema Centenario. I have previously been to this microcinema at Maginhawa, and of course, it was perfect to view one of my favorite local films in my new hangout. 

I first watched SHM back in 2016, during its gala screening at Shangri-La Plaza. I was fresh from a breakup then, so the movie resonated with me. I watched it for the second time last year during its nationwide commercial release, and back then, I was in a relationship so the movie had a different feel for me. This time around, it is already 2018. I am single once more and I am determined to be happy by myself. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to be with someone soon. But it is also important to realize that happiness begins with myself.  

SHM in 2018 was the ultimate reminder to self that a breakup is not the end of the world, but the beginning of a newfound love.  

This love is for myself, which is dedicated to pursuing new experiences. I will no longer dwell on the heartbreak. Rather, I would rather focus on moving forward with a zest for life and adventure. 

After the screening, the director Ice Idanan had a forum to answer questions regarding her movie. I learned that the film was inspired by her own heartbreak many years ago. As I am also healing from my own breakup, I am finding the will to live from fitness and mindfulness. Hopefully, I can emulate Ice and create something wonderful too as I trust the process of recovery. 

Watching this movie for the third time has made me realize that love is a journey which begins and ends with myself. If I will fall in love again, I will be able to share this love. As long as I continue loving myself, I will be fulfilled. Finding myself is a lot of BS because I have already found the secret to happiness. It is up to me to sustain it and pay it forward.  

Kilometer Zero

Yesterday, I visited Kilometer Zero at Luneta. I got the idea from Stephanie Perkins’ Anna and the French Kiss. Without providing spoilers, the protagonists had an important scene in their love story at Point Zero, which is the kilometer zero in Paris. Beyond the novel, Point Zero is still a hotspot for rituals involving luck and wish-making. As a result, I became eager to test this in our local Kilometer Zero located in front of my beloved Rizal’s final resting place. 

When I dropped by Luneta last Rizal Day, I was so moved by our late National Hero’s presence that I failed to notice that Kilometer Zero was literally in front of me. I only realized my oversight when I was already home. Thus, my determination to return to Kilometer Zero grew stronger during the week until I simply had to make the trip once and for all. So, after my workout, I took advantage of the traffic-free roads and made the commute to Luneta. 

I was greeted by history. 

I am very excited to visit this museum once it opens this May 2018.

Of course, this never gets old. 

A train named Pepe and Friends goes around Luneta for a minimal fee. 

It was a beautiful morning.  

This was morbidly gorgeous. 

I was about to cross the street when I first spotted Kilometer Zero.  

Finally, I made it!

I took my first selfie at KM 0. 

I wore another Rizal shirt for the occasion.  

I felt a sense of peace and hope whilst standing at the beginning of all roads in the Philippines. 

I just had to take another selfie with my homeboy Rizal. It felt good to see him again. 

I had a fruitful morning, and it was awesome to finally be at the beginning of everything geographically measured in the Philippines. I wished for all the best this 2018, and it was perfect to begin the year at KM 0. It was worth the commute!  

Do visit KM 0 at Luneta and make a wish or two! While you are there, take a brisk walk and appreciate history in the hallowed grounds. You will definitely enjoy your time.  

Post-Holiday Shopping

Yesterday, I finally spent the gift card from my Ninong Oscar to buy a basic black handbag from the department store. In keeping with my “buy local” advocacy, I bought a genuine leather number from Zoe Bags. It is sleek, reasonably priced, and stylish. I cannot wait to use it as I bag better opportunities this 2018!

I also had the chance to have my photo taken with the Sanrio holiday display. It made me feel like a kid again and it cheered me up! It pays to always be game to smile and seize every chance to have a memorable photo to capture moments of joy. 

I am all for simple pleasures in life. While I do own branded stuff, I still enjoy buying affordable pieces from department stores, bazaars, and online shops. I go for quality though, and I make sure that my money is spent well. As long as the item can serve me well, is made of materials which will enable it to last, and is within my budget, then I will definitely purchase it. Through the years, the most treasured items I own are those which are simple in design, yet thoughtfully made. I will be on the lookout for more blessings to come, and hopefully, these will spark joy into my life this 2018 and beyond.

Contemporary Art AM

Yesterday morning was chilly and I liked it because it was perfectly for my brisk walk around UP Diliman. After a quick breakfast of Rodic’s tapsilog  and instant coffee, I was on my feet, people watching while sound tripping. It was exhilarating, and it makes me wonder how come I only took up walking at UP now. Maybe it is because my heart really belongs to nature (think trees, grass, fresh air...). Or maybe I just need a fresh start this new year. 

After a few rounds around the oval, I proceeded to the Vargas Museum, which is one of my favorite places to explore for an art fix. Their current exhibit features contemporary art, and it did fuel my interest in beautiful paintings and sculptures. I enjoyed roaming around the museum, even if I am a frequent visitor. There is always something new here, and it pays to follow their Facebook posts for their exhibitions. Do check out the Vargas Museum at UP and experience the best of Filipino art and culture, at an accessible and inspiring location. 

Who knew that art and fitness could both be experienced in a single morning? I encourage you to try this out someday! It will definitely bring you joy.  

Microcinema Time

I have previously shared about my fascination with film and indie movies. I enjoy watching movies alone to destress and gain more empathy. I have learned from experience that film is more than just an escape from reality. It is a burgeoning art form which reflects our culture and history, as well as the direction that our society at large is taking. Thus, it was a real treat to discover that Cinema Centenario is now open at Maginhawa, my favourite street for food and indie culture. My first movie in the microcinema was Ang Larawan, which did not disappoint! It was a beautiful and moving musical, and I highly recommend it.

Cinema Centenario has an inclusive restroom, which is clean and is the first of its kind which I have encountered in Manila. They have film merchandise, snacks, Sagada coffee, and an affordable ticket price of Php200. They also have comfortable, elevated seats which is important in a microcinema as it shows that the management really cares that their viewers are able to watch movies in a conducive environment. Their sound system is also commendable. My experience was totally rad and I will definitely be a regular.

If you like indie films, small businesses, and quality experiences within your reach, do check out Cinema Centenario. You won’t be disappointed!

Jogging Blogger

I started jogging at UP three days ago. It was the last day of 2017, and the air was chilly. I was excited to try a new hobby, and I figured that brisk walking along the carless campus would do me some good. It was a breathtakingly silent experience, and I was struck with how much I enjoyed the meditative workout. It was delightful to be with other joggers and walkers. 

I returned the next day, as it was the first day of 2018 and I wanted a fresh start. The cool morning breeze was the ideal accompaniment to my brisk walk. I was surprised that I returned yesterday, and this morning. I had fish balls, Rodic’s tapsilog, and instant coffee. And I had my fair share of sunshine, silence, and peace. It was the perfect way to welcome the new year, as I will literally walk to the beat of my goals. 

Girl at the Museum

I visited the National Museum the other day to appreciate beautiful artworks. The museum has been my sanctuary during my student days when I was still doing my majors for my Humanities degree. These days, I still admire beauty and I find having a sense of wonder on sublime pieces a refreshing respite from the busyness of the everyday. It was a lovely break from reality, especially as I was still high from my visit to Rizal’s grave. I was inspired to fill my 2018 with beauty, wonder, and a continuous hunger for meaningful experiences!

Do pay the National Museum a visit soon! Entrance is free for everyone, and it is fully airconditioned. You will get inspired and proud to be Filipino.  

At the Beginning

I am thankful to begin 2018 with a recap of my visit to the National Planetarium on Rizal Day. It was my first time to go there, and my inner science geek was not disappointed. I enjoyed the show (unfortunately photos were not allowed inside the theater) which showed stars, planets, and how unimaginably vast our universe is. I think it is fitting to begin the new year with a retrospective on how our universe began, on how small I am in the sea of stars, and how valuable our planet is because it supports life. I may not know what the new year has in store for me, but my path is in my hands. If our planet can hold its own place amidst our galaxy, then I will surely be able to evolve, grow, and thrive this year. It is a fresh beginning, and I am going to do everything I can to make this my year!

Luneta On Rizal Day

I am a Rizal fan! I think it comes naturally for me as I am a Humanities graduate. However, I have not yet been to Luneta to visit the Rizal monument. So, I was fortunate that we are in the country this time of the year and yesterday, I finally visited Rizal’s final resting place on the day of his martyrdom, no less! It was worth the trip, as I felt emotional to be close to my favorite hero. I even wore my millennial pink Noli Me Tangere shirt to show off my fandom to the world. It was a great day to be a Filipino, and I am proud to call our national hero my personal favorite. 

If you have a hero who inspires you to become a better individual, I suggest that you also make the effort to visit his or her final resting place. It will put things into perspective and it will also motivate you to aspire for greatness. It is worth the time and honoring sacrifices never goes old. Do yourself a favor and schedule it soon! 

Fun on Target

Yesterday, I had coffee with my college friend Mae. It was fun to have some time to catch-up over soy latte. I definitely enjoyed her company and I look forward to seeing friends like her again. 

Afterwards, I tried archery again. It was my second time to do so. My main objective is to have fun, so I kept on shooting arrows as I felt all my stress melt away. It was amazing how this sport totally made me feel that I could learn something again with ease. I enjoyed the vulnerability of being clueless about something. I am still learning archery, so I still have a lot of pointers to remember and apply. However, if fun is the target, it is easier for me to enjoy something. I look forward to my next archery session and I hope that I will also enjoy it regularly.  

Archery Noob

I have always wanted to try archery but I never had the time to do so. I was always too shy to try it out with a date, so I opted to finally take the plunge yesterday alone. I was able to get a private lesson from an instructor at Arrowland, and before I knew it, I was enjoying myself with my bow and arrow! I even got a bow with my lucky number 13 on it. Of course, I was a first-timer so my initial shots were not perfect. But I did manage to shoot the bullseye! Finally I have a sport that I really enjoyed playing. I look forward to practicing more and hopefully improving as time goes by. 

Here’s to first times and happy endings! 

Wednesday with Charlotte

I had a great dinner with my Canadian friend Charlotte last night at Sunnies Cafe. We got to discuss life, work, and plans for the future. It is fantastic to have friends like her who are goal-driven and have the same kind of ambition as I do. It is also valuable to have people who got my back. I am thankful to know her and it was a lovely Christmas dinner at BGC, which I rarely even visit due to the traffic.  

I even got to spend a few minutes browsing through Fully Booked, which is my favorite bookshop. It was nice to check out new titles to read soon. Surely, life will never run out of possibilities as long as there are books! 

Friends and books make life more meaningful. I hope to make more time for people like Charlotte, especially in 2018! Here’s to more girl time, risotto, and good reads in the coming year! 

Boxing Day 2017

Yesterday, I celebrated Boxing Day by myself. I got accustomed to going out on the British holiday, which was a habit I developed from my years working in an Australian company. I treated myself to a new water bottle from Starbucks, then I had lunch at Bonchon. Then, I watched Siargao  on a recliner seat. It was a feel-good movie with stunning cinematography. I capped off my day at the mall with my monthly pixie trim. I tried a new salon, and I enjoyed the experience! 

I look forward to more simple joys and me-time days. Surrounding myself with positive vibes is crucial to offset the negativity I have harbored in the past months. For now, I am breathing in the good and immersing myself in self-care.  

Blessed Christmas

Yesterday, I began my Christmas celebration at the St. Clare Monastery, where I made my weekly offering and prayed for all my intentions. I also expressed my gratitude for a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. 

Most restaurants are closed on Christmas morning, so I ate a hearty breakfast at a convenience store. I also enjoyed my coffee while reminiscing on past Christmas celebrations and memories. I later proceeded to my workout and danced my brekkie away! 

The festive mood carried over to lunch with my parents. We ate at Crisostomo and had dessert at Sebastian’s.   

Yes, that’s sapin-sapin ice cream! 

Christmas called for extra special cuddles with my furry family at Barkin’ Blends. My favourite dog Ella was taking a nap, so I spent the afternoon with Loki and Robin, who would not let me go home. 

I had a simple but joyful Christmas Day, and I encourage you to also celebrate important holidays your way as best as you can! I wanted to feel the warmth of my family and friends’ company this season. I look forward to celebrating the Yuletide festivities with someone special someday. For now, I am thankful for what I have, and yes, I feel so blessed.

Christmas is for Kate

Yesterday, I was able to catch-up over lunch with some of my Lucas relatives. I was able to give my Christmas present to my goddaughter Kate (daughter of my cousin Bianca). I got her a Hello Kitty Flik Flak watch and she seemed to like it! I realized that Christmas is really for children and to see it through Kate’s appreciation for her gift is priceless. While I may be cynical about a few matters, I will never get over the magic of Christmas. The season may be for children, but the meaning of Christmas who is Jesus Christ lives on. I look forward to more catch-up meals this week and I will treasure the friendships made through the years. 

Inspired with Faith

Yesterday was my sponsored child’s birthday, and I celebrated it with a mass in her honor. It was also special because I thanked God for her academic honors. I am very proud of my girl and I prayed for her health, schooling, and growth.  

I decided to have dawn mass at Pink Sisters because I received this in the mail from them. When they want to pray for me, I will definitely go to their place and offer my intentions! 

But first, I had cookies baked by my childhood friend Chesca. She also gifted me with Lava Cheese Tarts, so I included one in the mix. It was a decadent combination! 

By the time I arrived at the Pink Sisters convent, I was greeted by angelic voices and a full house. I lifted up my intentions to the Lord and thanked Him for granting me the gift of fantastic health.  

After mass, I proceeded to Kanto Freestyle for some tuyo (dried fish) and kesong puti (white cheese). I paired the awesome meal with some barako coffee. My hearty breakfast powered me through my workout. 

I had an intense Zumba and cardio session to burn all the goodies I enjoyed. It was enough to make my abs emerge, and I had a laugh while taking these selfies at the parking lot. 

My last stop for the morning was my late friend Diane’s vault. I showed her our dream abs because I am the only one left here to workout on her behalf. It was a joyous occasion, and I made sure to wish her a Merry Christmas, wherever she may be.  

I am truly thankful for all the good cheer I am experiencing now. I look forward to sharing this love to others this holiday season and beyond! 

Blood Donor

Last Thursday, I have witnessed a miracle. 

I was able to donate blood for the first time! 

This is momentous for me because I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for most of my life. However, I have also been diagnosed as euthyroid by my endocrinologist since my body has been positively responding to my thyroxine medication. I am constantly being monitored through blood tests, and yes, I am fit to work. However, I have already been used to being rejected as a blood donor because of my hypothyroidism. So imagine my surprise when I was given the green light by the doctor at the Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Jude! According to him, the revised Red Cross guidelines already allow euthyroid patients to donate blood. I was so excited, that I practically smiled through the process (even if I was a little nervous!). It did not hurt at all and I even got a brownie and juice afterwards. It was a priceless Christmas miracle and I look forward to donating blood again next year!

I am thankful for miracles. Please be a blessing to others and consider donating blood too at your nearest Red Cross blood bank! 

Barkin’ Christmas

Yesterday, I decided to hang out with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I am in love with them and my favorite dog Ella was there to spoil me with kisses. I am a huge believer in creating my own positive vibes, so if I need to go to a dog cafe to feel loved, then I will do so. Being in the spirit of the holidays can be tough when I am single, but it should not be that difficult now that I know how to create my own happiness. I realized while cuddling Ella that Christmas is about sharing love with my (human or furry) friends. I felt incredible sipping dark chocolate milk tea with Ella on my lap. Love indeed does not need to come from a guy. I am enjoying singlehood for now, and I will definitely return to Barkin’ Blends soon!

Sunday Beauty Queen

Yesterday, I was able to catch the closing film of UP Film Center for 2017, which is Baby Ruth Villarama’s Sunday Beauty Queen. This award-winning documentary has caught my attention because of its pageant plot and focus on domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

I was pleasantly surprised that the pageants being organized are for charity, such as the Bethune House, which helps troubled women workers get back on their feet. I was touched by the movie and I realized that people can uplift their circumstances if only they will find a passion to pursue.

I am inspired by the women in the film, and I was thrilled to take a selfie with Mylyn Jacobo. She was one of the brave and admirable stars of the film. And I was happy to hear that she is now living in the Philippines for good, and she is taking acting workshops! I wish her all the best and I look forward to catching her on the big screen soon.

I am excited to catch more films at UPFI’s Cine Adarna next year! Here’s to more impactful movies and charmed moments! 

Sick but Not Stuck

I have often shared about my journey with hypothyroidism, and it has been a lifelong roller coaster ride. This week, I have experienced an extra challenge as I am currently down with fever, sore throat, and colds. It has been a struggle to get up and carry on with my workouts. But the important part is, I still worked out! And I also continued reading and making plans. 

Today, I had pizza and coffee for lunch, then I proceeded to Sta. Clara for my weekly check-in with my intercessor. It is my last visit before Christmas, so I made sure to whisper all my intentions for the holidays. I am grateful for her continuous prayers, and I am banking on the Christmas spirit to level up my intentions! With a little pixie dust from above, I am sure that my prayers will be heard and answered.  

I hope to recover from this rut soon. I am lucky to have found my routine, and that my flow is unending even when I am sick. Here’s to continuing my fitness goals and sticking to my plans amidst the medications!