I Knitted An Infinity Scarf!

I have been knitting an infinity scarf for the past few days. I brought my needles and yarn with me to coffee, lunch, dinner, the mall, and even to bed. 

Knitting has been a relaxing process, and I prefer freestyle knitting because I do not want to depend on patterns. I want knitting to be a fluid and zen experience to clear my mind and encourage thought processing. 

I finished my infinity scarf this morning, and I can say that it was a rewarding experience. I used yarn which is ideal for our tropical climate. I intend to use it while hanging out in air-conditioned locations. 

True to form, I chose a neutral color combination which will work with any outfit. I am happy to finish something tangible using the skill I acquired from my Banaue Knitting Adventure.  

I intend to continue knitting because it makes me happy! Scarves will always be in style, so I think I will make more in my free time. For now, I look forward to casting on new yarn on my needles and beginning again. 

Black Coffee and Knitting

Yesterday was a laid back time for knitting. I stayed at SGD Coffee for my favorite SGD black. It was the perfect drink for some freestyle knitting. 

I love their full-bodied coffee and unpretentious ambience. They also have fast internet connection! 

I attempted to read while knitting too.  

After my solo coffee x knitting time, I met my Banaue Knitting Adventure tour mate-turned-friend Tricia (and her husband Cholo!) over coffee and pie at Pi Breakfast and Pies. I got the smash pie and brewed coffee. 

It was their yema pie and it was delicious! It was also lovely to catch-up with Tricia while knitting. 

I look forward to more afternoons for crafting, bonding with friends, and amazing coffee! 

Pixie Ramen Monster

Yesterday, I dropped by my derma for my usual treatment. While waiting for her assistant to prep me, I knitted on the bed. It was relaxing, and it also made me happy!

After my check-up, I proceeded to the salon for my pixie update for March. 

I knitted some more while having coffee, then I met my BFF for sizzling ramen at Kureji. 

I had the sizzling shoyu ramen. It was delicious and flavorful. The sizzling stoneware kept the broth hot and tasty as my BFF and I updated each other on our lives. 

We had coffee afterwards, and I knitted while we talked. It was comforting, and knitting helps me focus better. 

It was a fun day, and an insightful evening. Here’s to more ramen, knitting, and cups of coffee.  

Beer and Knitting

I recently took up freestyle knitting, and yesterday, I brought my yarn and needles to Cibo. I ordered beer and truffle pasta. While waiting for my lunch, I knitted mindlessly, as I mindfully processed my thoughts. 

I was lost in my thoughts when my pasta was brought to my table. Knitting has become my therapy because I get to think, reflect, and relax. It is also a convenient craft to take with me wherever I need to be.  

My truffle pasta and beer lunch was superb!

After lunch, I went to The Craft Central to purchase a couple more yarns and a pack of stitch markers. 

They also had this crafting nook that they use for workshops. Since the shop did not have anything planned for that day, I knitted on their table while listening to their Ed Sheeran playlist. 

That was a quietly fun day. I look forward to knitting in more places. 

Bless This Yarn

I learned how to knit during my recent Knitting Adventure at Uhaj, Banaue. I learned the basics and I prefer to work without a pattern.

By working as I go, knitting has become a meditative experience. It has done wonders to clear my mind and process the right thoughts. It is totally aligned with my goal to live life with mindfulness!

I purchased new yarns and a smaller set of knitting needles which are perfect for my small hands. I then proceeded to knit, and I enjoyed it! I ended up knitting for almost twelve hours yesterday.  

I am happy with my new hobby this year. I hope you will also discover a new craft that will bring you joy! 

Art Fair 2018

Art Fair Philippines is one of my favorite annual events because I am guaranteed to see works that will inspire me. This year, I visited the fair on a Friday to avoid the weekend crowd. 

I started my day with a delicious breakfast sandwich and a double-double. I was fascinated with the knit design of Tim Hortons’ cup, as it reminded me of my recent Knitting Adventure at Banaue. 

I also had some quiet time at Greenbelt Chapel. 

Before I knew it, the fair was already open for the day!

Allow me to share with you the pieces which have caught my eye. 

This cute K9 will guard the works of art!

Sublime piece by my college classmate Maxine Syjuco. 

Meeting THE Kidlat Tahimik was the highlight of my visit. He is known as the Father of Philippine Cinema. Here was his imposing work. 

I also attended a special screening of Kidlat Tahimik’s films at the roofdeck. 

I then proceeded to LTD All-Day Dining for lunch and coffee. 

I had a delicious chorizo pasta, sansrival and cappuccino. 

I had a wonderful day at the fair and I am definitely inspired to infuse whimsy and design into the everyday. 

Living Architecture Guided Tour and Talk

Last Wednesday, I joined the Living Architecture guided tour and talk on Gaudi at the UP Vargas Museum. I was curious to know how these structures integrate nature into their designs and how people keep them alive. 

I was happy to see a mix of students, professionals, and art enthusiasts. 

It was an engaging tour, where I learned that architects design structures to be living by integrating the natural environment and allow people to use it in a flowing manner. An example of which are buildings that utilize green energy, contain markets and food halls, and combine cultural centers with public spaces like skater parks amidst an arresting natural landscape. 

We then proceeded to a talk on Gaudi and his groundbreaking work, the Sagrada Familia.  

The speaker, Architect Choie Funk, discussed Gaudi’s natural influences and how she has applied them in the design elements found all-throughout his work. 

My key takeaway from this experience is that “design solves problems”, as Ms. Funk explained to us. If we can use our knowledge in design to tackle issues not just in our personal lives but in our society and environment, then the world will be a better place.

Design and structures live on as we make use of them and integrate them into our routines. I look forward to letting nature influence me more as I go about my day-to-day life. And of course, I will keep on applying design thinking to solve problems with a dose of empathy. 

Calado Earrings

I have always been a supporter of locally-made items, handmade businesses, and social enterprises. 

These three factors all make up Calado, a heritage jewelry brand owned by Tricia Ancheta. I met her during my Banaue trip, and I was fascinated with her handmade earrings once I viewed them online. Her merchandise are handmade by plateros or silversmiths in Dauis, Bohol. These craftspeople have inherited the art of jewelry-making from their ancestors, who learned the skill during the Spanish regime. 

The jewelry are all made of sterling silver, with the option of having them dipped in 24k. Since my style leans toward edgy and minimalist, Tricia personally helped me select the pair which would suit my taste. Her suggestion, the Mirasol spiral hoop earrings in sterling silver, was perfect and I bought them with no regrets. 

I love the premium packaging and classy presentation of my purchase. 

My Mirasol hoops looks even better in person! Check out the intricate detail, which is a trademark of Dauis jewelry-making. 

My favorite thing about Calado earrings is that they are lightweight! Tricia wanted to present a brand of earrings that she could comfortably wear (and buy, as the prices are reasonable for the amazing quality of the pieces). 

The story of Calado is included inside their jewelry boxes. 

I am delighted to own a pair of Calado earrings and I hope that more ladies will discover this local, handmade, and social-enterprise-made brand! I will rock these earrings in my everyday life and fancier events. 

The earrings make me feel beautiful and classy! 

Manila Creamery

After my awesome meal from Quixote, I bought dessert from Manila Creamery, which was also located inside Malingap Central. 

I’ve been hearing good things about this brand, so I decided to give it a try.  

There were so many unique flavors to choose from. 

I gave in to the Quatro Leches Cake. I paid Php120 for a single scoop. 

IT WAS DELICIOUS!

The flavors didn’t outdo each other, and yes, there was enough cake to make this ice cream a chewy, unforgettable delight.  

I will be back, Manila Creamery!

Quixote Paella

Last Monday, I had lunch at Quixote, which is owned by Cholo and Tricia Ancheta. I met this lovely couple during my Banaue trip, and when I found out that they have a Spanish kitchen near my house, I knew I had to try it out!

It is conveniently located inside Malingap Central Food Hall, am air-conditioned food park with parking and clean restrooms. Those factors alone were enough for me to try it out!

Their affordable menu features Spanish’s favorites. I went for their paella x salpicao combo for only Php340. I chose the carne paella because I’m really carnivorous and hungry! 

I had no regrets with my order as it was good for one person. There was also great service, and a hip playlist!

The paella and salpicao were both delicious and filling! It was great value for money and the food was one of the best I have tried in the Maginhawa neighborhood. 

Presentation was also excellent! I paid for a quality, delicious Spanish meal that looks as good as it tastes. 

I put the salpicao on top of my paella and it was awesome. 

Congratulations Cholo and Tricia! I had a delicious meal. I will be back! 

Zapateria

Last Saturday, I was fortunate to attend the community launch of my friend Unyx Sta. Ana’s co-creation lab Zapateria. It is located in the heart of Marikina. Her dad, Rico Sta. Ana, is one of the city’s distinguished shoe designers. Here, he is shown cutting the ribbon and formally opening this wonderful space for makers. 

Unyx was a grade school friend, so naturally I was able to reunite with ladies from my Miriam College Grade School life. Here, I am with Erika Bolante, the interior designer of Zapateria. 

Erika designed the space, including this shoe chandelier.  

It was a fine touch to showcase local leather...

...And to showcase shoe designs from the 80’s and 90’s.  

I also caught up with Anj, another grade school friend. We share the same birthday and we were born at the same hospital!

Various aspects of shoemaking, as well as sample shoe designs, adorn the space. 

My friends and I proceeded to eat lunch. The bacon-wrapped bananas were so good! 

Also met up with Gianina and her husband Carlo. 

It was also thrilling to get a photograph with Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, who happens to be related to Unyx. 

Finally, a photo with Unyx and the rest of my grade school girls!

I had an amazing afternoon! It was great to see my friends again and of course, it was fulfilling to see Unyx and her dad open a promising co-creation space for the Marikina shoemaking industry.  

Congratulations Unyx and Zapateria! 

Big Bad Wolf

Last Thursday, I was fortunate to have the time and opportunity to attend the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair. I went there during lunch time, so I was able to buy food from the catering booth within the premises. After a hearty meal, I was energized to hunt for books to add to my collection. 

Despite having attended several book fairs in the past, I was still overwhelmed with the volume of books available at the fair. 

The price points were pocket-friendly! 

I was tempted to hoard, but I intentionally did not get a cart so I could avoid doing so. Instead, I decided to buy one from every genre in mind.  

That did not stop me though from perusing aisle after aisle of beautiful books!

As always, it was heartwarming to see many Filipinos buy books in fairs like this one.  

There was a short queue to the cashiers.  

This handwritten sign caught my attention. So true!

In the end, I paid for five books. One from art, self-help, adult coloring books, food, and fiction. 

I spend Php1,250 for five books. Not bad at all! I celebrated this with a latte (not pictured) and a butterscotch blonde from Where’s Marcel. 

If Big Bad Wolf will return to Manila, I will definitely be back! It was a fun, value-for-money experience. Here’s to more books and unforgettable reading-related events!

Beyond Finding Myself

The days following my Banaue trip felt like a dream. I felt as if it was difficult to exist after such a beautiful trip, so I pushed myself to go to my usual venues for inspo. 

My first stop was Cinema Centenario to watch Ang Nawawala. It was a film that spoke to me, because a) my close friend from high school passed away a decade ago, b) I am currently adulting yet still living my dream of having a handmade, local-love, art-loving lifestyle, and c) the soundtrack featured the best of OPM rock from my growing-up years. 

Also, it was my first time to have a cinema all to myself. The experience was surreal (it was unplanned and it just so happened I was the only viewer for that showing). 

I personally adore how the microcinema displays film props within the premises. These suitcases were prominently featured in the film.  

The next day, I visited the Vargas Museum at UP Diliman for a walk-through of their Beyond Myself: Filipino Migrants’ Investments in Philippine Futures exhibition. 

There was a postcard table which lets visitors write to OFW participants in Hong Kong and London.  

This installation is entitled Padala. It features typical items which OFW’s send back to their relatives in the Philippines.  

This frame featured a bookshelf which an OFW has proudly saved up for. Books make her happy, and I imagine that it makes her job bearable. The Danielle Steel novel is mine and I just had to place it on the frame. 

Our walk-through was a poignant reminder that Filipino migrant workers are not robots. They have their own lives abroad. They are capable of fighting for their rights, creating art, thriving in social circles, and bringing joy into their lives.  

There was a clever part of the exhibit which resembles a videoke. It was playing the Ama Namin or the Our Father, as OFW’s make time for Sunday Mass. Some churches abroad have Filipino priests and masses, and this is a strong reminder of home. 

Here, the paintings done by some OFW artists were featured.  

This wall cleverly shows a typical apartment row where OFW’s are employed. It is a stark reminder of their existence and ingenuity to thrive in such an environment. 

We had a short talk from a visiting professor from Singapore.  

After the insightful tour and talk, I wrote a postcard for an OFW.  

I then moved on to the Living Architecture exhibition at the ground floor of the museum. 

After my museum tour, I went to a nearby mall for some bread, coffee, and a showing of The Post.  

Those days back in the city taught me that there are meaningful experiences nearby, and I can make them part of my narrative. I enjoy going to museums and watching movies because they show me a different perspective of the world. I just need to let life take me further and by trusting the process, I am learning more about myself. 

Fitness Goals at Banaue

I am now back at Manila, but my heart is still in Banaue. Looking back on my trip gives me joy as I recall all the happy memories during that trip. My group may have only spent three days there, but it felt like we stayed there longer because we did plenty of things together. I am grateful to have met new friends among the locals and within my tour group. I feel blessed that Knitting Expedition has organized a special tour to the rice terraces. It was truly worth it!

Working out is already part of my lifestyle. While I did not prepare for this trip in particular, I did find myself enjoying my daily brisk walks at a nearby park. I also continued doing Zumba and cardio exercises at home. Keeping fit has enabled me to survive the trip with ease.  

As I share with you these photos taken during my last day at this magical place, I hope that you too will be inspired to travel to a destination you have always wanted to visit. I hope that you will also integrate exercise into your daily life. And while there is no way to determine which destination will truly bring you joy, I hope that you will find that special venue which could reignite your dreams and inspire you to envision a better life for yourself. 

When I was still planning for this trip, the few people who knew about it worriedly asked me if I was doing this to find myself. It is a popular travel theme after all. While I do not question people who travel for this reason, I have made it clear from the start that I did not go to Banaue to find myself. I was a research assistant to Mitzie Icasiano more than a decade ago, and it was because of her studies in Ifugao culture that I found fascination, innate joy, and yes, I found myself. I already did that many years ago. This trip is merely a realization of a longtime desire to see Ifugao culture up close, and what better way to do that than through a tour which supports the local knitting community and tourism industry.  

These photos of me with the majestic Banaue Rice Terraces were taken as a tribute to the rich Ifugao culture, and the joy I found in studying it. By keeping fit and enjoying the whole tour, I was able to realize my dream to travel to Banaue. And by becoming my own “fitspiration”, I kept myself going. 

I hope that you too will find your Banaue. May your heart be filled with happiness beyond this month of love, and may the coming years be kind to all of us. May God bless us all. 

Banaue Day 3 Part 2: Banaue Town and Fire Station

We spent our last day at Banaue exploring the town center for lunch and shopping. Our group went to Las Vegas Restaurant, a local favorite of backpackers. 

While waiting for my order, I decided to explore the nearby shops and buy some necklaces to add to my collection.  

I bought these necklaces and earrings featuring Ifugao artistry. The knife necklace is a souvenir for my best friend.  

The earrings reminded me of Polly Pocket toys! 

I started my meal with coffee.  

And then I devoured the Las Vegas Rice, which is similar to chicken adobo. It was delicious! 

After finishing my lunch, I headed out again to buy ice cream from a nearby store. I chanced upon betel nut packs which the locals chew. I did not try it but I found the merchandising fascinating.  

I bought local chocolate and cookies and cream (not pictured) ice cream. I also bought this and another magnet to add to my collection.  

We then proceeded to my favorite part, shopping! 

I always like seeing corner bakeries and this was no exception.  

I also had photos taken with my roommates Rocelle and Vivi.  

While Vivi was shopping for textiles, Rocelle fulfilled my childhood dream of having photos taken on a fire truck! 

After buying a textile bag and a few more trinkets, I suggested that we all have coffee at a bakery which our guide Ate Jean recommended.  

It was located near this viewpoint facing the Banaue town proper.  

We then settled down and of course, I selected their bestsellers, donut and banana bread.  

It was the best banana bread I have ever had! 

After freshening up, we then hiked to the information center where the buses to Manila load passengers. I was seated comfortably and before I knew it, the zigzag roads have lulled me to sleep.  

We then stopped over at Nueva Vizcaya, where I had a light dinner of kikiam, siomai, and hotdog.  

I reached Manila safely at almost 3AM. It was a fantastic trip which I will remember for the rest of my life! 

Banaue Day 3 Part 1: The Most Beautiful Sunrise I Have Ever Seen

I woke up before six in the morning on our last day at Uhaj, Banaue.

I was able to witness the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen at the comfort of our inn’s restaurant. 

It was magical. I had the whole restaurant to myself.  

Well, Rain did keep me company in the middle of it. 

I ordered the Filipino breakfast again and kept my eyes glued to the sunrise. 

Rain was still there!

The fog suddenly dissipated and the rice terraces eventually said hello!

It transformed me. Oh, and I had delicious coffee to sip while watching the sun shine over the mountains. 

I then walked around the village inn grounds to stretch and reflect on the breathtaking view I witnessed. 

This was the view from our hut. 

I then went on to get ready for the rest of the day, knowing that I was in the midst of indescribable natural beauty. 

Banaue Day 2 Part 2: Rice Planting and Cultural Night

After exploring the hot springs, we then proceeded to a plot of land owned by one of the nanay (mom) knitters. We were there to try planting rice, and in order to get there, we had to hike down a mountain. 

We were not forced to plant rice, and some people in our group did not feel like doing so because it would entail having to step on mud. I respect their choice, but I was there for the full experience. 

Planting rice is one of my bucket list items, so it was natural for me to be the first to volunteer.  

The mud was soft and mushy, but it was manageable to walk on.  

Photo by Rocelle 

A few of my groupmates eventually joined me.  

It was so much fun! However, I also realized that it was hard work. I finally had respect for farmers who plant rice for a living. It is definitely not easy.  

Photo by Knitting Expedition 

We wrapped up our farming experience with a hike upwards. After a jeepney ride to our inn, we were all starving. I had delicious vegetable curry and beer by the best view. 

To be exact, it was beer and coffee. I had this combo all throughout our trip that my friends dubbed it “The Sam”.

I also continued knitting while waiting for the cultural dancers to arrive. 

We then had our cultural night, featuring talented Ifugao dancers and percussionists. Some of them were our knitting nanay’s kids! They let the children dance and perform for visitors in order to preserve their culture and to educate us about their tribal heritage. 

We danced the night away with them and I really enjoyed myself.  

Photo by Knitting Expedition

We chose to have our group shot with the kids. 

Photo by Knitting Expedition

I ended the night by trying on their traditional skirt and a photo op with these talented ladies.  

It was an unforgettable day with new friends and magical experiences. I will never forget this day.  

Banaue Day 2: Pilapil Walk and Hot Springs

Our second day of the Knitting Adventure consisted of exploring the Rice Terraces and hot springs. It was guaranteed to be an action-packed day, so I made sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast while watching the sunrise. 

Our inn’s restaurant has only one Filipino breakfast, and I did not mind that the only viand for that was corned beef. I love corned beef, eggs, and brown rice!  

I also had two cups of coffee with this killer view. 

We then rode the private jeep to the terraces, and of course I had to top load again. 

This time, I toploaded with more people from my group! 

During a stop to pay the environmental fees, I relaxed on the jeep and knitted. It was a priceless moment. 

A few minutes later, we have reached the start of our journey. 

It was so beautiful. 

I grabbed one of the walking sticks and walked to paradise.

I was giddy to actually be walking on pilapil or rice field dike along the rice terraces. It was a childhood dream come true!

I am actually scared of heights, so I found ways to entertain myself during the day. 

I surprised myself by actually thriving during that pilapil walk. It helped that I workout everyday. 

Also, there were steep steps and narrow passageways.

But no one was complaining because it was breathtaking.

Finally, we started seeing some streams and it was a good sign as we were on our way to hot springs. 

We also reached a bridge and I just had to do this.

At last, we reached the hot springs! 

This was the colder portion. Alternating cold and hot water in the springs was a delightful experience.

The chilly mountain air added to the mystique of the place.

The hot springs was a relaxing treat after a long walk. 

The location is actually sacred ground so modest swimwear is required. I managed to have a bikini selfie at the entrance though. 

Our local nanays (moms) cooked us sticky rice using heritage purple rice.

IT WAS DELICIOUS. 

Our tour’s social entrepreneur, Candy Reyes, also did a quick photo shoot of Knitting Expedition’s latest toys. 

It was a fun morning with my new friends and local guides. The afternoon was reserved for another childhood dream come true. Stay tuned!

Banaue Day 1

I just got back from my trip to Uhaj, Banaue for the Knitting Adventure organized by social enterprise Knitting Expedition. The woman behind the brand of hand-knitted toys, Candy Reyes, was our tour guide. Her passion for the Ifugao culture and of course, knitting, was palpable. It also helped that the people with me in this trip were also staunch advocates of handmade, buying local, and culture. 

Our trip began with a bus ride from Cubao and a stopover at Nueva Vizcaya.  

I was so happy to finally make it to Banaue!

The bus played “Top of the World” by the Carpenters during this moment. 

I was inspired by Mitzie Icasiano (Fulbright scholar and expert on Ifugao handicrafts) to go to Banaue when I became her research assistant in 2007. We handled Kalinga and Ifugao artifacts at the UP Asian Center, and that sparked a love for all things Ifugao in me. I ended up wearing Natalya Lagdameo bangles from the region, and I always found myself dreaming of visiting the rice terraces myself. So after buying a dog plushie from Knitting Expedition and some online conversations with Candy, I decided that this is the perfect opportunity to visit Uhaj.

Finally, I made it! This was at our accommodations, the Uhaj Native Village Inn. Their menu is largely Western, and the facilities are modern and clean. 

This was the view from the inn’s restaurant.  

Our room was something like this!

My first breakfast in Uhaj. Yes, both coffees were mine.

I then got to topload on a jeepney. This is a local custom as public vehicles are scarce and people simply have to find a way to fit in- or on top of- a jeep. 

This was a childhood dream come true!

This was at their viewing point.  

Breathtaking!

Now back at our Inn. I found some books which guests could peruse. 

And once again, the view, and my Php20 bill which features the rice terraces. 

Our cottage was cozy, and I was sharing it with two other ladies from our group, Rocelle and Vivi. 

I also got to meet the inn’s adorable Great Dane, Rain. 

We then had our knitting class in the afternoon at the inn’s viewing deck. 

Basic knitting has never been this inspiring. 

Candy’s wingwoman in the region, Jean, was one of our teachers. She is a knitting legend and rice farmer. Also, she is a mom and tour guide!

Rain held my hand as I was struggling with learning how to knit. 

I eventually made a simple cup cozy. 

By the time our class was done, it was time for dinner. I savored this chicken curry with brown rice. It was delicious! 

To cap off the night, I had a cold one with this priceless view. 

It was a great first day at Banaue, and I went to bed inside an Ifugao house. 

I really couldn’t ask for anything more.

PAWS Year of the Dog Date

After my short but sweet bonding time with Ella at Barkin Blends, I proceeded to PAWS for my second date with one of their adoptable fur kids. I already had a date with adoptable dog Ruff yesterday, and I enjoyed it so much! I simply had to have a second one with another shelter buddy. 

I was matched with Perseus, who has never been selected for a date yet. I walked him first around the compound since he was full of energy.  

He calmed down after I turned the walk into a jog. We went to the pop-up cafe for our date. 

He ate his snack, while I had a pastry and sipped my coffee.  

Before I knew it, this heartbreaker was kissing me! 

It was a magical date.  

I cannot explain how much love I felt from this guy. I am currently single, so this date has helped me too. I got to experience genuine love even if it was only for an hour at a shelter. I really hope that he will get adopted soon.  

If you are looking for a pet, please adopt from PAWS! Their dogs and cats need homes and they deserve a soft bed, hugs, belly rubs, and love. 

Here’s to a beautiful Year of the Dog ahead! 

Photo from PAWS