I was moved by this free photo exhibit at the Ayala Museum. Bursting at the Seams features acclaimed photographer Rick Rocamora’s work on overcrowded Philippine prisons.
I appreciated this crowdsourcing portion where the public can post their ideas on how to improve our country’s prison system.
I didn’t not have much to say so I just wrote this.
I hope you will also get to catch this exhibit this weekend.
Yesterday, I was fortunate to have the time to give blood for the second time. I felt awesome during my first blood donation last Christmas season. Blood donation is a fulfilling way to share one’s blessings, especially now that I am euthyroid.
Please consult your physician first before donating blood and do know that each donation has a screening process beforehand. It is a case-to-case basis, so be sure to be healthy before going through the process. If you cannot donate blood, there are definitely other ways to share your blessings, like volunteering and buying from social enterprises.
I knitted while waiting for my turn at the Red Cross.
I was led to a recliner when it was my turn to donate.
After reading the guidelines provided by the medical technologist, it was showtime!
The process was quick and comfortable. Just like last time, I received a free snack afterwards.
It is a privilege to be a blood donor. I look forward to donating again. If you are healthy and cleared by your doctor from any ailments, please consider donating blood! It is one of the most rewarding acts of kindness you can do in your life.
Yesterday, I attended Her Voice: An Afternoon Conversation with the Women of Today at the Ayala Museum. I chose to be part of this event because I wanted to listen to the talks by some of Anvil Publishing’s esteemed women authors.
The first speaker, Dr. Pinky Valdez, is the President of the Assumption College and the author of Educating Women Leaders. She called on everyone to change the normal by speaking out as the best friend of abuse is silence. Women should support each other and uplift those who are vulnerable rather than pulling each other down.
The second speaker, Susan Quimpo, echoed Dr. Valdez’s call for women to speak out and tell their own stories to revolutionize society today. Revolutions do not need to involve guns and weapons. Women empowering each other through stories can create change, and that in itself is a revolution.
We were served snacks and coffee care of Via Mare and Museum Cafe
The next speaker, Karen Fernandez a.k.a. Raketchick, is the author of Whatda! Anong Petsa Na?!. I was inspired by her talk on being a girl boss and finally regaining control of her schedule, tasks, and work. Even if I am looking for a corporate job, I am still a creative (with this blog), so I learned from her insightful speech on working solo in an unforgiving industry.
Bebang Siy took the stage to discuss her books in Filipino and work in CCP. She is inspiring others to write in Filipino and to creatively tell stories in our national language.
I was also moved by her challenge to write whatever the situation is. She encouraged us to tell stories, write, and support female authors.
The final speaker, Xandra Ramos-Padilla, is not only the President of Anvil Publishing, but is also the Managing Director of National Bookstore. She shared life lessons from her lola, Nanay Coring, who founded the bookstore. Examples of these are the more you spend time in the store, the more you learn, and remain humble.
I am fortunate to be part of this event because I realized that writing is more than just a hobby. It can be a tool for empowerment and social change. I hope that more people will be inspired to write and share their stories. I look forward to more book-related events and occasions to discuss the issues that define us women.
Knitted at the P2P going home.
Yesterday, I visited my late high school friend Diane. I try to have coffee with her once a month (sometimes more often than that), and I usually spend time at the columbarium to catch-up.
I started my day with a hearty KFC breakfast. I then proceeded to the columbarium after my meal. I setup my chair and took out my knitting, coffee, and current novel.
I also left her a Banaue keychain from my Knitting Adventure last month. I left her our customary post-it as well.
It was fun to knit with Diane, as I read my novel. Yes, I can now read and knit at the same time!
I hope that you will also find time to visit your late loved ones. Spending time with Diane has been therapeutic and comforting, and I always find myself with her whenever I need to sort out some things. I just wanted to knit with her, and it was serenely delightful. I will definitely do this again.
Yesterday, I knitted at Cafe Mary Grace while eating lunch. I had my favorite chorizo and olives pasta, which was a delightfully hearty meal.
I also had coffee after my meal.
By the time I got home, I was greeted by my online shopping from Gantsilyo Guru.
I bought yarns and notions, which included a pair of 4.5mm knitting needles in PINK!
Opening the needles felt like a Harry Potter moment.
In addition to that, I also got point protectors so my knitting won’t slip from my needles when stored inside my handbag. I also got a bamboo crochet hook in 5.5mm, which is perfect for my usual yarn.
I am happy to have discovered yarn crafts, and I am also glad that my tools are affordable and accessible. I hope to enjoy more opportunities to knit, crochet, and create.
Yesterday, I did some brisk walking at UP. It was nice to walk and jog as the oval was carless on a Sunday. I ended my workout with a burger and egg sandwich near Palma Hall.
I stayed home afterwards to knit, crochet, and chill.
I crocheted a new cozy for my Starbucks water bottle, this time made of sturdier combed cotton yarn.
I also crocheted a cozy for my Romoss power bank.
It was the perfect Sunday as I got to enjoy my yarn craft hobbies while listening to music and podcasts. I look forward to more relaxing weekends and chill crafternoons!
My Human Nature Online Store is now LIVE! You may now place your orders on my very own shop.
I attended the launch of their online store for dealers (like me!), as well as the release of their new hair mist, cooling body cleanser, and odor protect feminine wash.
My new online store is a side-hustle and passion project which I hope you will support!
By getting my own link, https://humanheartnature.com/buy/speakoutsam, I am able to sell Human Nature products under my name. Human Nature’s website allows convenient payment options such as credit card, PayPal, and bank deposit. In addition to that, delivery will be conducted via Human Nature’s system as well so it is an easy and worry-free business for me.
I celebrated the opening of my store with a veggie skillet at Breakfast Bin.
I also went to my favorite waxing salon for some self-care.
Here’s to more small wins and milestones ahead! I hope that you will buy from my online store soon and experience Human Nature products yourself. Thank you and God bless you!
Yesterday was a remarkable opportunity to learn more on woman empowerment. I was fortunate to be part of the Gender Month Forum at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) featuring former UNDP Administrator and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Representing my blog never fails to make me giddy.
I began my day with a hearty breakfast at the ADB cafeteria.
I had tawilis, garlic rice, and scrambled eggs.
Then, I proceeded to the library to hang out before the event.
I ordered a cuppa...
...and knitted!
Before I knew it, it was conference time.
I posed for my traditional ADB photo.
I also spotted my grade school friend Dani in the audience.
Ms. Clark imparted nuggets of wisdom on women empowerment. My key takeaway is that women should lean in and do everything they can to get access to education, positions in the workforce, professional and special interest networks, healthcare, childcare, reproductive health, and more. Women should work together to progress, rather than stop fighting for their rights. They should also involve men in their fight for gender equality. It is crucial to let men know that everyone should have equal rights, as we are all human.
After the forum, I had the famous ADB crinkles which never disappoint.
I went back to Starbucks for a roast chicken and vegetables bistro box and an americano. Also, I continued knitting.
It is always amazing to witness women leaders and Ms. Clark is an epitome of female empowerment. I am thankful for this opportunity from the ADB, and I hope that there will be more chances to learn from leaders in their esteemed organization.
Yesterday was another fun day of knitting, shopping, and eating! I began with tapsilog brunch at Rodic’s.
After my hearty meal, I dropped by Hey Kessy to buy yarns.
I then proceeded to Manila Creamery for dessert. I chose the carrot cake gelato.
It was delicious!
I had coffee and continued knitting...
...then I picked up one of my new yarns to crochet...
...this white beret inspired by Meghan Markle’s style!
I enjoyed being creative while eating and buying new yarns. I hope to have more food trips to inspire me to make more, whether it is through knitting, crocheting, or even art journaling!
Yesterday, I watched a movie starring Pia Wurtzbach. My Perfect You was funny and entertaining. It was also memorable because it’s the first movie that I knitted along to.
Yes, I brought my needles and yarn with me and I knitted inside the cinema!
I continued knitting while eating dinner at Breakfast Bin.
Before I knew it, I already finished this snood for my mom. She has an upcoming trip to a cold destination, so the bulky yarn I used for this snood will keep her warm.
The snood can be used as a cowl wrap and a hood for rainy days.
It can also jazz up any outfit!
Knitting this for my mom was fun. It was also a treat to knit inside the movie house, but I wouldn’t do that with finer yarn.
My knitting memories are piling up, and I like it that way! Here’s to more knitting memories with yummy yarn and delicious food.
Yesterday, I attended the birthday lunch of one of my uncles. He celebrated it at Amici. I brought along my knitting with me and played with my needles as I enjoyed my aglio olio pasta.
For dessert, I had their coffee mudslide gelato and americano. It was a winning combination!
It was fun to knit while catching-up with family. Knitting while chatting was a chill activity. I look forward to bringing my knitting with me to more social events!
I began my day with a Vietnamese brunch at Pho Hoa. I had the chili shrimps rice meal, with coffee (not pictured). I enjoyed my delicious meal and I was even able to squeeze in some knitting on the side.
I also rediscovered crochet, which I taught to myself when I was in college using a book I bought in the US. I recently reoriented myself with the basics through YouTube, and I must say that I was happy to crochet again as I finished an oversized cowl.
I chose a milk cotton blend yarn in clay.
The cowl matches most of my clothes, and is perfect for air conditioned venues.
I also crocheted a headband and water bottle cozy using scrap yarn from my Banaue Knitting Adventure.
I was delightful to decorate my Starbucks water bottle with colorful yarn!
There is quiet joy in crafting, and these days, you will either see me knitting or crocheting, with a cup of coffee waiting for me in between stitches. I hope that you will also find a hobby that will fulfill you and allow your mind to drift away. For now, I will get back to my needles and continue creating!
I am enjoying freestyle knitting. I realized that my initial yarn and needle stash was not enough, so I bought more yarns and a new pair of 5mm needles from Gantsilyo Guru.
I immediately tried knitting one of my new yarns, and I brought it with me to the spa. I knitted while waiting for my turn...
...and I continued knitting while having my Thai foot massage! I chose the recliner beside the lamp, so I was able to knit.
This tabletop yarn is a joy to work with. I simply cannot get enough of the color transition.
Here’s to more relaxing moments while knitting!
I bought a new necklace for myself. My love for jewelry is quite obvious based on my frequent purchases, but I am now a conscious consumer. I focus on bling that is handmade, bought from a social enterprise, and is local.
Good thing Tayo Collective has a minimalist necklace collection that suits all of the above criteria. Their gold-filled necklaces are classy, barely-there, and ideal for layering with other jewelry. Each piece is crafted by a woman rescued from the sex trade.
As a woman and a fan of handmade jewelry, I find this cause amazing and transformative. And since their necklaces are sold through social enterprise collective Things That Matter, it was easy and convenient for me to make that purchase.
I received my necklace via same-day delivery, and I was thrilled with how pretty and minimalist it is. I feel strongest after a workout, so here I was wearing it after an hour of cardio. It is empowering to wear the creation of another empowered woman. This will definitely be a conversation starter, and a wardrobe staple that will remind me that beautiful things happen if I will yearn for those that matter.
This morning and afternoon was a fun one. I began the day with a workout on my stationary bike.
I worked out while knitting and reading!
I ate my favorite A.M. steak bowl at KFC.
I also brisk-walked a bit at UP. It was there that I met up with my high school friend Luti for some church time at Pink Sisters and lunch.
I am glad that my friend also likes serene spaces such as this one.
We ate lunch at Breakfast Bin, where I had my usual toasted naked longganisa.
It was delicious, as always.
We then proceeded to SGD for coffee. Their SGD black never disappoints. It is also one of my preferred knitting spaces.
It was fun to catch-up over prayer, food, coffee, and knitting with my friend. Looking forward to more happy Saturdays!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
