Knitting, Kabab, and Coffee

I woke up extra early today, so I worked out before the rush hour. 

Afterwards, I decided to eat at Mister Kabab for breakfast. Their special chicken chelo kebab (double ground!) is my all-time favorite brekkie whenever I am up at an ungodly hour. It is best paired with coffee and knitting. 

It was an awesome idea to treat myself to a Persian breakfast at my usual place. I love knitting at my go-to locations where I can let my hair down and simply be myself. I hope that you have that kind of place in your life. The kind that you drive to when you’re up extra early or when you simply need to soundtrip, eat, and chill (for me, it’s knitting!). When you do find that place, always make time to come back. It is good for your soul. 

Easter Monday with Ella

I celebrated Easter Monday with a visit to Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. I missed my furry friends, and I also got to enjoy my favorite dark chocolate milk tea and pesto pasta. 

Also, how adorable are these dog treats for sale at the cafe! 

After paying for my meal and one hour stay, I finally received kisses from Forrest, Ella (I’m not supposed to have a favorite, but I do love this little girl), and Skye. 

Each visit to the cafe is a relaxing endeavor. It transports me to another world where problems don’t exist.  

Everything can be solved with a nap and milk tea! 

After my cuddle time with the dogs, I watched Never Not Love You starring James Reid and Nadine Lustre. I loved it! It was real, gritty, and well-acted. 

I got home to my new necklace and earrings from an online store. I am happy that yellow gold is on trend again, and I am pleased to sport 90’s jewelry these days. 

My Easter Monday was fun and chill. I do have my constants, and Barkin Blends is one of them. I hope that you will also find your own go-to happy place.   

Easter Sunday 2018

I celebrated Easter Sunday by getting fit and eating out!

My morning was spent brisk walking at UP.  

I missed soundtripping while walking. Also, the weather was really nice.  

My breakfast consisted of shredded cheese corn...

 ...and a dirty ice cream sandwich!

I knitted before mass.  

Then, we had lunch after church. We chose Torch as we were craving for meats, pizza, and maki. 

This was the volcano roll. It was a deliciously spicy dish. 

This Philly cheesesteak pizza was a crowd pleaser. It was satisfying and flavorful. 

The steak, fish and chips, and chicken yakitori were all yummy as well! 

My Easter with family was well-spent. I hope that next year, it will also be fabulous! 

Black Saturday 2018

I began my Black Saturday with a workout and a hearty breakfast. 

I posed by the townhouses near our hotel which resemble the San Francisco houses in Lola and the Boy Next Door.  

On our way home, we passed by the Calamba Rizal Shrine. I am a Rizal fan, so this felt like a homecoming. 

The Php1 coin I was holding was a tribute to my idol, as he is featured on the currency. 

Rizal had a dog!

We also dropped by the church where Rizal was baptized. 

It was located right next to his house. 

That was a fun visit!

My family and I had late lunch at Mom and Tina’s. Their Shepherd’s Pie is still so good after all these years!

I enjoyed reconnecting with my idol and eating delicious food. What a way to celebrate the Holy Week break. I look forward to more memorable moments in sentimental places. 

Good Friday 2018

Yesterday, I got to unwind in Batangas with my family. I started my day with my usual workout. 

After which, I had breakfast at our hotel’s cafe.  

The egg white omelette and cinnamon rolls were my favorites! 

I had local coffee of course. Then, I cleaned up and went to Montemaria for some Holy Week reflection. 

I knitted on the way there.  

Finally, I saw Our Lady. She was breathtaking.  

We visited other churches as well during our fime here, and had dinner at the hotel. 

This Asian Spicy Fusilli was divine.  

So was this blueberry cheesecake! 

I worked out before bedtime, just because. 

My view while doing cardio wasn’t too shabby!

I had a productive day combining prayer, balanced eating, and working out. It was a nice vacation in the country. I look forward to more meaningful breaks on special occasions. 

Revisiting Padre Pio Shrine

Yesterday, I got to visit the Padre Pio Shrine For the second time. This time, I was with my family. 

I started my day with a breakfast takoyaki rice bowl. It was surprisingly delicious! 

I knitted in the car.  

And before I knew it, we were already there at the shrine. I purchased a magnet for my collection and a bottle of pain relief oil for a friend. 

We walked along the Shrine and prayed at the various spots in the compound. My favorite spot there was at the main church, where this huge sign serves as a reminder for everyone. 

The place holds a special spot in my heart because Padre Pio is a powerful intercessor. His life is also a shining example of the transforming ability of faith. 

Indeed, I will pray, hope, and remind myself to don’t worry!

I also bought personalized keychains from this fun stall. 

I feel blessed to have revisited the Shrine and I am thankful that this time, I am stronger in faith. I will keep on going, because I am confident that Padre Pio will always pray for my intentions. 

Breakfast and Blush

Yesterday, I started my day with a hearty brekkie at Breakfast Bin. I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and egg. 

I was still hungry, so I went to Papa Diddi’s for dessert. 

I love brands with a story, and small ice cream stores with unique flavors. 

I always appreciate how affordable Papa Diddi’s ice cream is. 

I chose the Treat serving in coffee addiction and cookies and cream. It was a delicious combination!

I ran some errands in the mall and later found myself at Yoshinoya for late lunch. Their beef bowl is still so good!

I walked around and found myself at blk cosmetics’ boutique at Trinoma. I tried on their lip and cheek tint and fell in love with the cherry shade. 

It was great value for money, and the color payoff was fantastic. 

It was pigmented and it goes well with my strong lippie from J.Cat. 

Last night, I did my weekly facial detox by applying my favorite Human Nature Pollution Defense Mask. It is made of bamboo charcoal, and is locally-made! You may purchase it from my online store. 

I hope that you will also find time to indulge in food that brings back wonderful memories. Also, don’t be afraid to discover new favorites, like makeup from local brands! You will definitely be surprised on how affordable (and empowering) it is to achieve your desired look. 

Macaroni and Knitting

I recently dropped by my uncle’s latest church assignment. I was fascinated with the CAT demonstration during my visit, as there was a graduation ceremony going on.  

I beat the heat with this Php10 cone of dirty ice cream. Yum!

Lunch was at Conti’s, where I had this comforting plate of chicken and mac and cheese. 

For dessert, I had a slice of cookies and cream cheesecake and a cup of coffee. 

It was a relaxing day of visiting family and eating delicious food. Here’s to more happy lunches for knitting and catching up!

Sunday Sunset

I crave for Mister Kabab every now and then, and I am lucky that I live close to their flagship branch. I always order their special chicken chelo kebab, and last Sunday, it served as my early dinner.  

I put lots of yogurt sauce on my entire order! It is still so good and affordable after all these years.  

After my kabab dinner, I returned to UP for a brisk walk. I was greeted by this sunset.  

It was magical to have witnessed this sunset last Sunday at one of my favorite places. I hope to catch more sunsets in the future, as I burn calories and listen to upbeat music.  

Taho x Chocolate Sunday

Yesterday was a fun one. I had taho for breakfast at UP, where I usually take my brisk walks. 

Then, I met up with my high school friend Luti and we dropped by Pink Sisters for our Lenten prayers. Apologies for the blurry photo. 

We had lunch at La Creperie, one of my happy places. 

I had this delicious chorizo breakfast plate, while she had the corned beef one. 

Of course, we had to have their Angelina’s hot chocolate.  

It is the best hot chocolate for me in this side of the world. 

We then drove to Centris for some retail therapy. No I didn’t buy anything from this dreamy ceramics surplus shop. 

Instead, I had this delicious cookies and cream ice cream. 

Sundays are for resting and relaxing. Our foodtrip did not disappoint! I hope you will also find your favorite hot chocolate and enjoy your Sunday mornings sipping it while looking forward to a sweeter future.  

Online Seller and Old Books

Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to learn more on my online business with Human Nature. If you still do not know where to buy affordable and quality natural products, please check out my online store and support my little business! Thank you in advance and may God bless you!

After my training, I went to UP Town for lunch. Then, I proceeded to Biblio, a secondhand bookshop with a fine selection of vintage books.  

These handsome books are beautiful and in good condition.  

Look at how old these books are! 

I purchased an economics book for an uncle born in 1966. The book was published on the year he was born so it will definitely be a unique present as he has just started on a new job assignment. 

Since my purchase met their minimum requirement of Php300, I was able to enjoy a fresh cup of brewed barako coffee on the house! I knitted while sipping my cuppa and it was awesome to do so inside a beautiful bookshop.  

I may be an online businesswoman, but I do crave for analog experiences. I hope you will also visit Biblio for your next book purchase and who knows, you might also capture a vintage book that speaks to your heart beyond the words on its pages. 

Learn, Knit, Nom

Yesterday, I finally finished the scarf I was knitting for my best friend. 

It was my first time to make a man scarf so I hope this works well during an overseas trip or two. 

I started another scarf, this time for one of my closest girl friends. I am using the popular Shawl in a Ball yarn. 

I was giddy because I was also wearing my new leather mules which I purchased from local brand Tutum. They looked fab with the floor at Pablo. 

I continued knitting at Pablo. Their mini chocolate cheese tart was delicious with their coffee. 

Their coffee maker was also adorable!

After finishing my coffee, I proceeded to the Asian Institute of Management to attend the lecture on Technology and Big Data lecture I was invited to. 

More knitting ensued as I waited for it to begin. 

The professor’s credentials and the topic of our talk are on the screen. 

It was an insightful lecture and I was happy to attend it!  

I was craving for pasta after class so I went to Cibo for my favorite Farfalle Alla Genovese.  

I also had a chill P2P ride home where was able to knit and nap. 

I had a lovely Friday and I couldn’t ask for more! I look forward to more opportunities to learn, try new food, and knit in colorful spaces. 

Bursting at the Seams

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. 

Blood Donation # 2

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. 

Her Voice

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.

Knitting with Diane

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.  

Magic Wands

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. 

Walking and Crocheting

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! 

Human Nature Online Store Launch

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!

Gender Month Forum at the ADB

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.