Pares, Prayer, and Paws

Sometimes, I have simple food cravings that just won’t go away. An example of this would be my craving for beef pares. Yesterday, I simply had to have pares, so I went to a place that serves the dish in Quezon City. 

I was greeted with a rack of condiments. This was a good sign! 

I was served delicious beef pares, which is was garlicky and a bit spicy. It was heavenly. 

I then proceeded to The Feast at Trinoma, where I was a first-time attendee. I wanted to have a Catholic worship group that I could be a part of whenever my schedule permits. Luckily, The Feast now has a Sunday session from 9:30-11:30am at the mall’s Cinema 3 theater.  

We started the session with Mass.  

I was given a leaflet for the inspirational talk.  

We prayed the Declaration of Abundance.  

Then, it was time for the inspirational talk focusing on work and faith.  

I had sizzling Salisbury steak with egg for lunch. It was another simple craving satisfied! 

After my hearty lunch, I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to have coffee with my fluffy friends.  

And I had mini-donuts for snack! 

I was able to satisfy my simple cravings, nourish my soul, and spend time with dogs on a Sunday. Indeed, there are fulfilling ways to spend the weekend without spending too much. All it takes is the determination to live a meaningful life.  

Friendship and Food Illustration

Yesterday, I started my day with Zumba at my local park. 

After a hearty breakfast, I proceeded to the Pink Sisters Convent for some quiet prayer time. 

I freshened up, and proceeded to have lunch with my good friend Jane. I ordered coffee... 

 ...and the pancake set with longganisa. It was delicious!

Jane was my art teacher at one of my workshops. We have kept in touch, and she gave me one of her nifty handmade pocket sketchbooks. 

These are some of Jane’s works!

I gave her a beanie which I knitted myself. 

And since it was recently her birthday, we celebrated it at Breakfast Bin, my favorite brunch place. 

I later had a foot massage which helped me relax. 

Then, I sketched my lunch on Jane’s gift. 

I also sketched my favorite creamy curry chicken bibimbowl. 

This looks like a great way to jumpstart my return to food illustration!

I am thankful for friends like Jane who encourage me to sketch, paint, and laugh! Here’s to more memories with people that matter, and food that nourishes the soul. 

Spaghetti, Yarn, and Yearning

Yesterday, I knitted while having lunch at Pancake House. I had their spaghetti, which is one of my favorite spaghettis of all time. It was a delight to hang out at a classic place, and it was a joy to knit while doing so. 

The repetitive stitches do help me relax. This is why I highly recommend knitting to anyone who needs a new hobby. 

I got home to the latest newsletter from the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City. They have also included a piece of paper for my intercessions for the month. It is indeed time to go back. 

My passions for food, knitting, and prayer are connected to each other in such a way that there is continuity between them. I am able to nourish my body, my mind, and my soul by practicing what I love. I look forward to a restful weekend ahead so that I may unwind and prepare for a productive week.  

Fitness, Food, and Friends

Yesterday, I was able to return to my Zumba workout at my local park. It was fun, and I missed burning calories outdoors. 

I also got to have my favorite breakfast burger steak from Tropical Hut. 

I got to visit Diane, and I left her a post-it, following our custom. 

I had lunch with my family at Soban. 

And I had this beef korilog. It was delicious!

I got to use my new Addi circular knitting needles for the first time. I bought mine from Dreams Yarnshoppe. 

The Addi needles were a joy to use! They’re definitely worth the premium price tag. And yes, they’re comfortable to use.  

For dinner, I had spinach tartufina carbonara and this yummy pesto pasta from Salta! with my best friend Luti. 

Yesterday was productive and relaxing at the same time. It was also valuable to spend time with my loved ones, and even try out new notions. All the food made my workout worth it. I look forward to more balanced days like this one. 

Beer and Yarn

Yesterday, I met up with my grandpa for lunch at Via Mare. While waiting for our food, I knitted and drank some beer with my original drinking buddy. 

It was a beautiful day for catching-up.  

I had coffee to complete my lovely lunch of roasted vegetable rigatoni.  

I then walked to buy some things afterwards.  

I ended up at Dreams Yarnshoppe where I stocked up on some balls of yarn and a pair of metal 6mm circular knitting needles.  

I indulged in my passions for food and knitting in one day. I was also able to spend time with the family, and it was great to knit while doing so. Every now and then, I suggest that you also make time for the things that matter, and the people who lift you up. You will definitely appreciate your life more once you have spent time with those that  give your life meaning. 

Brownie x Knitting

Last night, I visited The Craft Central Cafe to unwind after my visit to the National Museum and Luneta. I ordered their dark chocolate brownie, and it was delicious!

I relaxed by knitting and window shopping.  

And I got one of these San Mig Light glasses for my grandpa.  

I enjoy hanging out at craft stores because they spark my creativity. I don’t need to spend much in order to fill-up my heart with inspiration. Sometimes, I just need a brownie, a pair of needles, and some yarn. The rest is up to me. 

National Museum of Natural History

Yesterday, I visited the newly-opened National Museum of Natural History. I was overwhelmed with the beautiful building and informative exhibitions. I will let these photos speak for themselves, and I hope that you will also make time to visit this wonderful museum soon.  

Enjoy! 

Rizal at 157

Yesterday, I celebrated my idol Jose Rizal’s 157th birthday by visiting his final resting place at Luneta. 

It was a beautiful day for strolling at Rizal Park.  

Visiting him was my primary agenda for spending the day at Manila.  

I also crossed the street to have my photos taken with the KM 0 marker. Fans of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins will recognize the significance of this monument. This may not be in Paris, but it’s the next best thing! 

I took one last selfie with my hero before leaving Rizal Park.  

I concluded my visit by dropping by the statue of the Motherland.  

Who is your idol? I hope that you will also find time to celebrate your fandom and commemorate significant dates! It will make your heart and soul fuller and happier.  

Tribute to Van Gogh

Yesterday, I finished knitting my second beanie using chunky yarn in wheat. I am definitely in love with this color because it complements the scarf which I finished knitting over the weekend. 

The scarf and beanie have been knitted in colors inspired from the daytime paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. Consider this as my simple tribute to my favorite artist, who inspires me to be creative, no matter what! 

Wander Space Sunday

Last Sunday, I returned to The Wander Space to look around for inspo and of course, to shop!

It’s impossible to feel sad in this place. I mean, the dream catchers simply inspire me to think of good vibes already! 

My first purchase were these 5mm circular knitting needles from stockist String Strand Strung.  

I also got these handmade onyx earrings from Made By KCA (Black + Stars? Totally me).

Lastly, I got this handmade leather slim card case from Raqsified. 

All of my purcheses made me want to immediately embrace my creative side, so I sat down and did some knitting.  

They also have a cafe, which I will patronize next time that I am not already full!

Their dreamy store simply makes me unwind and relax. I will be back for more wandering and shopping soon! 

Father’s Day Food Coma

Yesterday, I celebrated Father’s Day with my family at Amici Technohub. Since my parents value their privacy, I do not involve them with my blog. So let me just share with you some photos I took from our food coma lunch. 

Technohub is home to ducks! They live along the stream which surrounds the property. 

It was fun to chase them around while waiting for our orders. 

We had pizza margherita...

 ...and I had creamy truffle rigatoni. The pizza is our go-to order there, while the pasta was a new dish. It was delicious! I will definitely order it again. 

I finished my lunch with cookies and cream gelato. 

Father’s day 2018 was a laid-back celebration for my family. Here’s hoping that next year, we will be blessed to have another celebration that’s worth blogging about. 

Knit, Nom, Now

I am a firm believer in rising above challenges through action. Lately, I have been dealing with some personal matters which I have already resolved. To celebrate these small wins, I went to Human Nature to transact orders and to have a cup of coffee. 

I am a Human Nature dealer, so if you would like to buy affordable yet high quality natural products, you may order from my online shop!

I used my Knitting Expedition tiyargo bag  to carry all my purchases. I also took another photo because it amuses me how much the social enterprise brands I support complement each other with ease and style.  The coffee beside me in the photo is from Cafe Lugud, my Ifugao bangles are from Natalya Lagdameo, my T’boli bangles are from Nawa, and the location was of course the Human Nature flagship store! All of these brands are social enterprises, so they do not just look good- they also commit to doing good as well 

After shopping, I went to the new Rodic’s branch along Maginhawa with air conditioning! I had tapsilog while knitting. 

After wrapping up all my errands, I bought my dad his favorite yema cake. 

And later that night, I finally finished knitting my first beanie. I knitted it using the magic loop technique. It was also my first time to knit in the round! This is definitely proof that I am willing to learn- and from YouTube, at that!

I am overjoyed with my small wins, and I also feel accomplished to have knitted a beanie! I am truly determined to overcome each challenge with positivity, optimism, and action. Here’s to more small wins and lessons learned along the way!

Prayer and Hope

Yesterday, I had a meeting in Ortigas. I knitted while waiting for it to commence, and as always, knitting was able to give me a sense of purpose and calmness. 

It turned out to be a productive morning filled with promising opportunities! Before proceeding to the rest of my day’s agenda, I dropped by Padre Pio’s relic and statue at St. Francis of Assisi Parish to give thanks. I also prayed for wisdom in discernment and guidance as I embark on changes in my life. 

I had the creamy cheesy penne, donut, and coffee combo from Mister Donut. It was a delicious and comforting lunch on a rainy day. I recommend that you try this combo as well, not just on rainy days! The pasta was indeed cheesy and creamy. And their donuts and coffee are always on point. 

I wrapped up all my tasks for the day and had dinner at Breakfast Bin. I opted for my go-to meal there: the toasted naked longganisa, with a runny fried egg, talangka brown rice, and spiced vinegar. 

I hope that you will never be afraid of exploring opportunities! Prayer works, and it helps in thinking things through. Meanwhile, knitting keeps my mind sharp with every stitch. 

And as always, food nourishes me and warms my soul.  

May you have a great weekend ahead, friends! 

Prayer in Action

I never get tired of visiting my usual churches for prayer and reflection. It gives me me a sense of peace and fulfillment to go to places of worship, so whenever my schedule permits, I always drop by my favorites. 

My first was St. Clare Monastery.  

My second one was St. Jude. 

I wrapped up my prayer tour with a visit to Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey inside San Beda University. 

I hope you will also find the places that restore your faith and inspire you to pray. God bless you!

Crafting Potential

Yesterday, I bought yarns from one of my go-to handmade shops, The Craft Central. I did not have any particular project in mind. I simply wanted the colors I got and filled my basket. 

I do believe in surrounding myself with things that fill my heart with joy. Knitting using yarns in colors that I like makes me giddy, and it helps clear my mind. 

I also believe in shopping small and independent, that is why I frequent craft shops, indie businesses, and local brands. The yarns I bought yesterday were from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and just like The Craft Central, it fulfills all three aforementioned qualities. 

Simply put, having a handmade lifestyle makes me smile!

If you would like to learn a craft of two, here are the upcoming workshops at The Craft Central SM North Edsa:

I hope that you will also find your craft, and enjoy shopping for supplies every now and then! It is good for your soul. 

Stormy-Day Friendship

We all have friends who are there for us not just in happy times, but also during difficult moments. Transitions are challenging because they have a feel of tentativeness. Right now, I am going through one, and my high school BFF Luti is here with me to make me realize things and help me dissect all the issues I have to process at the moment. 

To say that I am lucky to have her at the moment is an understatement. And yesterday, even if it was raining hard, she met up with me to catch-up.  

Before dinner, I was able to buy notions frm String Strand Strung at The Wander Space, a travel-themed shop and cafe which I have previously featured in this blog. Indeed, I do stay loyal to indie shops which sell handmade and local goodies. If they stock craft supplies, then that is a definite winner in my book. 

After shopping, we proceeded to Malingap Central. 

I had delicious roast beef from Alfred’s...

...and Mangga at Suman gelato from Manila Creamery. 

It was lovely to catch-up up with my besty, but we had to cut our dinner short due to the rain. 

I made myself a cuppa and carried on with my knitting by the time I got home.  

I hope that you will also find your stormy-day friend who will literally accompany you in the middle of a thunderstorm- and provide you with the eureka breakthrough you never knew you needed. 

Technology, Jobs, and Knitting

I just finished knitting a blue-and-pink scarf which I have been working on during a particularly difficult time with a friend. I have previously shared that it was painful to complete it because I remembered talking to this person, whom I have trusted through the years. Now that circumstances have been unfavorable with this individual due to variables beyond my control, I have decided to move on by stitching it to completion. Seeing it done was bittersweet, because it was tangible proof that I am resilient enough to complete tasks even if the story behind it was an unhappy one. Nevertheless, knitting it was a process that started with a sad conversation, and ended with the realization that I am stronger than I think I am.

Having said that, I began knitting another scarf yesterday, using new needles and a Sweet Roll branded variegated yarn. It was thrilling to begin again, so to speak, with new notions and the determination to move on. While knitting this new project, I have also listened to the Technology and Jobs podcast produced by the Asian Development Bank, or the ADB.

It is a four-episode podcast series which tackled the future of work in the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is ironic that I was listening to the series while knitting, which is a handmade craft that takes time, effort, and dedication. While I am doing this as a hobby, I am aware of how technology is rapidly changing work today, both for better, and for worse.

Screenshot from ADB’s Soundcloud page, as hyperlinked above.

I have learned key insights from this series, such as the need for companies to ensure that technology will not replace human labor, the importance of continuous training in skills, and the message for BPO employees to enter the outsourcing industry, but not stay there for long. As a former BPO employee, I am grateful for half-a-decade’s worth of training and work experience. However, I am also glad to have exited before I felt the burnout due to the repetitive nature of my role. Now that I am looking for a job in the corporate sector, I am constantly training and enriching myself through reading, listening to podcasts, and attending seminars and conferences.

Knitting has also helped me grasp the importance of handmade crafts. While a machine may replace a pair of knitting needles, it could never replace the skill of working hands. There is love and dedication that is poured out to every hand-knitted project. The same goes with technology and jobs.

As a jobseeker, I blog everyday to share my thoughts on relevant topics and self-improvement. I maximize the technology available to me to update my website, speakoutsam.com. I use the internet to communicate with my peers and to coordinate with individuals who are capable of organizing learning events and opportunities. Still, the ideas are all my own. Technology merely helps me get my message out into the world.

As I continue knitting, job seeking, reading, and listening to podcasts, I hope that I will be able to stay relevant and up-to-date with today’s trends and opportunities. May the paradox of my handmade lifestyle and digital blogging encourage you to also pursuit your passions and to always be yourself! Because at the end of the day, what makes us human is something that technology will never, ever be able to replace. 

Signed Inspo

Yesterday was a rainy one, so I decided to stay at home. I worked out, carried on with my reading, and listened to classical music.

Imagine my surprise when I finally received the print copy of The Crime Circle by Yeyet Soriano, a novel which I have reviewed a few weeks ago here on my blog. I won the digital raffle for the participants of the said novel’s blog tour, and I was lucky to be one of the winners.

I was glad that the book came with freebies which enhanced my appreciation for the book. The postcards and bookmarks feature haunting illustrations and quotes from the novel.  

I can’t wait to reread it, because we all know that the print edition is always the best reading experience for a seasoned bookworm. 

Like most avid bibliophiles, it is especially thrilling to have my books signed by the authors themselves. I do consider Yeyet as one of my friends, so the personal message is more than appreciated. It is especially empowering to receive  motivating words from a strong and talented author!

I am lucky to be part of the local writing and reading community which has enabled me to appreciate our local culture better through novels written by Filipino authors. I am also happy to be a part of more blog tours for upcoming novels! If you want to have the same reading experience, check out Yeyet Soriano’s novels and continue following me here on my blog! The Filipino reader and writer deserves more love, and there is no better time to begin the journey to reading local than now.

Rainy Day Knitting

I always knew that living the handmade lifestyle will be beneficial in the long run. Yesterday was no exception. I was stuck at home due to the rain, so I finished the novel I was reading. When I realized that I needed a short break from books, I picked up my knitting needles and continued working on the scarf I began a fortnight ago. 

This project was actually painful to finish. I was knitting this scarf while having a particularly difficult conversation with a friend, and yes, it helped me calm down. Knitting does that to me- it eases me through pain and helps me clear my mind. Picking my needles up again was my cue to carry on with life. For every stitch, I become a stronger version of myself. Just like the scarves I make, I become warmer and more resilient because I was made to withstand tough times. 

I look forward to knitting, going back to reading, and yes, living a handmade lifestyle during this rainy season and beyond. Life may throw some challenges along my way, but I was built to handle them with a couple of needles and a bunch of books. I hope that you will also find your own handmade lifestyle, so that you will see the difference it can make! 

Cut and Concert

Yesterday, I had my pixie trimmed at another salon that I go to every now and then. One of the ways that I care for my mental health is through getting a monthly haircut. There is something powerful and soul-reviving about a few snips that could define my features. Since having a pixie almost two years ago, I noticed that it has given me no choice but to embrace my face- flaws and all. I don’t have a long curtain of hair to hide from. Also, it’s a pretty good foundation for the things that define my style, like earrings and lipstick. 

The whole process of having my hair shampooed... 

...cut, blow-dried... 

...and styled, has an enormous effect on my self-esteem and mood. If I could handle the monthly task of maintaining my personal hairstyle, then I can certainly manage a routine that will help me grow as a person.  

Another way that I care for myself is by treating myself to concerts every now and then. From intimate bar or museum shows to stadium performances, it has always been a part of my life to enjoy live music. Last night, I watched Iisa, the much-awaited concert of 3D (Danao, Dancel and Dumas) at the Kia Theatre. 

There is something empowering about watching a concert on my own. If I can handle the feels without anyone else with me, then I can certainly move on and learn from the past through songs and memorable lyrics. 

I ate dessert first...

...and later had a burrito in between performances. 

The whole concert was an emotional journey, as the artists (especially Ebe Dancel) sang songs which have already become the soundtrack of my life. I left the concert happier and more alive, as I was able to listen to music which have touched my soul at some point in time. 

I take care of myself, by indulging myself in haircuts, food, and concerts, because I want to be carry on with life as a happier individual. I do not believe in standing still, as I am more keen on doing things that will have an impact on my life so that I could pass it on to others. It’s helpful to have a routine, like a monthly haircut. It’s also fantastic to have a treat every now and then, like a concert with all the feels. I deserve to be human, and I hope that you will also find what speaks to you so that you can share it to others as well.