Faith and Fitness

Yesterday, I started my day with another workout at 6am. 

I finally got the hang of waking up at 5am, so I can say that I have already adjusted to my plan to become a morning person. 

I ate breakfast again at Tropical Hut, and I had their corned beef breakfast meal.  

For lunch, I had the Salisbury steak with egg at Steak Break.  

Then, it was time for my thanksgiving church tour! A favor which I have been praying for has recently been granted. For my first stop, I dropped by St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Their giant statue of the sleeping St. Joseph always reminds me to stop worrying and lift it all up to God.  

Next, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I was able to spot my lucky number, 13! I queued at that platform number, because while I believe in God, I also think that creating my own luck is important. This blog has been an opportunity that I have created for myself. All the events, conferences, and offers which I have attended and received were because of my blog, and that is why I think that luck is merely claiming the chances which I have allowed to happen. 

Then, I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. 

I viewed their collection of reliquaries.  

And for last stop, I went to the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey.  

It is overwhelmingly beautiful.  

For dinner, I had the limited edition herb and bacon pizza from S&R. 

I enjoyed working out, eating well, sketching my food, and touring churches! I hope that I will continue to create more opportunities for myself in the coming days. For now, allow me to carry on with mindful living as I ease my way into the daily grind.  

Morning Person

I have been waking up at 5am for the past few days, and I should say that I am proud of my transition into being a morning person. I am still committed to my workouts, and lately, Zumba has been my secret weapon against sluggishness. 

I even wake up refreshed and more confident to face the day ahead.  

I have been eating heavy breakfasts such as this breakfast burger steak from Tropical Hut.  

I have also gone back to sketching my food!

I have also found time for crochet. My Pony bamboo hook and yarn were purchased from Gantsilyo Guru. 

So far, the bamboo hook has been kind to my hand. It is weightless and comfortable to use. 

For lunch, I had chorizo and olives pasta and an americano from Mary Grace. I also sketched my food and knitting. 

Since I had extra time, I squeezed in some yarn shopping at The Craft Central. Buying yarns in person allows me to be inspired with the possibilities I can create with my hands. It cannot replace the tactile shopping experience which online shopping can never offer. 

I am fueling my imagination by sketching, knitting, crocheting, and working out! I get to accomplish more now that I am back to being a morning person.

If you also want to finish more tasks during the day, wake up earlier than usual! Before you know it, you are already committed to becoming the morning person you never knew you could be. 

Declaration of Abundance

For my brush lettering drills yesterday, I copied The Feast Declaration of Abundance on my Traveler’s Notebook. It was a fruitful exercise as I found myself absorbing the prayer more with every stroke. 

I am claiming that God will bless me more in the coming days. For now, I am living a meaningful life as best as I could.  

Try praying the declaration of abundance too and see for yourself how God can bless you beyond your wildest dreams! 

Starting Over

I have been training myself to wake up early. While I have always been consistent with my daily workouts, I felt that the best way to practice being a mornng person was through Zumba at 6am. 

I have been coping with my 5am wake up time so far and it feels incredible! 

I also make it a point to eat a hearty breakfast after exercising. And coffee helps me adjust to the early morning lifestyle. 

I also started knitting a new scarf featuring chunky yarn and 10mm knitting needles from Dreams Yarnshoppe. 

Every new project feels like starting over. Just like my new wake up time, I am adjusting to the changes in my life. So far, Zumba and knitting have been helpful in my transition to becoming a morning person again.  

My recovery lunch was the corned beef hash at Pancake House. I knitted as well in between spoonfuls.

And I sketched my lunch on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

I embrace change with creativity and fitness. Here’s to more early mornings and sunny opportunities! 

Blood Donation # 3

Yesterday, I donated blood for the third time.  

It was my second blood donation at the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City Chapter. My first time at the said chapter was last March, while my first-ever blood donation was last December at St. Jude. 

Please consult your doctor first before donating blood. You will also be asked to undergo screening before your actual blood donation.  

Be sure to eat heavy breakfast before donating blood, and do not workout on the day of your donation.  

As usual, I received a free snack after completing my donation.  

For lunch, I indulged on the beef and onions set meal at Nord’s Bread Hub while knitting.  

I also sketched my meal on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

I had a lovely day, and donating blood always fills my heart with joy. If you are healthy, please consider donating blood as well. It will help save a life, and you will also be able to share the blessing of health. 

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.