Self-Care and Coffee

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon for grooming and self-care. 

I started my day with a wax session at my usual place.  

Then, I had my pixie trimmed at the salon next door.  

I liked the female stylist’s take on my pixie! I will definitely return for another trim from her. 

Next, I had late lunch at The Round Robin Cafe. My main course was their salmon carbonara, which is my go-to order whenever I’m there.  

And for dessert, I had their delectable matcha cheesecake and latte.  

Self-care can go a long way in reinforcing my self-esteem. Whenever you’re feeling down, try visiting a salon and a cafe. Your mood will definitely be brighter, and you will thank yourself later.  

Kusina ng Kalinga

Yesterday, I got to join my fellow Human Nature Core Advocates in the Kusina ng Kalinga (Caring Kitchen) breakfast at the flagship store. I helped in serving cooked chicken soup and sandwiches to the nearby residents. It warmed my heart to be a part of this breakfast, and helping others is definitely one of the perks of being a Human Nature Core Advocate. I look forward to more opportunities to help others in my own little way!

Four Pawsome Years

Yesteday was the fourth year anniversary celebration of my favorite dog cafe, Barkin Blends. I attended their pirate-themed party and hugged the family- including the cafe’s human owners, who have become my friends through the years! Congrats Barkin Blends! I hope to witness more anniversaries with your cuddly dogs!

At-home Workouts

I’ve been busy these past few days with a conference, my blog, and getting work done. While these commitments already take up a lot of my time, I still make sure that I keep myself fit and healthy. I eat right and never skip meals.

Also, I workout at home if my schedule prevents me from joining my Zumba classes at my local park. 

I use my stationary bike to workout at home. While I am on it, I write blog entries, check my email, apply for jobs online, listen to podcasts, and read. I multitask like that, and I don’t let my to-do list hinder me from burning calories. 

I also follow Zumba classes on YouTube to workout at home. It keeps my body in shape and breaks the monotony of the stationary bike. 

Getting my cardio fix while at home is possible, thanks to my bike and the internet. I hope that you will also continue working out even when your schedule is busy. It is really all about time management. Discipline yourself, and find a routine that works for you. You will thank yourself later. 

ADB Digital Development Forum Day 2

Yesterday, I was at the ADB again for the second day of Digital Development Forum. I was privileged to listen to informative talks on how technology can further advance the growth and progress in the Asia Pacific region. 

I had Vietnamese sardines again for breakfast. 

The sessions tackled private-public partnerships to enhance the viability of tech in order to build smarter cities. 

For AM snack, I had egg and veggie sandwiches.  

The sessions resumed and continued to discuss how governments can utilize technology to streamline their public services.  

Lunch was another lively affair, and I particularly likes the lasagna.  

I took a brisk walk to the bank’s new wing to have coffee.  

I chose Bo’s Coffee because they serve local blends. 

I even managed to crochet while waiting for the afternoon sessions to begin. 

I appreciated that the afternoon sessions discussed how technology could be used to encourage stakeholders to scale up their businesses by utilizing online platforms and ecommerce facilities. 

For the PM snack, I had ADB’s famous crinkles and coffee.  

I definitely see technology as a tool to foster development in the Asia Pacific region. While it is not perfect, technology can do more good than harm. I have an online store myself, and I am proud that Human Nature has an ecommerce platform that allows me to virtually spread the goodness of social enterprise. As a blogger, I look forward to using my website as a medium to feature social enterprises, handmade lifestyle, and how I achieve my fitness goals. After all, my personal development is progress, and it is possible that I could inspire others to begin improving their own lives. This is why I continue learning and attending conferences, and I hope that you will also consider improving yourself by showing up to invaluable informative sessions such as the Digital Development Forum. 

ADB Digital Development Forum Day 1

Yesterday, I was able to attend the first day of the Digital Development Forum at the Asian Development Bank. It was a day filled with insights from leaders in both industry and humanitarian work.  

I started my day with a hearty breakfast of Vietnamese sardines and garlic rice. 

The ADB Cafeteria has a calming effect on me. 

I also came in a dress that made me feel empowered. Nothing like fashion to make me feel like I got this!

I learned heaps from the various sessions.  

It was also my first time to use a translation device. 

I had a delicious lunch, and the highlight were the desserts. I also bought myself a cuppa from Figaro.  

The Women and the Digital Economy in Asia and the Pacific was my favorite deep-dive session because it empowered me to continue thriving in tech. More women in STEM would mean collective progress in the region as we have unbelievable untapped potential among females in the region. Also, women and girls are already proven to be the community drivers in the region. To involve them in tech would mean that they have the progress of their respective communities in mind.  The success of communities then would translate to the development of nations in the region, and possibly across the world. 

I also crocheted to keep my mind awake. 

I had tuna sandwiches for afternoon snack.  

And in the final deep-dive session, I learned that innovation should begin in the executive level so that corporations in the regions will withstand the challenges of the changing times.  

I ended my day with a yummy dinner in the bank’s central courtyard. 

I had an insightful day and I look forward to the second and final day of the forum.  I am excited to continue learning and I hope I could attend more learning opportunities at the ADB. 

ADB-AIM Hackathon

Yesterday, I was fortunate to attend the ADB-AIM Hacksthon. The actual hackathon has already happened, so what I witnessed was the final pitches of the nine finalist groups. Also, this was the pre-event to the Digital Development Forum, which is scheduled for today and tomorrow. 

I had my traditional photo by the Asian Development Bank sign. 

I got to crochet at the ADB library after having nasi goreng for lunch at the cafeteria. 

I am always honored to represent my blog in events, and yesterday was no exception. 

I enjoyed these quiches and frittata during the first coffee break. 

I learned that a hackathon is a creative marathon that bridges tech startups and stakeholders. The goal is to solve existing problems through technology. 

I was amazed with the pitches by tech startups to solve health, ID, and KYC (know your customer) problems in developing Asia. 

For the second coffee break, I had ADB’s famous crinkles. I personally think that it is the best in the country.  

I also tried other ADB cookies such as ube and Chocnut. Both were also delicious. 

It was a treat to eat my snacks in the iconic garden, which is an oasis in the middle of busy Ortigas. 

I also got to crochet again while waiting for the next phase of the event. 

There was a cultural show, then it was time for cocktails and dinner. 

Their chocolate crinkles cupcake was the yummiest dessert I’ve ever had!

I had an incredible time. I look forward to the two-day Digital Development Forum, and I am excited to learn, interact, and network. 

Sunday with Ella

I enjoyed another Sunday afternoon with my furry friend Ella at Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. I got to unwind and relax while cuddling my favorite dog. It was also fun to hangout with the other dogs, such as newcomer Buchi the beagle.  

I will always be a fan of this cafe because of the lovable canine company and delicious milk tea. The owners are also good people. I look forward to my next visit soon!

Special Breakfast

Yesterday, I went to Mister Kabab for breakfast. I was hungry after my workout, and I was craving for my chicken chelo kabab. I gave in, and I really enjoyed it!

Life is too short for boring food. Switch things up and treat yourself every once in a while. You will find yourself looking forward to working out and eating right if you have occasional special meals to balance out your usual diet.  

Saturday Shopping

I love shopping because it helps clear my mind and it means that I get to buy my needs. I tend to buy Human Nature toiletries at the beginning of each month as it is when my bathroom needs restocking. Also, I still sell Human Nature goodies via my online shop. Please consider buying from my online shop as proceeds go to empowing Gawad Kalinga residents. Thank you in advance!

I also bring a tumbler whenever I visit Human Nature in order to enjoy their free-flowing brewed coffee.  

For brunch, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa from Breakfast Bin. 

And for dessert, I had Papa Diddi’s ice cream in ube and avocado rhum!

I later bought a new pair of platform Crocs, just because I never stopped loving the brand’s shoes. They’re perfect for Zumba. 

Lastly, I visited the Human Nature branch at SM North Edsa to buy some things that weren’t available at the flagship store. 

I had a busy yet therapeutic shopping session yesterday. I always bring a list of things to buy and I stick to my budget. That way, shopping is stress-free and fun. 

I hope that you also enjoy shopping, and I look forward to seeing you on my online shop! 

Colourfully Hooked

I finally finished the colorful cowl I was crocheting in shell stitch! It was fun to work with this variegated yarn I got from VC Trading. Of course, I couldn’t resist crocheting with my handmade plushies, Tubbs and Ella!

I worked through this cowl during my birthday, as I was resigning from my previous job, and as I was transitioning back to freelance life. It was quite a journey. 

I look forward to giving this as a present to someone who’s celebrating her birthday soon. 

It is also noteworthy that I now crochet with ease as I have recenly had glasses made for my astigmatism. I hope that the condition will be corrected by next year. In the meantime, I will crochet, knit, and blog as I wear my stylish specs- and live a purposeful life!

Child Sponsorship Goals

Yesterday, I received the annual progress report of my World Vision sponsored child. My girl is now fifteen years old and is very active in her community’s activities. They have livelihood and values seminars which train her to be a better individual. She is also enjoying school, and is excelling in reading and writing. 

I am very proud of my girl and I am confident that World Vision is supporting her development and education. As her sponsor, I feel motivated to continue providing for her learning opportunities. I a inspired to work hard to continue being her sponsor. I hope that as she progresses, I also improve and never stop learning!

To learn more on child sponsorship, click here.  

Fit and Faithful

I usually spend my mornings working out at my local park. The other day, I chose to have breakfast at Tropical Hut, where I had their omelette and coffee. 

For lunch, I went to Pancake House for their corned beef hash and rice.  

I had some time in between commitments, so I was able to swing by St. Clare Monastery for some prayer and thanksgiving.  

I was also able to try Maxi Mango’s famous mango float from Davao. I was lucky enough to catch their pop-up at Trinoma. The long lines were worth it! It was a delicious dessert, and I really hope that they will have a permanent spot in Manila someday.  

I wrapped up my day with dinner and a belated birthday gift from a family friend. 

I stick to my fitness, food, and faith routine because it works for me. It also provides balance to my life, now that I am working freelance and blogging on the side. I am looking for a permanent job too, and it helps to align my goals as I follow a working routine. Here’s to better opportunities to come as I carry on with my daily schedule! 

Food Fight

Lately, I’ve been working out like crazy. I’ve been combining Zumba with cardio exercises throughout the day. It is only fitting that I nourish myself with the right food, such as this delicious adobo flakes kare-kare from Figaro. 

I also had lemonade and coffee to keep me awake for a day of working and burning calories.  

For dessert, I had this choco banana ice cream crepe from Crazy Crepes. So good!

Before going home, I got to have my glasses for astigmatism adjusted to better fit my face.  

Life isn’t always easy, but with the right workouts and nourishment, we will have a more balanced existence. Here’s to having it all without compromising our values, one day at a time. 

Sunday with Ella!

Last Sunday, I got to spend time with Ella and the other dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. It was another afternoon of yummy milk tea, cuddles, and kisses. I look forward to more laidback moments with these furry friends who never fail to uplift my mood!

August Coffee with Diane

Yesterday, I was able to visit my friend Diane’s final resting place. But first, I went to my local park for Zumba and breakfast. 

I brought my pass for next month’s Manila International Book Fair with me. Diane used to accompany me to previous book fairs when she was still alive. She is always on my mind whenever I visit anything book-related. 

I miss my friend, but I know that she is happy with my determination to thrive and carry on. I will be just fine.  

Zumba Saturday

Yesterday, I defied the rain and worked out at my local park. It was fun to burn calories while thinking of my agenda for the weekend. 

Afterwards, I grabbed breakfast to-go from Jollibee. Their breakfast burger steak is my favorite among their morning selections, and it is delicious with coffee. 

Rewarding myself after a rainy-day workout is a must. I have to focus on my fitness goals, but I also have to nourish myself so that I could keep going. Don’t forget to eat right and keep on moving, so that you will also attain your own fitness goals. 

Warmth in my Heart

Last night, I tried dining at the newly-opened cafe near my house. I had chicken arroz caldo and breads for takeaway. I sat down to savor the warm broth of the porridge, and I felt warmth in my heart. The simple recipe of my dinner, and the knowledge that the cafe is a social enterprise, brought happiness to my soul. 

I enjoyed my dinner, and I will definitely be back to have more meals for a cause!

Thursday Learning

Yesterday, I managed to keep my cool amidst the traffic from Quezon City to Makati. I opted to ride the P2P so that I could relax and nap on the road. 

Before I knew it, I was already in Makati for the Birla Breakfast Forum.  

I enjoyed learning from the family behind Palawan Pawnshop. It was interesting to know that the five children currently run the business, and they still prefer to spend their free time together.  

The Asian Institute of Management never fails to fascinate me as there is always a fabulous learning experience every time I’m there. 

For lunch, I opted to have Indian food at Glorietta.  

I ordered this delicious chicken tikka masala.  

I had a lovely day at a conference and of course, a yummy Indian meal. I am thankful that I get invited to events that enable me to interact with business leaders and listen to insightful talks. I look forward to more conferences and seminars to spark my creativity! 

Simple Hump Day

Yesterday, I started my day with my usual workout at the park.  

I had breakfast and coffee afterwards.

Then, I went to the mall for some retail therapy. 

I bought lipsticks from Sunnies Face for me and my mom. 

I queued up for it.

By the time it was my turn, I already knew shades I would purchase. While waiting for my payment to settle, I appreciated the store’s interiors. I especially liked the pink floor. 

Actually, almost the entire store was pink and cream!

I later watched Crazy Rich Asians. I enjoyed it so

much! 

I always get giddy whenever I see anything The Little Mermaid. In this case, I saw this children’s book at a secondhand bookstore. I remember having a similar one when I was a kid. 

I dropped by Sta. Clara since I was already in the area. I prayed for a better future and I gave thanks for all the blessings I have been receiving so far. 

Before I knew it, it was time to claim my Sunnies Specs. 

I chose this cool cateye pair called Harlow. 

I wrapped up my day with Rodic’s tapsilog...

...and delicious Turkish ice cream! 

I enjoyed my hump day and I look forward to more relaxing days that make all the hard work worth it.