Yesterday, I attended mass at Our Lady of Consolation Parish.
I attended the 7am mass, then I visited my late friend Diane at the columbary beneath the church.
After mass, I visited my dad in the hospital and crocheted the day away.
It is possible to combine faith, friendship, and crafting in one day! I find ways to pursue my interests even if my days can be busy and hectic. It’s all about planning and knowing which materials to bring with me.
Life is too short to be bored!
Yesterday, I attended a meeting for a brand that I have been supporting for many years now. It was fun to interact with other ladies who also advocate for the brand. I can’t wait to see how our ideas can translate to better marketing strategies for this brand, and I certainly look forward to more collaborations with this brand in the future on an advocate basis.
The meeting surprised me, because I realized that I have so many ideas to contribute and share. I am truly passionate about this brand because it gives back to communities that need work. It empowers people through dignified wages. And as both a core advocate and an end user, I am happy to help them improve by sharing my expertise.
After my fruitful meeting, I went to Barkin’ Blends to spend time with their friendly resident doggos.
It warms my heart that my favorite doggo, Ella, is always this excited to welcome me to the cafe.
Spending time with her and the other doggos is priceless, and the comfort they bring is second to none.
For dinner, I had Tapa King, which is a favorite from my childhood.
I also had a cookies and cream frappe from Farron Cafe. It was delicious!
And before going home, I watched The Girl in the Orange Dress at Cinema Centenario. It always feels like home for me in this microcinema. I have a favorite seat there (G5!), and it’s the best way to end a productive day.
I’ll always support brands that promote goodness and purposeful living in my own way. And in the course of my journey, I’ll find ways to unwind by spending time with dogs and supporting local films. Here’s to more purposeful Saturdays!
Yesterday, I had the toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice for brunch.
I missed my Maginhawa favorite, and it’s still delicious!
For dessert, I had two scoops of Papa Diddi’s ice cream. I had cheese closed and barako- both flavors complemented each other perfectly.
I have my usual foodie finds, and I can’t go wrong with them. If you find yourself craving for a hearty breakfast and yummy ice cream in local flavors at Maginhawa, look for the brands above! You won’t be disappointed.
The other night, I decided to go on a burrito run beyond midnight.
I was starving, so I opted to have an old fave from my working girl days: the breakfast burrito with steak.
Army Navy still serves an awesome burrito! It was packed with goodness, and I really got great value for my money.
After my delicious snack, I crocheted until I fell asleep.
It is truly a charmed existence as take care of myself while also caring for a sick family member. I find ways to have things to look forward to, such as a spontaneous late night meal or a crochet project. Life’s still beautiful.
Yesterday, I started my day with a pasta salad from Juju Eats. I had the Sicilian salad with pesto dressing.
Then, I went to Vista Mall Taguig for a meeting. But first, I explored this mall as it was my first time there.
I had a glazed donut at Bake My Day.
It was delicious!
Then, it was time for my meeting at Coffee Project.
I loved the floral details in their interiors.
I had an oatmeal cookie and a tall brewed coffee (not pictured). Both were yummy and awakening! I will definitely be back at one of their branches.
I was feeling positive on the way back to Makati.
I stopped by Glorietta to check-out Lazy Fare, a local boutique that has been making waves on social media for their eco-friendly stance of manufacturing clothes using reclaimed fabric.
These reclaimed fabrics were rescued from landfills and turned into everyday basics for women.
I especially appreciate their inclusive designs which cater to different tastes and body types.
I bought a plain gray t-shirt and pink kimono. I only paid Php200 for both!
I am currently exploring opportunities for myself this year, and beyond. I am also trying out new cafes, clothes, and places. I hope that there will be more possibilities for me this 2019!
Yesterday, I had Rodic’s tapsilog to jumpstart my day.
I ran some errands while listening to music.
I also got to buy the Sunnies I’ve been eyeing and I am really glad to have a new pair to rock!
I can’t wait to slay in the days to come. For now, I have brunch to look forward to, commitments to fulfill, and this blog to update. I am truly lucky to have opportunities lined up in 2019!
Yesterday, I started Chinese New Year with a visit to the Pink Sisters.
Then, I played with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe!
I also got some souvenirs from Thailand from Ate Tina, one of the owners of Barkin’ Blends who has since become one of my good friends.
I treated myself to a matcha soy refresher.
For late lunch, I had a Falafel Yo! with no chili.
I had a simple Chinese New Year celebration which I began with prayer. I hope that this year will be my best one yet!
Yesterday, I managed to eat somewhere new! I’ve been hearing positive reviews about Sinji Dimsum at SM North Sky Garden. I ended up eating there primarily because of their interesting tiles.
I ordered the truffle mushroom siomai rice meal and it was delicious! Their in-house garlic chili sauce perfectly spiced-up this dish.
I sent a postcard via snail mail to one of my Human Nature online store clients after my hearty meal and coffee. Do support my entrepreneurial venture and click now to shop for natural and locally-made toiletries!
I also dropped by St. Clare Monastery to pray for good health, good vibes, and a fantastic job.
Before going home, I chanced upon this auspicious dragon dance.
I am optimistic for the future, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead! With a little luck and lots of prayers, I know that I got this.
My friend Mitzie gave me some acrylic-wool yarn from New York when we saw each other last week, and I was excited to knit a cowl out of them! And so, on the feast of St. Blaise (patron saint of wool combers), I set out this yummy yarn together with my 10mm needles.
I listened to some podcasts and just knitted away!
Usung chunky yarn and 10mm needles are a joy as my project was quick to accomplish.
For the blue part, I opted to use a 9mm hook to crochet instead of knitting.
The end result is a variation of textures and yummy wooly goodness!
It was wonderful to knit and crochet this cowl while listening to a couple of podcasts. I’m also thankful to receive these yarns from a friend. I hope to continue making, knitting, and crocheting!
Yesterday was the feast of St. Blaise. There was a blessing of throats as he was known to heal a boy with a fishbone stuck in his throat. I had mine blessed after Sunday mass.
Then, my family and I had pizza and chicken for lunch.
My favorite from Shakey’s is the manager’s choice pizza! Hoping to have this again with my family in the future.
Yesterday, I bought my personal toiletries from the Human Nature Flagship Store. I also bought some orders for my customers. For all your natural personal care needs, just buy from my Human Nature Online Store! Thank you!
I also claimed my Dealer ID from the girls at the store.
I finally got my own Human Nature matte lipstick too! This is much talked about as the packaging is mostly paper. Here I am in the shade Warmth.
I indulged in some pasta for lunch at the Vertis North weekend market.
Then, I met up with my best friend Luti for some froyo at Elait,
I ordered their strawberry mango cheesecake froyo and it was heavenly as always!
We also had Fried Chicken Master.
And for dinner, I had Kimchi Project’s kimchi rice.
Life is always better with natural products, good food, and great company!
Yesterday, I started my day with a P2P ride to Makati.
I bought puto from the vendor at the bus station, and it was very good!
I went to AIM for the 2019 SWS Survey Review and it was insightful.
Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to play with my doggo buddies.
I ended my day with some kimchi rice at the weekend bazaar near my parking space.
I had a productive Friday which was a balance of learning, cuddling, and eating! Hopefully, I’ll receive more invitations to learning opportunities and seminars.
Yesterday, I dropped by UP to quickly print some documents for jobhunting.
Then, I met up with my college mentor Mitzie for some Thai noodle soup at Sen Lek.
We later had bubble coffee at Kape Tayo. It was good!
We then parted ways and I proceeded to Binondo for a meeting. But first, I passed by Escolta to admire the heritage buildings there.
I had an insightful meeting. I went home and received snail mail from The Pink Sisters Convent.
I also got my yarn orders from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.
And finally, I received a postcard from my good friend Nurai, who was on holiday at Cappadocia.
I am very lucky to have few but well-meaning friends. I even have sisters who constantly pray for me. And I have a mentor who still advises me to this day. Here’s to a wiser adulthood and better decisions ahead.
Yesterday was the third and last day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass.
I learned that rather than have survival hacks, we must implement systems in order to reduce or contain risks during disasters.
After class, I went straight to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with Ella and the other resident doggos.
And for dinner, I had binatog!
Life is all about the systems we put in place, and the places we go to in order to live to the fullest. Let’s maximize our resources and opportunities in order to create possibilities not just for ourselves, but for others as well.
Yesterday was the second day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass series at the Asian Institute of Management. I had the Sicilian Pasta Salad with pesto dressing at Juju Eats to kickstart my day.
I reached my destination in a heartbeat thanks to the improving MRT.
A case study got everyone in the Masterclass awake and in high spirits for the information that was going to be imparted to us.
I learned that there are careers in risk management, and there is a need for people to lend their expertise in preventing mayhem from ensuing before and after each disaster. Communication also plays a key role in improving systems in place and informing the general public.
After the class, I went to Landmark Makati to buy some essentials for my family.
It was nostalgic as my family and I used to shop for groceries here when I was a kid.
I also went to St. Clare Monastery to offer eggs and pray for my special intentions.
Again, the MRT wowed me with cool AC and efficient crowd control on the way home.
I ended my day with some Fried Chicken Master!
I am thankful for yesterday’s learning opportunity, and I look forward to the last day in the masterclass series!
Yesterday, I got to attend the first day of the Masterclass Series on Disaster Risk and Crisis Management. Before commuting to Makati, I ate my usual pesto pasta salad from Juju Eats.
It was gloomy when I reached the venue, AIM.
The classic staircase greeted me again.
And I was welcomed by learning. My key takeaway is that disaster risk management should start at home and it should be a personal responsibility. Some examples of these are knowing earthquake safety procedures and converting to energy-efficient appliances.
I had a productive afternoon and it’s always fabulous in Makati.
I knitted during the P2P ride going back to Quezon City.
I can’t wait to learn more in the coming days at AIM!
Last Saturday, I went to Lacion General Merchandise right beside Rosario bridge in Pasig. You won’t miss it- it’s located on the corner unit of a pink complex. There are sacks and bags filled with yarns!
I freaked out and wanted to buy so many yarns. But I resolved to only buy one kilo. This store is famous among local knitters and crocheters. Just search “Rosario Pasig Yarns” and you will know what I mean.
The store spins their own yarn imported from Taiwan. You may mix variegated and solid colors, and each kilo retails for Php390.
They also sell machine-spun shawls made of the same yarns.
After searching through their bags and chatting with the owners, Kuya Miner and Ate Gladys, I finally selected five balls to consist one kilo.
They recommend a size 4-5mm hook for their yarn. I am currently knitting using one of my purchases with a pair of 4.5mm needles, and the weave is so soft.
I highly recommend this shop! It’s definitely worth visiting and the yarns are worth the commute. The owners are also kind and honest. Drop by soon!
Yesterday, I joined the Postal Heritage Operational Tour organized by the Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour Group. I am a philatelist, and I am fond of activities organized by Pilipinas Philately, such as the stamp forum that I attended last year. This was why it’s not a struggle for me to wake up early on a Saturday morning to join a tour in Manila.
I started my day by having taho for brekkie.
I rode the LRT, and in half an hour, I was greeted by old school downtown Manila.
It was my first time to cross the famous Jones Bridge on foot. I was so giddy during this moment as this was a focal point in the movie Last Night starring Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual.
After literally crossing the bridge, I reached the beautiful Manila Central Post Office.
There were stamps for sale at the lobby during the event.
Again, I was delighted to be there because the central post office building was featured in the film Hintayan ng Langit starring Gina Pareño and Eddie Garcia.
Naturally, I gravitated towards Rizal stamps.
I crocheted while waiting for the lecture to begin.
We all received a welcome packet with some stamps!
And I was happy to see a model of the Murillo Velarde Map, whose original I saw in person last year.
I was especially drawn to the P.O. boxes as they had a classic vibe.
Look at these doors!
This staircase is gorgeous.
After the lecture, we got to tour the post office and learn about the operations of the government agency.
It was lovely to be in the company of fellow philatelists.
Our last stop was the postshop, where we all got to purchase current stamps in circulation.
This is my haul. I got stamps that make me smile, such as valentine symbols and year of the pig stamps.
I had the time of my life at the tour and I am looking forward to more philatelic geekery in the future! I hope you can also join a post office tour in the future. Just look them up on Facebook for more details. It’s free, and I’m sure that you will also have a good time!
The other day, I was determined to have a great day before my dad entered the hospital again (he is terminally-ill).
I started my Thursday with a burger from this kiosk at the mall. It was delicious!
Then, I got this postcard from Papemelroti. I sent it via snail mail to a customer at my online shop (please buy Human Nature products from me!)
I spent my afternoon cuddling my favorite doggos at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
Ella (the dog that captured my heart years ago) is an expert at cheering me up!
Apparently, Ella and my new buddy Stitch are friends.
Ella’s son Chocnut also offered his warm furry body for me to cuddle.
It was also my first time to hug Raven the corgi.
Yes, it was difficult to leave.
I bought socks to remind me of my doggo friends wherever I go.
Then, I got a honey soy refresher from Soy Yummy! It was really yummy!
And for snack, I for Nacho King. I was brought back to my grade school days.
And for late dinner, I drove to Army Navy (thank God it’s 24 hours!) for some adobo flakes. So good!
It’s up to us to find ways to keep going amidst trials. We just have to find the perfect formula that works. For me, it’s doggo + food. I hope you’ll also find yours!
I felt like learning a new stitch this 2019, so thanks to YouTube, I learned how to crochet the drunken granny scarf.
I used The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s Cotton Drops yarn and my Furls 4mm hook.
I enjoyed crocheting this project because the stitches were very relaxing. Plus, I think it turned out nicely.
I started a new project in the same stitch, and it has the same calming effect on me! I hope that you will also get to learn something new this year, whether it’s a new stitch or a new perspective.
