Barkin’ Hour

I had some time to spare after my conference at ADB the other day, so I went to my happy place- Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at SM North Towers!

I was happily greeted by my favorite dog Ella, who enthusiastically gave me kisses.  

My Barkin’ Blends visits were never sponsored. I simply love going there to de-stress and play with their doggos.  

Their tiny poodle, Coco, is also a frequent playmate.  

I can’t wait to go back! The cafe has become my sojourn from the demands of adulthood. I think this is a fabulous place to relax over a glass of lemonade or a cup of coffee. 

‘Til next time, Barkin’ Blends! 

Climate Change: Justice For All?

Yesterday, I started my day with some taho before boarding the MRT.  

I reached the ADB in less than thirty minutes! I must say that the MRT is improving. 

I represented my blog at a roundable discussion entitled Climate Change: Justice for All?. 

It was a huge honor to be invited once again by the ADB. 

I learned that agribusiness, renewable energy, and ecotourism are some gender-sensitive examples of climate change adaptation  

It is also important to note post-disaster and pre-disaster operations in order to know the areas for improvement in vulnerable areas.

It is also essential to instill empowerment among ALL individuals to reduce vulnerability and to better manage disaster risk. 

I was delighted to have the famous ADB crinkles again for snack. 

I got to do some work at the library. 

I wore my Hiblahi handmade earrings which I purchased from my GK Enchanted Farm trip last Saturday. 

I knitted while listening to some podcasts.  

And I had burger steak from Trattoria Gourmet’s at the ADB Cafeteria, which is managed by the same staff at its original Shangri-la Mall restaurant back in the nineties.  

I dropped by St. Clare Monastery after finishing my work as I was thankful to be given the chance to spend a day at ADB and join in the round table on climate change. 

It is still my dream to work at ADB! I am claiming it, and certainly praying for it.  

Yarn and Healing

Yesterday, I had to sort out some personal challenges. After I got those out of the way, j rewarded myself with lunch at Embrace Cafe.

The cafe employs marginalized and disabled staff. I admired the staff’s positivity and excellent service, despite their circumstances. It is clear that they feel empowered at work.  

I had a delicious plate of carbonara and a cold glass of coffee jelly.  

I knitted and at the cafe for hours, so I ended up eating spaghetti for dinner there. 

Sometimes, I just need to be exposed to people who feel empowered with opportunities to know that I am also capable of improving my life. I know that I am doing my part, and with consistency, I will be one resilient woman.  

Powered Up

I had my car battery replaced yesterday. It gave me peace of mind to know that my car won’t break down anytime soon. I am still grateful to be able to drive home last Saturday. Now that my car has a fresh battery, my faith in God has been reinforced because I was able to reach my residence despite having a dead battery. 

To celebrate, I had merienda at Embrace Cafe, which is near my house. I walked to the cafe for some good vibes. 

I was not disappointed! I got myself a yummy cup of chilled taho.  

And I grabbed their coffee jelly to-go. It was delicious and great value for money.  

The finest restorations of faith don’t have to be entirely grand. It could be a drive back home, or a cold cup of coffee jelly. To still be able to thrive without work and with limited resources is a miracle in itself. With a stable job soon, I know that life can just keep getting better. 

Hope and Hunger

Okay, I’m serving you some real talk today. I had difficulty starting my car right before my GK Enchanted Farm tour last Saturday. I was left my car at a safe parking spot and joined my friends at the van we rented. I was able to drive to dinner at Breakfast Bin, and back home afterwards. Starting the car was a struggle, but I made it home. 

Fast forward to yesterday morning, and I couldn’t start my car at home. My battery is dead.  

I realized that how fortunate was that I was able to go home and not have car problems on the road- or in the middle of Maginhawa Street, post-dinner. God still looks after me after all.  

After hearing mass with my family yesterday, I ate this glorious chicken ala Kiev from Conti’s. Then, I proceeded to my derma appointment. I took Grab coming home. 

I wore my new handmade earrings from GK Enchanted Farm social enterprise Hiblahi. As always, this is not a sponsored post. I simply like supporting social enterprises and wearing local pieces with pride. 

I am lucky that I was able to go home safely. Here’s to a restored faith that enables me to hope for better things and a hunger for opportunities! 

Farm Saturday

Yesterday, I visited the GK Enchanted Farm with fellow Human Nature Core Advocates for a tour and immersion. This was my sixth visit to the farm. My previous tours were as a social business camper and with friends. Now, I am back as a core advocate with my own Human Nature Online Shop.  

But first I needed to fuel up at McDonald’s.  

We met up at the Human Nature Flagship Store.  

We were also given some nibbles by a fellow core advocate.  

Then, it was time for our journey!

We reached the farm at around 9:30am, and we started the tour.  

Our bubbly tour guide, Gelai, is a graduate of the SEED School. She speaks French, English, and Filipino!

I had a wonderful day of touring the farm, it’s various social enterprises, and of course, enjoying the delicious bounty of the earth!  

It was time for our ride back to the city.  

And before going home, I enjoyed an early dinner of toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin. 

I needed the farm tour to realign myself with my values and to appreciate life more. I am proud to see the farm grow, and to be in the company of kindhearted friends.

Here’s to more goodness and opportunities!

A Holy Heart

Yesterday, I got to visit the heart relic of St. Camillus De Lellis at the EDSA Shrine.  

The church used to be my hangout back when I still worked at Ortigas. 

I prayed for my dad’s speedy recovery, and my upcoming employment. I hope that with God’s grace, I will be able to find work soon. I also hope that my faith will keep me strong for days to come.  

Art Fair 2019

Yesterday, I woke up early and rode the P2P to Makati. 

I had a tasty danggit brekkie and barako coffee.  

Then, it was time for me to explore Art Fair Philippines 2019.  

I had a wonderful time and here are some of my favorites.

See you again next year, Art Fair! 

Barkin’ Thursday

Yesterday, I went to Barkin’ Blends Sta. Lucia branch to decompress with the big dogs!

While I am a frequent visitor at their SM North Towers branch, I also missed their bigger breeds. It was worth the trip, as I got to cuddle with almost all of their resident doggos. 

Time spent with the dogs will always be priceless. I can’t wait to play with them again!

5th BIRLA Breakfast Forum

Yesterday, I attended the 5th BIRLA Breakfast Forum at the AIM. I woke up early to commute from Quezon City, and I must say that it was worth it.  

AIM hosts insightful conferences and seminars to the public, and I always attend them whenever I’m free.  

Being in a classroom is also fun, and I enjoy asking questions to noted professionals.  

I knitted before yesterday’s forum began.  

And I enjoyed the session as it was all about Jewelmer, a company that I believe in. I purchased a pendant from them during my first year of working in 2009, and I am impressed that the company’s principals has instilled corporate values to its second generation family managers employees. 

I have learned that to overcome international borders, one must take advantage of technology,  social media to entice millennials, and still host events for the primary market in order to not alienate them. I am truly thankful to have been invited to this forum, and I’m sure that I can apply all my learnings to my future job. 

1995

Yesterday, I went to UP Cine Adarna to go back to 1995. I was nine years old during that time, so I indulged on a childhood treat: bicho-bicho right outside the film center.  

Then, I watched Sana Maulit Muli starring Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach. 

It was released in 1995. It was a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s. Plus, it was a treat to watch a young Lea Salonga onscreen. 

I had a lovely time, and I proceeded to some self-care at a spa. 

I had early dinner at Breakfast Bin, where I had the delicious veggie skillet. 

For dessert, I had matcha and banana ice cream scoops from Papa Diddi’s. 

By the time I got home, I was inspired to finish knitting this cowl using yarn I bought from Rosario, Pasig. 

It was time to continue knitting, so I chose a ball of Mandala Yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I carried on from there. 

Sometimes, we need a trip back in time to appreciate the present more. I look forward to enjoying more vintage films in the future to inspire me to cherish my time.  

Faith and Healing

Yesterda, I had the remarkable opportunity to be in the presence of Healing Priest, Fr. Fernando Suarez. It was a privilege to meet him. I asked him to pray for me and my dad.  

I had some religious articles blessed by the esteemed priest. These were my pasalubong for my family.  

The mass left me in tears. Just like when I was in the presence of Pope Benedict the XVI, I felt the holy power of this priest. I was moved to tears as I prayed for my intentions.  

After the mass, I went for a blind massage.  

And before going home, I had an Assam milk tea with pearls and pudding. 

I believe that miracles are possible in my life, and in my family. I keep on praying for healing for my dad, a good job for me by March, and strength for my mom. I am also praying for the recovery of my best friend, Luti.  

May God bless us all! 

Coffee Break

I was already feeling anxious about my employment search. I wanted to hear from my potential employers already, and the wait was killing me. I happened to be at the hospital where my dad was confined, so I took a coffee break first to calm my nerves and stay awake. 

I had a French Vanilla and some sour cheese fries. It was a delicious combo, and it helped me stay focused on my situation: my dad was in the hospital, and I am looking for work so that I can help my family. I don’t need to be anxious about it, because I’m doing everything I can to be employed.  

I hope and pray that I will hear from employers soon! I am hoping for the best outcome for me. 

Sunday Chill

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family. 

I knitted while waiting for mass to begin.  

Then, we had lunch at Pho Hoa, and I was pleasantly surprised with their pretty floor. 

Then, I watched Alone/Together starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. As someone who hangs out and jogs at UP Diliman, I appreciated the beauty of the campus on the big screen. They even ate the street food that I love on the movie! Also, they featured the National Museum and Vargas Museum, two museums that are close to my heart. I will definitely visit those two again. And I really enjoyed watching this movie because I recalled how idealistic I was then, and that it’s never too late to pursue my dreams. I’m still young after all. 

For dinner, I had the toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice from Breakfast Bin. 

I also had ice cream from Papa Diddi’s. I had the mango cheesecake and barako coffee scoops. They were both delicious and even complemented each other. 

Sundays are best spent with both my family and by myself. I was able to knit, eat, and watch a movie. Definitely a Sunday peg for weeks to come. 

Film, Faith, and Food

Yesterday, I finally got to watch Elise starring Enchong Dee and Janine Gutierrez. I went to Cinema ‘76 to see this film, and it was beautiful! It was moving and funny. I also can’t get over the costumes. Local movies truly surprise me. I will continue to support the local film industry by watching masterpieces in theaters, especially microcinemas. 

Then, it was off to St. Joseph’s Shrine for me to pray for my personal intentions. I will let him worry about my needs while he sleeps. 

Of course, I had to eat before going home, and this burger steak with egg did not disappoint.  

I have simple wants and needs. I enjoy watching movies, praying at solemn churches, and eating comfort food. Life is a beautiful journey, and I’m glad that you’re reading my story.  

Knitting Anniversary

Today is my knitting anniversary! It’s been a year since my fateful Knitting Adventure at the Banaue Rice Terraces. It was where I first learned to knit. The lesson wasn’t easy for me, and I did struggle at first. But with a lot of practice, I did get the hang of it. And I even re-learned how to crochet along the way!

To celebrate this important milestone, I crocheted and knitted this infinity shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind this local shop has become my friends, and it is touching how this friendship has also become a source of strength and inspiration for me to keep going. 

My knitting and crochet abilities are in line with my goal to diversify myself through continuous learning of skills. You may be wondering how this connects to my goal to work in a corporate setting. Well, knitting and crochet has taught me patience, perseverance, resilience (especially when I would drop a stitch and have to start over!), creativity, and imagination. I have also learned these skills from scratch through workshops (like the advanced crochet one I attended with Mayown last year). If I can train my mind and hands to manipulate yarn, needles, and hooks, then I’m sure that I am ready to learn new programs, business platforms, and skills. 

I have also started a new scarf using the knitting needles that came with my kit at Banaue. Using these 6mm bamboo needles again is humbling, as I recall the awkward stitches that I have made 365 days ago in the mountains. Now, I am in my room in the city, with pop music blaring in the background. I have yarn from Pasig, the yarn bowl that I gifted myself with on Valentine’s Day, my first knitting needles, and the determination to keep going. I have amazed myself with how far I’ve come in my creative journey. 

I know that this is only the beginning. 

Valentine’s 2019

Yesterday, I started Valentine’s Day by knitting while waiting for lunch to be served. My family and I had lunch at Japan Fūdo Street, and we had a lovely time! 

I had my usual order, the oyakodon. It’s delicious and flavorful.  

After lunch, I went to St. Clare Monastery to lift up my intentions and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that I continue to receive.  

Then, I continued my Valentine’s Day tradition of visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.  

I was welcomed by friendly doggos who don’t seem to mind my presence, even if I’m there almost weekly! 

Of course, I had to cuddle my favorite doggo Ella on heart’s day.  

I was also lucky to receive chocolates from the owners of Barkin’ Blends. Thank you! 

I had a soy honey refresher from Soy Yummy and I was pleased to meet a deaf employee there. I am happy that more businesses are employing special needs staff. They deserve equal opportunities in the workforce.  

I had early dinner at Falafel Yo! I was pleasantly surprised with their pita fries. They’re yummy!

Before going home, I got to listen to some acoustic love songs at the free gig inside the mall.  

I even received a free pastillas rose from the mall management. Thank you! 

I came home to a package from Lazada. My yarn bowl has arrived safely.  

It’s nicer in person, and it fits all my yarns!

I am happy with my Valentine’s Day celebration this year. I got to knit, pray, spend time with doggos, eat out, and gift myself with more crafting. Life is good, and I am so blessed. 

Valentine’s Clutch

I’m single and happy on Valentine’s Day. While I’m looking for a partner, I’m also happy with myself. I think that’s the perfect foundation for a relationship, because I’m already fulfilled on my own. 

Having said that, I finished crocheting this clutch using cotton yarn from my favorite local notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

To celebrate, I got myself some ensaimada and iced coffee from my neighborhood cafe.  

I also got a pixie trim and I feel fabulous! 

Self-love is the best foundation for a relationship. I am fortunate to have found fulfillment with my own talents, such as crochet! I know that whoever will date me in the future will be a lucky man because I’m already comfortable in my own skin. 

Stuffed Dreams

I stayed home yesterday to spend time with family. While doing so, I also crocheted using red yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I felt inspired to create using yarn that’s on-theme. 

I like surrounding myself with stuffed animals which were created by women in communities that provide them with better opportunities. My knitted dog Ella was named after my favorite dog from Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. She was knitted by a mama who also plants rice at the Ifugao province. I have traveled to the Banaue Rice Terraces last year because I was so inspired by the story of Knitting Expedition, the company that creates these knitted toys. This has since sparked my own crafting journey, and to this day, I still knit and crochet. I will forever treasure this trip. 

My crocheted unicorn is from Mayown, which is a brand that sells amigurumi dolls crocheted by underprivileged women in Manila. These dolls are designed by Leen Van Dyck, a Belgian expat who works as a teacher in an international school and also trains women to crochet so that they could provide for their families. I have joined her workshop last year, and it has also inspired me to create more! 

Lastly, my Tubbs cat doll is handmade by Pop Junk Love, a local brand that sells hand sewn dolls at indie store Commonroom. I admire the women behind this brand, whose growth I have witnessed ever since their bazaar days. I will always treasure this doll to remind me that it is possible to grow once passion is combined with hard work. 

I surround myself with these dolls to push me to continue creating and dreaming. Whenever times are challenging, it can be difficult to dream, but these dolls remind me that it is a must to continue aspiring for better days ahead. I’m sure that things will drastically improve in the coming days and weeks. All I have to do is dream, and carry on!

Infinite Fan

Yesterday, I finished crocheting this möbius shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I am excited to use this in my future job, and also during possible travels! It’s warm and cozy. 

All that crocheting made me hungry, so I ordered the Chicken Chizu Curry from Tori Chizu. 

It was a delicious baked rice meal which combined cheese and curry! I’ll definitely order from this place again. 

Then, it was time for me to book a ride to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. 

The church is notorious for road closures during fiesta, so I opted to book a ride for a worry-free journey. 

Before the fiesta procession, I fueled up first with some food. 

I bought myself a Jolly hotdog and a choco float from Jollibee. Still so good!

I also prayed for my intentions, such as my dream to land a job very soon, and healing for my dad. 

Before I knew it, it was time for the procession!

It was a spectacular procession, just like the one last year. I am a Lourdes devotee because of the miracles I have received from Our Lady. I continue to pray for good health for myself so that I can still be a blessing to others. I also prayed hard for a job that will enable me to support myself and my family. 

Life is still a beautiful journey, and my faith keeps me going. For now, I will continue crafting, eating yummy food, and praying for more blessings!