Ash Wednesday 2019

I celebrated Ash Wednesday with a solemn mass at the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila. 

I made sure that our helper joined me in order to pray for more blessings for our household. She also has her own intentions, and I hope that she will also personally commemorate Lent. 

I find the Pink Sisters Convent to be an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. I am fortunate to live nearby, and that I can frequently hear mass at this beautiful chapel.  

May this season of Lent usher in blessings such as work and healing! 

Big Bad Wolf 2019

Yesterday, I ate brekkie at our neighborhood canteen. I had tortang talong (eggplant omelette) and rice. It was so good! 

Then, I had lunch at the 24-hour pop-up food court at Big Bad Wolf 2019!

I got my usual at Potdog: crab egg with rice. Yum!

It was cool to see social enterprise goods by Gawad Kalinga at the food court. 

I was excited for this year’s Big Bad Wolf as I was able to hunt some fabulous finds last year. 

The overwhelming amount of books did not faze me as I clearly knew what I wanted. 

Still, I browsed through the stacks of books and enjoyed the hours I spent at the fair.  

I stuck to my shopping list and bought three adult coloring books. I have already migrated to using ebooks, but the joy of coloring cannot be replicated by an app. I needed the real deal. 

Before leaving the fair, I dropped by the Red Readerhood booth. 

I donated two books for Gawad Kalinga kids. Of course, I had to select dog-themed books. 

I offered eggs and prayers at St. Clare to ask for miracles for my family.  

I wrapped up my day with some coffee jelly and coloring therapy at the café near home.  

Books, food, knitting, and coloring spark joy for me! I will be back for next year’s Big Bad Wolf for sure! 

Spring Scarf

Yesterday, I knitted while watching Jordyn Woods’ interview at Jada Smith’s Red Table Talk. I feel sad for her because she lost almost everything that she has because of one bad decision. It was painful to watch her interview, but I know that she’s intelligent and that she will somehow find her way through life. I just know it. 

I continued knitting well into the night, until I finished this scarf that evokes sunshine and happiness.  

Every time I finish knitting a scarf, I feel as if I am stitching together my story. Just like Jordyn, I’ve made some difficult decisions in the past. I’ve committed mistakes, and I have risen above them. More importantly, I have learned from them. I am thriving, crafting, and becoming. 

Just like my scarf’s colors, I am in the springtime of my life. New beginnings usher in blessings and positivity. I am optimistic that this is my season, and that I will finally get the right job opportunity for me.  

Videoke Night

Last night was a lovely opportunity for me to be grateful for all the blessings. My Human Nature family and I had our Core Advocate Night, wherein we focused on our theme for 2019: Matthew 6:33 (But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV).

I am thankful for all the support that is extended to me as a Human Nature Dealer. Please continue doing so by purchasing from my Human Nature Online Shop!

We closed our fellowship with a potluck dinner and a videoke night! I had fun belting out my Aegis and Whitney Houston favorites. 

And of course, it was lovely to sing with friends.  

I found my tribe in this amazing company. I am excited to see us all grow together this 2019! 

Joy in the Bag

I recently purchased this yarn bag from local brand Gantsilyo Guru. It is a collab with another local brand, Beyond Stitched, which is known for sturdy canvas bags and personalized purses. This is not a sponsored post- I just love supporting local craft brands and what better way to do it than to buy something that I can tote around while knitting on the go!

I got the medium yarn bag in midnight.  

It snugly fits a cake of Lion Brand Mandala Yarn purchased from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

While my knitting needles don’t exactly fit inside the bag, they sort of protrude outside the sling and this makes it easier for me to whip out my project for easy knitting in transit. 

I roadtested it at my neighborhood cafe. I must say that using it while having coffee makes knitting a breeze. I just sling the bag on my wrist and stitch my day away. (Yes, I had lunch and dinner at the same cafe).  

I would recommend this yarn bag because it is important that we support Philipppine-made craft tools! Also, it is convenient to use. The minimalist design matches well with any outfit. Overall, it’s a great product and I would certainly use it a lot.  

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.