Core Advocacy

Yesterday, I joined a workshop on growing my income at the Human Nature Flagship Store.  

I joined my fellow Core Advocates in learning and sharing on a Saturday afternoon. Our colleague, Lei, was the enthusiastic resource speaker.  

The lecture was practical, and well-received! I will definitely use the SMART goals in planning and organizing. 

Building my empire sounds daunting, but it really is achievable. I have to consistently practice effort and creativity in order to earn more and be more!

Here’s to more learning this 2019! 

Coloring and Coffee

I recently took up coloring again after I purchased three adult coloring books from this year’s Big Bad Wolf. I wanted to diversify my hobbies as I care for my terminally-ill father. While knitting and crocheting keep my mind active, I need to give my hands a break. 

Coloring is something that I can do while having coffee. I love letting my mind see promise in big drawings that I can bring to life.  

So far, coloring has taught me to embrace imperfections like going beyond the lines and inconsistent spaces. In the process, I have learned to be more patient with myself.  

I know that this is only the beginning of my coloring journey! There will definitely be more hours getting lost in these pages.  

Life is too short. Choose a hobby that will keep your mind sharp and your soul full.  

Fueling Women

Yesterday, I started my day with some toasted longganisa and hot chocolate at Breakfast Bin.  

Then, I checked out some exhibitions at the Ayala Museum. 

I especially liked their Women and War exhibit. 

After running some errands, I got myself some pares and siomai from Kanto Pares. Yum! 

As a woman, I prioritize self-care because the most important person in my story is me. Seeing empowering exhibits and eating yummy food are just two ways to fuel myself. Happy International Women’s Day! 

Maria Movie Premiere

Last night, I went to UP Cine Adarna for the premiere of Maria. The night was a lovely blur, just like this photo. 

I’m all for a female-led action movie, and I’m happy that Cristine Reyes is the lead of this promising local film.  

The iconic ceiling of UP Cine Adarna is mesmerizing.  

Cristine Reyes is beautiful in her new hot pink pixie. 

I stayed for the Q&A with the cast and production crew. The movie kicked ass and I highly recommend it! 

Here’s to more female action movies and local films! 

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.