33 and Thankful

Yesterday was a holiday in my home city, Quezon City. It was Manuel Quezon’s birth anniversary, so I spent the morning knitting this scarf using my luxurious Furls needles and The Attic Yarn and Craftery yarn.

I am thankful for needles and yarns that encourage me to create, carry on, and share my works both here on my blog and with my loved ones, whenever I gift them with the scarves that I make.

Another reason to be thankful is my lunch with our loyal helper Racquel. We ate at Mister Kabab, which is a favorite of ours. I had my usual, which is the special chicken chelo kabab. I paired it with yogurt shake.

I am thankful for all the help that I can get. Loyalty is something that is rare nowadays, and I am really lucky that my family has Racquel to help us make it through each day.

We also watched Quezon’s Game for free, thanks to the City Hall. It was the perfect way to pay tribute to the man after whom our city was named.

I am thankful for movies that promote nationalism through tasteful portrayals of history. I am more keen on films that teach lessons rather than just promote mindless entertainment. At 33, I must say that my tastes for film and books have definitely improved.

I am thankful to still be alive to eat, create, and appreciate art. I can’t wait to enjoy more blessings this year, and beyond!

Film and coffee

I spent my Sunday afternoon at UP Diliman, which has become my go-to place for film, coffee, and cheap eats. Since it was carless (they restrict access to vehicles on Sundays and holidays), I also got to do some brisk walking around the academic oval.

I finally got to try the famous cheeseburger at campus favorite Snack Shack. I loved it! It was grilled to perfection, and at Php90.00, it was a steal.

Then, it was time for a documentary at UP Film. I watched Rescue in the Philippines, which was all about Manuel Quezon’s efforts to save the lives of more than 1,200 Jews during the Second World War. It was perfectly accompanied by my iced americano from Nomu, a local cafe which has quickly become my go-to coffee shop at UP.

I may be unsure of the future, but I know for sure that my 33rd year will be filled with film, coffee, and food that nourish my soul as well. These are the perfect starting points to an age which is already an indication of adulthood, but still young enough to learn more about the world. There is no better way than using film to learn more about the past so that I can move forward more intelligently in the present.

Feast for a Purpaws

Yesterday, I attended the Feast for a Purpaws fundraising luncheon at Vikings Venue. It was for the benefit of PAWS, an animal shelter that cares for abused and abandoned dogs and cats. I was with my Barkin’ Blends family, as they were the sponsor for the doggo food buffet.

I enjoyed volunteering my time as I got to serve food to cute dogs while chatting with their humans. It was fun to do so with friends, and it was heartwarming to also see Jeng and her rescued dogs. I first met her at another PAWS event last year, and I must say that animals really have a special place in my heart.

I hope that my 33rd year will bring more volunteer opportunities my way!

Simple Joys

Yesterday, I went to a meeting at BGC, spent time browsing at Fully Booked, offered eggs at Sta. Clara, and watched the last two movies of the day at UP Film. I love filing my time with the things that keep me positive. I look forward to more simple experiences to carry me through the coming days, weeks, and months!

Film girl

Last night, I did some brisk walking around the UP Academic Oval to burn some calories. Then, I watched The Third Murder, a film which was featured in the Eigasai Japanese film fest. I enjoyed the film as it was a crime thriller. I also like this film fest because Japanese culture fascinates me.

I enjoy watching movies, and having coffee while doing so. Sticking to the things that make me happy is a good plan to make 33 the best age of my life.

What makes you happy? I hope that you will also find your passions and keep them part of your life!

Birthday mAtcha

Yesterday, I met up with my best friend Jay for lunch and a matcha milkshake. Hanging out with one of my friends from uni always grounds me and helps put things into perspective.

Then, I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe East Branch for some cuddle time with their furbabies.

To cap off my day, I went to UP Film for Eigasai, the Japanese film festival. I watched After the Storm, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

A good day for me involves delicious food, dogs, film, and great company. Looking forward to more on my thirty-third year!

33!

Yesterday, I turned 33! I spent the day with my Mom. We heard mass at 6am at the Pink Sisters Convent, where I gave thanks for another year and prayed for my intentions.

Then, I had an etag carbonara and black coffee at SGD. My mom had danggit lamayo. For dessert, I had the delicious bugnay yogurt.

For lunch, it was my favorite mushroom curry and brown rice at Coco Ichibanya.

And for post-movie coffee, I had the sinless chocolate cake and nonfat latte at Starbucks.

I am truly blessed and happy! Here’s to making 33 my best year yet.

Birthday Girl

Yesterday, I celebrated the eve of my birthday in style. I had a sumptuous lunch at Flossom with my best friend Luti. We ordered broccoli and cheese soup, cheesy chicken volcano, salmon and milk tea pannacotta. Everything was delicious!

Then, we went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with their resident doggos.

Then, we had street food for dinner at UP Diliman. That was fun!

I was touched that Luti gave me a new bag for my new laptop. I am really thankful to have a friend like her.

Paws Pet Cafe 2019

Yesterday, I got to chill out with Dr. Dogs at the PAWS Pet Cafe. These therapy dogs visit schools, orphanages, hospitals, and charities to bring cheer and furry hugs! I support this annual pop-up pet cafe because I love supporting PAWS. Please also support them and consider donating your time and resources. These gentle animals bring joy to so many people, and I hope that they will continue doing so.

Sta. Clara fiesta 2019

August 11 is always special for me. It is the feast day of one of my intercessors, St. Clare of Assisi. I make it a point to hear mass and drop by the monastery. It was a sunny day of thanksgiving and prayer. I will always make time for St. Clare, and I hope that she will never cease interceding for me!

MovEd Day 3

Yesterday, I braved the storm to volunteer again at MovEd.org’s HQ. It was soothing for the soul to pack school supplies for underserved children. I will never forget this experience, and I look forward to more opportunities to help out!

I ended my day with a brisk walk around the UP Academic Oval, a warm cuppa, and a pain au chocolat. Life’s good!

MovEd Day 2

Yesterday was my second day of volunteer service at Moved.org. I packed school supplies into plastic envelopes which will be sent to Bicol. It was therapeutic to help out, and it was worth braving the storm to serve!

Then, I watched two Cinemalaya films: Iska and Pandanggo sa Hukay. I enjoyed both, and it was a pleasant surprise to see Iska herself, Ms. Ruby Ruiz. She was there along with Theodore Boborol, the film’s brilliant director.

I ended my day with a visit to the dermatologist and my late dad’s favorite Shakey’s pizza for dinner.

I made the most of the rainy day by volunteering, watching independent Filipino films, and some self-care.

Here’s to sunnier days ahead!

MovEd Day 1

Yesterday, I participated in a volunteer activity at the Moved.org HQ. I helped in sorting out school supplies and packing them into plastic envelopes. These will be distributed to Marawi and Bicol.

I am thankful that I was able to join this activity as I met new friends and found joy in packing supplies. I look forward to joining days two and three of the volunteer activity, as it enabled me to realize how fortunate I am to help out.

Love, Susie

I love supporting handmade! I am enamored by the idea that the objects I use do not come from machines, but from skilled hands. Speaking of hands, I recently adorned my hand with a sparkly V ring from love, susie. It is a sister startup of one of my favorite jewelry brands, Pulseras By Kim. love, susie uses recycled silver and gold to produce fine jewelry that are customized for the user. I am delighted to own a 14k recycled gold piece from a startup that hires local goldsmiths.

It stacks well with my Borealis Crystals green sapphire ring! These rings make me so happy as they are both handmade and local.

I am into rings that remind me to continue supporting handmade as I knit and crochet throughout my busy schedule. It is the little sparkly things that bring cheer into my life, and I will surely rock these jewelry with pride!

Blue By Me

I just finished crocheting this exquisitely blue cowl using Furls Whims Merino yarn. It was included in the birthday present given to me by The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I enjoyed hooking this together, and it was the most comfortable yarn I have ever worked with.

Here’s to more scarves and cowls to keep me warm whenever I feel blue!

Wool of Strength

I recently finished crocheting this infinity scarf using wool blend yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe. I think it’s wonderful that the handmade scene nowadays is booming, and that it’s totally cool to post things that we have made online. I crocheted this during a tough time in my life, as I am still dealing with the aftermath of my father’s recent passing.

Crotchet and the scarves I make using the craft remind me that I’m tougher and more creative than I think. Here’s to more scarves to provide warmth to my loved ones, and to keep me going!

Hooked with love

I ordered a handmade beanie from Che Formilleza, a crochet artist from Odiongan, Romblon. I found her work through my go-to yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery, where she also sources her yarns. She’s a single mom with special needs who supports her daughter through crochet! I think that is awesome, and I will definitely rock this beanie knowing that a strong woman made it for me.

Monday Barks

I live for these precious moments with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. These dogs simply spark joy and remind me to keep going. I will continue to visit these fur babies so that I can be reminded that a few hugs and a strong cuppa can inspire me to have a good week.

Cool Wool

Yesterday, I made time for some crochet at Starbucks. I ordered a grande soy latte with sugar-free vanilla, and made myself comfy at the meeting table.

I whipped out my Furls Whims Merino wool yarn and crocheted my heart out. I’m really happy whenever I’m in my own element, hooking the world away and getting lost in my stitches.

It was the perfect Sunday afternoon for me!

Single helix

Yesterday, I did something different- I attended a piercing party! It is simply a party wherein one is required to purchase earrings, then piercing is for free or for a discounted rate.

I’ve been following Suki Jewelry for quite some time now, and I love that they’re a local brand that focuses on 14k gold minimalist jewelry. They just turned one year old, and I couldn’t resist attending their piercing party at ASPACE Makati.

I couldn’t resist the pink decor and lovely designs of their jewelry, which can be found here.

After paying for my hugger, I received a free piercing coupon.

I chose to have my helix pierced, and it was painless! Kudos to the Skinworkz team for their professionalism and painless service.

What a way to celebrate my upcoming birthday! Indeed, it was a unique way to celebrate a chic Filipino brand. I also realized how strong and brave I really am.

Here’s to conquering pain in style! Cheers!