Yesterday, I ate at SGD Coffee with my mom. I had the Sagada Omelette and SGD black, while my mom had chicken tocino. For dessert, I had a lemon square.
I am currently struggling with jobhunting, and I don’t have a lot of people to count on. Good thing my mom was free and she was able to treat me to a healthy lunch. Putting my health first amidst the demands of jobhunting and working freelance is my current priority, and that involves the food that I eat.
I’d say that I am currently winning on this aspect!
Banana Pudding
Yesterday, I got to explore BGC. I tried the famous banana pudding of M Bakery for the first time, and loved it! I also had a hearty convenience store lunch and some satisfying private reading at Fully Booked.
They say that our city does not have enough parks. I beg to disagree. We just have to maximize the open spaces that we’ve got, and enjoy what our city has to offer.
Can’t wait for the next weekend!
Museum Hopping
Yesterday, I went to the National Museum of Natural History to watch Bird of Prey, a documentary on the Philippine Eagle. It was a beautiful film that captured the majesty and vulnerability of this regal animal.
After the film, I walked around Manila and went to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila to catch a lecture on Rembrandt’s life. It was also my first time at the museum, so I also viewed their modern art collection.
I ended my day with some cheesy gojuchang pasta and americano at my friend Bea’s cafe, Blocleaf. It was my first time to be in that cafe, and I loved the ambience, food, and coffee. I know that I’ll be back someday!
It was a treat to go museum-hopping and have some delicious food and coffee. Art, film, food, and coffee are affordable ways to enjoy life. These things make my life and heart full, and I am grateful to be able to delight in them.
Self-Care Friday
I have been taking care of myself since getting rejected from this job I’ve been applying for. Everything happens for a reason. The best way to move on is to practice self-care.
I went to a waxing salon, then I watched LSS starring Gabbi Garcia at UP. I enjoyed my me-time and I realized that life isn’t too bad at all.
Fire and Faith
Yesterday, I survived the LRT2 fire. I was inside the train at Cubao station supposedly enroute to St. Jude when it happened. Luckily, I was spared and I simply chose to return to the north.
I proceeded to Human Nature to shop for personal needs and fulfill some orders. Please support my Human Nature Online Shop! Every purchase goes a long way in keeping me afloat as I look for work.
Speaking of which, I went to Quiapo Church this morning to pray for a good job and to give thanks for the gift of a new day.
I was able to visit Shanleen Hopia after mass to sample their ube hopia. It was delicious!
I make simple joys possible with limited resources and a lot of faith. I hope that you also find joy in small wins and resilience!
Rising Again
I was recently rejected for this job that I really want. I am choosing to move on by applying again for other jobs, praying at Baclaran Church, and crocheting a beanie.
Coffee also helps in strengthening my resolve and rising again!
Rejections can only make me stronger! I know that better things are coming my way.
Hooking The Force
Yesterday, I finished crocheting Rey of Star Wars. I enjoyed working on this amigurumi piece as it involved different yarns and crochet stitches.
I crocheted even when I heard some unfortunate news yesterday afternoon. I kept on stitching, and this helped calm me down amidst the sadness.
Indeed, The Force is in the stitches!
Crochet has kept me going since last year. I am thankful for this craft which has helped me stay strong amidst the challenges that life may bring. I choose to move onward, just like the stitches that my hook bring: forward, and never backward.
Pink October
I went to the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City this morning to give thanks and to ask for this job that I really want. I started the month right! I prayed and worshipped God in His house.
I am claiming that the job will be mine, and that I will be back soon to give thanks and praise His holy name!
Coral Shawl
I just finished crocheting this shawl using Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball Yarn in community coral. I purchased it from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.
I crocheted my first shawl earlier this month, and I did fulfill my promise to myself that I will make another one. This time, I followed a different pattern which was easier to follow. I think I will use it to create subsequent shawls as it is simply a two-row repeat pattern.
Crafting reinforces my confidence. I hope that you will also find a hobby that will give you joy and strength.
Zapateria 2019
Yesterday, I joined a bag-making workshop at Zapateria Marikina. I was mentored by Mariel Manalansan, a KL-based Filipino leather craftsman and teacher.
I enjoyed the workshop, and I was able to make my own shoulder bag! I met new friends, got to eat delicious tapsilog at Tapsi Ni Vivian, and support my grade school classmate Unyx’s creative co-working hub. It was a privilege to make something by hand and explore the shoemaking capital of the Philippines.
My creative journey has only just begun!
Negros Fair 2019
I spent my Friday at the Negros Trade Fair 2019. It is a fair that I visit annually, and I’m there mostly for the delicious food! I had boneless chicken inasal, piaya, bignay juice, and brewed coffee. I also bought myself a wooden necklace and a beaded bag handmade by inmates.
I love supporting local! I hope that you will also get to attend events that showcase the best of the Philippines to the world.
Quiapo Morning
Today, I woke up before sunrise to hear early morning mass at Quiapo Church.
I went there to pray for a job that I badly want. I went up behind the altar to honor the image of the Black Nazarene, whose devotion has attracted a major following. I can’t wait to get the job I want soon and give thanks to Him.
I continued praying and giving thanks. I felt at peace amidst the sea of devotees. Indeed, it was inspiring to pray with so many believers.
I am claiming that the job will be mine, and that I will be called to serve soon!
Praying Desperately
I went to St. Jude today to pray for a job that I want. I envision myself in this company because the role will let me serve scholars. I will also be part of an organization that cares for the marginalized and champions education. Please pray that I will get this job!
I was lucky because the blood relic of Pope John Paul II was there at St. Jude! I prayed, had my bible blessed, and begged for this dream job.
After venerating the relic, I had late lunch at Advocafe, a social enterprise coffee shop that empowers indigenous people. I had pomodoro, a crinkle cookie, and their katutubo brew. Everything was delicious, and I got to help out by simply dining at their cafe
I also prayed at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat inside San Beda University. And before going home, I bought a bible bag in baby blue and pink for my one-year bible.
I look forward to a career in serving others and empowering the youth. I hope and pray that it will be realized soon!
Back to Baclaran
Wednesday is known as Baclaran Day. Devotees of Our Lady of Perpetual Help flock to Baclaran Church to pray for personal intentions and of course, to give thanks.
I went there to pray for this job that I want very much.
After spending the afternoon praying and reflecting, I proceeded to Sinirangan Coffee Shop inside the church grounds. I ordered Meal 1: a hot cuppa paired with delicious ensaymada. Perfect with my crochet project!
I ended my day with a special purchase. I got myself a one-year bible. I am finally reading the greatest bestseller of all time from cover to cover. Please wish me luck as I embark on this mission! It is my goal to deepen my faith and to live out the Gospels.
I hope to get that job soon and I look forward to visiting more churches that enrich my belief in an unseen God.
Coffee Fix
I had a busy day filled with personal errands and work-related tasks. I was able to finish them all by late afternoon, so I drove to UP to have some coffee and a pain au chocolat at Nomu.
Then, I watched The Cleaners, a feature film from the Active Vista Film Festival at UP Film Cine Adarna. It was a gripping documentary about the outsourced content moderators working in BPO’s in the Philippines. Having worked in a BPO for more than five years myself, I can say that I have experienced the unhealthy effects of outsourcing, even if I did not exactly work as a content moderator. I have experienced wrath, anger, and racist remarks from customers overseas. Watching the negative effects which these content moderators had to go through as cleaners for Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube was excruciating. And yet, they were doing their jobs as cyber cleaners to provide a better future for their families.
I consider myself fortunate that I can afford to leave the BPO industry. I am hoping to be part of the academe soon, where the environment is more dynamic and forgiving.
Documentaries help me process my own life. To have a warm pastry and coffee along with the films I watch is sheer bliss.
I hope that you will also watch films that have social relevance, and have your favorite snack to make things sweeter.
Pray, hope, and don’t worry!
September 23 is the feast of Padre Pio, so I woke up early to have a hearty breakfast at Coffee Bean.
I had my favorite eggs ben and americano while people-watching at Eastwood.
I walked to Padre Pio Chapel in Libis to hear morning mass to celebrate our patron’s feast day.
After mass, there was a veneration of relics and blessing of holy objects.
Padre Pio’s gift of spiritual renewal and his mantra pray, hope, and don’t worry is presently relevant in my life. I am currently praying for a job offer and some personal intentions. I am also thankful for the blessings that continue to pour into my life.
May the intercession of Padre Pio continue to inspire us to live better lives in a world that always challenges us to fulfill the Gospels!
Saturday HapPiness
Yesterday, I served at He Cares Mission, had delicious lunch at Harvester’s Vegetarian, some cuddles at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe (where they had their anniversary dog buffet), and I was able to catch the advance screening of Jowable, starring Kim Molina.
I enjoyed all my activities, and I was lucky to share my time with the kids first thing in the morning. I continued doing the things I love throughout the day, and I couldn’t be happier.
May you also find the simple things that make your life fulfilling!
International Design Conference
Yesterday, I had fun at the International Design Conference 2019. It was held at The Eye at Green Sun, which was a hotel and conference center dedicated to the arts. I saw my friends Donna and Mariel there, and I also got to learn some insights revolving around the theme Design Futures.
Here are my key takeaways:
3D printers and automation in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution should not hinder craftsmen from creating. Rather, it should foster collaboration between technology and manual craftsmanship to create better output.
Creativity is still the same, whether it is aided with technology or not.
People should be the center of design, not profit.
I am truly privileged to be part of this conference. I hope that I can apply my learnings to my work, as well as influence my decision-making process as a design thinker.
Candlelight Crochet
Yesterday, I got to crochet by candlelight at Wildflour. I had an unforgettable brunch! I feasted on their mushroom bowl, the milk ice cream, and their latte. It was a delicious way to celebrate my hobby and of course, to nourish myself.
Being a foodie and a crochet enthusiast has brought me to several restaurants where I could enjoy my hobby in public. I love bringing my yarn and hook with me wherever I go. I think the handmade life should go beyond the home. It should be expressed and lived with pride, whether in private or in full view of the world.
May you also find the hobby that brings you joy, and the courage to experience that joy in public!
Pink and Blue
Yesterday, I finished crocheting this fluffy infinity scarf. I executed it in drunken granny scarf, which I learned from Youtube. It was fun to work on this project while eating at restaurants, having coffee, and in transit. Also, I read books while mindlessly hooking this scarf together. It was a productive time for me.
It was sheer bliss to use The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s acry-drops yarn and a Susan Bates ergonomic 5.5 crochet hook. I purchased the yarns and hook from the Attic during my birthday month. I am glad that I chose this pink and blue combination, which worked well together.
Freestyle crochet will always have a special place in my heart. I get to be creative while watching a movie, reading a book, or dining solo. Productivity has never felt this good, and fluffy!