Saxophone Idols Live!

As a blogger, I get to be invited to various seminars, conferences, and events. While it is an honor to feature learning opportunities, I am also keen on writing about concerts.

So you can just imagine my thrill when I was invited to attend the SILA 2.0 Concert at the Newport Performing Arts! It was not only my first time to feature a saxophone concert on my blog, it was also my first time to watch a show at this theater.

I went there early to unwind after my crochet workshop at MCAD. I was able to claim my ticket before grabbing a bite at one of the nearby restaurants. Then, I proceeded to my seat where I got to crochet while waiting for the show to commence.

The show was great from start to finish! I was especially drawn to saxophone diva Nicole Tejedor, who brought the house down with her powerful numbers and stage presence. It was refreshing to watch a female saxophonist rock the house and look awesome while doing so.

I also enjoyed the Beatles medley, as the saxophonists brought a unique twist to the famed songs of the Fab Four. They did not disappoint!

It was an honor to watch these talented saxophonists onstage, and be with other music lovers as well. I have always been an old soul, so the current sounds on the radio are not necessarily my go-to music. I still prefer the classics, along with the jazzy riffs of the saxophone.

I hope to be invited to more concerts in the future, and to watch more saxophone shows again!

Crochet Corals

I attended the a crochet workshop conducted at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the College of Saint Benilde. I enjoyed the experience, and it was a pleasure to see absolute beginners learn crochet.
We were given patterns and yarns for a sea slug and a starfish. Since the theme of the workshop was coral worlds, we were tasked to learn how to make underwater creatures.
I have used crochet as a way to de-stress and unwind. Attending events related to the craft has enabled me to meet new friends and also appreciate the craft more.

Here’s to more opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow crocheters, and learning more tricks to improve my craft!

Jolly Dogs

Ever since I resolved to be more thankful even before receiving the blessings that I am praying for, I realized that being happy is a choice. Part of that is choosing to be with dogs, whose calming presence has always helped me in managing my emotions.

I am still dealing with my father’s passing, the emotional demands of jobhunting, balancing freelance work, managing my online Human Nature shop (please support!), and ensuring that my widowed mom is doing okay. As a multi-tasker, it can be pretty laborious to check on myself. It is only when I am at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe that I am able to let my hair down and play with furry friends who are happy enough to be with me.

I feel content with the unselfish joy that these dogs share with me. My worries melt away whenever I hug Ella the chiweenie, or Piolo the Labrador Retriever. Actually, I am glad to cuddle with any dog in the cafe. It is only a bonus that they serve killer coffee along with my entrance to the cafe.

Being caffeinated with dogs is my idea of heaven, and I hope that you will also get to experience this by visiting Barkin’ Blends soon!

S.I.L.A. 2019

I am attending the S.I.L.A. 2019 concert on Saturday, October 12! It’s my first time to attend a saxophone concert. I’m very excited to watch various saxophonists perform, and I can’t wait to meet fellow music enthusiasts as well.

For tickets, contact Ticketworld at 891-9999 or ticketworld.com.ph.

Thank You Mama Mary!

Amidst the challenges that I am facing with jobhunting, working freelance, blogging, and trying to date, I still find time to go to church. I have recently discovered the novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I go to Baclaran Church whenever I am free on Wednesdays, and it has given me a sense of peace.
I have decided to thank Mama Mary for her powerful intercession even if I have yet to receive the blessings that I am praying for. I am also working on being more thankful despite the hellish commute in the city and the frequent rejections I receive.

I am fortunate to be alive and to still have food to eat. I have a family, a bed, a car (although I seldom use it now that I commute more), and household help.
I am thankful, and soon, I will receive more blessings to be grateful for!

Barkin’ Tuesday

I always enjoyed bonding with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. Being with dogs has helped me process grief after my dad’s death. Now that I am moving on, I still visit the cafe for good vibes and simply because the dogs have become close to my heart.

Please visit them if you also love dogs! You won’t regret being with these furbabies.

Health First

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.