Mapping Our Identity

Yesterday, I had an interview and exam at an office in Ortigas. I’m crossing my fingers that I will stumble upon an opportunity soon! And since I was already in the area, I attended a lecture at the Ortigas Library.

I’m a fan of maps because they teach history geeks like myself about the customs of that time period and how the prevailing authorities of the time have influenced the naming of colonies.

I also enjoy visiting libraries because books can never replace the latest digital technological advancements out there. Books are an invaluable source of knowledge and history. They can teach societies how to appreciate their past so that they can move onward in the future.

An important part of Philippine history was the origin of our name. Philip II of Spain was the source of our country’s name. The Gastaldi Ramusio map is a first map that shows the Philippines named in any form. Never mind that the map isn’t geographically accurate.

I also saw my friend from MovEd, Patrick! It fascinates me that my friends and I share common interests, like ancient maps and history.
I hope to attend more lectures about history and culture in the future!

Furry Therapy

I’ve been experiencing a series of job rejections lately. The job market in Manila is really competitive, so I don’t take these rejections personally. I believe that I am simply going through a rough patch. I know that there’s a company out there that will eventually give me a chance.
For now, it’s up to me to take care of my mental health by going to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. Being with dogs has worked wonders in regulating my mood and optimism. Overall, I feel better after each visit. I can’t quite stress how important it is to continue pursuing our interests while overcoming tough times. Mine just happen to involve furry friends.
I know that preparing myself and my well-being is crucial so that when the right company and role comes along, I’ll be more than ready to be the best employee that I can be.

Pancit Pares

Yesterday, I got to explore Area 2 at UP Diliman. I was craving for some pares for lunch, so off I went to this quaint street filled with cheap student-friendly eats.

My craving was satisfied at Agaw Pancit. Their pares pancit was delicious, and served piping hot!

I’ve had plenty of wonderful memories at the UP Shopping Center. I used to frequent this fresh fruit shake stand there, and after a hot bowl of pancit, I needed something refreshing. Good thing I found the same fresh fruit shake stand at the end of Area 2.

I was satisfied with my Php50 carrot shake! I will definitely return for more fresh fruit goodness in the future.

I ended my day with a documentary at UP Film and some yummy vegan sisig made of mushroom and tofu from Good Clean Cart Area 2.

Exploring a new street is good for the soul, and fulfilling for someone who likes collecting experiences while on a tight budget. With my passion for life and positive outlook, I know that I can make it through each day, one memorable meal at a time.

Happy Rejection

Yesterday, I got rejected for another job. That didn’t stop me though from moving forward and praying at Sta. Clara. I thanked God for sparing me from further harm in a company that’s not for me. I also asked for a better job opportunity soon.

Then, I had carioca for merienda at UP. I also watched A is for Agustin, a poignant film about an Aeta coal vendor who goes to first grade in his late 30’s.

Rejection can make me forget how blessed I really am. Simple joys like a church visit, street food, and an indie film can keep me going and remind me of how far I’ve come.
I am still blessed, after all.

Strong Hooker

I finished crocheting this shawl using yarns from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 4.00mm hook, which is by far my favorite size to work with. I love the simplicity of the Easy Breezy Shawl by Fiber Spider so much, and this is already my second shawl using that pattern. The first shawl was also a joy to hook together. I will definitely use this pattern again because it is simple and therapeutic to make.

I began this shawl after being rejected for a job that I was keen on. It was heartbreaking, since that job was aligned with my mission to serve those in need while earning a living. However, I realized that I have to move onward and stop dwelling on institutions and people that don’t believe in me. I realized that I believe in myself enough to start over again, and this shawl is a testament to my ability to keep calm and carry on.
Here’s to my next shawl, challenge, and opportunity!

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.