Yesterday, I spent my Sunday enjoying some simple joys. These include:
I bought a new stainless horseshoe for my rook! I like how it brings edge to my overall look.
I enjoyed the Ayala Triangle Gardens light show. It reminded me that Christmas is all about feeling grateful and remembering all the good memories of holidays past.
Lastly, I had a cold one with Santa Claus at Mercato.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Yesterday, I finally met my favorite vlogger, Kim Enson! It was worth the commute to BGC as I also met her internet-famous mum and her boyfriend Tom, who proposed to her during the party!
Later that day, I attended my second party at the Human Nature Flagship Store for the core advocates. I won the Community Champion award for 2019! It was a testament to all my hard work during the past year.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve people and sell products that give back to communities. Please continue supporting my Human Nature online shop, and together, let’s make 2020 an even greater year!
Dealing with grief is not easy. I lost my dad to cancer last May. The only way I coped was to be grateful for each day. I took it one day at a time, and gave myself a chance to begin again every morning. Here’s how I’ve done it so far:
I celebrated being a fan, from crocheting Star Wars amigurumi to buying a Hello Kitty Beep card and Happy Meal.
I made sure that my Human Nature online store was up and running. I also regularly attended company events and launches.
I worked freelance, and wrote reports like my life depended on them.
I became a full-on foodie and just ate the best meals to satisfy my cravings.
I continued to blog here daily, even when I felt that there was nothing worth talking about.
If you are going through a tough time, I suggest that you take something out of my playbook and just keep going. There is always something to celebrate in the ordinary. You just have to try.
Yesterday, I did some in-store shopping for some offline Human Nature orders. Christmas is definitely around the corner, and presents are flying off the shelves! If you also want some Human Nature presents, please order from my online store and have social enterprise gift boxes delivered to your doorstep.
Order today!
Yesterday, I had lunch with my cousin Van at Lola, a Filipino restaurant at The Podium. We had truffle lengua, keso de bola fries, kimchi kaldereta, rice, coffee, and beer (for me). Everything was delicious! I’ll definitely go back for more of their food.
After our lunch, I went to UP to drop-off my gift for Nicole, a friend I met online. Then, I had dinner at Gubat, where I had my favorite carbonara and another beer to commemorate my dad’s seventh month anniversary.
I look forward to more great company and yummy food this holiday season and beyond. Cheers!
Yesterday, I had dinner with my best friend from UA&P, Janis. Seeing her for the first time last month in three years was emotional for me. I had to stop our communication after my ex asked me to to, just because he didn’t like him. It has been two years since I ended my relationship with him, and now, I know better. I will never end a friendship just because a man tells me to.
We had dinner at Salamangka, where I had delicious Engkanto beer and sweet and sour meatball. Then, we had coffee at Nitro 7 and just talked about the good times we’ve had since uni.
I look forward to spending more time with Janis moving forward.
There are better days ahead for both of us, and it’s lovely to have found each other again this time around.
Christmas is just around the corner, and I am already buying presents for everyone on my list. With the traffic, deadlines at work, and personal obligations on my plate, I understand that convenience is key to getting those presents purchased and wrapped with love. Support my Human Nature online store and get social enterprise products and toiletries for your loved ones and even for yourself! Hey you’ll even get to support me in the process.
Shop small this Christmas and buy today from my online store! God bless you!
Yesterday, I volunteered to be a seller for Sinaya Cup. I got to engage with customers on this social enterprise that champions menstrual hygeine and sustainability. And I got to meet new friends in the Sinaya girls!
Please consider following Sinaya Cup on Instagram to buy menstrual cups, heat packs, and other feminine products. Also, be updated on their advocacies and future bazaars. ‘Til next time!
Here are a few reasons why volunteering for He Cares Mission is a good idea:
You get to serve delicious lunch to underserved children.
You get to be with friends! Here I am with college friend Kath.
You will believe in God’s providence! Their kitchen is enough to restore my faith in a generous God.
You will bond with the kids who are essentially the heart of the mission.
You will be reminded of God’s mercy and love, with every plate you serve to these children!
Please consider being a donor or volunteer at He Cares Mission! For more information, please visit their Facebook page.
God bless you!
I don’t cook, so I’m always on the lookout for delicious meals on the go. Last night, I had Greenwich’s lasagna supreme and it was a trip down memory lane. I used to eat this a lot when I was still a kid, and it instantly cheered me up. This is not a sponsored post, I am just a fan of this yummy fast food staple. It is still so satisfying after all these years. Sure, there are fancier lasagnas out there, but this will always taste like simple times and home.
Yesterday, I had lunch with my high school friends Luti and Rozzanne at Galleria. We discussed our upcoming Christmas get-together, among other plans.
Then, Luti and I went to UP for some merienda at Chocolate Kiss. I had the sour cream cheesecake and brewed coffee. It was a delicious combo.
We later went around the campus for some brisk walking, and I took some random snaps.
Thursday with friends is always a good idea!
Last week, I dropped by Common Room Power Plant to visit The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s shelf. This local yarn and notions store has become my go-to dealer for my knitting and crochet needs. The ladies behind the brand have even become my friends in real life, and they even invited me to visit their HQ earlier this year. The brand has become a staple in my life, as knitting and crochet became my everyday hobbies.
I went to look at The Attic’s stock because I was nervous at that time. It was my first time to be in a crop top in quite a while, and being surrounded by my favorite things has greatly boosted my morale. The result? I was able to party in style and with confidence at the charity event of the year, Hotel Sunnies!
If you feel nervous before a big event, don’t fret! All you need are a few objects of comfort to ease you into your day. And if being fidgety has become a serious issue, get a hobby! Mine happens to involve yarn, and I have learned to be more patient and focused in the process.
Get your yarns and notions from The Attic Yarn and Craftery! Say hi to the owners, and who knows? They might end up becoming your friends too.
Yesterday, I shipped my last item from the recent Carousell 13th Month Sale. I had fun cleaning my room, preparing items for sale, and uploading photos of my pre-loved items. More than making money out of this side hustle, I consider my Carousell shop to be a learning lab of sorts.
Here are a few lessons I have learned so far:
Taking photos of items is a lot of work, but it is a journey back in time. Seeing my pre-loved items reminds me of the memories I’ve made with each item, and how tactile moments can be.
This selfie was an accidental snap as I was taking photos of my items for sale!
People online can be mean and rude. It is up to me as the seller to extend my patience. It is also rewarding to encounter nice and understanding customers.
Lastly, I learned that I have way too much stuff! Decluttering has been healthy and relaxing. I look forward to selling more and using more of what I have. Indeed, life is too short, and we don’t need that much to live on!
Support me by buying from my Carousell shop! Thank you and hope to see you there!
I was at UP Diliman yesterday for a meeting, so I maximized my visit by checking out new places to eat, and hanging out at the cinema.
Here are my recommendations for a full day at UP Diliman:
Eat lunch at Mosh! Their beef bulgogi was delicious, and they have quirky tableware.
Buy a fresh fruit shake from the fruit stand near the Post Office. Their mango chocolate shake was refreshing!
Combo meals are still the best merienda on campus. My current fave: pancit canton (calamansi flavor) and chicken balls, with a side order of Kopiko Blanca in a bottle.
Go for a movie or two at the UP Film Cine Adarna! They show quality art and commercial films at Php200 or less. Yesterday, I watched Concerto, a WWII period movie for free!
Go for a brisk walk around the oval and burn some calories around the picturesque campus.
End your day with a tasty shawarma rice bowl from Shawarma Boss.
I spent less than Php250 for my meals, shake, and bottled iced coffee on campus. A leisurely day does not need to be expensive. I highly recommend U.P. Diliman for your next feels trip, whether you’re alone or with friends. Enjoy!
I spent my Sunday afternoon with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. As usual, it was a lovely time to reflect on the past week and move forward with my plans for the upcoming one. These dogs help me stay thankful for all the opportunities that come my way, and hopeful for the days to come.
In a world where negativity thrives, I choose to stay positive with creatures whose job is to make me happy.
If you also need a place to unwind, visit Barkin’ Blends! If you have your own dog, they have healthy doggo meals and treats available for dine-in and takeout. Hope you can visit soon!
Yesterday, I won two awards at the Aerosports 2019 Zumba marathon at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was thrilling to win awards as I didn’t expect this. I have been exclusively working out at home for the past year, and yet I was able to dance for three hours straight. I also enjoyed the event and sang along to the retro songs.
I won Ms. Gorgeous and Ms. Aerosports. It felt awesome to win something and have fun in the process.
Here’s to continuing my fitness journey, and to more wins to come!
It was a pleasure to attend the Bach vs. Beatles concert last November 29 at the Grand Ballroom of Seda Vertis North. I’ve been a long time fan of the Manila Symphony Orchestra, and I’ve been watching their concerts at the Ayala Museum before. To watch them near my home was a lovely experience.
My favorite Beatles song is Something, but I can easily listen to their entire catalog as I am a huge fan of the band. My late father has influenced me to appreciate their music. To this day, I still listen to them whenever I am driving or commuting.
To support the MSO, visit their website. They are truly amazing.
Last Wednesday night, I got to watch Lambana by Tipsy Tales at Eastwood Mall. I celebrated my reunion with my college best friend Janis with an immersive theater experience, and we weren’t disappointed!
It was my first time to encounter actors who talked to us during the show, and asked us what we wanted to do next. It was really my thing as I am a natural extrovert! I felt like I was part of the show. The characters were part of Filipino folklore, and it was totally aligned with my love for anything local. My favorite character was the duende, because she wore local textiles in her costume. Oh, and the kapre really scared me!
Here are some things to keep in mind when watching Tipsy Tales:
You are not allowed to take pictures of the play, and lockers onsite are provided to keep your bags and gadgets safe
They sell local publications onsite! Support local literature.
They have three experiences: child-friendly, regular, or scary. We got the scary one, and I was blown away by the acting.
The play can either be in English, or Filipino.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you will be walking around the huge set.
Bring a jacket as it can be quite cold inside the theater.
Restroom breaks are not allowed while the show is ongoing, so do your thing prior to watching the play.
Pictures with the cast are allowed after the show. It was fun chatting with them!
I highly recommend this theater experience as it made me and Janis happy and entertained. This was so much better than watching another movie or concert. I love the whole concept and the actors were amazing. Do check out tipsytales.ph for more details!
Yesterday, I got to swing by Hotel Sunnies, the Christmas design pop-up experience of the Sunnies Studios group. I got to take a ton of pictures, hang with girl crushes Martine and Coco, and have a good time. The best part was getting a feel of my favorite brand up close and personal.
I will never forget this day, and I am also thrilled that 100% of ticket sales will benefit MovEd, which is a charity that’s close to my heart. I hope to see more design experiences in Manila that will not only feast the senses, but also pay it forward.
Last November 27, I was invited to join the outreach of the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines in Manila. I was honored to receive the following prior to the event:
EMBASSY OF ISRAEL MANILA
PRESS RELEASE
שגרירות ישראל שגרירות ישראל
מנילה, פיליפינים מנילה, פיליפינים
The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Jewish Association of the Philippines and the City of Manila, will visit the Sta. Ana Elementary School for an outreach event.
A story-telling session and gift-giving program will be held together with the teachers and kindergarten pupils of the Etz Ha-Haim from the Jewish synagogue. The Jewish Association of the Philippines will also donate books for the school as an early Christmas gift.
Sta. Ana Elementary School was specifically chosen because of Angela Briana Alforque, a five-year-old Filipina, who showed her love for Israel by dressing as Miss Israel during the United Nations Day celebration in Manila. She chose to dress as Miss Israel following the crowning of Israel’s Noy Ben Artzi as Miss Congeniality at the Miss Asia-Pacific International pageant in the Philippines on October 9.
This was my second time to be a invited by the Embassy. The first one was during the opening of the Common Ground art exhibit at UP Diliman. I was eager to be a part of this event as I also love volunteering. It was a perfect opportunity to merge my advocacy and friendships in the diplomatic corps.
The theme of the event was Israel and Manila: Reaching Out to Strengthen Relationship, and I saw firsthand how it was implemented. Students from both Israel and Manila were able to interact with each other when they had the storytelling session. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, and I know that this is just the beginning of this relationship.
This may have been touted as an early Christmas offering, but I know that this initiative will spark a cultural exchange that will last beyond the holidays.
It is important to continue to strengthening relations between Israel and the Philippines. The two countries have common faith origins and values such as hospitality and friendliness. To start the cultural exchange with the children will instill in them the power of acceptance and inclusion. This will then bring forth a lifelong passion for openness.
To end this article, Amb. Rafael Harpaz has mentioned that this gift-giving is simply a celebration of the long history of the close relations between Israel and Manila. Israel and the Philippines have a government to government agreement to accept overseas workers with no placement fees, which he greatly appreciates. This gathering which started with Angela’s costume as Miss Israel has really touched him and he hopes that Israel will be a part of more cultural exchanges between the two countries.
It was an honor to be a part of this day, and I hope to witness more exchanges between Israel and the Philippines.
