Friday No. 1

I was able to hear mass at 5:00 AM yesterday at the famous Quiapo Church in Manila. I was able to give thanks for a successful 2019, and I prayed for more blessings to come in 2020.

Quiapo Church is lively at 5:00 AM

The church was filled with people as the Translacion is nearing. It is the upcoming procession of the Black Nazarene, which will happen next Friday.

The festive vibe anticipates the upcoming Translacion

As it was also the first Friday of the year (and the decade), the church was packed. I was able to hear mass outside the church, and I followed the liturgical ceremony from a large screen. This however did not ruin the mass for me, and the atmosphere was still solemn.

The author poses by the famous minor basilica

Quiapo Church continues to be a relevant place of worship for the faithful

After mass, I ate breakfast at Jollibee, where I got to watch the next mass from the best seat in the house!

The best seat in the house

The author enjoys sunrise while eating breakfast

It was inspiring to see the sea of devotees from three stories up.

Quiapo Church is filled with devotees at sunrise

I am proud to have the time for my faith, and the courage to venture out into crowded churches for the sake of thanksgiving and worship. I hope that the new year will be prosperous for me and my family, and that it will bring forth many opportunities for my career.

May God bless us all!

The festively-lit Church looks gorgeous at sunrise

Drive Media Kickoff Training

Seeing 2020: The Drive Media Kickoff Training

Training

by Sam Lucas

January 2, 2020

Drive Media had their initial kickoff training at the UP Enterprise Center last January 2. It was a lively morning for learning and sharpening the saw. Keats Ronquillo, Drive Manila’s Site Lead for Bohol and Drive Media, trained me and Gene Rose Imphang on the basics of blogging, photography, and vlogging.

The team enjoys a light moment at the Drive Media training

We reviewed the basics of journalistic feature writing to get acquainted with the company standard. We also reviewed the basics of photography, especially for tours and events. We are enthusiastic that everything will be applied when we launch our tours and events in Drive Manila.

Gene Imphang, Keats Ronquillo, and Sam Lucas refresh their media knowledge

Keats reviews the team on basic journalistic writing

This training was aligned with Drive’s vision to promote the company as more than just a mere car rental service. Drive sells the tour experience to joiners through their upcoming tours. They will also enrich their partners and officers with industry knowledge through standard training, which will also be shared on social media and blogs in the future.

Make sure to download the Drive app on iOS or Google Play to experience car rental like no other. Also, follow Drive Manila on Facebook on keep updated on future events and promos.

Have a fruitful 2020 ahead!

Jan 1 Joys

I am grateful to have the privilege of beginning the year on a high note. I celebrated the new year with mass at the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila, where I got to pray for my intentions and of course, give thanks for all the blessings that I have received.

Then, I had dinner with my family at Cibo. I started my meal with a cold one and some minestrone soup.

I also ordered my Cibo favorite, the Farfalle alla Genovese. Everything was delicious, comforting, and celebratory!

Cheers to a bountiful year ahead!

Salted Egg Eve

My final lunch for 2019 was this Benchto meal at Bench Cafe. I had B1, which was the salted egg chicken set. It was deliciously filling, and I highly recommend it if you are also into the whole salted egg craze of this decade.

I am ending 2019 with a simple snack of gifted biscuits and English breakfast tea. The holidays have been kind to me, despite being the first without my father. With friends and family who constantly feed and support me, I am more inspired to pursue my passions, work harder, and of course, eat like it’s always my last day on earth.

Here’s to chasing our bliss this 2020! Happy new year and may God bless us all!

Rizal Day 2019

I’m one of those Rizal die-hard fans who visit Luneta on Rizal Day. Yesterday was no exception, as I made the trip to visit my favorite hero.

This year, I hired one of the onsite photographers to take my photo by his final resting place.

As is my custom, I visited the site of his execution.

Then, I decided to date myself at the Luneta Hotel for late lunch. I wrote about this hotel in college as it is known for its French Renaissance architecture. Today, it proudly stands amidst the modern buildings of Manila.

It was the perfect setting for my solo date. I had the truffle pasta, and of course, San Miguel Pale Pilsen.

For dessert, I had the hotel’s famous sampaguita ice cream and coffee. Everything was delicious!

I feel thankful for all the blessings I have received this year. I am optimistic that the new decade will bring forth more positive energy and love for me and my family.

Happy new year!

Finishing Strong: Drive's Year-end Celebration

Finishing Strong: Drive's Year-end Celebration

Yearender

by Sam Lucas

December 30, 2019

Drive Manila was overflowing with the holiday spirit during its 2019 year end party at Murato Streat on December 29. It was a casual get together and meet and greet with the company's officers and partners, over dinner and drinks. The event also marked the first anniversary of the Drive app, an important milestone that began the the company's accelerated growth, which is anticipated to continue in the coming year.

Drive's correspondent Sam Lucas was on the scene, and got the firsthand details regarding how Drive became a part of their personal growth and improvement. 

Drive founder Mike Miranda, shared  that there will be continuous training for sales and marketing staff in the following months, to support the growth of partners and growing needs of the renters. Upgrading standards in quality and safety continue to be key focal points for Drive.

Ms. Grace Miranda, Drive's CEO has also shared how Drive has started with some of their vehicles initially as part of a TVNS. The breakthrough came in deciding to change the model from TVNS to a rental service.Their vision was a service that would cater to families like theirs, who wanted to travel and go around the country without sacrificing comfort. 

They wanted to make car rental hassle free for both the partners and the renters, by streamlining the Know Your Customer (KYC) and on- boarding process. After seeing an increase in demand, they found friends who were willing to rent out their cars and Drive was born. In 2018, they launched the app and also increased their presence on social media. Ms. Grace has stressed that this is aligned part of their vision to make Drive's service accessible, but also secure to ensure that all their partners adhere to their standards. Her vision is to bring Drive to other parts of the country, such as Cebu and Zamboanga, not just to provide business opportunities but also to help Filipinos move around more conveniently.

Sam also spoke to Keats Ronquillo, the Site Lead for Drive Bohol. He joined Drive with confidence as Mike was a good friend  since high school. He believes that travelling around Bohol is best experienced on one's own time and not with a tour group. Having Drive will make booking a vehicle available anytime will make sightseeing around the province more convenient and economical. The beautiful sights of Bohol is also conducive for leisurely driving, at one's own pace. In Bohol, Keats is also a teacher for the Deaf, and he foresees Drive's continuous inclusive partnership with PWD partners and renters.

Drive partners Kevin and Rebecca Regaña, Lydia and Jun Cabero, and Carlo Tagle, had only good things to say about Drive. They shared how Kayle Miranda, Drive's Chief Marketing Officer, is always available to assist them with their concerns regarding rental, booking, and customer service. They also expressed how happy they were with how the Drive augmented their income and helped their families in the process. 

Ms. Eva Parreño of AccessiWheels shared how Mr. Miranda helped her startup. She mentioned how AccessiWheels connects sensitive drivers to people with mobility concerns, and their partnership with Drive has helped PWDs successfully and autonomously move around. She sees a continuing of this collaboration in 2020, and to continue the visibility of AccessiWheels through Drive's app and social media platforms.

Kayle Miranda, Drive's Chief Marketing Officer. shared that there are many opportunities for work from home job seekers in the coming months. She is looking for people to support her as Drive is continuously growing, and building her team which will undergo intensive training in early 2020. She is inviting everyone to like Drive Manila on Facebook stay posted for upcoming job openings for sales and marketing.

Finally, there was Gene Rose Imphang, a tour organizer who is part of Drive's upcoming tour at Angono, Rizal. This is the first of many tourism events which will promote Drive's partnerships with different LGUs and organizations. She is excited to see how Drive will make day tours easier and more convenient for renters and optimistic about the company's growth and upcoming projects.

There are events to come at Drive Manila, stay tuned for an expanding car rental experience that continues to be more convenient and inclusive. 

Don't forget to like Drive Manila on Facebook, and to download the Drive app on Apple or Google Play, and here's to an awesome 2020!

Mint Organizer

I have been collecting Starbucks planners since 2006. It has become a part of my Christmas traditions, and accomplishing something involving coffee is totally worth it. It has helped me get through the grief I felt when my close friend Diane died in a car accident in 2008. Recently, this tradition has been a comfort as I am still processing my father’s passing last May.

I was determined to make the most out of the holidays despite the personal pain I still carried in my heart. Coffee and a planner definitely sounded like a good idea.

Midway through collecting stickers for the planner, I fell in love with the mint travel organizer. I decided to pursue it instead for a change, and I needed a notebook cover to begin with.

The travel organizer did not disappoint! It was worth all the cups of coffee I sipped while running holiday errands and finishing year-end work.

I have also finished crocheting my last scarf for this decade in Starbucks branches.

Some people may laugh at the idea of collecting stickers for a travel organizer, but for me it is a personal ritual to get over grief. The organizer is just a simple reminder that a new year is just around the corner. A new beginning is possible, and it helps to plan, sort through my priorities, and power my way through my goals.

For everything in between, there will always be coffee and notebooks to help me through the new decade.

Kamayan Christmas

Yesterday, I spent some time with our loyal helper Racquel for a simple Christmas treat. I took her to my favorite restaurant Gubat, where we got to eat with our hands.

I had the longganisa (again!) with additional salted egg and burong kanin (fermented rice). It was perfect with my beer.

We took a quick stroll around the Diliman Bonsai Society after our meal. It was hard to believe that we were still in the city.

We also had some Starbucks coffees, and watched Sunod, starring Carmina Villaroel. It was a beautiful horror movie which was shot at Escolta, which we visited earlier this year.

I later finished crocheting the scarf I have been making all throughout the holiday season. It is finally done, and I am ready to begin again with a brand new colorway.

Christmas is better when with local food, handmade hobbies, and simple joys. May you find the season to be merry and bright with those who have been loyal to you.

Gubat Xmas

Christmas isn’t over yet as I celebrated the festive season with my high school BFF Luti and her sister Amihan at Gubat. It’s my go-to hidden garden restaurant in the city because of its rustic ambience and simple food.

Our group all had rice meals. I had the longganisa meal and made it merrier with a cold one and a cuppa.

The best company is made even better with food and greenery. Here’s to more memorable meals with friends!

Barkmas

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has became my destination for good vibes. I have been a regular since 2014, and I have spent my Christmas breaks with their dogs for five years now. This year is no exception, as I braved the MMFF mall crowd to hug my furry faves Ella and Piolo. It is indeed a Merry Christmas with these dogs around.

You will definitely find me here even when the holidays are through! Hope you can also visit one of their two branches soon.

Christmas Crochet

Yesterday, I watched two MMFF movies: Write About Love, and Culion. Both were superb! Then, I had some Starbucks Christmas Blend and spent some time crocheting.

I am determined to continue enjoying the holidays despite the grief that is weighing me down from time to time. My dad’s death is pushing me to celebrate life, and I am happy that I have a hobby such as crochet. It keeps me motivated to enjoy the quiet moments.

To more films and stitches to enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is never easy for us left behind. My dad passed away this year, so it’s just me and my mom now. Still, I am determined to have a lovely Christmas because the reason for the season is Jesus.

I dropped by my late friend Diane’s vault to kickstart my celebration. I realized that the departed never really leave us, they just remind us of how valuable life is. I won’t feel sad that I am left behind anymore. Rather, I will make it a Christmas gift to myself to have a full life even if I’m mostly by myself.

Merry Christmas!

Burger and Beers

Last night, I spent time with my Dubai-based friend Charms at Pound. We had delicious burgers and beer! I had the loco moco which was a yummy rice meal to go with my Brew Kettle beer.

Afterwards, we decided to have more drinks while watching live music at Conspiracy. It was my first time there, and definitely not my last.

It pays to have good friends to share quiet meals and live music with. I am thankful for the company and the conversation. ‘Til next time!

Doggo and brew

I am not a big hugger with people, but it’s the complete opposite when it comes to dogs! I am a total softie when it comes to pups, and this is evident in every visit to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I can’t resist their dogs, and each visit uplifts my mood.

I also enjoy a cuppa, whether it’s the weekend or not. If it’s a Sunday, you can usually see me sound tripping on ‘90s throwback FM while sipping my coffee. The combination of sentimental tunes and strong coffee just relaxes me.

I look forward to my next weekend with the same enthusiasm for my usual activities. I hope that you have also perfected your off-duty routine, as this will save you precious free time and energy.

Have a pleasant week ahead!

Fancy

Yesterday was a fancy one. I had my hair and makeup done for a project which was a lot of fun to do. I am thankful to be offered opportunities that not only let me earn money, but also make me happy!

After work, I met up with my Dubai-based friend Charms for some late lunch and beers at Cafe Breton. It was a nice meal, and of course, it was lovely to catch-up with a friend.

I hope that there will be more friends to keep me company, and work to continue making me feel fancy! Life is good.

The Rise of Skywalker

I enjoyed the last Star Wars movie so much, that I needed some food to process my feelings! I had ube cheesecake from Coffee Bean, decaf coffee from Starbucks, and carbonara from Greenwich.
It is the end of an era, and I am grateful for the love that this franchise has given to us fans.
May the Force be with us all!

Coffee Holiyay

This year, I am continuing my tradition of collecting stickers for a Starbucks planner. Eighteen stickers correspond to one planner or travel organizer. I am aiming for a travel organizer for a change, and it’s been fun to drink coffee while running holiday errands so far.
Why a travel organizer this time around? I am open to different possibilities this 2020. I am hoping to explore and meet more people, and I already have a Sunnies Agenda. This would be totally fresh and yes, I do hope I can travel next year.
A new twist on a tradition I’ve been following for eleven years can spell beautiful change. I can’t wait to see where this will lead me to!

Doggo and Chill

Yesterday, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe’s East branch. I got to chill with the bigger dogs, as they only have smaller ones at their north branch. It was a relaxing break from all the holiday shopping. I’ll definitely be back after the Christmas rush!

I hope that you can also doggo and chill at Barkin’ Blends soon!

Insecure No More

I just realized a few days ago that I finally got over my insecurities. I used to hate my bushy eyebrows. Now that it’s on-trend, I don’t tweeze them anymore. I used to hate my skin. I have since stopped wearing foundation and loved my imperfect face. I used to hate my thick lips. Now, I celebrate them with bright lipstick.

I guess it comes with age, as I am already 33. It was a long and winding road to being secure with myself. Strangely, getting piercings on my rook, helix, and conch have enabled me to embrace my own edgy style.

By wearing less makeup, staying fit and healthy, and maintaining a low key style, I became more at peace with my imperfections.

Here are some ways to begin feeling secure with yourself:

1. Wear less makeup.

2. Exercise daily.

3. Stick to a uniform wardrobe. I stuck to some neutrals and that made everyday dressing effortless.

4. Do something that will make you feel beautiful. For me, it was getting piercings!

5. Always stay hydrated and take good care of your skin.

Life is too short to stay insecure! Love yourself, and your confidence will surely open doors for you.

Foodtrip and a Party

Yesterday, I got to eat at SGD again, where I had my favorite danggit lamayo and SGD black.

Then, I had some fishballs at UP.

I killed some time crocheting over coffee at Starbucks.

Then, I had a fun Christmas party with my Barkin’ Blends friends.

Merry Christmas!