Human Nature Cubao

Last February 15, I attended the opening of Human Nature Cubao. It is located along the LRT2 concourse, making it a convenient shopping location for commuters.

The franchise is owned by Mr. Steven Tan and family. They started as core advocates at Human Nature, until they opened the Human Nature kiosk at Farmer’s Plaza. Now, they run their own branch and aim to capture the direct selling market at the crossroads of the railways.

It was an honor to witness the opening of this store. It is a testament to the advocates’ faith in Human Nature, and the transformative power of this social enterprise that I am also part of.

I look toward to shopping for my personal needs and orders here! Coffee is also served here with every purchase.

I hope that you will also support Human Nature Cubao soon!

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Makati Days

I’m currently working on a project at Makati City this week. It has been fun so far, and I do miss the area! My first office was right around the corner, so I visited some places that I used to frequent. It was a nostalgic trip that made me happy to be in that part of town again.
I hope to rediscover more places this 2020! It shouldn’t be that challenging.

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Earle’s

I used to frequent this sandwich shop called Earle’s along Ayala Avenue. I was a fresh graduate with an entry-level job, and I was always hungry during lunchtime. I would cross the street to order my usual: the Black Forest ham.

I would finish off my meal with coffee and a walk around the block. I had simple joys then which still continue to this day. I still eat good food and walk to burn calories.

Today was a good day to be reminded of how far I’ve come, and how the best memories can be triggered by something as simple as a sandwich.

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Taal Relief Goods

I recently spent two days packing relief goods for Taal Volcano eruption victims. We filled dry bags with supplies to help victims get back on their feet.

To continue helping Filipinos in time of disasters, I highly recommend ABS-CBN Foundation. You may like their Facebook page to be updated on upcoming relief operations and donation drives.

Godbless you!

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Borealis Diamond

Ever since I started collecting rings from homegrown brand Borealis Crystals, I appreciated fine craftsmanship more. This PWD-owned and managed social enterprise works with local artisans to produce handmade jewelry made out of the finest precious metals and gems. The most important part here is that they choose to offer budget-friendly bling to customers who with a taste for handcrafted and bespoke quality.

The author wears her tiny teal diamond ring on her ring finger

The author wears her tiny teal diamond ring on her ring finger

Here is now my current Borealis stack: my Borealis heart, my green sapphire fruit drop, and my latest from this shop, the Tillie. It is a teal tiny diamond in 10k white gold which I wear on my ring finger. All three rings are sparklier in real life and are worth every single peso.

I hope that you will also support Borealis Crystals! This is not an ad, rather, I am just a happy customer who recognizes fine workmanship when I see it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed and the wait for your jewelry is definitely worth it.

For My Grandpa

Please include in your prayers my late grandfather, Cedric Bernardez. He passed away last January 15th due to cardiac arrest.

It was from him that I learned to appreciate fine wine, beer, eyewear, and Manila. I will forever be grateful to this OG influencer who used to hold office at Escolta.

Cheers!

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Katsu for Taal

I recently supported Yabu’s katsu for a cause. All proceeds from their sales last January 28 would go to Taal victims. Since I love Yabu and charity, this was a no-brainer for me.

I had the menchi katsu set and a cold pale pilsen. It was an amazing lunch, and it felt great to help out.

Please join me in doing more for others this year. It’s easier than you think!

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The Last Manilaners

I can write a long entry about last night, but I am still not over how excellent the new iWant docuseries The Last Manilaners is. It is now streaming on iWant, and I highly recommend it. It is the perfect content for us WWII enthusiasts, and you won’t be disappointed with how well-researched and rendered it is.

I was invited by my friends from the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, and I am thankful for the chance to see the series on the big screen. The Dolphy Theater was the perfect venue for the esteemed event, and it was a fitting tribute to the resilience of the Manila Jewish refugees.

Here’s to more historical events this 2020!

The author poses at the red carpet

The author poses at the red carpet

The author with Danica Marollano, press officer

The author with Danica Marollano, press officer

The author with Jamela Macalino of the Israeli Embassy

The author with Jamela Macalino of the Israeli Embassy

The Last Manilaners is now streaming on iWant

The Last Manilaners is now streaming on iWant

Cny with Human Nature

Yesterday, I celebrated Chinese New Year with my Human Nature Flagship Store family. I’m incredibly thankful for the blessings that I have received while being part of this family.

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I hope that you will all continue supporting my online Human Nature store this Year of the Metal Rat. We just launched our eye cream and still continue to offer our bestsellers, such as our sunflower oil. Do check my store out!

Blessings!

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Vitalis Villas

I recently spent a night at Vitalis Villas, dubbed as the Santorini of the North. I got to swim, eat delicious food such as Vigan longganisa and salted fish, and relax by our private pool.

I also got to spend much-needed time with my family. I am now back in the city, and I miss the beach already! I hope to be back soon.

The author at Vitalis Villas

The author at Vitalis Villas

Breakfast with the breathtaking view of Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Breakfast with the breathtaking view of Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Vigan By Night

I recently got to explore the Hispanic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was a dream come true to tour this place, as it has always been on top of my must-see spots before I die.

I started my evening tour with a kalesa ride to Calle Crisologo.

The author enters Vigan’s town center by carriage

The author enters Vigan’s town center by carriage

Calle Crisologo is filled with shops and restaurants.

The author at Calle Crisologo

The author at Calle Crisologo

The author checks out the shops along Calle Crisologo

The author checks out the shops along Calle Crisologo

I had the best vigan empanada i’Ve ever had at Irene’s Vigan Empanada.

Irene’s Vigan Empanada is a popular eatery along the famous street

Irene’s Vigan Empanada is a popular eatery along the famous street

Irene’s famous empanada does not disappoint

Irene’s famous empanada does not disappoint

i had sorbetes along Calle Crisologo for dessert.

The author tries the sorbetes at Vigan

The author tries the sorbetes at Vigan

Cheese, pineapple, and ube sorbetes at Vigan

Cheese, pineapple, and ube sorbetes at Vigan

A cold beer at the ROOFTOP of Hotel Luna is a good idea.

The author’s favorite beer at the Hotel Luna roof deck

The author’s favorite beer at the Hotel Luna roof deck

Leona Florentino’s monument at Vigan

Leona Florentino’s monument at Vigan

I got to explore the famous monuments at Vigan’s city center.

Jose Rizal at Vigan

Jose Rizal at Vigan

The Dancing FoUntain Show was a trippy experience after dark.

Vigan’s Dancing Fountain Show

Vigan’s Dancing Fountain Show

The fountain show features popular songs along with its water features

The fountain show features popular songs along with its water features

The author enjoys Vigan at night

The author enjoys Vigan at night

Ilocos Sur continues to attract both local and foreign tourists with its Old World charm

Ilocos Sur continues to attract both local and foreign tourists with its Old World charm

After walking around the plaza, i Looked around antique shops. Lucy Chan’s Antique House has the best selection of trinkets and home fUrnishings from another era.

Antique jewelry on display at Lucy Chan Antique House

Antique jewelry on display at Lucy Chan Antique House

Lucy Chan offers unique antique home furnishings and trinkets

Lucy Chan offers unique antique home furnishings and trinkets

I relaxed with a cup of hot rice coffee and some balikUtsa, a local sugarcane candy at coffee break Vigan.

The author enjoys rice coffee and balikutsa, a local candy made of sugarcane molasses

The author enjoys rice coffee and balikutsa, a local candy made of sugarcane molasses

It was a comfortingly delicious treat.

Good night, Vigan!

Good night, Vigan!

I hope to be back soon, Vigan!

Hotel Luna

I recently stayed at the Hotel Luna with my US-based family. It was our first time at Vigan, the historical heritage town at Ilocos Sur. I was excited to visit this Hispanic city, and I was lucky to have stayed at the first and only museum hotel in the country.

Hotel Luna is located at the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Hotel Luna is located at the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I am sharing with you my favorite artworks at Hotel Luna. It was magical to stay at a hotel with paintings, sculptures, and history.

I hope that you will also visit Vigan soon!

Three Women by BenCab

Three Women by BenCab

Maria Makiling by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Maria Makiling by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Untitled by Juvenal Sanso

Untitled by Juvenal Sanso

Gregorio del Pilar by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Gregorio del Pilar by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Boxes and Jarlet by Arturo Luz

Boxes and Jarlet by Arturo Luz

The author with various artworks at Hotel Luna

The author with various artworks at Hotel Luna

Martyr’s Struggle by BenCab

Martyr’s Struggle by BenCab

Laces and Roses by Louie Tolentino

Laces and Roses by Louie Tolentino

Cradle of Hope in Pink by Ramon Orlina

Cradle of Hope in Pink by Ramon Orlina

La Mandolinera by Juan Luna y Novicio

La Mandolinera by Juan Luna y Novicio

The pool at Hotel Luna attracts city guests

The pool at Hotel Luna attracts city guests

The author is happy to begin her Vigan journey at Hotel Luna

The author is happy to begin her Vigan journey at Hotel Luna

Borealis Heart

Borealis Crystals is a homegrown jewelry brand that I love. Here are a few reasons why this shop keeps me coming back for more:

  • It is PWD-owned and managed

  • Most of their jewelry, especially the bespoke ones, are locally handmade using quality materials

  • Their online platform allows them to price their bling fairly

  • They offer bespoke orders which may take time to make, but will definitely be worth your money

  • Every purchase helps a PWD family and their artisans continue their craft and business

I am so into this garnet and sterling silver ring which I purchased from Borealis Crystals. It is not my first purchase, and once again, I am one happy customer. The ring looks and feels more expensive than it really is. They used materials to give it a premium vibe, which also works with my vintage aesthetic.

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This is not a sponsored post, and I am simply a satisfied customer and fan. Please check out Borealis Crystals’ Instagram page and order a bauble or two soon! You won’t regret it.

Fresh Lumpia

I recently had the best fresh lumpia I’ve ever had at Binondo Lumpia House. It is located at the second floor of the Youniversity Suites, a hip mall and dormitory along Recto, Manila.

Youniversity Suites has a hipster ambience

Youniversity Suites has a hipster ambience

Youniversity Suites is hard to miss along the busy avenue. It has a number of brightly-lit coffee shops and stores at the ground floor. Once you enter the building, you are welcomed by a multi-level food court with an airplane to decorate the place.

Binondo Lumpia House serves fresh lumpia and rice for only Php108

Binondo Lumpia House serves fresh lumpia and rice for only Php108

One flight up will take you to the Binondo Lumpia House, which serves killer lumpiang sariwa and rice for only Php108. They also offer food and drinks at student-friendly prices.

This is the best fresh lumpia I’ve ever had

This is the best fresh lumpia I’ve ever had

The lumpia was packed with vegetables and delicious garlic sauce. It was definitely worth the train ride to Recto!

The casual vibe of Youniversity Suites’ food court is a refreshing change at Recto

The casual vibe of Youniversity Suites’ food court is a refreshing change at Recto

Binondo Lumpia House offers food at friendly prices

Binondo Lumpia House offers food at friendly prices

Go ahead and give this fresh lumpia a try. It is my new favorite, and I will definitely be back!

One Barkin’

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has recently merged their two branches into one solid branch. Their north branch, which is located at SM North Towers, remains strong.

Their dogs from the east have all transferred there, much to the delight of their regular customers. Now, everyone can enjoy all of the Barkin’ Buddies under one roof.

The author gets kisses from Piolo

The author gets kisses from Piolo

I am a longtime fan of the cafe, and I am really excited to see all the dogs in one place.

Forrest enjoys scratches from the author

Forrest enjoys scratches from the author

The author is all smiles with Bubbles

The author is all smiles with Bubbles

The dogs have provided me with much-needed comfort during the darkest days of my life. They have also provided joy during my times of bliss.

Forrest likes kissing the author

Forrest likes kissing the author

The author snuggles with the sleeping dogs

The author snuggles with the sleeping dogs

One last kiss from Forrest

One last kiss from Forrest

I do hope that you will also visit their north branch one of these days! Promise, you won’t regret it.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe

Instagram: @barkinblends