15th Israeli Film Festival

I recently attended the premiere of the 15th Israeli Film Festival Manila. It was organized by the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines. They have already become my friends, so attending this was a no-brained despite the challenges of the corona virus and upcoming community quarantine.

The film Laces was a moving portrayal of a person with special needs and his relationship with his dying father. I cried while watching it, as I recalled having been my late father’s carer not too long ago.

I am grateful to still be able to attend events during this difficult time. I am practicing precautionary measures, especially while commuting.

I am confident that this too shall pass, and that like the Israeli diplomatic corps, we are stronger together.

Indulgent Wednesday

Last Wednesday, I got to eat, drink; and spend time with my Canadian cousins. It was quite a feast, and here were my favorites.

Chicken bowl from Souv

This filling rice bowl with chicken, vegetables and fries on the side has been my go-to order at Souv for quite some time now. The Greek dish is good for the soul as well as one’s health. It is truly delicious.

Spanish Latte from Arabica

This version of the classic latte is made better with some spiced milk. A yummy twist on my favorite caffeinated drink that I will surely enjoy again.

Gibraltar from Toby’s Estate

This coffee has helped me go through bad days and sleepless nights. It is my favorite off the menu item of all time.

Gallo Merlot from Grape Escape

It’s my favorite red wine, and I love how it tastes even better with pizza or tapas.

We live in trying times, but that doesn’t mean that I should quit indulging. I am blessed to have the means to do so, and I will continue to enjoy life because it is indeed too short.

QC Hits

Yesterday, I spent my day running errands and buying stuff at Quezon City, my hometown! I started with Human Nature Cubao, the newest branch of the brand I support. I fulfilled some offline orders here to show the branch some love.

If ever you need hand sanitizers and other natural personal care products, you may also buy from my Human Nature online store. Not only will you support me, you will also be helping communities who work with the brand to provide natural ingredients and raw materials. Thank you!

Then, I had early dinner at Kanto Pares. I love pares! This Pinoy beef delicacy is my go-to comfort food whenever I want a quick and filling meal. I order extra egg and drizzle mine with soy sauce, calamansi, and chili. Sarap!

I also got to walk through Teacher’s Village and found some beautiful blooms such as this one.

My last stop was Pulseras By Kim, a well-loved studio that is known for gold-filled and gold-plated non-tarnish minimalist jewelry. I got some bow huggers for myself and new earrings for my cousin from Canada.

This shop is full of heart and the owner, Kim, has already become a friend. If you are also into everyday pieces that won’t break the bank, I suggest that you check them out! They are located right beside Holy Family School at Maginhawa.

It doesn’t take much to make me happy. A quick stroll through a familiar street, some local brands, and comfort food are all I need to have a fun day.

Here’s to more good days and happy memories!

Baluarte De San Diego

I visited Baluarte de San Diego last International Women’s Day as they had free entrance for all women. This is my favorite part of Intramuros so visiting it was a no brainer.

It looks otherworldly and surreal. I don’t feel like I’m at the city at all whenever I’m in the middle of this intriguing landscape.

I highly recommend this spot as it is a quiet part of Manila that’s perfect for solo adventures and quiet conversations if you have any companions. It is open everyday and charges a minimal fee for upkeep. Hope you can drop by soon!

Katha Kape

Yesterday, I swung by Katha Kape for a latte after walking around Intramuros. The cozy interiors instantly picked me up, and I then ordered a latte.

Their latte was strong and flavorful. It was the perfect respite from the heat outside. Trust me, a hot latte can really work wonders to your mood during the summer heat.

I loved the vibe of this cafe and I’m always at Intramuros to walk around its heritage buildings. I’ll definitely be back!

Jams and Greens

My weekend has been interesting so far. I went to Conspiracy last Friday night to watch Ebe Dancel, Johnoy Danao, and Bullet Dumas perform. The highlight of my night was having my CD signed by Ebe. This was surreal for me because I survived college and all its emotional milestones through his songs. Now that I’m a working adult, his songs still piece me together.

Then, I volunteered at He Cares Mission on Saturday morning to do my share. I always feel lucky whenever I am here.

After serving, I accompanied my mom at the veggie drop-off at Quezon Memorial Circle. We bought vegetables to help farmers from Benguet. It was quite fulfilling as this is a cause close to our hearts.

I capped off my Saturday night with some fleischkäse and beer at my favorite bar, Fred’s Revolucion. It was a delicious meal that I’ll definitely order again.

Here’s to more balanced weekends and realizations!

ISRAELI SINGER-SONGWRITER VANNA RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE HIGH HOPES VIA UMAMI RECORDS

Israeli singer-songwriter VANNA has released her debut single High Hopes via Singapore based indie label Umami Records on Friday, 6 March 2020. 

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), High Hopes is a song about not giving up, even in the darkest, loneliest moments of one’s life. “In the end we must ‘run slow, with high hopes’, be patient, and face the future with optimism.” shares VANNA, “I wanted to let people know that they are not alone and there is always hope.” A gently fingerpicked acoustic guitar sits at the centre of Roy’s production which he combines with VANNA’s unique voice, wafting a piano, strings and other instruments in and out, immersing the listener into the raw emotions of this song.

A music video produced by award-winning independent filmmaker Matan Balalty, set in the beautiful forests of Mount Eitan in Jerusalem, accompanies the release of this single.

High Hopes is the title track of VANNA’s debut EP which will be released throughout 2020. Over the last 3 years, VANNA has been working closely with producer Roy Avital on this EP, delivering a delicate fusion of indie electronic, pop, and folk influenced by artists like RY X, Oscar and the Wolf, SYML and Sóley.

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, of Indian and Iranian parents, VANNA grew up immersed in music, culture and diversity. Creating music is her way of confronting and understanding the turmoil she feels within herself, and she hopes her songs will touch others going through the same struggle. She is also a graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.

VANNA’s next show will be at the Hateiva, Tel Aviv on 23 April 2020, and she is planning a tour to Singapore, India and Nepal in the fall of 2020.

High Hopes by VANNA is available everywhere at this link: https://ffm.to/high-hopes

 Click here to listen to a private preview of High Hopes by VANNA

Click here for artist EPK and press photos

Press and Label Contact

Ian Urrutia

Nyou

ian@therestisnoiseph.com

About VANNA

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, of Indian and Iranian parents, VANNA grew up immersed in music, culture and diversity. Creating music is her way of confronting and understanding the turmoil she feels within herself, and she hopes her songs will touch others going through the same struggle. She is also a graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.

Her debut EP High Hopes, which she has been working on for the last 3 years, will be released over 2020 by Singapore based indie label Umami Records. Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), High Hopes delivers a delicate fusion of indie electronic, pop, and folk influenced by artists like RY X, Oscar and the Wolf, SYML and Sóley. 

VANNA’s intimate live shows combine unique electronic production with live instruments like violins and acoustic guitars. She strives to draw the audience deep into her world of raw emotions, taking them on a journey they will never forget.

Instagram · Facebook · YouTube

About Umami Records

Umami Records is a Singapore-based indie record label founded in 2013. Much like the “5th taste” reputation of its namesake, the label strongly believes in discovering new, interesting sounds that run underground and away from the mainstream. The label’s tight-knit, curated roster thus far has included releases from Linying (Spotify Spotlight 2016), The Steve McQueens, brb., Evanturetime (Spotify Early Noise 2017), CampFire, Martin Baltser (DK), Phoria (UK), Oriental Cravings (AUS), and more. 

Umamirecords.sg · Instagram · Facebook · Twitter · YouTube

River Beer

Yesterday, I decided to do three of my usual relaxation rituals. I went to Fred’s Revolucion Escolta for some Boondocks Brewing dubbel. It’s my favorite dark beer, and it really is worth the trip to Manila. Not to mention that Escolta has an assortment of heritage architecture and history for those who want to add some culture to their day.

Then, I crocheted inside the Pasig River Ferry. It’s safe, clean, and efficient. There’s just something about river commuting that calms my mind.

I capped off my day with a sausage dinner at UP. It was a warm night, so I bought a scrunchie from a street vendor. I used it to tie my hair in a ponytail, and it freaked me out because it was my first time to do so in six years.

So if I can start river commuting and growing out my pixie, then I am indeed ready for big changes and better things to come. Bring it on, universe!

Noodles and Milk Tea

Yesterday, I went on a food trip at Quezon City. Here’s what I had for lunch:

Sen Lek Mixed Thai Noodles (The Caf, U.P. Town Center)

This comforting noodle soup has a tasty broth. The noodles were chewy and delicious, while the beef and fish balls were all yummy. It was a filling lunch treat that I will surely enjoy again.

For dessert, I had Taste from the Greens Choco Malt Milk Tea with Cream Puff (Maginhawa). This was simply heaven in a cup. The cream puff was like pudding, but had a consistently that resembled ice cream. Meanwhile, the choco malt milk tea was perfect. It reminded me of childhood.

I hope to find more foodie finds this 2020!

Cafe Quezon

Last Sunday, I started my 21 Coffees with Sam project. The plan is to have coffee by myself for 21 days in order to enjoy my own company. Don’t get me wrong, as I’m an only child so I’m used to being alone. But this time, I want to celebrate being by myself with coffee and the occasional dessert.

Last night was day 3, and I chose to have mango cheesecake and brewed coffee at Cafe Quezon. The combo was a comforting hug in dessert and caffeine form. I loved it, and I was charmed by the homey interiors. I will surely be back!

Do check out this cafe next time you find yourself in Maginhawa.

Coffee with Clapton

Yesterday was my second visit to Old Congress Coffee. My first visit was a memorable quiet afternoon with Bread, so I savored this visit for another peaceful solo date.

Again, I crocheted while having my delicious americano. This time, I paired it with a slice of their New York cheesecake, which was yummy! I will definitely have this combo again.

This visit was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time that I listened to Eric Clapton’s Unplugged album on vinyl. I finally got to listen to his track Layla for the first time on this medium, and it was a surreal experience. I love this song, and hearing it on a different way was magical.

This cafe has soul and vintage records. I will definitely be a regular here.

La Cathedral Cafe

Yesterday, I had an iced latte at La Cathedral Cafe. It is located right beside the Manila Cathedral, and its roofdeck has become internet famous for the view. I was not disappointed during my visit, and since I wasn’t planning to stay for long, I opted to just hang out at the roofdeck without a table.

The roofdeck gets full easily, so it’s best to go there early and list yourself so you will surely have a table. However, it is also fun to just drink coffee while basking in the view of Intramuros whilst standing up. I enjoyed a few minutes of peace while sipping their surprisingly excellent coffee. It was a relaxing experience, which I definitely recommend to you all!

Check this cafe out on your next visit to Intramuros. You will surely be in for a visually pleasing treat and have some strong coffee while doing so.

Katre X Hello Kitty

I attended the recent launch of local leather design house Katre’s collaboration with Hello Kitty. It was a marriage between chic and cute as the two brands worked together to produce grown-up versions of bags for Hello Kitty fans.

I myself had a red Hello Kitty shoulder bag when I was three years old. Now that I’m 33, I bought myself a stylish and updated version of my childhood bag. I am glad that I did, because it was a joy to use. The camera bag fits all my basic essentials, and the shoulder strap did not hurt my back.

The collection will be out online on March 1. Do check it out, as you will surely be reminded of your happiest childhood memories!

BFF Day

Last night, I got to have dinner and coffee with my college best friend Janis. We had burgers, then proceeded to Sunnies World for honey lattes by Cup Point.

I love this place for its unique aesthetic and retro interiors. The coffee is also delicious, and Sunnies everything is sold onsite.

We bought matching Silvio sunnies and had a good time.

And Janis cheered me on as I took a photo on Sunnies Face’s iconic floor.

She also took this photo of me just having fun at the store.

I was happy to spend a few hours with my best friend. She saw me grow from awkward college kid to someone who just wants to make the most out of the life I have.

I hope to see her again as every reunion turns me into a better version of myself.

Old Congress Coffee

I recently visited Old Congress Coffee along Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. I went there for the coffee and vinyl records, and I was not disappointed.

The cafe has an extensive coffee menu that happens to include light food pairings

The cafe also has cakes to go with your coffee

They serve Yardstick Coffee, and I got a taste of this smooth blend when I ordered my americano. My sardines pasta was deliciously al dente. It was a pairing that I will definitely enjoy again as it was flavorful and awakening.

The cafe plays vinyl records on their Pioneer sound system

As for the vinyl records, I enjoyed the Bread and Coldplay songs that I heard during my stay. It was quite an experience to listen to songs which happen to be my style on HiFi.

The author’s crochet project with her sardines pasta and americano

I will definitely go back to this magical place!

Bayleaf Sunset

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to have dinner at the Bayleaf Hotel Intramuros. It has long been on my bucket list, and it certainly did not disappoint. The view was enough for me to feel satisfied, considering that I commuted there all the way from Ortigas.

I ordered a Cerveza Negra and the Bayleaf Burger. Both were delicious!

My solo dinner was a quiet time for me to be grateful for a productive February. I look forward to an even better month ahead!

Sunnies Clarity

I spent my holiday Tuesday at Cup Point SM Megamall. I ordered their bestselling honey latte, crocheted, and had some custom Peggy specs made in rose taupe.

I like having different pairs of specs because it makes me feel like I’m in control of my look. Glasses for me are a style statement. They’re an easy way for me to highlight my features without spending a fortune or putting on a ton of makeup. They’re also risk-free and functional, as it corrects my low-grade astigmatism.

I am glad that Sunnies Specs at Megamall has Cup Point as it makes the 20-minute wait for my specs sweeter. I got to crochet and people watch. Before I knew it, my glasses were done and I already had another pair to use.

I will definitely be back for more clarity and coffee!

Art Fair 2020

I recently attended Art Fair 2020 at Makati City last February 21st, and I must say that I wasn’t disappointed. While I can’t call myself a serious art collector, I still appreciate fine art. I love what it does to me as a person. I feel better whenever I look at works by artists because they speak to me and convey emotions that I sometimes bury inside myself. As a result, I leave the annual art fair as a better person and a more emotive human being.

I hope that you will also attend Art Fair not just to purchase art, but to appreciate yourself in the scope of the artists’ works. You will surely be enriched by the intense collective energy and joy. Who knows, you might even learn more about yourself in the process.

The author at Art Fair 2020

The author with some Rodel Tapaya works

Heirloom Technomarine

After bringing my late grandpa’s watch to the shop, I later brought my late dad’s watch for some custom love. I chose thick black rally straps in artisanal leather to complement my father’s Technomarine. Reader, I wasn’t disappointed.

From my father, I learned some blobs of wisdom that enrich my life to this day:

• Cash is king

• Choose someone who will love you and still give you space because you’re an only child

• Work for yourself and never for your employer, even if you are employed

• Pray and believe

• Never be afraid to want good things for yourself.
  

I miss my dad, but I know that he is closely watching over me. I will surely live my life to the fullest because he is just hovering nearby. For now, I will live without abandon, and love like today is my last one on Earth.

Heirloom Seiko

I recently brought my late grandpa Cedric Bernardez’s Seiko Kinetic to the shop for some thick custom leather straps. I wasn’t disappointed. I selected rich brown artisanal straps with wax thread stitching to honor the man who taught me to appreciate the finer things in life. Among those are the following:

1. Write down your feelings and analyze them later. And write your name on everything your write, hence this eponymous blog.

2. Drink alcohol with refinement and never with intense emotions.

3. Beer should be appreciated anytime, just like coffee.

4. Jewelry is a form of self-care. Never be afraid to indulge in bling for oneself.

5. life is too short.
   

So here I am, wearing his watch and living his legacies. This is Samantha Gail Bernardez Lucas, bearer of my late grandpa’s name and passions in life. I will never take this life for granted.

Life is too short to be half-lived.