Stitching Home

I have been knitting scarves again since the community quarantine has been extended to April 30th. My yarn supply is running low, and I crochet fast. Knitting has regulated my crafting pace and also, helped me conserve my yarn.

Knitting at home has helped me process my feelings during this quarantine. I felt grief for the recent death of my loved ones, especially now that I am unable to visit their graves. I thought things through as far as relationships and friendships are concerned. I felt blessed that I am healthy and safe at home. And I felt thankful to have hobbies to keep my mind alert and preoccupied.

Stitching these scarves together has also helped me realized that home is a feeling, rather than a place. Someday, when this quarantine is already lifted, I will still continue knitting and crocheting. This is home for me.

Palm Sunday at Home

Celebrating Palm Sunday at home is a novelty for me. I am used to hearing mass on Sundays with my family, but for the meantime, it’s online mass while the city is on lockdown. I am thankful that the internet allows me to still be in communion with the church during this difficult time. It may not be ideal, but I feel close to the Lord when I am using technology to pray and be healed.

As I heard mass through Quiapo Church’s Facebook page, I realized that God has the power to use empty churches to bring people together while they are at home. It is through this unity with an unseen God that we can strengthen our faith. We can use the quarantine period to reflect on our lives and also look for ways to improve ourselves and our spiritual lives when things go back to normal.

We can also help others get back on their feet when the quarantine is over. Not everyone has the luxury of enjoying their hobbies at home. Many people are hungry and have insufficient resources. They need our help during and after the quarantine.

Our faith is only as good as the lives we live. We are not perfect, but if we try hard enough, then we can be good people in a very unkind world. It is up to us to be kind, and to pass on that grace to others. We could all use some light in these dark times.

Basket of Happiness

I just finished crocheting this basket made out of fabric yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 9mm hook, and I hooked this together in a span of two days.

Being under quarantine can have its ups and downs. The highlight of my day is crocheting, because it is honestly relaxing and soothing. The low point of being at home the whole day is the solitude. I am an only child with a few real friends, so I really miss seeing other people. I have also come to realize that I am an outdoor person after all. I love commuting and walking around the busy streets of Manila.

I simply miss the outside world.

Since I finished this basket, I realized that I am lucky to be safe at home. I am fortunate to be able to work on four different knit and crochet projects while in my room. This basket was not exactly kind to my hands, as the fabric yarn and metal hook caused my hands to ache. Thus, this is a one-off project. I am using it to hold the other works-in-progress that I have on my needles and hooks.

There is something magical about finishing a project and setting a hook or a pair of needles free. Now that I am done with this basket, I can live in the moment and appreciate the projects that I can make at home. This may be a lockdown, but I have every reason to be happy where I am safe and sound.

Crocheting Mood

I just finished crocheting this infinity scarf using yarns from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. It was satisfying to work on this while I am on quarantine.

I watched movies and listened to podcasts while working on it. It was uplifting to get information while I am stuck at home. Or rather, safe at home.

Crochet has helped me maintain a cheerful mood while being alone in my room. Having a scarf to hook together kept me optimistic. I have a new project to work on next, and I know that I will approach it with the same fervor. Until this quarantine period is over, you will find me making scarves that make me happy.

Quarantine Business

I am using this quarantine period to spend time by myself. Being mindful about my hobbies and tasks is key to maximizing this time. I am doing a good job so far in doing everything I need to do and also running errands whenever I am needed.

One of the things that keeps me busy is my online shop. Most supermarkets now have incomplete stocks, and many e-commerce sites are not delivering anymore. My Human Nature online store is still delivering natural toiletries right at your doorstep! There is enough hand soap and hand sanitizer in stock so now is the time to support my small business.

Shop now! Click here to buy from my online store. God bless you!

Knitting Warmth

I started knitting again yesterday. It’s been quite a while since I busted out my knitting needles as I have been hooked on crochet for months now. Anyway, the cabin fever has caused me to return to knitting.

I love using these Furls knitting needles because they are handsomely crafted and they do feel good to touch. They make my Attic Yarn and Craftery yarn glide seamlessly with every stitch. The knitting experience with these tools is absolutely meditative.

Instead of feeling helpless with the extent of the corona virus, I am continuing my hobbies at home. There is joy in these simple crafts. Someday, I will look back on this quarantine as a time of enjoyment and self-assurance.

Bread and Coffee

It’s already the middle of week three under enhanced community quarantine. I am the family tribute so to speak. I am the one buying food for the household. This is not a problem for me as I am naturally a foodie. And I’ve been missing the outside world a lot.

I am lucky to have a bakery and coffee shop inside our neighborhood. The cafe is run by a charity that employs people with special needs, so this makes me really happy.

I bought bread for the week and also got myself a coffee jelly. It was lovely to have barista-made coffee after three weeks at home. It was simply amazing.

I will never take food and coffee for granted again.

Quarantine Shawl

I just finished crocheting this shaw using Crocheted by Carisse ombré yarn. The hook used for this project was a 4mm Susan Bates one from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The pattern followed for the shawl was the Snowy Sky Shawl by Highland Hickory Designs.

The quarantine period was the ideal time to crochet this shawl. It took me two months to finish it, but the past fortnight at home made me focus on my stitches. I usually watched movies while making it, so I was still productive while indulging in my passion for film.

I will forever keep this shawl as it will always remind me of how I kept going while on quarantine. May it inspire me to continue crafting and stitching along, no matter what life may bring!

Breathing At Home

Being under quarantine does not have to be boring. I have recently started playing my flute again, and it has been fun so far.

I post my flute performances on my Instagram page. I hope you can check them out!

I have also been working out everyday, because being at home does not mean being complacent. I do mostly cardio, which has been effective in passing the time.

I know that this quarantine is a little breather from life. I will do everything I can to make this a season of growth and self-improvement. Things will get better. I just know it.

First 10 Days

I’ve been stuck at home for ten days now as the Covid-19 virus continues to spread. I consider myself fortunate to have the privilege to stay home. This does not mean that I miss the outside world though. Some of the things I miss are:

1. Working out at the park

2. Street food

3. Reading at a coffee shop

4. Watching movies at a microcinema

5. Commuting via river taxi

I am cooperating with the government’s instructions to stay at home and observe social distancing. For now, I am maximizing my time by doing what I love and appreciating the little things.

Someday, we will all look back on this period as a time for growth and self-awareness.

Ben&Ben launches online event to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

Ben&Ben is set to hold a massive fundraising online showcase entitled, “Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts.” 

The nine-piece collective will be performing some of their biggest hits for a one-hour live stream show while staying in their respective homes. 

The Facebook Live Jam will happen on March 27, 2020 (Friday) at 7:00 PM. It will serve as a launch pad for the band’s community-initiative website, www.puhon.ph, which aims to inspire, uplift and boost the collective morale of all the key stakeholders of the COVID-19 response through uplifting stories, music, art, and more. 

The platform will also provide an opportunity for people to contribute to the ongoing efforts in helping the frontliners and urban poor community affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As artists, we believe that in a crisis like this we are calledto do what we can to help—may it be by sending messages of hope, making efforts in raising funds for this crisis, or others,” shares the band in a statement. 

All proceeds from this project are to raise funds for COVID19 test kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, and relief goods for daily wage earners.

The upcoming online concert is in partnership with YSEALI, Limitless Lab, and the Asian Institute of Management - Team Energy Center For Bridging Leadership.

Source: Sony Music

Bayanihan Musikahan reveals this week’s lineup for online fundraising concert

Bullet Dumas, Gloc-9, Morisette, Chito Miranda, and more to perform and raise funds for COVID-19 relief.

After a successful first few days of Bayanihan Musikahan,featuring Ryan Cayabyab, Ebe Dancel, Karylle, Sponge Cola, Top Suzara, Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas, Jazz Nicholas, Davey Langit, Keiko Necessario, and more, the concert series continues for another round of online performances this week. The marathon online concert is the biggest citizen-action juggernaut to raise funds and immediately address the food and personal protection needs of the most vulnerable Filipinos in the National Capital Region.

The star-studded fundraiser, expected to run for at least two weeks with three to five concerts a day, heightens momentum with individual showcases from a wide range of genre:

March 23, 2020 – Monday:

5:00 PM – Nyoy Volante

6:30 PM – Bullet Dumas

8:00 PM – Nino Alejandro

9:00 PM – Ito Rapadas and Jimmy Antiporda of Neocolours

March 24, 2020 – Tuesday:

4:00 PM – Jim Paredes

7:00 PM – Lara Maigue

8:00 PM – Gloc-9

9:00 PM – Ice Seguerra​

March 25, 2020 – Wednesday​

TBD – Morissette

TBD – Martin Nievera

March 25, 2020 – Thursday​

7:00 PM – Tim Pavino

8:00 PM – Jett and Rafi Pangan

9:00 PM – Juris

10:00 PM – Chito Miranda

March 25, 2020 – Friday (Visayas / Mindanao artists)​

7:00 PM – Jewel Villaflores

8:00 PM – Jacky Chang

9:00 PM – Eamarie Gilayo

March 26, 2020 – Saturday 

7:00 PM  – Joseph Gara

8:00 PM – Johnoy Danao

9:00 PM – Chud Festejo

10:00 PM – Kent Charcos

March 26, 2020 – Sunday 

8:00 PM – Sitti Navarro

9:00 PM – Hopia Tinambacan

As the pandemic threatens to affect the most vulnerable Filipinos, the digital concert, streamed live on Facebook, represents quick citizen response to catastrophe. The project creates an opportunity for ordinary Filipinos to be at the forefront of efforts to help their kapwa-taumbayanfind the strength to survive, and hopefully best, the lethal impact of the pandemic.

“We call on our citizenry to heed the call of the times, to stay at home and to prevent at all costs the spread of this virus that has wreaked havoc all over the world,” National Artist for Music and lead organizer Ryan Cayabyab shares in a statement. “And while doing so, be reminded that there are many, many of our brothers who are in dire need of assistance in the form of food and medical supplies. This is a call for citizen action. All of us are in this together. We the artists are there to throw a lifeline to the most vulnerable among us: Bayanihan na tayo! Any amount you can donate will all help our kababayans who are in dire need. Tulungan natin sila sa abot ng ating makakaya.” 

Share your love and send your donations to: pymy.co/pbsp

The initiative, started by Ryan Cayabyab, Trina Belamide, Dan Songco, Jay Adlao Block, and Marian Pastor Roces, is partnered with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSB). The NGO’s Likhaan, Samahang NagkakaisaPantawid Pamilya, Caritas Manila, and Oxfam Pilipinas are undertaking targeting survival kits delivery.  

Source: Nyou

Touring Home with Naya

We are still under enhanced community quarantine at Luzon, as the Covid-19 virus is still upon us. I am used to being out everyday, so being at home is a huge adjustment for me. I made the most of my stay so far by listening to music, crocheting, and diving straight into my unread book stash.

Mina V. Esguerra’s novel What Kind of Day satisfied my craving for a sexy yet substantial read. I read it on a lazy Sunday, with club music streaming in the background. I have been a fan of Mina’s writing since her Summit Books days. I even took one of her writing classes at the Ayala Museum a few years back. Her books may be in the romance department, but she always ensures that her female leads are strong, independent characters. I was not disappointed with this one as this theme still applies.

Naya is a tour guide who runs her own company See This Manila, while Ben is a political speechwriter who is facing challenges in his career. Both meet when Ben joins her tour by chance and discovers the city with brand new eyes. Naya is passionate about getting people to see the city differently and with a fresh perspective. This sounds like the perfect one-day getaway for a man who has been jaded with the perils of his job.

I especially liked how Naya discussed her academic background in media and film. She said that she focused on them because she was interested in “studying platforms…and studying how to use an evolving thing”. Meanwhile, Ben defines his speechwriting job as to “learn history, and write history”. These parallel contexts are ever-changing, which is interesting when juxtaposed with both characters’ perspective on failure.

Naya in particular was disenchanted with her previous job as a tourism vlogger, and has viewed failure as a journey which she creates for her tour guests in the form of unexpected itineraries. That way, her personal failure has evolved into a transformative experience for her guests.

Meanwhile, Ben has a more limited lens on failure as he has been a lawyer and successful political speechwriter for most of his career. His encounter with Naya turns out to be an influential journey to inspire him to use this time to regroup after visiting parts of the city which may seem familiar, yet offer more details than what is usually known about them.

It is interesting how Ben sees Naya’s touring business as a platform for change: “you give people a day like that. You give them a good day”. For Naya, she sees how Ben is more than just a fleeting guest, and realizes her own capacity for love and relationships. Both learn that relationships are about compromise, and that a beautiful sunset does not only happen by the Manila Bay.

This book is a gem because I found myself processing my own failures, and how I could also move on from this quarantine period once it is over. I am not in a relationship now, but I want to be the best person for my future date after the lockdown. While I am at home, I will find ways to build myself through books, music, and sharing my day on social media. It would not hurt to interact more with others, especially since I am used to being alone most of the time. Like Naya, I will also evolve and give relationships a chance after the virus dies down.

To order this book, please click here.

At Home With Kali

I just finished reading Keeping Miss Kalila by Filipino romance novelist Tara Frejas. I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) from the author herself, and I am so thankful that I signed up to be one of her advanced readers. Luzon is currently on enhanced community quarantine due to the Covid-19 virus, so I am experiencing cabin fever.

This book helped pass the time in a very good way!

Here’s the synopsis from the author:

Keeping Miss Kalila
Release date: Wednesday, April 1, 2020

With a job that she loves, an adorable senior dog, and a baby she fought hard to conceive on the way, life is going well for thirty-one-year old school teacher Kalila Rayos. That is, until her ex-boyfriend and first love, filmmaker Datu Alvez asks if they could try again.
 
Saying yes shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, she’s still also in love with him and Datu’s efforts to be there for her make her feel she truly has it all. But on top of her worries as a soon-to-be mom, a crisis that hits her school forces her to shift her priorities away from her own desires.
 
Will the one who got away be strong enough to stay, or will their second chance at love crumble and break her heart once more?

Content Warning: miscarriage (backstory), casual sexism, and verbal and physical abuse from a parent. This book follows #romanceclass guidelines requiring HEA/HFN for romance,
and is Heat Level 3 (at least one “open door” sex scene).

I liked this book because:

• The protagonist, Kalila is an empowered woman who decides for herself. She is also a teacher in a consumeristic age, which shows heart and passion for a vocation.

• The romantic interest, Datu, is actually a kind person. He does not undermine Kalila’s interests and priorities, and chooses to support her. He is also established in his own career as a filmmaker, which brings an interesting mix to their love story.

• The novel included amazing causes like early childhood education for the needy, aspin adoption, and women empowerment.

• The supporting characters are also interesting with their own careers and witty remarks.

In these trying times, we need more books to uplift and inspire. You don’t need to pick up a self-help book to feel better. Why don’t you pre-order this novel and discover fiction that drives you to be a better person along the way? Who knows, this might also be the door to meeting people and seizing better opportunities.

To pre-order this book, please click here.

Cover sent by Tara Frejas

Yummy Tokyo Ortigas

Last March 15, I attended the private opening of Yummy Tokyo’s newest branch at Rockwell Business Center Sheridan. I am a frequent diner at their Maginhawa branch, so this was such a treat. It was also noteworthy as this was my last event before Metro Manila was put on enhanced community quarantine in light of the corona virus.

The owner, Grace Catelo, personally welcomed us and shared with us her journey in building the brand. She is optimistic that Yummy Tokyo will reach more food lovers in the Ortigas business district, and that they will appreciate their food and friendly price points.

I ordered my usual tonkotsu ramen, which I paired with gyoza. So delicious!

I am thankful that their PR consultant, Mary, invited me to their opening. I am a foodie at heart, so a party with Japanese eats is definitely something I would go to before the city closes down.

Do check them out when they open on March 23rd! You won’t be disappointed.

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!