Valentine’s 2019

Yesterday, I started Valentine’s Day by knitting while waiting for lunch to be served. My family and I had lunch at Japan Fūdo Street, and we had a lovely time! 

I had my usual order, the oyakodon. It’s delicious and flavorful.  

After lunch, I went to St. Clare Monastery to lift up my intentions and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that I continue to receive.  

Then, I continued my Valentine’s Day tradition of visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.  

I was welcomed by friendly doggos who don’t seem to mind my presence, even if I’m there almost weekly! 

Of course, I had to cuddle my favorite doggo Ella on heart’s day.  

I was also lucky to receive chocolates from the owners of Barkin’ Blends. Thank you! 

I had a soy honey refresher from Soy Yummy and I was pleased to meet a deaf employee there. I am happy that more businesses are employing special needs staff. They deserve equal opportunities in the workforce.  

I had early dinner at Falafel Yo! I was pleasantly surprised with their pita fries. They’re yummy!

Before going home, I got to listen to some acoustic love songs at the free gig inside the mall.  

I even received a free pastillas rose from the mall management. Thank you! 

I came home to a package from Lazada. My yarn bowl has arrived safely.  

It’s nicer in person, and it fits all my yarns!

I am happy with my Valentine’s Day celebration this year. I got to knit, pray, spend time with doggos, eat out, and gift myself with more crafting. Life is good, and I am so blessed. 

Valentine’s Clutch

I’m single and happy on Valentine’s Day. While I’m looking for a partner, I’m also happy with myself. I think that’s the perfect foundation for a relationship, because I’m already fulfilled on my own. 

Having said that, I finished crocheting this clutch using cotton yarn from my favorite local notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

To celebrate, I got myself some ensaimada and iced coffee from my neighborhood cafe.  

I also got a pixie trim and I feel fabulous! 

Self-love is the best foundation for a relationship. I am fortunate to have found fulfillment with my own talents, such as crochet! I know that whoever will date me in the future will be a lucky man because I’m already comfortable in my own skin. 

Stuffed Dreams

I stayed home yesterday to spend time with family. While doing so, I also crocheted using red yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I felt inspired to create using yarn that’s on-theme. 

I like surrounding myself with stuffed animals which were created by women in communities that provide them with better opportunities. My knitted dog Ella was named after my favorite dog from Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. She was knitted by a mama who also plants rice at the Ifugao province. I have traveled to the Banaue Rice Terraces last year because I was so inspired by the story of Knitting Expedition, the company that creates these knitted toys. This has since sparked my own crafting journey, and to this day, I still knit and crochet. I will forever treasure this trip. 

My crocheted unicorn is from Mayown, which is a brand that sells amigurumi dolls crocheted by underprivileged women in Manila. These dolls are designed by Leen Van Dyck, a Belgian expat who works as a teacher in an international school and also trains women to crochet so that they could provide for their families. I have joined her workshop last year, and it has also inspired me to create more! 

Lastly, my Tubbs cat doll is handmade by Pop Junk Love, a local brand that sells hand sewn dolls at indie store Commonroom. I admire the women behind this brand, whose growth I have witnessed ever since their bazaar days. I will always treasure this doll to remind me that it is possible to grow once passion is combined with hard work. 

I surround myself with these dolls to push me to continue creating and dreaming. Whenever times are challenging, it can be difficult to dream, but these dolls remind me that it is a must to continue aspiring for better days ahead. I’m sure that things will drastically improve in the coming days and weeks. All I have to do is dream, and carry on!

Banaue Day 3 Part 2: Banaue Town and Fire Station

We spent our last day at Banaue exploring the town center for lunch and shopping. Our group went to Las Vegas Restaurant, a local favorite of backpackers. 

While waiting for my order, I decided to explore the nearby shops and buy some necklaces to add to my collection.  

I bought these necklaces and earrings featuring Ifugao artistry. The knife necklace is a souvenir for my best friend.  

The earrings reminded me of Polly Pocket toys! 

I started my meal with coffee.  

And then I devoured the Las Vegas Rice, which is similar to chicken adobo. It was delicious! 

After finishing my lunch, I headed out again to buy ice cream from a nearby store. I chanced upon betel nut packs which the locals chew. I did not try it but I found the merchandising fascinating.  

I bought local chocolate and cookies and cream (not pictured) ice cream. I also bought this and another magnet to add to my collection.  

We then proceeded to my favorite part, shopping! 

I always like seeing corner bakeries and this was no exception.  

I also had photos taken with my roommates Rocelle and Vivi.  

While Vivi was shopping for textiles, Rocelle fulfilled my childhood dream of having photos taken on a fire truck! 

After buying a textile bag and a few more trinkets, I suggested that we all have coffee at a bakery which our guide Ate Jean recommended.  

It was located near this viewpoint facing the Banaue town proper.  

We then settled down and of course, I selected their bestsellers, donut and banana bread.  

It was the best banana bread I have ever had! 

After freshening up, we then hiked to the information center where the buses to Manila load passengers. I was seated comfortably and before I knew it, the zigzag roads have lulled me to sleep.  

We then stopped over at Nueva Vizcaya, where I had a light dinner of kikiam, siomai, and hotdog.  

I reached Manila safely at almost 3AM. It was a fantastic trip which I will remember for the rest of my life! 

PAWS Year of the Dog Date

After my short but sweet bonding time with Ella at Barkin Blends, I proceeded to PAWS for my second date with one of their adoptable fur kids. I already had a date with adoptable dog Ruff yesterday, and I enjoyed it so much! I simply had to have a second one with another shelter buddy. 

I was matched with Perseus, who has never been selected for a date yet. I walked him first around the compound since he was full of energy.  

He calmed down after I turned the walk into a jog. We went to the pop-up cafe for our date. 

He ate his snack, while I had a pastry and sipped my coffee.  

Before I knew it, this heartbreaker was kissing me! 

It was a magical date.  

I cannot explain how much love I felt from this guy. I am currently single, so this date has helped me too. I got to experience genuine love even if it was only for an hour at a shelter. I really hope that he will get adopted soon.  

If you are looking for a pet, please adopt from PAWS! Their dogs and cats need homes and they deserve a soft bed, hugs, belly rubs, and love. 

Here’s to a beautiful Year of the Dog ahead! 

Photo from PAWS  

Barkin‘ Blends Year of the Dog Date

I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe today to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year. I am particularly happy that this time, it is the Year of the Dog. I am a frustrated dog lover, so the next best thing when my family is allergic is to visit a dog cafe. 

I started my celebration with lunch: Ella Pesto Pasta and dark chocolate milk tea. 

Their food and drinks are delicious and comforting.  

Of course, the cafe was decorated with hearts, lucky doggo charms, and post-its from customers. 

After finishing my lunch, I proceeded to the dog zone to bond with my favorite pooch Ella! 

I missed her so much. She did not seem scared of my green lippie. 

We bonded and she gave me her usual sloppy kisses.  

I knew that she was sleepy so I let her take a nap.  

I had a lovely visit as always, and I look forward to more chill afternoons at the cafe. See you soon, Ella and friends!

Pawlentines Date

I spent Valentine’s afternoon at the PAWS shelter along Katipunan Avenue. I went there after my family lunch and Ash Wednesday mass. 

I was excited to join their PAWS Furst Date event, which is their Valentine’s Pop-up Dog and Cat Cafe. For only Php300, I get to spend time with a shelter animal, a cup of coffee, cookies, treats for my chosen doggo or kitty, and lots of cute photos.

I was super thrilled by the time I reached the cafe area. 

I selected senior dog Ruff because of his smile. He was so delighted to spend time with me! 

He was huggable, kissable, and adoptable! Unfortunately, I can’t adopt him. But if you are thinking of taking a dog home this year, please consider adopting him. He’s the sweetest. 

We entered the cafe area and I chose the Paris corner.  

He devoured his dog muffins from Whole Pet Kitchen in between photos. 

I fell in love with this cutie and I really wish he will find his furever home soon! 

We walked around the compound and I made it a light jog. This buddy was able to keep up with me. I was impressed! 

The pop-up cafe will run until February 17, from 1-5 PM. Please drop by if you can! It’s the best Valentine charity event I have ever been to. Who knows, you might also fall in love with one of their adorable and sociable shelter animals!

Gnocchi Hearts Day!

 Buon San Valentino!

Yesterday, I turned thirty-one and a half years old. I celebrated Valentine’s in advance as well since February 14 is Ash Wednesday.  

I had lunch with my family at Bellini’s Cubao X. Imagine my surprise and glee when I saw that their menu contains gnocchi !

I simply had to have their spinach gnocchi. I mean, it’s Valentine’s!

We started with this pizza. It was delicious.  

Finally, I had my gnocchi and beer. You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for delicious gnocchi in Manila. 

It was yummy!

For dessert, I had a slice of their delectable orange cake. It was the perfect ending to a lovely meal.  

Also had their house dessert wine.  

And since this was the setting of one of my favorite movies, One More Chance, I had to have some photos by the famous table. 

Basha (Bea Alonzo’s character) has been my style icon for years! 

John Lloyd and Bea forever.  

I had a heavenly lunch at a memorable place! Thank you Bellini’s for bringing my gnocchi dreams to life! 

Sam Lucas, 31 1/2, single and happy! 

Book Binge Friday

Yesterday, I went to the Book Binge Bazaar at Megatrade Hall. It was a Friday and I needed some new books, so it was practically a no-brainer. 

But first, I took some selfies next to these adorable balloons which matched my dress! 

I went there after lunch so my commute would be more chill. I got there at around 1:30PM. 

There were so many bibliophiles!

Crowded book fairs make me so happy! 

I got a rolling basket and got five books from the P275 area.  

This was my haul! 

Being surrounded by books makes me smile.  

This was the line to the cashier. It took me around half an hour to reach the finish line.  

I enjoyed my shopping spree because I got a delightful selection of lifestyle books. I can’t wait to read them and I hope my book adventure will give me good luck this Year of the Dog!