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!

Pink October

I went to the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City this morning to give thanks and to ask for this job that I really want. I started the month right! I prayed and worshipped God in His house.

I am claiming that the job will be mine, and that I will be back soon to give thanks and praise His holy name!

Knitting Strong

I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father and knitted this cowl for my uncle, who’s celebrating his birthday in Europe next month. 

I used The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s choco fusion yarn to complete this project. 

I also got to attend Easter Sunday mass at the Pink Sisters Convent with my helper, Racquel.  

We had brekkie at Mushroomburger, where I was pleasantly surprised by their delicious food, coffee, and buko panda macapuno sundae.  

I met up with my paternal relatives for lunch to celebrate my uncle’s birthday in advance. I also gave my advance birthday gift to my goddaughter, Kate. I got her a curvy Barbie doll, to teach her about body inclusivity at an early age.  

I also made her fit the beanie I was knitting for her for size. 

I drove home and it was a beautiful summer day! Here’s to more sunny days where I knit myself strong.  

Palm Sunday

It’s a different kind of Holy Week for me this year as my dad battles a terminal illness. We may not be able to celebrate it out of town as a family, but I’m grateful that we still have each other. 

I celebrated Palm Sunday with mass at the Pink Sisters Convent. The priest asked us to what we can change in ourselves in order to be more like Christ. I resolve to have a favor mindset moving forward in order to expect blessings and welcome more opportunities into my life. 

May this be a season not just of gratitude, but also of new beginnings. 

Ash Wednesday 2019

I celebrated Ash Wednesday with a solemn mass at the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila. 

I made sure that our helper joined me in order to pray for more blessings for our household. She also has her own intentions, and I hope that she will also personally commemorate Lent. 

I find the Pink Sisters Convent to be an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. I am fortunate to live nearby, and that I can frequently hear mass at this beautiful chapel.  

May this season of Lent usher in blessings such as work and healing! 

Chinese New Year 2019

Yesterday, I started Chinese New Year with a visit to the Pink Sisters. 

Then, I played with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe!

I also got some souvenirs from Thailand from Ate Tina, one of the owners of Barkin’ Blends who has since become one of my good friends. 

I treated myself to a matcha soy refresher. 

For late lunch, I had a Falafel Yo! with no chili. 

I had a simple Chinese New Year celebration which I began with prayer. I hope that this year will be my best one yet!

Mentor and Manila

Yesterday, I dropped by UP to quickly print some documents for jobhunting.  

Then, I met up with my college mentor Mitzie for some Thai noodle soup at Sen Lek. 

We later had bubble coffee at Kape Tayo. It was good! 

We then parted ways and I proceeded to Binondo for a meeting. But first, I passed by Escolta to admire the heritage buildings there.  

I had an insightful meeting. I went home and received snail mail from The Pink Sisters Convent. 

I also got my yarn orders from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

And finally, I received a postcard from my good friend Nurai, who was on holiday at Cappadocia.  

I am very lucky to have few but well-meaning friends. I even have sisters who constantly pray for me. And I have a mentor who still advises me to this day. Here’s to a wiser adulthood and better decisions ahead.  

Living Coral

Yesterday, I welcomed the new year with a living color top, my new specs, and a fresh outlook on life.  

This year, I vow to be straightforward in everything I do. If there’s anything that I want, I will go for it! Life is too short. Let’s keep it simple. 

My first lunch of the year was the Darling Breakfast Salad from Go! Salads. It was delicious thanks to the ground longganisa bits and tomato honey vinaigrette. 

After lunch and some malling, I heard mass at the Pink Sisters Quezon City convent.  

I prayed for good health, healing for my family, a job, a good boss, and most of all, a boyfriend! 

I ended my day with some baked salmon for dinner, which was a gift from a family friend.  

I am optimistic that 2019 will be a remarkable year, and I am determined to work smarter, not harder, to achieve the dreams that I have for myself and my family.

God bless us all!

Snail Mail Faith

I received a Christmas card from my godmother in the US. It’s charming to receive greeting cards by snail mail because it is no longer customary in the age of social media and text messaging. 

I also got this letter from the Pink Sisters Convent. I am touched that they keep me in their prayers, and that my family is also remembered in their masses. 

I keep the faith through analog traditions such as snail mail which restores my faith in humanity in an automated age.

Here’s to more reasons to be grateful, and to believe more in prayer and family. 

Presents and Presence

I recently finished kniting this millennial pink cowl and started a scarf featuring multicolored yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. It was actually a birthday gift from them, and it even came with this sweet card. 

I brought my knitting to a meeting the other day, but before discussing serious matters, I had lunch at the Human Nature Cafe, which is exclusive for employees. I got to eat there because my friend Cindy treated me to lunch. 

I had the all-heart burger, which is vegan and delicious! 

I knitted while waiting for my meeting to begin.  

And after that, I went to the Pink Sisters Convent to buy greeting cards! Each card enrolls the recipient in their perpetual masses.  

There are cards for various occasions.  

I capped off my day with a foot massage at my neighborhood spa.  

Life may be imperfect, but I know what my priorities are. While looking for Mr. Right, I am treating myself well and pursuing my passions, such as knitting! And of course, I’m grateful for friends who care.  

Spoonfuls of Hope

I had some free time to spare from my obligations, so I decided to knit and eat this adobo flakes naked burrito from Army Navy. 

I also swung by Maginhawa to visit Makers Cafe, which serves light food, coffee, and local merch.  

I bought a pair of Pulseras by Kim spoon earrings because I love using one! I’m a proud Pinoy spoon user in a world that predominantly uses fork and knife to eat.  

My star stud earrings are also from Pulseras by Kim. This earring setup makes me happy!

I was also delighted to receive a postcard from my high school friend Nurai, who’s based in Germany. I’m touched that she remembered me during her trip to London!

Lastly, it was a real treat to receive snail mail from the Pink Sisters convent. 

Comfort food, basic bling, and snail mail all give me hope amidst challenges. I look forward to more simple joys to keep me going. 

Faith and Charity

If there is one thing that remains steadfast in these uncertain times, it is my faith. I have faith that has moved mountains, at least in my own life. Thus, I continue to offer every endeavor to the Lord, and give thanks for all the blessings that continue pouring into my life. 

As I visited the Pink Sisters Convent yesterday, I lifted up all my intentions to the Lord and asked Him for better days ahead. 

After my church visit, I dropped by the Rags 2 Riches HQ to purchase a bag. 

Their HQ in Tomas Morato can be searched through navigation apps! Also, it is the best way to experience the social enterprise impact first-hand.  

I was in luck as they had complete stocks for their Noah Fanny Pack! 

All colors were adorable! But I still preferred the black one. I bought it after a five-minute decision making process.  

Each R2R bag is handmade by artisans whose lives are dignified by skills training and fair wages. 

Also, it is a sustainable business as they use scrap fabrics from local garments factories  

I am delighted with my purchase, and I know that I will rock this bag with pride. I can’t wait to talk about this piece and share the goodness of charity in action! 

Kusina ng Kalinga

Yesterday, I got to join my fellow Human Nature Core Advocates in the Kusina ng Kalinga (Caring Kitchen) breakfast at the flagship store. I helped in serving cooked chicken soup and sandwiches to the nearby residents. It warmed my heart to be a part of this breakfast, and helping others is definitely one of the perks of being a Human Nature Core Advocate. I look forward to more opportunities to help others in my own little way!

Millennial Pink Reimagined

Yesterday, I went to the Pink Sisters convent to pray and give thanks for 32 years of life!

Then, I watched Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WiFi. It was a beautiful film! Sue Ramirez was fantastic.  

I had this fabulous shawarma rice from Persian Avenue and lemonade from Muscle Beach. 

Before I knew it, it was time for my appointment at my derma. 

After my treatment, I went to St. Clare for more prayers.  

And I also went to St. Jude to pray for a better job opportunity.  

I capped off my visit to Manila with some Yakult lemon tea.  

And I had a windy selfie next to CEU’s pink wall.  

I started my day with the Pink Sisters and ended my day with a pink selfie. I am a millennial with priorities, and that includes self-care and prayer. I hope to keep it up as I look for better opportunities and possibilities!

Burning and Praying

Yesterday, I started my day with Zumba... 

 ...and breakfast at my local park. 

I had to swing by the Pink Sisters Convent to give thanks and pray for my intercessions for the month of July.  

Later during the day, I had lunch at Happon Ramen House. 

I han their chicken ramen broth soup...

 ...sukiyaki donburi...

 ...and gyoza. 

I sketched my lunch and enjoyed my meal. 

I also explored the building. Since I have a thing for doors, I found this bar charming.  

Then, I proceeded to my usual waxing salon. I never appreciated its coziness until now. 

I was also wearing a scarf I crocheted, so I felt confident. 

I ended my day out with a visit to St. Clare. 

I enjoyed my day out and took notice of the details which I previously took for granted. Indeed, when I appreciate the fine print in life, everything will be in screaming color. I look forward to a myriad of hues as I explore possibilities in the coming days! 

Friendship and Food Illustration

Yesterday, I started my day with Zumba at my local park. 

After a hearty breakfast, I proceeded to the Pink Sisters Convent for some quiet prayer time. 

I freshened up, and proceeded to have lunch with my good friend Jane. I ordered coffee... 

 ...and the pancake set with longganisa. It was delicious!

Jane was my art teacher at one of my workshops. We have kept in touch, and she gave me one of her nifty handmade pocket sketchbooks. 

These are some of Jane’s works!

I gave her a beanie which I knitted myself. 

And since it was recently her birthday, we celebrated it at Breakfast Bin, my favorite brunch place. 

I later had a foot massage which helped me relax. 

Then, I sketched my lunch on Jane’s gift. 

I also sketched my favorite creamy curry chicken bibimbowl. 

This looks like a great way to jumpstart my return to food illustration!

I am thankful for friends like Jane who encourage me to sketch, paint, and laugh! Here’s to more memories with people that matter, and food that nourishes the soul. 

Spaghetti, Yarn, and Yearning

Yesterday, I knitted while having lunch at Pancake House. I had their spaghetti, which is one of my favorite spaghettis of all time. It was a delight to hang out at a classic place, and it was a joy to knit while doing so. 

The repetitive stitches do help me relax. This is why I highly recommend knitting to anyone who needs a new hobby. 

I got home to the latest newsletter from the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City. They have also included a piece of paper for my intercessions for the month. It is indeed time to go back. 

My passions for food, knitting, and prayer are connected to each other in such a way that there is continuity between them. I am able to nourish my body, my mind, and my soul by practicing what I love. I look forward to a restful weekend ahead so that I may unwind and prepare for a productive week.  

St. Joseph’s Blessings

Yesterday, I celebrated Labor Day and St. Joseph’s feast day by visiting the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City. It is incidentally dedicated to St. Joseph. 

I prayed for blessings, opportunities, and love! 

I then proceeded to Breakfast Bin for a hearty bowl of toasted naked longganisa, egg, and talangka brown rice. I also read You are a Badass  by Jen Sincero, which is very timely in my life. My BFF kindly lent me his copy, and it is helping me process things. 

I also took advantage of the traffic-free roads and drove to St. Clare Monastery. I echoed my prayers and gave thanks for everything good in my life.  

This May, I want to grow as a person and worker. I am thankful and excited for all the opportunities I have yet to receive. Here’s to a productive month ahead! 

Toastmasters and Food Trip

Yesterday, I ate breakfast at Mister Kabab. I had my usual special chicken chelo kabab, double ground! It was the perfect way to start my day. 

Then, I drove to the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila to pray for my intentions. 

I was my BFF’s guest to the Camanava Brunch Toastmasters Club meeting at Kitchen of Cakes and Coffee. 

It was actually enjoyable!

Of course, I ate dessert first. Their cheesecake was to die for. 

For lunch, I had the salted egg linguine. It is must-try!

Then, my BFF and I had crepe and lemonade. I had my usual strawberry choco crepe at Crazy Crepes. 

That was a fun Saturday! Here’s to more happy days ahead. 

Purposeful Inspiration

I received a thank you card from my World Vision sponsored child. I treated her family to Noche Buena last Christmas. My gift also let her choose a present for herself. I was humbled when she asked for a water bottle as her gift.  

I always appreciate the letters I receive from my sponsored child because it allows me to see the bigger picture in life. I am looking for a corporate job not just to sustain myself, but also to support a child’s education. I am thankful that World Vision lets me share my blessings in the simplest manner. Being a child sponsor for eleven years has taught me the value of sharing and giving. I will never stop supporting World Vision for as long as I have the means to do so. 

In addition to that, I also received thank you letters from the Pink Sisters. They always pray for me, as I frequently drop by their convent to give them my letters containing my intentions. I am thankful that these sisters keep me in mind, and yes, I will continue visiting their convent for as long as I can!

Sharing, praying, and giving are just some of the ways that work can be meaningful. Having an income will let me support these causes, which will in turn inspire me to work hard and persevere in my job. It is my prayer that I will land the best job for me soon, and that I will continue to support my sponsored child and sisters in Christ.