UP Diliman Food Trip

I was at UP Diliman yesterday for a meeting, so I maximized my visit by checking out new places to eat, and hanging out at the cinema.

Here are my recommendations for a full day at UP Diliman:

Eat lunch at Mosh! Their beef bulgogi was delicious, and they have quirky tableware.

Buy a fresh fruit shake from the fruit stand near the Post Office. Their mango chocolate shake was refreshing!

Combo meals are still the best merienda on campus. My current fave: pancit canton (calamansi flavor) and chicken balls, with a side order of Kopiko Blanca in a bottle.

Go for a movie or two at the UP Film Cine Adarna! They show quality art and commercial films at Php200 or less. Yesterday, I watched Concerto, a WWII period movie for free!

Go for a brisk walk around the oval and burn some calories around the picturesque campus.

End your day with a tasty shawarma rice bowl from Shawarma Boss.

I spent less than Php250 for my meals, shake, and bottled iced coffee on campus. A leisurely day does not need to be expensive. I highly recommend U.P. Diliman for your next feels trip, whether you’re alone or with friends. Enjoy!

Luck is Here

Yesterday, I went to a job interview wherein I was told that I was overqualified. Rather than take this rejection negatively, I saw it in a positive light. I realized that it was one less company for me to apply. It was an extra push for me to pursue other companies. And of course, being overqualified is better than being under-qualified.

Then, I went to UP Film to watch Rae Red’s Babae at Baril starring Janine Gutierrez. It was a well-made film which depicted how desperate situations in our society forces people to take violence in their own hands. Janine Gutierrez shines in this movie! I first watched her in Elise and of course, her acting chops gave justice to the movie’s badass title.

After the movie, I went home to find the sterling silver ear jackets that I won from local shop Arajera’s giveaway. It always makes me happy whenever I win a prize at raffles. I take this as a sign that luck is on my side again after all the trials that my family has encountered these recent months.

Also, these ear jackets are lovely! I can’t wait to rock them, while showing some local handmade love at the same time.

I am claiming that positive things will finally happen to me moving forward! Indeed, luck is here to stay.

Happy Rejection

Yesterday, I got rejected for another job. That didn’t stop me though from moving forward and praying at Sta. Clara. I thanked God for sparing me from further harm in a company that’s not for me. I also asked for a better job opportunity soon.

Then, I had carioca for merienda at UP. I also watched A is for Agustin, a poignant film about an Aeta coal vendor who goes to first grade in his late 30’s.

Rejection can make me forget how blessed I really am. Simple joys like a church visit, street food, and an indie film can keep me going and remind me of how far I’ve come.
I am still blessed, after all.

Uplifting

It’s not everyday that I get to do brisk walking around the UP Academic Oval. Being with trees and sunshine inspires me to get moving and stay positive amidst life’s challenges. 

The street food scene at the university uplifts me each time. The carioca, fish balls, and kwek kwek filled me up and made me feel young again. 

I got to watch Paillim, one of the movies featured in the recent Sinag Maynila film festival. The movie featured a fictional family who lives in a public cemetery, and their struggles to make ends meet- literally. 

Since I was already at UP, I maximized my visit by dropping by the Vargas Museum to recharge amidst art by Amorsolo, Hidalgo, Luna, and Edades, among others. 

Before going home, I had early dinner with my helper Racquel at Malingap Central, a hip food park near home. We had mushroom burger steaks from MushEat Lite, a vegetarian kitchen. We loved our food, and it was best paired with Siam Yum’s delicious Thai milk tea. 

It was also an honor to meet the man behind Malingap Central, Pino, Pipino, The Burger Project, and Breakfast and Pies, PJ Lanot.  

It doesn’t take much to make me happy. Art, film, healthy eating, and conversations keep me motivated to live my best life. Here’s to more uplifting experiences to come!

Movie Afternoon

Yesterday, I watched a movie at the UP Cine Adarna’s Videotheque. 

I watched Above the Clouds starring the late Pepe Smith. 

It was a sunny day, and I felt inspired to take some photos. 

I also had Rodic’s tapsilog for late lunch. 

I did a bit of walking around the oval. 

Then, I dropped by St. Clare to pray for my dad and my other intercessions. 

I bought my favorite breakfast smoothie from Go! Salads for dinner. 

I ended my day with Ulan, directed by Irene Emma Villamor at Cinema Centenario. I love this microcinema because it feels like home- I even have a favorite seat (G5). I find myself here whenever I want to unwind and think things through. 

Films help me see things in a different perspective. Spending my free time at green spaces like UP Diliman is inspiring, and I feel energized with local film and trees.

Here’s to more simple joys with a dash of prayer and tapsilog!

Maria Movie Premiere

Last night, I went to UP Cine Adarna for the premiere of Maria. The night was a lovely blur, just like this photo. 

I’m all for a female-led action movie, and I’m happy that Cristine Reyes is the lead of this promising local film.  

The iconic ceiling of UP Cine Adarna is mesmerizing.  

Cristine Reyes is beautiful in her new hot pink pixie. 

I stayed for the Q&A with the cast and production crew. The movie kicked ass and I highly recommend it! 

Here’s to more female action movies and local films! 

1995

Yesterday, I went to UP Cine Adarna to go back to 1995. I was nine years old during that time, so I indulged on a childhood treat: bicho-bicho right outside the film center.  

Then, I watched Sana Maulit Muli starring Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach. 

It was released in 1995. It was a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s. Plus, it was a treat to watch a young Lea Salonga onscreen. 

I had a lovely time, and I proceeded to some self-care at a spa. 

I had early dinner at Breakfast Bin, where I had the delicious veggie skillet. 

For dessert, I had matcha and banana ice cream scoops from Papa Diddi’s. 

By the time I got home, I was inspired to finish knitting this cowl using yarn I bought from Rosario, Pasig. 

It was time to continue knitting, so I chose a ball of Mandala Yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I carried on from there. 

Sometimes, we need a trip back in time to appreciate the present more. I look forward to enjoying more vintage films in the future to inspire me to cherish my time.  

Simple Saturday

Yesterday, I finally got to watch ML starring Eddie Garcia. It was uncomfortable to watch, but I was able to stay until the end! 

Also, I watched this alone so it was a milestone. I conquered a suspense film by myself.  

I enjoyed a burger with egg and walked around the oval.  

I attended anticipated Sunday mass at the UP Parish Church.  

And I felt renewed after a challenging week! 

Sometimes, the best things in life are right across our neighborhood. UP is just a highway from my house, and I find myself enjoying simple joys such as quality films and street food in its premises. I will definitely go back!

Faith, Food, and Film

Yesterday I had beer and okonomiyaki with an old friend. 

It was delicious, and it was nice to catch-up with old friends, as always.  

I walked around UP to burn my lunch.  

I went to St. Clare to pray for some challenges I am currently undertaking, and for the strength to endure them all. 

Then, I had strong coffee while knitting.  

My last stop for the night was UP Cine Adarna to watch Through Night and Day starring one of my favorite actresses, Alessandra De Rossi.  

I had junk food and coffee while waiting. 

And like most Alessandra De Rossi films, it was a showstopper. I enjoyed it, even if it broke my heart.  

Looking forward to more food trips, prayer breaks, and film nights in the future! 

Film and Sense

I have been taking care of a sick family member for the time being. It can be stressful, so I make sure that I take breaks every now and then. 

I frequent the hospital chapel for some silence in the middle of the day.  

I also knit to keep myself calm and cheerful.  

I also continue to watch films! The other night, I caught the showing of Tanabata’s Wife at UP Film. 

It was beautifully shot and acted. Mai Fanglayan, who won Best Actress at the Tofarm Film Festival for the title role, was there for a short Q&A session. 

Everyone in the audience receives button pins. It was a fun screening at UP, as always.  

I bought vanilla milk tea from Moonleaf Maginhawa after the screening. I was preparing for two more movies that night. 

I love the Christmas vibe at the cafe! 

I continued my movie marathon at Cinema Centenario. My second film for that night was On Your Wedding Day. It was a funny, light feature.  

My third and last film for the night was Liway. Glaiza de Castro was amazing as a rebel mom. She also sang Pagbabalik well. Overall, it was heartbreaking film with a wonderful ending. I ended up crying while enjoying my dinner. 

I ate mt Tornado Peri-Peri chicken to-go. It was delicious! It was the perfect companion to Liway. 

If you also love films, go for a marathon at your local micro cinemas!  Support your local restaurants and cafes too. And don’t forget to clean as you go, especially since micro cinemas are usually kept clean by the owners themselves. Be a good cinephile and do yourself a favor by watching the latest features today. 

On Baths and History

I love taking indulging in eco-friendly bath products from my online Human Nature store.  (If you want natural toiletries benefitting Gawad Kalinga residents, please click on the link in the previous sentence and support my small business!)  Another thing I love is crocheting. Thus, I have combined my passions for natural toiletries and crochet by making my own scrubbie!

I followed a video tutorial on YouTube, so if you are also interested to crochet one, look for a video that suits you. Also, use 100% cotton yarn. 

As I have already finished my scrubbie, I returned to knitting and began another colorful cowl.  

I had lunch at Breakfast Bin, where I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice. 

For dessert, I had this glorious matcha and toasted oatmeal ice cream scoops.  

I did some brisk walking at UP Diliman.  

Then, I dropped by St. Clare to give thanks and offer my intentions.  

I also visited Rags 2 Riches at UP Town Center to buy a metal straw. It already comes with a pouch sewn by R2R artisans. As always, I had fun looking around the shop as it features social enterprise brands! 

Then, it was back to UP for me.  

I watched Curiosity, Adventure and Love. 

It is a beautiful documentary about an American centenarian, Nana Jessie, who has called the Philippines her home for most of her life.  

While waiting for the film to begin, I knitted. 

The film’s co-director, Sunshine De Leon, was there to personally introduce her documentary. She is also Nana Jessie’s granddaughter. 

I learned so much about Philippine history just by watching the film. It is a gem of a film, and I highly recommend it!

If you enjoy something, go take it further, like in my case! I made my won scrubbie, ate soul food, prayed, bought from a social enterprise, and watched an independent film. Life is too short to wait for happiness to come your way. Make your own happiness your priority!