Self-Care Saturday

Yesterday, I got to swing by the Human Nature flagship store to check out this year’s Christmas boxes. As you know, I am a Human Nature core advocate. You may help me and Gawad Kalinga communities by purchasing fair trade toiletries from my online store.  

Thank you in advance for your support! 

Afterwards, I went to The Maker’s Cafe to clear my head with some knitting. 

This charming cafe, which is right beside my Alma mater Holy Family School, always gets me in a creative vibe. 

I ordered their chicken alfredo, which is pleasantly spicy. It was a delicious crafternoon companion. 

Then, I dropped by the hospital to care for our sick family member. Since the hospital stay will end tomorrow, I brought home this pretty pot of flowers in my Knitting Expedition tiyargo bag. 

I had dinner at Uno Cinquenta, which had a lowkey Christmas vibe. I totally like their minimalist decor. 

I also got my pixie trimmed at a nearby salon beforehand. 

I got a gyudon from the park’s Japanese resto.  

I got my legs waxed...

 ...then I drove home to finish knitting this cowl. I used mocha fusion yarn purchased from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

Self-care for me is a practical journey. If I don’t care for myself, then I won’t be able to effectively care for others too. It all begins with me, so I make sure that my needs are met. As you can see, I have simple rituals, and they do keep me grounded. I hope that you have also found your self-care routine, and that they also help you to be the best version of yourself. 

Knitting Warmth

My family may be facing challenges with a sick parent, but I am still on fight mode! 

I am staying strong, and I keep myself cheerful by knitting.  

I also keep myself awake with coffee.  

I managed to finish this mini blanket for me my cinema runs. My legs always get chilly during my frequent movie nights so this is a real treat for me. 

Since I finished my cinema blanket, it’s time to begin knitting a new scarf!

I may be feeling cold in the hospital room, but I am with my family and I get to knit my own warmth and joy. I am certain that each challenge can be handled better with some balancing tactics such as hobbies. I am grateful that knitting has become an integral part of my self-care routine, and I hope that it could help you too in case you’re interested to take it up as a pastime!

Flat White Purls

Yesterday, I got to knit while on a lunch meeting. As always, it has helped me focus on the matter at hand. It also helped that my Figaro flat white was brewed strongly, just as I prefer it to be. 

My go-to lunch at Figaro is their adobo flakes kare-kare, which never disappoints. It is filling, comforting, and flavorful- truly, it is the quintessential Filipino meal. 

Never underestimate the power of a handmade hobby and a power lunch. You will nourish your body and your soul, as you go along with your day. May you always find a way to make work better, one meal and stitch at a time.

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!

Knitting Along

I am currently waiting for updates from the opportunities I have recently been exploring. While doing so, I have been reading, working out, eating right, listening to music, visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe, filtering my social media accounts (think deleting people whom I do not personally know and interact with), blogging, and of course, knitting. 

 I learned how to knit in Banaue with social enterprise Knitting Expedition. I realized that I work best without a pattern, so I knit scarves which do not require one. Freestyle knitting has brought me immense joy and peace, as it has enabled me to find solace in silence and repetitive stitches. Working with yarn has a calming effect. I have also brought my knitting projects with me, such as in seminars and conferences.

Knitting has also allowed me to meet other people, such as local online and offline sellers of yarns and notions. I have since become a buyer of yarns from Gantsilyo Guru, The Craft Central, and Dreams Yarnshoppe.

Knitting has also become a hobby that I could take alone with me, whether I am visiting family or catching up with my late high school friend Diane. I have even tried knitting while sipping beer and while waiting for my turn the dermatologist’s!

My favorite knitting pairing is definitely with Philippine craft coffee. Knitting while sipping Sagada coffee with my high school bestie at SGD was fun. Their coffee is to-die-for. 

I know that knitting will take me places, and life will surely get better for me. For now, I am taking my yarn and needles with me as I explore opportunities for me to grow, learn, and succeed.  

It is only the beginning. 

Public Forum on the Philippine Competition Act

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend the Public Forum on the Philippine Competition Act at the Rosemary Ballroom of the City Garden Grand Hotel, Makati. 

I began my day with knitting.  

Then, I registered and enjoyed the view with a cuppa. 

It was a productive day filled with insightful talks on the Philippine Competition Act (PCA). I understand the PCA more after in-depth explanations have been presented by key experts from the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC). 

As a consumer, it is important to know my rights to a free market that is fair, just, and kind to enterprises. Also, I am proud that our government has the PCC which is actively educating the public regarding the PCA through forums and talks such as this one.  

I am thankful to have been fortunate to attend this seminar. I enjoy these events because they sharpen the saw, so to speak. I also learn from experts from relevant fields. I am sure that the learnings I will gain will benefit me when I rejoin the corporate world soon.  

Until the next seminar! 

Estate Planning Talk

I attended the Ayala Rewards Circle (ARC) Estate Planning Talk at Seda Vertis North to educate myself on managing my family’s estate. I was there early, so I was able to sit back, eat breakfast, knit, and enjoy my cuppa. 

I learned heaps from the seminar, and I am really cautious with how I manage my resources. I am conservative in terms of investing, as I operate with a Risk Management-orientation. I hope to learn more from future seminars on how to be practical and intelligent with estate planning, asset management, and resource allocation. 

April Coffee with Diane

Yesterday, I visited my late friend Diane’s vault for our monthly coffee date. 

I decorated her vault with rhinestone stickers which I bought from VC Trading. 

I was fresh from my workout and I didn’t have much time since I still had to prepare for a conference. 

I also showed her my current knitting project. It is in her favorite color- red!

Visiting Diane each month reminds me that life is too short. I have to do everything I want with the time given to me in order to maximize my life. Thank you Diane for always looking after us and for reminding me to live life to the fullest. See you next month!

Fear and Friendship

Yesterday was a fun one. I started my day with a visit to Philippine Artisan Trade, where I saw these cute plushies from Knitting Expedition. I knitted with them at Banaue last February, so it felt like a homecoming. 

Afterwards, my friend Luti and I settled down over Bukidnon coffee and cinnamon rolls at Hineleban Cafe.  

Hineleban was the venue of this month’s Word of Mouth night. The topic was fear, and I spoke about overcoming my fear of heights, being single, and expressing my feelings. 

I was grateful to speak in front of my high school friends Luti and Jamie. My childhood friend Chesca was also there. It felt awesome to have my friends with me.  

I love having different friends together!

We then transferred to Milky Way for some halo-halo and catching-up.  

I crashed at Luti’s pad for the night, and woke up feeling fabulous after being with friends.  

I had so much fun! I need more of this. Here’s to  more coffee and excellent company!

Strawberry Ice Cream

These days, I usually begin my day with a workout.  If I am on the stationary bike, I like reading and knitting while doing some cardio. Yesterday was no exception as I read my ebook and knitted at the same time. 

Then, I had lunch with my BFF Jay, who’s a professor at UP. 

We went to SGD, where I had this yummy etag carbonara. 

And for dessert, I had this delicious Cordillera Strawberry Ice Cream. 

SGD never disappoints! 

I also got this magnet from my BFF, who was recently in Cebu. Thank you!  

I really want to have that carbonara, strawberry ice cream and SGD black coffee again. ‘Til next time!

Knitting, Kabab, and Coffee

I woke up extra early today, so I worked out before the rush hour. 

Afterwards, I decided to eat at Mister Kabab for breakfast. Their special chicken chelo kebab (double ground!) is my all-time favorite brekkie whenever I am up at an ungodly hour. It is best paired with coffee and knitting. 

It was an awesome idea to treat myself to a Persian breakfast at my usual place. I love knitting at my go-to locations where I can let my hair down and simply be myself. I hope that you have that kind of place in your life. The kind that you drive to when you’re up extra early or when you simply need to soundtrip, eat, and chill (for me, it’s knitting!). When you do find that place, always make time to come back. It is good for your soul. 

Black Saturday 2018

I began my Black Saturday with a workout and a hearty breakfast. 

I posed by the townhouses near our hotel which resemble the San Francisco houses in Lola and the Boy Next Door.  

On our way home, we passed by the Calamba Rizal Shrine. I am a Rizal fan, so this felt like a homecoming. 

The Php1 coin I was holding was a tribute to my idol, as he is featured on the currency. 

Rizal had a dog!

We also dropped by the church where Rizal was baptized. 

It was located right next to his house. 

That was a fun visit!

My family and I had late lunch at Mom and Tina’s. Their Shepherd’s Pie is still so good after all these years!

I enjoyed reconnecting with my idol and eating delicious food. What a way to celebrate the Holy Week break. I look forward to more memorable moments in sentimental places. 

Good Friday 2018

Yesterday, I got to unwind in Batangas with my family. I started my day with my usual workout. 

After which, I had breakfast at our hotel’s cafe.  

The egg white omelette and cinnamon rolls were my favorites! 

I had local coffee of course. Then, I cleaned up and went to Montemaria for some Holy Week reflection. 

I knitted on the way there.  

Finally, I saw Our Lady. She was breathtaking.  

We visited other churches as well during our fime here, and had dinner at the hotel. 

This Asian Spicy Fusilli was divine.  

So was this blueberry cheesecake! 

I worked out before bedtime, just because. 

My view while doing cardio wasn’t too shabby!

I had a productive day combining prayer, balanced eating, and working out. It was a nice vacation in the country. I look forward to more meaningful breaks on special occasions. 

Breakfast and Blush

Yesterday, I started my day with a hearty brekkie at Breakfast Bin. I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and egg. 

I was still hungry, so I went to Papa Diddi’s for dessert. 

I love brands with a story, and small ice cream stores with unique flavors. 

I always appreciate how affordable Papa Diddi’s ice cream is. 

I chose the Treat serving in coffee addiction and cookies and cream. It was a delicious combination!

I ran some errands in the mall and later found myself at Yoshinoya for late lunch. Their beef bowl is still so good!

I walked around and found myself at blk cosmetics’ boutique at Trinoma. I tried on their lip and cheek tint and fell in love with the cherry shade. 

It was great value for money, and the color payoff was fantastic. 

It was pigmented and it goes well with my strong lippie from J.Cat. 

Last night, I did my weekly facial detox by applying my favorite Human Nature Pollution Defense Mask. It is made of bamboo charcoal, and is locally-made! You may purchase it from my online store. 

I hope that you will also find time to indulge in food that brings back wonderful memories. Also, don’t be afraid to discover new favorites, like makeup from local brands! You will definitely be surprised on how affordable (and empowering) it is to achieve your desired look. 

Macaroni and Knitting

I recently dropped by my uncle’s latest church assignment. I was fascinated with the CAT demonstration during my visit, as there was a graduation ceremony going on.  

I beat the heat with this Php10 cone of dirty ice cream. Yum!

Lunch was at Conti’s, where I had this comforting plate of chicken and mac and cheese. 

For dessert, I had a slice of cookies and cream cheesecake and a cup of coffee. 

It was a relaxing day of visiting family and eating delicious food. Here’s to more happy lunches for knitting and catching up!

Online Seller and Old Books

Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to learn more on my online business with Human Nature. If you still do not know where to buy affordable and quality natural products, please check out my online store and support my little business! Thank you in advance and may God bless you!

After my training, I went to UP Town for lunch. Then, I proceeded to Biblio, a secondhand bookshop with a fine selection of vintage books.  

These handsome books are beautiful and in good condition.  

Look at how old these books are! 

I purchased an economics book for an uncle born in 1966. The book was published on the year he was born so it will definitely be a unique present as he has just started on a new job assignment. 

Since my purchase met their minimum requirement of Php300, I was able to enjoy a fresh cup of brewed barako coffee on the house! I knitted while sipping my cuppa and it was awesome to do so inside a beautiful bookshop.  

I may be an online businesswoman, but I do crave for analog experiences. I hope you will also visit Biblio for your next book purchase and who knows, you might also capture a vintage book that speaks to your heart beyond the words on its pages. 

Learn, Knit, Nom

Yesterday, I finally finished the scarf I was knitting for my best friend. 

It was my first time to make a man scarf so I hope this works well during an overseas trip or two. 

I started another scarf, this time for one of my closest girl friends. I am using the popular Shawl in a Ball yarn. 

I was giddy because I was also wearing my new leather mules which I purchased from local brand Tutum. They looked fab with the floor at Pablo. 

I continued knitting at Pablo. Their mini chocolate cheese tart was delicious with their coffee. 

Their coffee maker was also adorable!

After finishing my coffee, I proceeded to the Asian Institute of Management to attend the lecture on Technology and Big Data lecture I was invited to. 

More knitting ensued as I waited for it to begin. 

The professor’s credentials and the topic of our talk are on the screen. 

It was an insightful lecture and I was happy to attend it!  

I was craving for pasta after class so I went to Cibo for my favorite Farfalle Alla Genovese.  

I also had a chill P2P ride home where was able to knit and nap. 

I had a lovely Friday and I couldn’t ask for more! I look forward to more opportunities to learn, try new food, and knit in colorful spaces. 

Knitting with Diane

Yesterday, I visited my late high school friend Diane. I try to have coffee with her once a month (sometimes more often than that), and I usually spend time at the columbarium to catch-up. 

I started my day with a hearty KFC breakfast. I then proceeded to the columbarium after my meal. I setup my chair and took out my knitting, coffee, and current novel. 

I also left her a Banaue keychain from my Knitting Adventure last month. I left her our customary post-it as well.  

It was fun to knit with Diane, as I read my novel. Yes, I can now read and knit at the same time!  

I hope that you will also find time to visit your late loved ones. Spending time with Diane has been therapeutic and comforting, and I always find myself with her whenever I need to sort out some things. I just wanted to knit with her, and it was serenely delightful. I will definitely do this again.  

Magic Wands

Yesterday, I knitted at Cafe Mary Grace while eating lunch. I had my favorite chorizo and olives pasta, which was a delightfully hearty meal. 

I also had coffee after my meal. 

By the time I got home, I was greeted by my online shopping from Gantsilyo Guru.  

I bought yarns and notions, which included a pair of 4.5mm knitting needles in PINK! 

Opening the needles felt like a Harry Potter moment.  

In addition to that, I also got point protectors so my knitting won’t slip from my needles when stored inside my handbag. I also got a bamboo crochet hook in 5.5mm, which is perfect for my usual yarn. 

I am happy to have discovered yarn crafts, and I am also glad that my tools are affordable and accessible. I hope to enjoy more opportunities to knit, crochet, and create. 

Gender Month Forum at the ADB

Yesterday was a remarkable opportunity to learn more on woman empowerment. I was fortunate to be part of the Gender Month Forum at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) featuring former UNDP Administrator and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. 

Representing my blog never fails to make me giddy. 

I began my day with a hearty breakfast at the ADB cafeteria. 

I had tawilis, garlic rice, and scrambled eggs. 

Then, I proceeded to the library to hang out before the event.  

I ordered a cuppa... 

...and knitted! 

Before I knew it, it was conference time. 

I posed for my traditional ADB photo. 

I also spotted my grade school friend Dani in the audience. 

Ms. Clark imparted nuggets of wisdom on women empowerment. My key takeaway is that women should lean in and do everything they can to get access to education, positions in the workforce, professional and special interest networks, healthcare, childcare, reproductive health, and more. Women should work together to progress, rather than stop fighting for their rights. They should also involve men in their fight for gender equality. It is crucial to let men know that everyone should have equal rights, as we are all human. 

After the forum, I had the famous ADB crinkles which never disappoint. 

I went back to Starbucks for a roast chicken and vegetables bistro box and an americano. Also, I continued knitting. 

It is always amazing to witness women leaders and Ms. Clark is an epitome of female empowerment. I am thankful for this opportunity from the ADB, and I hope that there will be more chances to learn from leaders in their esteemed organization.