Yesterday, I got to catch the first night of Simbang Gabi for Sunday mass.
Then, I joined my family for my second mass of the day.
We had lunch at Amici, and I had this delightful combo of Aglio Olio pasta and ube gelato.
It was a good day because my dad was able to go out and have mass for the first time in months. Here’s to more breakthroughs and positive moments!
I used to meet my late friend Diane at Starbucks Gateway back in uni. We would meet here as this was halfway between my school, UA&P, and hers, the Ateneo. We used to sit by the window and admire the leather shoes and bags at PabDer. And our conversation flowed as our coffees got colder. We didn’t really mind, as we were there for each other.
I miss her still. She passed away in 2008, but I still commemorate her life whenever I can. Yesterday, I knitted at our Starbucks (by the way, happy 21st anniversary, Starbucks Philippines!), while admiring the shoes and bags at PabDer from afar. It’s Christmas, and carols are being played on the speakers. My coffee has gone cold. But the memory of Diane continues to warm my heart.
To cheer myself up, I bought a large mango float from popular chain Maxi Mango. It was delicious, as always!
Then, I lifted up my intentions at St. Clare Monastery.
Adulting may be messy and unpredictable, so I keep my constants close because they help me stay afloat. I know that Diane is watching over me and our other friends, and that St. Clare is praying for my intentions.
I believe that good things will come my way very soon!
I recently overcame some personal challenges, and I am moving on with an improved mindset. I am determined to have better experiences, lessons, relationships, and opportunities moving forward.
I began envisioning a better future for myself by living in the present as I was crocheting this cowl. I used the leftover yarn from my beanie project a few days ago. It was enough to finish this decent-sized cowl.
Crochet helps me process my thoughts and map out my future. Here’s to more plans, positivity, and goals as I continue crocheting!
Yesterday, I did some brisk walking around UP after lunch.
It was a cloudy day, and it was perfect for processing my thoughts as I digested some carbs.
After burning calories, I proceeded to UP Town Center. A couple of friends from school sent me this candid photo. I love it because I look self-assured.
I was actually on my way to St. Clare to offer eggs and pray for better opportunities.
I brightened up my day with a visit to Barkin Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddles with my furry friends.
And lastly, I had a candy cane waffle from Waffable. It was a delicious way to end a lovely day. I am optimistic that I will be able to have sunnier days ahead, and brighter breaks in the future. For now, I will enjoy my downtime and remain thankful for everything.
Yesterday, we celebrated my mom’s birthday at the Rizal Park Hotel. It was formerly the site of the Army Navy Club during the American period. Presently, it is a beautiful hotel with a sumptuous buffet at its very own Cafe Rizal.
We enjoyed the food and the pretty ambience. I personally loved the pizza and desserts. It was also my first time to try chicken feet, and I was pleasantly surprised with its flavor. Coffee finished off our delicious meal.
After lunch, we proceeded to Luneta to take pictures.
I am grateful for the chance to enjoy good food and commemorate my favorite hero, Jose Rizal. I hope that there will be more opportunities for me to continue being nationalistic without having to take political sides. I simply love history and any place that will remind me of our rich heritage is definitely worth visiting.
Yesterday was all about seeing things the second time around.
I started my day with a workout, and I was happy to finally see my abs again.
Then, I had burger steak from Tropical Hut and a mango cheesecake blizzard from Dairy Queen for breakfast.
I then proceeded to Cinema ‘76, a microcinema at Anonas, to watch Goyo for the second time.
I chose to watch it in a microcinema because I wanted to experience the film in a unique setting.
I also knew that Cinema ‘76 sold movie merch, so I got myself a shirt with all of Goyo’s battles on it.
The small theater had beautiful sound and a cozy ambience. I enjoyed my viewing experience, and I will definitely be back!
I also had a striking view of St. Joseph’s Shrine in front of the theater.
It was remarkable how a couple of steps could adjust my perspective and present a wider range of the metropolis.
I saw myself in Goyo, and I must say that after watching the movie twice, I will choose my battles more wisely in order to have better chances of winning in life. On to better opportunities from now on!
I visited St. Clare, as is my custom every week, to offer eggs and pray for my intentions.
And for the second time in a day, I had burger steak. This time, it was the bistek burger steak at Jollibee. It was delicious!
My last stop for the day was Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. I had the cafe all to myself as they just celebrated their anniversary weekend. As always, I had a relaxing time chilling out with the dogs over milk tea.
I have a second chance at life after overcoming recent challenges. I know that it isn’t easy, so I am taking it one step at a time. Watching a moving film twice and cuddling my favorite dogs definitely helped frame things better. I am confident that with continuous discernment and prayer, I will always manage to keep my head above water.
Lately, I’ve been working out like crazy. I’ve been combining Zumba with cardio exercises throughout the day. It is only fitting that I nourish myself with the right food, such as this delicious adobo flakes kare-kare from Figaro.
I also had lemonade and coffee to keep me awake for a day of working and burning calories.
For dessert, I had this choco banana ice cream crepe from Crazy Crepes. So good!
Before going home, I got to have my glasses for astigmatism adjusted to better fit my face.
Life isn’t always easy, but with the right workouts and nourishment, we will have a more balanced existence. Here’s to having it all without compromising our values, one day at a time.
My birthday celebration continued the other day as I had lunch with my cousin Choi at CoCo Ichibanya and Scout’s Honor. It was a lovely afternoon of good eats and hearty laughter! I am thankful for priceless moments with family, and I hope that next time, we will have more happy stories to share with each other.
Yesterday, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and aligue. It was perfect with a book and coffee.
I was still hungry after finishing my meal, so I had this hot chocolate stirrer for dessert.
It was a delicious drink, I must say! The chocolate melted after ten minutes of stirring. It resulted to a full-bodied chocolate experience.
My early morning, post-workout feels melted along with this hot chocolate. I will definitely have it again at Breakfast Bin, which has already become my happy place along Maginhawa. I look forward to more simple breakfasts and moments along my favorite foodie street in my city!
The past week has been challenging for me, but I am still here! I didn’t die, and I am still able to crochet, blog, and have fun!
I had a relaxing lunch at Scout’s Honor yesterday with my family. I had their pesto mealballs rice bowl. It was delicious!
I also had their Americano and make-your-own cookie. Mine had a chewy base with dark chocolate, cream cheese, and Chocnut.
My visit to any restaurant won’t be complete without a powder room break. Their washroom did not disappoint!
I am digging their millennial pink walls and various frames.
I had a lovely lunch, and I am so inspired to begin again. Here’s to more lunches and possibilities!
I had a productive first week of work. It was overwhelming, like most adjustment periods. However, I was never short of colleagues to help me. It also helped that our office is still located near my uni, where there is a chapel, convenient food options, and space to process my thoughts during my lunch break.
I have been having Food Channel shawarma rice with cheese for lunch, and it is still delicious! I feel like a student again whenever I savor it.
I have to visit our office’s new site and project manage its progress. I have to be organized and on top of things!
Another food from uni which I enjoyed this week was the sticky cinnamon bun. It was comforting after a busy day.
And I was also fortunate to have my college friend Ceetee with me for coffee that day! She also just recently started at her new office in Ortigas.
Here’s to more opportunities at work, more happy college memories, friendship moments, and comfort food!
Yesterday, I was determined to workout despite the stormy weather. I drove to my local park and powered through Zumba.
Guess what? It was even more fun to workout in this cool weather! The breeze was refreshing.
And we all know that rainy weather calls for good eats. My brekkie was this quick friend beef and macaroni soup from Tropical Hut.
As for lunch, I ate this delicious asparagus mayo spaghetti from Kimono Ken.
I always find creative ways to enjoy my day, no matter what the weather is. I am thankful for opportunities to maximize my day, such as affordable workouts and yummy grub. Here’s to more blessings and chances to shine!
I was invited to attend the 4.0: - 4th Industrial Revolution and Development Management Masterclass at the Asian Institute of Management yesterday.
I learned that yesterday’s solutions are today’s problems in developing countries. An example of which is the sachet economy, which was introduced decades ago to give the poor access to shampoo and other basic needs. However, sachets are non-biodegradable and have become landfill problems in the past years. Now, companies are challenged to come up with solutions to this problem. An example of which is the option for refillable bottles.
I also learned that emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and creativity are currently the most in-demand skills in business.
As the 4th Industial Revolution draws near, the challenge is for us to come up with ways to apply these skills in order to be indispensable in the workplace.
I also crocheted while listening to the lectures.
The class was concluded with a hearty lunch and dessert.
I make sure that my blog remains current and true to my interests and values. Blogging has given me a venue to use technology to my advantage. Because of my blog, I get industry exposure through events and seminars. I also get to share my thoughts, and connect to people. Real human connections require creative thinking, and this can never be replaced by machines. I am eager to witness the changes in business and technology, and I can promise you that for every new development, I will continue to speakoutsam!
Yesterday, I started my day with another workout at 6am.
I finally got the hang of waking up at 5am, so I can say that I have already adjusted to my plan to become a morning person.
I ate breakfast again at Tropical Hut, and I had their corned beef breakfast meal.
For lunch, I had the Salisbury steak with egg at Steak Break.
Then, it was time for my thanksgiving church tour! A favor which I have been praying for has recently been granted. For my first stop, I dropped by St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.
Their giant statue of the sleeping St. Joseph always reminds me to stop worrying and lift it all up to God.
Next, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.
I was able to spot my lucky number, 13! I queued at that platform number, because while I believe in God, I also think that creating my own luck is important. This blog has been an opportunity that I have created for myself. All the events, conferences, and offers which I have attended and received were because of my blog, and that is why I think that luck is merely claiming the chances which I have allowed to happen.
Then, I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus.
I viewed their collection of reliquaries.
And for last stop, I went to the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey.
It is overwhelmingly beautiful.
For dinner, I had the limited edition herb and bacon pizza from S&R.
I enjoyed working out, eating well, sketching my food, and touring churches! I hope that I will continue to create more opportunities for myself in the coming days. For now, allow me to carry on with mindful living as I ease my way into the daily grind.
Sometimes, I have simple food cravings that just won’t go away. An example of this would be my craving for beef pares. Yesterday, I simply had to have pares, so I went to a place that serves the dish in Quezon City.
I was greeted with a rack of condiments. This was a good sign!
I was served delicious beef pares, which is was garlicky and a bit spicy. It was heavenly.
I then proceeded to The Feast at Trinoma, where I was a first-time attendee. I wanted to have a Catholic worship group that I could be a part of whenever my schedule permits. Luckily, The Feast now has a Sunday session from 9:30-11:30am at the mall’s Cinema 3 theater.
We started the session with Mass.
I was given a leaflet for the inspirational talk.
We prayed the Declaration of Abundance.
Then, it was time for the inspirational talk focusing on work and faith.
I had sizzling Salisbury steak with egg for lunch. It was another simple craving satisfied!
After my hearty lunch, I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to have coffee with my fluffy friends.
And I had mini-donuts for snack!
I was able to satisfy my simple cravings, nourish my soul, and spend time with dogs on a Sunday. Indeed, there are fulfilling ways to spend the weekend without spending too much. All it takes is the determination to live a meaningful life.
Yesterday, my friend Luti and I remembered our high school Diane. She would have been thirty-one.
We went to UP Town Center for a food coma worthy of our late friend. She was a foodie as well, so we planned on eating nothing but the best.
First stop was local favorite The Chocolate Kiss.
Luti had the taco salad, while I had chicken satay with nasi goreng. Both of our orders were delicious!
We stopped by Biblio, a secondhand bookshop for good measure. Diane loved to read.
I bought a bamboo toothbrush holder for my toothbrush made of the same material. I also got a pack of world map postcards. I was able to score free Sagada coffee with my purchases.
Diane would have loved this bookstore, as well as their local coffee.
Next, we went to Waffable by Rustic Mornings. I got an apple crumble waffle. It was amazing!
Later during the day, we had an early dinner of hotdog and mac n’ cheese at Starr’s.
Then, we returned to The Chocolate Kiss for cake slices in honor of our birthday girl.
Luti chose the devil’s food cake, while I had my favorite, dayap chiffon!
Happy birthday Diane!
Lastly, we passed by Diane’s final resting place.
We all miss our friend.
We hope that shes in a better place now.
And someday, we will see her again.
We hope that Diane likes our simple tribute to her in the form of yummy mains and cakes. It was a food coma to remember, and a celebration that we look forward to observing again next year.
I hope that you will also make time for your late loved ones, and continue praying for their eternal repose. They are our guardian angels. Let us never forget them.
Yesterday, I went to Malingap Central Food Hall for some roast beef, gelato, and good vibes.
But first, I posed by this 90’s wall because it made me happy!
Alfred’s roast beef did not disappoint! At less than P200, this meal was a winner.
Next, I had mangga & suman gelato from Manila Creamery.
It was so delicious!
Sunday food trips make me smile, and I love discovering new restaurants near my place. Do message me if you have any suggestions for me to try!
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.
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.
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!
