BFF Day

Last night, I got to have dinner and coffee with my college best friend Janis. We had burgers, then proceeded to Sunnies World for honey lattes by Cup Point.

I love this place for its unique aesthetic and retro interiors. The coffee is also delicious, and Sunnies everything is sold onsite.

We bought matching Silvio sunnies and had a good time.

And Janis cheered me on as I took a photo on Sunnies Face’s iconic floor.

She also took this photo of me just having fun at the store.

I was happy to spend a few hours with my best friend. She saw me grow from awkward college kid to someone who just wants to make the most out of the life I have.

I hope to see her again as every reunion turns me into a better version of myself.

Gubat Xmas

Christmas isn’t over yet as I celebrated the festive season with my high school BFF Luti and her sister Amihan at Gubat. It’s my go-to hidden garden restaurant in the city because of its rustic ambience and simple food.

Our group all had rice meals. I had the longganisa meal and made it merrier with a cold one and a cuppa.

The best company is made even better with food and greenery. Here’s to more memorable meals with friends!

A Lit Friendship

Yesterday, I had dinner with my best friend from UA&P, Janis. Seeing her for the first time last month in three years was emotional for me. I had to stop our communication after my ex asked me to to, just because he didn’t like him. It has been two years since I ended my relationship with him, and now, I know better. I will never end a friendship just because a man tells me to.
We had dinner at Salamangka, where I had delicious Engkanto beer and sweet and sour meatball. Then, we had coffee at Nitro 7 and just talked about the good times we’ve had since uni.
I look forward to spending more time with Janis moving forward.
There are better days ahead for both of us, and it’s lovely to have found each other again this time around.

Coloring My Vision

I ordered a pair of tinted specs from local optical shop Sunnies Specs. I won a pair of glasses during their Dear Sunnies Santa giveaway last December. Since my father passed away recently, I felt the need to start anew and I’ve always wanted to support Sunnies Specs after their generosity last Christmas. 

I get new glasses during new beginnings. I believe that it is now my time to be stronger and more stable after my father’s passing. These new tinted specs will not only keep me looking smart, but they will also inspire me to live life more colorfully. 

I’ve also been getting more sleep and it shows on my clear skin. 

After claiming my specs, I went to CITEM in Pasay for my training. I am chosen to be a NAIA Services Representative for the second time. The upcoming IFEX fair will usher in foreign buyers, and it is my job to welcome and assist them at the airport. 

I can’t wait to begin this three-day “modeling gig” and meet new friends. 

After my meeting, I had late lunch at Echo Cafe, a sustainable social enterprise that sells natural products and healthful food.  

I had their delicious banana heart burger and cafe espagnole, which is a mix of coffee and chocolate. So good! 

I capped the afternoon by visiting my best friend Luti at her condo. She took this photo of me from her window.  

I had my pixie trim for the month of May and a massage to relax me after a long day. 

I also received this gift of semiprecious bracelets from Luti. I am eager to release negative emotions and have more energy this year!

Here’s to more colorful opportunities and blessings on this new beginning! 

Friends and Family

Yesterday was my dad’s funeral mass. We had close friends and family to stand with us during this trying time. 

I am incredibly lucky to have the support I need at this time. I will not take anything for granted anymore. Life is too short. Make each minute matter. 

Healing and Hugs

Yesterday, I went to the St. Camillus Provincialate to attend their monthly healing mass. It was my first time to experience mass there, and my helper Racquel joined me to pray for my dad. 

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick followed shortly after the mass. I prayed for my dad and my best friend Luti. 

We had breakfast at Kopi Roti, where I got to introduce Racquel to a Singaporean brekkie of soft boiled eggs, kaya toast, and kopi. 

We also had dirty ice cream for dessert.  

I spent time with my dad in the hospital, then I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends to cuddle with the dogs there, like my favorite dog Ella. 

Church, dogs, and food keep me going. Here’s to better days ahead! 

UP Therapy

Yesterday, I had early dinner with my best friend Luti. I was feeling the stress from my violent incident at the MRT, so I was glad that she was able to make time for me. 

But first, I had binatog   (boiled white corn with desiccated coconut and cheese) from a street vendor. It was the best appetizer!

Luti and I chose Steakfix at Maginhawa, where we both got the Hawaiian chicken steak. 

I got the chicken plate with two sidings: mucha rice and cheesy mushroom omelette. It was delicious!

For our nightcap, we had milk tea at Nomu. I got the jasmine green tea with pearls, and it was so good!

We all need friends, food, and milk tea after a long day. Thank God I have my best friend and the best food trip options close to home!

Faith and Healing

Yesterda, I had the remarkable opportunity to be in the presence of Healing Priest, Fr. Fernando Suarez. It was a privilege to meet him. I asked him to pray for me and my dad.  

I had some religious articles blessed by the esteemed priest. These were my pasalubong for my family.  

The mass left me in tears. Just like when I was in the presence of Pope Benedict the XVI, I felt the holy power of this priest. I was moved to tears as I prayed for my intentions.  

After the mass, I went for a blind massage.  

And before going home, I had an Assam milk tea with pearls and pudding. 

I believe that miracles are possible in my life, and in my family. I keep on praying for healing for my dad, a good job for me by March, and strength for my mom. I am also praying for the recovery of my best friend, Luti.  

May God bless us all! 

Social Saturday

Yesterday, I bought my personal toiletries from the Human Nature Flagship Store. I also bought some orders for my customers. For all your natural personal care needs, just buy from my Human Nature Online Store! Thank you!  

I also claimed my Dealer ID from the girls at the store.  

I finally got my own Human Nature matte lipstick too! This is much talked about as the packaging is mostly paper. Here I am in the shade Warmth.  

I indulged in some pasta for lunch at the Vertis North weekend market. 

Then, I met up with my best friend Luti for some froyo at Elait,  

I ordered their strawberry mango cheesecake froyo and it was heavenly as always! 

We also had Fried Chicken Master. 

And for dinner, I had Kimchi Project’s kimchi rice.  

Life is always better with natural products, good food, and great company! 

Working It

Yesterday, I had an early start as I had a meeting to attend. I had a fast food breakfast and some coffee to-go. 

I realized that I was at the namesake building of my venue a few minutes before my appointment. Good thing I walk fast.  

I was able to make it at a reasonable time. My meeting was a success! 

I thanked God by visiting Padre Pio at St. Francis Church.  

Later during the day, I got to walk at UP... 

...and indulge in some dirty ice cream! 

I also bought a bamboo toothbrush from Rags to Riches. 

Finally, it was time for late lunch with my best friend Luti.  

I used my gift certificate from Sunnies Santa . I won a pair of Sunnies Specs from them last Christmas. It was certainly the highlight of my holidays! As a bonus, my gift bag also included a gift certificate at my favorite restaurant. 

I got to knit while waiting for my friend. 

I also had a flat white to perk myself up. 

And I ordered a guacamole and salmon dip with taro chips to start. 

Luti and I had rice bowls for our mains. We had a fabulous meal! Thank you Sunnies Cafe! 

I am working on improving myself and celebrating small wins to motivate myself to keep going! Here’s to a productive year ahead. 

Coffee Break

Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend of mine at Sunnies Cafe. I had the caramelized spam bowl and a cold one. 

I had fun with their neon-lit washroom. 

And we went to Kape Tayo for some coffee. It was really good!

I had a lovely lunch and coffee break with an old friend. I also got to knit.

May the rest of my 2019 be just as memorable.  

Steak Dinner with my BFF

I had a lovely steak dinner with my high school BFF Luti last night. We chose Steak to One because we also wanted to check out the weekend bazaar after our meal. 

We chose well! Our porterhouse steaks were delicious and even the iced tea was refreshingly good.  

For dessert, I had Malagos chocolate ice cream from Papa Diddi’s. 

Sometimes, we just need one friend who believes in us, and yummy comfort food to nourish us during tough times. May you also find that friend in your life, and may you continue to seek food that not only makes you full, but happy as well. 

QC Foodtrip

Last Sunday, I had lunch with my high school bff Luti at the original Mister Kabab branch. 

I had yogurt shake... 

...and my favorite, special chicken chelo kabab, double ground! 

That night, I ate solo at Steak to One at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was my first time there. 

And their chicken pesto did not disappoint! 

I got to walk around the park before going home, and I must say that it looks pretty festive at night.  

It doesn’t take a lot to celebrate simple days with good food and bright lights. A visit to an old favorite, a new resto, and some Christmas lights can surely uplift oneself.  

May you also find the light that inspires you to carry on! 

Singing Along to Life’s Music

Yesterday was all about doing the things that make me happy. 

I started my day with  workout, and a small treat for myself at M&S.  

I also got these cherry earrings from Papemelroti. The best part about them? They’re made by artisans from the Kidney Friends Foundation!

I crocheted while waiting for my truffle penne pasta at Amici.  

And I spent an arfternoon with Ella and the other buddies at Barkin Blends Dog Cafe!

I dropped by legendary textile store VC Trading to purchase yarn.  

And then, I proceeded to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the Aegis concert! 

I am such a fan because their songs speak to the heart. My favorite Aegis song is Luha.  

I watched it with my high school bff Luti, who joined me for dinner at Cafe Adriatico. 

We both had lengua estofado.  

And we also had Claude’s Dream! 

Finally, it was time for our concert.  

I even purchased their greatest hits album.  

Oh, we had a magical time singing along to all their songs.  

I enjoyed the things that matter to me, and it was great to spend it with my best friend. I hope that I will have more chances to simply be myself and enjoy the things that bring me joy! 

Stormy-Day Friendship

We all have friends who are there for us not just in happy times, but also during difficult moments. Transitions are challenging because they have a feel of tentativeness. Right now, I am going through one, and my high school BFF Luti is here with me to make me realize things and help me dissect all the issues I have to process at the moment. 

To say that I am lucky to have her at the moment is an understatement. And yesterday, even if it was raining hard, she met up with me to catch-up.  

Before dinner, I was able to buy notions frm String Strand Strung at The Wander Space, a travel-themed shop and cafe which I have previously featured in this blog. Indeed, I do stay loyal to indie shops which sell handmade and local goodies. If they stock craft supplies, then that is a definite winner in my book. 

After shopping, we proceeded to Malingap Central. 

I had delicious roast beef from Alfred’s...

...and Mangga at Suman gelato from Manila Creamery. 

It was lovely to catch-up up with my besty, but we had to cut our dinner short due to the rain. 

I made myself a cuppa and carried on with my knitting by the time I got home.  

I hope that you will also find your stormy-day friend who will literally accompany you in the middle of a thunderstorm- and provide you with the eureka breakthrough you never knew you needed. 

Brush Lettering and Dinner with Friends

I finally got to update my brush lettering supplies with this haul from The Craft Central. I got a journal insert for my TN, a pack of black brush pens, and a practice workbook. 

I tried them all at The Craft Central Cafe and it was worth every penny! 

I had the good tapa from the cafe and it was good! My friend also told me that the chicken picatta was also delicious. 

Their latte was also to die for. 

It was a happy night with my friends in a crafty cafe! I hope to enjoy this again soon. 

Gino’s with BFF’s

Yesterday was quite memorable. I started my day with knitting and this chicken x mac n’ cheese dish at Conti’s. 

I had my usual derma treatment, then I knitted some more. 

Then, I proceeded to my BFF’s office. I liked the natural light during my ride.  

And I even got to enjoy some art since I was early. 

Then, it was finally time for dinner. We had this yummy burrata caprese along with pasta at Gino’s. I was with my college and high school BFF’s so last night was special. 

I was so happy! 

I had delicious craft beer too.  

Later, we watched Rent at Ateneo. (College BFF not pictured). 

We had late dinner 2.0 after the show, but we had no decent pictures. Nevertheless, it was great to have my two dear friends with me last night. More memories please! 

Pixie Ramen Monster

Yesterday, I dropped by my derma for my usual treatment. While waiting for her assistant to prep me, I knitted on the bed. It was relaxing, and it also made me happy!

After my check-up, I proceeded to the salon for my pixie update for March. 

I knitted some more while having coffee, then I met my BFF for sizzling ramen at Kureji. 

I had the sizzling shoyu ramen. It was delicious and flavorful. The sizzling stoneware kept the broth hot and tasty as my BFF and I updated each other on our lives. 

We had coffee afterwards, and I knitted while we talked. It was comforting, and knitting helps me focus better. 

It was a fun day, and an insightful evening. Here’s to more ramen, knitting, and cups of coffee.  

Jay the BFF

They say that you cannot choose family but you can choose your friends. Jay chose me as one of the pioneer members of his public speaking organization, iMic, in 2005. I was a sophomore in UA&P, and I was exhausted from my study load back then. I needed an extracurricular activity that could balance my life, as schoolwork was taking its toll on me. Public speaking turned out to be the perfect option, as I was an extemporaneous speaker and debated in high school. I knew that it was where I belonged right away. 

I was part of the video that would introduce iMic to students, and I remember having fun during the shoot. I eventually became part of the speech activities, parties, and debates. Sadly, the relationship I had with one of the org’s members did not last long. However, I still took part in various activities because they were enjoyable and memorable.  

Jay chose me for his org, but I was surprised that we eventually became good friends too. After graduating from university, I kept in touch with him. He visited me in my offices, met me for dinner, and listened to all my adventures over coffee. He made me proud with his achievements, especially when he moved to his current university. He was a loyal friend through and through, even if sometimes I wondered why he would even give a damn for my misadventures in life and love. He was there to cheer me on when I would have some high moments in my life. He recommended books for me to read, and I would suggest handmade artisans for him to check out. We had an unusual friendship, one that was based on trust and respect, even if he is older than me. He was the unexpected source of cool in my life, while I would like to think that I became the keeper of his stories. He never held back in terms of reality checks and tough love. In time, he became my best friend, and I chose him more than all the others who were not there for me for the right reasons. 

Last night, we belatedly celebrated his birthday. He may be an important scientist, but to me, he will always be my BFF. He has always treated me as a lady, and I am thankful to have this man in my life. 

I hope that he will be blessed with more years ahead. After all, he is a Mensa-certified genius, and I will always be his cheerleader.