Body Love

Recently, I’ve been getting body shamed for gaining weight. First of all, I tell people that I have hypothyroidism. They can research it online to understand my condition. My weight isn’t something I can control, but I try to manage it with daily exercise and a proper diet.  

I can say that for someone with hypothyroidism, I’m looking fine! 

Body shaming is something that we should stop once and for all. Rather than focusing on one’s weight, we must look for factors to compliment. Traits like intelligence, generosity, and substance must be given more importance than weight. ​

I hope that when you have the urge to body shame someone, you will think of people like me who struggle with it, but do our best to win at life. And if ever you get body shamed, do know that there is nothing shameful about you. Just smile, and tell people that they are being rude. And try to make your day better with a workout and a healthy meal!​

On Top of Things

We had Mother’s Day lunch at a nice restaurant inside a five star hotel. While we were enjoying the sumptuous food, we also had the chance to view our city from this vantage point. 

It is quite humbling to note that while our urban sprawl is not the most striking of cityscapes, there is still beauty amidst the chaos. There are pockets of greenery and quiet places. I am reminded that there is hope in a city where you see the negative on the foreground. 

Because when you focus on the bigger picture, you will see the potential of your life in a place that is worth stepping back for anyway.  

May you also find your new perspective today, as we begin another week of hustling in this place we call home.  

Kilometer Zero

Yesterday, I visited Kilometer Zero at Luneta. I got the idea from Stephanie Perkins’ Anna and the French Kiss. Without providing spoilers, the protagonists had an important scene in their love story at Point Zero, which is the kilometer zero in Paris. Beyond the novel, Point Zero is still a hotspot for rituals involving luck and wish-making. As a result, I became eager to test this in our local Kilometer Zero located in front of my beloved Rizal’s final resting place. 

When I dropped by Luneta last Rizal Day, I was so moved by our late National Hero’s presence that I failed to notice that Kilometer Zero was literally in front of me. I only realized my oversight when I was already home. Thus, my determination to return to Kilometer Zero grew stronger during the week until I simply had to make the trip once and for all. So, after my workout, I took advantage of the traffic-free roads and made the commute to Luneta. 

I was greeted by history. 

I am very excited to visit this museum once it opens this May 2018.

Of course, this never gets old. 

A train named Pepe and Friends goes around Luneta for a minimal fee. 

It was a beautiful morning.  

This was morbidly gorgeous. 

I was about to cross the street when I first spotted Kilometer Zero.  

Finally, I made it!

I took my first selfie at KM 0. 

I wore another Rizal shirt for the occasion.  

I felt a sense of peace and hope whilst standing at the beginning of all roads in the Philippines. 

I just had to take another selfie with my homeboy Rizal. It felt good to see him again. 

I had a fruitful morning, and it was awesome to finally be at the beginning of everything geographically measured in the Philippines. I wished for all the best this 2018, and it was perfect to begin the year at KM 0. It was worth the commute!  

Do visit KM 0 at Luneta and make a wish or two! While you are there, take a brisk walk and appreciate history in the hallowed grounds. You will definitely enjoy your time.  

Craftsmithery

I am currently at Craftsmith Living, a secret cafe / home store hidden in a condominium in Makati. It is bustling with the mundane activity of a cafe which serves third wave brew. It is also full of miscellany in neutral colors and millennial pink. I am in awe of the different photos taped on the walls, the plants strewn around, and the poetry books scattered all over the place. It is the perfect setting for my blogging workshop this morning. I am excited to meet Martine De Luna of Make It Blissful, and I cannot wait to learn the tricks of the trade. I am sure that I will learn more about living the craft as I absorb the beauty that surrounds me this morning.