River Beer

Yesterday, I decided to do three of my usual relaxation rituals. I went to Fred’s Revolucion Escolta for some Boondocks Brewing dubbel. It’s my favorite dark beer, and it really is worth the trip to Manila. Not to mention that Escolta has an assortment of heritage architecture and history for those who want to add some culture to their day.

Then, I crocheted inside the Pasig River Ferry. It’s safe, clean, and efficient. There’s just something about river commuting that calms my mind.

I capped off my day with a sausage dinner at UP. It was a warm night, so I bought a scrunchie from a street vendor. I used it to tie my hair in a ponytail, and it freaked me out because it was my first time to do so in six years.

So if I can start river commuting and growing out my pixie, then I am indeed ready for big changes and better things to come. Bring it on, universe!

Udon and Beer

I have a new comfort food. It is Marugame Udon’s curry udon and beer. It is perfect after a tiring day. Do give it a try soon!

Curry Udon Satisfaction

I went back to Marugame Udon after my first visit last week. This time, I ordered the curry udon with tamago ten.

It was delightful to watch my udon being prepared for me.

The author watches her udon being prepared for her

This is not a sponsored post. I am just really happy with the dining experience at Marugame Udon. I enjoy how they prepare the meals in front of their customers, and how orderly everything is.

The rich curry broth is poured into the udon

My curry udon with tamago ten was delicious! Of course, I had beer to go with it, and it made the meal more special.

The author enjoys her curry udon and tamago ten with beer

The tamago ten goes well with the curry udon

I will definitely be back for more curry udon!

Jan 1 Joys

I am grateful to have the privilege of beginning the year on a high note. I celebrated the new year with mass at the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila, where I got to pray for my intentions and of course, give thanks for all the blessings that I have received.

Then, I had dinner with my family at Cibo. I started my meal with a cold one and some minestrone soup.

I also ordered my Cibo favorite, the Farfalle alla Genovese. Everything was delicious, comforting, and celebratory!

Cheers to a bountiful year ahead!

Rizal Day 2019

I’m one of those Rizal die-hard fans who visit Luneta on Rizal Day. Yesterday was no exception, as I made the trip to visit my favorite hero.

This year, I hired one of the onsite photographers to take my photo by his final resting place.

As is my custom, I visited the site of his execution.

Then, I decided to date myself at the Luneta Hotel for late lunch. I wrote about this hotel in college as it is known for its French Renaissance architecture. Today, it proudly stands amidst the modern buildings of Manila.

It was the perfect setting for my solo date. I had the truffle pasta, and of course, San Miguel Pale Pilsen.

For dessert, I had the hotel’s famous sampaguita ice cream and coffee. Everything was delicious!

I feel thankful for all the blessings I have received this year. I am optimistic that the new decade will bring forth more positive energy and love for me and my family.

Happy new year!

Kamayan Christmas

Yesterday, I spent some time with our loyal helper Racquel for a simple Christmas treat. I took her to my favorite restaurant Gubat, where we got to eat with our hands.

I had the longganisa (again!) with additional salted egg and burong kanin (fermented rice). It was perfect with my beer.

We took a quick stroll around the Diliman Bonsai Society after our meal. It was hard to believe that we were still in the city.

We also had some Starbucks coffees, and watched Sunod, starring Carmina Villaroel. It was a beautiful horror movie which was shot at Escolta, which we visited earlier this year.

I later finished crocheting the scarf I have been making all throughout the holiday season. It is finally done, and I am ready to begin again with a brand new colorway.

Christmas is better when with local food, handmade hobbies, and simple joys. May you find the season to be merry and bright with those who have been loyal to you.

Burger and Beers

Last night, I spent time with my Dubai-based friend Charms at Pound. We had delicious burgers and beer! I had the loco moco which was a yummy rice meal to go with my Brew Kettle beer.

Afterwards, we decided to have more drinks while watching live music at Conspiracy. It was my first time there, and definitely not my last.

It pays to have good friends to share quiet meals and live music with. I am thankful for the company and the conversation. ‘Til next time!

Fancy

Yesterday was a fancy one. I had my hair and makeup done for a project which was a lot of fun to do. I am thankful to be offered opportunities that not only let me earn money, but also make me happy!

After work, I met up with my Dubai-based friend Charms for some late lunch and beers at Cafe Breton. It was a nice meal, and of course, it was lovely to catch-up with a friend.

I hope that there will be more friends to keep me company, and work to continue making me feel fancy! Life is good.

Metal and Beer

Yesterday, I spent my Sunday enjoying some simple joys. These include:

I bought a new stainless horseshoe for my rook! I like how it brings edge to my overall look.

I enjoyed the Ayala Triangle Gardens light show. It reminded me that Christmas is all about feeling grateful and remembering all the good memories of holidays past.

Lastly, I had a cold one with Santa Claus at Mercato.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Truffle Lengua

Yesterday, I had lunch with my cousin Van at Lola, a Filipino restaurant at The Podium. We had truffle lengua, keso de bola fries, kimchi kaldereta, rice, coffee, and beer (for me). Everything was delicious! I’ll definitely go back for more of their food.
After our lunch, I went to UP to drop-off my gift for Nicole, a friend I met online. Then, I had dinner at Gubat, where I had my favorite carbonara and another beer to commemorate my dad’s seventh month anniversary.

I look forward to more great company and yummy food this holiday season and beyond. Cheers!

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! 

Music and Beer

Sometimes, I enjoy a cold one while listening to live music. Last night, I got to watch The Bloomfields play a mostly Beatles set and it was fun!

Mind you, I don’t drink to get wasted. Rather, I just enjoy the vibe and sing along to familiar tunes.  

Normally, I would go for coffee to perk me up, but beer works too. I hope to have more memorable times with a cold one and a rad band. 

Saturday with Kate and Cousins

Yesterday, I spent time with my goddaughter Kate, and my cousins Bianca and Choi. We had a relaxing lunch to celebrate our uncle’s sacerdotal anniversary, and for dessert, we had cookies at Scout’s Honor. 

I even got to swing by the Art Exchange, The Craft Central’s annual bazaar featuring some of the best local handmade merchants. It was fun to meet the ladies behind The Attic Yarn and Craftery, which is where I get most of my yarn for knitting and crocheting. Also, I got a pair of decoupage airplane earrings from Marita De Lemonade. 

I had a lovely Saturday and it was fun to catch-up with family. I hope that I could spend more time with them in the future, and that I will continue to see Kate grow. 

Stitching My Story

I am thankful to have crochet in my life. Right now, I am on my last ball of yarn for this scarf I am working on in shell stitch. I have learned to do it through Youtube, and I couldn't be happier with the ability to learn new skills for free online.

I am adjusting to work like a pro! I have always made myself busy by working on this blog and assisting my dad with his tasks during my break from the corporate world. However, the office setting is still different, and any new job entails an adjustment period.

Unwinding after a busy Friday with beer and crochet 🍺 

Here are some hacks I am implementing into my system to ensure a seamless adjustment into the daily grind:

• Workout everyday- I like ticking this off first thing in the morning
• Eat breakfast and have coffee
• Never skip meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Listen to music to unwind
• Never stop practicing my fiber arts (knitting or crocheting)
• Never stop reading- I always feed my brain with new knowledge, whether it is from a book, an article, or a simple Bible reflection
• Pray, hope, and don't worry
• Count my blessings

I am stitching my story, one scarf and workday at a time. Looking forward to hustling in the office and making a difference in my own little way!

Beer and Yarn

Yesterday, I met up with my grandpa for lunch at Via Mare. While waiting for our food, I knitted and drank some beer with my original drinking buddy. 

It was a beautiful day for catching-up.  

I had coffee to complete my lovely lunch of roasted vegetable rigatoni.  

I then walked to buy some things afterwards.  

I ended up at Dreams Yarnshoppe where I stocked up on some balls of yarn and a pair of metal 6mm circular knitting needles.  

I indulged in my passions for food and knitting in one day. I was also able to spend time with the family, and it was great to knit while doing so. Every now and then, I suggest that you also make time for the things that matter, and the people who lift you up. You will definitely appreciate your life more once you have spent time with those that  give your life meaning. 

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! 

Beer and Knitting

I recently took up freestyle knitting, and yesterday, I brought my yarn and needles to Cibo. I ordered beer and truffle pasta. While waiting for my lunch, I knitted mindlessly, as I mindfully processed my thoughts. 

I was lost in my thoughts when my pasta was brought to my table. Knitting has become my therapy because I get to think, reflect, and relax. It is also a convenient craft to take with me wherever I need to be.  

My truffle pasta and beer lunch was superb!

After lunch, I went to The Craft Central to purchase a couple more yarns and a pack of stitch markers. 

They also had this crafting nook that they use for workshops. Since the shop did not have anything planned for that day, I knitted on their table while listening to their Ed Sheeran playlist. 

That was a quietly fun day. I look forward to knitting in more places.