Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan: A Teen Flick in Book Form

Reading Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan by Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte felt like I was watching a movie. It was hard to believe that I was reading a work in narrative form because the prose was vividly written. I enjoyed this trippy ride, and I could definitely relate to the characters in the book.

Like Danny, Eddie, and Mary, I grew up having a rich imagination. Having lucid dreams was a staple in my life. It was fascinating to read something which resonated with me. I felt like I was chasing after an unfulfilled wish to encounter an imaginary world with characters from another dimension. To have these aswang characters converse with seemingly ordinary children gave the book a natural flow. The dialogue felt real and the author seemed to understand how teenagers speak and think. It was one of the best young adult books I have read from a Filipino author.

We all crave for an otherworldly adventure. This book was satisfying to read because I felt like I was going through the journey with Danny, Eddie, and Mary. And as someone who battled acne in my growing up years, I know that carrying skincare products with me wherever I go is not a big deal. In fact, it is a must. Kudos to the author for understanding teenage nuances like that.

It is not my first aswang novel, but it was refreshing to read a local YA book on the subject which was written well. I was thoroughly impressed. I only wish that there were more illustrations in the novel. Also, I hope that the author will come up with a sequel soon. It could be from Mary’s point of view. I bet that would be a riot.

Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan by Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte is now available!

Caffeine For Your Heart: A Review of White Mocha Americano

I have a soft spot in my heart for books written during the Covid-19 pandemic. As an author who published books during this teachable moment, I greatly empathize with the enterprising authors who chose to write their narratives during this period of uncertainty. White Mocha Americano by Anthony Shieh is no exception. It is a masterpiece written and published during the time of the pandemic. Incidentally, this is the second book published by Shieh during the pandemic. I appreciate his resilience and creativity during the pandemic. 

The novel is a love letter to the LGBTQᐩ community. There are various gay slang words peppered across the novel. I appreciate Shieh’s efforts in including the definition of these terms for everyone’s information. I also enjoyed listening to the author’s playlist, which is included in the novel via a Spotify code. It was like listening to Shieh’s creative musical influences while reading his book, and this gave it another layer of artistry.

I love coffee, so this book resonated with me as it is full of references to my favorite drink. In fact, the title itself needs no introduction. It is a beverage that was made popular by millennials, which incidentally is the generation which Shieh belongs to. And while there is no note in the novel indicating that it is partly autobiographical, I have a feeling that Shieh shares some personal experiences in this book, which adds a personal touch to the whole narrative and plot. I admire his courage for putting personal elements in the novel, such as the year he was born and the industry he belongs to. It takes chutzpah to write a deeply personal novel, and I admire the author for that.

Some metaphors may be uncomfortable to some readers though. As a woman, I was offended by a reference made to a woman who resembles a monkey. I feel that the novel could have done without a sexist reference. Other than that, I found the novel ethereal and lyrical. It deserves to be read, whether you belong to the rainbow or not.

Twisted at 25

Twisted 25th Anniversary Edition by Jessica Zafra was a source of joy. I was born in 1986, so when I was reading her column in 1994, I just realized now that I was quite precocious. Having said that, her book of articles from the 90’s was a blast from the past. It has been ages since I read the words beeper, biodata, cassette, videotape, fax, and many more. I love Jessica’s wit and sarcasm, and her sense of irony was pretty much how I learned context clues in grade school. Reading her stories again made me realize that the 90’s may sound like a faraway time, but in reality, it still remains relevant.

I am still making sense of the world we live in during the pandemic, but Jessica’s love letter to the 90’s helped me remember a simpler time when R.E.M ruled supreme and the Eraserheads (which Jessica has formerly managed) toured America. I remain to be her fan and avid reader. Her website, http://www.jessicarulestheuniverse.com/, is her writing depository, and I highly recommend it. Her writing workshop schedules are also posted there. I am planning to join her classes someday.

From Grit to Great

I recently finished reading From Grit to Great: The Journey to Becoming Asia’s Apprentice by Jonathan Yabut. I bought myself a copy of this autobiography because I have become a regular attendee of his webinars of late. By engaging with his Facebook community, I was able to polish my communication skills and interact with Jonathan himself through the Q&A rounds.

From Grit to Great has provided me with the necessary background on the person who runs one of the most popular online learning academies today. I never knew that he was a lifelong scholar and a debater like myself until I read this book. His strategies for winning The Apprentice Asia Season One can be applied not just in the office, but also during our daily interactions with our peers.

I especially enjoyed learning how he developed and strengthened his grit. He treated grit like a skill that could be harnessed through life experiences and professional growth. I am eager to apply his best practices to my own career, especially now that I am about to launch my career as a published author. Realistically speaking though, my career does not encompass the whole Asian region like Jonathan has achieved, but his life story has inspired me to dream big and never stop learning. I am confident that everyone can learn a thing or two from this autobiography.

It was one of the most readable and relatable autobiographies I have ever read. Best of all, the author donates a portion of his royalties to educational causes. I hope that these reasons will convince you to purchase your own copy here!

Become great and read more books today!

The Philippines is Not a Small Country

Every once in a while, a piece of art will stun and prod you to think about your country and its social conditions. In my case, it was the book The Philippines is Not a Small Country by Gideon Lasco.

The Palanca-award winning essayist, MD, and anthropologist has written an engaging collection of articles mostly derived from his Philippine Daily Inquirer column. His topics range from health, travel, music, video games, food, and more. What kept me reading was his delightful and vivid writing. There were some points raised in his book wherein I would agree to disagree with the author, but I still remained glued to the book because I simply found myself beaming with pride. The author has successfully highlighted key points in our history, geography, biodiversity, and culture to support his titular claim that the Philippines is indeed not a small country.

My favorite part of the book was when the author reflected on death and how we as a people approach mortality. This fragile topic is still largely taboo in our society, yet it still underscores our family ties. We practice pakikisama until our last breath. In a country which we ourselves mistakenly perceive as small, death is a huge event that is quietly observed yet audaciously taken for granted.

I recommend this book not only for its ability to restore national pride, but also because it is an enjoyable read which can transport the reader across the archipelago whilst on lockdown. With more free time at our disposal, we could use some patriotism and critical thinking to sustain us during the pandemic and beyond.

Buy The Philippines is Not a Small Country here today! I hope you will appreciate it for its capacity to inspire every Filipino to serve our country.

The Quiet Ones

I just finished reading The Quiet Ones by Glenn Diaz. It won the Palanca Grand Prize back in 2017, and I purchased it because I wanted a well-written Filipino novel that I could sink my teeth into while on lockdown. I was not disappointed

The plot revolved around Alvin, a twenty-something call center agent who worked for an American telco in the heart of Makati. Set mostly in 2008, it was filled with pop culture references from that era. I graduated from university in 2008, so the setting was relevant for me. Coincidentally, the skyscraper where Alvin and his call center officemates worked was also where my first job was located. It felt like a blast from the past, albeit with different characters who could have been my friends, classmates, and contemporaries.

I enjoyed this book because the plot became interesting when Alvin and his friends on the floor wired money from their rich telco client to a dummy account which funded their own respective accounts. It was a clandestine operation which was so illegal yet interesting given how cunning and discreet they were. While I will never do this for the life of me, I still found it engaging because of the colorful backstories of each character which later motivated them to take part in the crime. The result was a satirical, hilarious, and oftentimes relatable drama which is a result of globalization, outsourcing, and robotic call center culture.

I worked in a BPO myself, so this book resonated with me. I empathize with the characters, and I feel sad that several of our countrymen have to endure hours of irate phone calls just to escape poverty. However, I also feel renewed respect for these Filipinos who choose to work as outsourced employees in order to provide for their families. It would be better though if clandestine money wiring would only be within the confines of this novel.

I believe that this novel is required reading for BPO workers and aspirants alike. It is a slice of life take on the BPO industry and the motivations of Filipinos in entering this lucrative industry. It could either be a cautionary tale, or a fairy tale. The choice is yours.

Buy The Quiet Ones on Shopee today!

Toto and the Boys: Jackie

I just finished reading Toto and the Boys: Jackie on Wattpad. It is an English novel by Filipina author J.D. Ruiz. I enjoyed reading it as it was set in Bacolod, which is a different environment from urban Manila, where I am based and quarantined due to the Delta variant. The setting gave me the impression of a lush, green scenery where people were friendlier and more laidback.

The protagonist, Jackie, was a marketing professional who was avoiding a creepy stalker while developing a relationship with her elusive yet artistically-inclined boss. The novel is told mostly from the POV of Toto, the Beetle that Jackie and her girl friends drive. It was refreshing and humorous to read a novel from the perspective of a car. It gave the novel a fun and light twist.

Aside from the summery plot, I learned these lessons while reading Toto and the Boys:

1. Life is not predictable. Some things are better left unplanned. Enjoy the sponteneity!

2. Being creative has its perks. Think out of the box!

3. Forgiving and accepting yourself is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.

4. Find a partner who will love and accept you for who you really are.

I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy rustic settings and coming of age plots. Do check out Toto and the Boys on Wattpad now and enjoy your road trip with Jackie!

The Day She Said Goodnight

I recently finished reading The Day She Said Goodnight by Owwsic. I read this after watching this video by AnakNiRizal on her Tales of Demi YouTube channel. I was instantly hooked by the bad boy meets sick girl plot, and it was supported by solid Taglish storytelling.

The novel was memorable not just because of its appealing storyline, but because I was able to empathize with Rome, the male protagonist whose first person POV was moving and direct to the point. The storytelling may have a predictable plot, but Owwsic managed to craft one that was far from cheesy and pitiful through Rome’s POV. I liked it, and it definitely hit me hard.

I learned the following lessons from The Day She Said Goodnight:

1. Life is too short, so make each moment count

2. Love makes life more meaningful

3. Success is best achieved through hard work and healthy collaboration

I highly recommend this book if you like romance novels that will tug your heartstrings while reminding you of the meaning of life.

You may access The Day She Said Goodnight on Wattpad.

So, This Is Youth

I recently finished reading So, This is Youth on Wattpad. It was written by AnakNiRizal, who is my favorite writing teacher on YouTube. I read this novel before I turned 35, and I must say that it was filled with life lessons on growing up, learning for its own sake, and moving on.

Here are some of the lessons I have learned from reading So, This is Youth:

1. Getting older does not mean getting wiser

2. The whole point of school is to teach you how to continue learning how to learn

3. Money does not buy happiness and fulfillment, but it can be the means to pay for an education, to support worthy causes, and to invest in oneself

4. Life begins when we realize what we are made of

I recommend this novel if you are a fan of inspirational yet numerous writing. You will definitely enjoy this light yet insightful read.

You may access this complete novel on Wattpad.

The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: A Handbook for Independent Women

I just finished reading The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: A Modern Filipina’s Handbook on How to Thrive Abroad by Donna Avellana-Künzler. It was a joy to consume as it was written in the author’s humorous and tongue-in-cheek style. I appreciated that the book was divided in chapters which dealt with the essential matters on migrating to a foreign country, such as important documents and survival skills. These were balanced with light chapters on how to enjoy the expat life and making friends with different people.

Don’t get me wrong- I am not planning to move abroad anytime soon. However, I do know some female friends who are considering the big move someday. While the Internet is abound with resources on how to thrive aboard, this book uniquely targets Filipinas who want to not just integrate in another country, but to be fabulous while doing so. The book carefully lays out key strategies on making it overseas, beating homesickness, and balancing work and personal life.

Ms. Avellana-Künzler is a veteran in thriving overseas, as she has lived in three continents and wants to help Filipinas shine outside their comfort zones. She also wants to empower Filipinas by sharing her own life story so that others can learn from her wins and mistakes.

My favorite chapter was the last one, which was entitled Stay Fabulous. It helped me pinpoint what made me happy, how I reward myself, and what I would like to learn. Come to think of it, this book is not just for overseas Filipinas, but for every Filipina. This pandemic has made us all isolated to a certain extent, so conquering the outside world already feels like a major move in itself.

This book is a guide for Filipinas who want to transcend their own limits, whether its to move abroad or outside the home during Corona times.

I previously shared the press release for this book here.

The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: A Modern Filipina’s Guide on How to Thrive Abroad by Donna Avellana Künzler is available at major online book retailers Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Amazon for P750. Check www.ovfabpinay.com for announcements for book events and to get to know the author more through her blog. Be part of the #ovfabpinay Facebook community [www.facebook.com/ovfabpinay] and follow @ovfabpinay on Instagram [www.instagram.com/ovfabpinay] for more updates.

Stay safe and fabulous, everyone!

Moving abroad? New book The Overseas Fabulous Pinay is your must-read guide to your amazing new life

If you’re one of the 1 million Filipinos leaving the country every year to seek a better life abroad, you must be full of excitement for your new adventure. With the excitement comes trepidation but here’s good news: a new book is written with you in mind! The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: A Modern Filipina’s Guide on How to Thrive Abroad by Donna Avellana Künzler is the comprehensive guide for the modern and professional Filipina determined to succeed abroad.

A native of Cavite, author Avellana Künzler has spent almost 20 years abroad in a successful career in finance. Her many adventures and misadventures across the world made her want to write a guidebook that can help her fellow Pinays conquer the world like she did. The result is The Overseas Fabulous Pinay—an easy-to-read handbook jam packed with useful tips, light-hearted anecdotes, and detailed guides on moving abroad. By the end of its 130 pages, you can expect to come up with a battle plan on how to move abroad efficiently, settle in and adjust to your new work culture, beat homesickness, and ultimately to enjoy your fabulous life overseas. 

Avellana Künzler says, “Through my book, it is my goal to empower Filipina women by sharing my knowledge and years of experience of living abroad. My aim is to inspire and uplift the image of Overseas Filipina Women by being a role model to show that living abroad can be an enlightening and rewarding experience.”

This book is truly relevant for all its practical tips to not just survive abroad but to thrive as well. You will be equipped with useful information to create a fabulous life overseas—from a list of survival skills and necessary documents to compassionate advice on how to overcome homesickness and make new friends in your new home.

Critics agree! On June 3, 2020, the Nonfiction Authors Association honored The Overseas Fabulous Pinay with a GOLD AWARD in its Nonfiction Book Awards.* The official editorial review notes of the debut book of Avellana Künzler: “This is a really up-beat book that is helpful and inspiring for anyone considering moving overseas. It has lots of tips, lists and questions to consider both before and after a move.”

More than just helping professional Filipinas moving abroad, Avellana Künzler also wants to focus on uplifting Pinays here. She says, “I want to use my author platform to support my advocacies on education, women empowerment, and the promotion of Philippine indigenous products which support local communities and the well-being of Filipinos overseas.” To support this cause, part of the proceeds from the book sales of The Overseas Fabulous Pinay will be donated to the Assumption Mission Schools.

The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: A Modern Filipina’s Guide on How to Thrive Abroad by Donna Avellana Künzler is available at major online book retailers Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Amazon for P750. Check www.ovfabpinay.com for announcements for book events and to get to know the author more through her blog. Be part of the #ovfabpinay Facebook community [www.facebook.com/ovfabpinay] and follow @ovfabpinay on Instagram [www.instagram.com/ovfabpinay] for more updates.

About the Author

DONNA AVELLANA KÜNZLER was born and raised in Cavite, Philippines. An accounting degree holder and Information Technology Auditor/Consultant for most of her career, her #ovfabpinay life started in 2001 when she relocated to Singapore for work. She continued her adventures in the US (San Jose, California) and then across the pond in the UK (London) before finally ending up in Switzerland (Basel and then Zurich). She works for a Swiss global company, and is responsible for finance process governance and standardisation in the finance organization. She and her husband currently live in Zurich where she is transitioning from #ovfabpinay to #ovfabpinaymom with the recent addition of their daughter to the family. The Overseas Fabulous Pinay: A Modern Filipina’s Guide on How to Thrive Abroad is her first book.

Touring Home with Naya

We are still under enhanced community quarantine at Luzon, as the Covid-19 virus is still upon us. I am used to being out everyday, so being at home is a huge adjustment for me. I made the most of my stay so far by listening to music, crocheting, and diving straight into my unread book stash.

Mina V. Esguerra’s novel What Kind of Day satisfied my craving for a sexy yet substantial read. I read it on a lazy Sunday, with club music streaming in the background. I have been a fan of Mina’s writing since her Summit Books days. I even took one of her writing classes at the Ayala Museum a few years back. Her books may be in the romance department, but she always ensures that her female leads are strong, independent characters. I was not disappointed with this one as this theme still applies.

Naya is a tour guide who runs her own company See This Manila, while Ben is a political speechwriter who is facing challenges in his career. Both meet when Ben joins her tour by chance and discovers the city with brand new eyes. Naya is passionate about getting people to see the city differently and with a fresh perspective. This sounds like the perfect one-day getaway for a man who has been jaded with the perils of his job.

I especially liked how Naya discussed her academic background in media and film. She said that she focused on them because she was interested in “studying platforms…and studying how to use an evolving thing”. Meanwhile, Ben defines his speechwriting job as to “learn history, and write history”. These parallel contexts are ever-changing, which is interesting when juxtaposed with both characters’ perspective on failure.

Naya in particular was disenchanted with her previous job as a tourism vlogger, and has viewed failure as a journey which she creates for her tour guests in the form of unexpected itineraries. That way, her personal failure has evolved into a transformative experience for her guests.

Meanwhile, Ben has a more limited lens on failure as he has been a lawyer and successful political speechwriter for most of his career. His encounter with Naya turns out to be an influential journey to inspire him to use this time to regroup after visiting parts of the city which may seem familiar, yet offer more details than what is usually known about them.

It is interesting how Ben sees Naya’s touring business as a platform for change: “you give people a day like that. You give them a good day”. For Naya, she sees how Ben is more than just a fleeting guest, and realizes her own capacity for love and relationships. Both learn that relationships are about compromise, and that a beautiful sunset does not only happen by the Manila Bay.

This book is a gem because I found myself processing my own failures, and how I could also move on from this quarantine period once it is over. I am not in a relationship now, but I want to be the best person for my future date after the lockdown. While I am at home, I will find ways to build myself through books, music, and sharing my day on social media. It would not hurt to interact more with others, especially since I am used to being alone most of the time. Like Naya, I will also evolve and give relationships a chance after the virus dies down.

To order this book, please click here.

At Home With Kali

I just finished reading Keeping Miss Kalila by Filipino romance novelist Tara Frejas. I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) from the author herself, and I am so thankful that I signed up to be one of her advanced readers. Luzon is currently on enhanced community quarantine due to the Covid-19 virus, so I am experiencing cabin fever.

This book helped pass the time in a very good way!

Here’s the synopsis from the author:

Keeping Miss Kalila
Release date: Wednesday, April 1, 2020

With a job that she loves, an adorable senior dog, and a baby she fought hard to conceive on the way, life is going well for thirty-one-year old school teacher Kalila Rayos. That is, until her ex-boyfriend and first love, filmmaker Datu Alvez asks if they could try again.
 
Saying yes shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, she’s still also in love with him and Datu’s efforts to be there for her make her feel she truly has it all. But on top of her worries as a soon-to-be mom, a crisis that hits her school forces her to shift her priorities away from her own desires.
 
Will the one who got away be strong enough to stay, or will their second chance at love crumble and break her heart once more?

Content Warning: miscarriage (backstory), casual sexism, and verbal and physical abuse from a parent. This book follows #romanceclass guidelines requiring HEA/HFN for romance,
and is Heat Level 3 (at least one “open door” sex scene).

I liked this book because:

• The protagonist, Kalila is an empowered woman who decides for herself. She is also a teacher in a consumeristic age, which shows heart and passion for a vocation.

• The romantic interest, Datu, is actually a kind person. He does not undermine Kalila’s interests and priorities, and chooses to support her. He is also established in his own career as a filmmaker, which brings an interesting mix to their love story.

• The novel included amazing causes like early childhood education for the needy, aspin adoption, and women empowerment.

• The supporting characters are also interesting with their own careers and witty remarks.

In these trying times, we need more books to uplift and inspire. You don’t need to pick up a self-help book to feel better. Why don’t you pre-order this novel and discover fiction that drives you to be a better person along the way? Who knows, this might also be the door to meeting people and seizing better opportunities.

To pre-order this book, please click here.

Cover sent by Tara Frejas

Back to Baclaran

Wednesday is known as Baclaran Day. Devotees of Our Lady of Perpetual Help flock to Baclaran Church to pray for personal intentions and of course, to give thanks.

I went there to pray for this job that I want very much.

After spending the afternoon praying and reflecting, I proceeded to Sinirangan Coffee Shop inside the church grounds. I ordered Meal 1: a hot cuppa paired with delicious ensaymada. Perfect with my crochet project!

I ended my day with a special purchase. I got myself a one-year bible. I am finally reading the greatest bestseller of all time from cover to cover. Please wish me luck as I embark on this mission! It is my goal to deepen my faith and to live out the Gospels.

I hope to get that job soon and I look forward to visiting more churches that enrich my belief in an unseen God.

Embracing Myself

Yesterday, I began my day with some word search and a cuppa.

Then, I got my mom a birthday cake for her 60th year.

I chose Remilly’s yema cake, which was my late dad’s favorite.

Then, my mom and I went with my Ninong Oscar to MIBF. I got myself a copy of Walk Manila, which was produced by FEU. I was ecstatic to find this, as I enjoy commuting and walking around Manila.

Then, we attended the book launch of our family friend Fr. Phil Estrella. He released his book Embracing the Thorns of Our Hearts last night to a crowd of his friends and followers. It was a fun celebration of life and friendship.

Of course, my MIBF experience wouldn’t be the same without the sumptuous food. I had a bahn mi and macaroni, which were both delicious.

I ended my MIBF visit with a Star Wars crochet book.

I cannot really embrace myself, so best path to self-love is through books, food, coffee, and friends. I am well-stocked with all those, and I am truly fortunate.

Hail Mary!

Yesterday, I got to attend the launch of Mama Mary and Her Children Book Six. It was a packed event at National Bookstore Glorietta, where the book’s contributors and friends of the late Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ gathered to witness this event. I got to see faith in action during the party as one of the authors, Rowie Matti, personally welcomed me. It was quite awkward for me to be there as Fr. Reuter was a friend and mentor to my ex. We would even visit his grave at Novaliches, to pay respects and to recharge amidst the trees planted on Jesuit property. While it was a blessing to have discovered the Mama Mary book series in 2017, I had to let go of this relationship as it was no longer serving me as a person.

Since then, I focused on myself and rebuilt my faith. I was genuinely surprised when Rowie messaged me a few weeks ago to invite me to the book launch. I explained to her my hesitation, but she reassured me that she will see me there. And she told me, it’s Mama Mary’s birthday after all.

And so, armed with courage, I attended the event. My ex was not there! But Rowie, who is now my friend, was there to welcome me. So was an army of fellow Marian devotees! I received a rainbow rosary and a Divine Mercy stampita, which is bittersweet as it was my late father’s devotion.

I bought the signed copy of the book, which is a compilation of personal stories of people who were blessed through Mama Mary’s intercession. Not all of these stories can be considered miracles. Most of them in fact were about everyday breakthroughs and challenges which were overcome through prayer. In an age where technology is overtaking our lives, it is refreshing to read ordinary stories of faith, hope, and love.

I highly recommend this book, as it is a reminder for everyone that when God closes a window, He sends us his Mother to help us pass through the door He has opened.

‘Til the next book launch! Ave Maria!

Big Bad Wolf 2019

Yesterday, I ate brekkie at our neighborhood canteen. I had tortang talong (eggplant omelette) and rice. It was so good! 

Then, I had lunch at the 24-hour pop-up food court at Big Bad Wolf 2019!

I got my usual at Potdog: crab egg with rice. Yum!

It was cool to see social enterprise goods by Gawad Kalinga at the food court. 

I was excited for this year’s Big Bad Wolf as I was able to hunt some fabulous finds last year. 

The overwhelming amount of books did not faze me as I clearly knew what I wanted. 

Still, I browsed through the stacks of books and enjoyed the hours I spent at the fair.  

I stuck to my shopping list and bought three adult coloring books. I have already migrated to using ebooks, but the joy of coloring cannot be replicated by an app. I needed the real deal. 

Before leaving the fair, I dropped by the Red Readerhood booth. 

I donated two books for Gawad Kalinga kids. Of course, I had to select dog-themed books. 

I offered eggs and prayers at St. Clare to ask for miracles for my family.  

I wrapped up my day with some coffee jelly and coloring therapy at the café near home.  

Books, food, knitting, and coloring spark joy for me! I will be back for next year’s Big Bad Wolf for sure! 

Yarn and Healing

Yesterday, I had to sort out some personal challenges. After I got those out of the way, j rewarded myself with lunch at Embrace Cafe.

The cafe employs marginalized and disabled staff. I admired the staff’s positivity and excellent service, despite their circumstances. It is clear that they feel empowered at work.  

I had a delicious plate of carbonara and a cold glass of coffee jelly.  

I knitted and at the cafe for hours, so I ended up eating spaghetti for dinner there. 

Sometimes, I just need to be exposed to people who feel empowered with opportunities to know that I am also capable of improving my life. I know that I am doing my part, and with consistency, I will be one resilient woman.  

Sunday Slowdown

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family.  

We later had Chinese brunch as my dad wanted comfort food.  

Then, I packed all these stuff for my crafternoon at Makers Cafe. 

I went there to buy my minimalist stainless steel Catriona earrings. 

But I also went there to hang and knit!

I had carbonara and a long black to energize me as I craft. 

Then, I took out my copy of Always Be Creating by Abbey Sy and my journal to answer some journaling prompts from the book.  

I realized that I wanted a daily reminder of my late friend Diane, so I bought this side moon gold-filled necklace from Pulseras by Kim. 

Feeling inspired, I continued journaling using Abbey’s book. I also finished reading it in the cafe, and I no longer felt overwhelmed with my life. I realized that there is a process to pursuing my purpose and achieving my goals. And it pays to be creative in order to find beauty and meaning as I go along. 

I finished knitting my scarf. As I began crocheting a new one, I was privileged to witness the procession of the Black Nazarene. 

I packed my art bag and proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Rainbow’s Sunset. It was touching and heartwarming. 

I later had dinner at Get Greens. 

It was my first time there. Their green pesto pasta did not disappoint!

Then, I stitched my scarf together to turn it I tom an infinity one. 

I enjoyed my day at Maginhawa, and I got to do a lot!

Here’s to more crafternoons and warm memories. 

Keeping Up with 2019

Yesterday, I had another meeting. I think it turned out fine! 

After my productive morning, I had my pixie trimmed. Haircuts really have an amazing effect on my confidence, that’s why I get one each month. 

I had the Sgt. Steak salad and garlic hummus for lunch. 

Then, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with Ella and my other furry friends.  

I ended my day with a breakfast smoothie from Go! Salads. I like this place so much, I had my lunch and dinner there.

2019 is turning out to be a fruitful year for me. I am eager to keep up with this year’s challenges by looking for the right opportunities to pursue, and balancing them with my passions. 

Bring it on!