Friday No. 1

I was able to hear mass at 5:00 AM yesterday at the famous Quiapo Church in Manila. I was able to give thanks for a successful 2019, and I prayed for more blessings to come in 2020.

Quiapo Church is lively at 5:00 AM

The church was filled with people as the Translacion is nearing. It is the upcoming procession of the Black Nazarene, which will happen next Friday.

The festive vibe anticipates the upcoming Translacion

As it was also the first Friday of the year (and the decade), the church was packed. I was able to hear mass outside the church, and I followed the liturgical ceremony from a large screen. This however did not ruin the mass for me, and the atmosphere was still solemn.

The author poses by the famous minor basilica

Quiapo Church continues to be a relevant place of worship for the faithful

After mass, I ate breakfast at Jollibee, where I got to watch the next mass from the best seat in the house!

The best seat in the house

The author enjoys sunrise while eating breakfast

It was inspiring to see the sea of devotees from three stories up.

Quiapo Church is filled with devotees at sunrise

I am proud to have the time for my faith, and the courage to venture out into crowded churches for the sake of thanksgiving and worship. I hope that the new year will be prosperous for me and my family, and that it will bring forth many opportunities for my career.

May God bless us all!

The festively-lit Church looks gorgeous at sunrise

In_Pact Asia 2019

I was fortunate to be a delegate in the In_Pact Asia 2019, a conference on inclusive impact at the Asian Development Bank. I attended because of my passion for social enterprise, which I apply to my Human Nature online dealership.   

Please support me by making a purchase on my Human Nature Online Shop!  Every purchase supports communities in need and sustains my micro enterprise. Thank you! 

I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the famed ADB cafeteria.  

The delegate wristband was cool as it was embedded with spinach seeds, which makes it grow when it is planted.  

I also got to connect with Mariel, a familiar face from my previous conferences in an educational institution. It was lovely to chat with someone from the inclusive business space.  

My key takeaways from the conference is that diversity drives businesses to foster collaboration. This will drive inclusion in the sense that no one is left behind, and ethical business decisions will help workers thrive amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Also, social enterprise is key to sustain communities and to empower women to make a difference in the age of fair trade. 

It was a privilege to attend the fireside chat that featured Human Nature’s President Anna Meloto, who shared how Human Nature empowers women (particularly mothers) to have stable careers while caring for their families. 

I got to enjoy ADB’s notable cuisine and interact with like minded individuals. Learning about industrial trends is the reason why I attend seminars and conferences. May this be the start of more productive events that allow me to share, exchange ideas, and realize my place in the bigger picture of business and social impact. 

IFEX 2019

Yesterday was the fourth and last day of my stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for CITEM. It was a productive gig, and I am thankful for the chance to serve our country by smiling and assisting VIP passengers. 

It was a privilege to hear Sunday mass at the Terminal 2 chapel. 

After mass, I ate Minute Burger’s pizza burger for brekkie. It was so good! It went well with Jollibee’s surprisingly flavorful brewed coffee. 

After airport duties, I rode a bus, train, and a tuktuk to the World Trade Center for IFEX 2019, the country’s premier food expo!

I got to eat, drink, and appreciate all the hard work I have contributed for the past four days. I am very proud to be Filipino, and it makes me happy to see all these exhibitors bring the best of Filipino cuisine to the world. 

I made sure to buy straw bags from Crafter’s Joy, a Pangasinan-based social enterprise that provides livelihood to local women weavers. 

I am excited to use these straw bags! The planter was for my mom. 

It was an honor to serve our country for the past four days, and to sample the best Filipino food and drinks at IFEX. I look forward to next year’s expo, and I hope to serve the country again in the future. 

Mabuhay! 

NAIA Work Day 1

Yesterday, I had my first day as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for the IFEX 2019 (food expo). My first time to be a NAIA rep was last April for Manila FAME. I am thankful to CITEM for the opportunity to serve our country once again and to return to work in such a unique way. 

I got my pass to assist buyers from overseas. During my downtime, I got to crochet, eat, and get to know my shift partner, Alyssa. I also got to chat with airport staff Jang who kindly helped me with my job for the next four days. 

After work, I treated our loyal helper Racquel to dinner, coffee, and a movie at UP Film. 

I enjoyed my day at work and with our helper in the movies. It was another productive day. I know that with days that are balanced such as this one, I can manage to live a good life amidst all the challenges that I recently faced. 

Picturing Happiness

I spent the weekend at my best friend Luti’s condo. Our friend Amabelle was in town (she’s based in Batangas), so we watched Netflix while catching up. 

Luti’s condo is right in the middle of the city. It’s also near a couple of malls that I frequent. 

The sunrise looks pretty from her window. 

We did some brisk walking early Sunday morning.  

I also bumped into my friend from Human Nature, Cindy. 

We had breakfast at UP’s local resto, Chocolate Kiss.  

Their tsokolate (hot chocolate) was delicious. 

So was this longganisa brekkie plate.  

We ordered cakes in honor of our late friend Diane’s birth anniversary.  

It was also a pleasant surprise to see the photo I submitted to Manila bulletin get published.  

I needed a cuppa after our heavy meal, so I got myself an iced latte from Nomu.  

It’s a well-balanced cuppa! I highly recommend it. 

Back in the condo, I was even able to do some crocheting.  

Later during the day, we went to the mall and I donated this Project Aral kit with slippers. It has become my tradition to donate kits every year. Hahahahaha  

I had yummy burger steak from Bigger Better Burgers.  

I managed to find a pretty floor. 

And I witnessed a beautiful sunset.  

I had quite a lovely weekend. Thank you Luti! 

Knitting Strong

I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father and knitted this cowl for my uncle, who’s celebrating his birthday in Europe next month. 

I used The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s choco fusion yarn to complete this project. 

I also got to attend Easter Sunday mass at the Pink Sisters Convent with my helper, Racquel.  

We had brekkie at Mushroomburger, where I was pleasantly surprised by their delicious food, coffee, and buko panda macapuno sundae.  

I met up with my paternal relatives for lunch to celebrate my uncle’s birthday in advance. I also gave my advance birthday gift to my goddaughter, Kate. I got her a curvy Barbie doll, to teach her about body inclusivity at an early age.  

I also made her fit the beanie I was knitting for her for size. 

I drove home and it was a beautiful summer day! Here’s to more sunny days where I knit myself strong.  

Summer Donation

Yesterday, I had brunch at Bon Appetea, a new all-day breakfast place at my local park. They serve milk tea, pasta, breakfast rice meals, and coffee. 

I had their Spanish sardines rice bowl with brewed coffee. It was delicious!

Then, I went to my local Red Cross chapter to donate blood. 

Donating blood is free, and it empowers me as it enables me to help save lives. To donate blood, please go to your local Red Cross chapter or hospital blood bank. Every blood donor is a hero!

I ended my morning with a selfie with the Rizal Monument at the Quezon City Hall. I’m a huge Rizal fan, and this made me giddy as it was my first time to see the statue up close. 

We had to rush my father to the hospital very early yesterday morning, so I needed a heavy brunch for a successful blood donation. I also had meetings yesterday, so my blood donation provided me with much-needed good vibes in order to be professional. 

Sharing our blessings can lead to good karma in all aspects of our lives. Donate blood, volunteer, or spend time with the needy. Summer is meant to spread sunshine with those who need it most.  

Fueling Women

Yesterday, I started my day with some toasted longganisa and hot chocolate at Breakfast Bin.  

Then, I checked out some exhibitions at the Ayala Museum. 

I especially liked their Women and War exhibit. 

After running some errands, I got myself some pares and siomai from Kanto Pares. Yum! 

As a woman, I prioritize self-care because the most important person in my story is me. Seeing empowering exhibits and eating yummy food are just two ways to fuel myself. Happy International Women’s Day! 

Farm Saturday

Yesterday, I visited the GK Enchanted Farm with fellow Human Nature Core Advocates for a tour and immersion. This was my sixth visit to the farm. My previous tours were as a social business camper and with friends. Now, I am back as a core advocate with my own Human Nature Online Shop.  

But first I needed to fuel up at McDonald’s.  

We met up at the Human Nature Flagship Store.  

We were also given some nibbles by a fellow core advocate.  

Then, it was time for our journey!

We reached the farm at around 9:30am, and we started the tour.  

Our bubbly tour guide, Gelai, is a graduate of the SEED School. She speaks French, English, and Filipino!

I had a wonderful day of touring the farm, it’s various social enterprises, and of course, enjoying the delicious bounty of the earth!  

It was time for our ride back to the city.  

And before going home, I enjoyed an early dinner of toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin. 

I needed the farm tour to realign myself with my values and to appreciate life more. I am proud to see the farm grow, and to be in the company of kindhearted friends.

Here’s to more goodness and opportunities!

Art Fair 2019

Yesterday, I woke up early and rode the P2P to Makati. 

I had a tasty danggit brekkie and barako coffee.  

Then, it was time for me to explore Art Fair Philippines 2019.  

I had a wonderful time and here are some of my favorites.

See you again next year, Art Fair! 

5th BIRLA Breakfast Forum

Yesterday, I attended the 5th BIRLA Breakfast Forum at the AIM. I woke up early to commute from Quezon City, and I must say that it was worth it.  

AIM hosts insightful conferences and seminars to the public, and I always attend them whenever I’m free.  

Being in a classroom is also fun, and I enjoy asking questions to noted professionals.  

I knitted before yesterday’s forum began.  

And I enjoyed the session as it was all about Jewelmer, a company that I believe in. I purchased a pendant from them during my first year of working in 2009, and I am impressed that the company’s principals has instilled corporate values to its second generation family managers employees. 

I have learned that to overcome international borders, one must take advantage of technology,  social media to entice millennials, and still host events for the primary market in order to not alienate them. I am truly thankful to have been invited to this forum, and I’m sure that I can apply all my learnings to my future job. 

1995

Yesterday, I went to UP Cine Adarna to go back to 1995. I was nine years old during that time, so I indulged on a childhood treat: bicho-bicho right outside the film center.  

Then, I watched Sana Maulit Muli starring Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach. 

It was released in 1995. It was a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s. Plus, it was a treat to watch a young Lea Salonga onscreen. 

I had a lovely time, and I proceeded to some self-care at a spa. 

I had early dinner at Breakfast Bin, where I had the delicious veggie skillet. 

For dessert, I had matcha and banana ice cream scoops from Papa Diddi’s. 

By the time I got home, I was inspired to finish knitting this cowl using yarn I bought from Rosario, Pasig. 

It was time to continue knitting, so I chose a ball of Mandala Yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I carried on from there. 

Sometimes, we need a trip back in time to appreciate the present more. I look forward to enjoying more vintage films in the future to inspire me to cherish my time.  

Midnight Burrito

The other night, I decided to go on a burrito run beyond midnight.  

I was starving, so I opted to have an old fave from my working girl days: the breakfast burrito with steak. 

Army Navy still serves an awesome burrito! It was packed with goodness, and I really got great value for my money.  

After my delicious snack, I crocheted until I fell asleep. 

It is truly a charmed existence as take care of myself while also caring for a sick family member. I find ways to have things to look forward to, such as a spontaneous late night meal or a crochet project. Life’s still beautiful.  

SWS Survey Review 2019

Yesterday, I started my day with a P2P ride to Makati.  

I bought puto from the vendor at the bus station, and it was very good!

I went to AIM for the 2019 SWS Survey Review and it was insightful. 

Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to play with my doggo buddies. 

I ended my day with some kimchi rice at the weekend bazaar near my parking space.  

I had a productive Friday which was a balance of learning, cuddling, and eating! Hopefully, I’ll receive more invitations to learning opportunities and seminars. 

Memory Lane

Yesterday was a busy one. I had a series of interviews at Makati and Ortigas, and I started with the one at Makati.  

I took the P2P to get there as the MRT was already full at 6:00 AM.  

I had taho and crocheted for a bit to perk me up.  

It was a beautiful day, and I got to walk around the city before my appointment.  

I even got to visit my old office building, RCBC Plaza. 

I had breakfast at the convenience store that I used to frequent. 

It was nostalgic because I used to buy food and coffee here during my first job.  

After my Makati interview, I went to Ortigas by train for two other interviews. But first, I dropped by my alma mater UA&P. 

I had some documents photocopied at the library. For the second time that day, I was overcome with nostalgia. 

I had lunch at the cafeteria before proceeding to my two other interviews. 

I finished early, so I still had time to visit St. Clare Monastery to pray for a job and for more blessings for me and my family. 

And for dinner, I had sizzling burger steak, which is my weakness at the food court. 

Here’s hoping that I’ll find the right opportunity for me soon, and that I’ll be able to join the workforce again. For now, I am taking care of my family and not giving up!

Training Day

Yesterday was a gorgeous day to drive and run some errands.  

After accomplishing some important morning tasks, I had breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee.

Then, I took a train to Cinema ‘76 to watch a movie. 

Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa was a moving love story between two people who cannot be together in real life due to convention. It still remains to be one of my favorite Filipino indie films, and I love how the film celebrates commuting, music, and walking while thinking introspectively.

I ended my me-time with some prayer and thanksgiving at St. Joseph’s Shrine, then I ran some more errands. 

I am grateful for people who care for me and check on me. Thank you for following my journey! I am taking care of myself so that I can also watch over my family and ensure that they receive the care that they deserve. 

I still have more trains to ride, movies to catch, and tests to pass. Let’s do this, 2019! 

Immaculate Conception Fiesta 2018

Yesterday, I joined my high school BFF Luti and her family on a roadtrip to Batangas. We visited our friend Mabs’ farm, and incidentally, their minor basilica was celebrating the feast of their patroness, the Immaculate Conception.  

We started our day with brekkie at Mc Donald’s. 

We visited the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Batangas City to celebrate the fiesta. 

It’s a stunning church which really inspires the faithful to pray and give thanks.  

We stopped over at a local store to buy barako coffee and delicacies.  

Then, it was time for lunch at Mabs’ family home! 

Our high school friend Mabs and her family are now based at Batangas City. She works at the University of Batangas. Her home is charming and cozy. We definitely enjoyed our fiesta meal! 

We also got to tour their backyard farm and even pick some produce, such as pomelo, dalandan, and kamias.

We also got to feed fruit peelings to their ducks and turkeys.  

We got to take home some fresh fruits, and as a city girl,  this was a real treat!

I ended my day with a street food dinner at UP...

 ...and mass at Parish of the Holy Sacrifice. 

I definitely had a memorable feast day, and it was more special because it was spent with friends who are family. I hope that I will experience more feast days with fun company in the future.  

Dancing to Life’s Beat

Yesterday, I got to join an Aerosports Dance-Off at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was from 6-9am. I had fun!

My friend Cyndi was also there to dance.  

I rewarded myself with some knitting...

 ...and a bowl of yummy toasted naked longganisa with talangka brown rice for breakfast. 

I also got to see the first game of the Battle of Katipunan between UP and Ateneo. 

I was sad that UP lost, so I walked around the oval to comfort myself. 

I got home to a package of yarns that I ordered from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I’m glad that I was able to combine my passions for fitness and crafting in my life! Here’s to more fit weekends and crafternoons!

September Coffee with Diane

Yesterday, I managed to wake up and show up to my workout at my local park. I know that I routinely do this, but I was able to appreciate all my efforts to stay fit when I saw the Quezon Memorial in all its glory after a week of rain. 

It was beautiful in the sunlight, and I realized that my fitness routine does not lose its value just because I had to squeeze it in between commitments of late. Effort is effort. And just like this monument, I will remain strong amidst all storms because the sun will shine again anyway.  

I had a sinful breakfast of hotdog and eggs because I always eat with abandon before visiting my late best friend. 

And so I dropped by Diane’s vault and caught her up with the latest on my life. 

I may have had a challenging week but I managed to pull myself together. I worked out and visited my late friend. Strength does not need to be manifested in heroic deeds all the time. Sometimes, it is just a matter of knowing my priorities and looking back on my best friend’s life. I am moving on knowing that Diane’s got my back, albeit on a different scale. 

ADB Transport Forum Day 3

Yesterday, I attended the last day of the Transport Forum 2018 at the ADB. I learned that people should see transport as more than just a means to go from point A to point B- it is actually the way to ensure that we are all able to show up to improve our lives and achieve sustainable development in the region. So aside from enjoying the delectable food and crocheting during the panels, I did absorb all the points presented by the speakers from the different fields in the development sector. I was fortunate to have been part of this event along with my high school friend Luane from UP Diliman. I hope to join more similar events in the future, and that I could also contribute to furthering the cause of sustainability in my own small way.