Yesterday, I watched Hello World, an anime film. It was showing at Cinema Centenario, a microcinema that I frequent at Maginhawa. I don’t usually like anime, but this one was enjoyable! I highly recommend it.
I had early dinner at Steakfix after the movie. Their chicken steak was very good!
Spending my day at the street where I finished high school was therapeutic. I look forward to more slow days here, so I can recharge and be reminded of how fun it is to be young.
Movie Afternoon
Yesterday, I watched a movie at the UP Cine Adarna’s Videotheque.
I watched Above the Clouds starring the late Pepe Smith.
It was a sunny day, and I felt inspired to take some photos.
I also had Rodic’s tapsilog for late lunch.
I did a bit of walking around the oval.
Then, I dropped by St. Clare to pray for my dad and my other intercessions.
I bought my favorite breakfast smoothie from Go! Salads for dinner.
I ended my day with Ulan, directed by Irene Emma Villamor at Cinema Centenario. I love this microcinema because it feels like home- I even have a favorite seat (G5). I find myself here whenever I want to unwind and think things through.
Films help me see things in a different perspective. Spending my free time at green spaces like UP Diliman is inspiring, and I feel energized with local film and trees.
Here’s to more simple joys with a dash of prayer and tapsilog!
Meet and Watch
Yesterday, I had meetings at both Megamall and BGC. To save time and energy, I opted to take the MRT and BGC bus. It saved me heaps of time, and I still felt relaxed by the time I arrived at BGC.
Both meetings were productive, but I was especially proud of myself during the BGC meeting because I was able to share more insights about this blog and how it influences me to curate my lifestyle on-the-go. Usually, it’s the other way around, but my previous experiences give me the creativity to explore more and make the most out of life. Sharing my life here on my humble home on the interwebs pushes me to live more with less.
I had sizzling burger steak with egg at the food court for dinner. This was my favorite lunch during my Miriam grade school days, so I eat this whenever I can for nostalgia.
Lastly, I watched Pansamantagal at Cinema Centenario. It was a funny movie on living life as if it were your last and not minding other people’s opinions. I highly recommend it!
Life is too short. Make the most out of your time here on earth. Share what motivates you to inspire others. And watch movies with a heart. We are only here pansamantagal (for the meantime).
Purposeful Saturday
Yesterday, I attended a meeting for a brand that I have been supporting for many years now. It was fun to interact with other ladies who also advocate for the brand. I can’t wait to see how our ideas can translate to better marketing strategies for this brand, and I certainly look forward to more collaborations with this brand in the future on an advocate basis.
The meeting surprised me, because I realized that I have so many ideas to contribute and share. I am truly passionate about this brand because it gives back to communities that need work. It empowers people through dignified wages. And as both a core advocate and an end user, I am happy to help them improve by sharing my expertise.
After my fruitful meeting, I went to Barkin’ Blends to spend time with their friendly resident doggos.
It warms my heart that my favorite doggo, Ella, is always this excited to welcome me to the cafe.
Spending time with her and the other doggos is priceless, and the comfort they bring is second to none.
For dinner, I had Tapa King, which is a favorite from my childhood.
I also had a cookies and cream frappe from Farron Cafe. It was delicious!
And before going home, I watched The Girl in the Orange Dress at Cinema Centenario. It always feels like home for me in this microcinema. I have a favorite seat there (G5!), and it’s the best way to end a productive day.
I’ll always support brands that promote goodness and purposeful living in my own way. And in the course of my journey, I’ll find ways to unwind by spending time with dogs and supporting local films. Here’s to more purposeful Saturdays!
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.
Hospital Life
My dad is in the hospital again, and I was on-call to help with errands and tasks for my family.
I crocheted in the hospital room.
I ate my packed lunch, which was chicken pot pie (a Christmas gift from a family friend).
I bought some washable cotton face masks as I’ll need to wear them whenever I’m with my dad moving forward.
I finished crocheting the cowl!
Then, I visited Cinema Centenario to watch Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus. The film’s lead actress, Iana Bernardez, was amazing!
Whenever I am sad, I always go to Maginhawa for a film or some comfort food. I’m glad I finished my cowl, watched a film, and got home feeling better.
Here’s to staying strong amidst struggles!
Film and Sense
I have been taking care of a sick family member for the time being. It can be stressful, so I make sure that I take breaks every now and then.
I frequent the hospital chapel for some silence in the middle of the day.
I also knit to keep myself calm and cheerful.
I also continue to watch films! The other night, I caught the showing of Tanabata’s Wife at UP Film.
It was beautifully shot and acted. Mai Fanglayan, who won Best Actress at the Tofarm Film Festival for the title role, was there for a short Q&A session.
Everyone in the audience receives button pins. It was a fun screening at UP, as always.
I bought vanilla milk tea from Moonleaf Maginhawa after the screening. I was preparing for two more movies that night.
I love the Christmas vibe at the cafe!
I continued my movie marathon at Cinema Centenario. My second film for that night was On Your Wedding Day. It was a funny, light feature.
My third and last film for the night was Liway. Glaiza de Castro was amazing as a rebel mom. She also sang Pagbabalik well. Overall, it was heartbreaking film with a wonderful ending. I ended up crying while enjoying my dinner.
I ate mt Tornado Peri-Peri chicken to-go. It was delicious! It was the perfect companion to Liway.
If you also love films, go for a marathon at your local micro cinemas! Support your local restaurants and cafes too. And don’t forget to clean as you go, especially since micro cinemas are usually kept clean by the owners themselves. Be a good cinephile and do yourself a favor by watching the latest features today.
Film, Self-Love, and Friendship
Last Thursday, I spent the afternoon doing things I love. I got a haircut from a new salon and I was satisfied with it! Trying out new salons fascinate me because I want to know where I can get the best care for my pixie. The latest one seems fabulous!
After my haircut, I proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Deadma Walking.
It was hilarious! Joross Gamboa is my all-time favorite straight-actor-who-plays-gay-roles. He was amazing here. I am a babaeng bakla (girl who has a happy and gay sense of humor) so this movie truly resonated with me.
I had to have a couple of photos taken by the Cinema Centenario signage because a) new haircut, b) new dress, and c) LOL movie.
Then, I had late lunch at Bonchon for a Bibimbowl.
I also finished Day 21 of this book after my meal. Yay!
I also did some grocery shopping. The supermarket is a therapeutic place for me. I enjoy looking at different food items and toiletries. I bought this month’s needs (read: mostly hot chocolate and coffee because, priorities).
Before I knew it, it was already time to meet my BFF Jay for dinner and chika (catching-up).
It was our first time to try Botejyu. I had an okonomiyaki.
And this was Jay’s sukiyaki.
Everything was delicious!
We then had dessert and I had to snap this pic of some pretty tiles we saw.
I am thankful for my day of pampering, film appreciation, and catching up with my best friend. I look forward to more happy days this year! After all, there is still a lot to look forward to this 2018.
Sakaling Hindi Makarating 2018
Last Saturday night, I watched Sakaling Hindi Makarating by Ice Idanan at Cinema Centenario. I have previously been to this microcinema at Maginhawa, and of course, it was perfect to view one of my favorite local films in my new hangout.
I first watched SHM back in 2016, during its gala screening at Shangri-La Plaza. I was fresh from a breakup then, so the movie resonated with me. I watched it for the second time last year during its nationwide commercial release, and back then, I was in a relationship so the movie had a different feel for me. This time around, it is already 2018. I am single once more and I am determined to be happy by myself. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to be with someone soon. But it is also important to realize that happiness begins with myself.
SHM in 2018 was the ultimate reminder to self that a breakup is not the end of the world, but the beginning of a newfound love.
This love is for myself, which is dedicated to pursuing new experiences. I will no longer dwell on the heartbreak. Rather, I would rather focus on moving forward with a zest for life and adventure.
After the screening, the director Ice Idanan had a forum to answer questions regarding her movie. I learned that the film was inspired by her own heartbreak many years ago. As I am also healing from my own breakup, I am finding the will to live from fitness and mindfulness. Hopefully, I can emulate Ice and create something wonderful too as I trust the process of recovery.
Watching this movie for the third time has made me realize that love is a journey which begins and ends with myself. If I will fall in love again, I will be able to share this love. As long as I continue loving myself, I will be fulfilled. Finding myself is a lot of BS because I have already found the secret to happiness. It is up to me to sustain it and pay it forward.
Microcinema Time
I have previously shared about my fascination with film and indie movies. I enjoy watching movies alone to destress and gain more empathy. I have learned from experience that film is more than just an escape from reality. It is a burgeoning art form which reflects our culture and history, as well as the direction that our society at large is taking. Thus, it was a real treat to discover that Cinema Centenario is now open at Maginhawa, my favourite street for food and indie culture. My first movie in the microcinema was Ang Larawan, which did not disappoint! It was a beautiful and moving musical, and I highly recommend it.
Cinema Centenario has an inclusive restroom, which is clean and is the first of its kind which I have encountered in Manila. They have film merchandise, snacks, Sagada coffee, and an affordable ticket price of Php200. They also have comfortable, elevated seats which is important in a microcinema as it shows that the management really cares that their viewers are able to watch movies in a conducive environment. Their sound system is also commendable. My experience was totally rad and I will definitely be a regular.
If you like indie films, small businesses, and quality experiences within your reach, do check out Cinema Centenario. You won’t be disappointed!
