Buscalan 2021

Meeting Apo Whang-Od!

I was inked by the Last Mambabatok and the oldest living tattoo artist in the world, Apo Whang-Od! I made the trek to Buscalan, Kalinga to see the tattoo village and meet the But But tribe whose tattoos are now famous around the world. It was a pleasure to see nature first-hand since the pandemic started. Oh yeah, this also marks my first time to travel during Corona times.

I was first inked by Apo’s apprentice Grace in Manila. I was able to see Grace again, and I was able to give her a shawl that I crocheted myself. Seeing her village is the highlight of my pandemic era.

With Grace, Apo Whang-Od’s grandniece and apprentice

My Buscalan experience was made sweeter with unlimited coffee and peace. I left the mountain with a lighter and more grateful heart.

To book your own tour to Buscalan and get inked yourself, visit Bahaghari Tours! I am happy that I trekked to Buscalan. It is one of the best memories of my life.

Manilakad

Yesterday, I joined the Manilakad walking tour. The experience covers Quiapo, Intramuros, and Binondo. Our tour guide, JP Ordono, has grown an organic following on Facebook based on his popular tours around Manila. His fast-paced walking tours have been known to be engaging and entertaining, and it certainly did not disappoint!

According to JP, “the objective of this tour is to prove that Manila is a safe place to walk in. It is also rich in history and culture”.

His wife Pura helps him with his tours and keeps everyone in the group together

Our tour began at San Sebastian Church, which I first toured a couple of years ago.

San Sebastian is the only gothic church in the country

It is especially beautiful when all the chandeliers are on

The church is undergoing an extensive restoration

The tour commences in front of the church

Our group was comprised of different folks who were united by our love for history and culture.

The group is a varied group of people

We all appreciated the old houses along San Sebastian Street, which used to be an elite area.

The former Monaco Consulate proudly strands along San Sebastian Street

The house remains beautiful despite its ruined state

The side of San Sebastian braves the electric wires of the modern times

Despite the challenges of dilapidation and modernity, the street remains to be a poetic souvenir from a bygone era.

San Sebastian Street is dotted with charming old homes

A few steps away is the University of the East (UE) which was my late father’s alma mater. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and commuted to this uni from his hometown of Malabon (and back) everyday.

The University of the East is the author’s late father’s alma mater

Manila is still festively lit for the holidays

Isko keeps Manila clean

Right beside UE is the Youniversity Suites, the retrofitted Laperal Apartments. It is now a hip dorm, food court, and mini mall.

The pun-ny name is evident of the crowd it caters to

The Youniversity Suites is a hip dorm and food court at University Belt.

Some of our groupmates had merienda at Binondo Lumpia House to prepare for our three-hour tour.

Binondo Lumpia House inside Youniversity Suites is known for their fresh lumpia

Manila continues to surprise with lovely details amidst its grittiness

We also passed by Bilibid Viejo, where a prison used to stand. Old houses such as this one still dot the street.

Bilibid Viejo is known to a bygone prison and its old residences

It is also known for the Pagoda Mansion, which is a distinct property in the area of esteros and colonial architecture.

The Pagoda Mansion continues to survive the modern times

This mini Nazarene inspires e faithful to continue praying

I was particularly glad to find this mini Nazarene chapel. I am a devotee of Jesus the Nazarene, and it was an honor to pray in front of this statue.

The author, herself a Nazarene devotee, prays in front of this statue of Jesus

Interestingly, the Pagoda Mansion is still visible from a few blocks away.

The Pagoda Mansion or the Ocampo Mansion, is still seen from a few blocks away

Since it was subdivided decades ago, the mansion’s extended property has since been owned by different people. However, intricate details of the original property can still be seen today.

The Pagoda or Ocampo Mansion’s extended property has since been subdivided, but its grand details are still visible

The author enjoys a light moment at the Ocampo Mansion

We passed by Hidalgo Street, where a tranvia used to pass through. It also used to be a wealthy street back in the day.

Old and new blend together at Hidalgo Street

The Paterno house is still evident of the owners’ wealth

The beautiful Padilla house is now an art gallery

No visit to Hidalgo Street is complete without a visit to Bakerite, where the tasty loaf bread was invented.

Bakerite is the home to the famous tasty bread

The author buys tasty bread to enjoy at home

Some houses along Hidalgo Street contain a courtyard

This 7-Eleven is the site of the original UP College of Fine Arts

The former Manuel L. Quezon University is still beautiful

Another home with a courtyard

This property is now home to many renters

Hidalgo Street is also home to the old Araneta mansion, which is now a parochial school.

The Nazarene Catholic School stands on the site of the original Araneta Mansion

The Aranetas originally owned this home

Ruins cannot reduce the beauty of old homes along Hidalgo Street

The tranvia line used to pass through this very street

At present, Hidalgo Street is home to apartment dwellers and Manileños.

Filipinos are really pun-ny

We then rode the jeepney to our next stop.

The author onboard a jeepney to the tour’s next stop

The jeepney ride is also the perfect break from all that walking

Our next stop was the Manila City Hall.

The Manila City Hall is an imposing presence amidst its neighboring mall

Beside it is the Arroceros Park, the last lung of Manila.

This was also the site of the Parian, the old Chinese settlement during the Spanish colonial period.

It is a beautiful evening to explore Manila

We also got to visit the Bonifacio Monument. It is now clean and free from garbage, thanks to Mayor Isko Moreno.

The Kartilya ng Katipunan

At the Bonifacio Monument

The City Hall also has a statue of Arsenio H. Lacson, who was the mayor of Manila from 1952 to 1962.

The statue of Arsenio H. Lacson is a tribute to the late colorful mayor of Manila

I was also surprised to see these historical markers which explain the importance of Manila during the Second World War.

World War II Manila historical marker

World War II Manila Historical Marker

From there, we walked to the National Museum’s exterior.

The imposing National Museum is framed by the LRT tracks and trees

The National Museum is so pretty at night

The National Museum of Anthropology

The tour continued way into the night. This was already past 9:00PM.

The group continues their tour by the National Museum’s exterior

Manila is a city that never sleeps

Manila’s energy is electric at night

Our National Museum

The author is in awe of the lighted National Museum

The Gomburza Monument

Our group continued our tour with a brief stop at Intramuros to regroup and appreciate the legacy of the colonial period.

The Bayleaf Hotel at Intramuros

The Mapua Chapel

Puerta del Parian harkens back to the Spanish colonial heritage of the Walled City

The former site of The Philippine Herald is now a Starbucks and McDonald’s

Letran

Our group walks to Lawton

Our group makes a quick stop to Lawton, where we appreciate another monument to Andres Bonifacio

Andres Bonifacio

Right behind Bonifacio’s statue is the Manila Central Office, which I toured last year.

Manila Central Post Office

And a few steps away is the Jones Bridge. It was recently restored, and the La Madre Filipina statues are currently being moved atop the bridge’s pillars.

La Madre Filipina

The gorgeous Jones Bridge

The author at Jones Bridge

The Post Office as seen from Jones Bridge

The author enjoys the lighted Jones Bridge

Our last stop was Binondo for late dinner and drinks.

Binondo promises yummy eats and lucky charms

We were taken by our guide to Ying Ying, which is open from 7:00AM to 2:00AM. It offers delicious and value for money Chinese food.

Ying Ying offers delicious Chinese food

Ying Ying also offers rice toppings which are served fast

The author enjoys dinner with tour groupmate Maria

This does not look delicious, but their beef curry rice is delicious!

I ordered their beef curry rice and a cold one for good measure. The combo was delicious!

A cold one is always a good idea

Binondo at night

It was one of the best tours I’ve ever had, and I highly recommend it! Follow Manilakad on Facebook for upcoming tour schedules. You may also contact the tour guide JP Ordona and his wife Pura on their number +63 916 359 7888 for custom private tours.

I hope that you will also walk around Manila this 2020!

Bach vs. Beatles

It was a pleasure to attend the Bach vs. Beatles concert last November 29 at the Grand Ballroom of Seda Vertis North. I’ve been a long time fan of the Manila Symphony Orchestra, and I’ve been watching their concerts at the Ayala Museum before. To watch them near my home was a lovely experience.

My favorite Beatles song is Something, but I can easily listen to their entire catalog as I am a huge fan of the band. My late father has influenced me to appreciate their music. To this day, I still listen to them whenever I am driving or commuting.

To support the MSO, visit their website. They are truly amazing.

Lambana!

Last Wednesday night, I got to watch Lambana by Tipsy Tales at Eastwood Mall. I celebrated my reunion with my college best friend Janis with an immersive theater experience, and we weren’t disappointed!

It was my first time to encounter actors who talked to us during the show, and asked us what we wanted to do next. It was really my thing as I am a natural extrovert! I felt like I was part of the show. The characters were part of Filipino folklore, and it was totally aligned with my love for anything local. My favorite character was the duende, because she wore local textiles in her costume. Oh, and the kapre really scared me!

Here are some things to keep in mind when watching Tipsy Tales:

• You are not allowed to take pictures of the play, and lockers onsite are provided to keep your bags and gadgets safe

• They sell local publications onsite! Support local literature.

• They have three experiences: child-friendly, regular, or scary. We got the scary one, and I was blown away by the acting.

• The play can either be in English, or Filipino.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you will be walking around the huge set.

• Bring a jacket as it can be quite cold inside the theater.

• Restroom breaks are not allowed while the show is ongoing, so do your thing prior to watching the play.

• Pictures with the cast are allowed after the show. It was fun chatting with them!

I highly recommend this theater experience as it made me and Janis happy and entertained. This was so much better than watching another movie or concert. I love the whole concept and the actors were amazing. Do check out tipsytales.ph for more details!

Intramuros Sunday

Yesterday, I got to explore Intramuros in time for their open house. Most museums in the Walled City offered free entrance. I got to visit the Destileria Limtuaco Museum for the second time. I also got to drink at their tasting bar again. My favorite was their Amadeo coffee liqueur.

I also got to visit the Attic Museum. It’s a small room with trinkets from a bygone era.

Then, it was pasta for lunch at Ristorante delle Mitre. Their tre pasta di maghi was delicious and flavorful!

My last stop was Fort Santiago. Even if I frequently visit the Walled City, the fort still offers new attractions that I have never visited before. Some examples of these were this tunnel, and the baluarte facing the entrance of the fort.

My Sunday at the Walled City was eventful and full of old world charm. I will definitely be back!

Crochet Corals

I attended the a crochet workshop conducted at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the College of Saint Benilde. I enjoyed the experience, and it was a pleasure to see absolute beginners learn crochet.
We were given patterns and yarns for a sea slug and a starfish. Since the theme of the workshop was coral worlds, we were tasked to learn how to make underwater creatures.
I have used crochet as a way to de-stress and unwind. Attending events related to the craft has enabled me to meet new friends and also appreciate the craft more.

Here’s to more opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow crocheters, and learning more tricks to improve my craft!

Intramuros Walk

Yesterday was day 2 of my Independence Day Intramuros solo tour. After biking through the streets of the Walled City, it was time for me to visit the historical sites on foot. 

I started with Fort Santiago.  

Since I’m a Rizal fan, a visit to his shrine never gets old. 

Then, it was back to exploring the fortress.  

The Manila Cathedral had an open house which I couldn’t resist.  

I was able to explore the choir loft, roof deck, and crypt. 

Then, I visited the Desteleria Limtuaco Museum. It was my first time there and it was an enjoyable experience!

They even have a tasting bar where one can try their house liquors for a minimal fee. 

It was also my first time at the Baluarte De San Diego. 

I also walked through and above the walls of the famed city. 

It was a treat to visit the newly-opened Museo de Intramuros.  

Bahay Tsinoy was worth going back to. Their life-sized dioramas were fascinating to learn from. 

I ended my visit with coffee at the site of Padre Burgos’ old house, which is now a convenience store.  

And the best part- I was able to hang on to a tranvia! 

Life is great, if we find places to explore and discover! Sometimes, the best ones are nearby. We just have to show up and appreciate the opportunity to learn from historical places. 

Here’s to more walks along streets that have stories to tell! 

Manila Fame 2019

Yesterday, I woke up to a postcard sent by my good friend Nurai. She’s based in Germany, but she posted this from Spain while she was on holiday. 

It was the ideal preview to my artistic day ahead. I rode the LRT 1 and hailed a tuktuk to take me directly to the World Trade Center. 

I went to the Manila Fame to immerse myself in Filipino artistry. My short visit last Friday was too brief, and I really wanted to spend more time at the fair. 

I started my visit with some refreshing liquer de calamansi. 

Then, I had some good coffee.  

I dropped by the Handcrafted by Harl’s booth because I love their advocacy in supporting differently-abled artisans. I bought a handbag from them last year, and it’s still serving me well. 

I joined a leather-crafting workshop for only Php50. I made a leather coin purse with the help of their talented deaf-mute artisans. 

I ended up being the empowered one because I learned a new skill and got to learn from a differently-asked person.  

It was lovely to see fashion influencer Lolaandrogynous at the fair! I totally dig her style. 

I also bought small trinkets from another social enterprise, Kilus.  

I got to appreciate the finer details during this visit.  

I finally got to try 1st Colonial’s sili ice cream and it was delicious!

I had a wonderful evening at Manila Fame and I’m very proud to be Filipino.  

I ended my day with cheese sticks, so I’m also doing the same here. 

Here’s to more opportunities to be proudly Pinoy! 

Presidential Car Museum

Yesterday, I spent the day exploring my local park. But first, I began my day with a hearty brunch of gyudon and milk tea coffee (yes, it’s apparently a thing!) at a Japanese restaurant.  

Then, it was time for some culture at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was my first time at the park’s newest museum, the Presidential Car Museum. 

The imposing modern building blended nicely with the park’s existing trees.  

I was in awe of the vintage cars inside the museum.  

As a history buff, this was quite a treat! 

It was also lovely to see stamps inside the museum.  

I enjoyed my time with the presidential cars, and I was pleasantly surprised to see cute souvenirs for sale outside. 

The souvenir shop also carried NHCP publications at reasonable prices.  

For my next stop, I went to Museo ni Quezon to reacquaint myself with the founder of my city.  

I was delighted with my history trip, and it was time to have a snack. 

I chose a coconut ice drop for merienda to beat the heat. 

Coconut House inside Circle sells local products made of natural ingredients.  

Then, it was time to go home, and savor the memories from my day tour of my local park. 

Having fun doesn’t need to be expensive! Sometimes, a trip to the local park can be an educational and enjoyable experience. Hopefully, you also have nearby places where you can enjoy an afternoon of culture and history! 

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! 

Rizal Day 2018

I’m a Rizal fan, so December 30 is always a special day for me. I celebrated Rizal Day by visiting Luneta and the National Museum! Here’s a photo dump of my adventure.  

‘Til the next Rizal Day! 

Malacañang Museum Tour and Lecture

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend the lecture on  The American Imperium in the Philippines in Text and Urban Design: The 1905 Report on Proposed Improvments in Manila by Prof. Ian Morley of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. It was held at the Malacañang Museum and Library. 

I started my day with a cuppa at Starbucks.  

Then, it was time for the lecture and tour. It was my first time at the Malacañang Palace, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I also learned heaps from the lecture. Concepts like alterity and history as futurology were discussed, and I realized that how much we appreciate and value space depends on how we prioritize our well-being.  

I will let these photos speak for themselves, as I had a wonderful day. I hope that I will be able to return to Malacañang someday.  

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.  

Art Fair 2018

Art Fair Philippines is one of my favorite annual events because I am guaranteed to see works that will inspire me. This year, I visited the fair on a Friday to avoid the weekend crowd. 

I started my day with a delicious breakfast sandwich and a double-double. I was fascinated with the knit design of Tim Hortons’ cup, as it reminded me of my recent Knitting Adventure at Banaue. 

I also had some quiet time at Greenbelt Chapel. 

Before I knew it, the fair was already open for the day!

Allow me to share with you the pieces which have caught my eye. 

This cute K9 will guard the works of art!

Sublime piece by my college classmate Maxine Syjuco. 

Meeting THE Kidlat Tahimik was the highlight of my visit. He is known as the Father of Philippine Cinema. Here was his imposing work. 

I also attended a special screening of Kidlat Tahimik’s films at the roofdeck. 

I then proceeded to LTD All-Day Dining for lunch and coffee. 

I had a delicious chorizo pasta, sansrival and cappuccino. 

I had a wonderful day at the fair and I am definitely inspired to infuse whimsy and design into the everyday. 

Living Architecture Guided Tour and Talk

Last Wednesday, I joined the Living Architecture guided tour and talk on Gaudi at the UP Vargas Museum. I was curious to know how these structures integrate nature into their designs and how people keep them alive. 

I was happy to see a mix of students, professionals, and art enthusiasts. 

It was an engaging tour, where I learned that architects design structures to be living by integrating the natural environment and allow people to use it in a flowing manner. An example of which are buildings that utilize green energy, contain markets and food halls, and combine cultural centers with public spaces like skater parks amidst an arresting natural landscape. 

We then proceeded to a talk on Gaudi and his groundbreaking work, the Sagrada Familia.  

The speaker, Architect Choie Funk, discussed Gaudi’s natural influences and how she has applied them in the design elements found all-throughout his work. 

My key takeaway from this experience is that “design solves problems”, as Ms. Funk explained to us. If we can use our knowledge in design to tackle issues not just in our personal lives but in our society and environment, then the world will be a better place.

Design and structures live on as we make use of them and integrate them into our routines. I look forward to letting nature influence me more as I go about my day-to-day life. And of course, I will keep on applying design thinking to solve problems with a dose of empathy. 

Beyond Finding Myself

The days following my Banaue trip felt like a dream. I felt as if it was difficult to exist after such a beautiful trip, so I pushed myself to go to my usual venues for inspo. 

My first stop was Cinema Centenario to watch Ang Nawawala. It was a film that spoke to me, because a) my close friend from high school passed away a decade ago, b) I am currently adulting yet still living my dream of having a handmade, local-love, art-loving lifestyle, and c) the soundtrack featured the best of OPM rock from my growing-up years. 

Also, it was my first time to have a cinema all to myself. The experience was surreal (it was unplanned and it just so happened I was the only viewer for that showing). 

I personally adore how the microcinema displays film props within the premises. These suitcases were prominently featured in the film.  

The next day, I visited the Vargas Museum at UP Diliman for a walk-through of their Beyond Myself: Filipino Migrants’ Investments in Philippine Futures exhibition. 

There was a postcard table which lets visitors write to OFW participants in Hong Kong and London.  

This installation is entitled Padala. It features typical items which OFW’s send back to their relatives in the Philippines.  

This frame featured a bookshelf which an OFW has proudly saved up for. Books make her happy, and I imagine that it makes her job bearable. The Danielle Steel novel is mine and I just had to place it on the frame. 

Our walk-through was a poignant reminder that Filipino migrant workers are not robots. They have their own lives abroad. They are capable of fighting for their rights, creating art, thriving in social circles, and bringing joy into their lives.  

There was a clever part of the exhibit which resembles a videoke. It was playing the Ama Namin or the Our Father, as OFW’s make time for Sunday Mass. Some churches abroad have Filipino priests and masses, and this is a strong reminder of home. 

Here, the paintings done by some OFW artists were featured.  

This wall cleverly shows a typical apartment row where OFW’s are employed. It is a stark reminder of their existence and ingenuity to thrive in such an environment. 

We had a short talk from a visiting professor from Singapore.  

After the insightful tour and talk, I wrote a postcard for an OFW.  

I then moved on to the Living Architecture exhibition at the ground floor of the museum. 

After my museum tour, I went to a nearby mall for some bread, coffee, and a showing of The Post.  

Those days back in the city taught me that there are meaningful experiences nearby, and I can make them part of my narrative. I enjoy going to museums and watching movies because they show me a different perspective of the world. I just need to let life take me further and by trusting the process, I am learning more about myself. 

Metal Health

Last Saturday, I went on a tour at the San Sebastián Minor Basilica. As a heritage conservation advocate, I am constantly on the lookout for experiences which could enable me to witness restoration efforts first-hand. Since the church is undergoing extensive restoration, I joined the tour to help support the worthwhile endeavor. 

This beautiful church is located in Quiapo, Manila. It is the first and only all-metal building in the Philippines. 

It is important to help save the basilica as it is already a part of our history. 

I was there early, so I got to roam around the church and warmed up to my beautiful surroundings.  

I also bought merch from their souvenir tent. Proceeds from the sale of their Save San Sebastián merch go to the restoration fund.  

There was no shortage of beauty in this metal wonder. 

The lighting of the chandeliers signaled the beginning of our tour.  

We began our tour by testing out the metallic surfaces on the church. I used my souvenir magnet, and yes, the basilica really is all-metal. 

This is Ysabel. She is the one-woman restoration tour guide and tech person behind the cause.  

I opened the doors and it was fascinating to see the church with awe. 

Ysabel gave us a sense of place with vintage photographs from another era.  

All the walls, columns, and ceiling panels were painted to conceal the rivets and metal parts. This church is a beautiful masterpiece in concealment.  

The restoration is being undertaken by an international team of experts in their own fields.  

As you can see, the paintings on the wall are fading fast. 

They need to be restored using the latest techniques so that the grandeur of this basilica can be preserved and brought to life. 

Our tour continued to the choir loft, where the best view of the house could be enjoyed. 

I relaxed a bit on the pews and appreciated the majestic view. 

The gothic architecture resonated with my steampunk leanings, I must admit. 

We then proceeded to the upper levels, where the concealment ends. Here, the rivets are clearly visible, and the metal parts are bare. 

Even the hidden upper levels are filled with unexpected beauty.  

I found the upper part of the ceiling beautiful. It reminded me of a ship. 

This is a sample of the restoration undertakings.  

As you can see, rust is the enemy of a metal structure. This is why it is crucial that this gem gets restored stat.  

The dome is a piece of beauty amidst the urban skyline.  

I enjoyed this, and I highly recommend that you join one of their Saturday tours! It is a chance to appreciate history, architecture, engineering, and art all in one morning. Plus, you will help support the restoration as well. 

Join the tour, take pictures, and experience Manila as it should be- with a renewed appreciation for our rich heritage. 

National Museum of Anthropology

I visited the National Museum of Natural Anthropology in Manila the other day. I had a free afternoon, and I was eager to immerse myself in culture, local textiles, and traditions. 

I am partial to local textiles, so it was a delight to see different kinds of woven masterpieces from various regions. I was also able to see the Laguna Copperplate in person for the first time. 

I am a firm believer of experiential learning. Museums make me learn more than books or documentaries because I get to appreciate artifacts and artworks in the flesh.

As always, I took photos to document my visit. I hope that they will inspire you to also visit this beautiful museum soon. Admission is free, so bring the whole family- or go there by yourself, just like I did! It’s therapeutic. 

I hope you will appreciate local cultures and traditions too this 2018! 

Requited x Specs

Yesterday, I had another afternoon adventure at UP Diliman. This time, I watched an indie film at Cine Adarna. It was entitled Requited, starring Jake Cuenca and Anna Luna. It was a movie which was centered on biking, unsettled feelings, and longingness. I enjoyed it because it reminded me that life should be spent traveling and exploring. I hope that there will be more local films centered on the wanderlust theme. 

After the movie, I claimed my Harry Potter-style frames from Sarabia Optical inside the Shopping Center. I was happy to finally wear it and yes, the frames are incredibly lightweight and comfortable. I love them! 

I decided to have a light snack of fishballs and kikiam. Then, I bought a fresh strawberry shake from Roma and Charlie. It was a delicious snack, and I think I will be a regular at that fruit shake stall. 

A meaningful day-out does not have to be expensive. With a little planning and openness to new experiences, we can enjoy more things in life. This year, I hope that you will also have more adventures. Here’s to a life well-lived, and the will to explore more this 2018!

Friendship Goals

I ate my Sausage McMuffin with Egg al fresco.  

Then, I was pleasantly surprised to see my high school friend Luti at the oval. We had to document this through a selfie! 

I went home to freshen up and then, I proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Patay na si Hesus starring the sensational Jaclyn Jose. It was an LOL movie with a killer script. 

I enjoyed my movie so much that I had to take another brisk walk around UP.  

Before I knew it, it was time for me to meet my college friend Gretch for some street food and convo.  

She was overjoyed to eat fishballs again! 

I was also this happy during that moment.  

We ordered pancit canton.  

Pancit canton and fishballs do make an interesting pairing! 

I was craving for something new so I ordered dynamite, which has chili, ham, and mayo inside the wrapper. It was delicious!

I turned down the heat with some dirty ice cream.  

After our food coma, we proceeded to Grape Escape for some red wine and a more comfortable ambience.  

That was a lovely day. I look forward to catching up with friends like Luti and Gretch again. As cheesy as it sounds, I am lucky to achieve friendship goals these days. I think I am doing just fine.