Cuddling Through 2020

I frequently visit Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe because I can’t have a dog of my own. My family is allergic to dogs, so the short-term solution is to hang out at a dog cafe.

My visit last Sunday was a real treat because my favorite dog at Sta. Lucia was at the SM North Towers branch for a limited time.

Piolo the Labrador retriever is my favorite at Sta. Lucia because he was the one who hugged me at the very moment that my father passed away.

The author cuddles to Piolo, the Labrador retriever

I realize that life is too short, and my visits to the dog cafe help me appreciate the beauty of simple moments. Aside from helping me cope with grief and stress, the dogs at Barkin’ Blends have reassured me that loyalty and love still exist in this world.

Thus, I am continuing my coffee with dog visits in 2020!

Piolo is very clingy

My original favorite is Ella the chiweenie, who still continues to hug me whenever I visit the north branch. I always make time for her, even if there are other dogs in the cafe who beg for my attention.

Nothing beats my first doggo love!

The author always hangs out with her favorite dog, Ella the chiweenie

I hope that you will also visit Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at Sta. Lucia Mall or my home base, SM North Towers. They also sell healthy homemade treats for your dogs. For more information, please visit their website.

Happy new year!

Barkmas

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has became my destination for good vibes. I have been a regular since 2014, and I have spent my Christmas breaks with their dogs for five years now. This year is no exception, as I braved the MMFF mall crowd to hug my furry faves Ella and Piolo. It is indeed a Merry Christmas with these dogs around.

You will definitely find me here even when the holidays are through! Hope you can also visit one of their two branches soon.

Sunday Barks

I spent my Sunday having coffee with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I enjoyed my afternoon and got to relax with these furbabies.
I know that I spend too much time with them, but I can’t commit to owning a pet dog. This is the responsible choice in becoming a dog lover and still getting to spend time with the puppers I love.
I can’t wait ‘til next weekend!

Simple Halloween

Yesterday was my late friend Diane’s death anniversary. I visited her vault and stuck a post-it, as per our tradition.

Then, I visited Ella for a simple Halloween celebration at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.

Celebrations don’t need to be elaborate and expensive. Sometimes, a visit to a late friend and cuddling a dog will already suffice. The most special memories are based on the mundane.

Rook Chapter

Yesterda, I spent time with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.

I also got featured on tv and online as I was reacting to the movie Isa Pa With Feelings.

And finally, I got my rook pierced by renowned body piercer Rachel of Piercings.Ravana.

I’m just focusing on the best things in life. Dogs, piercings, and movies keep me going these days. I am being kinder and more forgiving to myself. If it takes a few ear piercings to get me motivated, then so be it.
This is simply the start of better things to come!

Sunday Pupday

I spent my Sunday afternoon having coffee with dogs! I love going to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe because it is a calming place for me. I never get tired of playing with their resident dogs, who are trained to socialize with humans. They have the mildest dispositions, and they always make me feel welcome.
Do pay them a visit today!

Barkin’ Tuesday

I always enjoyed bonding with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. Being with dogs has helped me process grief after my dad’s death. Now that I am moving on, I still visit the cafe for good vibes and simply because the dogs have become close to my heart.

Please visit them if you also love dogs! You won’t regret being with these furbabies.

Barkin’ Break

Yesterday was a beautiful day to visit my favorite dog Ella and the other flufffy doggos at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

I received plenty of hugs while having coffee.  

Dogs have a calming effect on me, and I can’t wait to be back in the loving arms of these babies. 

What’s your coffee ritual? Mine involves dogs and furry hugs. Hope you also find your happy place!

Happy Monday

I had a busy Monday. I found myself at Power Plant Mall yesterday for lunch, so I brought my starving self to Shawa Wama. 

I ordered the red beet falafel rice meal with a side order of fried cauli. It was delicious!

I later proceeded to Trinoma in Quezon City for a meeting. Later for dinner, I treated myself to this beautiful chicken and pasta plate from World Chicken. This outlet in the mall never fails to please me with their flavorful chicken and generous sides. 

And before calling it a day, I spent time with my favorite dog Ella and her friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. It is always a lovely time with these fur babies who love being with humans.  

Having a good Monday is a state of mind. Even if I’m busy, I find myself eating the food that I want, knitting, and swinging by my usual dog cafe. Life is too short, so let’s make our Mondays count! 

Knots and Dogs

Yesterday was my first visit to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe since my dad’s passing. It was bittersweet because I was at their other branch when my dad passed away. I felt the healing power of dogs and their dedication is admirable. Of course, the first doggo I hugged was my favorite one, Ella.  

Later during the day, I finished crocheting the scarf I was making using one of the yarns from my Rosario Yarn Adventure. 

With dogs and crafts, I know that I will be able to carry on just fine.  

Healing and Hugs

Yesterday, I went to the St. Camillus Provincialate to attend their monthly healing mass. It was my first time to experience mass there, and my helper Racquel joined me to pray for my dad. 

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick followed shortly after the mass. I prayed for my dad and my best friend Luti. 

We had breakfast at Kopi Roti, where I got to introduce Racquel to a Singaporean brekkie of soft boiled eggs, kaya toast, and kopi. 

We also had dirty ice cream for dessert.  

I spent time with my dad in the hospital, then I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends to cuddle with the dogs there, like my favorite dog Ella. 

Church, dogs, and food keep me going. Here’s to better days ahead! 

Happy birthday Ella!

Today is Ella’s fifth birthday! Since it’s Maundy Thursday, and Barkin’ Blends is closed, I visited her a day early to give her warm cuddles. 

I also celebrated with the other dogs, such as Ella’s son Chocnut. 

Five years ago, I was scared of dogs. Everything changed when I met a little black chiweenie named Ella who taught me how to love dogs like her. Here’s to more years with her and her pack! 

Coffee with these dogs is always a good idea.  

Furry Kisses

Self-care remains to be my top priority. Amidst all the challenges that my family and I are currently facing, I find time to take a step back. I take short coffee breaks to see the bigger picture and work on my personal goals. 

One of my go-to rituals is visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I am already a regular in both of their branches. Since I was in Quezon City yesterday, I visited their SM North Towers cafe to have a cuppa with my furry friends.  

Milo the Yorkie was especially clingy to me yesterday. Of course, I also spent time with my favorite doggo, Ella the black chiweenie.  

Hugging dogs and receiving kisses from them can be therapeutic, and this dog cafe reminds me that life can be better as long as I continue to seek for my bliss. 

Fuzzy Sunday

Yesterday, I got to spend time with my tiny doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at SM North Towers.  

My favorite girl Ella was there to play and cuddle over coffee.  

After my furry coffee date, I proceeded to Anonas to visit Cinema ‘76.  

I watched Five Feet Apart, a heartbreaking film about two teenagers with Cystic Fibrosis. 

I got to pray at St. Joseph’s Shrine before going home.  

Before I knew it, I was homeward bound. I got to hug some dogs, watch a movie, and pray. I had a lovely Sunday, and I look forward to having a variation of again soon.  

Ella and Vivaldi

Yesterday, I spent time with my beloved doggo buddies at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.  

I was feeling cuddly with my favorite dog Ella.  

I received kisses from Stitch the Frenchie.  

For snack, I had the Chocnut Dinosaur froyo from Elait. This is my new favorite from this celebrated ice cream stand! It is delicious.  

Then, I commuted to the Ayala Museum for a night with the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra.  

I had coffee and knitted while listening to them play my all-time favorite classical piece: Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.  

To combat stress and fatigue, I find ways to keep myself happy. Dogs, ice cream, and classical music are just some of my preferred pastimes. Surely, I’ll find another concert to enjoy, and another afternoon with puppies. 

Forever Young

As I face many challenges with my dad being terminally-ill and my jobhunting journey, I felt that I needed a break. I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind with their friendly doggos.  

I missed my favorite dog Ella’s kisses! She’s a tiny chiweenie with a big heart.  

With Bonita, a tiny poodle. 

Chocnut and Stitch!

With Stitch. 

With Martha. 

And Happy the Pug!

I had lunch with my family at Conti’s. Their chicken roulade was delicious! 

For dessert, I had the Oreo matcha frozen yogurt from Elait.  

Then, I dropped by the Barbie birthday event at The Block. 

I’m a shameless Barbie fan. I got dolls for me and my goddaughter Kate.  

I could hardly contain my excitement with my new doll. 

My Grab car yesterday was cute! It had Doraemon seatcovers. 

Then, I dressed my new doll in her new Hello Kitty outfit.  

She’s a Made to Move Barbie, and I had fun posing her. 

There’s nothing wrong with playing with toys as an adult. Being forever young helps me manage with life’s stresses with positivity and good vibes.  

Here’s to more happy days ahead!

Barkin’ Hour

I had some time to spare after my conference at ADB the other day, so I went to my happy place- Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at SM North Towers!

I was happily greeted by my favorite dog Ella, who enthusiastically gave me kisses.  

My Barkin’ Blends visits were never sponsored. I simply love going there to de-stress and play with their doggos.  

Their tiny poodle, Coco, is also a frequent playmate.  

I can’t wait to go back! The cafe has become my sojourn from the demands of adulthood. I think this is a fabulous place to relax over a glass of lemonade or a cup of coffee. 

‘Til next time, Barkin’ Blends! 

Valentine’s 2019

Yesterday, I started Valentine’s Day by knitting while waiting for lunch to be served. My family and I had lunch at Japan Fūdo Street, and we had a lovely time! 

I had my usual order, the oyakodon. It’s delicious and flavorful.  

After lunch, I went to St. Clare Monastery to lift up my intentions and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that I continue to receive.  

Then, I continued my Valentine’s Day tradition of visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.  

I was welcomed by friendly doggos who don’t seem to mind my presence, even if I’m there almost weekly! 

Of course, I had to cuddle my favorite doggo Ella on heart’s day.  

I was also lucky to receive chocolates from the owners of Barkin’ Blends. Thank you! 

I had a soy honey refresher from Soy Yummy and I was pleased to meet a deaf employee there. I am happy that more businesses are employing special needs staff. They deserve equal opportunities in the workforce.  

I had early dinner at Falafel Yo! I was pleasantly surprised with their pita fries. They’re yummy!

Before going home, I got to listen to some acoustic love songs at the free gig inside the mall.  

I even received a free pastillas rose from the mall management. Thank you! 

I came home to a package from Lazada. My yarn bowl has arrived safely.  

It’s nicer in person, and it fits all my yarns!

I am happy with my Valentine’s Day celebration this year. I got to knit, pray, spend time with doggos, eat out, and gift myself with more crafting. Life is good, and I am so blessed. 

Stuffed Dreams

I stayed home yesterday to spend time with family. While doing so, I also crocheted using red yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I felt inspired to create using yarn that’s on-theme. 

I like surrounding myself with stuffed animals which were created by women in communities that provide them with better opportunities. My knitted dog Ella was named after my favorite dog from Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. She was knitted by a mama who also plants rice at the Ifugao province. I have traveled to the Banaue Rice Terraces last year because I was so inspired by the story of Knitting Expedition, the company that creates these knitted toys. This has since sparked my own crafting journey, and to this day, I still knit and crochet. I will forever treasure this trip. 

My crocheted unicorn is from Mayown, which is a brand that sells amigurumi dolls crocheted by underprivileged women in Manila. These dolls are designed by Leen Van Dyck, a Belgian expat who works as a teacher in an international school and also trains women to crochet so that they could provide for their families. I have joined her workshop last year, and it has also inspired me to create more! 

Lastly, my Tubbs cat doll is handmade by Pop Junk Love, a local brand that sells hand sewn dolls at indie store Commonroom. I admire the women behind this brand, whose growth I have witnessed ever since their bazaar days. I will always treasure this doll to remind me that it is possible to grow once passion is combined with hard work. 

I surround myself with these dolls to push me to continue creating and dreaming. Whenever times are challenging, it can be difficult to dream, but these dolls remind me that it is a must to continue aspiring for better days ahead. I’m sure that things will drastically improve in the coming days and weeks. All I have to do is dream, and carry on!

Risk Management Masterclass Day 3

Yesterday was the third and last day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass. 

I learned that rather than have survival hacks, we must implement systems in order to reduce or contain risks during disasters. 

After class, I went straight to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with Ella and the other resident doggos.  

And for dinner, I had binatog! 

Life is all about the systems we put in place, and the places we go to in order to live to the fullest. Let’s maximize our resources and opportunities in order to create possibilities not just for ourselves, but for others as well.