Last night, I spent time with my Dubai-based friend Charms at Pound. We had delicious burgers and beer! I had the loco moco which was a yummy rice meal to go with my Brew Kettle beer.
Afterwards, we decided to have more drinks while watching live music at Conspiracy. It was my first time there, and definitely not my last.
It pays to have good friends to share quiet meals and live music with. I am thankful for the company and the conversation. ‘Til next time!
Yesterday was a fancy one. I had my hair and makeup done for a project which was a lot of fun to do. I am thankful to be offered opportunities that not only let me earn money, but also make me happy!
After work, I met up with my Dubai-based friend Charms for some late lunch and beers at Cafe Breton. It was a nice meal, and of course, it was lovely to catch-up with a friend.
I hope that there will be more friends to keep me company, and work to continue making me feel fancy! Life is good.
Yesterday, I had dinner with my best friend from UA&P, Janis. Seeing her for the first time last month in three years was emotional for me. I had to stop our communication after my ex asked me to to, just because he didn’t like him. It has been two years since I ended my relationship with him, and now, I know better. I will never end a friendship just because a man tells me to.
We had dinner at Salamangka, where I had delicious Engkanto beer and sweet and sour meatball. Then, we had coffee at Nitro 7 and just talked about the good times we’ve had since uni.
I look forward to spending more time with Janis moving forward.
There are better days ahead for both of us, and it’s lovely to have found each other again this time around.
Yesterday was my second one in Boracay. I enjoyed swimming in the beach and walking along the shore.
I braved the monsoon to eat the famous piri piri chicken plate at Spicebird. That was delicious!
I also went back to a Boracay Leathers to buy a coin purse. I highly recommend this store for quality handmade leather goods.
Later that night, my friend Pia took me out to have gingertinis at Aplaya. It was so good!
I can say that the island life is a relaxing break from the busy city and it was a privilege to experience it. It was also lovely to catch up with a friend. On to our next adventure!
Yesterday, I got to reconnect with my good friend Grace. She was the HR Manager in my former office. I was ecstatic to learn that she is now based on QC, so we met up at Breakfast Bin in Maginhawa.
I ordered the veggie skillet and later, we had dessert at Papa Diddi’s.
I had the coffee and cheese ice cream scoops. So good!
It was so nice to reconnect with an old friend from the past! Hopefully, this will be the start of more rekindled friendships.
Yesterday, I had the time to do some brisk walking at the UP campus.
I was able to burn some calories before my lunch at Sunnies Cafe. I got to do some crocheting before meeting with my friends.
I had a lovely lunch with my uni mentor Mitzie and her niece Maiko. It was nice to catch up with friends after my dad’s recent passing.
No visit to Sunnies Cafe is complete without some selfies in their famous washroom.
I got to buy Sunnies Face’s new Airblush after lunch.
I also got to offer eggs at St. Clare Monastery.
I bought carioca, a local street food consisting of fried sticky rice. It was a delicious afternoon snack.
Before going to bed, I brushed my teeth using this bamboo toothbrush that I bought from social enterprise Rags 2 Riches.
I know that by continuing my passions and meeting my friends from time to time, I can carry on with life after the storm.
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.
I ordered a pair of tinted specs from local optical shop Sunnies Specs. I won a pair of glasses during their Dear Sunnies Santa giveaway last December. Since my father passed away recently, I felt the need to start anew and I’ve always wanted to support Sunnies Specs after their generosity last Christmas.
I get new glasses during new beginnings. I believe that it is now my time to be stronger and more stable after my father’s passing. These new tinted specs will not only keep me looking smart, but they will also inspire me to live life more colorfully.
I’ve also been getting more sleep and it shows on my clear skin.
After claiming my specs, I went to CITEM in Pasay for my training. I am chosen to be a NAIA Services Representative for the second time. The upcoming IFEX fair will usher in foreign buyers, and it is my job to welcome and assist them at the airport.
I can’t wait to begin this three-day “modeling gig” and meet new friends.
After my meeting, I had late lunch at Echo Cafe, a sustainable social enterprise that sells natural products and healthful food.
I had their delicious banana heart burger and cafe espagnole, which is a mix of coffee and chocolate. So good!
I capped the afternoon by visiting my best friend Luti at her condo. She took this photo of me from her window.
I had my pixie trim for the month of May and a massage to relax me after a long day.
I also received this gift of semiprecious bracelets from Luti. I am eager to release negative emotions and have more energy this year!
Here’s to more colorful opportunities and blessings on this new beginning!
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!
My first event since my dad’s death was my friend Addy’s grandma’s birthday. I appreciated their invitation as I really needed a night of dinner and dancing. I had fun, and j even met new friends. With friends who got my back, I know that I will be just fine.
Yesterday was my dad’s funeral mass. We had close friends and family to stand with us during this trying time.
I am incredibly lucky to have the support I need at this time. I will not take anything for granted anymore. Life is too short. Make each minute matter.
My life right now revolves around my terminally-ill dad. Whenever I need a break, I walk around the hospital.
I buy food from nearby establishments, such as Bonchon.
I knit.
And I talk to friends, such as Bianca (kinder and grade school classmate) and her boyfriend JP.
They gave my dad this prayer card from Padre Pio Chapel in Libis.
I am grateful for friends, food, and yarn that keep me going during this tough time. With a dash of faith and a lot of prayer, I know that I got this.
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!
Yesterday, I treated my helper again to lunch. It was a holiday in the Philippines (Day of Valor), and it was just fitting to share a meal with the person who makes life easier for me and my family. She is our everyday hero, and I’m grateful that she’s in our lives.
I also had coffee with her at Starbucks because I found out that she’s never had a frappe in her entire life. It’s remarkable to share firsts with friends, and I’m happy to have been privileged to buy coffee for my helper.
Let’s continue celebrating our daily heroes who never cease to simplify our lives.
Mabuhay po kayo!
Yesterday, I had early dinner with my best friend Luti. I was feeling the stress from my violent incident at the MRT, so I was glad that she was able to make time for me.
But first, I had binatog (boiled white corn with desiccated coconut and cheese) from a street vendor. It was the best appetizer!
Luti and I chose Steakfix at Maginhawa, where we both got the Hawaiian chicken steak.
I got the chicken plate with two sidings: mucha rice and cheesy mushroom omelette. It was delicious!
For our nightcap, we had milk tea at Nomu. I got the jasmine green tea with pearls, and it was so good!
We all need friends, food, and milk tea after a long day. Thank God I have my best friend and the best food trip options close to home!
I dropped by the Destash Bash at The Craft Central Cafe yesterday. I was looking for new stud earrings, and I was not disappointed!
Maria Ceramika had accessories that spoke to me. I love handmade earrings because they perfectly complement my pixie cut. The brand is run by emerging ceramicist Aileen Viñas from UP College of Fine Arts. I’m a fan of her work and I’ll surely watch out for her brand’s growth.
I also dropped by my friend Jensen’s booth. She sold some cute trinkets at her booth. She’s my favorite Craft Central employee, and she knows all the cool handmade brands to watch out for.
There were other booths in the Destash Bash offering affordable art and home supplies.
I ended up buying a couple of ceramic studs from Maria Ceramika.
Then, I proceeded to the bazaar outside Vertis North to buy a handmade crystal necklace from local brand Made by KCA.
I already got a pair of dangling earrings from the brand at the now-defunct Wanderspace Cafe last year. This time, I selected a trio of pendants for everyday wear: aquamarine, peridot, and rose quartz.
I love my new accessories! I always choose stainless steel pieces because I have acidic skin.
Here’s the handpainted pencil case I got from Jensen and my new necklace. I love how the colors match- and how handmade continues to make me happy.
I’ll forever be a handmade fan! Do check out these brands and keep on following my blog for more local discoveries in the future.
Yesterday, I attended mass at Our Lady of Consolation Parish.
I attended the 7am mass, then I visited my late friend Diane at the columbary beneath the church.
After mass, I visited my dad in the hospital and crocheted the day away.
It is possible to combine faith, friendship, and crafting in one day! I find ways to pursue my interests even if my days can be busy and hectic. It’s all about planning and knowing which materials to bring with me.
Life is too short to be bored!
Yesterday, I dropped by UP to quickly print some documents for jobhunting.
Then, I met up with my college mentor Mitzie for some Thai noodle soup at Sen Lek.
We later had bubble coffee at Kape Tayo. It was good!
We then parted ways and I proceeded to Binondo for a meeting. But first, I passed by Escolta to admire the heritage buildings there.
I had an insightful meeting. I went home and received snail mail from The Pink Sisters Convent.
I also got my yarn orders from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.
And finally, I received a postcard from my good friend Nurai, who was on holiday at Cappadocia.
I am very lucky to have few but well-meaning friends. I even have sisters who constantly pray for me. And I have a mentor who still advises me to this day. Here’s to a wiser adulthood and better decisions ahead.
I received a care package from my college friend Alexis the other day. It contained goodies from her recent trip to Japan. I squealed in delight when I opened the bag, because they contained stuff in my favorite color palette!
I am thankful to have few but genuine friends in my life. We may not have much at the moment as we are prioritizing the medication for my dad’s terminal illness, but I have priceless friendships that keep me going.
Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend of mine at Sunnies Cafe. I had the caramelized spam bowl and a cold one.
I had fun with their neon-lit washroom.
And we went to Kape Tayo for some coffee. It was really good!
I had a lovely lunch and coffee break with an old friend. I also got to knit.
May the rest of my 2019 be just as memorable.
