Gratefully Uncertain

Yesterday, I visited the Padre Pio Chapel at Libis, Quezon City. The pandemic may have prevented me from hearing mass and visiting the churches that I frequent, but that does not mean that my faith has diminished. In fact, the prevalence of uncertainty has enabled me to cling to my faith and believe more in an unseen God.

I prayed, purchased dinner from Cucina di Francesco (their Italian sausage pizza and carbonara are both to die for!), and reflected on the number of ways that the pandemic has humbled me. I am still grateful to be able to do the things I enjoy. I am thankful for my family, friends, and loved ones. I am happy to still be thriving. And while there is fear at times, I know that I will be able to make it through this.

I hope that you will also find the faith that can save you during these difficult times. Take care, everyone!

Jan 1 Joys

I am grateful to have the privilege of beginning the year on a high note. I celebrated the new year with mass at the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila, where I got to pray for my intentions and of course, give thanks for all the blessings that I have received.

Then, I had dinner with my family at Cibo. I started my meal with a cold one and some minestrone soup.

I also ordered my Cibo favorite, the Farfalle alla Genovese. Everything was delicious, comforting, and celebratory!

Cheers to a bountiful year ahead!

Onward

Lately, we’ve been having water interruptions in our city. We have adjusted to the schedules, and in my case, changed my lifestyle to ensure that I am able to keep up with the shortages. I make sure that I have enough water to keep myself clean and hydrated. Our household is doing its best to live with dignity amidst the status quo. 

This was why the lunch celebration we had to celebrate an uncle’s birthday yesterday was a welcome relief from the challenges we are facing. It was held in Amici, where I had this delicious plate of Spaghetti Pomodoro. I loved it, and I’ll order it again when I’m in the restaurant soon. 

Life may throw many challenges my way, but I’m strong enough to face them and keep my family afloat. They are simply tests to strengthen my faith and keep me going. For now, I will keep on hustling, fighting, and collecting enough water for the next few days and weeks. 

Yarn and Healing

Yesterday, I had to sort out some personal challenges. After I got those out of the way, j rewarded myself with lunch at Embrace Cafe.

The cafe employs marginalized and disabled staff. I admired the staff’s positivity and excellent service, despite their circumstances. It is clear that they feel empowered at work.  

I had a delicious plate of carbonara and a cold glass of coffee jelly.  

I knitted and at the cafe for hours, so I ended up eating spaghetti for dinner there. 

Sometimes, I just need to be exposed to people who feel empowered with opportunities to know that I am also capable of improving my life. I know that I am doing my part, and with consistency, I will be one resilient woman.  

Exploring Growth

Yesterday, I started my day with a pasta salad from Juju Eats. I had the Sicilian salad with pesto dressing. 

Then, I went to Vista Mall Taguig for a meeting. But first, I explored this mall as it was my first time there. 

I had a glazed donut at Bake My Day. 

It was delicious!

Then, it was time for my meeting at Coffee Project. 

I loved the floral details in their interiors. 

I had an oatmeal cookie and a tall brewed coffee (not pictured). Both were yummy and awakening! I will definitely be back at one of their branches. 

I was feeling positive on the way back to Makati. 

I stopped by Glorietta to check-out Lazy Fare, a local boutique that has been making waves on social media for their eco-friendly stance of manufacturing clothes using reclaimed fabric. 

These reclaimed fabrics were rescued from landfills and turned into everyday basics for women. 

I especially appreciate their inclusive designs which cater to different tastes and body types. 

I bought a plain gray t-shirt and pink kimono. I only paid Php200 for both!

I am currently exploring opportunities for myself this year, and beyond. I am also trying out new cafes, clothes, and places. I hope that there will be more possibilities for me this 2019! 

Social Saturday

Yesterday, I bought my personal toiletries from the Human Nature Flagship Store. I also bought some orders for my customers. For all your natural personal care needs, just buy from my Human Nature Online Store! Thank you!  

I also claimed my Dealer ID from the girls at the store.  

I finally got my own Human Nature matte lipstick too! This is much talked about as the packaging is mostly paper. Here I am in the shade Warmth.  

I indulged in some pasta for lunch at the Vertis North weekend market. 

Then, I met up with my best friend Luti for some froyo at Elait,  

I ordered their strawberry mango cheesecake froyo and it was heavenly as always! 

We also had Fried Chicken Master. 

And for dinner, I had Kimchi Project’s kimchi rice.  

Life is always better with natural products, good food, and great company! 

Risk Management Masterclass Day 2

Yesterday was the second day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass series at the Asian Institute of Management. I had the Sicilian Pasta Salad with pesto dressing at Juju Eats to kickstart my day.  

I reached my destination in a heartbeat thanks to the improving MRT.  

A case study got everyone in the Masterclass awake and in high spirits for the information that was going to be imparted to us. 

I learned that there are careers in risk management, and there is a need for people to lend their expertise in preventing mayhem from ensuing before and after each disaster. Communication also plays a key role in improving systems in place and informing the general public. 

After the class, I went to Landmark Makati to buy some essentials for my family.  

It was nostalgic as my family and I used to shop for groceries here when I was a kid.  

I also went to St. Clare Monastery to offer eggs and pray for my special intentions.  

Again, the MRT wowed me with cool AC and efficient crowd control on the way home.  

I ended my day with some Fried Chicken Master!

I am thankful for yesterday’s learning opportunity, and I look forward to the last day in the masterclass series!

Risk Management Masterclass Day 1

Yesterday, I got to attend the first day of the Masterclass Series on Disaster Risk and Crisis Management. Before commuting to Makati, I ate my usual pesto pasta salad from Juju Eats. 

It was gloomy when I reached the venue, AIM. 

The classic staircase greeted me again. 

And I was welcomed by learning. My key takeaway is that disaster risk management should start at home and it should be a personal responsibility. Some examples of these are knowing earthquake safety procedures and converting to energy-efficient appliances. 

I had a productive afternoon and it’s always fabulous in Makati.  

I knitted during the P2P ride going back to Quezon City.  

I can’t wait to learn more in the coming days at AIM!

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. 

Waking Up to Hope

Yesterday, I dropped by St. Clare to pray for my dad. I also prayed that I will have a job soon, and that I will also find someone with a good heart to date. 

I also got a Sgt. Steak salad from Go! Salads for lunch. 

I liked their chimichurri dressing and it went well with the seared steak and mushrooms!

I had Mang Cha-a iced coffee to offset the strong taste of the chimichurri. 

And for dinner, I had the meatball marinara pasta salad from Juju Eats. 

I wake up for myself, so that I can help my family during this difficult time. I need to take care of myself first by eating right and praying hard. And tomorrow, I’ll have to repeat these steps until hopefully, my dad is healed.

Here’s hoping that I’ll find more reasons to hope this 2019! 

Sunday Hugs

Yesterday was a fun one. I started the day with Sunday mass with my family. 

I crocheted while having lunch afterwards. 

I saw We Bare Bears mascots. 

And I got to cuddle my fave dogs again at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

I also saw my friend Ate Tina, who is one of the kind people behind the dog cafe.  

I ended my day with some frozen yogurt from Elait. 

As we prepare for Christmas, let us never lose sight of what matters most, such as family, friends, and fiber arts!

Sunday Breakthrough

Yesterday, I got to catch the first night of Simbang Gabi for Sunday mass.  

Then, I joined my family for my second mass of the day. 

We had lunch at Amici, and I had this delightful combo of Aglio Olio pasta and ube gelato. 

It was a good day because my dad was able to go out and have mass for the first time in months. Here’s to more breakthroughs and positive moments!

Loving QC

The other night, I decided to have mushroom bibimbap from O! Kitchen for dinner. It was delicious!

I burned it yesterday with Zumba. 

I recovered with breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

I pedaled on the stationary bike at the park.  

And I took a brisk walk around the gardens.  

I crossed Elliptical Road and found myself at the QC Public Library.  

I enjoyed reading and working on yesterday’s blog entry via the high-speed WiFi connection.  

I enjoyed my time with books and knowledge around me! 

For lunch, I had the 100 tomato pasta... 

...and the guiltless strawberry cake from Icing’s. 

I had a check-up at the hospital and I loved their groovy staircase.  

Later during the day, I dropped by the newly-opened Human Nature store at SM The Block. 

I got myself a couple of pairs of cute scissors from Books for Less.  

And I got a meaningful mirror from The Craft Central to remind me of that being happy is a choice.  

I ended my day with anticipated mass and this mango and chocolate crepe.  

I love Quezon City and I am proud of my hometown! I hope that you will also find yourself in any of the places I’ve been to, because they’re worth visiting. I am happy that there are so many affordable ways to enjoy myself in QC. I will surely miss being here everyday as I will work soon in Ortigas. But that doesn’t mean that my life will stop, just like that. I would just have to blog on the side, and maximize my weekends in order to speakoutsam! 

Father’s Day Food Coma

Yesterday, I celebrated Father’s Day with my family at Amici Technohub. Since my parents value their privacy, I do not involve them with my blog. So let me just share with you some photos I took from our food coma lunch. 

Technohub is home to ducks! They live along the stream which surrounds the property. 

It was fun to chase them around while waiting for our orders. 

We had pizza margherita...

 ...and I had creamy truffle rigatoni. The pizza is our go-to order there, while the pasta was a new dish. It was delicious! I will definitely order it again. 

I finished my lunch with cookies and cream gelato. 

Father’s day 2018 was a laid-back celebration for my family. Here’s hoping that next year, we will be blessed to have another celebration that’s worth blogging about.