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).

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.  

Film, Faith, and Food

Yesterday, I finally got to watch Elise starring Enchong Dee and Janine Gutierrez. I went to Cinema ‘76 to see this film, and it was beautiful! It was moving and funny. I also can’t get over the costumes. Local movies truly surprise me. I will continue to support the local film industry by watching masterpieces in theaters, especially microcinemas. 

Then, it was off to St. Joseph’s Shrine for me to pray for my personal intentions. I will let him worry about my needs while he sleeps. 

Of course, I had to eat before going home, and this burger steak with egg did not disappoint.  

I have simple wants and needs. I enjoy watching movies, praying at solemn churches, and eating comfort food. Life is a beautiful journey, and I’m glad that you’re reading my story.  

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!

I Am Enough

Yesterday, I continued journaling using the prompts from Abbey Sy’s book Always Be Creating which I have started last Saturday. I also shared some of my journaling using the book last Sunday, and it was empowering to both finish the book and realize these powerful reflections. 

Turns out, my power word is enough. I can’t wait to fulfill all the plans and opportunities that are waiting for me this 2019, and yes, I will always keep in mind that I am enough. 

After journaling, I had brunch at Falafel Yo at SM North Annex. It was delicious and filling! I really am a falafel fan to begin with, so eating this sandwich was a guiltless treat that made me smile. 

I also have a thing for floors, and I couldn’t resist their pretty tiles.  

Later, I bought a leather mini makeup bag to store my tiny essentials inside my handbag. I also used the 15% discount voucher that I received from donating clothes the other day at H&M. 

Then, I prayed at St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas. I prayed for my terminally-ill dad, my mom, and for myself- that I will have a good job, a kind boss, more opportunities this year, and a great relationship. 

I dropped by Anonas gem Baker’s Garden to buy bread for snack. 

This is my favorite spot at Anonas: where the sky meets the train station, the church, and the microcinema. 

I finally got to watch Kung Paano Siya Nawala at Cinema ‘76 and it was worth the commute! It was light and entertaining. I also liked that they featured one of my favorite charities, PAWS! 

My thing for floors continues. 

I ended my day with a hearty dinner: a steaming hot bowl of malunggay noodle soup with mushroom balls. Yum! 

I work hard, I pray hard, and I eat right. Here’s to the best year of my life! After all, I am enough.  

Training Day

Yesterday was a gorgeous day to drive and run some errands.  

After accomplishing some important morning tasks, I had breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee.

Then, I took a train to Cinema ‘76 to watch a movie. 

Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa was a moving love story between two people who cannot be together in real life due to convention. It still remains to be one of my favorite Filipino indie films, and I love how the film celebrates commuting, music, and walking while thinking introspectively.

I ended my me-time with some prayer and thanksgiving at St. Joseph’s Shrine, then I ran some more errands. 

I am grateful for people who care for me and check on me. Thank you for following my journey! I am taking care of myself so that I can also watch over my family and ensure that they receive the care that they deserve. 

I still have more trains to ride, movies to catch, and tests to pass. Let’s do this, 2019! 

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!

Piece of my Heart

Yesterday, I visited a micro cinema, some churches, and a dog cafe. I also did a good deed.

My first stop was St. Joseph Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Then, I went to Cinema ‘76 across the street.  

I watched Hintayan ng Langit while knitting my new scarf and I loved every minute of it! It was funny and dramatic. And I can’t get over how lovely sets are! As always, Gina Pareño was a gem. I highly recommend this film!

I trooped to St. Clare to continue praying for my intentions.  

Then, I went to Mendiola...

...to pray at St. Jude.  

I also donated blood at the Red Cross bus which is there on all Thursdays of December. December 13, 2017 was when I had a memorable date with a guy I know, but things didn’t work out between us. While he’s still one of my best friends, we don’t have feelings anymore for each other. But that was still an unforgettable evening. To commemorate that night, and to remind myself that I have the power to help out in my own little way, I shared a piece of my heart- my own blood- to the Philippine Red Cross. 

I ended my day with some iced tea while playing with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

I had a fun December 13, and I know that I will remember this day moving forward as the day when I shared a piece of my heart. Here’s to more warm, fuzzy memories ahead!

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. 

Second Time Around

Yesterday was all about seeing things the second time around. 

I started my day with a workout, and I was happy to finally see my abs again.  

Then, I had burger steak from Tropical Hut and a mango cheesecake blizzard from Dairy Queen for breakfast. 

I then proceeded to Cinema ‘76, a microcinema at Anonas, to watch Goyo for the second time. 

I chose to watch it in a microcinema because I wanted to experience the film in a unique setting. 

I also knew that Cinema ‘76 sold movie merch, so I got myself a shirt with all of Goyo’s battles on it.  

The small theater had beautiful sound and a cozy ambience. I enjoyed my viewing experience, and I will definitely be back! 

I also had a striking view of St. Joseph’s Shrine in front of the theater.  

It was remarkable how a couple of steps could adjust my perspective and present a wider range of the metropolis.  

I saw myself in Goyo, and I must say that after watching the movie twice, I will choose my battles more wisely in order to have better chances of winning in life. On to better opportunities from now on! 

I visited St. Clare, as is my custom every week, to offer eggs and pray for my intentions.  

And for the second time in a day, I had burger steak. This time, it was the bistek burger steak at Jollibee. It was delicious!

My last stop for the day was Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. I had the cafe all to myself as they just celebrated their anniversary weekend. As always, I had a relaxing time chilling out with the dogs over milk tea. 

I have a second chance at life after overcoming recent challenges. I know that it isn’t easy, so I am taking it one step at a time. Watching a moving film twice and cuddling my favorite dogs definitely helped frame things better. I am confident that with continuous discernment and prayer, I will always manage to keep my head above water.  

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!