Maginhawa Slowdown

Yesterday, I watched Hello World, an anime film. It was showing at Cinema Centenario, a microcinema that I frequent at Maginhawa. I don’t usually like anime, but this one was enjoyable! I highly recommend it.
I had early dinner at Steakfix after the movie. Their chicken steak was very good!
Spending my day at the street where I finished high school was therapeutic. I look forward to more slow days here, so I can recharge and be reminded of how fun it is to be young.

Library Theater

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch a movie at the Ortigas Library. 

The library was my hangout when I was still in uni, and also during my time working at a nearby mortgage management firm. Their Filipiniana books are ideal for research, and their events are worth attending. 

I enjoyed watching Birdshot  by Mikhail Red! It was a thought-provoking film about a farm girl who unwittingly kills a Philippine eagle. 

After the film, I got to view their display of Rizal books. As a fan, I’m always drawn to these books, and I hope that more academics will research on his life.  

I want to support more events and gatherings in libraries because they foster community amidst books. We can also learn more if we will visit libraries and get inspired to learn, write, and share.  

I hope that this is just the beginning of more library events to come! 

Quezon and Sarah G

I finally got to have my eyebrows professionally waxed at Benefit. People underestimate the power of good grooming, and having freshly trimmed eyebrows does wonders to my self-esteem. It made me feel alive again.  

I had some free time in the afternoon, so I watched Quezon’s Game in the cinema. I enjoyed the historical experience and I was moved by the film’s premise of Quezon saving more than a thousand Jews. It was a masterpiece that I hope more people will watch. 

Later that day, I went to the event that I was invited to: Sarah Geronimo’s concert and Pop Studio makeup line launch at the New Frontier Theater. 

I enjoyed the event because I am genuinely a Sarah Geronimo fan.  

I sipped some awesome cheese milk tea from Paper Moon prior to the event.  

Then, it was party time with the Popstar Royalty herself!

It was a fun night, which I ended by purchasing a lipstick from Sarah’s line. 

I chose a mauve shade that can go with my everyday looks.  

It was a privilege to watch a touching historical film and a concert in one day. Here’s to more days where I can have it all!

Tied Down

Yesterday, I had a difficult day as I encountered problems in the bank. I had to discuss my status quo with the manager, who didn’t seem to grasp the urgency of my situation at first. She did help me after my explanation, and I am awaiting the full resolution of the issue within the week.  

Having said that, I decided to unwind with some cheap thrills at the mall: a sizzling burger steak and iced coffee shake.  

I also got to watch Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon, which is the sequel to one of my favorite local indie films, Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa. 

It was beautifully acted and very sad.  

I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father, and I found him restrained to his bed to prevent him from removing his respirator. It was sad to see him this way, so I have to keep myself strong in the coming days.

I just have to find ways to be happy amidst the darkness of my current situation. 

Avengers, Assemble!

Yesterday, I took a break from caring for my terminally-ill dad to watch a movie. I have been getting some hate for carrying on with my life when my father is in critical condition. My family understands that I have a life and a new job soon so I can’t just stay at the hospital everyday. I can still be there for my family after work, so it’s not an issue with them. What breaks my heart is the judgement I receive from relatives and friends who think that my actions are inappropriate. My actions are no one’s business. There is no right or wrong way to deal with critical illness in the family. My life, my rules. 

This was why I pushed through with my Avengers: Endgame screening at Century City Mall. I won a ticket from the Philippine Competition Commission, and it was a real treat as tickets were already hard to come by. 

But first, I had the soyganisa rice plate from Posporo at Hole in the Wall. I also squeezed in some knitting to calm myself down after the stress in the hospital. 

I had a delicious early dinner!

Before my movie, I was able to drop by the Padre Pio Chapel at Century City to pray and reflect on my father’s suffering.  

I entrusted my dad to the Lord, and asked for Padre Pio’s intercession. I also asked for guidance as I start a new job this week. 

The movie was amazing and it was the perfect break from reality. I also had yummy popcorn.

I am thankful for opportunities and blessings at this difficult time. Thank you PCC! 

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!

Stitching Errands

Yesterday, I ran some errands with my helper. But first, I had my photo taken at the SM North Towers Art Walk. This mural was painted by Drew Europeo. 

I got to crochet and treat my helper out to lunch at a Greek restaurant, where we had healthy brown rice and quinoa bowls. 

We were in luck as there was an exhibit of relics at the Podium, with reliquaries on loan from The Reliquarium in Marikina.  

Then, we shared a big bucket of popcorn and watched Eerie, a Filipino horror film directed by Mikhail Red. It was a beautifully goth film. I highly recommend it, and yes, I survived it even if I’m not typically into the horror genre. 

Life is better if we treat our helpers like family and share meaningful experiences with them. I may blur her photo on social media for privacy reasons, but I treat her like my own blood.  

Here’s to celebrating more small wins and stitching goals! 

Film to Faith

Yesterday, I watched Jino to Mari, a Filipino indie film directed by Joselito Altarejos. It tackled poverty as a social context and the extreme choices that have to be made in order to make ends meet. Angela Cortez delivered the performance of a lifetime in this film, as she played a young mother who had to shoot a pornography film for her family. It was a heartbreaking movie that reminded me to count my blessings and appreciate the opportunities that I have. 

The movie saddened me (which was good, since that was what the director hopefully intends), so I ate the bulgogi beef rice bowl at 8Bowls Asian Kitchen. It was delicious and great value for Php99!

Later, I went to St. Clare to give thanks, pray for my intentions, and offer eggs. 

I enjoy watching indie films because they give me a glimpse of reality that commercial films don’t usually portray. Coupled with affordable but delicious food and a dash of prayer, I know that I can pursue the opportunities that are within my reach to escape the undesirable circumstances in my own life. All I have to do is act on my goals, and keep on pursuing the things that inspire me to dream.  

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).

Maria Movie Premiere

Last night, I went to UP Cine Adarna for the premiere of Maria. The night was a lovely blur, just like this photo. 

I’m all for a female-led action movie, and I’m happy that Cristine Reyes is the lead of this promising local film.  

The iconic ceiling of UP Cine Adarna is mesmerizing.  

Cristine Reyes is beautiful in her new hot pink pixie. 

I stayed for the Q&A with the cast and production crew. The movie kicked ass and I highly recommend it! 

Here’s to more female action movies and local films! 

1995

Yesterday, I went to UP Cine Adarna to go back to 1995. I was nine years old during that time, so I indulged on a childhood treat: bicho-bicho right outside the film center.  

Then, I watched Sana Maulit Muli starring Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach. 

It was released in 1995. It was a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s. Plus, it was a treat to watch a young Lea Salonga onscreen. 

I had a lovely time, and I proceeded to some self-care at a spa. 

I had early dinner at Breakfast Bin, where I had the delicious veggie skillet. 

For dessert, I had matcha and banana ice cream scoops from Papa Diddi’s. 

By the time I got home, I was inspired to finish knitting this cowl using yarn I bought from Rosario, Pasig. 

It was time to continue knitting, so I chose a ball of Mandala Yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I carried on from there. 

Sometimes, we need a trip back in time to appreciate the present more. I look forward to enjoying more vintage films in the future to inspire me to cherish my time.  

Sunday Chill

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family. 

I knitted while waiting for mass to begin.  

Then, we had lunch at Pho Hoa, and I was pleasantly surprised with their pretty floor. 

Then, I watched Alone/Together starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. As someone who hangs out and jogs at UP Diliman, I appreciated the beauty of the campus on the big screen. They even ate the street food that I love on the movie! Also, they featured the National Museum and Vargas Museum, two museums that are close to my heart. I will definitely visit those two again. And I really enjoyed watching this movie because I recalled how idealistic I was then, and that it’s never too late to pursue my dreams. I’m still young after all. 

For dinner, I had the toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice from Breakfast Bin. 

I also had ice cream from Papa Diddi’s. I had the mango cheesecake and barako coffee scoops. They were both delicious and even complemented each other. 

Sundays are best spent with both my family and by myself. I was able to knit, eat, and watch a movie. Definitely a Sunday peg for weeks to come. 

Fluffy Sunday

I spent my sunny Sunday with my favorite dog Ella at Barkin’ Blends! I love cuddling with her because she makes me feel as if all is well in this world. 

Her expressive little face also cheers me up whenever I look at our pictures together. 

I also got to hug the other dogs, like Charlie the chocolate lab. 

Then, I watched a local film entitled To Love Some Buddy. It was entertaining and funny! 

I also had the entire section of the cinema all to myself. 

I ended my day with a whole body massage by a blind masseuse. It was a relaxing way to unwind after a week of tasks and errands. 

I look forward to more chances to unwind to balance my life and find more meaning amidst daily challenges.  

St. Jude Fiesta 2018

Yesterday was the feast of St. Jude Thaddeus. I got to hear Sunday mass at the National Shrine of the celebrated patron. 

I prayed for my immediate concerns, as well as my family and friends’ prayer requests. 

Upon exiting the church, I chanced upon a vendor who sells crocheted tumbler slings. Her name is Ate Nagie, and she painstakingly crochets each sling by hand using nylon yarn. 

I bought a sling for my Starbucks water bottle, and I got to exchange yarn and hook stories with Ate. I shared with her my knitting work in progress, and my crochet hook of choice, which is 4mm. Amazingly, she uses a 2.5mm hook for these slings!

I chanced upon a cute doggo outside CEU as I was walking to the train. 

Then, I went to the QCinema Film Festival screening of Billie and Emma. I’m straight, but I enjoyed the film!

I had a lovely day practicing my faith, appreciating handmade, and watching a movie beyond my comfort zone. Here’s to more cool experiences to brighten up my life!

On Baths and History

I love taking indulging in eco-friendly bath products from my online Human Nature store.  (If you want natural toiletries benefitting Gawad Kalinga residents, please click on the link in the previous sentence and support my small business!)  Another thing I love is crocheting. Thus, I have combined my passions for natural toiletries and crochet by making my own scrubbie!

I followed a video tutorial on YouTube, so if you are also interested to crochet one, look for a video that suits you. Also, use 100% cotton yarn. 

As I have already finished my scrubbie, I returned to knitting and began another colorful cowl.  

I had lunch at Breakfast Bin, where I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice. 

For dessert, I had this glorious matcha and toasted oatmeal ice cream scoops.  

I did some brisk walking at UP Diliman.  

Then, I dropped by St. Clare to give thanks and offer my intentions.  

I also visited Rags 2 Riches at UP Town Center to buy a metal straw. It already comes with a pouch sewn by R2R artisans. As always, I had fun looking around the shop as it features social enterprise brands! 

Then, it was back to UP for me.  

I watched Curiosity, Adventure and Love. 

It is a beautiful documentary about an American centenarian, Nana Jessie, who has called the Philippines her home for most of her life.  

While waiting for the film to begin, I knitted. 

The film’s co-director, Sunshine De Leon, was there to personally introduce her documentary. She is also Nana Jessie’s granddaughter. 

I learned so much about Philippine history just by watching the film. It is a gem of a film, and I highly recommend it!

If you enjoy something, go take it further, like in my case! I made my won scrubbie, ate soul food, prayed, bought from a social enterprise, and watched an independent film. Life is too short to wait for happiness to come your way. Make your own happiness your priority!

First Day Showing

I watched Exes Baggage starring Carlo Aquino and Angelica Panganiban yesterday. I have been a fan of their love team since I was a teenager, and their reunion movie was just perfect. I laughed, cried, and cheered along with the packed cinema on that beautiful ending. I hope that this won’t be their last movie together because their chemistry onscreen is remarkable. 

I had this peaches and chocolate ice cream crepe from Crazy Crepes. It is one of my go-to dessert places, and it never disappoints. I savored my chilly lunch while processing the movie I watched all by myself. 

Then, I finished crocheting this infinity scarf which I made using two shades of millennial pink. 

Here’s to feeling the burn of the past and celebrating simple joys in the present! I look forward to better beginnings soon. 

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.  

Simple Hump Day

Yesterday, I started my day with my usual workout at the park.  

I had breakfast and coffee afterwards.

Then, I went to the mall for some retail therapy. 

I bought lipsticks from Sunnies Face for me and my mom. 

I queued up for it.

By the time it was my turn, I already knew shades I would purchase. While waiting for my payment to settle, I appreciated the store’s interiors. I especially liked the pink floor. 

Actually, almost the entire store was pink and cream!

I later watched Crazy Rich Asians. I enjoyed it so

much! 

I always get giddy whenever I see anything The Little Mermaid. In this case, I saw this children’s book at a secondhand bookstore. I remember having a similar one when I was a kid. 

I dropped by Sta. Clara since I was already in the area. I prayed for a better future and I gave thanks for all the blessings I have been receiving so far. 

Before I knew it, it was time to claim my Sunnies Specs. 

I chose this cool cateye pair called Harlow. 

I wrapped up my day with Rodic’s tapsilog...

...and delicious Turkish ice cream! 

I enjoyed my hump day and I look forward to more relaxing days that make all the hard work worth it. 

Yarn and Possibilities

I was greeted by these balls of yarn when I got home from work the other night. These were my purchases from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and I was able to get them using my birthday discount as a funATTIC cardholder. I even got the multicolor mandala yarn cake (the one with the card on it) for free, as a gift from the owner. To say that I am thrilled is an understatement!

I also got to watch Bela Padilla’s new film The Day After Valentine’s yesterday. I enjoyed it because it featured baybayin and Paper Moon Cafe, which is one of my favorite dessert places. The story is also heartbreaking. Do check it out in cinemas everywhere!

The thing about yarn and film is that there is always the promise of possibilities about them. Yarn is used to knit and crochet beautiful scarves and wearables. Movies help us see reality in a better light through cinematic imagery. I am grateful for these mediums that allow me to experience creativity firsthand. I know that for as long as I have yarn on my needles and hooks, I can make things better. And while there are movies to watch, I can be inspired to live a more meaningful life.  

Here’s to more possibilities, with every stitch and scene in between.  

Faith, Food, and Film

Luti and I were able to go to Padre Pio Center at Libis, Quezon City yesterday. She is one of my best friends from high school, and we both had intentions to pray for. 

It was a solemn, quiet place of worship. We did not feel like we were still stuck in the city.  

We were able to do some shopping at the chapel store. I stumbled upon these cookies made of leftover bits of host from Dauis, Bohol. I had to buy a few packs to try at home. 

The center has a spacious chapel where masses are held daily. 

We then proceeded to St. Clare Monastery for more prayers. 

We were also able to have our Padre Pio souvenirs blessed by the sister at the convent.  

A hearty lunch at Breakfast Bin followed our prayerful journey.  

Of course, dessert was obligatory thanks to the scorching summer heat. We both had ice cream at Maginhawa favorite, Papa Diddi’s. I had roasted strawberry and ube this time! 

After our meal, I went to UP Cine Adarna to watch my grade school friend Ida Anita del Mundo’s film K’na the Dreamweaver. 

It was a beautiful love letter to the T’boli people and their rich culture.  

Lake Sebu was stunning onscreen! 

There were several scenes of t’nalak weaving, which was my favorite part about this movie. I love local textiles, so I’m all for promoting the art of weaving on film. 

I was fortunate to be able to spend time to pray, appreciate delicious food, and watch a friend’s film. I also had the chance to do so with my friend Luti. Life is definitely more fun with a little help from our friends- and a lot of faith.