Yesterday, I started my day with some toasted longganisa and hot chocolate at Breakfast Bin.
Then, I checked out some exhibitions at the Ayala Museum.
I especially liked their Women and War exhibit.
After running some errands, I got myself some pares and siomai from Kanto Pares. Yum!
As a woman, I prioritize self-care because the most important person in my story is me. Seeing empowering exhibits and eating yummy food are just two ways to fuel myself. Happy International Women’s Day!
Sometimes, I have simple food cravings that just won’t go away. An example of this would be my craving for beef pares. Yesterday, I simply had to have pares, so I went to a place that serves the dish in Quezon City.
I was greeted with a rack of condiments. This was a good sign!
I was served delicious beef pares, which is was garlicky and a bit spicy. It was heavenly.
I then proceeded to The Feast at Trinoma, where I was a first-time attendee. I wanted to have a Catholic worship group that I could be a part of whenever my schedule permits. Luckily, The Feast now has a Sunday session from 9:30-11:30am at the mall’s Cinema 3 theater.
We started the session with Mass.
I was given a leaflet for the inspirational talk.
We prayed the Declaration of Abundance.
Then, it was time for the inspirational talk focusing on work and faith.
I had sizzling Salisbury steak with egg for lunch. It was another simple craving satisfied!
After my hearty lunch, I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to have coffee with my fluffy friends.
And I had mini-donuts for snack!
I was able to satisfy my simple cravings, nourish my soul, and spend time with dogs on a Sunday. Indeed, there are fulfilling ways to spend the weekend without spending too much. All it takes is the determination to live a meaningful life.
Last Sunday, I attended the procession in honor of the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was through her intercession that I was healed from Fibromyalgia and my eyesight became 20/20 when I was a teenager (trivia: my eyesight is STILL 20/20! My glasses are purely for fashion). I took an Uber to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at Retiro, Quezon City since parking will surely be a problem.
I was welcomed by a fiesta atmosphere.
I bought a candle from a street vendor for Php20.
It started to drizzle while waiting for the procession to start.
Good thing it didn’t last long.
Here we go!
I got to tour the surrounding areas of the parish and it was fascinating to witness faith in action.
The procession lasted more than two hours.
By the time we got back to the church, I was determined to give thanks and whisper my intentions to Our Lady.
I went up to the altar to pray.
And I witnessed the fiesta fireworks! I exited the church to briefly watch the spectacle. I love fireworks!
I returned inside to pray in front of Padre Pio.
Before I knew it, it was time for the procession image of Our Lady to return to the church.
It felt like a rock concert!
The lighting was surreal.
And here she is!
I stood on top of a pew like most people to get a better view of Our Lady.
I felt blessed.
I was so happy to have witnessed this firsthand.
Thank you Mama Mary!
So after the festivities, I was starving! I looked for the pares place my best friend recommended to me, and I hope I found the right one.
It looks legit.
I ordered beef pares with rice.
IT WAS DELICIOUS!
That was a magical and enjoyable night. I hope to enjoy more new experiences like this one in the coming weeks, months, and years.
