Barkin Blends at SM North

Yesterday, I attended the grand opening of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe’s second branch at SM North Towers. I had so much fun!

I was greeted by Finn the golden retriever. 

And I was drawn by their display of food for dogs! 

Yes, dogs! You can date your dog here!

Since it was their opening, I was treated to salted egg chicken wings and carbonara which are only available from their Sta. Lucia branch. 

I totally dig their inclusive restroom. 

Here I am with the owners, Ajie and Ate Tina, who have already become my close friends. 

Their doggo treats are reasonably priced. 

They also offer made-to-order doggo cakes!

Finally, here are a couple of pictures with Bern, the main girlboss begins Barkin’ Blends. She’s wearing my Christmas present, a cowl which I have knitted for her. 

I also got to cuddle their resident doggos, like my favorite Ella. 

Here I am with Stark the pomsky...

 ...Booster the Lhasa apso...

 ...and Stitch the Frenchie!

Here’s a sample of their doggo meal, the arroz  dogubana. 

Buchie seems to like it!

For dessert, I dropped by their neighbor, Elait. 

They are known for their deaf crew and frozen yogurt and custard. 

I ordered the strawberry mango cheesecake frozen yogurt and it was delicious!

Props for using local dairy, Elait!

I started knitting a new cowl while having coffee. 

Later that night, I had soup and fishcake from Korean joint Samjin Amook. 

I also had shawarma bratwurst and rice near SM Hypermarket. 

I capped off my day with Bayani Brew...

 ...and a 30-minute chair massage. 

I will definitely go back to all the places I’ve been to yesterday, especially Barkin’ Blends and Elait! See you again soon!

Friendship on Target

Yesterday, I was able to spend time with my high school friends. We held our annual Christmas gathering on Bonifacio Day because it was the only time that most of us were free. 

I got ready by wearing bright red lipstick. 

Our first stop was Arrowland, an archery range inside the mall. Here I am with Kai after she gave me her Christmas gift. 

And here’s all of us before our fun archery time. 

Then, we had snacks at Vampire Penguin, where I had this cheese and hotdog puff. 

I also had a cuppa to go with my waffle. 

We got to exchange gifts while eating merienda. 

We had more food afterwards, such as Cookies by the Bucket...

 ...oyakodon at Japan Fudo Street...

 ...and truffle fries from Potato Corner! Plus, I had an Okinawa milk tea with pearls and pudding from Serenitea. 

We ended the night by visiting Luti’s condo nearby and a group chat with those who weren’t able to physically join us. 

These friends have become my family through the years. I am grateful that we all meet annually, and that we still keep in touch. I hope to have more memories with these girls in the years to come!

Fluffy Love

Yesterday was a fun-filled day for me and A. We attended the third anniversary bash of Barkin Blends, the first dog cafe in the country. We had an amazing time because it was a Harry Potter-themed event! We were personally welcomed by Bernadette, the entrepreneur behind the cafe, who outdid herself this year. All her dogs are adorable, friendly, and trained to entertain guests. Whenever I can drop by, I make it a point to hang out at the cafe and have a cuppa with my favorite dog Ella, who is a chiweenie. If she is not in the cafe, I spend time with the other dogs and they do cheer me up when skies are gray and whenever I just need some fluffy kisses. ​I tried visiting a cat cafe before but it's just not the same. I'm a dog lover through and through, and I am very happy that Barkin Blends has become a haven for human floof fans who cannot have pets of their own.

I attended the weekday mass today at a new chapel near my place. It was serene and calming, and I was glad to have spent my time with the Lord. The closing song was "Give Thanks", and it struck a chord with me. These past few weeks have been challenging as I am still unemployed, but if I will maintain an attitude of gratitude, then my perspective will be more accepting and positive. I later had a snack at Dunkin Donuts. I may not be able to afford expensive meals for now, but I am capable of treating myself. Having me time after my Sundate and prayer hour is uplifting. I should do this more often so I can keep my priorities and plans in check.​

Who knew that a few hours with loved ones and the Lord could jumpstart my week? I'm stoked to carry on with whatever life will throw at me this week. For now, I am enjoying my coffee and solitude. ​