Stress Management

I always get asked this question in interviews: “how do you deal with stress?”.

In the past, I would go window-shopping at malls near my office to decompress. But since the pandemic happened, I am both working and living at home. Because I live with my mom who is a senior citizen, it is my duty to avoid contracting the Covid-19 virus and to observe safety measures.

I had to be creative with stress management since I now do everything under one roof.

Here are some ways that I deal with stress, especially with the WFH setup:

1. Listen to music- I have a work playlist that consists of classical music. This keeps me going while working.

2. Journaling- Journaling everyday has allowed me to be aligned with myself and better manage my emotions.

3. Working out every morning- I do an hour of cardio every morning, rain or shine. I used to attend aerodance classes at my local park, but for now, I am happy with jumprope, following Youtube videos, and my air stepper!

4. Order food delivery- I satisfy my foodie cravings by ordering my favorites from time to time.

Remember that it is possible to manage stress at home. The pandemic is still ongoing so I personally manage my own stress in order to continue thriving during these difficult times.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!

Quarantine Flutist

I started playing the flute again on a daily basis since the enhanced community quarantine was declared. I made sure to get some music into my life while at home. This helped me fight cabin fever, as well as cheer me up on days when I badly missed exploring the city. Learning a new song each day has also showed me that I am capable of doing and executing actions. Indeed, I am still thriving at 33.

Check out my flute covers on my Instagram account. I try to post a song each day while on quarantine. You may also find previews of all my lockdown performances on my Highlights, aptly titled “Flute Jams'“.

See you there!

Rosario Yarn Adventure

Last Saturday, I went to Lacion General Merchandise right beside Rosario bridge in Pasig. You won’t miss it- it’s located on the corner unit of a pink complex. There are sacks and bags filled with yarns! 

I freaked out and wanted to buy so many yarns. But I resolved to only buy one kilo. This store is famous among local knitters and crocheters. Just search “Rosario Pasig Yarns” and you will know what I mean. 

The store spins their own yarn imported from Taiwan. You may mix variegated and solid colors, and each kilo retails for Php390. 

They also sell machine-spun shawls made of the same yarns. 

After searching through their bags and chatting with the owners, Kuya Miner and Ate Gladys, I finally selected five balls to consist one kilo.  

They recommend a size 4-5mm hook for their yarn. I am currently knitting using one of my purchases with a pair of 4.5mm needles, and the weave is so soft. 

I highly recommend this shop! It’s definitely worth visiting and the yarns are worth the commute. The owners are also kind and honest. Drop by soon! 

Manila CPO Tour

Yesterday, I joined the Postal Heritage Operational Tour organized by the Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour Group. I am a philatelist, and I am fond of activities organized by Pilipinas Philately, such as the stamp forum that I attended last year. This was why it’s not a struggle for me to wake up early on a Saturday morning to join a tour in Manila. 

I started my day by having taho for brekkie.  

I rode the LRT, and in half an hour, I was greeted by old school downtown Manila.  

It was my first time to cross the famous Jones Bridge on foot. I was so giddy during this moment as this was a focal point in the movie Last Night starring Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual.  

After literally crossing the bridge, I reached the beautiful Manila Central Post Office.

There were stamps for sale at the lobby during the event.  

Again, I was delighted to be there because the central post office building was featured in the film Hintayan ng Langit starring Gina Pareño and Eddie Garcia.  

Naturally, I gravitated towards Rizal stamps.  

I crocheted while waiting for the lecture to begin. 

We all received a welcome packet with some stamps! 

And I was happy to see a model of the Murillo Velarde Map, whose original I saw in person last year. 

I was especially drawn to the P.O. boxes as they had a classic vibe.  

Look at these doors!

This staircase is gorgeous. 

After the lecture, we got to tour the post office and learn about the operations of the government agency. 

It was lovely to be in the company of fellow philatelists.  

Our last stop was the postshop, where we all got to purchase current stamps in circulation. 

This is my haul. I got stamps that make me smile, such as valentine symbols and year of the pig stamps.  

I had the time of my life at the tour and I am looking forward to more philatelic geekery in the future! I hope you can also join a post office tour in the future. Just look them up on Facebook for more details. It’s free, and I’m sure that you will also have a good time!

On Top of Things

We had Mother’s Day lunch at a nice restaurant inside a five star hotel. While we were enjoying the sumptuous food, we also had the chance to view our city from this vantage point. 

It is quite humbling to note that while our urban sprawl is not the most striking of cityscapes, there is still beauty amidst the chaos. There are pockets of greenery and quiet places. I am reminded that there is hope in a city where you see the negative on the foreground. 

Because when you focus on the bigger picture, you will see the potential of your life in a place that is worth stepping back for anyway.  

May you also find your new perspective today, as we begin another week of hustling in this place we call home.  

Big Bad Wolf

Last Thursday, I was fortunate to have the time and opportunity to attend the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair. I went there during lunch time, so I was able to buy food from the catering booth within the premises. After a hearty meal, I was energized to hunt for books to add to my collection. 

Despite having attended several book fairs in the past, I was still overwhelmed with the volume of books available at the fair. 

The price points were pocket-friendly! 

I was tempted to hoard, but I intentionally did not get a cart so I could avoid doing so. Instead, I decided to buy one from every genre in mind.  

That did not stop me though from perusing aisle after aisle of beautiful books!

As always, it was heartwarming to see many Filipinos buy books in fairs like this one.  

There was a short queue to the cashiers.  

This handwritten sign caught my attention. So true!

In the end, I paid for five books. One from art, self-help, adult coloring books, food, and fiction. 

I spend Php1,250 for five books. Not bad at all! I celebrated this with a latte (not pictured) and a butterscotch blonde from Where’s Marcel. 

If Big Bad Wolf will return to Manila, I will definitely be back! It was a fun, value-for-money experience. Here’s to more books and unforgettable reading-related events!

Soul Flower, Co.

I dropped by the Soul Flower, Co. studio along Malingap, Quezon City to resurrect an old bling. It was good to see Janina (silversmith/designer/teacher/GirlBoss) of Studio 925 (and Soul Flower, Co. along with Pat, who is her fellow girlboss, and she teaches leathercrafting) again after almost a year. I wanted a bespoke piece and she is one of the easiest people to talk to. 

If you have old silver jewelry that needs redesigning, bring to to Janina. She’s your girl for breathing new life into your accessory game.  

Now, going back to the studio. How dreamy is their display? 

I want all these bags.  

Everything is handmade with love and design thinking.  

They also sell supplies, findings, hardware, leather, and silver! They also offer studio rental and workshops which are announced monthly on social media. 

I can’t wait to see the finished product!

If you want to learn silversmithing, leathercrafting, or simply want to buy handmade, do swing by the Soul Flower, Co. studio. It is an inspiring space and you will definitely find a piece to bring home with you- whether you’re into quality genuine leather or jewelry that lasts a lifetime.