Gratefully Uncertain

Yesterday, I visited the Padre Pio Chapel at Libis, Quezon City. The pandemic may have prevented me from hearing mass and visiting the churches that I frequent, but that does not mean that my faith has diminished. In fact, the prevalence of uncertainty has enabled me to cling to my faith and believe more in an unseen God.

I prayed, purchased dinner from Cucina di Francesco (their Italian sausage pizza and carbonara are both to die for!), and reflected on the number of ways that the pandemic has humbled me. I am still grateful to be able to do the things I enjoy. I am thankful for my family, friends, and loved ones. I am happy to still be thriving. And while there is fear at times, I know that I will be able to make it through this.

I hope that you will also find the faith that can save you during these difficult times. Take care, everyone!

Attitude for Gratitude

Earlier this week, I visted Padre Pio Libis to pray and give thanks. While the pandemic is still upon us, there are still plenty of things to be grateful for.

Here are some of mine:

• I am grateful for family and friends who still care for me. While my family is not perfect, and my friends are busy with their own lives, I am still lucky to have those who take time to ask me how I am.

• I am lucky to have love in my life despite the Covid-19 virus.

• I am lucky to be free from the Corona virus!

• I am thankful for the chance to volunteer while at home through Earsavers for Lifesavers PH.

• I am fortunate to earn from home via my Human Nature Online Store (please support!)

• I am thankful for the podcasts, webinars, and online resources that let me learn from home.

• I am grateful that I have this blog, which allows me to freely express myself and have a home on the interwebs.

I realized that by focusing on my blessings rather than what is lacking at the moment, there is abundance in my life. Blessings do not flourish in an environment where there is negativity. By being positive and thankful, I am inviting more good things into my life and heart.

I hope that you also have plenty of things to be thankful for during the pandemic and beyond. Stay safe, everyone!

Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry

Yesterday was Padre Pio’s birthday. I was sad because I could not visit his chapel and hear mass. Nevertheless, his intercession inspires me to keep the faith, even during the pandemic.

As I was cleaning a pre-loved bag which I have sold on my Carousell store, I found these two rosary bracelets inside the pocket. One of them was this rose quartz bracelet which I purchased during my 2018 visit to the Padre Pio chapel in Libis, Quezon City. The other one was a gift from my Ninong priest during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I took this as a sign for better things to come, particularly in my love life. Last week was heartbreaking, but I have already picked up the pieces. I prayed for a better future.

And a better future will only come if I will continue to be consistent each day.

Here’s to making each day count during the pandemic, and believing that the best is yet to come!

Comfort and Prayer

Last Wednesday, I was able to have late lunch at Gubat. It has become my favorite hideaway at UP Diliman. I like their kamayan concept, where people have to eat with their hands. However, I also wanted to try their food with cutlery so I brought my own.
I was not disappointed! Their longganisa meal looked and tased fancier with cutlery.

The author brings her own utensils to Gubat, a kamayan restaurant

The author is all smiles with her favorite longganisa meal at Gubat

After my comforting meal, I went to St. Clare Monastery to pray for my intentions and to give thanks for all my blessings.

The author poses with her patroness, St. Clare

The author offers eggs at St. Clare Monastery

Food and faith are two passions of mine. It has become my custom to frequently practice both. I hope that you will continue to follow my foodie and faith adventures this 2020!

Blessed Presents

I was surprised last Friday when I got home to a big package from my friends at The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind my favorite yarn store have recently been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt.

For Christmas, they sent me this care package filled with goodies from Jesus’ part of the world:

• A magnet from Egypt, which is perfect since I collect magnets!

• A papyrus scroll of the Ten Commandments

• A box of dates

• An olive wood rosary

• A sterling silver cross necklace

• A Mother of Perpetual Help keychain

• Small crucifix with bottles of earthen elements from the Holy Land

The author poses with her gifts from the Holy Land

Religious items and sweets from the Holy Land

This present makes me feel so giddy. The religious articles have already been blessed, and they are ready to be used in prayer.

I can’t wait to have a more rewarding year ahead, knowing that I have friends who kept me in their hearts whilst they were in the Holy Land.

May we all be filled with blessings this year, and beyond!

Friday No. 1

I was able to hear mass at 5:00 AM yesterday at the famous Quiapo Church in Manila. I was able to give thanks for a successful 2019, and I prayed for more blessings to come in 2020.

Quiapo Church is lively at 5:00 AM

The church was filled with people as the Translacion is nearing. It is the upcoming procession of the Black Nazarene, which will happen next Friday.

The festive vibe anticipates the upcoming Translacion

As it was also the first Friday of the year (and the decade), the church was packed. I was able to hear mass outside the church, and I followed the liturgical ceremony from a large screen. This however did not ruin the mass for me, and the atmosphere was still solemn.

The author poses by the famous minor basilica

Quiapo Church continues to be a relevant place of worship for the faithful

After mass, I ate breakfast at Jollibee, where I got to watch the next mass from the best seat in the house!

The best seat in the house

The author enjoys sunrise while eating breakfast

It was inspiring to see the sea of devotees from three stories up.

Quiapo Church is filled with devotees at sunrise

I am proud to have the time for my faith, and the courage to venture out into crowded churches for the sake of thanksgiving and worship. I hope that the new year will be prosperous for me and my family, and that it will bring forth many opportunities for my career.

May God bless us all!

The festively-lit Church looks gorgeous at sunrise

Jan 1 Joys

I am grateful to have the privilege of beginning the year on a high note. I celebrated the new year with mass at the Pink Sisters Convent in New Manila, where I got to pray for my intentions and of course, give thanks for all the blessings that I have received.

Then, I had dinner with my family at Cibo. I started my meal with a cold one and some minestrone soup.

I also ordered my Cibo favorite, the Farfalle alla Genovese. Everything was delicious, comforting, and celebratory!

Cheers to a bountiful year ahead!

RDFS Forum 2019

Yesterday, I got to hear mass at St. Jude. It’s the feast of the patron who has been good to me. It was only fitting that I began my day in his honor.

Then, I went to the Asian Development Bank for the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. But before that, I had my go-to brekkie at the ADB Cafeteria: sardines, egg and garlic rice!

I learned on the first day of this forum that it’s important to factor in the interlinking risks and to move from distress-driven diversification to surplus-sustained diversification. It is also important to support businesses that provide opportunities to farmers and key stakeholders.

I look forward to learning more in the next two days of the the forum!

Eat, Pray, Love

Yesterday, I went to Padre Pio Chapel in Libis after my meeting in Ortigas. It was the 23rd of the month, which is the birth anniversary date of Padre Pio. I prayed for my intentions, and gave thanks for the blessings that I continue to receive.

I am inspired by the faithful who unceasingly gather in this church, and surrender their rosaries for every answered prayer.

I ended my day with some carbonara at Cucina Di Francesco, and a cozy e-jeep ride back to the MRT station.
Life is better whenever there’s a reason to pray. And since I’m a foodie, I will always find an excuse to enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta. Life can be filled with love, for as long as I will keep on doing the things that make me happy.

Happy Rejection

Yesterday, I got rejected for another job. That didn’t stop me though from moving forward and praying at Sta. Clara. I thanked God for sparing me from further harm in a company that’s not for me. I also asked for a better job opportunity soon.

Then, I had carioca for merienda at UP. I also watched A is for Agustin, a poignant film about an Aeta coal vendor who goes to first grade in his late 30’s.

Rejection can make me forget how blessed I really am. Simple joys like a church visit, street food, and an indie film can keep me going and remind me of how far I’ve come.
I am still blessed, after all.

Thank You Mama Mary!

Amidst the challenges that I am facing with jobhunting, working freelance, blogging, and trying to date, I still find time to go to church. I have recently discovered the novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I go to Baclaran Church whenever I am free on Wednesdays, and it has given me a sense of peace.
I have decided to thank Mama Mary for her powerful intercession even if I have yet to receive the blessings that I am praying for. I am also working on being more thankful despite the hellish commute in the city and the frequent rejections I receive.

I am fortunate to be alive and to still have food to eat. I have a family, a bed, a car (although I seldom use it now that I commute more), and household help.
I am thankful, and soon, I will receive more blessings to be grateful for!

Fire and Faith

Yesterday, I survived the LRT2 fire. I was inside the train at Cubao station supposedly enroute to St. Jude when it happened. Luckily, I was spared and I simply chose to return to the north.

I proceeded to Human Nature to shop for personal needs and fulfill some orders. Please support my Human Nature Online Shop! Every purchase goes a long way in keeping me afloat as I look for work.

Speaking of which, I went to Quiapo Church this morning to pray for a good job and to give thanks for the gift of a new day.

I was able to visit Shanleen Hopia after mass to sample their ube hopia. It was delicious!

I make simple joys possible with limited resources and a lot of faith. I hope that you also find joy in small wins and resilience!

Rising Again

I was recently rejected for this job that I really want. I am choosing to move on by applying again for other jobs, praying at Baclaran Church, and crocheting a beanie.

Coffee also helps in strengthening my resolve and rising again!

Rejections can only make me stronger! I know that better things are coming my way.

Pink October

I went to the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City this morning to give thanks and to ask for this job that I really want. I started the month right! I prayed and worshipped God in His house.

I am claiming that the job will be mine, and that I will be back soon to give thanks and praise His holy name!

Quiapo Morning

Today, I woke up before sunrise to hear early morning mass at Quiapo Church.

I went there to pray for a job that I badly want. I went up behind the altar to honor the image of the Black Nazarene, whose devotion has attracted a major following. I can’t wait to get the job I want soon and give thanks to Him.

I continued praying and giving thanks. I felt at peace amidst the sea of devotees. Indeed, it was inspiring to pray with so many believers.

I am claiming that the job will be mine, and that I will be called to serve soon!

Candlelight Crochet

Yesterday, I got to crochet by candlelight at Wildflour. I had an unforgettable brunch! I feasted on their mushroom bowl, the milk ice cream, and their latte. It was a delicious way to celebrate my hobby and of course, to nourish myself.

Being a foodie and a crochet enthusiast has brought me to several restaurants where I could enjoy my hobby in public. I love bringing my yarn and hook with me wherever I go. I think the handmade life should go beyond the home. It should be expressed and lived with pride, whether in private or in full view of the world.

May you also find the hobby that brings you joy, and the courage to experience that joy in public!

Stepping Forward

I choose to move forward with my life by appreciating pretty floors whenever I see them. 

I go to mass whenever I can. 

I enjoy delicious food, such as this vegetarian pho from Bawai’s. 

While looking around Papemelroti, I found this Ifugao house figure. I took it as a sign that I will go back to Banaue someday!

I finished my day with some lovely strawberry mango cheesecake frozen yogurt from my usual dessert stand, Elait. They employ deaf employees who are empowered with work and fair wages. 

I move forward from challenges with the things and experiences that make me smile!

Mentoring Lunch

Yesterday, I had the time to do some brisk walking at the UP campus. 

I was able to burn some calories before my lunch at Sunnies Cafe. I got to do some crocheting before meeting with my friends.  

I had a lovely lunch with my uni mentor Mitzie and her niece Maiko. It was nice to catch up with friends after my dad’s recent passing. 

No visit to Sunnies Cafe is complete without some selfies in their famous washroom. 

I got to buy Sunnies Face’s new Airblush after lunch. 

I also got to offer eggs at St. Clare Monastery. 

I bought carioca, a local street food consisting of fried sticky rice. It was a delicious afternoon snack. 

Before going to bed, I brushed my teeth using this bamboo toothbrush that I bought from social enterprise Rags 2 Riches. 

I know that by continuing my passions and meeting my friends from time to time, I can carry on with life after the storm. 

Grip on Grit

Yesterday, I had breakfast at SGD Coffee in the Maginhawa area. I was reminded of the grit that is inherent in me, as I saw the bracelet on my stack. 

The cafe was a lovely tribute to the mountains in the middle of the summery city. 

I had my usual SGD black as I crocheted. 

I also got myself an oatmeal cookie. It was to die for. 

If you need strong coffee, and chunky oatmeal cookie, and a quiet space for working and reflecting, SGD is your best bet. Not an ad, I am simply a fan of the place. Do check it out soon!

Goodbye

My dad was cremated yesterday. Thank you for all you support during this difficult time.