Exploring Growth

Yesterday, I started my day with a pasta salad from Juju Eats. I had the Sicilian salad with pesto dressing. 

Then, I went to Vista Mall Taguig for a meeting. But first, I explored this mall as it was my first time there. 

I had a glazed donut at Bake My Day. 

It was delicious!

Then, it was time for my meeting at Coffee Project. 

I loved the floral details in their interiors. 

I had an oatmeal cookie and a tall brewed coffee (not pictured). Both were yummy and awakening! I will definitely be back at one of their branches. 

I was feeling positive on the way back to Makati. 

I stopped by Glorietta to check-out Lazy Fare, a local boutique that has been making waves on social media for their eco-friendly stance of manufacturing clothes using reclaimed fabric. 

These reclaimed fabrics were rescued from landfills and turned into everyday basics for women. 

I especially appreciate their inclusive designs which cater to different tastes and body types. 

I bought a plain gray t-shirt and pink kimono. I only paid Php200 for both!

I am currently exploring opportunities for myself this year, and beyond. I am also trying out new cafes, clothes, and places. I hope that there will be more possibilities for me this 2019! 

Risk Management Masterclass Day 2

Yesterday was the second day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass series at the Asian Institute of Management. I had the Sicilian Pasta Salad with pesto dressing at Juju Eats to kickstart my day.  

I reached my destination in a heartbeat thanks to the improving MRT.  

A case study got everyone in the Masterclass awake and in high spirits for the information that was going to be imparted to us. 

I learned that there are careers in risk management, and there is a need for people to lend their expertise in preventing mayhem from ensuing before and after each disaster. Communication also plays a key role in improving systems in place and informing the general public. 

After the class, I went to Landmark Makati to buy some essentials for my family.  

It was nostalgic as my family and I used to shop for groceries here when I was a kid.  

I also went to St. Clare Monastery to offer eggs and pray for my special intentions.  

Again, the MRT wowed me with cool AC and efficient crowd control on the way home.  

I ended my day with some Fried Chicken Master!

I am thankful for yesterday’s learning opportunity, and I look forward to the last day in the masterclass series!

Risk Management Masterclass Day 1

Yesterday, I got to attend the first day of the Masterclass Series on Disaster Risk and Crisis Management. Before commuting to Makati, I ate my usual pesto pasta salad from Juju Eats. 

It was gloomy when I reached the venue, AIM. 

The classic staircase greeted me again. 

And I was welcomed by learning. My key takeaway is that disaster risk management should start at home and it should be a personal responsibility. Some examples of these are knowing earthquake safety procedures and converting to energy-efficient appliances. 

I had a productive afternoon and it’s always fabulous in Makati.  

I knitted during the P2P ride going back to Quezon City.  

I can’t wait to learn more in the coming days at AIM!

Staying Real

Yesterday, I drove to a meeting near my house. 

But before the meeting, I managed squeeze in brekkie in the form of a coffee kick smoothie from Go! Salads. It was filling and delicious!

Then, I got a leather coin purse for my MP3 player and earbuds. I also got a couple of postcards which will be mailed to clients of my online shop (please buy Human Nature products from me). 

I dropped by the post office after my meeting to mail my postcards. These floral stamps are lovely!

I grabbed lunch from Falafel Yo!  

This Jesus diet thing is really uplifting. Instead of eating greasy food all the time, I am eating more vegetables and healthful meals.  

I also watched a movie starring Elisse Joson and McCoy De Leon. Sakaling Maging Tayo is set in Baguio, with some scenes shot in Teacher’s Camp, which holds a special place in my heart. I won a national award in extemporaneous speaking at CMLI (which was held in Teacher’s Camp) back in 2003. 

The movie was funny and entertaining. I highly recommend it.  

I had coffee at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe...

...where I bumped into my preschool classmate Veronica...

 ...and high school classmate Maja!

I later bonded with the dogs. 

I had truffle fries from Potato Corner for snack.  

And an Okinawa milk tea from Happy Cup to perk me up. 

Before the day ended, I had pesto pasta from Juju Eats for dinner. 

I like dogs, healthy food, simple local finds, and coffee! I hope that you will also find the things that make you smile. 

Sunday Slowdown

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family.  

We later had Chinese brunch as my dad wanted comfort food.  

Then, I packed all these stuff for my crafternoon at Makers Cafe. 

I went there to buy my minimalist stainless steel Catriona earrings. 

But I also went there to hang and knit!

I had carbonara and a long black to energize me as I craft. 

Then, I took out my copy of Always Be Creating by Abbey Sy and my journal to answer some journaling prompts from the book.  

I realized that I wanted a daily reminder of my late friend Diane, so I bought this side moon gold-filled necklace from Pulseras by Kim. 

Feeling inspired, I continued journaling using Abbey’s book. I also finished reading it in the cafe, and I no longer felt overwhelmed with my life. I realized that there is a process to pursuing my purpose and achieving my goals. And it pays to be creative in order to find beauty and meaning as I go along. 

I finished knitting my scarf. As I began crocheting a new one, I was privileged to witness the procession of the Black Nazarene. 

I packed my art bag and proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Rainbow’s Sunset. It was touching and heartwarming. 

I later had dinner at Get Greens. 

It was my first time there. Their green pesto pasta did not disappoint!

Then, I stitched my scarf together to turn it I tom an infinity one. 

I enjoyed my day at Maginhawa, and I got to do a lot!

Here’s to more crafternoons and warm memories. 

Journey to Faith

Yesterday, I rode a couple of trains to... 

...St. Clare Monastery! I gave thanks and prayed for my personal intentions.  

I had a hearty and healthful lunch. The Wild Wild West salad from Go! Salads was so delicious. The ranch dressing definitely brought a unique punch to my midday.  

I continued to do some work on my phone while cuddling with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I was welcomed by my favorite dog, Ella the chiweenie. 

Stark the pomsky was camera-shy. 

I also bonded with Ella’s son Chocnut and Happy the pug.  

It was hard to say goodbye even if I’m a frequent guest at the cafe.  

Before going to bed, I transferred these two scents into travel perfume bottles from Beabi. I was proud of myself for finding a way to transfer the DKNY perfume to the smaller bottle as it was difficult to open. Thank God for online forums, and I was able to research how to open the bottle.  

Both scents were Christmas gifts to me.  

I restore my faith by continuously praying, communing with nature (in the form of furry dogs), and surprising myself with a new skill (even if it’s as simple as transferring perfume). Life is a journey, but it can be easier with some faith and belief in oneself. 

Doing Good with Doggos

Yesterday, I had the Sgt. Steak salad again at Go! Salads. I am addicted to their chimichurri dressing. I simply can’t get enough of it.  

After my hearty meal, I proceeded to Human Nature to purchase my personal necessities and get orders for my customers. 

You too can support me and my family by making a purchase at my Human Nature online store! To all those who have already purchased, thank you for your support! Please continue patronizing my small business, and I hope that you will spread the word about my shop. 

To cheer myself up after spending time with at the hospital with my terminally-I’ll father, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to hug my furry friends. 

I’m wearing a fabric mask because I can’t afford to catch airborne sicknesses! My dad has very weak immunity, so I need to be in tip-top shape.  

I went back to Go! Salads to try another selection from their menu. This time, I had the Bayani Salad, which is known for its adobo flakes. I liked it, but I think I’m more of a Sgt. Steak girl. 

Before going to bed, I depotted my Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick in Hot Sauce. While the lipstick brand is known to break easily, it’s color payoff and opacity are out of this world. I had to salvage what’s left of my tube by transferring it in a 3ml jar, microwaving it for two minutes to set it in the container, and letting it cool on room temperature. 

I have chosen local products and produce today. Human Nature is a social enterprise, so each purchase benefits a poor community that the company supports. Go! Salads supports farmers and ensures that their produce is pesticide-free. Barkin’ Blends welcomes people of all ages, genders, and statuses in life. And Sunnies Face is part of the Sunnies Group, which is known to have charitable donations, such as their Christmas giveaway Dear Sunnies Santa. 

By taking care of myself and supporting brands that do good, I know that I am doing the right thing with my limited resources. I hope that you will also find some brands that support others, and that you will continue paying for goodness to continue growing.  

Healthier and Happier

I had salad again yesterday! I wanted to eat healthful food again, so I had the Sicilian pasta from Juju Eats for lunch. 

It was refreshingly flavorful! 

Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends for some cuddle time with my furry friends. 

It was a quick but therapeutic coffee break from my responsibilities.  

After running some errands, I had dinner at Go! Salads, where I had the Sgt. Steak again. Their chimichurri dressing is addicting.  

I can’t wait to see how this healthy eating spree goes. So far, I feel fresher and more vibrant now that I’m eating salads often. With some furry therapy and a some coffee, I know that I got this.  

Waking Up to Hope

Yesterday, I dropped by St. Clare to pray for my dad. I also prayed that I will have a job soon, and that I will also find someone with a good heart to date. 

I also got a Sgt. Steak salad from Go! Salads for lunch. 

I liked their chimichurri dressing and it went well with the seared steak and mushrooms!

I had Mang Cha-a iced coffee to offset the strong taste of the chimichurri. 

And for dinner, I had the meatball marinara pasta salad from Juju Eats. 

I wake up for myself, so that I can help my family during this difficult time. I need to take care of myself first by eating right and praying hard. And tomorrow, I’ll have to repeat these steps until hopefully, my dad is healed.

Here’s hoping that I’ll find more reasons to hope this 2019! 

Living Coral

Yesterday, I welcomed the new year with a living color top, my new specs, and a fresh outlook on life.  

This year, I vow to be straightforward in everything I do. If there’s anything that I want, I will go for it! Life is too short. Let’s keep it simple. 

My first lunch of the year was the Darling Breakfast Salad from Go! Salads. It was delicious thanks to the ground longganisa bits and tomato honey vinaigrette. 

After lunch and some malling, I heard mass at the Pink Sisters Quezon City convent.  

I prayed for good health, healing for my family, a job, a good boss, and most of all, a boyfriend! 

I ended my day with some baked salmon for dinner, which was a gift from a family friend.  

I am optimistic that 2019 will be a remarkable year, and I am determined to work smarter, not harder, to achieve the dreams that I have for myself and my family.

God bless us all!