Heirloom Seiko

I recently brought my late grandpa Cedric Bernardez’s Seiko Kinetic to the shop for some thick custom leather straps. I wasn’t disappointed. I selected rich brown artisanal straps with wax thread stitching to honor the man who taught me to appreciate the finer things in life. Among those are the following:

1. Write down your feelings and analyze them later. And write your name on everything your write, hence this eponymous blog.

2. Drink alcohol with refinement and never with intense emotions.

3. Beer should be appreciated anytime, just like coffee.

4. Jewelry is a form of self-care. Never be afraid to indulge in bling for oneself.

5. life is too short.
   

So here I am, wearing his watch and living his legacies. This is Samantha Gail Bernardez Lucas, bearer of my late grandpa’s name and passions in life. I will never take this life for granted.

Life is too short to be half-lived.

Vigan By Night

I recently got to explore the Hispanic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was a dream come true to tour this place, as it has always been on top of my must-see spots before I die.

I started my evening tour with a kalesa ride to Calle Crisologo.

The author enters Vigan’s town center by carriage

Calle Crisologo is filled with shops and restaurants.

The author at Calle Crisologo

The author checks out the shops along Calle Crisologo

I had the best vigan empanada i’Ve ever had at Irene’s Vigan Empanada.

Irene’s Vigan Empanada is a popular eatery along the famous street

Irene’s famous empanada does not disappoint

i had sorbetes along Calle Crisologo for dessert.

The author tries the sorbetes at Vigan

Cheese, pineapple, and ube sorbetes at Vigan

A cold beer at the ROOFTOP of Hotel Luna is a good idea.

The author’s favorite beer at the Hotel Luna roof deck

Leona Florentino’s monument at Vigan

I got to explore the famous monuments at Vigan’s city center.

Jose Rizal at Vigan

The Dancing FoUntain Show was a trippy experience after dark.

Vigan’s Dancing Fountain Show

The fountain show features popular songs along with its water features

The author enjoys Vigan at night

Ilocos Sur continues to attract both local and foreign tourists with its Old World charm

After walking around the plaza, i Looked around antique shops. Lucy Chan’s Antique House has the best selection of trinkets and home fUrnishings from another era.

Antique jewelry on display at Lucy Chan Antique House

Lucy Chan offers unique antique home furnishings and trinkets

I relaxed with a cup of hot rice coffee and some balikUtsa, a local sugarcane candy at coffee break Vigan.

The author enjoys rice coffee and balikutsa, a local candy made of sugarcane molasses

It was a comfortingly delicious treat.

Good night, Vigan!

I hope to be back soon, Vigan!

Presidential Car Museum

Yesterday, I spent the day exploring my local park. But first, I began my day with a hearty brunch of gyudon and milk tea coffee (yes, it’s apparently a thing!) at a Japanese restaurant.  

Then, it was time for some culture at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was my first time at the park’s newest museum, the Presidential Car Museum. 

The imposing modern building blended nicely with the park’s existing trees.  

I was in awe of the vintage cars inside the museum.  

As a history buff, this was quite a treat! 

It was also lovely to see stamps inside the museum.  

I enjoyed my time with the presidential cars, and I was pleasantly surprised to see cute souvenirs for sale outside. 

The souvenir shop also carried NHCP publications at reasonable prices.  

For my next stop, I went to Museo ni Quezon to reacquaint myself with the founder of my city.  

I was delighted with my history trip, and it was time to have a snack. 

I chose a coconut ice drop for merienda to beat the heat. 

Coconut House inside Circle sells local products made of natural ingredients.  

Then, it was time to go home, and savor the memories from my day tour of my local park. 

Having fun doesn’t need to be expensive! Sometimes, a trip to the local park can be an educational and enjoyable experience. Hopefully, you also have nearby places where you can enjoy an afternoon of culture and history! 

1995

Yesterday, I went to UP Cine Adarna to go back to 1995. I was nine years old during that time, so I indulged on a childhood treat: bicho-bicho right outside the film center.  

Then, I watched Sana Maulit Muli starring Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach. 

It was released in 1995. It was a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s. Plus, it was a treat to watch a young Lea Salonga onscreen. 

I had a lovely time, and I proceeded to some self-care at a spa. 

I had early dinner at Breakfast Bin, where I had the delicious veggie skillet. 

For dessert, I had matcha and banana ice cream scoops from Papa Diddi’s. 

By the time I got home, I was inspired to finish knitting this cowl using yarn I bought from Rosario, Pasig. 

It was time to continue knitting, so I chose a ball of Mandala Yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I carried on from there. 

Sometimes, we need a trip back in time to appreciate the present more. I look forward to enjoying more vintage films in the future to inspire me to cherish my time.  

Simple Hump Day

Yesterday, I started my day with my usual workout at the park.  

I had breakfast and coffee afterwards.

Then, I went to the mall for some retail therapy. 

I bought lipsticks from Sunnies Face for me and my mom. 

I queued up for it.

By the time it was my turn, I already knew shades I would purchase. While waiting for my payment to settle, I appreciated the store’s interiors. I especially liked the pink floor. 

Actually, almost the entire store was pink and cream!

I later watched Crazy Rich Asians. I enjoyed it so

much! 

I always get giddy whenever I see anything The Little Mermaid. In this case, I saw this children’s book at a secondhand bookstore. I remember having a similar one when I was a kid. 

I dropped by Sta. Clara since I was already in the area. I prayed for a better future and I gave thanks for all the blessings I have been receiving so far. 

Before I knew it, it was time to claim my Sunnies Specs. 

I chose this cool cateye pair called Harlow. 

I wrapped up my day with Rodic’s tapsilog...

...and delicious Turkish ice cream! 

I enjoyed my hump day and I look forward to more relaxing days that make all the hard work worth it. 

Online Seller and Old Books

Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to learn more on my online business with Human Nature. If you still do not know where to buy affordable and quality natural products, please check out my online store and support my little business! Thank you in advance and may God bless you!

After my training, I went to UP Town for lunch. Then, I proceeded to Biblio, a secondhand bookshop with a fine selection of vintage books.  

These handsome books are beautiful and in good condition.  

Look at how old these books are! 

I purchased an economics book for an uncle born in 1966. The book was published on the year he was born so it will definitely be a unique present as he has just started on a new job assignment. 

Since my purchase met their minimum requirement of Php300, I was able to enjoy a fresh cup of brewed barako coffee on the house! I knitted while sipping my cuppa and it was awesome to do so inside a beautiful bookshop.  

I may be an online businesswoman, but I do crave for analog experiences. I hope you will also visit Biblio for your next book purchase and who knows, you might also capture a vintage book that speaks to your heart beyond the words on its pages. 

Faith and Arrows

I am the type of girl who follows rituals. One of them is my weekly (I try my best!) visit to St. Clare Monastery along Katipunan. I offer eggs and lift up my intentions for the week. 

After visiting St. Clare, I proceeded to DMZ Archery Range to shoot arrows. I liked their Gwen Stefani x Justin Timberlake playlist during my visit. 

Also, I adored my bow which had my lucky number 13 on it! 

I was able to have fun and release all my stress during the game.  

Archery also helps in improving my posture. 

I think I have a favorite sport now. 

I look forward to more routine days which in time will be productive habits. Mindfulness has taught me to pursue the good and the meaningful. I sure hope am doing a great job this 2018!

Cups and Chaos

I went back to my favorite Sunday Market this morning. I needed to be surrounded by my vintage things, and it did not disappoint. I dropped by my usual stall selling classy china and table wares, and I could not resist takin g this photo. I am a coffee and tea drinker, so I fancy a fine cup or mug for my perusal. Of course, it should have character. It should tell a story. It should elevate my coffee break to something more than a space between tasks and errands. It should inspire me through design while keeping my drink warm. Lastly, it should remind me of happy memories, as I plot my next plan while intaking caffeine.

I usually sort out the chaos of my life through coffee. Cups should bring me warmth and joy, so I choose people to have coffee or tea with wisely. I dislike hanging out with people who bring more chaos and destruction. I prefer to have someone with plans and principles. Such is my dream for my future over coffee. I want to have someone who thinks positively and who plans for the future while enjoying the present. 

For now, I am enjoying my coffee solo. I have let go of some chaos in my life, and I am replacing it with cooler memories which are better for my character.