I’m currently working on a project at Makati City this week. It has been fun so far, and I do miss the area! My first office was right around the corner, so I visited some places that I used to frequent. It was a nostalgic trip that made me happy to be in that part of town again.
I hope to rediscover more places this 2020! It shouldn’t be that challenging.
Energy to Eat
I enjoy walking around the UP Academic Oval at night because of the cool breeze around the campus. I feel recharged whenever I am surrounded by the trees on campus, and it inspires me to go further with my workouts.
The UP Oblation looks majestic at night
I also appreciate the presence of the other joggers and brisk walkers around me. It makes me feel like I’m part of a cardio collective of sorts.
The tree-lined U.P. Academic Oval
Aside from the endorphins that I get from my cardio fix, I also find joy in eating various street foods found on campus.
My favorites are carioca, shredded sweet corn with cheese, and soy milk.
Carioca
Shredded corn with cheese
Soy milk
It is free to workout at UP and the street food makes the afterburn worth it. Do give it a try soon!
Thursday with Friends
Yesterday, I had lunch with my high school friends Luti and Rozzanne at Galleria. We discussed our upcoming Christmas get-together, among other plans.
Then, Luti and I went to UP for some merienda at Chocolate Kiss. I had the sour cream cheesecake and brewed coffee. It was a delicious combo.
We later went around the campus for some brisk walking, and I took some random snaps.
Thursday with friends is always a good idea!
Banana Pudding
Yesterday, I got to explore BGC. I tried the famous banana pudding of M Bakery for the first time, and loved it! I also had a hearty convenience store lunch and some satisfying private reading at Fully Booked.
They say that our city does not have enough parks. I beg to disagree. We just have to maximize the open spaces that we’ve got, and enjoy what our city has to offer.
Can’t wait for the next weekend!
Bambiking at Intramuros
Yesterday, I had the chance to explore Intramuros after my meeting in Makati. I had the exciting opportunity to explore the walled city first by foot.
I planned to visit the walled city for Independence Day, but I decided that one day wasn’t enough to explore it. Day 1 was all about seeing the parts which I previously did not appreciate while I was in a car.
There were quite a number of interesting nooks and crannies to appreciate and photograph.
My tour became much better when I rented a bambike (bamboo bike) for one hour. I got to ride through narrow streets and busy sidewalks in Intramuros.
I got to have some cardio and have a better understanding of the historical markers scattered throughout the walled city.
My favorite moment was reaching the site of my favorite hero Jose Rizal’s former dormitory.
My visit ended at Bathala Bar, where I had avocado ice cream and Bayani Brew.
This was definitely much better than my previous visits to Intramuros as I got to appreciate it more as I was walking and on a bike. I’ll definitely be back!
Uplifting
It’s not everyday that I get to do brisk walking around the UP Academic Oval. Being with trees and sunshine inspires me to get moving and stay positive amidst life’s challenges.
The street food scene at the university uplifts me each time. The carioca, fish balls, and kwek kwek filled me up and made me feel young again.
I got to watch Paillim, one of the movies featured in the recent Sinag Maynila film festival. The movie featured a fictional family who lives in a public cemetery, and their struggles to make ends meet- literally.
Since I was already at UP, I maximized my visit by dropping by the Vargas Museum to recharge amidst art by Amorsolo, Hidalgo, Luna, and Edades, among others.
Before going home, I had early dinner with my helper Racquel at Malingap Central, a hip food park near home. We had mushroom burger steaks from MushEat Lite, a vegetarian kitchen. We loved our food, and it was best paired with Siam Yum’s delicious Thai milk tea.
It was also an honor to meet the man behind Malingap Central, Pino, Pipino, The Burger Project, and Breakfast and Pies, PJ Lanot.
It doesn’t take much to make me happy. Art, film, healthy eating, and conversations keep me motivated to live my best life. Here’s to more uplifting experiences to come!
Dancing to Life’s Beat
Yesterday, I got to join an Aerosports Dance-Off at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was from 6-9am. I had fun!
My friend Cyndi was also there to dance.
I rewarded myself with some knitting...
...and a bowl of yummy toasted naked longganisa with talangka brown rice for breakfast.
I also got to see the first game of the Battle of Katipunan between UP and Ateneo.
I was sad that UP lost, so I walked around the oval to comfort myself.
I got home to a package of yarns that I ordered from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.
I’m glad that I was able to combine my passions for fitness and crafting in my life! Here’s to more fit weekends and crafternoons!
Simple Saturday
Yesterday, I finally got to watch ML starring Eddie Garcia. It was uncomfortable to watch, but I was able to stay until the end!
Also, I watched this alone so it was a milestone. I conquered a suspense film by myself.
I enjoyed a burger with egg and walked around the oval.
I attended anticipated Sunday mass at the UP Parish Church.
And I felt renewed after a challenging week!
Sometimes, the best things in life are right across our neighborhood. UP is just a highway from my house, and I find myself enjoying simple joys such as quality films and street food in its premises. I will definitely go back!
Christmas at Makati
I got to explore the Poblacion area after my crochet workshop last Sunday. It was fun to walk around Makati at night, especially since the air is cooler as we are approaching the holidays.
I ended up at the Ayala Triangle Gardens to witness their Christmas light show.
My family and I may be facing some challenges at the moment as we care for our sick family member, but there is no way that Christmas should be forgotten this year! This year’s celebration may be more simple, but it remains meaningful as always. I am thankful that I have my family and friends with me, and that’s all that matters.
Paws to Pray
Yesterday, I went to UP to run some errands. I squeezed in some brisk walking at the oval to burn some calories.
Then, I had a lovely burger steak canteen lunch.
I proceeded to St. Clare to pray for my special intentions and to say thank you for recent blessings.
To celebrate Halloween early, I swung by Barkin Blends Dog Cafe to cuddle some doggos.
I had Ella the whole afternoon, and she later napped on my lap.
I was also lucky since I got to take pictures with the other dogs as well.
After a pawsome time, I ate tapsilog for dinner at Rodic’s.
Then, I ended my day with a sunset walk.
I am still hoping that things will improve. I continue to be optimistic, and in case things get too much to handle, I know that I can always pray and hangout with my furry friends.
Weekly Hits
There are things that I simply enjoy doing on a weekly basis. For starters, I HAVE to eat Breakfast Bin’s toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice every week.
I also need some Papa Diddi’s ice cream to make each week more delicious. This cup of joy contains their matcha and barako coffee flavors.
A brisk walk around the UP academic oval eases me into my tasks.
And a visit to St. Clare Monastery helps me focus on my life in prayer.
My life may not be perfect, but my constants keep me grounded on things that matter. What are your weekly constants? I hope that they also give you a sense of purpose each week!
Walking Well
Yesterday, I did some brisk walking around UP after lunch.
It was a cloudy day, and it was perfect for processing my thoughts as I digested some carbs.
After burning calories, I proceeded to UP Town Center. A couple of friends from school sent me this candid photo. I love it because I look self-assured.
I was actually on my way to St. Clare to offer eggs and pray for better opportunities.
I brightened up my day with a visit to Barkin Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddles with my furry friends.
And lastly, I had a candy cane waffle from Waffable. It was a delicious way to end a lovely day. I am optimistic that I will be able to have sunnier days ahead, and brighter breaks in the future. For now, I will enjoy my downtime and remain thankful for everything.
Loving QC
The other night, I decided to have mushroom bibimbap from O! Kitchen for dinner. It was delicious!
I burned it yesterday with Zumba.
I recovered with breakfast burger steak and coffee.
I pedaled on the stationary bike at the park.
And I took a brisk walk around the gardens.
I crossed Elliptical Road and found myself at the QC Public Library.
I enjoyed reading and working on yesterday’s blog entry via the high-speed WiFi connection.
I enjoyed my time with books and knowledge around me!
For lunch, I had the 100 tomato pasta...
...and the guiltless strawberry cake from Icing’s.
I had a check-up at the hospital and I loved their groovy staircase.
Later during the day, I dropped by the newly-opened Human Nature store at SM The Block.
I got myself a couple of pairs of cute scissors from Books for Less.
And I got a meaningful mirror from The Craft Central to remind me of that being happy is a choice.
I ended my day with anticipated mass and this mango and chocolate crepe.
I love Quezon City and I am proud of my hometown! I hope that you will also find yourself in any of the places I’ve been to, because they’re worth visiting. I am happy that there are so many affordable ways to enjoy myself in QC. I will surely miss being here everyday as I will work soon in Ortigas. But that doesn’t mean that my life will stop, just like that. I would just have to blog on the side, and maximize my weekends in order to speakoutsam!