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!

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!

Corner Pixie

Yesterday, I got a pixie trim from our neighborhood salon. I am happy that there’s a reliable salon just around the corner. 

I love that the stylist knows how to cut a mean pixie! It’s not easy to find a skilled stylist who can make me look pretty and polished with my pixie cut. Some stylists in the past have made me look boyish, which is why looking for the right stylist is key to maintain this wash-and-wear cut. I am glad that I found my match a few steps away from home. 

I also had a delicious kani mango sandwich and caramel frappe from the cafe in our neighborhood.  I am loving how close these establishments are to my home, and that my interests- monthly pixie trims and daily coffee- are conveniently within my reach. 

It doesn’t take much to keep myself happy and looking sharp. I know where to eat, go for a haircut, and how to live a good life without breaking the bank.

Here’s to more adventures just around the corner! 

Brunch Bin

Yesterday, I had the toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice for brunch. 

I missed my Maginhawa favorite, and it’s still delicious!

For dessert, I had two scoops of Papa Diddi’s ice cream. I had cheese closed and barako- both flavors complemented each other perfectly. 

I have my usual foodie finds, and I can’t go wrong with them. If you find yourself craving for a hearty breakfast and yummy ice cream in local flavors at Maginhawa, look for the brands above! You won’t be disappointed. 

Brunch and Beats

Yesterday, I had Rodic’s tapsilog to jumpstart my day. 

I ran some errands while listening to music. 

I also got to buy the Sunnies I’ve been eyeing and I am really glad to have a new pair to rock!

I can’t wait to slay in the days to come. For now, I have brunch to look forward to, commitments to fulfill, and this blog to update. I am truly lucky to have opportunities lined up in 2019!

Pizza with Family

Yesterday was the feast of St. Blaise. There was a blessing of throats as he was known to heal a boy with a fishbone stuck in his throat. I had mine blessed after Sunday mass. 

Then, my family and I had pizza and chicken for lunch. 

My favorite from Shakey’s is the manager’s choice pizza! Hoping to have this again with my family in the future. 

Strengthening Myself

Yesterday, I drove to the Human Nature Flagship Store along Commonwealth Avenue to attend the launch of their new lipsticks! 

I was so excited to try these lipsticks. Matte lipsticks are my go-to makeup, and now I can finally buy this staple from my favorite natural store.  

The formula is matte, yet it glides on smoothly without tugging.  

And since my favorite shade is strength, I was chosen to represent it during the launch.  

I had so much fun! And I am sure that you will definitely like these lipsticks too. Buy from me today via my Human Nature Online Store! 

It was also a privilege to meet Sami, the daughter of my friend Ate Yla (she’s the manager of  the Human Nature Flagship Store). She’s a college freshman with a small business of her own. I supported her accessories store by purchasing some semi-precious stone bracelets for my parents. 

I also bought two bracelets for myself. They’re absolutely stunning! Plus, Sami donates part of the proceeds to charity. 

I later had a waxing session nearby.  

And finally, I got to have lunch again at Breakfast Bin. I missed their toasted naked longganisa with brown aligue rice. 

I had a day of natural pampering, wherein I was even reminded of my strength. I am strong because I can still show up and be there at events despite all the challenges that I am facing. I can still smile and wear lipstick. And I am still capable of supporting businesses with a heart.  

I hope that you will help me support myself and reach my dreams! Buy from my Human Nature online store today! 

Self-Care and Coffee

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon for grooming and self-care. 

I started my day with a wax session at my usual place.  

Then, I had my pixie trimmed at the salon next door.  

I liked the female stylist’s take on my pixie! I will definitely return for another trim from her. 

Next, I had late lunch at The Round Robin Cafe. My main course was their salmon carbonara, which is my go-to order whenever I’m there.  

And for dessert, I had their delectable matcha cheesecake and latte.  

Self-care can go a long way in reinforcing my self-esteem. Whenever you’re feeling down, try visiting a salon and a cafe. Your mood will definitely be brighter, and you will thank yourself later.  

Food Fight

Lately, I’ve been working out like crazy. I’ve been combining Zumba with cardio exercises throughout the day. It is only fitting that I nourish myself with the right food, such as this delicious adobo flakes kare-kare from Figaro. 

I also had lemonade and coffee to keep me awake for a day of working and burning calories.  

For dessert, I had this choco banana ice cream crepe from Crazy Crepes. So good!

Before going home, I got to have my glasses for astigmatism adjusted to better fit my face.  

Life isn’t always easy, but with the right workouts and nourishment, we will have a more balanced existence. Here’s to having it all without compromising our values, one day at a time. 

Chewy Beginnings

The past week has been challenging for me, but I am still here! I didn’t die, and I am still able to crochet, blog, and have fun!

I had a relaxing lunch at Scout’s Honor yesterday with my family. I had their pesto mealballs rice bowl. It was delicious! 

I also had their Americano and make-your-own cookie. Mine had a chewy base with dark chocolate, cream cheese, and Chocnut.  

My visit to any restaurant won’t be complete without a powder room break. Their washroom did not disappoint! 

I am digging their millennial pink walls and various frames. 

I had a lovely lunch, and I am so inspired to begin again. Here’s to more lunches and possibilities!

Core Advocate

Now that I am working full-time, I ensure that my weekends are spent well. I always begin my days with a workout, whether it’s a weekday or the weekend. 

Last Saturday, I was reminded to count my blessings and be myself as I dropped by my usual waxing salon.  

Then, I went to Human Nature to shop for my needs this August. I stocked up on moringa chocolate chip cookies...

 ...had some brewed coffee in the store...

...tried the new bath jelly (which was fun to use!)... 

 ...and treated myself to a bar of Theo and Filo 70% dark chocolate!

I am also a fan of Human Nature’s new initiative to encourage shoppers to bring their own eco bags.  

After shopping, I went to Breakfast Bin for even more coffee and pancakes. 

And then, it was back to Human Nature for me as we celebrated our get-together with my fellow core advocates. 

It was a fun night of potluck eats, karaoke, and friendship!

My Saturday was a relaxing one, because I got to eat, shop, and party for a good cause. I am glad that by supporting Human Nature, I also help Gawad Kalinga communities and provide jobs. I look forward to the rest of my workweek knowing that my weekends are spent with my advocacy. It makes all the hard work worth it.

Pressed Coffee Life

The past few days have been challenging for me, as I have been dealing with some personal matters. Good thing, I have friends who are here to hold my hand through every challenge. 

One of them is Karel, who is my high school friend! We had brunch at my usual Breakfast Bin, where we both had toasted naked longganisa.  

We continued catching-up at Papa Diddi’s for some ice cream and coffee.  

I had purple love (ube) and jackfruit ice cream...

 ...and of course, Sagada pressed coffee!

Life gives us challenges so that we could think out of the box. Friends like Karel are simply there to help us laughs through the pain. Laughter helps, because it keeps us grounded and hopeful for better days to come. Delicious food will always be therapeutic. And just like my life right now, pressed coffee is amazing because of the pressure applied to bring out its flavor.

I’d like to think that my life is simply brewing a more flavorful future for me, and that an awakening is just around the corner. 

All I have to do is to trust the process, and do my best.