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!

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!

Reliquarium

I visited the Blessed Ivan Merz Center and Reliquarium at Marikina City on Good Friday. I was accompanied by our loyal helper Racquel who was also praying for my dad’s recovery from terminal illness. 

The Reliquarium is located at 79 Narra St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City. They will be closed for renovations starting Easter Monday, so we made sure that we could visit the oratory during Holy Week. 

We were overwhelmed with their relic collection, and it was truly worth the drive from Quezon City. 

At the end of our visit, we were handed Certificates of Pilgrimage and healing drinking water.  

I got goosebumps at the Reliquarium as it was truly holy. It enabled me to have a personal encounter with the great saints and blessed men and women of the Church. I will definitely be back. 

Jude x Camillus

Yesterday, I went to Mendiola after working at The Study Workspace.  

St. Camillus’ heart relic was at St. Jude for one day only. I took advantage of this chance to venerate the relic and pray for St. Camillus’ intercession. I had my terminally-ill father in mind, my best friend Luti (whose rheumatoid arthritis is in remission), my friend who is graduating this June, my family, and of course, myself, as I endure the challenges of jobhunting and freelance work. 

Then, I proceeded to the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat to continue praying. 

The abbey is one of my go-to places for silence and reflection.  

Faith for me is an unceasing journey. I am amazed with how it is still strong amidst all the rejections and negativity. Prayer helps in reinforcing my faith, and it keeps me going. I am optimistic that I can be strong enough to carry on with each new day. 

A Holy Heart

Yesterday, I got to visit the heart relic of St. Camillus De Lellis at the EDSA Shrine.  

The church used to be my hangout back when I still worked at Ortigas. 

I prayed for my dad’s speedy recovery, and my upcoming employment. I hope that with God’s grace, I will be able to find work soon. I also hope that my faith will keep me strong for days to come.  

Preparing for Fiesta

One of my favorite saints, St. Clare, celebrates her feast day on August 11. Since my birthday is on August 13, I find myself preparing for her feast day in the same manner that I reflect on all my blessings in anticipation of turning a year older. I am thankful that I was able to build a devotion to an intercessor whose feast is close to my birthday. 

I visited the Monastery last Sunday to pray, give thanks, and take note of the upcoming fiesta masses.  

I am excited to celebrate with other devotees on the eleventh! 

There are always blessings to be thankful for, and petitions to pray for. I look forward to lifting them all up to God on Saturday! 

Crafting My Love Story

Yesterday, I started my Saturday with a workout...

...pancit and lumpia for breakfast...

 ...and coffeenut (coffee brewed in coconut water and served with coconut milk and coco sugar) and crocheting. 

Then, I bought a new project bag from the weekend bazaar at my local park. The smallest pouch bag for my crochet projects costs only P35. 

I got one in this cheery pineapple print. 

I strolled around the tropical garden inside the park. 

After lunch, I proceeded to the Singles Recollection hosted by The Feast Quezon City community. 

I enjoyed worshipping...

 ...and knitting!

I was impressed with the effort and love that went into the food prep. I mean, look at those handwritten post-its!

I got this one, because it is so me. I believe that each day is a new opportunity!

I discovered my love for crocheting and knitting while I became single a few months ago. I have also been doing creative journaling through food illustration.

My handmade lifestyle has cultivated self-love, and I have never looked back. Crafting my love story starts in affirming and validating myself, one creative output at a time. I know I am ready to love again because I know how to make myself happy in the first place. For now, I am focusing on being myself, and sharing my story to you all. 

Prayer, Paws and Empowerment

Yesteday, I worked out, and had chicken sopas and quick fried beef for breakfast at Tropical Hut. 

I also got four vintage saucers at my local weekend market for Php20. 

Then, I attended The Feast for the second time. 

I felt so blessed! 

I also knitted while worshipping. Talk about offering my handiwork to the Lord!

Then, I had the cheesy meaty spaghetti from Mister Donut. It was delicious! 

I spent time at the PAWS Pet Cafe to meet some puppers.  

I met Dr. Argus, Dr. Leo, and Dr. Torby, who are part of the Doctor Dogs program. They visit schools and hospitals to bring cheer and love. 

Then, a fourth Doctor Dog, Storm joined us for some cuddle time.  

I also went to the dermatologist’s for some acne care. Here I am with Melody, the fab lady who assists me whenever I’m there.  

Let me rock these pimple injection stickers! 

I dropped by the new branch of Books for Less at The Block. It’s a wasteland for all ages. They have secondhand books and stationery items!

Look at these handmade secret book boxes!

They also have a handsome shelf of vintage books. 

After buying a pre-loved book, I headed over to The Craft Central to purchase this gorgeous yarn. 

And, I was able to score this killer duo of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls books at 20% off at the Fully Booked sale!

I am always happy with new books.  

For dinner, I had my favorite toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin.  

And I ended my Sunday with a full-body massage at my nearby spa.  

I had a lovely Sunday. I spent it worshipping the Lord, hanging out with volunteer doggos, taking care of myself, and buying for soul food (read: books and yarn). I also sketched my food. 

Life should be spent well, with a balance of work, leisure, and self-care. There is nothing more empowering than the fact that I can support my favorite causes and practice my faith in one day. Here’s to better days ahead!

Faith and Fitness

Yesterday, I started my day with another workout at 6am. 

I finally got the hang of waking up at 5am, so I can say that I have already adjusted to my plan to become a morning person. 

I ate breakfast again at Tropical Hut, and I had their corned beef breakfast meal.  

For lunch, I had the Salisbury steak with egg at Steak Break.  

Then, it was time for my thanksgiving church tour! A favor which I have been praying for has recently been granted. For my first stop, I dropped by St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Their giant statue of the sleeping St. Joseph always reminds me to stop worrying and lift it all up to God.  

Next, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I was able to spot my lucky number, 13! I queued at that platform number, because while I believe in God, I also think that creating my own luck is important. This blog has been an opportunity that I have created for myself. All the events, conferences, and offers which I have attended and received were because of my blog, and that is why I think that luck is merely claiming the chances which I have allowed to happen. 

Then, I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. 

I viewed their collection of reliquaries.  

And for last stop, I went to the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey.  

It is overwhelmingly beautiful.  

For dinner, I had the limited edition herb and bacon pizza from S&R. 

I enjoyed working out, eating well, sketching my food, and touring churches! I hope that I will continue to create more opportunities for myself in the coming days. For now, allow me to carry on with mindful living as I ease my way into the daily grind.