Fueling Women

Yesterday, I started my day with some toasted longganisa and hot chocolate at Breakfast Bin.  

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Then, I checked out some exhibitions at the Ayala Museum. 

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I especially liked their Women and War exhibit. 

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After running some errands, I got myself some pares and siomai from Kanto Pares. Yum! 

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As a woman, I prioritize self-care because the most important person in my story is me. Seeing empowering exhibits and eating yummy food are just two ways to fuel myself. Happy International Women’s Day! 

Hooked On Experiences

I recently overcame some personal challenges, and I am moving on with an improved mindset. I am determined to have better experiences, lessons, relationships, and opportunities moving forward.  

I began envisioning a better future for myself by living in the present as I was crocheting this cowl. I used the leftover yarn from my beanie project a few days ago. It was enough to finish this decent-sized cowl. 

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Crochet helps me process my thoughts and map out my future. Here’s to more plans, positivity, and goals as I continue crocheting!

Stability Eats

Yesterday, I experienced driving through really strong rains. By the time I parked my car, I was starving! I decided to eat breakfast at Jollibee while waiting for the P2P bus to take me to Ortigas. 

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I enjoyed my “stopover” meal of breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

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I also bought hot calamansi juice to sip while inside the P2P bus.  

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I got some work done in the morning, then I went to UA&P to check out the new caf inside MPC.  

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I had chicken siomai with java rice.  

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And I also had my favorite Chillers fresh avocado shake!  

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For early dinner, I checked out Ça Va at Podium. It’s a newly opened creperie and floral atelier. 

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I invited Anne, the lady behind 11*11 Handmade  to join me! I really enjoyed catching up with her over good food and coffee.

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My sriracha meatballs rice bowl was amazing! It went well with my flat white.  

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Food is my love language, but I prefer to eat it rather than cook it! I find joy in comfort food and coffee. I know that even when the skies are not blue, I will still be okay for as long as I know what truly makes me happy.  

Uni Memories

I had a productive first week of work. It was overwhelming, like most adjustment periods. However, I was never short of colleagues to help me. It also helped that our office is still located near my uni, where there is a chapel, convenient food options, and space to process my thoughts during my lunch break.

I have been having Food Channel shawarma rice with cheese for lunch, and it is still delicious! I feel like a student again whenever I savor it.

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I have to visit our office’s new site and project manage its progress. I have to be organized and on top of things!

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Another food from uni which I enjoyed this week was the sticky cinnamon bun. It was comforting after a busy day.

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And I was also fortunate to have my college friend Ceetee with me for coffee that day! She also just recently started at her new office in Ortigas.

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Here’s to more opportunities at work, more happy college memories, friendship moments, and comfort food!

Knitting, Kabab, and Coffee

I woke up extra early today, so I worked out before the rush hour. 

Afterwards, I decided to eat at Mister Kabab for breakfast. Their special chicken chelo kebab (double ground!) is my all-time favorite brekkie whenever I am up at an ungodly hour. It is best paired with coffee and knitting. 

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It was an awesome idea to treat myself to a Persian breakfast at my usual place. I love knitting at my go-to locations where I can let my hair down and simply be myself. I hope that you have that kind of place in your life. The kind that you drive to when you’re up extra early or when you simply need to soundtrip, eat, and chill (for me, it’s knitting!). When you do find that place, always make time to come back. It is good for your soul. 

Macaroni and Knitting

I recently dropped by my uncle’s latest church assignment. I was fascinated with the CAT demonstration during my visit, as there was a graduation ceremony going on.  

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I beat the heat with this Php10 cone of dirty ice cream. Yum!

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Lunch was at Conti’s, where I had this comforting plate of chicken and mac and cheese. 

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For dessert, I had a slice of cookies and cream cheesecake and a cup of coffee. 

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It was a relaxing day of visiting family and eating delicious food. Here’s to more happy lunches for knitting and catching up!

Quixote Paella

Last Monday, I had lunch at Quixote, which is owned by Cholo and Tricia Ancheta. I met this lovely couple during my Banaue trip, and when I found out that they have a Spanish kitchen near my house, I knew I had to try it out!

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It is conveniently located inside Malingap Central Food Hall, am air-conditioned food park with parking and clean restrooms. Those factors alone were enough for me to try it out!

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Their affordable menu features Spanish’s favorites. I went for their paella x salpicao combo for only Php340. I chose the carne paella because I’m really carnivorous and hungry! 

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I had no regrets with my order as it was good for one person. There was also great service, and a hip playlist!

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The paella and salpicao were both delicious and filling! It was great value for money and the food was one of the best I have tried in the Maginhawa neighborhood. 

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Presentation was also excellent! I paid for a quality, delicious Spanish meal that looks as good as it tastes. 

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I put the salpicao on top of my paella and it was awesome. 

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Congratulations Cholo and Tricia! I had a delicious meal. I will be back! 

Drawing Deliciousness

I spent my Monday reading, working out, and updating my Traveler’s Notebook. I have previously shared how I was pleasantly surprised with my return to creative journaling, and it has sort of awakened my inner diarist again. It is a welcome change, and it is glorious to have my hobby back.

Since my mom cooked sopas for lunch (it was delicious!), I was inspired to whip out my TN (traveler’s notebook) and drew my yummy meal. 

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Yes, I did have both coffee and hot chocolate! The rainy weather made me crave for comforting drinks, so I made both to satisfy my drowsy urge for caffeine and good vibes.  

My second illustration depicted my epic breakfast last Sunday. I bought bicho-bicho (traditional Filipino donut) and bananacue from a street vendor along UP Diliman during my brisk walk. You have to give it to them for their ingenious merchandising. 

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I plated it this way at home, and yes, both treats were HEAVENLY and simply satisfying after a long workout.  

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I am glad to be back to journaling. It has become second-nature to me again. Indeed, the best art moments are those which are spontaneous and unplanned. I look forward to more delicious meals and colorful illustrations ahead!

Pasta and Pancakes

I usually go to Brewing Point Cafe along Congressional Avenue whenever I am craving for a generous serving of pasta. And they never disappoint! My favorite on their menu is the vegetarian pasta, which is a medley of colorful, tasty goodness. I do not even miss meat whenever I devour this. I finish it off with their Nespresso americano.  

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For dinner, I passed by a nearby 7-Eleven and bought the pancakes and Fiesta Ham meal to go. I was not expecting it to be the bomb. So imagine my surprise when I finally microwaved it and tasted it.

OH MY GOODNESS IT ​IS DELICIOUS I AM TELLING YOU. 

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Do not let the underrated aesthetics fool you. It is a beautiful plate of Christmas feels. I swear it is worth more than Php59. I will definitely order it again. ​

Oh, and I finished it off with coffee. Again. Because the best meals always have to be with coffee. ​

Gravy and Cheese

Yesterday was all about comfort food goodness. I finally gave in to my cravings and I am enjoying my favorite food, one day at a time. 

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I had the chicken ala king rice bowl from KFC. I usually top it off with four pumps of gravy. Yes, four. 

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Next, I had a cheesy binatog with salt, sugar, and milk. It was deliciously filling and at Php35 for the large serving, was a fantastic deal to boot.  

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I watched The Commuter starring Liam Neeson and it was enjoyable. As per my usual custom, I enjoyed the movie with McDonald’s premium roast coffee. I do enjoy action movies so if you have anything to recommend to me, do let me know! 

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And then, I had this glorious Chicago White deep dish pizza from Sbarro for dinner. This is how they usually serve it.   

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And here’s how I enjoy it: with lots of oregano, granulated garlic, and chili flakes! 

Of course, I do enjoy food in moderation. I make sure to burn calories with exercise. Life is too short for boring food. Make each meal count and burn it all with a workout while listening to your jam!