800 Buttons from BSC

I received 800 buttons from Bon Seng Commercial Inc. for my upcoming earsavers. I am thankful that this company has generously shared their resources for the second time. Their first donation to me were put to good use, so I will definitely ensure that these will be utilized to help our frontliners.

To help us crochet more earsavers, please consider donating materials or sponsoring deliveries to hospitals. Your help will go a long way, so join the Earsavers for Lifesavers PH Facebook group today to learn more.

Hope to see you there!

Zapateria 2019

Yesterday, I joined a bag-making workshop at Zapateria Marikina. I was mentored by Mariel Manalansan, a KL-based Filipino leather craftsman and teacher.

I enjoyed the workshop, and I was able to make my own shoulder bag! I met new friends, got to eat delicious tapsilog at Tapsi Ni Vivian, and support my grade school classmate Unyx’s creative co-working hub. It was a privilege to make something by hand and explore the shoemaking capital of the Philippines.

My creative journey has only just begun!

Supporting Makers

I needed a reminder to keep on making, so I went to The Craft Central yesterday to buy a “maker” bead bracelet from Bedazzled. Cath, the woman behind the brand, was my classmate at the weaving workshop that I recently attended. It was beautiful to meet another maker who was passionate about her craft, and was able to launch brands out of it.  It is through making that I also get to release my stress and apply myself through each chaotic day. 

By choosing to make over wallowing in self-pity and disappointment, I am able to overcome challenges and daily struggles. I know that I can continue being creative by also supporting fellow makers, and learning from their own inspiring stories. 

Let’s support each other as we make it through each day!

Farm Saturday

Yesterday, I visited the GK Enchanted Farm with fellow Human Nature Core Advocates for a tour and immersion. This was my sixth visit to the farm. My previous tours were as a social business camper and with friends. Now, I am back as a core advocate with my own Human Nature Online Shop.  

But first I needed to fuel up at McDonald’s.  

We met up at the Human Nature Flagship Store.  

We were also given some nibbles by a fellow core advocate.  

Then, it was time for our journey!

We reached the farm at around 9:30am, and we started the tour.  

Our bubbly tour guide, Gelai, is a graduate of the SEED School. She speaks French, English, and Filipino!

I had a wonderful day of touring the farm, it’s various social enterprises, and of course, enjoying the delicious bounty of the earth!  

It was time for our ride back to the city.  

And before going home, I enjoyed an early dinner of toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin. 

I needed the farm tour to realign myself with my values and to appreciate life more. I am proud to see the farm grow, and to be in the company of kindhearted friends.

Here’s to more goodness and opportunities!

Knitting Anniversary

Today is my knitting anniversary! It’s been a year since my fateful Knitting Adventure at the Banaue Rice Terraces. It was where I first learned to knit. The lesson wasn’t easy for me, and I did struggle at first. But with a lot of practice, I did get the hang of it. And I even re-learned how to crochet along the way!

To celebrate this important milestone, I crocheted and knitted this infinity shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind this local shop has become my friends, and it is touching how this friendship has also become a source of strength and inspiration for me to keep going. 

My knitting and crochet abilities are in line with my goal to diversify myself through continuous learning of skills. You may be wondering how this connects to my goal to work in a corporate setting. Well, knitting and crochet has taught me patience, perseverance, resilience (especially when I would drop a stitch and have to start over!), creativity, and imagination. I have also learned these skills from scratch through workshops (like the advanced crochet one I attended with Mayown last year). If I can train my mind and hands to manipulate yarn, needles, and hooks, then I’m sure that I am ready to learn new programs, business platforms, and skills. 

I have also started a new scarf using the knitting needles that came with my kit at Banaue. Using these 6mm bamboo needles again is humbling, as I recall the awkward stitches that I have made 365 days ago in the mountains. Now, I am in my room in the city, with pop music blaring in the background. I have yarn from Pasig, the yarn bowl that I gifted myself with on Valentine’s Day, my first knitting needles, and the determination to keep going. I have amazed myself with how far I’ve come in my creative journey. 

I know that this is only the beginning. 

Valentine’s Clutch

I’m single and happy on Valentine’s Day. While I’m looking for a partner, I’m also happy with myself. I think that’s the perfect foundation for a relationship, because I’m already fulfilled on my own. 

Having said that, I finished crocheting this clutch using cotton yarn from my favorite local notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

To celebrate, I got myself some ensaimada and iced coffee from my neighborhood cafe.  

I also got a pixie trim and I feel fabulous! 

Self-love is the best foundation for a relationship. I am fortunate to have found fulfillment with my own talents, such as crochet! I know that whoever will date me in the future will be a lucky man because I’m already comfortable in my own skin. 

Infinite Fan

Yesterday, I finished crocheting this möbius shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I am excited to use this in my future job, and also during possible travels! It’s warm and cozy. 

All that crocheting made me hungry, so I ordered the Chicken Chizu Curry from Tori Chizu. 

It was a delicious baked rice meal which combined cheese and curry! I’ll definitely order from this place again. 

Then, it was time for me to book a ride to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. 

The church is notorious for road closures during fiesta, so I opted to book a ride for a worry-free journey. 

Before the fiesta procession, I fueled up first with some food. 

I bought myself a Jolly hotdog and a choco float from Jollibee. Still so good!

I also prayed for my intentions, such as my dream to land a job very soon, and healing for my dad. 

Before I knew it, it was time for the procession!

It was a spectacular procession, just like the one last year. I am a Lourdes devotee because of the miracles I have received from Our Lady. I continue to pray for good health for myself so that I can still be a blessing to others. I also prayed hard for a job that will enable me to support myself and my family. 

Life is still a beautiful journey, and my faith keeps me going. For now, I will continue crafting, eating yummy food, and praying for more blessings! 

Morning Mass

Yesterday, I attended mass at Our Lady of Consolation Parish. 

I attended the 7am mass, then I visited my late friend Diane at the columbary beneath the church. 

After mass, I visited my dad in the hospital and crocheted the day away. 

It is possible to combine faith, friendship, and crafting in one day! I find ways to pursue my interests even if my days can be busy and hectic. It’s all about planning and knowing which materials to bring with me. 

Life is too short to be bored! 

Sunday Paws

Yesterday, I crocheted while waiting for my lunch at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I had the Bonnie Burger and a wintermelon milk tea. I missed this combo so much because food and milk tea are only available at the Sta. Lucia branch (I frequent the SM North Towers branch more because it’s closer to my house).  

I also missed the bigger doggos who are mainstays at Sta. Lucia. 

I also met Shadow, a rescued black Labrador who was abandoned at the vet. She was left behind after her original owners broke up. Now, she has a happy disposition at her new home.  

Another rescued dog is Potchi the pug, who has only one eye.  

All of their dogs are still so sweet and caring.  

I had some tokneneng (deep fried quail eggs) for snack...

...and some calamansi juice to perk me up.  

I ended my day with Sunday mass at St. Clare Monastery.  

Before driving home, I enjoyed a large cup of sour cheese fries from Potato Corner.  

Life is too short. We should make time to be with beings that cheer us up, for worship, and for cheat meals. Treat yourself within your means on weekends, and watch yourself take on the world during the workweek. 

Homework

Yesterday, I stayed home to knit while listening to podcasts. 

I later whipped out my copy of Abbey Sy’s Always Be Creating because I was craving for some inspo to jumpstart the new year. 

I was inspired to get my new journal to answer some journaling prompts in the book. 

This pretty notebook was a surprise present from the kindhearted ladies behind my favorite local yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I went back to Abbey’s book and answered the prompts on passion points. 

Turns out, my passion points have not changed at all since childhood, and the same things still make me happy as an adult. 

Given my limited resources and packed schedule, I am able to pursue my usual habits with ease because I know myself well after all. 

I am still in the middle of the book, but I can say that it’s worth purchasing! It’s helpful especially if you are feeling the need to infuse creativity into your life. Also, it pays to have a journal on hand so that you can answer journaling prompts not just in this book, but from other influencers as well (you may search for prompts on the internet). The possibilities are endless once you commit to a creative life- and the best part is finding yourself in the process. 

Birthday Scarf

I received a ball of Lion Brand Mandala yarn from my favorite yarns and notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery during my birthday. I finally finished knitting an infinity scarf out of it, and it turned out to be quite lovely. 

I enjoyed knitting this piece in between my busy schedule, like before meetings, at the P2P, and at my go-to cafe. Knitting has become a fundamental part of my life, and I like keeping my hands busy especially when times are tough. 

I have already started knitting a new scarf, using yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s in-house brand. I can’t wait to keep going with life, and I know that with yarn and needles in my hands, I will be alright.