Kamayan Christmas

Yesterday, I spent some time with our loyal helper Racquel for a simple Christmas treat. I took her to my favorite restaurant Gubat, where we got to eat with our hands.

I had the longganisa (again!) with additional salted egg and burong kanin (fermented rice). It was perfect with my beer.

We took a quick stroll around the Diliman Bonsai Society after our meal. It was hard to believe that we were still in the city.

We also had some Starbucks coffees, and watched Sunod, starring Carmina Villaroel. It was a beautiful horror movie which was shot at Escolta, which we visited earlier this year.

I later finished crocheting the scarf I have been making all throughout the holiday season. It is finally done, and I am ready to begin again with a brand new colorway.

Christmas is better when with local food, handmade hobbies, and simple joys. May you find the season to be merry and bright with those who have been loyal to you.

Rook Chapter

Yesterda, I spent time with my doggo friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.

I also got featured on tv and online as I was reacting to the movie Isa Pa With Feelings.

And finally, I got my rook pierced by renowned body piercer Rachel of Piercings.Ravana.

I’m just focusing on the best things in life. Dogs, piercings, and movies keep me going these days. I am being kinder and more forgiving to myself. If it takes a few ear piercings to get me motivated, then so be it.
This is simply the start of better things to come!

Library Theater

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch a movie at the Ortigas Library. 

The library was my hangout when I was still in uni, and also during my time working at a nearby mortgage management firm. Their Filipiniana books are ideal for research, and their events are worth attending. 

I enjoyed watching Birdshot  by Mikhail Red! It was a thought-provoking film about a farm girl who unwittingly kills a Philippine eagle. 

After the film, I got to view their display of Rizal books. As a fan, I’m always drawn to these books, and I hope that more academics will research on his life.  

I want to support more events and gatherings in libraries because they foster community amidst books. We can also learn more if we will visit libraries and get inspired to learn, write, and share.  

I hope that this is just the beginning of more library events to come! 

Quezon and Sarah G

I finally got to have my eyebrows professionally waxed at Benefit. People underestimate the power of good grooming, and having freshly trimmed eyebrows does wonders to my self-esteem. It made me feel alive again.  

I had some free time in the afternoon, so I watched Quezon’s Game in the cinema. I enjoyed the historical experience and I was moved by the film’s premise of Quezon saving more than a thousand Jews. It was a masterpiece that I hope more people will watch. 

Later that day, I went to the event that I was invited to: Sarah Geronimo’s concert and Pop Studio makeup line launch at the New Frontier Theater. 

I enjoyed the event because I am genuinely a Sarah Geronimo fan.  

I sipped some awesome cheese milk tea from Paper Moon prior to the event.  

Then, it was party time with the Popstar Royalty herself!

It was a fun night, which I ended by purchasing a lipstick from Sarah’s line. 

I chose a mauve shade that can go with my everyday looks.  

It was a privilege to watch a touching historical film and a concert in one day. Here’s to more days where I can have it all!

Tied Down

Yesterday, I had a difficult day as I encountered problems in the bank. I had to discuss my status quo with the manager, who didn’t seem to grasp the urgency of my situation at first. She did help me after my explanation, and I am awaiting the full resolution of the issue within the week.  

Having said that, I decided to unwind with some cheap thrills at the mall: a sizzling burger steak and iced coffee shake.  

I also got to watch Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon, which is the sequel to one of my favorite local indie films, Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa. 

It was beautifully acted and very sad.  

I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father, and I found him restrained to his bed to prevent him from removing his respirator. It was sad to see him this way, so I have to keep myself strong in the coming days.

I just have to find ways to be happy amidst the darkness of my current situation. 

Stitching Errands

Yesterday, I ran some errands with my helper. But first, I had my photo taken at the SM North Towers Art Walk. This mural was painted by Drew Europeo. 

I got to crochet and treat my helper out to lunch at a Greek restaurant, where we had healthy brown rice and quinoa bowls. 

We were in luck as there was an exhibit of relics at the Podium, with reliquaries on loan from The Reliquarium in Marikina.  

Then, we shared a big bucket of popcorn and watched Eerie, a Filipino horror film directed by Mikhail Red. It was a beautifully goth film. I highly recommend it, and yes, I survived it even if I’m not typically into the horror genre. 

Life is better if we treat our helpers like family and share meaningful experiences with them. I may blur her photo on social media for privacy reasons, but I treat her like my own blood.  

Here’s to celebrating more small wins and stitching goals!