Dance for Hope and A Cure

Yesterday, I joined a dance party for a friend’s fundraiser. She is undergoing chemotherapy, so a common friend organized a Zumba party via Zoom. In keeping with the times, we kept on dancing to some retro beats online. Our socially distant party was a lot of fun and I really burned some calories while at home.

While I miss dancing outdoors at our local park, I understand that the pandemic is still upon us and it is best to just workout at home. I am glad that there are online options to stay fit and active! I hope that this inspires you to also exercise while on quarantine.

Breathing At Home

Being under quarantine does not have to be boring. I have recently started playing my flute again, and it has been fun so far.

I post my flute performances on my Instagram page. I hope you can check them out!

I have also been working out everyday, because being at home does not mean being complacent. I do mostly cardio, which has been effective in passing the time.

I know that this quarantine is a little breather from life. I will do everything I can to make this a season of growth and self-improvement. Things will get better. I just know it.

Energy to Eat

I enjoy walking around the UP Academic Oval at night because of the cool breeze around the campus. I feel recharged whenever I am surrounded by the trees on campus, and it inspires me to go further with my workouts.

The UP Oblation looks majestic at night

I also appreciate the presence of the other joggers and brisk walkers around me. It makes me feel like I’m part of a cardio collective of sorts.

The tree-lined U.P. Academic Oval

Aside from the endorphins that I get from my cardio fix, I also find joy in eating various street foods found on campus.

My favorites are carioca, shredded sweet corn with cheese, and soy milk.

Carioca

Shredded corn with cheese

Soy milk

It is free to workout at UP and the street food makes the afterburn worth it. Do give it a try soon!

2020 Fitness Goals

This year, I do not have grand fitness goals or exercise challenges for myself. Rather, the plan is to stay consistent by working out daily. Yes, every single day.

Consistency is better than out of this world goals or unattainable records. I simply want to continue what I have already started years ago. Exercising daily is key to maintaining a healthy body, mind, and soul. When I am fit, I am able to balance my priorities and also see clearly as far as other aspects of my life are concerned.

Fitness has also enabled me to try new activities with no fear. My love for cardio means that I can walk for miles without breaking a sweat, and continue being a foodie without fear of gaining weight. My confidence has also been reinforced by my daily workouts, as I have no self-doubt on what my body can do and achieve.

I am also aware of my limitations, and I am working on my shortcomings. My workouts keep me focused on what’s important so that I can improve, day by day.

This year, I will continue being my own fitness inspiration. The goal is to burn calories daily and be better than who I was yesterday, so that I can continue enjoying the present which will lead to a brighter and more stable future.

Aero Winner

Yesterday, I won two awards at the Aerosports 2019 Zumba marathon at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was thrilling to win awards as I didn’t expect this. I have been exclusively working out at home for the past year, and yet I was able to dance for three hours straight. I also enjoyed the event and sang along to the retro songs.
I won Ms. Gorgeous and Ms. Aerosports. It felt awesome to win something and have fun in the process.
Here’s to continuing my fitness journey, and to more wins to come!

The Active Foodie

Yesterday was all about simple joys such as food, fitness, and crafts. 

I had Potdog crab egg with garlic rice and sweet garlic sauce for lunch. Definitely worth the calories as this is one of my favorite supermarket fast food finds! 

After lunch, I walked to the newly-built SM North Towers to visit the newest Starbucks Reserve cafe. 

I was stunned! It honestly didn’t look like I was still in Quezon City.  

I had my coffee while knitting, and I was able to unwind.  

Then, I was able to buy these handmade polymer clay earrings from local brand The Baby Blue Bunny at The Craft Central.  

I ended my day with a sunset walk at UP and a simple dinner of cheese corn and Rodic’s tapsilog. 

Who says that I’m too complicated? I like food, coffee, crafting, buying handmade, and while it’s not pictured today, going to church. I burn everything I eat through fitness. And I keep the world updated through my blog. 

Here’s to balancing my life with each spoonful and step that I take! 

September Coffee with Diane

Yesterday, I managed to wake up and show up to my workout at my local park. I know that I routinely do this, but I was able to appreciate all my efforts to stay fit when I saw the Quezon Memorial in all its glory after a week of rain. 

It was beautiful in the sunlight, and I realized that my fitness routine does not lose its value just because I had to squeeze it in between commitments of late. Effort is effort. And just like this monument, I will remain strong amidst all storms because the sun will shine again anyway.  

I had a sinful breakfast of hotdog and eggs because I always eat with abandon before visiting my late best friend. 

And so I dropped by Diane’s vault and caught her up with the latest on my life. 

I may have had a challenging week but I managed to pull myself together. I worked out and visited my late friend. Strength does not need to be manifested in heroic deeds all the time. Sometimes, it is just a matter of knowing my priorities and looking back on my best friend’s life. I am moving on knowing that Diane’s got my back, albeit on a different scale. 

Second Time Around

Yesterday was all about seeing things the second time around. 

I started my day with a workout, and I was happy to finally see my abs again.  

Then, I had burger steak from Tropical Hut and a mango cheesecake blizzard from Dairy Queen for breakfast. 

I then proceeded to Cinema ‘76, a microcinema at Anonas, to watch Goyo for the second time. 

I chose to watch it in a microcinema because I wanted to experience the film in a unique setting. 

I also knew that Cinema ‘76 sold movie merch, so I got myself a shirt with all of Goyo’s battles on it.  

The small theater had beautiful sound and a cozy ambience. I enjoyed my viewing experience, and I will definitely be back! 

I also had a striking view of St. Joseph’s Shrine in front of the theater.  

It was remarkable how a couple of steps could adjust my perspective and present a wider range of the metropolis.  

I saw myself in Goyo, and I must say that after watching the movie twice, I will choose my battles more wisely in order to have better chances of winning in life. On to better opportunities from now on! 

I visited St. Clare, as is my custom every week, to offer eggs and pray for my intentions.  

And for the second time in a day, I had burger steak. This time, it was the bistek burger steak at Jollibee. It was delicious!

My last stop for the day was Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. I had the cafe all to myself as they just celebrated their anniversary weekend. As always, I had a relaxing time chilling out with the dogs over milk tea. 

I have a second chance at life after overcoming recent challenges. I know that it isn’t easy, so I am taking it one step at a time. Watching a moving film twice and cuddling my favorite dogs definitely helped frame things better. I am confident that with continuous discernment and prayer, I will always manage to keep my head above water.  

At-home Workouts

I’ve been busy these past few days with a conference, my blog, and getting work done. While these commitments already take up a lot of my time, I still make sure that I keep myself fit and healthy. I eat right and never skip meals.

Also, I workout at home if my schedule prevents me from joining my Zumba classes at my local park. 

I use my stationary bike to workout at home. While I am on it, I write blog entries, check my email, apply for jobs online, listen to podcasts, and read. I multitask like that, and I don’t let my to-do list hinder me from burning calories. 

I also follow Zumba classes on YouTube to workout at home. It keeps my body in shape and breaks the monotony of the stationary bike. 

Getting my cardio fix while at home is possible, thanks to my bike and the internet. I hope that you will also continue working out even when your schedule is busy. It is really all about time management. Discipline yourself, and find a routine that works for you. You will thank yourself later. 

Fit and Faithful

I usually spend my mornings working out at my local park. The other day, I chose to have breakfast at Tropical Hut, where I had their omelette and coffee. 

For lunch, I went to Pancake House for their corned beef hash and rice.  

I had some time in between commitments, so I was able to swing by St. Clare Monastery for some prayer and thanksgiving.  

I was also able to try Maxi Mango’s famous mango float from Davao. I was lucky enough to catch their pop-up at Trinoma. The long lines were worth it! It was a delicious dessert, and I really hope that they will have a permanent spot in Manila someday.  

I wrapped up my day with dinner and a belated birthday gift from a family friend. 

I stick to my fitness, food, and faith routine because it works for me. It also provides balance to my life, now that I am working freelance and blogging on the side. I am looking for a permanent job too, and it helps to align my goals as I follow a working routine. Here’s to better opportunities to come as I carry on with my daily schedule! 

August Coffee with Diane

Yesterday, I was able to visit my friend Diane’s final resting place. But first, I went to my local park for Zumba and breakfast. 

I brought my pass for next month’s Manila International Book Fair with me. Diane used to accompany me to previous book fairs when she was still alive. She is always on my mind whenever I visit anything book-related. 

I miss my friend, but I know that she is happy with my determination to thrive and carry on. I will be just fine.  

Zumba Saturday

Yesterday, I defied the rain and worked out at my local park. It was fun to burn calories while thinking of my agenda for the weekend. 

Afterwards, I grabbed breakfast to-go from Jollibee. Their breakfast burger steak is my favorite among their morning selections, and it is delicious with coffee. 

Rewarding myself after a rainy-day workout is a must. I have to focus on my fitness goals, but I also have to nourish myself so that I could keep going. Don’t forget to eat right and keep on moving, so that you will also attain your own fitness goals. 

Simple Hump Day

Yesterday, I started my day with my usual workout at the park.  

I had breakfast and coffee afterwards.

Then, I went to the mall for some retail therapy. 

I bought lipsticks from Sunnies Face for me and my mom. 

I queued up for it.

By the time it was my turn, I already knew shades I would purchase. While waiting for my payment to settle, I appreciated the store’s interiors. I especially liked the pink floor. 

Actually, almost the entire store was pink and cream!

I later watched Crazy Rich Asians. I enjoyed it so

much! 

I always get giddy whenever I see anything The Little Mermaid. In this case, I saw this children’s book at a secondhand bookstore. I remember having a similar one when I was a kid. 

I dropped by Sta. Clara since I was already in the area. I prayed for a better future and I gave thanks for all the blessings I have been receiving so far. 

Before I knew it, it was time to claim my Sunnies Specs. 

I chose this cool cateye pair called Harlow. 

I wrapped up my day with Rodic’s tapsilog...

...and delicious Turkish ice cream! 

I enjoyed my hump day and I look forward to more relaxing days that make all the hard work worth it. 

Thriving Locally

I had a fantastic weekend!

I started my Saturday and Sunday mornings with Zumba. I must say that I am glad to see progress on my abs. 

I also took brisk walks around my local park and took breaks on interesting nooks such as this grotto. 

I enjoyed freshly-baked bread from my neighborhood bakery. 

And yesterday, I rode a P2P to visit Common Room Alabang. 

I donated some old paper bags on-site to support their ‘no new paper bags’ campaign, which I think is really cool. 

But the main reason why I went there was to buy a handmade Tubbs the Cat doll from Pop Junk Love. They had selected dolls at 50% off for the benefit of Cribs Foundation. It was a win-win because I have always wanted to purchase a doll from them, and I love supporting charities!

I also browsed through the store and found old handmade favorites such as Knitting Expedition.

In the end, I refused to have Tubbs packed in a paper bag. He went home with me inside my spacious Knitting Expedition Tiyargo bag.  

Every visit to Common Room motivates me to continue supporting local and handmade! My heart is full now that I have a new stuffed toy, and it’s all for a good cause. Fitness and my handmade lifestyle are not just weekend norms, as I do practice them everyday. They only seem to get magnified on weekends because I have more time to explore places that define them. 

I look forward to more weekend adventures and handmade stories! 

Breakfast and Barks

Yesterday was my last day of “freedom” before returning to the corporate world. I started it with Zumba and a hearty breakfast at my local park.  

Then, I had went to my favorite dog cafe, Barkin Blends!  

I braved the storm to visit my furry friends.  

They now sell pastries and burgers to-go for dogs. 

I got the royal milk tea and Bonnie burger.  

It was delicious! 

I cuddled with Ella and the rest of the buddies after my meal.  

My heart and soul are full of love. I am excited to work again, as I have maximized my break from the workforce. I will bring wih me positivity and optimism as I encounter my tasks in my new role. Everything will be alright, and I will surely return to the dog cafe once the weekend rolls by!

Loving QC

The other night, I decided to have mushroom bibimbap from O! Kitchen for dinner. It was delicious!

I burned it yesterday with Zumba. 

I recovered with breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

I pedaled on the stationary bike at the park.  

And I took a brisk walk around the gardens.  

I crossed Elliptical Road and found myself at the QC Public Library.  

I enjoyed reading and working on yesterday’s blog entry via the high-speed WiFi connection.  

I enjoyed my time with books and knowledge around me! 

For lunch, I had the 100 tomato pasta... 

...and the guiltless strawberry cake from Icing’s. 

I had a check-up at the hospital and I loved their groovy staircase.  

Later during the day, I dropped by the newly-opened Human Nature store at SM The Block. 

I got myself a couple of pairs of cute scissors from Books for Less.  

And I got a meaningful mirror from The Craft Central to remind me of that being happy is a choice.  

I ended my day with anticipated mass and this mango and chocolate crepe.  

I love Quezon City and I am proud of my hometown! I hope that you will also find yourself in any of the places I’ve been to, because they’re worth visiting. I am happy that there are so many affordable ways to enjoy myself in QC. I will surely miss being here everyday as I will work soon in Ortigas. But that doesn’t mean that my life will stop, just like that. I would just have to blog on the side, and maximize my weekends in order to speakoutsam! 

Waterproof Willpower

Yesterday, I worked out again despite the rain. I realized that I am determined to burn calories even if there’s a storm. 

Indeed, my willpower is waterproof.

I manage to motivate myself even in difficult circumstances like storms. In fact, I even watched a movie and rewarded myself with a delicious shawarma rice bowl from Persian Avenue. 

I later joined my family to attend the wake of one of my grand aunts at Pampanga. I got to bond with my cousin Lauren’s dog Rogue, who was such a sweetheart.

And I also got to catch-up with cousins Lauren and Jean. 

The church at Minalin, Pampanga had these beautiful doors. I couldn’t resist having my photo taken with them. 

Having waterproof willpower helps in keeping myself going, no matter the circumstances. I am excited to apply this to my career, and I look forward over seeing the blessings pour into my life in the process!

Burning Through the Rain

Yesterday, I was determined to workout despite the stormy weather. I drove to my local park and powered through Zumba. 

Guess what? It was even more fun to workout in this cool weather! The breeze was refreshing.  

And we all know that rainy weather calls for good eats. My brekkie was this quick friend beef and macaroni soup from Tropical Hut. 

As for lunch, I ate this delicious asparagus mayo spaghetti from Kimono Ken. 

I always find creative ways to enjoy my day, no matter what the weather is. I am thankful for opportunities to maximize my day, such as affordable workouts and yummy grub. Here’s to more blessings and chances to shine!

Thankful

Yesterday, I began my day with a workout. 

Then, I had a hearty brekkie.  

I proceeded to a meeting which was so productive, I was moved to go to St. Clare to give thanks.  

I am thankful for the opportunities that are pouring into my life right now. 

I celebrated with bopis at Rodic’s.  

And I continued crocheting with this cool turquoise yarn.  

I took a couple of selfies through the power of self-timer.  

I purchased new kicks from local leather sandal brand Renegade Folk. 

Finally, I had Sunnies funfetti and a flat white at a Sunnies Cafe.  

I carried on with my crocheting.  

And I ended my day with some neon selfies at the cafe’s infamous selfie powder room. Hahahahaha  

I am overwhelmed with all the blessings in my life right now. I realized that the best way to celebrate is by continuing my regular routine of prayer, crafting, and selfies. There is empowerment in being able to take one’s own selfies without a man’s help. If I can be my own Instagram husband, then I can surely power through life. 

I can hardly wait! 

Sunday Priorities

On Sundays, I spend time doing the things I love. 

Yesterday was no exception. I worked out, despite the rainy weather. 

I had barako coffee.  

And a delicious bowl of kimchi rice for brekkie.  

I visited Diane.  

And I told her about my upcoming adventures.  

I had a dozen mini-donuts.  

And I visited Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. 

I ended my day with crochet and beef noodle soup.  

Sunday is my favorite day because it is when I can rest and pursue my simple joys. I can’t wait to start work so that I can appreciate Sundays better. Here’s to more Sundays with fitness, food, fiberarts, and dogs!