Heroes For Children 2021

I joined @unicefphils’ #heroesforchildren2021 because I wanted to stay fit and healthy while a) releasing my first book and b) helping children in need! I enjoyed this challenge and I am grateful to have finished the race 💙 #fitspo @runrio_inc

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!

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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.

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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.

2020 Fitness Goals

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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

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I enjoyed freshly-baked bread from my neighborhood bakery. 

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

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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!

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

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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.  

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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.  

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

I braved the storm to visit my furry friends.  

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

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I got the royal milk tea and Bonnie burger.  

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It was delicious! 

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

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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!

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I burned it yesterday with Zumba. 

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I recovered with breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

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I pedaled on the stationary bike at the park.  

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And I took a brisk walk around the gardens.  

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

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

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I enjoyed my time with books and knowledge around me! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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

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

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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.  

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

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

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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. 

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Then, I had a hearty brekkie.  

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

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

I celebrated with bopis at Rodic’s.  

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And I continued crocheting with this cool turquoise yarn.  

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

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

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

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I carried on with my crocheting.  

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

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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. 

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I had barako coffee.  

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And a delicious bowl of kimchi rice for brekkie.  

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I visited Diane.  

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And I told her about my upcoming adventures.  

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I had a dozen mini-donuts.  

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And I visited Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. 

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I ended my day with crochet and beef noodle soup.  

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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! 

Saturday Finds

Yesterday, I woke up before the alarm clock was supposed to ring. I headed to my Zumba class with zest and energy which I haven’t felt in ages. 

I must say, this morning person project has really motivated me to get moving! 

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I also walked around the weekend tiange or bazaar. 

I saw some colorful bags.  

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And I found a stall that sells Japanese surplus ceramics. 

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By the time I got home to freshen up, I was already looking forward to do some creative journaling. 

I sketched this part of our townhouse on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

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Later during the day, I had this Dos Espesyal breakfast meal from Via Mare, which I also sketched.  

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I had a fabulous Saturday. My finds inspired me to think of a more charmed life for myself. I also realized that food and home mean more to me now that I have been sketching them on my journal! Here’s to a more meaningful life, one that is sketched and painted in bursts of color.  

Morning Person

I have been waking up at 5am for the past few days, and I should say that I am proud of my transition into being a morning person. I am still committed to my workouts, and lately, Zumba has been my secret weapon against sluggishness. 

I even wake up refreshed and more confident to face the day ahead.  

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I have been eating heavy breakfasts such as this breakfast burger steak from Tropical Hut.  

I have also gone back to sketching my food!

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I have also found time for crochet. My Pony bamboo hook and yarn were purchased from Gantsilyo Guru

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So far, the bamboo hook has been kind to my hand. It is weightless and comfortable to use. 

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For lunch, I had chorizo and olives pasta and an americano from Mary Grace. I also sketched my food and knitting. 

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Since I had extra time, I squeezed in some yarn shopping at The Craft Central. Buying yarns in person allows me to be inspired with the possibilities I can create with my hands. It cannot replace the tactile shopping experience which online shopping can never offer. 

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I am fueling my imagination by sketching, knitting, crocheting, and working out! I get to accomplish more now that I am back to being a morning person.

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If you also want to finish more tasks during the day, wake up earlier than usual! Before you know it, you are already committed to becoming the morning person you never knew you could be.