Diane at 34

Last May 27 was Diane’s thirty-fourth birth anniversary. I celebrated her life and legacy by visiting her grave and paying my respects.

I am honored to be her friend. She taught me to appreciate the little things in life. She was creative and self-determined. She believed that she was destined for greater things.

In college, she asked everyone to call her “Scarlett”, and her classmates did just that. She later enrolled in law school to better herself and fulfill her childhood dream. She always kept up with her love for books and poetry.

I am sad that she passed away so young. She would have loved Instagram and used filters to add drama to her photographs. She would have followed accounts like Daily Stoic. She would have also enjoyed listening to podcasts.

I wonder how she would have treated the pandemic. I bet she would have disliked staying at home. And yet, she could have thrived in the work from home setup. Yes, complete with a ring light and a top of the line laptop.

I miss Diane because she knew how to empathize with me. She did not judge me, and she was my biggest cheerleader. She would have also helped me find someone to date when I was still single. She really was one of my most selfless friends.

I hope that she is at a happier place now. I also hope that she could say hi to my dad and grandpa for me.

She was a morning person, so I hope that she can also help me in that department!

If Diane can read this, I hope she knows that I miss her so much.

Estero De Binondo

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my good friend Joice at Estero de Binondo. We had a very late lunch consisting of steamed lapu-lapu and buttered chicken. Both were delicious! I highly recommend this hole-in-the-wall eatery for its no-frills ambience and value for money Chinese cuisine.

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We capped off our catch-up session with some ube milk tea at Eng Bee Tin beside Binondo Church. It was a refreshing way to end a day of stories and laughter.

I will always go back to Binondo for cheap, delicious eats! I hope that you can also visit the world’s oldest Chinatown soon.

BFF Day

Last night, I got to have dinner and coffee with my college best friend Janis. We had burgers, then proceeded to Sunnies World for honey lattes by Cup Point.

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I love this place for its unique aesthetic and retro interiors. The coffee is also delicious, and Sunnies everything is sold onsite.

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We bought matching Silvio sunnies and had a good time.

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And Janis cheered me on as I took a photo on Sunnies Face’s iconic floor.

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She also took this photo of me just having fun at the store.

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I was happy to spend a few hours with my best friend. She saw me grow from awkward college kid to someone who just wants to make the most out of the life I have.

I hope to see her again as every reunion turns me into a better version of myself.

Gubat Xmas

Christmas isn’t over yet as I celebrated the festive season with my high school BFF Luti and her sister Amihan at Gubat. It’s my go-to hidden garden restaurant in the city because of its rustic ambience and simple food.

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Our group all had rice meals. I had the longganisa meal and made it merrier with a cold one and a cuppa.

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The best company is made even better with food and greenery. Here’s to more memorable meals with friends!

Burger and Beers

Last night, I spent time with my Dubai-based friend Charms at Pound. We had delicious burgers and beer! I had the loco moco which was a yummy rice meal to go with my Brew Kettle beer.

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Afterwards, we decided to have more drinks while watching live music at Conspiracy. It was my first time there, and definitely not my last.

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It pays to have good friends to share quiet meals and live music with. I am thankful for the company and the conversation. ‘Til next time!

Fancy

Yesterday was a fancy one. I had my hair and makeup done for a project which was a lot of fun to do. I am thankful to be offered opportunities that not only let me earn money, but also make me happy!

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After work, I met up with my Dubai-based friend Charms for some late lunch and beers at Cafe Breton. It was a nice meal, and of course, it was lovely to catch-up with a friend.

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I hope that there will be more friends to keep me company, and work to continue making me feel fancy! Life is good.

A Lit Friendship

Yesterday, I had dinner with my best friend from UA&P, Janis. Seeing her for the first time last month in three years was emotional for me. I had to stop our communication after my ex asked me to to, just because he didn’t like him. It has been two years since I ended my relationship with him, and now, I know better. I will never end a friendship just because a man tells me to.
We had dinner at Salamangka, where I had delicious Engkanto beer and sweet and sour meatball. Then, we had coffee at Nitro 7 and just talked about the good times we’ve had since uni.
I look forward to spending more time with Janis moving forward.
There are better days ahead for both of us, and it’s lovely to have found each other again this time around.

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Attic Support

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Last week, I dropped by Common Room Power Plant to visit The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s shelf. This local yarn and notions store has become my go-to dealer for my knitting and crochet needs. The ladies behind the brand have even become my friends in real life, and they even invited me to visit their HQ earlier this year. The brand has become a staple in my life, as knitting and crochet became my everyday hobbies.

I went to look at The Attic’s stock because I was nervous at that time. It was my first time to be in a crop top in quite a while, and being surrounded by my favorite things has greatly boosted my morale. The result? I was able to party in style and with confidence at the charity event of the year, Hotel Sunnies!

If you feel nervous before a big event, don’t fret! All you need are a few objects of comfort to ease you into your day. And if being fidgety has become a serious issue, get a hobby! Mine happens to involve yarn, and I have learned to be more patient and focused in the process.

Get your yarns and notions from The Attic Yarn and Craftery! Say hi to the owners, and who knows? They might end up becoming your friends too.

Cafe Libertad

Yesterday, I got to catch-up with my high school friend Dani at Cafe Libertad. She partly runs it, and I’m really proud of her space! I had their sausage and tomatoes pasta, which was delicious. Their flat white was also amazing.
I also met some of her friends who were dining at the cafe. It was a relaxing hipster vibe, and I enjoyed my visit.
Do check them out as well and have a cuppa with some magnetic poetry and great company!

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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!

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Boracay Day 2

Yesterday was my second one in Boracay. I enjoyed swimming in the beach and walking along the shore. 

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I braved the monsoon to eat the famous piri piri chicken plate at Spicebird. That was delicious!

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I also went back to a Boracay Leathers to buy a coin purse. I highly recommend this store for quality handmade leather goods. 

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Later that night, my friend Pia took me out to have gingertinis at Aplaya. It was so good!

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I can say that the island life is a relaxing break from the busy city and it was a privilege to experience it. It was also lovely to catch up with a friend. On to our next adventure!

Mentoring Lunch

Yesterday, I had the time to do some brisk walking at the UP campus. 

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I was able to burn some calories before my lunch at Sunnies Cafe. I got to do some crocheting before meeting with my friends.  

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I had a lovely lunch with my uni mentor Mitzie and her niece Maiko. It was nice to catch up with friends after my dad’s recent passing. 

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No visit to Sunnies Cafe is complete without some selfies in their famous washroom. 

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I got to buy Sunnies Face’s new Airblush after lunch. 

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I also got to offer eggs at St. Clare Monastery. 

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I bought carioca, a local street food consisting of fried sticky rice. It was a delicious afternoon snack. 

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Before going to bed, I brushed my teeth using this bamboo toothbrush that I bought from social enterprise Rags 2 Riches. 

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I know that by continuing my passions and meeting my friends from time to time, I can carry on with life after the storm. 

Coloring My Vision

I ordered a pair of tinted specs from local optical shop Sunnies Specs. I won a pair of glasses during their Dear Sunnies Santa giveaway last December. Since my father passed away recently, I felt the need to start anew and I’ve always wanted to support Sunnies Specs after their generosity last Christmas. 

I get new glasses during new beginnings. I believe that it is now my time to be stronger and more stable after my father’s passing. These new tinted specs will not only keep me looking smart, but they will also inspire me to live life more colorfully. 

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I’ve also been getting more sleep and it shows on my clear skin. 

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After claiming my specs, I went to CITEM in Pasay for my training. I am chosen to be a NAIA Services Representative for the second time. The upcoming IFEX fair will usher in foreign buyers, and it is my job to welcome and assist them at the airport. 

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I can’t wait to begin this three-day “modeling gig” and meet new friends. 

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After my meeting, I had late lunch at Echo Cafe, a sustainable social enterprise that sells natural products and healthful food.  

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I had their delicious banana heart burger and cafe espagnole, which is a mix of coffee and chocolate. So good! 

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I capped the afternoon by visiting my best friend Luti at her condo. She took this photo of me from her window.  

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I had my pixie trim for the month of May and a massage to relax me after a long day. 

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I also received this gift of semiprecious bracelets from Luti. I am eager to release negative emotions and have more energy this year!

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Here’s to more colorful opportunities and blessings on this new beginning! 

Picturing Happiness

I spent the weekend at my best friend Luti’s condo. Our friend Amabelle was in town (she’s based in Batangas), so we watched Netflix while catching up. 

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Luti’s condo is right in the middle of the city. It’s also near a couple of malls that I frequent. 

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The sunrise looks pretty from her window. 

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We did some brisk walking early Sunday morning.  

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I also bumped into my friend from Human Nature, Cindy. 

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We had breakfast at UP’s local resto, Chocolate Kiss.  

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Their tsokolate (hot chocolate) was delicious. 

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So was this longganisa brekkie plate.  

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We ordered cakes in honor of our late friend Diane’s birth anniversary.  

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It was also a pleasant surprise to see the photo I submitted to Manila bulletin get published.  

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I needed a cuppa after our heavy meal, so I got myself an iced latte from Nomu.  

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It’s a well-balanced cuppa! I highly recommend it. 

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Back in the condo, I was even able to do some crocheting.  

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Later during the day, we went to the mall and I donated this Project Aral kit with slippers. It has become my tradition to donate kits every year. Hahahahaha  

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I had yummy burger steak from Bigger Better Burgers.  

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I managed to find a pretty floor. 

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And I witnessed a beautiful sunset.  

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I had quite a lovely weekend. Thank you Luti! 

Mama Sol’s 75th Birthday

My first event since my dad’s death was my friend Addy’s grandma’s birthday. I appreciated their invitation as I really needed a night of dinner and dancing. I had fun, and j even met new friends. With friends who got my back, I know that I will be just fine. 

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Friends and Family

Yesterday was my dad’s funeral mass. We had close friends and family to stand with us during this trying time. 

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I am incredibly lucky to have the support I need at this time. I will not take anything for granted anymore. Life is too short. Make each minute matter. 

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Spicing Up Life

My life right now revolves around my terminally-ill dad. Whenever I need a break, I walk around the hospital.  

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I buy food from nearby establishments, such as Bonchon.  

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I knit.  

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And I talk to friends, such as Bianca (kinder and grade school classmate) and her boyfriend JP.  

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They gave my dad this prayer card from Padre Pio Chapel in Libis.  

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I am grateful for friends, food, and yarn that keep me going during this tough time. With a dash of faith and a lot of prayer, I know that I got this.  

Manila Fame 2019

Yesterday, I woke up to a postcard sent by my good friend Nurai. She’s based in Germany, but she posted this from Spain while she was on holiday. 

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It was the ideal preview to my artistic day ahead. I rode the LRT 1 and hailed a tuktuk to take me directly to the World Trade Center. 

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I went to the Manila Fame to immerse myself in Filipino artistry. My short visit last Friday was too brief, and I really wanted to spend more time at the fair. 

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I started my visit with some refreshing liquer de calamansi. 

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Then, I had some good coffee.  

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I dropped by the Handcrafted by Harl’s booth because I love their advocacy in supporting differently-abled artisans. I bought a handbag from them last year, and it’s still serving me well. 

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I joined a leather-crafting workshop for only Php50. I made a leather coin purse with the help of their talented deaf-mute artisans. 

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I ended up being the empowered one because I learned a new skill and got to learn from a differently-asked person.  

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It was lovely to see fashion influencer Lolaandrogynous at the fair! I totally dig her style. 

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I also bought small trinkets from another social enterprise, Kilus.  

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I got to appreciate the finer details during this visit.  

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I finally got to try 1st Colonial’s sili ice cream and it was delicious!

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I had a wonderful evening at Manila Fame and I’m very proud to be Filipino.  

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I ended my day with cheese sticks, so I’m also doing the same here. 

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Here’s to more opportunities to be proudly Pinoy!