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. 

IMAGE.JPG

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

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

The sunrise looks pretty from her window. 

IMG_5763.JPG

We did some brisk walking early Sunday morning.  

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

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

FullSizeRender.jpg

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

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

Their tsokolate (hot chocolate) was delicious. 

FullSizeRender.jpg

So was this longganisa brekkie plate.  

FullSizeRender.jpg

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

FullSizeRender.jpg

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

IMAGE.JPG
IMAGE.JPG

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

FullSizeRender.jpg

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

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

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

IMAGE.JPG

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  

FullSizeRender.jpg
IMAGE.JPG

I had yummy burger steak from Bigger Better Burgers.  

IMAGE.JPG

I managed to find a pretty floor. 

FullSizeRender.jpg

And I witnessed a beautiful sunset.  

IMG_5772.JPG
IMG_5773.JPG

I had quite a lovely weekend. Thank you Luti! 

Fueling Women

Yesterday, I started my day with some toasted longganisa and hot chocolate at Breakfast Bin.  

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

Then, I checked out some exhibitions at the Ayala Museum. 

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

I especially liked their Women and War exhibit. 

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

After running some errands, I got myself some pares and siomai from Kanto Pares. Yum! 

IMG_3222.JPG
IMG_3223.JPG

As a woman, I prioritize self-care because the most important person in my story is me. Seeing empowering exhibits and eating yummy food are just two ways to fuel myself. Happy International Women’s Day! 

Christmas 2018

I was blessed to have lunch with my parents yesterday at La Creperie. For my Christmas lunch, I ordered their Angelina’s hot chocolate.  

FullSizeRender.jpg

I also had the penne amatriciana with a side of crochet.  

FullSizeRender.jpg

I got to wear my new Sunnies and shirt from Ate Tina.  

FullSizeRender.jpg

Then, I got some cream cheese and banana frozen yogurt from Elait.  

IMAGE.JPG

I also received gifts from Barkin’ Blends’ owner, Bernadette! 

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

I roamed around the mall first while waiting for my turn at the dog cafe.  

FullSizeRender.jpg

I had Sandwich Guy’s English eggs for dinner.  

FullSizeRender.jpg

And some pretty dogs for dessert! 

FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_0038.JPG
IMG_0039.JPG
IMAGE.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMAGE.JPG
IMG_0050.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMAGE.JPG
IMG_0059.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg

My Christmas Day celebration was well-spent, and I hope that yours was also meaningful. Merry Christmas! 

ADB Transport Forum Day 3

Yesterday, I attended the last day of the Transport Forum 2018 at the ADB. I learned that people should see transport as more than just a means to go from point A to point B- it is actually the way to ensure that we are all able to show up to improve our lives and achieve sustainable development in the region. So aside from enjoying the delectable food and crocheting during the panels, I did absorb all the points presented by the speakers from the different fields in the development sector. I was fortunate to have been part of this event along with my high school friend Luane from UP Diliman. I hope to join more similar events in the future, and that I could also contribute to furthering the cause of sustainability in my own small way.  

FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_0952.JPG
IMG_0990.JPG
IMG_0991.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_1007.JPG

I Melted My Heart

Yesterday, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and aligue. It was perfect with a book and coffee. 

FullSizeRender.jpg

I was still hungry after finishing my meal, so I had this hot chocolate stirrer for dessert. 

It was a delicious drink, I must say! The chocolate melted after ten minutes of stirring. It resulted to a full-bodied chocolate experience.  

FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_9912.JPG

My early morning, post-workout feels melted along with this hot chocolate. I will definitely have it again at Breakfast Bin, which has already become my happy place along Maginhawa. I look forward to more simple breakfasts and moments along my favorite foodie street in my city!

Soup and Soul

I have been recently trying to reflect on the important things in my life. It was interesting to review my skills, and it has enabled me to find ways to improve myself. I signed up for seminars, conferences, and workshops to expose myself to industry experts and leaders. I read books, learned to knit, and prayed like it’s no one’s business. 

I also became more selective of the food I eat because I want to make each meal count.

One of my favorite spots for mindful eating can be found in a lot of malls in the metro. Cafe Mary Grace serves a filling version of seafood chowder which always speaks to my soul. It’s a revival in a bowl. I enjoy it with the Mary Grace Tandem, an insanely delicious combo of grilled ensaymada and rich colonial-style hot chocolate. This meal has never failed me, and you have to give it a try.  

You will find your soul and stay for the chocolate. It is truly a win-win situation each time! 

FullSizeRender.jpg

Taho x Chocolate Sunday

Yesterday was a fun one. I had taho for breakfast at UP, where I usually take my brisk walks. 

IMG_5498.JPG

Then, I met up with my high school friend Luti and we dropped by Pink Sisters for our Lenten prayers. Apologies for the blurry photo. 

IMG_5499.JPG

We had lunch at La Creperie, one of my happy places. 

FullSizeRender.jpg

I had this delicious chorizo breakfast plate, while she had the corned beef one. 

IMG_5503.JPG

Of course, we had to have their Angelina’s hot chocolate.  

IMG_5504.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg

It is the best hot chocolate for me in this side of the world. 

IMG_5506.JPG

We then drove to Centris for some retail therapy. No I didn’t buy anything from this dreamy ceramics surplus shop. 

IMG_5507.JPG

Instead, I had this delicious cookies and cream ice cream. 

IMG_5510.JPG

Sundays are for resting and relaxing. Our foodtrip did not disappoint! I hope you will also find your favorite hot chocolate and enjoy your Sunday mornings sipping it while looking forward to a sweeter future.