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. 

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

The sunrise looks pretty from her window. 

We did some brisk walking early Sunday morning.  

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

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

Their tsokolate (hot chocolate) was delicious. 

So was this longganisa brekkie plate.  

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

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

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

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

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

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  

I had yummy burger steak from Bigger Better Burgers.  

I managed to find a pretty floor. 

And I witnessed a beautiful sunset.  

I had quite a lovely weekend. Thank you Luti! 

Movie Afternoon

Yesterday, I watched a movie at the UP Cine Adarna’s Videotheque. 

I watched Above the Clouds starring the late Pepe Smith. 

It was a sunny day, and I felt inspired to take some photos. 

I also had Rodic’s tapsilog for late lunch. 

I did a bit of walking around the oval. 

Then, I dropped by St. Clare to pray for my dad and my other intercessions. 

I bought my favorite breakfast smoothie from Go! Salads for dinner. 

I ended my day with Ulan, directed by Irene Emma Villamor at Cinema Centenario. I love this microcinema because it feels like home- I even have a favorite seat (G5). I find myself here whenever I want to unwind and think things through. 

Films help me see things in a different perspective. Spending my free time at green spaces like UP Diliman is inspiring, and I feel energized with local film and trees.

Here’s to more simple joys with a dash of prayer and tapsilog!

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! 

Infinite Fan

Yesterday, I finished crocheting this möbius shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I am excited to use this in my future job, and also during possible travels! It’s warm and cozy. 

All that crocheting made me hungry, so I ordered the Chicken Chizu Curry from Tori Chizu. 

It was a delicious baked rice meal which combined cheese and curry! I’ll definitely order from this place again. 

Then, it was time for me to book a ride to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. 

The church is notorious for road closures during fiesta, so I opted to book a ride for a worry-free journey. 

Before the fiesta procession, I fueled up first with some food. 

I bought myself a Jolly hotdog and a choco float from Jollibee. Still so good!

I also prayed for my intentions, such as my dream to land a job very soon, and healing for my dad. 

Before I knew it, it was time for the procession!

It was a spectacular procession, just like the one last year. I am a Lourdes devotee because of the miracles I have received from Our Lady. I continue to pray for good health for myself so that I can still be a blessing to others. I also prayed hard for a job that will enable me to support myself and my family. 

Life is still a beautiful journey, and my faith keeps me going. For now, I will continue crafting, eating yummy food, and praying for more blessings! 

Chinese New Year 2019

Yesterday, I started Chinese New Year with a visit to the Pink Sisters. 

Then, I played with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe!

I also got some souvenirs from Thailand from Ate Tina, one of the owners of Barkin’ Blends who has since become one of my good friends. 

I treated myself to a matcha soy refresher. 

For late lunch, I had a Falafel Yo! with no chili. 

I had a simple Chinese New Year celebration which I began with prayer. I hope that this year will be my best one yet!