Yesterday, I celebrated my favorite hero Jose Rizal’s 158th birth anniversary with my usual visit to Luneta.
I also revisited my favorite works at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
I will never stop being fascinated with our national hero and the artworks that have shaped our national identity. I am truly proud to be Filipino!
Yesterday was day 2 of my Independence Day Intramuros solo tour. After biking through the streets of the Walled City, it was time for me to visit the historical sites on foot.
I started with Fort Santiago.
Since I’m a Rizal fan, a visit to his shrine never gets old.
Then, it was back to exploring the fortress.
The Manila Cathedral had an open house which I couldn’t resist.
I was able to explore the choir loft, roof deck, and crypt.
Then, I visited the Desteleria Limtuaco Museum. It was my first time there and it was an enjoyable experience!
They even have a tasting bar where one can try their house liquors for a minimal fee.
It was also my first time at the Baluarte De San Diego.
I also walked through and above the walls of the famed city.
It was a treat to visit the newly-opened Museo de Intramuros.
Bahay Tsinoy was worth going back to. Their life-sized dioramas were fascinating to learn from.
I ended my visit with coffee at the site of Padre Burgos’ old house, which is now a convenience store.
And the best part- I was able to hang on to a tranvia!
Life is great, if we find places to explore and discover! Sometimes, the best ones are nearby. We just have to show up and appreciate the opportunity to learn from historical places.
Here’s to more walks along streets that have stories to tell!
I choose to move forward with my life by appreciating pretty floors whenever I see them.
I go to mass whenever I can.
I enjoy delicious food, such as this vegetarian pho from Bawai’s.
While looking around Papemelroti, I found this Ifugao house figure. I took it as a sign that I will go back to Banaue someday!
I finished my day with some lovely strawberry mango cheesecake frozen yogurt from my usual dessert stand, Elait. They employ deaf employees who are empowered with work and fair wages.
I move forward from challenges with the things and experiences that make me smile!
It’s not everyday that I get to do brisk walking around the UP Academic Oval. Being with trees and sunshine inspires me to get moving and stay positive amidst life’s challenges.
The street food scene at the university uplifts me each time. The carioca, fish balls, and kwek kwek filled me up and made me feel young again.
I got to watch Paillim, one of the movies featured in the recent Sinag Maynila film festival. The movie featured a fictional family who lives in a public cemetery, and their struggles to make ends meet- literally.
Since I was already at UP, I maximized my visit by dropping by the Vargas Museum to recharge amidst art by Amorsolo, Hidalgo, Luna, and Edades, among others.
Before going home, I had early dinner with my helper Racquel at Malingap Central, a hip food park near home. We had mushroom burger steaks from MushEat Lite, a vegetarian kitchen. We loved our food, and it was best paired with Siam Yum’s delicious Thai milk tea.
It was also an honor to meet the man behind Malingap Central, Pino, Pipino, The Burger Project, and Breakfast and Pies, PJ Lanot.
It doesn’t take much to make me happy. Art, film, healthy eating, and conversations keep me motivated to live my best life. Here’s to more uplifting experiences to come!
It was my first time to explore City of Dreams yesterday. I was excited to go to Bloggers United 17, an event that gathers bloggers and influencers under one roof. So when I received an invite from Melissa Gatchalian of Sartorial Panda to attend the said event at City of Dreams, I said yes!
It was a beautiful, sunny day to visit a new place.
I was able to buy clothes from bloggers and celebrities Melissa and Blythe. I can’t wait to rock my pieces from their booths!
It was lovely to meet Melissa in person. She was personable and very accommodating. I am grateful for the invite to this event!
After shopping, I got to walk around the hotel.
And I finally got to eat dinner at Pink’s, where I had the philly cheesedog and cookie dough milkshake. Both were delicious!
My visit ended with this smiling K9. Thank you for a wonderful day, City of Dreams!
Yesterday, I was joined by my mom and maternal relatives for a day of unwinding. We visited the church where my parents were married.
Then, we had lunch at Livestock for some delicious comfort food.
We transferred to Hello Kitty Cafe for dessert and coffee.
I also managed to crochet throughout the day.
It is possible to go on living with family at my side. Despite the pain of losing a loved one, I can carry on with life, one day at a time.
Yesterday, I took a break from caring for my terminally-ill dad to watch a movie. I have been getting some hate for carrying on with my life when my father is in critical condition. My family understands that I have a life and a new job soon so I can’t just stay at the hospital everyday. I can still be there for my family after work, so it’s not an issue with them. What breaks my heart is the judgement I receive from relatives and friends who think that my actions are inappropriate. My actions are no one’s business. There is no right or wrong way to deal with critical illness in the family. My life, my rules.
This was why I pushed through with my Avengers: Endgame screening at Century City Mall. I won a ticket from the Philippine Competition Commission, and it was a real treat as tickets were already hard to come by.
But first, I had the soyganisa rice plate from Posporo at Hole in the Wall. I also squeezed in some knitting to calm myself down after the stress in the hospital.
I had a delicious early dinner!
Before my movie, I was able to drop by the Padre Pio Chapel at Century City to pray and reflect on my father’s suffering.
I entrusted my dad to the Lord, and asked for Padre Pio’s intercession. I also asked for guidance as I start a new job this week.
The movie was amazing and it was the perfect break from reality. I also had yummy popcorn.
I am thankful for opportunities and blessings at this difficult time. Thank you PCC!
Yesterday, I went to Mendiola after working at The Study Workspace.
St. Camillus’ heart relic was at St. Jude for one day only. I took advantage of this chance to venerate the relic and pray for St. Camillus’ intercession. I had my terminally-ill father in mind, my best friend Luti (whose rheumatoid arthritis is in remission), my friend who is graduating this June, my family, and of course, myself, as I endure the challenges of jobhunting and freelance work.
Then, I proceeded to the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat to continue praying.
The abbey is one of my go-to places for silence and reflection.
Faith for me is an unceasing journey. I am amazed with how it is still strong amidst all the rejections and negativity. Prayer helps in reinforcing my faith, and it keeps me going. I am optimistic that I can be strong enough to carry on with each new day.
I was invited to try out The Study Workspace, a coworking space by Enderun Colleges. It is conveniently located at The Podium, Ortigas.
The Study offers the following facilities:
-Fast internet
-Complimentary coffee, tea, or water
-Comfortable sitting desks
-Conference rooms for rent
-Printing services
-Free access to The Study events, and
-A great community
(source: The Study Team)
I occupied room M1, where I got to finish some deadlines, charge my gadgets, listen to music, and knit!
The place has a lively hipster vibe which I totally dig.
They also have books, a pantry area, a restroom, and spacious common areas.
They also had good coffee.
I enjoyed my stay here and I highly recommend this place for your coworking needs.
For more information, please visit https://www.thestudyph.com/the-study-workspace/.
Yesterday, I saw some beautiful bonsai trees at an exhibit in my nearby mall.
I couldn’t resist having a pic taken with them! They were gorgeous!
Then, I went to a meeting at Ortigas, the CBD where I want to work again. The location is convenient for me, and it is close to malls, my uni, and several restaurants.
There were donuts at the meeting! I was gravitated towards my all-time favorite, choco butternut.
The meeting was insightful and productive! I hope to interact with this team again in the future.
I checked out the #DontTellMeHowToDress exhibit at The Podium. I was disturbed with the clothes, especially the baby onsie. These were worn by rape victims. This exhibit hopes to raise awareness regarding rape culture in the Philippines, and how rape is entirely the rapist’s fault.
The new Podium is always a treat to visit, as there are many new establishments.
Naturally, I found some pretty tiles to feed my floor fascination.
Before going home, I dropped by Kipp’s Chicken for some old-timey friend chicken.
Their chicken burger steak did not disappoint! It was delicious, and reminded me of vintage fried chicken. I will definitely be back!
And one for the road- I had my usual Assam Milk Tea at Serenitea.
Culture is everywhere. We just have to look and be attentive to exhibits that can educate us, and food that can feed our soul.
Happy culture hunting!
Yesterday, I spent the day exploring my local park. But first, I began my day with a hearty brunch of gyudon and milk tea coffee (yes, it’s apparently a thing!) at a Japanese restaurant.
Then, it was time for some culture at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was my first time at the park’s newest museum, the Presidential Car Museum.
The imposing modern building blended nicely with the park’s existing trees.
I was in awe of the vintage cars inside the museum.
As a history buff, this was quite a treat!
It was also lovely to see stamps inside the museum.
I enjoyed my time with the presidential cars, and I was pleasantly surprised to see cute souvenirs for sale outside.
The souvenir shop also carried NHCP publications at reasonable prices.
For my next stop, I went to Museo ni Quezon to reacquaint myself with the founder of my city.
I was delighted with my history trip, and it was time to have a snack.
I chose a coconut ice drop for merienda to beat the heat.
Coconut House inside Circle sells local products made of natural ingredients.
Then, it was time to go home, and savor the memories from my day tour of my local park.
Having fun doesn’t need to be expensive! Sometimes, a trip to the local park can be an educational and enjoyable experience. Hopefully, you also have nearby places where you can enjoy an afternoon of culture and history!
Last Sunday, I started my day with some handmade accessories: my ceramic earrings from Maria Ceramika and my stainless steel and crystal necklace from Made by KCA.
I was happy to spot some pretty tiles while ordering milk tea.
I was feeling festive, so I got myself some Assam Milk Tea with Pudding and Pannacotta. This drink simply reminds me of good vibes and simpler times.
Then, I got myself a bracelet spelled g-r-i-t from Bedazzled Accessories at The Craft Central. It should remind me to keep going during tough times because I’m resilient and resourceful.
It was day two of the Destash Bash at The Craft Central Cafe! My favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery had a booth there, where they sold affordable yarns and makes.
I got myself this lovely cup cozy crocheted with love by Ceryl, one of the women behind this brand. I am thankful to have found this brand, and I look forward to more years of friendship with them.
I also returned to Made by KCA’s booth at the bazaar outside Vertis North. I got myself a moonstone ring inspired by my undying love for Bella Swan of the Twilight books.
I will forever support handmade because it inspires me to be a better person! I may not have much, but because I have grit and a good eye for local treasures, I know that I will survive anything that life throws at me.
And at the end of the day, there’s always milk tea.
Yesterday, I visited the GK Enchanted Farm with fellow Human Nature Core Advocates for a tour and immersion. This was my sixth visit to the farm. My previous tours were as a social business camper and with friends. Now, I am back as a core advocate with my own Human Nature Online Shop.
But first I needed to fuel up at McDonald’s.
We met up at the Human Nature Flagship Store.
We were also given some nibbles by a fellow core advocate.
Then, it was time for our journey!
We reached the farm at around 9:30am, and we started the tour.
Our bubbly tour guide, Gelai, is a graduate of the SEED School. She speaks French, English, and Filipino!
I had a wonderful day of touring the farm, it’s various social enterprises, and of course, enjoying the delicious bounty of the earth!
It was time for our ride back to the city.
And before going home, I enjoyed an early dinner of toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin.
I needed the farm tour to realign myself with my values and to appreciate life more. I am proud to see the farm grow, and to be in the company of kindhearted friends.
Here’s to more goodness and opportunities!
Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family.
I knitted while waiting for mass to begin.
Then, we had lunch at Pho Hoa, and I was pleasantly surprised with their pretty floor.
Then, I watched Alone/Together starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. As someone who hangs out and jogs at UP Diliman, I appreciated the beauty of the campus on the big screen. They even ate the street food that I love on the movie! Also, they featured the National Museum and Vargas Museum, two museums that are close to my heart. I will definitely visit those two again. And I really enjoyed watching this movie because I recalled how idealistic I was then, and that it’s never too late to pursue my dreams. I’m still young after all.
For dinner, I had the toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice from Breakfast Bin.
I also had ice cream from Papa Diddi’s. I had the mango cheesecake and barako coffee scoops. They were both delicious and even complemented each other.
Sundays are best spent with both my family and by myself. I was able to knit, eat, and watch a movie. Definitely a Sunday peg for weeks to come.
