Knitted Faith

Before my dad passed away last year, he asked me to knit or crochet a brown blanket for him. I always thought of his wish even if it has been more than a year since his passing. To commemorate his wish, I knitted myself a brown scarf using DMC Knitty Pop from Dreams Yarnshoppe.

I started knitting this during the start of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) last March. I only finished it this week as I prioritized crocheting earsavers for medical frontliners. I only had time to continue knitting this scarf after finishing batches for each hospital. It became my reward for completing batches, and it was something that I really looked forward to.

I look forward to using this scarf when I am already allowed to explore the city again. I will probably take this to the cinema, or to a date without face masks on. I look forward to the day when this scarf can keep me warm when I am already allowed to freely go out again.

Loving Vincent

I watched Loving Vincent again at the UP Cine Adarna. It was a solo movie date on a weekday, and the gloomy weather set the tone for the movie. 

I had to watch it again because a) it is showing at UP Film Center this February, b) I can’t say no to Van Gogh, and c) it is a visually arresting movie.  

Here is Cine Adarna’s schedule for February 2018. Tickets are Php150 each. 

I had a lovely solo movie date. 

The seats at Cine Adarna are mall-standard and comfortable. 

I had Rodic’s tapsilog for dinner.  

And for dessert, I had fresh strawberry graham shake at Roma and Charlie. 

If you want to unwind at an affordable price, drop by Cine Adarna and eat at UP Shopping Center. It is beginning to be my favorite campus.  

Museum of A History of Ideas

I have always wanted to visit UP Manila’s Museum of a History of Ideas, and last Saturday, I finally got to do so!

I was welcomed by a beautiful white building and lush greens. 

The museum traces the early beginnings of the University of the Philippines, which ushered in the beginning of secular education. It also features the modernization of medicine in the country.  

I love the clean design of the museum, and I also appreciate the continuity of theme in their souvenirs. I got this shirt to remind myself that ideas matter.  

I also found the inclusion of greenery refreshing and inspiring.  

Vintage medical equipment from the Philippine General Hospital are also found in the museum. 

The light and airy building removed the morbidity. 

I also got to watch a short video on the history of UP and PGH.  

The museum may be small, but is was full of information, artifacts, and light.  

There were also personal mementos from the first students of UP. 

Ended my visit with some photos by the stunning displays.  

I was glad to have made the trip to UP Manila for this museum experience. It was a breath of fresh air.  

Quiapo Church

Would you believe that I only got to visit Quiapo Church last Saturday? I did so after my San Sebastián tour. Since Quiapo Church was a few blocks away, I decided to go for it.  

I passed by some old houses along Hidalgo Street, like this one. It is a contrast of old and new.  

I found my way to Quiapo Church in no time. 

I immediately felt the vibe of a thousand prayers. It was magical. 

My short visit was worthwhile. I got to pray and reflect on the immense faith of the people who visit this popular church everyday. 

This was my second basilica for the day, and it was wonderful to finally drop by this church of the people. 

I had a simple lunch at Chowking Quiapo. My table was right beside this sidewalk vendor. I was humbled by the busy atmosphere and it was truly a memorable break from my usual weekend endeavors. 

I hope that I will experience more meaningful new things this 2018! 

Metal Health

Last Saturday, I went on a tour at the San Sebastián Minor Basilica. As a heritage conservation advocate, I am constantly on the lookout for experiences which could enable me to witness restoration efforts first-hand. Since the church is undergoing extensive restoration, I joined the tour to help support the worthwhile endeavor. 

This beautiful church is located in Quiapo, Manila. It is the first and only all-metal building in the Philippines. 

It is important to help save the basilica as it is already a part of our history. 

I was there early, so I got to roam around the church and warmed up to my beautiful surroundings.  

I also bought merch from their souvenir tent. Proceeds from the sale of their Save San Sebastián merch go to the restoration fund.  

There was no shortage of beauty in this metal wonder. 

The lighting of the chandeliers signaled the beginning of our tour.  

We began our tour by testing out the metallic surfaces on the church. I used my souvenir magnet, and yes, the basilica really is all-metal. 

This is Ysabel. She is the one-woman restoration tour guide and tech person behind the cause.  

I opened the doors and it was fascinating to see the church with awe. 

Ysabel gave us a sense of place with vintage photographs from another era.  

All the walls, columns, and ceiling panels were painted to conceal the rivets and metal parts. This church is a beautiful masterpiece in concealment.  

The restoration is being undertaken by an international team of experts in their own fields.  

As you can see, the paintings on the wall are fading fast. 

They need to be restored using the latest techniques so that the grandeur of this basilica can be preserved and brought to life. 

Our tour continued to the choir loft, where the best view of the house could be enjoyed. 

I relaxed a bit on the pews and appreciated the majestic view. 

The gothic architecture resonated with my steampunk leanings, I must admit. 

We then proceeded to the upper levels, where the concealment ends. Here, the rivets are clearly visible, and the metal parts are bare. 

Even the hidden upper levels are filled with unexpected beauty.  

I found the upper part of the ceiling beautiful. It reminded me of a ship. 

This is a sample of the restoration undertakings.  

As you can see, rust is the enemy of a metal structure. This is why it is crucial that this gem gets restored stat.  

The dome is a piece of beauty amidst the urban skyline.  

I enjoyed this, and I highly recommend that you join one of their Saturday tours! It is a chance to appreciate history, architecture, engineering, and art all in one morning. Plus, you will help support the restoration as well. 

Join the tour, take pictures, and experience Manila as it should be- with a renewed appreciation for our rich heritage. 

Jogging Blogger

I started jogging at UP three days ago. It was the last day of 2017, and the air was chilly. I was excited to try a new hobby, and I figured that brisk walking along the carless campus would do me some good. It was a breathtakingly silent experience, and I was struck with how much I enjoyed the meditative workout. It was delightful to be with other joggers and walkers. 

I returned the next day, as it was the first day of 2018 and I wanted a fresh start. The cool morning breeze was the ideal accompaniment to my brisk walk. I was surprised that I returned yesterday, and this morning. I had fish balls, Rodic’s tapsilog, and instant coffee. And I had my fair share of sunshine, silence, and peace. It was the perfect way to welcome the new year, as I will literally walk to the beat of my goals. 

Day 2: Vision Boards

I made a couple of vision boards when I was still working in the BPO industry. I kept these boards with me, and they still inspire me until now.

My love for vision boards boil down to the process of making one. 

I find the process therapeutic, and I get to map out my dreams in a tangible way. With the exception of the virtual professionals phrase, I can say that my vision boards are still current. 

For now, I am focusing on building a corporate career. I am also seeking balance in my life. I have recently let go of difficult people in my life and I am attracting growth. Like what I have learned from Roma Agsalud last Saturday, “growth takes time”. I am now focusing on what I invest in and using my time wisely. That way, I am building a future for myself that is secure and full of opportunities. 

You might be wondering why I prefer to make old school vision boards when I can easily do so online. I am a strong believer that handmade is better. The process gives me a tangible connection to the visual representation of my dreams. You might think that they are just mostly makeup, accessories, and clothes, but these items inspire me to work hard. And of course, my vision boards will never be complete without my advocacies and faith.

If you have extra time and some old magazines, I highly recommend making vision boards. You will need a pair of scissors, glue stick, illustration board, and an outline of what you are looking for. If you prefer doing without the outline, that is also fine. You will definitely be inspired and your vision boards can be your visual guides to the dreams you want to fulfill.

Good luck!

***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***