Buscalan 2021

Meeting Apo Whang-Od!

I was inked by the Last Mambabatok and the oldest living tattoo artist in the world, Apo Whang-Od! I made the trek to Buscalan, Kalinga to see the tattoo village and meet the But But tribe whose tattoos are now famous around the world. It was a pleasure to see nature first-hand since the pandemic started. Oh yeah, this also marks my first time to travel during Corona times.

I was first inked by Apo’s apprentice Grace in Manila. I was able to see Grace again, and I was able to give her a shawl that I crocheted myself. Seeing her village is the highlight of my pandemic era.

With Grace, Apo Whang-Od’s grandniece and apprentice

My Buscalan experience was made sweeter with unlimited coffee and peace. I left the mountain with a lighter and more grateful heart.

To book your own tour to Buscalan and get inked yourself, visit Bahaghari Tours! I am happy that I trekked to Buscalan. It is one of the best memories of my life.

Le Fleur Coffee Holder

I recently purchased my second cup holder from local small business Le Fleur. Their vegan cup holders have made my coffee or juice experience more delightful and aesthetically pleasing. It also warms my heart that their cup holders are all locally made by hand. I am all for small businesses that champion local craftsmanship and style.

Buy your own Le Fleur cup holder here! Enjoy your coffee!

Traviel Bags

In 2020, I received a DOST Coursera scholarship which allowed me to explore my creative skills through writing and personality development classes. As I was posting my certificates online, I met Pao Manalang of Traviel, who was also taking Coursera courses under the same scholarship. We shared the same values, and this is evident in her brand’s vision of enriching and uplifting local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, I wanted to enrich and uplift blogging as a craft which can be written about in a book. So that’s what I did. When I launched my book (Buy it in the link above this post! 📕), I finally purchased my first Traviel bag. It is made of plant-based leather and textile. I am very happy to support a local brand whose values align with mine ❤️

Wake Up, Dreamers

I recently started watching Demi Abilon a.k.a. AnakniRizal’s writing vlogs on YouTube. I have been enjoying her informative videos on creative writing. Writing has been a hobby and source of income for me, and yet I believe it is essential to continue learning how to improve my craft. Demi’s YouTube channel apply entitled Tales of Demi has been inspiring me to write lately. I highly recommend it!

I also started reading Demi’s latest published novel Wake Up, Dreamers. It is about a group of college students from different backgrounds who unintentionally work together for a school project. They discover themselves and the meaning of life through the project’s various assignments that put them in situations that force them out of their comfort zones. You may purchase the book here.

I hope that Demi’s vlogs and latest novel will also inspire you to write and express yourself during the lockdown!

Quielle

I recently purchased these safety pin earrings from local accessories shop Quielle. I love these handmade stunners because the quality is top notch. The tips of the pins are not sharp, and the stainless steel material is polished to perfection. They are also lightweight enough for all-day wear.

Most of my accessories are from this shop. They do not tarnish, and their sparkle remains the same for a long time. I have been a Quielle customer since 2019! This is not an ad, and I simply want to promote this brand.

For your local accessories fix, be sure to check out Quielle!

What I Love About R2R

Rags 2 Riches has recently emailed its subscribers a set of questions to probe what they love about their brand. I have been a longtime fan of this brand, so this is an interesting exercise for me. Here’s what I have to say about R2R.

My first R2R piece was purchased from Firma in 2008. It was a clutch designed by local fashion icon Rajo Laurel. I used it during my first job at a bank, and it held my makeup and toiletries. It was neon pink, and it was woven by a mom at Payatas. It was one of the first local brands that included a hand-signed card by the artisan who made the item. It touched my heart, and as a fresh college graduate, it helped pave the way for my career choices and eventual foray as an online distributor for another social enterprise, a position that I hold to this day. It also gave me a tangible link to the impact of my buying power to a community, however small that purchase may be.

My favorite R2R purchase is the Noah Fanny Pack because it was the bag that I wore to conferences at ADB and while my terminally-ill father was confined at the hospital. I brought it with me from meetings to fora, and from my father’s chemotherapy sessions to my trips to buy his necessities at the pharmacy. It was also special because I purchased this bag at the R2R HQ, which I documented in this post.

R2R launched a clothing line, and I bought a couple of pairs of shorts from them last year. I enjoyed these pairs because they went well with my cropped tops, and even my favorite t-shirts.

I think their clothing line deserves to be praised for their efforts to use upcycled fabrics and include indigenous weaves in their designs. However, as someone who does not like ruffles and ribbons, perhaps a more edgy collection would attract a new set of customers to try their clothes.

My favorite R2R memory would be that time when I bought a pair of flats made of the signature R2R basahan (rags) weave and indigenous textile. I felt so stylish during that day! Those shoes are still wearable to this day after five solid years of wear.

My dream is for R2R to continue growing despite the challenges of the global pandemic. I may have stopped purchasing from them due to some budget constraints of late, but my R2R face masks and filters remind me everyday that this brand may have started from rags, but I watched them grow to riches. I have grown up since their humble beginnings, and I hope that God will bless me with work and opportunities so that I can continue buying from brands such as R2R and support communities in the process.

God bless you, R2R!

Alexa Top

I recently finished crocheting the Alexa Top designed by Filipina pattern designer Monique Salibio. I used fine cotton yarn from Baguio Yarns by Miss Crochet a Lot, and 3.5mm and 6.00mm hooks. It took me around a fortnight to finish this project as I could only crochet in between my everyday tasks.

This pattern was interesting as I learned how to do the moss stitch, the crossed treble crochet stitch, and cluster V stitch. It is intricate yet feminine. I love how all these stitches formed this airy top which oozes summer carefreeness.

To order the Alexa top pattern, you may visit Monique’s Etsy shop.

Silakbo Chocolates

I first fell in love with Silakbo Chocolates when I received their choco bombs last Christmas. I combined the choco bombs with black coffee, and the experience was unforgettable. Not to mention that the chocolates themselves were delicious and richly flavored.

Now, Silakbo introduces their smash hearts, which are candy-filled hollow chocolate hearts. It comes with a mallet that is used to pound the hearts open. How’s that for a Valentine’s Day treat?

I had fun smashing my chocolate hearts as it was therapeutic! Plus, the chocolates were simply divine. If you want to brighten up your day at home, please check out Silakbo Chocolates, and experience their chocolates for yourself!

Pilya’s Kitchen

I am a fan of thick noodles and rich soup broths, so when I heard about Pilya’s Kitchen a few months back during the lockdown, I did not hesitate to order their biang biang noodles. It was a heavenly take on traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup.

I have become a regular customer, and I recently ordered their cumin lamb soup. It was delicious! The lamb slices were tender and the soup was not overpowering. Of course, the noodles had a fantastic chew and thickness. I loved it.

They are opening a pop-up kitchen soon, so stay tuned! You won’t regret trying their sexy noods.

For Ginny

My good friend Ginny Sonico has been battling breast cancer, and I am truly devastated with the news. However, I am optimistic that she will overcome this disease. So when I heard that a group of her friends have set up Notre Amie to support her medical expenses, I quickly placed an order of dried flowers to spruce up my space.

I am pleased with my order as it matches my personality. Those close to me will know that I am not into flowers or frills, but this arrangement of dried hydrangeas, berries, and eucalyptus is right up my alley. It is simple yet chic.

I hope that you will also help my friend Ginny kick cancer’s butt by purchasing from Notre Amie! You surely won’t regret it.

God bless us all!

Glittering By Edsa

I got to visit the new Pulseras by Kim boutique along EDSA, Quezon City. It was a treat to see one of my favorite local jewelry brands grow and thrive. I have been their customer for two years now, and I still enjoy getting new pieces from them every now and then.

I commend them for coming up with fresh pieces and ideas even in the new normal, such as these acrylic earring holders that enable customers to “try on” without actually putting them on.

I also discovered from their staff Ate Min that all their jewelry is local. They do not import from overseas, so each piece is a labor of love by a local artisan.

I hope that you will order a Pulseras by Kim piece soon! Visit their new store or order online now.

#QuielleBaby

I have been a fan of local jewelry brand Quielle since 2018. Their quality pieces are made of either stainless steel or sterling silver, which are ideal for my acidic skin.

I love their newest personalized designs, which are the Old English name anklet and baybayin name necklace with pressed flower. I couldn’t resist them, and I ordered both of them. My pieces took a fortnight to make, and the wait was worth it. Both of them were beautiful and perfect for daily wear.

This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a fan of this local shop. With the pandemic still upon us, please consider supporting local SME’s. It would really boost our economy and help our country move forward amidst the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 virus.

Let personalized jewelry brighten up your day! God bless us all and stay safe, everyone!

Brewing Home Life

The Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for all of us. Personally, I struggled during the first few weeks of staying at home because I was so used to going out almost everyday. One of my pastimes before was having a cup or two of coffee. I enjoyed crocheting while enjoying a cuppa at a cafe.

When the quarantine was imposed, I found myself at home with my stash of instant coffee. While I also have my own instant favorites, I craved for freshly brewed coffee as I was accustomed to. Luckily, I found Coffee Buddy online.

I initially purchased their Kalinga Dark Roast, Sagada Dark Roast, and french press. I learned to brew my own coffee, and it was definitely a game changer! It enhanced my quarantine experience as it brought back my coffee shop vibes. I also drastically cut down on my sugar intake, as I prefer enjoying my brewed coffee black.

I love Coffee Buddy’s local coffee selection so much, that I restocked from their shop yesterday. This time, I got Benguet Dark Roast and Espresso Dark Roast.

This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a fan of Coffee Buddy’s dark roast flavors. Learning to brew my own coffee has improved my home life, and has enabled me to enjoy my favorite beverage while on lockdown.

I hope that you will also find your perfect brew soon!

Birthday Vibe

I recenly purchased a Love, Susie crescent ring in gold vermeil. I chose it because it is a) adjustable, b) locally handmade, and c) made to last as the base metal is sterling silver. Since Love, Susie is the sister brand of local handmade jewelry brand Pulseras by Kim, I am sure of the quality and craftsmanship behind this piece.

This is not a sponsored post. I am just a fan and happy customer! My ring came with free stud earrings as Pulseras by Kim is moving to a new physical store soon. I am happy that I was able to visit their Maginhawa space one last time. It was a special location for me, as it was right beside my alma mater, Holy Family School.

I am grateful to still have the luxury to enjoy handmade jewelry this pandemic. We are all struggling with the Covid-19 crisis, so it helps to have some sparkle in our lives right now.

I hope that you will also find a piece or two from Love, Susie to inspire you to stay positive during trying times.

Local Love

I enjoyed the third day of the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2020 right in the comfort of my own home. I learned that managing resilience is the key to surviving and thriving in the new normal. Both the private and public sectors must collaborate to bring forth beneficial change to society as a whole.

Personally, I am doing my part by engaging in low-energy activities such as brewing my own local coffee using a coffee press, enjoying cookies baked by a marginalized community in Manila, and crocheting earsavers for frontliners under Earsavers for Lifesavers PH.

I may be uncertain with what the future may bring, that is why I choose to thrive with what I have in the present. Choosing to support local is important because it enables me to help my city and community thrive.

I hope that you will also find ways to support local brands while educating yourself using online resources at home.

Let us all stay safe!

Katre X Hello Kitty

I attended the recent launch of local leather design house Katre’s collaboration with Hello Kitty. It was a marriage between chic and cute as the two brands worked together to produce grown-up versions of bags for Hello Kitty fans.

I myself had a red Hello Kitty shoulder bag when I was three years old. Now that I’m 33, I bought myself a stylish and updated version of my childhood bag. I am glad that I did, because it was a joy to use. The camera bag fits all my basic essentials, and the shoulder strap did not hurt my back.

The collection will be out online on March 1. Do check it out, as you will surely be reminded of your happiest childhood memories!

Handmade Gems

I dropped by the Destash Bash at The Craft Central Cafe yesterday. I was looking for new stud earrings, and I was not disappointed!

Maria Ceramika had accessories that spoke to me. I love handmade earrings because they perfectly complement my pixie cut. The brand is run by emerging ceramicist Aileen Viñas from UP College of Fine Arts. I’m a fan of her work and I’ll surely watch out for her brand’s growth. 

I also dropped by my friend Jensen’s booth. She sold some cute trinkets at her booth. She’s my favorite Craft Central employee, and she knows all the cool handmade brands to watch out for. 

There were other booths in the Destash Bash offering affordable art and home supplies.  

I ended up buying a couple of ceramic studs from Maria Ceramika. 

Then, I proceeded to the bazaar outside Vertis North to buy a handmade crystal necklace from local brand Made by KCA. 

I already got a pair of dangling earrings from the brand at the now-defunct Wanderspace Cafe last year. This time, I selected a trio of pendants for everyday wear: aquamarine, peridot, and rose quartz.  

I love my new accessories! I always choose stainless steel pieces because I have acidic skin. 

Here’s the handpainted pencil case I got from Jensen and my new necklace. I love how the colors match- and how handmade continues to make me happy. 

I’ll forever be a handmade fan! Do check out these brands and keep on following my blog for more local discoveries in the future. 

Makers Cafe

Yesterday, I got to catch the opening of Makers Cafe. It is located along Maginhawa Street, and it is right beside my alma mater, Holy Family School. 

I won a pair of Pulseras by Kim stud earrings, and I gladly selected a pair of starry ones.  

I also got to meet Kim, the lady behind Pulseras by Kim! The cafe is also hers, and I’m stoked to have a space along my favorite foodie street that sells coffee and bling. 

I ordered their carbonara. It was delicious!

Their flat white did not disappoint. 

The tiny space was spruced up with hipster details. 

They also have fast WiFi connection, electric sockets, and yummy waffles. 

I bought gold-filled jewelry from Kim as well: a textured chain and a minute Eiffel pendant. So cute! 

Do take note that Kim also customizes jewelry. She also sells in bulk for giveaways.  

I also bought hoop earrings for my mom. 

Before driving home, I took selfies with my alma mater’s facade. 

I love bling, pasta, waffles, and coffee. All these can be found under one roof. I will definitely be back for more coffee and good vibes! 

Fiesta, Footwear, and a Festival

I celebrated St. Clare’s feast yesterday by dropping by her monastery. I braved the rain and offered eggs in her honor. 

Her feast day is just a couple of days before my birthday, which is why I have a special devotion to her. She has been a powerful intercessor through the years.  

It was also inspiring to be with other devotees on this special day.  

I got home to my new Renegade Folk shoes in Timeless. This is my third pair from the Marikina-made shoe brand. They create shoes which are perfect for my style. Also, I can walk in them comfortably, and I love supporting local!

I later visited the annual Philippine Readers and Writers Festival at Raffles Makati. 

This year’s festival featured author talks and signings, as always.  

But I was delighted that this year’s festival pass contains free entrance to next month’s Manila International Book Fair! 

I enjoyed browsing through books... 

...saying hello to history bae Jose Rizal... 

...and playing with the photo booth! 

In the end, I purchased four local books, and I can’t wait to read them all.  

As a Youngblood baby, I always find myself attending their workshop at the festival. Pam Pastor’s wit never gets old. 

After the workshop, I proceeded to National Bookstore’s booth, where I won an advance reader’s copy for Ghosted by Rosie Walsh.  

I had a lovely afternoon at the festival, and I am excited to be back next year! 

As a bookworm, blogger, devotee, and lover of all things local, I can say that my Saturday was quite eventful! Here’s to braving the rain and participating in more activities that will remind me of how blessed I am, and how I can write about them all on my blog.  

Stepping Up

Last Sunday, I browsed through the Yabang Pinoy bazaar at Alabang Town Center, after my trip to Common Room.  

I loved the fiesta vibe! All the vendors were local exhibitors, and most of the merchandise were handmade. 

I was truly captivated with these handmade polymer clay accessories. They were detailed and exquisitely designed. The vendor, The Nifty Pandas, accepts commissions for both individual and bulk orders  

If you want to have piece made, don’t hesitate to reach out to them on Instagram!

It was difficult choosing between Ariel and Sailor Moon.  

In the end, I got Ariel! 

I also purchased a pair of brogues from Marikina shoe brand Rob and Mara. 

I ended my bazaar visit with some curry lobster balls.  

I had an amazing experience. Seeing all those merchants inspired me to continue supporting local and handmade. I can’t wait to step up to daily challenges in my growing collection of Marikina-made shoes, including my new brogues. And of course, I will keep on hustling, so that just like Ariel, I will be part of their world at work!