Mint Organizer

I have been collecting Starbucks planners since 2006. It has become a part of my Christmas traditions, and accomplishing something involving coffee is totally worth it. It has helped me get through the grief I felt when my close friend Diane died in a car accident in 2008. Recently, this tradition has been a comfort as I am still processing my father’s passing last May.

I was determined to make the most out of the holidays despite the personal pain I still carried in my heart. Coffee and a planner definitely sounded like a good idea.

Midway through collecting stickers for the planner, I fell in love with the mint travel organizer. I decided to pursue it instead for a change, and I needed a notebook cover to begin with.

The travel organizer did not disappoint! It was worth all the cups of coffee I sipped while running holiday errands and finishing year-end work.

I have also finished crocheting my last scarf for this decade in Starbucks branches.

Some people may laugh at the idea of collecting stickers for a travel organizer, but for me it is a personal ritual to get over grief. The organizer is just a simple reminder that a new year is just around the corner. A new beginning is possible, and it helps to plan, sort through my priorities, and power my way through my goals.

For everything in between, there will always be coffee and notebooks to help me through the new decade.

Kamayan Christmas

Yesterday, I spent some time with our loyal helper Racquel for a simple Christmas treat. I took her to my favorite restaurant Gubat, where we got to eat with our hands.

I had the longganisa (again!) with additional salted egg and burong kanin (fermented rice). It was perfect with my beer.

We took a quick stroll around the Diliman Bonsai Society after our meal. It was hard to believe that we were still in the city.

We also had some Starbucks coffees, and watched Sunod, starring Carmina Villaroel. It was a beautiful horror movie which was shot at Escolta, which we visited earlier this year.

I later finished crocheting the scarf I have been making all throughout the holiday season. It is finally done, and I am ready to begin again with a brand new colorway.

Christmas is better when with local food, handmade hobbies, and simple joys. May you find the season to be merry and bright with those who have been loyal to you.

Barkmas

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has became my destination for good vibes. I have been a regular since 2014, and I have spent my Christmas breaks with their dogs for five years now. This year is no exception, as I braved the MMFF mall crowd to hug my furry faves Ella and Piolo. It is indeed a Merry Christmas with these dogs around.

You will definitely find me here even when the holidays are through! Hope you can also visit one of their two branches soon.

Christmas Crochet

Yesterday, I watched two MMFF movies: Write About Love, and Culion. Both were superb! Then, I had some Starbucks Christmas Blend and spent some time crocheting.

I am determined to continue enjoying the holidays despite the grief that is weighing me down from time to time. My dad’s death is pushing me to celebrate life, and I am happy that I have a hobby such as crochet. It keeps me motivated to enjoy the quiet moments.

To more films and stitches to enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is never easy for us left behind. My dad passed away this year, so it’s just me and my mom now. Still, I am determined to have a lovely Christmas because the reason for the season is Jesus.

I dropped by my late friend Diane’s vault to kickstart my celebration. I realized that the departed never really leave us, they just remind us of how valuable life is. I won’t feel sad that I am left behind anymore. Rather, I will make it a Christmas gift to myself to have a full life even if I’m mostly by myself.

Merry Christmas!

Burger and Beers

Last night, I spent time with my Dubai-based friend Charms at Pound. We had delicious burgers and beer! I had the loco moco which was a yummy rice meal to go with my Brew Kettle beer.

Afterwards, we decided to have more drinks while watching live music at Conspiracy. It was my first time there, and definitely not my last.

It pays to have good friends to share quiet meals and live music with. I am thankful for the company and the conversation. ‘Til next time!

Coffee Holiyay

This year, I am continuing my tradition of collecting stickers for a Starbucks planner. Eighteen stickers correspond to one planner or travel organizer. I am aiming for a travel organizer for a change, and it’s been fun to drink coffee while running holiday errands so far.
Why a travel organizer this time around? I am open to different possibilities this 2020. I am hoping to explore and meet more people, and I already have a Sunnies Agenda. This would be totally fresh and yes, I do hope I can travel next year.
A new twist on a tradition I’ve been following for eleven years can spell beautiful change. I can’t wait to see where this will lead me to!

Foodtrip and a Party

Yesterday, I got to eat at SGD again, where I had my favorite danggit lamayo and SGD black.

Then, I had some fishballs at UP.

I killed some time crocheting over coffee at Starbucks.

Then, I had a fun Christmas party with my Barkin’ Blends friends.

Merry Christmas!

Metal and Beer

Yesterday, I spent my Sunday enjoying some simple joys. These include:

I bought a new stainless horseshoe for my rook! I like how it brings edge to my overall look.

I enjoyed the Ayala Triangle Gardens light show. It reminded me that Christmas is all about feeling grateful and remembering all the good memories of holidays past.

Lastly, I had a cold one with Santa Claus at Mercato.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Truffle Lengua

Yesterday, I had lunch with my cousin Van at Lola, a Filipino restaurant at The Podium. We had truffle lengua, keso de bola fries, kimchi kaldereta, rice, coffee, and beer (for me). Everything was delicious! I’ll definitely go back for more of their food.
After our lunch, I went to UP to drop-off my gift for Nicole, a friend I met online. Then, I had dinner at Gubat, where I had my favorite carbonara and another beer to commemorate my dad’s seventh month anniversary.

I look forward to more great company and yummy food this holiday season and beyond. Cheers!

Hotel Sunnies

Yesterday, I got to swing by Hotel Sunnies, the Christmas design pop-up experience of the Sunnies Studios group. I got to take a ton of pictures, hang with girl crushes Martine and Coco, and have a good time. The best part was getting a feel of my favorite brand up close and personal.

I will never forget this day, and I am also thrilled that 100% of ticket sales will benefit MovEd, which is a charity that’s close to my heart. I hope to see more design experiences in Manila that will not only feast the senses, but also pay it forward.

Christmas Treat

I treated our helper to some fried chicken and ice cream the other night. It was our Christmas celebration, and my simple “thank you” for all her years of service to me and my family.  

I also brought her to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to meet my furry friends. 

Helpers are indeed part of the family, and we should all take time to show them how we appreciate them. Don’t forget to thank them and get to know them better! They’re an invaluable part of our lives. 

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.  

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

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

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

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

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

I had Sandwich Guy’s English eggs for dinner.  

And some pretty dogs for dessert! 

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