Gratefully Uncertain

Yesterday, I visited the Padre Pio Chapel at Libis, Quezon City. The pandemic may have prevented me from hearing mass and visiting the churches that I frequent, but that does not mean that my faith has diminished. In fact, the prevalence of uncertainty has enabled me to cling to my faith and believe more in an unseen God.

I prayed, purchased dinner from Cucina di Francesco (their Italian sausage pizza and carbonara are both to die for!), and reflected on the number of ways that the pandemic has humbled me. I am still grateful to be able to do the things I enjoy. I am thankful for my family, friends, and loved ones. I am happy to still be thriving. And while there is fear at times, I know that I will be able to make it through this.

I hope that you will also find the faith that can save you during these difficult times. Take care, everyone!

Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry

Yesterday was Padre Pio’s birthday. I was sad because I could not visit his chapel and hear mass. Nevertheless, his intercession inspires me to keep the faith, even during the pandemic.

As I was cleaning a pre-loved bag which I have sold on my Carousell store, I found these two rosary bracelets inside the pocket. One of them was this rose quartz bracelet which I purchased during my 2018 visit to the Padre Pio chapel in Libis, Quezon City. The other one was a gift from my Ninong priest during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I took this as a sign for better things to come, particularly in my love life. Last week was heartbreaking, but I have already picked up the pieces. I prayed for a better future.

And a better future will only come if I will continue to be consistent each day.

Here’s to making each day count during the pandemic, and believing that the best is yet to come!

Eat, Pray, Love

Yesterday, I went to Padre Pio Chapel in Libis after my meeting in Ortigas. It was the 23rd of the month, which is the birth anniversary date of Padre Pio. I prayed for my intentions, and gave thanks for the blessings that I continue to receive.

I am inspired by the faithful who unceasingly gather in this church, and surrender their rosaries for every answered prayer.

I ended my day with some carbonara at Cucina Di Francesco, and a cozy e-jeep ride back to the MRT station.
Life is better whenever there’s a reason to pray. And since I’m a foodie, I will always find an excuse to enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta. Life can be filled with love, for as long as I will keep on doing the things that make me happy.

Avengers, Assemble!

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! 

Visita Iglesia 2019

My helper Racquel and I commemorated Holy Week by practicing Visita Iglesia. Our first stop was the chapel at St. Luke’s Medical Center QC, where my terminally-ill father was confined.  

Our second stop was the Blessed Ivan Merz Center and Reliquarium. For our third stop, we went to the Padre Pio Chapel at Libis.  

It was my first time to experience the Stations of the Cross (while carrying an actual cross!) at Padre Pio. 

Our fourth stop was Claret Church, which is near my alma mater, Holy Family School.  

Our fifth drop was the UP Parish Church. 

No visit to UP Diliman is complete without street food. 

We had squid balls and kwek-kwek (deep fried breaded quail eggs).

We also had sweet corn with cheese and butter and bananacue (not pictured).

Our sixth stop was the Our Lady of Consolation Parish, where my late friend Diane is buried. 

Our seventh and final stop was the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in our barangay.  

It was a time for prayer, silence, reflection, and thanksgiving. I will continue to reinforce my faith not just during Lent, but the whole year through. May this just be the beginning of a bulletproof belief in God. 

I Am Enough

Yesterday, I continued journaling using the prompts from Abbey Sy’s book Always Be Creating which I have started last Saturday. I also shared some of my journaling using the book last Sunday, and it was empowering to both finish the book and realize these powerful reflections. 

Turns out, my power word is enough. I can’t wait to fulfill all the plans and opportunities that are waiting for me this 2019, and yes, I will always keep in mind that I am enough. 

After journaling, I had brunch at Falafel Yo at SM North Annex. It was delicious and filling! I really am a falafel fan to begin with, so eating this sandwich was a guiltless treat that made me smile. 

I also have a thing for floors, and I couldn’t resist their pretty tiles.  

Later, I bought a leather mini makeup bag to store my tiny essentials inside my handbag. I also used the 15% discount voucher that I received from donating clothes the other day at H&M. 

Then, I prayed at St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas. I prayed for my terminally-ill dad, my mom, and for myself- that I will have a good job, a kind boss, more opportunities this year, and a great relationship. 

I dropped by Anonas gem Baker’s Garden to buy bread for snack. 

This is my favorite spot at Anonas: where the sky meets the train station, the church, and the microcinema. 

I finally got to watch Kung Paano Siya Nawala at Cinema ‘76 and it was worth the commute! It was light and entertaining. I also liked that they featured one of my favorite charities, PAWS! 

My thing for floors continues. 

I ended my day with a hearty dinner: a steaming hot bowl of malunggay noodle soup with mushroom balls. Yum! 

I work hard, I pray hard, and I eat right. Here’s to the best year of my life! After all, I am enough.  

Working It

Yesterday, I had an early start as I had a meeting to attend. I had a fast food breakfast and some coffee to-go. 

I realized that I was at the namesake building of my venue a few minutes before my appointment. Good thing I walk fast.  

I was able to make it at a reasonable time. My meeting was a success! 

I thanked God by visiting Padre Pio at St. Francis Church.  

Later during the day, I got to walk at UP... 

...and indulge in some dirty ice cream! 

I also bought a bamboo toothbrush from Rags to Riches. 

Finally, it was time for late lunch with my best friend Luti.  

I used my gift certificate from Sunnies Santa . I won a pair of Sunnies Specs from them last Christmas. It was certainly the highlight of my holidays! As a bonus, my gift bag also included a gift certificate at my favorite restaurant. 

I got to knit while waiting for my friend. 

I also had a flat white to perk myself up. 

And I ordered a guacamole and salmon dip with taro chips to start. 

Luti and I had rice bowls for our mains. We had a fabulous meal! Thank you Sunnies Cafe! 

I am working on improving myself and celebrating small wins to motivate myself to keep going! Here’s to a productive year ahead. 

Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry

I started working as the Office Manager in my new employer on July 23, 2018. It was the 23rd of the month, which is known as a day dedicated to Padre Pio. 

I was moved to thank him for his intercession, as I did pray to him to lift up my wishes to have a good job to the Lord. I think he really did an awesome job because not only am I employed, but my office is also located close to some churches and chapels. I am sure that my soul will find refuge in these places of worship whenever I need spiritual sustenance in the middle of my busy schedule.  

I am thankful for all the blessings which are pouring into my life right now. Thank You God, and thank you Padre Pio!

Faith and Crafting

Yesterday, I carried on with my auditing duties. I went to Pasig City Hall, and I stopped by their chapel after completing my tasks.  

It was fun to say hello to images of my patron saints, St. Clare and Padre Pio. 

They also had a beautiful image of St. Joseph.  

I also had to pose with their summery entrance! 

Then, I revived my old planner and jazzed it up with fresh kikki.K inserts, and various sticky notes, stickers, and washi tapes. 

Then, I took my paints out and sketched some food I recently had.  

I stamped the wrong date. It was supposed to be the 12th of July already. Handmade does have its imperfections! 

I was also able to finish this cowl using cotton yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe and my Furls hook purchased from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

And just like my status quo, I ended my productive day on a high note- by beginning again, with fresh yarn in a fresh aqua green shade.  

Prayer and Hope

Yesterday, I had a meeting in Ortigas. I knitted while waiting for it to commence, and as always, knitting was able to give me a sense of purpose and calmness. 

It turned out to be a productive morning filled with promising opportunities! Before proceeding to the rest of my day’s agenda, I dropped by Padre Pio’s relic and statue at St. Francis of Assisi Parish to give thanks. I also prayed for wisdom in discernment and guidance as I embark on changes in my life. 

I had the creamy cheesy penne, donut, and coffee combo from Mister Donut. It was a delicious and comforting lunch on a rainy day. I recommend that you try this combo as well, not just on rainy days! The pasta was indeed cheesy and creamy. And their donuts and coffee are always on point. 

I wrapped up all my tasks for the day and had dinner at Breakfast Bin. I opted for my go-to meal there: the toasted naked longganisa, with a runny fried egg, talangka brown rice, and spiced vinegar. 

I hope that you will never be afraid of exploring opportunities! Prayer works, and it helps in thinking things through. Meanwhile, knitting keeps my mind sharp with every stitch. 

And as always, food nourishes me and warms my soul.  

May you have a great weekend ahead, friends! 

Faith, Food, and Film

Luti and I were able to go to Padre Pio Center at Libis, Quezon City yesterday. She is one of my best friends from high school, and we both had intentions to pray for. 

It was a solemn, quiet place of worship. We did not feel like we were still stuck in the city.  

We were able to do some shopping at the chapel store. I stumbled upon these cookies made of leftover bits of host from Dauis, Bohol. I had to buy a few packs to try at home. 

The center has a spacious chapel where masses are held daily. 

We then proceeded to St. Clare Monastery for more prayers. 

We were also able to have our Padre Pio souvenirs blessed by the sister at the convent.  

A hearty lunch at Breakfast Bin followed our prayerful journey.  

Of course, dessert was obligatory thanks to the scorching summer heat. We both had ice cream at Maginhawa favorite, Papa Diddi’s. I had roasted strawberry and ube this time! 

After our meal, I went to UP Cine Adarna to watch my grade school friend Ida Anita del Mundo’s film K’na the Dreamweaver. 

It was a beautiful love letter to the T’boli people and their rich culture.  

Lake Sebu was stunning onscreen! 

There were several scenes of t’nalak weaving, which was my favorite part about this movie. I love local textiles, so I’m all for promoting the art of weaving on film. 

I was fortunate to be able to spend time to pray, appreciate delicious food, and watch a friend’s film. I also had the chance to do so with my friend Luti. Life is definitely more fun with a little help from our friends- and a lot of faith. 

Revisiting Padre Pio Shrine

Yesterday, I got to visit the Padre Pio Shrine For the second time. This time, I was with my family. 

I started my day with a breakfast takoyaki rice bowl. It was surprisingly delicious! 

I knitted in the car.  

And before I knew it, we were already there at the shrine. I purchased a magnet for my collection and a bottle of pain relief oil for a friend. 

We walked along the Shrine and prayed at the various spots in the compound. My favorite spot there was at the main church, where this huge sign serves as a reminder for everyone. 

The place holds a special spot in my heart because Padre Pio is a powerful intercessor. His life is also a shining example of the transforming ability of faith. 

Indeed, I will pray, hope, and remind myself to don’t worry!

I also bought personalized keychains from this fun stall. 

I feel blessed to have revisited the Shrine and I am thankful that this time, I am stronger in faith. I will keep on going, because I am confident that Padre Pio will always pray for my intentions.