Reconnecting with Grace

Yesterday, I got to reconnect with my good friend Grace. She was the HR Manager in my former office. I was ecstatic to learn that she is now based on QC, so we met up at Breakfast Bin in Maginhawa. 

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I ordered the veggie skillet and later, we had dessert at Papa Diddi’s. 

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I had the coffee and cheese ice cream scoops. So good!

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It was so nice to reconnect with an old friend from the past! Hopefully, this will be the start of more rekindled friendships. 

1995

Yesterday, I went to UP Cine Adarna to go back to 1995. I was nine years old during that time, so I indulged on a childhood treat: bicho-bicho right outside the film center.  

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Then, I watched Sana Maulit Muli starring Lea Salonga and Aga Mulach. 

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It was released in 1995. It was a nostalgic trip back to the 90’s. Plus, it was a treat to watch a young Lea Salonga onscreen. 

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I had a lovely time, and I proceeded to some self-care at a spa. 

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I had early dinner at Breakfast Bin, where I had the delicious veggie skillet. 

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For dessert, I had matcha and banana ice cream scoops from Papa Diddi’s. 

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By the time I got home, I was inspired to finish knitting this cowl using yarn I bought from Rosario, Pasig

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It was time to continue knitting, so I chose a ball of Mandala Yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I carried on from there. 

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Sometimes, we need a trip back in time to appreciate the present more. I look forward to enjoying more vintage films in the future to inspire me to cherish my time.  

Sunday Chill

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family. 

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I knitted while waiting for mass to begin.  

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Then, we had lunch at Pho Hoa, and I was pleasantly surprised with their pretty floor. 

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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. 

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For dinner, I had the toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice from Breakfast Bin. 

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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. 

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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. 

Brunch Bin

Yesterday, I had the toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice for brunch. 

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I missed my Maginhawa favorite, and it’s still delicious!

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For dessert, I had two scoops of Papa Diddi’s ice cream. I had cheese closed and barako- both flavors complemented each other perfectly. 

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I have my usual foodie finds, and I can’t go wrong with them. If you find yourself craving for a hearty breakfast and yummy ice cream in local flavors at Maginhawa, look for the brands above! You won’t be disappointed. 

Steak Dinner with my BFF

I had a lovely steak dinner with my high school BFF Luti last night. We chose Steak to One because we also wanted to check out the weekend bazaar after our meal. 

We chose well! Our porterhouse steaks were delicious and even the iced tea was refreshingly good.  

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For dessert, I had Malagos chocolate ice cream from Papa Diddi’s. 

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Sometimes, we just need one friend who believes in us, and yummy comfort food to nourish us during tough times. May you also find that friend in your life, and may you continue to seek food that not only makes you full, but happy as well. 

Weekly Hits

There are things that I simply enjoy doing on a weekly basis. For starters, I HAVE to eat Breakfast Bin’s toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice every week.  

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I also need some Papa Diddi’s ice cream to make each week more delicious. This cup of joy contains their matcha and barako coffee flavors. 

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A brisk walk around the UP academic oval eases me into my tasks. 

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And a visit to St. Clare Monastery helps me focus on my life in prayer.  

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My life may not be perfect, but my constants keep me grounded on things that matter. What are your weekly constants? I hope that they also give you a sense of purpose each week!

Saturday Shopping

I love shopping because it helps clear my mind and it means that I get to buy my needs. I tend to buy Human Nature toiletries at the beginning of each month as it is when my bathroom needs restocking. Also, I still sell Human Nature goodies via my online shop. Please consider buying from my online shop as proceeds go to empowing Gawad Kalinga residents. Thank you in advance!

I also bring a tumbler whenever I visit Human Nature in order to enjoy their free-flowing brewed coffee.  

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For brunch, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa from Breakfast Bin. 

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And for dessert, I had Papa Diddi’s ice cream in ube and avocado rhum!

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I later bought a new pair of platform Crocs, just because I never stopped loving the brand’s shoes. They’re perfect for Zumba. 

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Lastly, I visited the Human Nature branch at SM North Edsa to buy some things that weren’t available at the flagship store. 

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I had a busy yet therapeutic shopping session yesterday. I always bring a list of things to buy and I stick to my budget. That way, shopping is stress-free and fun. 

I hope that you also enjoy shopping, and I look forward to seeing you on my online shop! 

Crochet and Coffee

I’ve been crocheting, eating, and sipping coffee for the past few days. It has been a relaxing routine to balance my workouts.  

This was Breakfast Bin’s adobo with egg and talangka rice. 

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For dessert, I had Papa Diddis’ cheese and coffee ice cream. 

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And yesterday’s lunch was at UCC. I had their famous rice casserole with curry hamburg. 

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I capped off my meal with my usual kori kohi. 

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Living simply does not mean that I have to have a boring life. I still enjoy the food that I crave for and I manage to carry on with my handmade lifestyle. I believe that the secret to my resilience is that I know what my priorities are. For as long as I have good food and yarn to work with, I know that I will have joy in my life. I hope that you will also find yours! 

Pressed Coffee Life

The past few days have been challenging for me, as I have been dealing with some personal matters. Good thing, I have friends who are here to hold my hand through every challenge. 

One of them is Karel, who is my high school friend! We had brunch at my usual Breakfast Bin, where we both had toasted naked longganisa.  

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We continued catching-up at Papa Diddi’s for some ice cream and coffee.  

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I had purple love (ube) and jackfruit ice cream...

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 ...and of course, Sagada pressed coffee!

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Life gives us challenges so that we could think out of the box. Friends like Karel are simply there to help us laughs through the pain. Laughter helps, because it keeps us grounded and hopeful for better days to come. Delicious food will always be therapeutic. And just like my life right now, pressed coffee is amazing because of the pressure applied to bring out its flavor.

I’d like to think that my life is simply brewing a more flavorful future for me, and that an awakening is just around the corner. 

All I have to do is to trust the process, and do my best.  

Faith and Furbabies

Yesterday, I decided to eat at Breakfast Bin again. I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown talangka rice. 

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For dessert, I had scoops of rural chocolate and purple love (ube!) from Papa Diddi’s. 

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I offered eggs and had some religious articles blessed at St. Clare Monastery. 

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Then, it was playtime with the furbabies at Barkin Blends Dog Cafe! Ella, my favorite, was busy with other customers, so I spent time with their doggos. 

Here I am with Vader! 

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Kaoroo seems to like my bracelet watch. 

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With Ella’s son, Chocnut!

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With Toffee!

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Martha and Forrest!

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And lastly, our sleeping angel Loki (he’s tame and nice, promise! This is just his default sleeping face).

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I hope that you also have places to go to when you need to renew your faith and catch some furry hugs. For all the days in between, there will always be ice cream. Enjoy life, because it is definitely too short. 

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. 

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

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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. 

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

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

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

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A hearty lunch at Breakfast Bin followed our prayerful journey.  

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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! 

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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. 

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

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Lake Sebu was stunning onscreen! 

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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. 

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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. 

Comfort Brunch

Yesterday, I was feeling down because I had a difficult conversation with a good friend of mine. It was challenging for me to point out some painful truths to her, but it was worth the effort as we both understood what went wrong. Even if I was the one who had the upper hand, it was still uncomfortable to discuss things with a friend, especially since she is the sensitive type. However, sometimes these conversations are necessary to ensure that the people we love address their concerns. I promised myself a hearty brunch after that discussion. 

I delivered that promise to myself in the form of corned beef and talangka brown rice from my usual, Breakfast Bin. 

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For dessert, I walked to Papa Diddi’s for corn and strawberry x double chocolate ice cream scoops.  

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It was dreamy to eat it next to this charming Underwood typewriter, which is still functioning well according to the staff! 

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I then proceeded to Human Nature to buy some necessities and have some of their in-house brewed coffee, Cafe Lugud! They have free-flowing coffee for all of their customers. I usually bring my own reusable tumbler and have a cup or two after shopping.  

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I had a fulfilling day, even if it did not begin on an easy note. I am continuously working on myself, and being a good friend is one of the hats that I strive to wear. Of course, I should love myself before I can even be a friend to anyone. This is why I constantly find ways to improve, so that I can always say that I love being me!

Talangka Rice and Cheese

I decided to shake things up a bit when it comes to my regular toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin. I requested for talangka brown rice instead of my usual plain one. I knew it would be delicious, but I was unprepared for the way it amazed me. 

It was the best longganisa meal I have ever had! 

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For dessert, I walked to next-door neighbor Papa Diddi’s for another unusual ice cream combo. This time, I chose cheese closed and tsokolate de Cagayan.  

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Again, I was unprepared for the deliciousness that ensued. The cheese chunks blended well with the strong tsokolate taste. It was a full-bodied ice cream experience I will definitely enjoy again. 

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I still have more flavors and combinations to explore in my upcoming visits!

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If you feel that there is something missing in your life, or if you feel bored, eat something new! It is inexpensive, nourishing, and great for your soul. Post pictures and share your food trips so that more people will be inspired to enjoy eating new treats as well!

Coffee and Cheese

Yesterday, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and coffee at Breakfast Bin. 

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I was feeling adventurous so I ordered a new dessert to end my delicious meal. I had coffee and farm cheese ice cream from Papa Diddi’s. IT WAS HEAVENLY and the combination was a true winner.  

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If you ever find yourself in Maginhawa, remember this combination. Longganisa, coffee, and cheese will make your day!