Kipp’s and Coffee

Kipp’s Chicken is a gem of a foodie find. Located at SM Megamall Food Court, it offers nostalgic fried chicken with no frills and an absolutely delicious 90’s vibe. It may not be the fanciest chicken out there, but it definitively gives me all the joyful feels of simpler times.

It is best enjoyed with 7-Eleven French Vanilla, which is another unapologetic cheap thrill.

I hope that amidst all the fancy establishments that are popping up everywhere, you will still find time to try nostalgic food such at Kipp’s. You surely won’t be disappointed!

Quarantine Joys

The enhanced community quarantine or ECQ has been challenging for all of us. We all miss our routines and our normal lives. However, I also believe that I should not take this time for granted. Life is too short, so we have to make the most out of what we have.

Here are some of the simple joys that make my quarantine memorable:

1. I enjoy driving to buy bread at Pan De Manila Maginhawa branch. I miss my foodie street, and I am glad that the bakery where I regularly buy bread, ice cream, and 3in1 coffee is open to serve us.

2. I really get excited whenever I receive my online purchases! Here I am with my box of coffee from LazMart.

3. And here I am overjoyed to receive my yarn stash from Baguio-based artisan Crocheted by Carisse. Guys, let us continue supporting small businesses during the ECQ. They need all the help during this difficult time.

I will never take my blessings for granted again! Simple joys make my quarantine meaningful and memorable. I hope that you also have some everyday miracles that define your lockdown.

God bless us all!

QC Hits

Yesterday, I spent my day running errands and buying stuff at Quezon City, my hometown! I started with Human Nature Cubao, the newest branch of the brand I support. I fulfilled some offline orders here to show the branch some love.

If ever you need hand sanitizers and other natural personal care products, you may also buy from my Human Nature online store. Not only will you support me, you will also be helping communities who work with the brand to provide natural ingredients and raw materials. Thank you!

Then, I had early dinner at Kanto Pares. I love pares! This Pinoy beef delicacy is my go-to comfort food whenever I want a quick and filling meal. I order extra egg and drizzle mine with soy sauce, calamansi, and chili. Sarap!

I also got to walk through Teacher’s Village and found some beautiful blooms such as this one.

My last stop was Pulseras By Kim, a well-loved studio that is known for gold-filled and gold-plated non-tarnish minimalist jewelry. I got some bow huggers for myself and new earrings for my cousin from Canada.

This shop is full of heart and the owner, Kim, has already become a friend. If you are also into everyday pieces that won’t break the bank, I suggest that you check them out! They are located right beside Holy Family School at Maginhawa.

It doesn’t take much to make me happy. A quick stroll through a familiar street, some local brands, and comfort food are all I need to have a fun day.

Here’s to more good days and happy memories!

Pancit Pares

Yesterday, I got to explore Area 2 at UP Diliman. I was craving for some pares for lunch, so off I went to this quaint street filled with cheap student-friendly eats.

My craving was satisfied at Agaw Pancit. Their pares pancit was delicious, and served piping hot!

I’ve had plenty of wonderful memories at the UP Shopping Center. I used to frequent this fresh fruit shake stand there, and after a hot bowl of pancit, I needed something refreshing. Good thing I found the same fresh fruit shake stand at the end of Area 2.

I was satisfied with my Php50 carrot shake! I will definitely return for more fresh fruit goodness in the future.

I ended my day with a documentary at UP Film and some yummy vegan sisig made of mushroom and tofu from Good Clean Cart Area 2.

Exploring a new street is good for the soul, and fulfilling for someone who likes collecting experiences while on a tight budget. With my passion for life and positive outlook, I know that I can make it through each day, one memorable meal at a time.

Slay, Pray, Play

I had a productive Thursday. I started my day with a meeting in Manila. My brunch consisted of this hearty mac and cheese, which was topped with sunny-side up egg. I ordered corn and cheese jello for dessert. It was a delicious combo!

After my meeting, I headed to Sta. Clara to pray for my upcoming opportunities, and to give thanks for all the blessings that I continue to receive.

I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some quality time with my furry friends from the east. Spending time with dogs is therapeutic for me, and it keeps me balanced.

I ended my day with some dirty ice cream at UP. I was in the campus to watch Pan de Salawal, an indie film which warmed my heart.

I make sure that I have enough hobbies to make life meaningful. Working all the time is not sustainable, so whenever I have time to spare, I visit the dog cafe, watch movies, and pray for more chances to slay. Life is about balancing my priorities and making each day colorful. And of couse, I show up daily to blog about it here on speakoutsam.com.

Summer Donation

Yesterday, I had brunch at Bon Appetea, a new all-day breakfast place at my local park. They serve milk tea, pasta, breakfast rice meals, and coffee. 

I had their Spanish sardines rice bowl with brewed coffee. It was delicious!

Then, I went to my local Red Cross chapter to donate blood. 

Donating blood is free, and it empowers me as it enables me to help save lives. To donate blood, please go to your local Red Cross chapter or hospital blood bank. Every blood donor is a hero!

I ended my morning with a selfie with the Rizal Monument at the Quezon City Hall. I’m a huge Rizal fan, and this made me giddy as it was my first time to see the statue up close. 

We had to rush my father to the hospital very early yesterday morning, so I needed a heavy brunch for a successful blood donation. I also had meetings yesterday, so my blood donation provided me with much-needed good vibes in order to be professional. 

Sharing our blessings can lead to good karma in all aspects of our lives. Donate blood, volunteer, or spend time with the needy. Summer is meant to spread sunshine with those who need it most.  

Village Girl

Yesterday, I had carbonara and an americano for lunch at my neighborhood cafe.  

I bought siomai from the cafe, and my lunch was complete! I enjoyed eating and sipping coffee while reading my book. It was relaxing, and I even entertained a phone interview that afternoon. I stayed in the cafe for hours, getting lost in my emails, book, and other tasks.  

It was almost dinner time when I left the cafe, so I bought a cheeseburger with egg and banana shake from the shack outside my gated community. It was my first time to explore that area since moving in our townhouse in 1998.  I was delighted with the cheeseburger and shake. I’ll definitely buy again.  

Lately, I’ve been exploring my neighborhood and going out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned that I can adapt well and appreciate simpler things. Most of all, I still manage to get things done! It’s fulfilling to help keep my family stay afloat amidst my dad’s terminal illness. My hope is that I will find a job and a good boss soon so that I can also find my own place in the sun. 

Presidential Car Museum

Yesterday, I spent the day exploring my local park. But first, I began my day with a hearty brunch of gyudon and milk tea coffee (yes, it’s apparently a thing!) at a Japanese restaurant.  

Then, it was time for some culture at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was my first time at the park’s newest museum, the Presidential Car Museum. 

The imposing modern building blended nicely with the park’s existing trees.  

I was in awe of the vintage cars inside the museum.  

As a history buff, this was quite a treat! 

It was also lovely to see stamps inside the museum.  

I enjoyed my time with the presidential cars, and I was pleasantly surprised to see cute souvenirs for sale outside. 

The souvenir shop also carried NHCP publications at reasonable prices.  

For my next stop, I went to Museo ni Quezon to reacquaint myself with the founder of my city.  

I was delighted with my history trip, and it was time to have a snack. 

I chose a coconut ice drop for merienda to beat the heat. 

Coconut House inside Circle sells local products made of natural ingredients.  

Then, it was time to go home, and savor the memories from my day tour of my local park. 

Having fun doesn’t need to be expensive! Sometimes, a trip to the local park can be an educational and enjoyable experience. Hopefully, you also have nearby places where you can enjoy an afternoon of culture and history! 

The Active Foodie

Yesterday was all about simple joys such as food, fitness, and crafts. 

I had Potdog crab egg with garlic rice and sweet garlic sauce for lunch. Definitely worth the calories as this is one of my favorite supermarket fast food finds! 

After lunch, I walked to the newly-built SM North Towers to visit the newest Starbucks Reserve cafe. 

I was stunned! It honestly didn’t look like I was still in Quezon City.  

I had my coffee while knitting, and I was able to unwind.  

Then, I was able to buy these handmade polymer clay earrings from local brand The Baby Blue Bunny at The Craft Central.  

I ended my day with a sunset walk at UP and a simple dinner of cheese corn and Rodic’s tapsilog. 

Who says that I’m too complicated? I like food, coffee, crafting, buying handmade, and while it’s not pictured today, going to church. I burn everything I eat through fitness. And I keep the world updated through my blog. 

Here’s to balancing my life with each spoonful and step that I take! 

Spoonfuls of Hope

I had some free time to spare from my obligations, so I decided to knit and eat this adobo flakes naked burrito from Army Navy. 

I also swung by Maginhawa to visit Makers Cafe, which serves light food, coffee, and local merch.  

I bought a pair of Pulseras by Kim spoon earrings because I love using one! I’m a proud Pinoy spoon user in a world that predominantly uses fork and knife to eat.  

My star stud earrings are also from Pulseras by Kim. This earring setup makes me happy!

I was also delighted to receive a postcard from my high school friend Nurai, who’s based in Germany. I’m touched that she remembered me during her trip to London!

Lastly, it was a real treat to receive snail mail from the Pink Sisters convent. 

Comfort food, basic bling, and snail mail all give me hope amidst challenges. I look forward to more simple joys to keep me going. 

Warmth in my Heart

Last night, I tried dining at the newly-opened cafe near my house. I had chicken arroz caldo and breads for takeaway. I sat down to savor the warm broth of the porridge, and I felt warmth in my heart. The simple recipe of my dinner, and the knowledge that the cafe is a social enterprise, brought happiness to my soul. 

I enjoyed my dinner, and I will definitely be back to have more meals for a cause!

Simple Hump Day

Yesterday, I started my day with my usual workout at the park.  

I had breakfast and coffee afterwards.

Then, I went to the mall for some retail therapy. 

I bought lipsticks from Sunnies Face for me and my mom. 

I queued up for it.

By the time it was my turn, I already knew shades I would purchase. While waiting for my payment to settle, I appreciated the store’s interiors. I especially liked the pink floor. 

Actually, almost the entire store was pink and cream!

I later watched Crazy Rich Asians. I enjoyed it so

much! 

I always get giddy whenever I see anything The Little Mermaid. In this case, I saw this children’s book at a secondhand bookstore. I remember having a similar one when I was a kid. 

I dropped by Sta. Clara since I was already in the area. I prayed for a better future and I gave thanks for all the blessings I have been receiving so far. 

Before I knew it, it was time to claim my Sunnies Specs. 

I chose this cool cateye pair called Harlow. 

I wrapped up my day with Rodic’s tapsilog...

...and delicious Turkish ice cream! 

I enjoyed my hump day and I look forward to more relaxing days that make all the hard work worth it. 

I Melted My Heart

Yesterday, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and aligue. It was perfect with a book and coffee. 

I was still hungry after finishing my meal, so I had this hot chocolate stirrer for dessert. 

It was a delicious drink, I must say! The chocolate melted after ten minutes of stirring. It resulted to a full-bodied chocolate experience.  

My early morning, post-workout feels melted along with this hot chocolate. I will definitely have it again at Breakfast Bin, which has already become my happy place along Maginhawa. I look forward to more simple breakfasts and moments along my favorite foodie street in my city!

Simple Work Moments

I have simple ways to unwind in between work tasks. For instance, I love Rodic’s tuna sisig, so I drove to Maginhawa to eat it for dinner one night. 

I also love chocolate sundae, and I was happy to stumble upon this Davao chocolate swirl-all-you-can at Lawson. 

I also love Lawson’s cappuccino and the snacks being sold by the vendor at my office building. Here are two of my favorites from his merch- pancake and puto flan. 

Lastly, I make myself comfortable while working. I enjoy lounging on bean bags or on the couch while getting things done. 

My time in this current work project is coming to an end, and I am now looking for another work opportunity. This time, I am hoping that I will get a job that is ideal for my credentials and qualifications. I am positive that I will find a suitable role soon, and that my simple joys will help me balance my life one I start working again!

Singing Along to Life’s Music

Yesterday was all about doing the things that make me happy. 

I started my day with  workout, and a small treat for myself at M&S.  

I also got these cherry earrings from Papemelroti. The best part about them? They’re made by artisans from the Kidney Friends Foundation!

I crocheted while waiting for my truffle penne pasta at Amici.  

And I spent an arfternoon with Ella and the other buddies at Barkin Blends Dog Cafe!

I dropped by legendary textile store VC Trading to purchase yarn.  

And then, I proceeded to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the Aegis concert! 

I am such a fan because their songs speak to the heart. My favorite Aegis song is Luha.  

I watched it with my high school bff Luti, who joined me for dinner at Cafe Adriatico. 

We both had lengua estofado.  

And we also had Claude’s Dream! 

Finally, it was time for our concert.  

I even purchased their greatest hits album.  

Oh, we had a magical time singing along to all their songs.  

I enjoyed the things that matter to me, and it was great to spend it with my best friend. I hope that I will have more chances to simply be myself and enjoy the things that bring me joy! 

Relaxing with Knitting

I am enjoying freestyle knitting. I realized that my initial yarn and needle stash was not enough, so I bought more yarns and a new pair of 5mm needles from Gantsilyo Guru. 

I immediately tried knitting one of my new yarns, and I brought it with me to the spa. I knitted while waiting for my turn...

 ...and I continued knitting while having my Thai foot massage! I chose the recliner beside the lamp, so I was able to knit. 

This tabletop yarn is a joy to work with. I simply cannot get enough of the color transition.  

Here’s to more relaxing moments while knitting!