Manila Fame 2019

Yesterday, I woke up to a postcard sent by my good friend Nurai. She’s based in Germany, but she posted this from Spain while she was on holiday. 

It was the ideal preview to my artistic day ahead. I rode the LRT 1 and hailed a tuktuk to take me directly to the World Trade Center. 

I went to the Manila Fame to immerse myself in Filipino artistry. My short visit last Friday was too brief, and I really wanted to spend more time at the fair. 

I started my visit with some refreshing liquer de calamansi. 

Then, I had some good coffee.  

I dropped by the Handcrafted by Harl’s booth because I love their advocacy in supporting differently-abled artisans. I bought a handbag from them last year, and it’s still serving me well. 

I joined a leather-crafting workshop for only Php50. I made a leather coin purse with the help of their talented deaf-mute artisans. 

I ended up being the empowered one because I learned a new skill and got to learn from a differently-asked person.  

It was lovely to see fashion influencer Lolaandrogynous at the fair! I totally dig her style. 

I also bought small trinkets from another social enterprise, Kilus.  

I got to appreciate the finer details during this visit.  

I finally got to try 1st Colonial’s sili ice cream and it was delicious!

I had a wonderful evening at Manila Fame and I’m very proud to be Filipino.  

I ended my day with cheese sticks, so I’m also doing the same here. 

Here’s to more opportunities to be proudly Pinoy! 

Simple Design

Yesterday, I started my day by dropping off some snail mail. As an avid philatelist and analog fan, I still send letters to loved ones here and abroad to let them know that they’re in my thoughts. Snail mail can never be replaced by email or instant messaging. There’s a joy in waiting for a letter to arrive, and writing one’s good wishes on paper. It’s a practice that I will continue observing even in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

After my morning meeting, I had a simple lunch at Megamall. I had Kipp’s chicken burger steak and Quickly coffee 2 (it’s iced coffee with choco pudding). So good!

Then, I went to CITEM for a quick meeting.  

I am inspired by design thinking, so being in this office drives me to be a better problem solver in my day-to-day activities. I have attended CITEM’s design thinking conferences in the past, and my favorite was the IDC in 2017. I hope to attend more design thinking workshops and conferences in the future, and I am proud to see the Philippines excelling by design. 

I have a thing for doors, so I had to take a photograph before I left the building.  

My next stop was St. Clare Monastery. I prayed for work, more projects and partnerships, as well as for my terminally-ill father’s health. 

I capped my day by watching Samantha Lee’s Billie and Emma for the second time. I love this movie even if I am straight. It’s a simple love story that resonates with everyone. 

There is no better time for me to claim opportunities that are aligned with my values and ideals. At the same time, there will always be ways for me to squeeze in a film, some food trips, and prayer. Life is getting better, and I’m so in.  

Prayer and Luck

Yesterday, I managed to eat somewhere new! I’ve been hearing positive reviews about Sinji Dimsum at SM North Sky Garden. I ended up eating there primarily because of their interesting tiles. 

I ordered the truffle mushroom siomai rice meal and it was delicious! Their in-house garlic chili sauce perfectly spiced-up this dish.  

I sent a postcard via snail mail to one of my Human Nature online store clients after my hearty meal and coffee. Do support my entrepreneurial venture and click now to shop for natural and locally-made toiletries!

I also dropped by St. Clare Monastery to pray for good health, good vibes, and a fantastic job.  

Before going home, I chanced upon this auspicious dragon dance.  

I am optimistic for the future, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead! With a little luck and lots of prayers, I know that I got this.  

Mentor and Manila

Yesterday, I dropped by UP to quickly print some documents for jobhunting.  

Then, I met up with my college mentor Mitzie for some Thai noodle soup at Sen Lek. 

We later had bubble coffee at Kape Tayo. It was good! 

We then parted ways and I proceeded to Binondo for a meeting. But first, I passed by Escolta to admire the heritage buildings there.  

I had an insightful meeting. I went home and received snail mail from The Pink Sisters Convent. 

I also got my yarn orders from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

And finally, I received a postcard from my good friend Nurai, who was on holiday at Cappadocia.  

I am very lucky to have few but well-meaning friends. I even have sisters who constantly pray for me. And I have a mentor who still advises me to this day. Here’s to a wiser adulthood and better decisions ahead.  

Snail Mail Faith

I received a Christmas card from my godmother in the US. It’s charming to receive greeting cards by snail mail because it is no longer customary in the age of social media and text messaging. 

I also got this letter from the Pink Sisters Convent. I am touched that they keep me in their prayers, and that my family is also remembered in their masses. 

I keep the faith through analog traditions such as snail mail which restores my faith in humanity in an automated age.

Here’s to more reasons to be grateful, and to believe more in prayer and family. 

Postal Service

I regularly send out postcards via snail mail to similar-minded friends and family. Most of them live abroad, so a handwritten card goes a long way in reminding them of memories we have shared and things that are worth celebrating. Since it’s the holiday season, I sent some Christmas postcards from Papemelroti. I spruced them up with some washi tape which I conveniently bring inside my planner. 

I am so excited for them to receive my mail! I will definitely continue my postcard tradition in 2019. 

Philately Saturday

Last Saturday, I attended the Pilipinas Philately Forum on the hobby that changed my life. Philately has been a passion of mine during childhood, and while I am no longer active in collecting stamps, I still find it fascinating. Thanks to stamps, I became passionate about research, history, and art. 

It was quite fitting that the forum was held the Museo ng Sining inside the GSIS complex.  

I went to the event with my grade school friend Ginny and her sister, Angel. It was fun to spend the event with fellow philatelists. 

I liked the vintage vibe of the ladies room. 

And I couldn’t resist buying stamps and a drawstring bag featuring the Philippines’ first postage stamp!

The museum was a beautiful venue for a meaningful forum. 

I even knitted while waiting for it to begin.  

I learned that in the current digital age, stamps still have a place in society as they preserve history and promote peace through correspondence. 

This setup makes me happy. It features my new bag, my knitting needles and yarn, and the water bottle sling crocheted by the vendor I met outside St. Jude. 

Of course, I simply had to take a photo with my history crush, Dr. Jose Rizal!

I am glad that The Philippine Postal Corporation has established Pilipinas Philately to organize and promote stamp collecting among hobbyists in the country. They plan to open a philately museum next year, and utilize social media to connect philatelists with the latest trends in stamp collection and snail mail. 

Before going home, I bought these handmade earrings from The Class Act during their pop-up at The Block. 

l had an amazing experience meeting fellow philatelists, reconnecting with an old friend and her sister, and supporting handmade. I am eager to see how stamps can continue being relevant in society, and how my love for handmade will carry on as I attend learning opportunities whenever I can. Here’s to more letters, stamps, and memories with friends!

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.