RDFS Forum 2019

Yesterday, I got to hear mass at St. Jude. It’s the feast of the patron who has been good to me. It was only fitting that I began my day in his honor.

Then, I went to the Asian Development Bank for the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. But before that, I had my go-to brekkie at the ADB Cafeteria: sardines, egg and garlic rice!

I learned on the first day of this forum that it’s important to factor in the interlinking risks and to move from distress-driven diversification to surplus-sustained diversification. It is also important to support businesses that provide opportunities to farmers and key stakeholders.

I look forward to learning more in the next two days of the the forum!

Jude x Camillus

Yesterday, I went to Mendiola after working at The Study Workspace.  

St. Camillus’ heart relic was at St. Jude for one day only. I took advantage of this chance to venerate the relic and pray for St. Camillus’ intercession. I had my terminally-ill father in mind, my best friend Luti (whose rheumatoid arthritis is in remission), my friend who is graduating this June, my family, and of course, myself, as I endure the challenges of jobhunting and freelance work. 

Then, I proceeded to the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat to continue praying. 

The abbey is one of my go-to places for silence and reflection.  

Faith for me is an unceasing journey. I am amazed with how it is still strong amidst all the rejections and negativity. Prayer helps in reinforcing my faith, and it keeps me going. I am optimistic that I can be strong enough to carry on with each new day. 

#dearsunniessanta

I recently won the @dearsunniessanta giveaway hosted by eyewear brand Sunnies Studios. I was one of 100 winners. 

Photo from @dearsunniessanta 

I wished for a brand new pair of Sunnies Specs as my old Harlow pair already had moldy temples (I’m hyperacidic). 

 Photo from @sunniesspecs

 Photo from @dearsunniessanta

So yesterday, I claimed my Sunnies Santa goodie bag from Sunnies Specs SM North Edsa, and it was magical! 

I received festive merch aside from my specs.  

And choosing my new pair turned out to be challenging because Sunnies Specs has so many options! 

I finally chose a nude acetate pair, which I will claim after 24 hours.  

To give thanks and continue praying for my personal intentions, I proceeded to St. Clare Monastery.  

I went to Mendiola to continue praying and pose by CEU’s famous pink wall.  

No trip to Mendiola is complete without a stopver to St. Jude.  

Then, I went to St. Joseph at Anonas.  

My last stop for the day was Cinema ‘76 to buy my Goyo DVD. Special thanks to relatives who generously gave me Christmas money to buy presents for myself.  

I am really thankful for all the blessings that I continue to receive. Christmas is best enjoyed when there is hope for the future. Winning the Dear Sunnies Santa competition has inspired me to dream and to keep my eyes on the prize- that is, a brighter tomorrow. Here’s to us who dream, and to us who never stop believing!

Piece of my Heart

Yesterday, I visited a micro cinema, some churches, and a dog cafe. I also did a good deed.

My first stop was St. Joseph Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Then, I went to Cinema ‘76 across the street.  

I watched Hintayan ng Langit while knitting my new scarf and I loved every minute of it! It was funny and dramatic. And I can’t get over how lovely sets are! As always, Gina Pareño was a gem. I highly recommend this film!

I trooped to St. Clare to continue praying for my intentions.  

Then, I went to Mendiola...

...to pray at St. Jude.  

I also donated blood at the Red Cross bus which is there on all Thursdays of December. December 13, 2017 was when I had a memorable date with a guy I know, but things didn’t work out between us. While he’s still one of my best friends, we don’t have feelings anymore for each other. But that was still an unforgettable evening. To commemorate that night, and to remind myself that I have the power to help out in my own little way, I shared a piece of my heart- my own blood- to the Philippine Red Cross. 

I ended my day with some iced tea while playing with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

I had a fun December 13, and I know that I will remember this day moving forward as the day when I shared a piece of my heart. Here’s to more warm, fuzzy memories ahead!

Diane & Jude

Yesterday was Diane’s tenth death anniversary. I celebrated this milestone by visiting her vault.  

This time, I “brought” the whole gang with me by posing with our group photo.  

I knitted while I was there.  

And I crocheted too. 

Since it was a Thursday, I proceeded to St. Jude afterwards. 

I got to have my new St. Joseph pendant blessed.  

And I got to pray for my special intentions during the novena. 

Lastly, I got to chat a bit with Ate Nagie, the artisan behind my crocheted tumbler sling. If you also crochet, you know that this chunky nylon requires a 4mm or higher. She has been using a 2.5mm hook for years to make her slings. I let her try my 5.5mm and 4.0mm spare hooks. She liked the 4.0mm hook better and I let her have it so she can have a comfier time crafting. 

It doesn’t take much to share what we have. Whether it’s time for a late loved one, or sharing extra notions, there is always a way to make things better. 

St. Jude Fiesta 2018

Yesterday was the feast of St. Jude Thaddeus. I got to hear Sunday mass at the National Shrine of the celebrated patron. 

I prayed for my immediate concerns, as well as my family and friends’ prayer requests. 

Upon exiting the church, I chanced upon a vendor who sells crocheted tumbler slings. Her name is Ate Nagie, and she painstakingly crochets each sling by hand using nylon yarn. 

I bought a sling for my Starbucks water bottle, and I got to exchange yarn and hook stories with Ate. I shared with her my knitting work in progress, and my crochet hook of choice, which is 4mm. Amazingly, she uses a 2.5mm hook for these slings!

I chanced upon a cute doggo outside CEU as I was walking to the train. 

Then, I went to the QCinema Film Festival screening of Billie and Emma. I’m straight, but I enjoyed the film!

I had a lovely day practicing my faith, appreciating handmade, and watching a movie beyond my comfort zone. Here’s to more cool experiences to brighten up my life!

From Manila to Cainta

My Wednesday began with some cute “ghost” sightings at Gateway. 

I took the train to St. Jude, which is one of my go-to places for prayer and reflection. 

St. Jude’s feast is coming up! I hope I can make time for it this weekend. 

After praying for my urgent needs, I proceeded to Barkin Blends Dog Cafe to cuddle my favorite furbabies. 

I couldn’t ask for a cozier afternoon!

I hope that I could spend more time with these dogs! For now, I have these photos to tide me over until my next visit. 

Faith and Fitness

Yesterday, I started my day with another workout at 6am. 

I finally got the hang of waking up at 5am, so I can say that I have already adjusted to my plan to become a morning person. 

I ate breakfast again at Tropical Hut, and I had their corned beef breakfast meal.  

For lunch, I had the Salisbury steak with egg at Steak Break.  

Then, it was time for my thanksgiving church tour! A favor which I have been praying for has recently been granted. For my first stop, I dropped by St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Their giant statue of the sleeping St. Joseph always reminds me to stop worrying and lift it all up to God.  

Next, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I was able to spot my lucky number, 13! I queued at that platform number, because while I believe in God, I also think that creating my own luck is important. This blog has been an opportunity that I have created for myself. All the events, conferences, and offers which I have attended and received were because of my blog, and that is why I think that luck is merely claiming the chances which I have allowed to happen. 

Then, I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus. 

I viewed their collection of reliquaries.  

And for last stop, I went to the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey.  

It is overwhelmingly beautiful.  

For dinner, I had the limited edition herb and bacon pizza from S&R. 

I enjoyed working out, eating well, sketching my food, and touring churches! I hope that I will continue to create more opportunities for myself in the coming days. For now, allow me to carry on with mindful living as I ease my way into the daily grind.  

Prayer in Action

I never get tired of visiting my usual churches for prayer and reflection. It gives me me a sense of peace and fulfillment to go to places of worship, so whenever my schedule permits, I always drop by my favorites. 

My first was St. Clare Monastery.  

My second one was St. Jude. 

I wrapped up my prayer tour with a visit to Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey inside San Beda University. 

I hope you will also find the places that restore your faith and inspire you to pray. God bless you!

St. Jude, San Beda, and Toastbox

Yesterday, I finally tried Habitual Coffee at Vertis North. I was with Luti, and interestingly, their playlist consisted of Pearl Jam’s greatest hits!

Their flat white was right on the money. It was bold and satisfyingly apt for the sunny afternoon, and grunge rock!

Next on our agenda was the novena to St. Jude at the patron’s shrine in Manila, where we were able to pray for our intentions and give thanks. 

Our next stop was the Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey inside San Beda University. I love the interiors of this quaint chapel, and it has a charm which is cleverly unexpected from the outside. 

It is still one of my favorite go-to places whenever I need silence and peace for reflection. 

For dinner, I had the blueberry and cream cheese toast with tea at Toastbox. They have closed their Philippine operations yesterday, and they begin operations today under a new name, called Nanyang. It will be a rebranded local version of a kopitiam. 

I definitely had a lovely day with my friend Luti and it was fun to explore churches and have coffee while listening to Pearl Jam. I was also lucky to have Toastbox for one last time. I will treasure today as it was truly meaningful. Hopefully, I can have more days like this. 

Hey Jude

I visited the National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus the other day to pray for my urgent personal intentions. 

It was a Thursday, so I was able to hear mass.

I also stayed for the novena prayer to St. Jude. 

I joined the crowd after the novena in approaching the statue of our patron. 

I visit St. Jude whenever I can because he is a powerful intercessor. I am praying for needs which are beyond my comfort zone. Please keep me in your prayers as well. I hope that I  will receive the blessings that I am yearning for. 

From Alabang to Manila

I went to Alabang after my breakfast forum at the AIM the other day. I took the P2P to Alabang Town Center, and I took sips of coffee in my tumbler during my trip. 

I visited Common Room ATC because my visit to their Katipunan branch earlier this week was not enough! 

I bought the necklace and wood chips for my mom, who bought me so many goodies from her recent trip to Osaka, Japan. I got myself cord ties from Punch Crafts and a skinny brass ring from Blue Flame. 

I recently misplaced one of my Nawa rings, and I was eager to replace it with another locally-made ring. Luckily, Common Room has a handmade brass ring in my size. Blue Flame is also a brand close to my heart as I have previously bought a sterling silver necklace from this maker. 

I also spent some time at the seesaw outside the store. 

I took the P2P back to Makati. I checked out this Pia minaudiare from my friend Rafe’s brand. 

I was hungry, so I had a couple of silvanas from Dumaguete-born bakeshop Sans Rival. I had the butter and choco silvanas. Both were so good! However, I was partial to the butter variant. It was perfection. 

I then took a sidetrip to St. Jude to pray for my personal intentions. 

On my way home, I saw these K9 poodles! 

Here’s to more adventures in search of handmade, good food, and blessings from up above!