Energy to Eat

I enjoy walking around the UP Academic Oval at night because of the cool breeze around the campus. I feel recharged whenever I am surrounded by the trees on campus, and it inspires me to go further with my workouts.

The UP Oblation looks majestic at night

I also appreciate the presence of the other joggers and brisk walkers around me. It makes me feel like I’m part of a cardio collective of sorts.

The tree-lined U.P. Academic Oval

Aside from the endorphins that I get from my cardio fix, I also find joy in eating various street foods found on campus.

My favorites are carioca, shredded sweet corn with cheese, and soy milk.

Carioca

Shredded corn with cheese

Soy milk

It is free to workout at UP and the street food makes the afterburn worth it. Do give it a try soon!

Foodtrip and a Party

Yesterday, I got to eat at SGD again, where I had my favorite danggit lamayo and SGD black.

Then, I had some fishballs at UP.

I killed some time crocheting over coffee at Starbucks.

Then, I had a fun Christmas party with my Barkin’ Blends friends.

Merry Christmas!

UP Diliman Food Trip

I was at UP Diliman yesterday for a meeting, so I maximized my visit by checking out new places to eat, and hanging out at the cinema.

Here are my recommendations for a full day at UP Diliman:

Eat lunch at Mosh! Their beef bulgogi was delicious, and they have quirky tableware.

Buy a fresh fruit shake from the fruit stand near the Post Office. Their mango chocolate shake was refreshing!

Combo meals are still the best merienda on campus. My current fave: pancit canton (calamansi flavor) and chicken balls, with a side order of Kopiko Blanca in a bottle.

Go for a movie or two at the UP Film Cine Adarna! They show quality art and commercial films at Php200 or less. Yesterday, I watched Concerto, a WWII period movie for free!

Go for a brisk walk around the oval and burn some calories around the picturesque campus.

End your day with a tasty shawarma rice bowl from Shawarma Boss.

I spent less than Php250 for my meals, shake, and bottled iced coffee on campus. A leisurely day does not need to be expensive. I highly recommend U.P. Diliman for your next feels trip, whether you’re alone or with friends. Enjoy!

Happy Rejection

Yesterday, I got rejected for another job. That didn’t stop me though from moving forward and praying at Sta. Clara. I thanked God for sparing me from further harm in a company that’s not for me. I also asked for a better job opportunity soon.

Then, I had carioca for merienda at UP. I also watched A is for Agustin, a poignant film about an Aeta coal vendor who goes to first grade in his late 30’s.

Rejection can make me forget how blessed I really am. Simple joys like a church visit, street food, and an indie film can keep me going and remind me of how far I’ve come.
I am still blessed, after all.

Uplifting

It’s not everyday that I get to do brisk walking around the UP Academic Oval. Being with trees and sunshine inspires me to get moving and stay positive amidst life’s challenges. 

The street food scene at the university uplifts me each time. The carioca, fish balls, and kwek kwek filled me up and made me feel young again. 

I got to watch Paillim, one of the movies featured in the recent Sinag Maynila film festival. The movie featured a fictional family who lives in a public cemetery, and their struggles to make ends meet- literally. 

Since I was already at UP, I maximized my visit by dropping by the Vargas Museum to recharge amidst art by Amorsolo, Hidalgo, Luna, and Edades, among others. 

Before going home, I had early dinner with my helper Racquel at Malingap Central, a hip food park near home. We had mushroom burger steaks from MushEat Lite, a vegetarian kitchen. We loved our food, and it was best paired with Siam Yum’s delicious Thai milk tea. 

It was also an honor to meet the man behind Malingap Central, Pino, Pipino, The Burger Project, and Breakfast and Pies, PJ Lanot.  

It doesn’t take much to make me happy. Art, film, healthy eating, and conversations keep me motivated to live my best life. Here’s to more uplifting experiences to come!

Mentoring Lunch

Yesterday, I had the time to do some brisk walking at the UP campus. 

I was able to burn some calories before my lunch at Sunnies Cafe. I got to do some crocheting before meeting with my friends.  

I had a lovely lunch with my uni mentor Mitzie and her niece Maiko. It was nice to catch up with friends after my dad’s recent passing. 

No visit to Sunnies Cafe is complete without some selfies in their famous washroom. 

I got to buy Sunnies Face’s new Airblush after lunch. 

I also got to offer eggs at St. Clare Monastery. 

I bought carioca, a local street food consisting of fried sticky rice. It was a delicious afternoon snack. 

Before going to bed, I brushed my teeth using this bamboo toothbrush that I bought from social enterprise Rags 2 Riches. 

I know that by continuing my passions and meeting my friends from time to time, I can carry on with life after the storm. 

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. 

NKTI Lenten Pilgrimage 2019

I joined the NKTI (National Kidney and Transplant Institute) Lenten Pilgrimage last April 13, 2019 to three churches in Pampanga. I was lucky to have a free day to explore these churches and spiritually nourish myself in time for Holy Week. 

I started my day with some crochet in the tour bus.  

Our first stop was the Lahar Church dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes at Cabetican, Bacolor, Pampanga. The church was submerged in lahar during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 90’s. 

I got to eat street food like scramble and buko sherbet before our mass and recollection. 

Our second stop was St. James the Apostle Church at Betis, Guagua, Pampanga. 

We were able to stopover for food and drinks at Guagua’s town plaza. I was to find a Rizal monument there!

Our last stop was the St. Augustine Parish, an adobe church with historical significance at Lubao, Pampanga. 

Before going home, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin.  

I am grateful for the opportunity to pray, tour, and worship with the men and women of NKTI at Pampanga. I am inspired to remain steadfast in faith as I carry on with life, and it is my hope that I can share this faith with others through this blog, and social media. 

May you have a blessed Holy Week ahead! 

Farm Saturday

Yesterday, I visited the GK Enchanted Farm with fellow Human Nature Core Advocates for a tour and immersion. This was my sixth visit to the farm. My previous tours were as a social business camper and with friends. Now, I am back as a core advocate with my own Human Nature Online Shop.  

But first I needed to fuel up at McDonald’s.  

We met up at the Human Nature Flagship Store.  

We were also given some nibbles by a fellow core advocate.  

Then, it was time for our journey!

We reached the farm at around 9:30am, and we started the tour.  

Our bubbly tour guide, Gelai, is a graduate of the SEED School. She speaks French, English, and Filipino!

I had a wonderful day of touring the farm, it’s various social enterprises, and of course, enjoying the delicious bounty of the earth!  

It was time for our ride back to the city.  

And before going home, I enjoyed an early dinner of toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin. 

I needed the farm tour to realign myself with my values and to appreciate life more. I am proud to see the farm grow, and to be in the company of kindhearted friends.

Here’s to more goodness and opportunities!

SWS Survey Review 2019

Yesterday, I started my day with a P2P ride to Makati.  

I bought puto from the vendor at the bus station, and it was very good!

I went to AIM for the 2019 SWS Survey Review and it was insightful. 

Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to play with my doggo buddies. 

I ended my day with some kimchi rice at the weekend bazaar near my parking space.  

I had a productive Friday which was a balance of learning, cuddling, and eating! Hopefully, I’ll receive more invitations to learning opportunities and seminars. 

Risk Management Masterclass Day 3

Yesterday was the third and last day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass. 

I learned that rather than have survival hacks, we must implement systems in order to reduce or contain risks during disasters. 

After class, I went straight to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with Ella and the other resident doggos.  

And for dinner, I had binatog! 

Life is all about the systems we put in place, and the places we go to in order to live to the fullest. Let’s maximize our resources and opportunities in order to create possibilities not just for ourselves, but for others as well. 

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. 

Immaculate Conception Fiesta 2018

Yesterday, I joined my high school BFF Luti and her family on a roadtrip to Batangas. We visited our friend Mabs’ farm, and incidentally, their minor basilica was celebrating the feast of their patroness, the Immaculate Conception.  

We started our day with brekkie at Mc Donald’s. 

We visited the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Batangas City to celebrate the fiesta. 

It’s a stunning church which really inspires the faithful to pray and give thanks.  

We stopped over at a local store to buy barako coffee and delicacies.  

Then, it was time for lunch at Mabs’ family home! 

Our high school friend Mabs and her family are now based at Batangas City. She works at the University of Batangas. Her home is charming and cozy. We definitely enjoyed our fiesta meal! 

We also got to tour their backyard farm and even pick some produce, such as pomelo, dalandan, and kamias.

We also got to feed fruit peelings to their ducks and turkeys.  

We got to take home some fresh fruits, and as a city girl,  this was a real treat!

I ended my day with a street food dinner at UP...

 ...and mass at Parish of the Holy Sacrifice. 

I definitely had a memorable feast day, and it was more special because it was spent with friends who are family. I hope that I will experience more feast days with fun company in the future.  

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! 

Sunshine and Street Food

The other day, I was at the Human Nature Flagship Store to purchase some personal needs. In case you missed it, I sell Human Nature products on my online store!  Please consider buying Christmas gifts from me. 

After shopping, I snacked on a pack of roasted garlic banana chips and brewed coffee. The store is a cozy place to hangout and clear my thoughts, and my snack was the perfect way to end a relaxing morning. 

I shopped with my favorite carry-all, my Knitting Expedition Tiyargo bag.  

Since it was a sunny day, I proceeded to UP Diliman for some brisk walking and street food!

My street food craving was intense!

I had egg sandwich...

...kwek-kwek, and pancit canton! So good every once in a while.  

It was a beautiful day for supporting social enterprises and satisfying my street food craving. Looking forward to more simple days that don’t have to break the bank. 

Back to Walking

I was feeling under the weather yesterday, but that didn’t stop me from taking a brisk walk at UP. 

It was a beautiful day for walking and jogging. I couldn’t resist the picturesque weather. It was therapeutic to do some cardio while listening to Top 40 hits.  

I had shredded corn with cheese and taho for breakfast.  

I was happy to workout even if I wasn’t feeling well. The sunshine energized me and gave me positive vibes. Whenever I feel down or under the weather, I find myself going back to walking. And everything just gets better from there.  

Specs and Street Food

Last Monday, I finally got to have a pair of glasses made by the legendary Dra. Nella Sarabia. She is a huge supporter of Filipino rock artists and her interesting clientele has made her optical shop at UP Shopping Center a destination. Her shop is decorated with vintage cameras and photographs of the Mexican revolution. I just had to meet her and purchase a pair from her curated selection of stylish specs. 

Even if my vision is 20/20, I do enjoy wearing prescription-free glasses as accessories. I have them fitted with photochromic lenses so I can use them as sunglasses, which is convenient when I am driving or composing a blog post in a sunny area. I have a penchant for vintage frames because they add character to my style. So imagine my joy upon entering Dra. Nella’s shop, which was a vintage lover’s dream. She was also hip and really generous with providing discounts. I ended up choosing a pair of black round frames, which will be available for claiming later this week. I am so excited!

After paying for my glasses, my friend Chesca and I had some kwek kwek (deep fried quail eggs), kikiam, and avocado ice cream. Our trip to the UP Shopping Center was a simple and delightful moment which did not cost a lot.

I always find myself back at UP because it is a happy place for me. It does not take a lot for me to be happy. As long as I have a few vintage possessions and a steady supply of yummy eats, I’m good.