My New Year

2022 has been good to me so far. I thought of sharing with you how my year has been doing and what I have been up to lately.

For starters, I have been eating breakfast at Ikea and I have been loving their breakfast plate! For only Php59, I get a chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, and two pieces of pandesal. Talk about a great start to my day! Oh, and their brewed coffee is free for Ikea Family members until 10:30am. It is a sweet deal which I have been enjoying, and trust me, this is not a sponsored post.

Working out has always been my number one priority. Reps to the Rhythm has been keeping me company in the morning, and I enjoy his workout videos. Here is my current favorite:

Lastly, my Sarabia Optical Yamada specs has been really making my days lighter. The frames weigh next to nothing, and I am loving the Essilor Transitions lenses which protect me from both UV light and blue light. I am very lucky to have these Sarabia specs in my life.

I hope that you will continue supporting me this 2022! My books are still available here, and you can buy Human Nature essentials from my online store.

Have a blessed year ahead, everyone!

Heroes For Children 2021

I joined @unicefphils’ #heroesforchildren2021 because I wanted to stay fit and healthy while a) releasing my first book and b) helping children in need! I enjoyed this challenge and I am grateful to have finished the race 💙 #fitspo @runrio_inc

September Coffee with Diane

Yesterday, I managed to wake up and show up to my workout at my local park. I know that I routinely do this, but I was able to appreciate all my efforts to stay fit when I saw the Quezon Memorial in all its glory after a week of rain. 

It was beautiful in the sunlight, and I realized that my fitness routine does not lose its value just because I had to squeeze it in between commitments of late. Effort is effort. And just like this monument, I will remain strong amidst all storms because the sun will shine again anyway.  

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I had a sinful breakfast of hotdog and eggs because I always eat with abandon before visiting my late best friend. 

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And so I dropped by Diane’s vault and caught her up with the latest on my life. 

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I may have had a challenging week but I managed to pull myself together. I worked out and visited my late friend. Strength does not need to be manifested in heroic deeds all the time. Sometimes, it is just a matter of knowing my priorities and looking back on my best friend’s life. I am moving on knowing that Diane’s got my back, albeit on a different scale. 

Second Time Around

Yesterday was all about seeing things the second time around. 

I started my day with a workout, and I was happy to finally see my abs again.  

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Then, I had burger steak from Tropical Hut and a mango cheesecake blizzard from Dairy Queen for breakfast. 

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I then proceeded to Cinema ‘76, a microcinema at Anonas, to watch Goyo for the second time. 

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I chose to watch it in a microcinema because I wanted to experience the film in a unique setting. 

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I also knew that Cinema ‘76 sold movie merch, so I got myself a shirt with all of Goyo’s battles on it.  

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The small theater had beautiful sound and a cozy ambience. I enjoyed my viewing experience, and I will definitely be back! 

I also had a striking view of St. Joseph’s Shrine in front of the theater.  

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It was remarkable how a couple of steps could adjust my perspective and present a wider range of the metropolis.  

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I saw myself in Goyo, and I must say that after watching the movie twice, I will choose my battles more wisely in order to have better chances of winning in life. On to better opportunities from now on! 

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I visited St. Clare, as is my custom every week, to offer eggs and pray for my intentions.  

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And for the second time in a day, I had burger steak. This time, it was the bistek burger steak at Jollibee. It was delicious!

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My last stop for the day was Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. I had the cafe all to myself as they just celebrated their anniversary weekend. As always, I had a relaxing time chilling out with the dogs over milk tea. 

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I have a second chance at life after overcoming recent challenges. I know that it isn’t easy, so I am taking it one step at a time. Watching a moving film twice and cuddling my favorite dogs definitely helped frame things better. I am confident that with continuous discernment and prayer, I will always manage to keep my head above water.  

At-home Workouts

I’ve been busy these past few days with a conference, my blog, and getting work done. While these commitments already take up a lot of my time, I still make sure that I keep myself fit and healthy. I eat right and never skip meals.

Also, I workout at home if my schedule prevents me from joining my Zumba classes at my local park. 

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I use my stationary bike to workout at home. While I am on it, I write blog entries, check my email, apply for jobs online, listen to podcasts, and read. I multitask like that, and I don’t let my to-do list hinder me from burning calories. 

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I also follow Zumba classes on YouTube to workout at home. It keeps my body in shape and breaks the monotony of the stationary bike. 

Getting my cardio fix while at home is possible, thanks to my bike and the internet. I hope that you will also continue working out even when your schedule is busy. It is really all about time management. Discipline yourself, and find a routine that works for you. You will thank yourself later. 

Zumba Saturday

Yesterday, I defied the rain and worked out at my local park. It was fun to burn calories while thinking of my agenda for the weekend. 

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Afterwards, I grabbed breakfast to-go from Jollibee. Their breakfast burger steak is my favorite among their morning selections, and it is delicious with coffee. 

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Rewarding myself after a rainy-day workout is a must. I have to focus on my fitness goals, but I also have to nourish myself so that I could keep going. Don’t forget to eat right and keep on moving, so that you will also attain your own fitness goals. 

Simple Hump Day

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

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I had breakfast and coffee afterwards.

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

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

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I queued up for it.

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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. 

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Actually, almost the entire store was pink and cream!

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I later watched Crazy Rich Asians. I enjoyed it so

much! 

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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. 

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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. 

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

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I chose this cool cateye pair called Harlow. 

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

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...and delicious Turkish ice cream! 

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

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Breakfast and Barks

Yesterday was my last day of “freedom” before returning to the corporate world. I started it with Zumba and a hearty breakfast at my local park.  

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Then, I had went to my favorite dog cafe, Barkin Blends!  

I braved the storm to visit my furry friends.  

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They now sell pastries and burgers to-go for dogs. 

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I got the royal milk tea and Bonnie burger.  

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It was delicious! 

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I cuddled with Ella and the rest of the buddies after my meal.  

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My heart and soul are full of love. I am excited to work again, as I have maximized my break from the workforce. I will bring wih me positivity and optimism as I encounter my tasks in my new role. Everything will be alright, and I will surely return to the dog cafe once the weekend rolls by!

Burning and Praying

Yesterday, I started my day with Zumba... 

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 ...and breakfast at my local park. 

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I had to swing by the Pink Sisters Convent to give thanks and pray for my intercessions for the month of July.  

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Later during the day, I had lunch at Happon Ramen House. 

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I han their chicken ramen broth soup...

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 ...sukiyaki donburi...

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 ...and gyoza. 

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I sketched my lunch and enjoyed my meal. 

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I also explored the building. Since I have a thing for doors, I found this bar charming.  

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Then, I proceeded to my usual waxing salon. I never appreciated its coziness until now. 

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I was also wearing a scarf I crocheted, so I felt confident. 

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I ended my day out with a visit to St. Clare. 

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I enjoyed my day out and took notice of the details which I previously took for granted. Indeed, when I appreciate the fine print in life, everything will be in screaming color. I look forward to a myriad of hues as I explore possibilities in the coming days! 

Early Start

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Lately, I’ve been having trouble sleeping and waking up early. I’m normally a morning person, but the past few months have been challenging work-wise, as well as on the personal level. I have switched-up my workout schedule to the evening, and it has messed-up with my body clock. I have been waking up at 10am during the past few weeks, and it has been frustrating. I have been wanting for my schedule to go back to normal.  

I’ve tried lavender oil, soothing music, reading... but nothing has worked.  

Until I woke up bright and early this morning! 

It was totally unexpected, as I even worked out last night. I also woke up to a rainy morning, but I was ready to exercise and burn some calories. I was not in the mood to go back to sleep. I was awake enough to slay.  

Working out early in the morning, eating breakfast with an afterburn, and downing a couple of cups of arabica was refreshing. I finally feel like myself after weeks of waking up before noon and adjusting my day to the unusual routine. I am unsure of what triggered this return to normalcy, but I guess it was because I finally wanted it badly.  I hope that I will wake up again early tomorrow so that I can do some cardio and banish all the bad vibes away. 

Sunday Sunshine

Yesterday, I started my day with a brisk walk at UP.  I took this selfie at home to motivate me before my workout, and believe it or not, this tactic works whenever I feel too sleepy to move in the morning. 

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I enjoyed my walk as I listened to early 2000’s music. 

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I satisfied my craving for beef tapa by eating at Breakfast Bin. I customized my tapa rice bowl with brown talangka rice!

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It was delicious and filling! 

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It was my first time to try their tapa and I am now a fan! I will definitely continue working out and eating breakfast so that my days will continue to be sunny, bright, and full of opportunities.  

Good Friday 2018

Yesterday, I got to unwind in Batangas with my family. I started my day with my usual workout. 

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After which, I had breakfast at our hotel’s cafe.  

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The egg white omelette and cinnamon rolls were my favorites! 

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I had local coffee of course. Then, I cleaned up and went to Montemaria for some Holy Week reflection. 

I knitted on the way there.  

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Finally, I saw Our Lady. She was breathtaking.  

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We visited other churches as well during our fime here, and had dinner at the hotel. 

This Asian Spicy Fusilli was divine.  

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So was this blueberry cheesecake! 

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I worked out before bedtime, just because. 

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My view while doing cardio wasn’t too shabby!

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I had a productive day combining prayer, balanced eating, and working out. It was a nice vacation in the country. I look forward to more meaningful breaks on special occasions. 

Walking and Crocheting

Yesterday, I did some brisk walking at UP. It was nice to walk and jog as the oval was carless on a Sunday. I ended my workout with a burger and egg sandwich near Palma Hall. 

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I stayed home afterwards to knit, crochet, and chill. 

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I crocheted a new cozy for my Starbucks water bottle, this time made of sturdier combed cotton yarn. 

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I also crocheted a cozy for my Romoss power bank. 

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It was the perfect Sunday as I got to enjoy my yarn craft hobbies while listening to music and podcasts. I look forward to more relaxing weekends and chill crafternoons! 

Just Dance!

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Today, my Zumba group was featured at Bagong Pilipinas, a morning show. It was fun to dance in front of a live video camera and I enjoyed grooving to the beat as our instructor was being interviewed. I used to be conscious about my dancing because I am not a skilled one, but I realized earlier that I no longer care. Here's to letting go and dancing to the beat of life! 

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