Dance for Hope and A Cure

Yesterday, I joined a dance party for a friend’s fundraiser. She is undergoing chemotherapy, so a common friend organized a Zumba party via Zoom. In keeping with the times, we kept on dancing to some retro beats online. Our socially distant party was a lot of fun and I really burned some calories while at home.

While I miss dancing outdoors at our local park, I understand that the pandemic is still upon us and it is best to just workout at home. I am glad that there are online options to stay fit and active! I hope that this inspires you to also exercise while on quarantine.

Dancing to Life’s Beat

Yesterday, I got to join an Aerosports Dance-Off at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was from 6-9am. I had fun!

My friend Cyndi was also there to dance.  

I rewarded myself with some knitting...

 ...and a bowl of yummy toasted naked longganisa with talangka brown rice for breakfast. 

I also got to see the first game of the Battle of Katipunan between UP and Ateneo. 

I was sad that UP lost, so I walked around the oval to comfort myself. 

I got home to a package of yarns that I ordered from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I’m glad that I was able to combine my passions for fitness and crafting in my life! Here’s to more fit weekends and crafternoons!

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.  

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

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

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

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

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.  

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

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! 

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

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!

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

Loving QC

The other night, I decided to have mushroom bibimbap from O! Kitchen for dinner. It was delicious!

I burned it yesterday with Zumba. 

I recovered with breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

I pedaled on the stationary bike at the park.  

And I took a brisk walk around the gardens.  

I crossed Elliptical Road and found myself at the QC Public Library.  

I enjoyed reading and working on yesterday’s blog entry via the high-speed WiFi connection.  

I enjoyed my time with books and knowledge around me! 

For lunch, I had the 100 tomato pasta... 

...and the guiltless strawberry cake from Icing’s. 

I had a check-up at the hospital and I loved their groovy staircase.  

Later during the day, I dropped by the newly-opened Human Nature store at SM The Block. 

I got myself a couple of pairs of cute scissors from Books for Less.  

And I got a meaningful mirror from The Craft Central to remind me of that being happy is a choice.  

I ended my day with anticipated mass and this mango and chocolate crepe.  

I love Quezon City and I am proud of my hometown! I hope that you will also find yourself in any of the places I’ve been to, because they’re worth visiting. I am happy that there are so many affordable ways to enjoy myself in QC. I will surely miss being here everyday as I will work soon in Ortigas. But that doesn’t mean that my life will stop, just like that. I would just have to blog on the side, and maximize my weekends in order to speakoutsam! 

Waterproof Willpower

Yesterday, I worked out again despite the rain. I realized that I am determined to burn calories even if there’s a storm. 

Indeed, my willpower is waterproof.

I manage to motivate myself even in difficult circumstances like storms. In fact, I even watched a movie and rewarded myself with a delicious shawarma rice bowl from Persian Avenue. 

I later joined my family to attend the wake of one of my grand aunts at Pampanga. I got to bond with my cousin Lauren’s dog Rogue, who was such a sweetheart.

And I also got to catch-up with cousins Lauren and Jean. 

The church at Minalin, Pampanga had these beautiful doors. I couldn’t resist having my photo taken with them. 

Having waterproof willpower helps in keeping myself going, no matter the circumstances. I am excited to apply this to my career, and I look forward over seeing the blessings pour into my life in the process!

Sunday Priorities

On Sundays, I spend time doing the things I love. 

Yesterday was no exception. I worked out, despite the rainy weather. 

I had barako coffee.  

And a delicious bowl of kimchi rice for brekkie.  

I visited Diane.  

And I told her about my upcoming adventures.  

I had a dozen mini-donuts.  

And I visited Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. 

I ended my day with crochet and beef noodle soup.  

Sunday is my favorite day because it is when I can rest and pursue my simple joys. I can’t wait to start work so that I can appreciate Sundays better. Here’s to more Sundays with fitness, food, fiberarts, and dogs! 

Burning and Praying

Yesterday, I started my day with Zumba... 

 ...and breakfast at my local park. 

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

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

I han their chicken ramen broth soup...

 ...sukiyaki donburi...

 ...and gyoza. 

I sketched my lunch and enjoyed my meal. 

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

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

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

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

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! 

Saturday Finds

Yesterday, I woke up before the alarm clock was supposed to ring. I headed to my Zumba class with zest and energy which I haven’t felt in ages. 

I must say, this morning person project has really motivated me to get moving! 

I also walked around the weekend tiange or bazaar. 

I saw some colorful bags.  

And I found a stall that sells Japanese surplus ceramics. 

By the time I got home to freshen up, I was already looking forward to do some creative journaling. 

I sketched this part of our townhouse on my Traveler’s Notebook. 

Later during the day, I had this Dos Espesyal breakfast meal from Via Mare, which I also sketched.  

I had a fabulous Saturday. My finds inspired me to think of a more charmed life for myself. I also realized that food and home mean more to me now that I have been sketching them on my journal! Here’s to a more meaningful life, one that is sketched and painted in bursts of color.  

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.