A PINCH TO GROW AN INCH

Can we just start with how amazing it is to have walked this earth for 21 years. I’m grateful for everyone who has stuck with me through all the mess I have gotten myself into the past year. It’s another year to reflect on things and another year to thrive on my plans. I don’t know what’s instore for me, but I do know that everything will turn out great for I have all the resources I need in order to become a success. My continuous passion keeps me up everyday, despite of the struggles I face. 

I have been very busy this month, it seems like time has gotten the best of me. There were a lot of events that required my time and skills that it really burned me out. Right after my leave for my birthday celebration, my work had called up my attention since I’m already needed in the workplace, on top of that the start of a new school year arose. Juggling career, academics, and social life has always been a struggle. Now is the time to reflect.

There are a lot of things in life I’m very much blessed and thankful for. A family who loves me, friends who support me, and colleagues who look up to me. I just want to say thank you again to my best friends who came to my birthday. It wouldn’t be the same without you guys.

Harlan+Holden Glasshouse Dine

We start off our day with barely enough sleep for being on our phones all night and talking about our future plans as individuals and as a group. A long table and courteous staffs await us at Harlan+Holden Glasshouse Dine. Although I notified them that I’m gonna be celebrating my birthday I did not get a complimentary slice of birthday cake, which was a total bummer! It was one of those moments that I feel like should never end should continue to last in my heart. Imagine seeing your friends pursue their careers and endeavors and you get to foresee how everyone’s life would turnout and you’re still with them together. It gave me the chills, seeing each of them smile and laugh again, genuinely. We thank the Lord for the food and for another blessed year to celebrate.

I would be sharing with everyone what we ordered, so if you happen to be around the area and decided to dine here, you can choose among what we had. I had the Beef Short Ribs which was oozing with taste and flavor, it’s a fall off the bone short ribs served on a steamed white jasponica rice. Barbecued Bacon was also wildly popular in the table, it’s a smoked-bacon served on a garlic fried rice. One of the most recommended pastas would be the Pesto Pasta, it’s mainly spaghetti noodles tossed in a blend of hand-chopped Italian basil. Also, the Tenderloin Pork Cotoletta which was a thinly sliced pork breaded and pan fried.

My Constants

Where do we even begin? I have been with these gorgeous ladies as far as I could remember. As cliche as it sounds and as always, these were the people who have stuck with me through all the good and bad times. They have seen the worst and the best in me and they continue to travel along my journey. To the realest !

I know it is not my first time to say this, but I just can’t stop thanking you for your wonderful presence and thoughtful efforts. Thank you. There is no one with whom I can share my tears and fears, if you were not here.

Thanks for being by my side, and always giving me reasons to cheer. You believed in me when even when I stopped believing in myself. I started believing in myself only because you believed in me. Thanks for everything, my friends.

CLAIMING A GOLDEN 2019

Where do I even begin to start describing how this year was? There were definitely ups and downs and situations that really tested my patience and faith. I’ve been in circumstances where I feel lost and filled with doubts. My pessimistic side seems to always find away to seep through me, I don’t know why. But then again, I offered all my problems to Him and sought help with my dearest friends and family.  The beginning of my 2018 was very rocky, I celebrated my birthday and then after my life kind of went downhill. But, I was able to get through it, afterwards. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. 

I feel like we were all waiting for the biggest plot twist in our lives this year, may it be a fresh relationship, an acceptance letter from your preferred university, getting hired at your first company, and the list goes on and on. Some may say they had a great turn out this year and some may not. The reality is, we can’t always get what we want, and we just have to go on with our lives. We have different ways of coping up with problems, some intoxicate themselves with alcohol (I’m guilty on this), some goes out with friends and family to eat, some prefers to watch a movie alone and then go shopping, and some wallow in their beds for days. 

I have seen myself grow for the past 12 months. I learned how to deal with situations that put my perspective to the test. I met friends whom I lost overtime in the same year, which was okay, there will be people who will be apart of our lives for a short period of time. They were there for a reason, but not for the long run.

Now, I’m not the type of person who wants everything to be planned, unless it’s necessary. One tip I can recommend everyone is to start investing your times on journaling/planning. At first I was really hesitant, since I’m just a free-spirit, I just go with the flow. However, as someone who stays in their desk for hours, I tend to reach out to my journal and find a way to write things down. This also helps me breakdown my expenses for the month and it really helped me with how I budget my earnings. 

This year, I have a lot of things planned, and I would really love to see these plans to be initiated. Identify and set your goals based on your life purpose, whether you want a new car by the end of 2019 or a new home for your parents, these can only happen if you start now. The key is to do something instead of just thinking about it. You can start as simply as by making a list of things you can do — research, ask for help, join a group, take a class etc., move out of just dreaming into action. I’m claiming a golden new year and I’m looking forward to a great turn out !

MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Where do I begin to explain how exhausting this trip was . . . My colleagues and I have been planning our Christmas Party for a little over month and it literally took a toll on us when the date arrived and we are yet to find a place to celebrate. Luckily, we found a resort at Montalban, Rizal. Due to our hectic schedules, we lost track of time so we just ended up commuting over to the resort, which took us awhile since we left in the midst of rush hour.

HANG OUT SPOTS AROUND MAKATI

It’s been awhile since I last drafted a blog post. I have just been caught up with a lot of work and gigs lately that I have neglected to do my other passion, which is writing.

If we were to catch up with friends or meet up with someone for either personal or business reasons, one of the first places comes to mind is obviously, Starbucks. Though it has been a staple in our lives to go to that cafe, I believe it’s best to embrace other cafes and restaurants that offer the same level or even better service for almost the exact same price, right ? I’ll be sharing to you one of the few spots I normally go to either for work, meetings, or just simply catching up with some tea.

I’M IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM AFFILIATED WITH THESE RESTAURANTS NOR THEY SPONSORED ME FOR THIS POST.

T H E   W H O L E S O M E    T A B L E

 

As from what I see, most people consider this as a vegan-only restaurant, well apparently it isn’t. They make food that we normally eat and consume, expect these are made healthier, plant-based cuisine if you will. The Wholesome Table corrects this misconception by offering tasty meat and plant-based comfort food.

 

 

 

 

 

Their food are all made from organic ingredients. How your food is grown or raised can have a major impact on your mental and emotional health as well as the environment. Organic foods often have more beneficial nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their conventionally-grown counterparts and people with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives often find their symptoms lessen or go away when they eat only organic foods.

        The Wholesome Table

R  E  F  I  N  E  R Y

Now, this restaurant is such a classic around this city. Not only that their servings are satisfactory, it’s budget friendly as well. Their service on the other hand is not too good, based on my experience. But nonetheless, it’s overall a good restaurant to hang out. It’s a recommended place to grab any heavy meal needed.  This place is known for casual coffee bar offering coffee brewed from La mill bean and specialty cocktails paired up with the Brunch menu.

 

 

 

I have always been a fan or cafe-bar themed restaurants & Refinery is one of the few that stays true to its promise of serving both experience and good beverage. It’s tempting to kick back all day at Refinery. The exposed piping, wooden furniture, and radiant light fixtures all contribute to its homey ambiance. Best decision to celebrate my best friend’s birthday here.

             R E F I N E R Y

C A R T E L    D E  L I

 

Let me start off by saying that, this is  probably one of the priciest cafes I’ve ever been too. I was unable to try one of their coffees, since my heart was already pounding from caffeine overdose. I do have plans on trying out their coffee, most likely before this month ends. Cartel Deli boasts of a well-curated food and beverage selection, most popular of which are the grilled three-cheese sandwich, bacon & cheese baguette, and a cold brew coffee with almond syrup and rosewater available exclusively in the store.

 

 

I did try one of their salads tho which was absolutely divine. I mistakenly identified their blue cheese dressing with tofu, like who puts tofu on a salad ? Anyway, it tastes amazing, the greens were fresh and I can tell by how turgid the leaves were. It adapts itself to what people look for at different times of day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s got plenty of character. I’ve been there for lunch and for dinner, and when the buzz of the busy day is over, it transforms itself into a super cozy spot that’s got nice music playing in the background, with quick things to eat off the menu, and then even nicer things you can pick off the shelves to take home for an   excellent dinner.

            C A R T E L    D E L I 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Hello to everyone who celebrated Valentines Day with their partners, friends and family. Hoping that you guys had a great one. You may have spent it alone in bliss or with your friends for life, whatever suits you best and just to remind everyone that Valentines is not the only day you should tell people you care about that you love them. You should always make them feel loved and cared about every day. To those who have been through hell and back, this is the best time to recuperate and rise back from the ashes. Treat each day as a new and humble beginning.

20 THINGS I’VE LEARNED IN 20 YEARS

I literally have no words to describe how awesome it is to have lived in this world for two decades. I have done many things in my life and have accomplished multiple goals that I’m proud of. Imagine living life with no regrets. Through the years I have discovered many things in life that are worth sharing. This list of lessons are in no particular order.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXISTENCE

Words are enough to express the feelings of the heart. Thank you for everyone’s kind words, heartfelt wishes, and beautiful messages. It really made my day memorable. I celebrated by 20th Birthday last January 6, 2018 – it was indeed a day to remember. I have reached another milestone in my life and I couldn’t thank you enough. For the Man up there who has blessed me with so much. Thank you. To my dearest friends and family, thank you. It’s not easy to put up with me, I tend to be difficult to be with and I highly appreciate those people who are very patient with me.

Celebrating 20 Years

Celebrating 20 Years

Happy Alone

As you read this, I’m heading to Makati to get coffee. Of course, I had my usual Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks.

One Day Trip

It’s finally the weekend, which means I have all the time in the world to rest and recuperate the exhaustion that I had from the past week.

Pride Day

Pride Month was not born to celebrate our gender preference, but to recognize our right to exist without persecution.