Somebody asked me to take a photo of them. To my surprise, it’s a film camera. It’s been ages since I’ve held one, so I was a bit hesitant – what if I won’t be able to take a good photo? What if I’d ruin the shot? What if I’d waste the film?
Despite the concerns, I still accepted the camera. Listened carefully to their instructions and took the photo. They were delighted and I felt relieved. We thanked each other and parted ways.
Then I thought to myself, what if I’d live as if I only have one shot at everything? Would I be living fearfully? Or would I make sure that every moment would not be wasted?
I don’t know yet but what I know is that there are chances I shouldn’t miss, despite the fear that I’d ruin the shot, I’d still take it.
The smudges, the nuisance, the imperfections are part of the composition and those could make the photo stand out.
It wasn’t that long yet when everyone’s so festive and joyous. When music, laughter and the smell of good food filled the air. It feels like it was still yesterday.
Today, we now have less than what we have before but we still have enough; needs and wants are really subjective. People realized now that they can live without having “milk tea” everyday, that life still goes on without having to travel, that the latest gadget won’t help us get by, that relationships matter, and that generosity, kindness, patience and love are essential to help us survive.
We may have less now but we became bigger persons than we were yesterday. We have learned to share everything that we have including our time, thoughts and prayers. In giving we do not become less but more.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
Kia kaha, folks! He waka eke noa! (Stay strong! We are all in this together!)
Ironic, isn’t it? How could being wasteful a result of gratitude? As ironic as it may sound, that’s usually the case in the Philippines during the holiday season.
Christmas season which starts from the “ber” months and ends in January brings a very festive atmosphere in the country. It is in these months when the people are extremely joyful and of course, the best way to express the Filipino joy is through food. The Filipino’s idea of celebration revolves around three (3) F’s: Family, Friends and Food. Thus, all of those 3 together, spells FUN for everyJuan!
So here we are now, after a whole year of hard work; it is rightful that on this joyful occasion, it is more than okay to splurge. Every household had prepared for this. A huge chunk of the bonuses has been set aside for this event. As soon as December starts “Christmas Parties” are being held here, there and everywhere. What comes with party? Yeah… FOOD!
The problem doesn’t come from the Filipino’s love for food but from the its definition of “food”. For a typical Filipino household, a dish for 1 pax is not food at all -that’s just merely a snack. The Filipinos idea for food is feeding the multitude because sharing is caring right? So every household prepares huge quantities of the same dishes as what their neighbors, friends and loved ones prepared and sort of exchange “specialties”. Different presentation, but same spaghetti, adobo, crispy pata, kare-kare and sweets. 😅
What happens then? Everyone has more than what they can consume and would just end in the trash. That’s just so sad. It’s been running in the society for centuries. It’s time to end this now. We can still be grateful without being wasteful.
Whenever I’m anxious or troubled, being on greater heights (literally) helps me to clear my mind and feel at ease. Trekking and being at the summit of mountains was my usual form of escape whenever I feel suffocated by all the stresses that I’m being subjected into. Sadly though, there are times when going out of the city is not feasible; scaling buildings within the metro is always an option. I was lucky I used to work in high-rise projects so I could easily go to the top floors to gaze at the city skyline but that was before. Hence, that’s no longer the case, I’ve resorted to rooftop bars and restaurants that offer fine view of the city below.
The following are some of my favorite places here in the metro:
Sky Resto,11/F flr., Selah Pods, FB Harrison, Pasay City
When Midas touched Pasay
What I love about Sky Resto a
Sky Deck View Bar, The Bayleaf Intramuros
The famous Manila Bay Sunset
Firefly Roofdeck Bar, 32/F City Garden Hotel, Makati City
Mid of this year, our dear friend Ms. Meri of merissaspeakshermind had shifted to a plant-based diet. Hence, she had introduced to us restaurants that are vegan and vegetarian friendly but are also enticing for meat eaters like me.
So far, here’s my top 5 based on the following criteria: Pagkain (food), Price, and Place.
5. Berde Bowls, Ayala Triangle, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Berde Bowl’s Monggo Green Bowl
Pagkain – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ They have a non-vegetarian option. You get to build your own bowl and choose what base, protein, veggie, pickle, topping and sauce you’d put. However, aside from the monggo kare-kare bowl, they don’t have other vegetarian protein option.
Price – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price for 2 persons is around Php300 to Php600.
Place – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It’s very accessible, being near the Central Business District. A perfect place to chill after a busy day at work.
4. Green Bar, 106 Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati
Good food with the best company
Pagkain – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant that serves only plant based food. They have all day breakfast, bowls and burgers. Food that they serve are not only palatable but are very pleasing to the eye. However for people like me with a typical Filipino palate wherein #RiceIsLife, finding a dish to eat with rice is a bit perplexing.
Price – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Price is a bit costly compared to nearby vegetarian friendly restaurants. Price for 2 persons is from Php 600 to Php800.
Place – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Very chill ambiance, located in a less crowded area in Makati. Commuting is a bit tricky though but it’s just a few minutes walk to greenbelt or Arnaiz Ave.
Pagkain – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Because #RiceIsLife for me, I’m giving them a perfect 5. They have lots of veganized Filipino foods like kare-kare, menudo and even barbecue with a very meaty taste minus the meat.
Price – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I remember it right, they are only charging a very cheap price of Php160 for a cup of rice and a choice of 2 dishes. You’ll leave the place belly-filled without breaking the bank.
Place – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The place is just small but very cozy. It’s perfect for families or group of friends looking for a place to bond over healthy food. It’s a bit far from where I’m staying though but what I loved most about this place is the very engaging convo we had with Sis Val while we were having a sumptuous meal.
2. Wabi-Sabi Noodle House and Vegetarian Grocery, UG-4 MCS Fernando, Makati Cinema Square, Fernando St., cor. Chino Roces, Makati City
Pagkain – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ They have ramen, viet pho, tom yum, banh mi, buns, rolls, tempura and of course rice in humungous servings. I’m no fan of Japanese foods butwhat they’re serving tickled my palate and pierced my soul. Plus, the dishes are served very aesthetically, a part of you won’t want to ruin the presentation but once you’ve dug in, you’ll have trouble pausing.
Price – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Their noodles ranges from Php 170 to Php250 and their banh mi is at 170/85 for whole or half respectively. Trust me, half a banh mi is more than enough!
Place – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ They only have few tables, making the place very quiet and even intimate. The interior design and the placement of the tables make it easier for diners to interact or be left in solace while savoring the food. A plus point for being it so accessible from my place.
1. Cosmic – A Vegan Restaurant and Cafe, 2F (above Ministop) 5057 P. Burgos corner Gen. Luna Sts., Makati City
Pagkain – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ By far, this is my favorite. They have a wide array of veganized Filipino dishes like Kare-kare, bagnet, longganisa, pancit habhab, burgers, beanuguan and my all-time favorite – sisig! Dishes that go perfectly with RICEEeee!!
Price – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You’re not gonna be breaking your piggy bank deary! Prices start at Php60 and for they also have set meals for as low as Php150. Sisig is at Php170 but… it’s good for sharing!!!
Place – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Locating this restaurant is kinda tricky, apart from the eye printed on the wall in the second floor and a very small sign saying cosmic with an arrow pointing to a staircase which is printed on a short bond paper, cosmic has no other identifiable signage. But once inside, you’d feel like you’ve been transported to a different era, different place and different world even. The place offers a very homey vibe. The interior, wall installations, furnitures and the even the utensils are artsy. Aside from the superb ambiance, the crew are very attentive, helpful and friendly.
This is not to convince people to shift to a plant-based diet. This is more of a personal realization that what I’ve previously learned about vegetarian or vegan diet are mostly myths. Plant-based foods taste really good, not necessarily expensive and are not really weird-looking. One doesn’t have to abruptly shift lifestyle just to appreciate the healthier options of our daily food. And the tastebuds must not be sacrificed to live healthier, more ethical and guilt-free.
Disclaimer. What I’ve written here are purely based on my opinion. I have not been paid nor received anything from the establishments mentioned. They don’t even know that this blog exists or that I even exist.
Most travelers agree that among Asian countries, Singapore is one of the cleanest, safest and most efficient, but also one of the costliest to travel to; no wonder, most of the people I know think twice about visiting this country. No need to fret, with the right strategy, surely the stay in Singapore even on a tight budget would still be enjoyable. The following are simple hacks that one must know before planning the trip:
Remember: Singapore is a “fine” city, the government values discipline and proper code of conduct. Ridiculous amount of fines, imprisonment, and even corporal punishment are being imposed for noncompliance. Chewing gum, smoking beyond the designated area, jaywalking, littering, vandalism, and not flushing the toilet could mean hefty sums of fine if caught. No one wants to spend a huge chunk of the budget for these. This could be memorable though, and a night in jail could also mean free accommodation for a night.
Plan the trip well to maximize it. Some of the attractions are very costly, but there are lots of places that one can visit for free. A well-planned itinerary would immensely help in saving money, effort and time.
Transportation
Taxis are expensive, be prepared for long walks; trust me, SG is a walk-able city. Walking allows the tourist to experience the local life, be immersed in the surroundings, get some exercise while saving money.
Offline map is a friend. Don’t forget to download one, mark all locations in the itinerary and update it once connected to the hotel’s or airport’s free wifi.
Never be scared to ask for directions. The best offline maps are the locals. They know the nooks and crannies and may suggest places that are known only to the locals. Communication is not a barrier, because English is widely spoken here.
The MRT offers an unlimited pass for tourists. For those visiting Singapore in a very limited period of time, a Singapore Tourist Pass should be considered.
Accomodation
Consider staying near MRT Stations. The closer the accommodation is to the MRT Station, the more convenient travelling would be. One should take advantage of Singapore’s very efficient train system.
Activities
Walk around Marina Bay Sands area and time travel through the amazing architecture.
Explore Chinatown and the temples within it, e.g. Sri Mariamman Temple & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Check out gardens, Parks and Nature Reserves.
Walk around Arab Street.
Take Sentosa by foot instead of a cable car.
Visit Kampongs.
Drop by museums.
Food
Hawker centers, kopi-tiams (coffee shops) and food courts are the best option to taste local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Consider the weather. This country is not just warm, it’s also very humid aside from the heat, consider the monsoon rains.
Wear comfortable clothing. A loose, light clothing is perfect for one to be able to stand the heat and a jacket or an umbrella should be ready just in case it rains. Remember, buying a new shirt if soaked by the rain or hailing a cab when you feel too hot is not the top priority when on a tight budget.
Bring a water bottle or tumbler always. Apart from this being eco-friendly, this is also very pocket-friendly; bottled water is a bit pricey in Singapore but tap water is potable, free and even tasty. Let’s do the math, a 500mL bottle of water costs 2SGD, if 1 glass is around 240mL, then 8 glasses are equal to 1920mL or around 4 bottles of water, 4 x 2SGD = 8SGD or a cost of a decent meal in a Hawker centre.
Consider all of these, but at the end of the day, the best hack that one should remember is that: JUST CHILL and Enjoy the experience!
Mt. Balagbag, a part of the Sierra Madre mountain range is located in Rodriguez, Rizal. It is described by Pinoy Mountaineer as around 777+MASL; a minor climb with a difficulty of 3/9 is almost always recommended as a perfect trail for beginners due to its wide, short and easy trail.
We (my brother, a close friend and her husband + me) decided to scale it on one gloomy day, when the sun had decided to rest behind the clouds and the clouds have threatened to bless us with raindrops. It rained the night before, so the road (Yes, it is a road!) was wet, muddy and slippery. It was great though, we had so much fun along the way. The fog kissed us good morning – leaving us feeling refreshed despite the sticky sweat dampening our skins.
The climb was indeed short and easy, it only took us an hour or two to reach the summit despite the fact that we stop at every scenic spot to take pictures. It’s literally one could say a walk in the park. Trekking this mountain is more of a sightseeing walk because its elevation allows the climber to admire the picturesque landscape below.
Upon reaching the summit, the fog enveloped the whole place that we can barely see each other and much more the trail. Navigating was challenging, especially when you can’t see what’s ahead of you. Aside from the gray veil around us, there’s really not much we’ve seen.
Looking back, the saying need not be true; yes, we didn’t almost break a sweat but it was really worth it. At times, it’s not really the process or the reward that matters. The best view comes from who you chose to tread the path with and seeing them enjoying the climb.
This weekend, I’ve witnessed my dear sister walk down the aisle. She looked so happy, so serene, so sure of her choice. I couldn’t help but cry, tears of joy running down my cheeks – ruining my make up. ✌🏾 One can never contain the happiness upon seeing their loved ones in pure bliss.
My heart melted as they exchanged their vows before God and before the church. The promises of loyalty, fidelity and generosity; fleetingly made me believe in romantic love. The sincerity in their eyes as they recited the lines; “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part”, was beautiful beyond words.
The ceremony made me curious if the same line is being recited among all wedding ceremonies. I have found out that most of the Christian wedding, exchange almost the same vow. It only varies in the sentence construction and the choice of words but basically the same thought. I also found out an interesting thing, Hindus do not exchange wedding vows, but the Seven Steps, or Saptha Padhi, around a flame (honoring the fire god, Agni) spell out the promises the couple makes to each other:
“Let us take the first step to provide for our household a nourishing and pure diet, avoiding those foods injurious to healthy living.
“Let us take the second step to develop physical, mental and spiritual powers.
“Let us take the third step to increase our wealth by righteous means and proper use.
“Let us take the fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love and trust.
“Let us take the fifth step so that we are blessed with strong, virtuous and heroic children.
“Let us take the sixth step for self-restraint and longevity.
“Finally, let us take the seventh step and be true companions and remain lifelong partners by this wedlock.”
Such wonderful steps that everybody not just the newly weds should ponder on. It’s more of a guide to life, broken down into bite-size pieces.
The Jewish on the other hand summarizes all the promises in one verse from Song of Songs “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” Such concise but meaningful line that embodies all the principles stated in every promise being spoken on different wedding ceremonies.
Whatever pledge the newly-wed have sworn, the most important thing is that they will uphold and cherish it. Life ahead is never going to be smooth sailing at all times but whenever the waves crash on them, they have each other to hold on to and the promise they have sworn will be their lifeline and guiding light.
As mentioned in my previous post, this attraction is a bit overrated. Since, this can be seen in almost all travel blogs about Bangkok and the number 1 place suggested by travel guides, most tourists convene in this place.
This according to the internet was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand until 1925. The present king no longer resides there but some official events are still held in there. The Grand Palace is a complex of different buildings, one of which is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew.
Scams
Before visiting this spectacular place; be wary of the scams though, the oldest and the most well-known is the “The Palace is closed today Scam”. It is when a tourist roams near the Palace complex, a friendly English speaking local would approach the tourist and casually drop statements like this “Oh, you want to see the Grand Palace? Too bad it is closed today due to some events.” Then would offer to take you to other temples at 20-40baht Tuktuk ride but would actually bring the victim to shops where they could get a kick back from the owner from every purchase of the poor traveller.
How to get there?
The fastest route is to take the BTS or Sky Train; take the Silom line and get off at Saphan Taksin Station and look for the Chao Phraya Express Boat dock, and then get off at Tha Tiang Pier. The Grand Palace is just a few minutes walk from there. For boat routes, time table and fares, check the Chao Phraya Express Boat webpage.
Another option is to take a Tuktuk or a motorcycle taxi, this is another fun option but is not advisable for the faint-hearted because the drivers are often weave through the traffic swiftly.
A more comfortable option is to take a taxi but it would take you an eternity to reach the destination if you’d be trapped in a gridlock.
Notes:
The Grand Palace is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM but the ticket office closes at 3:30 PM.
A strict dress code is being implemented at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Long pants, shirts with sleeves must be worn. See-through or revealing clothing are not be allowed.
Entrance is free for Thais but costs 500 Baht for foreigners. This includes a travel guide on what to see inside the complex.
Tourists are EVERYWHERE! Patience is really a virtue.
The heat can be very exhausting. Drink lots of fluids but then travel responsibly. Bring your own water bottle.
Wat Pho is just a few minutes walk from the Grand Palace.
Wat Arun is just across the river.
To be able to explore and see most of the place, it would take at least 4 hours and to avoid the heat, the best time would be to visit this place as soon as it opens.
Living in Metro Manila is a bit stressful, with all the fast-paced, daily hustle and bustle, the week seems so long and exhausting. Most people agree that the best way to relax is to commune with nature. Studies even prove that being with nature truly allows an individual to unplug and thus,decreasing secretion of stress hormones.
After a very busy month, I’ve decided to unwind at last. The first thing that came into my mind was to go trekking and stay overnight under the stars, but this option was not feasible because of two reasons: I don’t have a tent and it’s now in the wet season. So another option would be to stay at the beach and accessible locations would be Batangas, Quezon Province, Cavite, Bataan, Pangasinan and La Union. Influenced by a desire to learn how to surf; despite being the farthest among the choices, La Union was the chosen destination.
La Union is a well-known destination among surfers who want to catch the waves and for weary souls who want to recharge. San Fernando and San Juan are amongst the most famous surfing spots in this town. Tourists and travellers alike flock these towns on weekend.
The trip
It took us 4 hours to get to Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union from Manila. According to bloggers, it usually takes 5-6 hours depending on the traffic situation. The drive was a bit long but the view was very rewarding. Scenic views of the countryside greeted us along the way.
The decision to stay at Fatwave Surf Resort was undoubtedly perfect, this resort offers a beachfront view with a bar that opens until midnight I think. They even serve complimentary breakfast – a hearty meal and coffee to fuel the day.
The beach, bars, restaurants and even the streets usually get crowded with travellers in the afternoon until late night. Swimming and surfing is limited from 6AM to 6PM for safety reasons, so most of the people are bar crawling and partying in the evening.
The perfect time to stroll in the beach would be early in the morning, however the beach is facing the west side so sunrise could not be witnessed from the beach side, but the view is equally stunning. The moment the sky changes from dark to pinkish to bluish is very spectacular. Sitting on the sand, listening to the rumbling of the waves, waiting for the water to play with my toes was just the perfect weekend. I can almost hear Zac Brown Band sing:
“I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today, life is good today.”🎶🎵
The sea, sand and the sun – truly the best medicine for the enervated.
That might have been relaxing already but the experience even went better, I had also a chance to pick grapes from the farm in Bauang, La Union. It’s not harvesting season yet but I had so much fun. Looking for ripe fruits under the grape vines was like a treasure hunt; it was very invigorating both for the mind and the spirit. Yes, we could easily purchase all the grapes that we want at the supermarket but the helping local farmers is a lot fulfilling; the experience and the thought of being able to contribute to local economy make the grapes tastier. 😉
After a very rough month, “I certainly deserved that break”, I told myself and I did. I felt so relaxed; I was at home. Nature truly is the best place to recharge and heal. As mentioned in a Chinese proverb, “Nature, time and patience are the three great physicians.” Nature by the far is the most accessible.
Living in Metro Manila is a bit stressful, with all the fast-paced, daily hustle and bustle, the week seems so long and exhausting. Most people agree that the best way to relax is to commune with nature. Studies even prove that being with nature truly allows an individual to unplug and thus,decreasing secretion of stress hormones.
Juana Live 