Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Fans of vintage Americana and the 50's era will love Fads of 50's Diner and Museum located near Waterworld Park in Alta Tierra Village in Jaro District. Stepping inside, you will be delighted by the amazing display of vintage nostalgia ranging from Betty Boop, Coca-Cola, rare collectibles, pop culture kitsch as well as authentic diner cafe decor. If you want to momentarily escape to the most wonderful era ever, Fads of 50's will bring you there. Check out their retro-style cafe menu offerings for a taste of the good old times. Dine and drink retro style while listening to the hit songs of the 50's.
Museum entrance fee is P70 while loyalty card holders have free entrance good for one year. Follow their Facebook page for updates and promotions.
Hang-out soon!
FADS OF 50'S DINER & MUSEUM
Alta Tierra Village (near the entrance of Waterworld Iloilo)
Contact no:09985504562
Thursday, March 13, 2025
If you're an 80's kid, you have probably watched The Princess Bride.
This movie remains to be one of my favorite movies from Rob Reiner, the same guy who directed the riotously hilarious movie This is Spinal Tap. I was thrilled that Cinema Exmundo at UP Visayas screened it on Valentine's Day. After all, what better way to celebrate Valentine's day than to re-watch the adventure filled journey of Westley, the swashbuckling farm boy and Buttercup, the beautiful damsel in distress. If you are fond of fantasy movies, you will enjoy how the movie satirizes the fairy tale genre and the happily ever after. Somehow, I still do believe in true love and how lovers destined for each other can ride off into the fiery, glowing sunset.
I love this movie so much that I have watched it on DVD an unhealthy number of times, to the point that I have memorized some the quotable lines. The movie references sometimes seep into my writings and conversations. Any cult follower of this movie won't forget the quotes and satirical references such as, "As you wish," Inconceivable," The cliff of insanity", "I am Inigo Montoya. Prepare to die!" and all other inanities.
Thank you Cinema Exmundo for screening my favorite romantic movie!
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Recently, I have been drawn to the quiet, almost cinematic beauty of slice-of-life vlogs—women living alone in woodland cottages, tiny apartments, and thoughtfully curated spaces in picturesque places like Tokyo and Stockholm.
There is something deeply comforting about the way they move through their days—softly, intentionally—as if even the most mundane routines are worthy of attention.
One creator who has especially inspired me is Paola Merrill, also known as The Cottage Fairy. Through her gentle storytelling, I’ve come to realize that romanticizing life is not about where you are, but how you choose to see.
Because the truth is, you don’t need a charming countryside cottage or a perfectly styled home to live a beautiful life.
Even in the busiest cities, even in the most ordinary circumstances, there is always something soft to hold on to—something quietly magical waiting to be noticed.
As a small city woman, I’ve learned that it is entirely possible to curate a life that feels inspired. A life where ordinary moments feel just a little more meaningful.
Here’s how I’ve been romanticizing mine:
Pinterest has long been my sanctuary. I joined it back when it was still in beta, and over the years, it has become a collection of dreams—images curated from artists, writers, and dreamers across the world.
At home, I make a conscious effort to create a workspace that uplifts me. I surround myself with things that spark joy—meaningful artwork, handwritten notes, and small details that bring comfort (thank you, Marie Kondo).
These tiny choices quietly transform an ordinary desk into a space of inspiration.
Finding Quiet Escapes Within the City
I’ve also learned to rediscover my city in a softer way.
The newly renovated plazas and public spaces have become small sanctuaries. On certain afternoons, I take a walk, find a quiet bench, and listen to my favorite playlists on Spotify.
In those moments, I gently tune out the chaos of the world—and allow myself to simply be.
Returning to Gentle, Old-Fashioned Joys
From childhood to adulthood, I’ve always been drawn to simple, old-fashioned hobbies—sewing, crafting, and creating handmade gifts for the people I love.
These days, I try to weave these activities into my weekly routine. There is something deeply grounding about working with your hands, about creating something tangible in a fast-moving world.
It reminds me to slow down, even just for a little while.
Nurturing Life, One Leaf at a Time
Like many others, I embraced my inner plantita during the pandemic—and it stayed with me.
Caring for my plants has become a quiet ritual. Watering them in the evening feels almost meditative. Watching them grow and thrive serves as a gentle reminder of resilience—of life continuing, even through difficult seasons.
Finding Kindred Spirits
Romanticizing life becomes even more meaningful when shared with others.
I’m grateful to have found friends who appreciate slow, mindful living—people who understand the beauty of small, quiet moments and the joy of simply being present.
Living Through Stories and Faraway Places
I’ve always been drawn to art, history, and the gentle romance of different eras.
The world of Jane Austen, in particular, has always captured my imagination—its softness, its quiet elegance, its attention to detail.
Travel has also played a role in shaping how I see life. Experiencing cultures like Japan has allowed me to step into a different rhythm—one that values simplicity, mindfulness, and beauty in the everyday.
And somehow, when I return home, I carry a piece of that perspective with me.
Choosing a Soft, Seasonal Lens
At its core, romanticizing life is an act of intention.
It is choosing to see beauty where others might not. It is slowing down, even when the world feels rushed. It is finding poetry in the ordinary.
Even if I live near the equator, where seasons do not change as dramatically, I have learned to create my own sense of seasonality.
In my own little world, it is always spring—and sometimes, a quiet, golden autumn.
Final Thought
You don’t need to change your life to make it beautiful.
Sometimes, all it takes is learning how to see it differently.
Thursday, March 6, 2025
There is a monthly pop-up farmer's market happening at West Visayas State University main campus every last Thursday and Friday of the month. Dubbed as "Kadiwa sa WVSU" this is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas and the university. This marketing platform shortens the agricultural supply chain while providing consumers the freshest produce at the best price.
Given the skyrocketing prices of basic food items (hello inflation!), this pop-up farmer's market is God sent. This mutually advantageous initiative gives university staff, students and the general public the opportunity to purchase fresh, healthy food while supporting local farmer cooperatives and entrepreneurs.
My market haul always consists of fresh shitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and assorted fresh vegetables that make weekend cooking fun!
QUICK FRESH OYSTER MUSHROOM SAUTE
Ingredients:
- Fresh oyster mushrooms, shredded
- 1 piece tomato, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup broth
- 1 piece small onion, diced
- Minced garlic
- Sprig of parsley
- Dash of mushroom powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Heat oil and saute onions and garlic. Add chopped tomato.
2.Add shredded oyster mushrooms. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup broth.
3. Cook mushrooms until soft and tender. Sprinkle a dsh of mushroom powder.
4. Remove from heat and add salt/pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle and garnish with flat leaf parsley.
5. Serve with toast.
KADIWA SA WVSU POP-UP FARMER'S MARKET
Rizal Hall Grounds
West Visayas State University
Luna St, Lapaz, Iloilo City
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