Sunday, February 4, 2024
-Anthony St. Maarten
With a collective sigh of relief we say goodbye to the longest January ever. Kidding aside, it’s not that days were added to the calendar but it’s the relative boredom that we feel after a month of merrymaking in December that makes the first month of the year seem unbearably slow and long.
January is all about psychological and physical reset. Like all new beginnings, January sets the pace of how healthy, happy and optimistic we will be in 2024.
I recently stumbled upon Revive Self Talk, a Spotify channel that features affirmations, positive autosuggestions (or mantra if you will) to bring about positive change into your life. I call it systematic brainwashing to replace all the embedded negative self talk with nurturing, inspiring mindset. I’m a big believer in the thoughts become things phenomena. What we think of most of the time manifests in due time into physical reality so we must be careful of what we think about. Clearing our mental cache of everything that does not serve us physically, mentally and spiritually takes time and it usually takes 21 days to acquire new habits or absorb new thought patterns. Starting and ending our day with positive self-talk is like starting a new year. January is a trial period so February is all about real, meaningful reset.
My fave affirmations from the channel are these potentially life-changing thoughts that bring us back to our divine nature:
“My eyes are God’s eyes.”
“My mind is God’s mind.”
“My body is God’s temple.”
Everything starts and ends with God.That may just be the best life compass we will ever need.
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Sometimes the coziest cafes can be found right in your own neighborhood! That’s the case of Brews and Bites located at MV Hechanova just along the highway, a few steps away from the landmark 7/11 in Gran Plains. This cafe is designed in the classic Gen Z aesthetic--neutral colors, minimalist artwork, and eclectic decor. Aside from the comfy ambiance, the coffee menu choices are substantial as well. There are classic coffee blends, latte drinks, frappe, smoothies, lemonade and matcha recipe drinks that are popular with today's generation.
I always order the Toffee Nut iced latte and Korean cream cheese bread on warm days. Their hot chocolate is distinctively good, so wonderful on rainy afternoons.
They have an al fresco set-up as well if you want to relax and just watch the world go by. If you are in the neighborhood, Brews and Bites is a wonderful place to unwind en route to your trip to the nearby talipapa or after Sunday church.
Brews and Bites
MV Hechanova, Jaro, Iloilo City
Store hours: 10 am- 8 pm
Thursday, February 1, 2024
What a fun Dinagyang weekend! As a local, I realized weekends in the City of Love can be doubly fun if you pretend you are a tourist or a tourist guide. I spent the weekend with my sister from Manila who was in town to attend an important family affair. It was great timing as the Dinagyang festival was in full frenzy and there were lots of sights and sounds to enjoy. Amid the throbbing of sound systems blaring everywhere and the beat of warrior drums, exploring your own city through the eyes of a tourist can make you appreciate your own fishbowl.
From happy holidays to Dinagyang daze! The Iloilo Provincial Capitol threw a big visual bash with its Dinagyang themed light display. What a wonderful way to soak up the Dinagyang spirit with a stroll along the capitol grounds amidst the cool, Amihan weather. Please leave the lights on until Valentines, pretty please? We'd love a Valentine's themed light display.
Dinagyang colors in full bloom showcasing the inherent creativity of Ilonggos.
The Food Festival at Megaworld Iloilo was the kind of al fresco set-up we wanted. The food choices were great! We discovered Mong's Kitchen and their delectable, tongue curling dishes like Tikka Masala. The British/Indian dish of super tender grilled chicken in spicy, aromatic tikka masala gravy served on basmati rice was absolute perfection.
For hearty breakfast fare, we headed to Cafe Augusto for their big boy servings of Full English Breakfast and Classic Pinoy Breakfast plates. The rosemary scented homemade sausages were amazing. As Ilonggos would say, halamdumon nga sabor.
K-Town in Festive Walk Parade is a must-see. So many snacks, food and drinks to try. It's a mini Korean town with amazing restaurants and coffee stands.
We are not big fans of sinugba or inihaw dishes so we headed to Balay Remedios to try other dishes we haven't tried before like the Chicken Binakol, Lumpiang Hubad and Ceviche with a tasty twist.
When in Iloilo, you gotta have a bowl of heartwarming Pancit Molo from Kap Ising's. Truly Iloilo's best, Kap Ising's pancit molo (and other dishes like Dinuguan with puto) feels like a warm welcome hug if you've missed Iloilo City long enough.
What better way to burn off the calories after 2 days of non-stop eating and feasting than a brisk walk at Iloilo River Esplanade. The cool January breeze complemented the serene river scenery.
Dinagyang is the perfect time for a relaxing staycation in an accommodation that's right smack where the festive attractions are. SEDA just beside Atria Ayala Mall is a great choice!
Lastly, there's the super fun Uno Cat Cafe that's perfect for cat themed coffee and cuisine. We had to try the hamburgers that were whimsically presented. I can absolutely say the juicy burgers were complete with all the works-pickles, caramelized onions , tomatoes in a soft bun. Hamburger cravings satisfied! I hope they have a plan-based version though.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Finally, McCafe has landed in Iloilo Business Park to brighten our mornings! It's quite overdue but as the cliche goes better late than never. This time we can enjoy other coffee preparations aside from the brewed coffee that goes with the regular McDonald's breakfast meals. For one, I'm very happy my favorite espresso based drink Flat White is on the menu. That's one reason to go back to McCafe this weekend.
Monday, January 29, 2024
Pop-up shops were aplenty during the Dinagyang Festival held over the weekend. Wherever you go, you will surely find little street shops, craft and food bazaars to capture the imagination of old and young alike. I spent my weekend at SEDA Hotel with my Manila-based sister and we got the chance to explore some of the cute pop-up shops at the nearby Atria Ayala Mall.
I know I'm too old for toys and trinkets but I couldn't resist the kawaii wares for sale like little plush toys, stickers and novelty items. Of course, I love the fact that most of the little handmade things like stationery items were made by real artists themselves with some of them coming from nearby Bacolod City.
If you're a booklover/crafter who always has her head in the clouds, you will love the dreamy art of Jenina Benitez of Jenina's Art + Stories. I had to get a few of her super cute magnetic bookmarks so I'll start reading the still unopened books I bought at the Big Bad Wolf Sale last October. Then there's Morluck with his kitschy cute and very cheeky collectibles like stickers, postcards and pins. Love the Ilonggo humor that adds appeal to his products.
I didn't have time to check the other stalls but I always visit the kiosk that sells authentic San-X and Sanrio stuff. Everyone knows I'm a big Rilakkuma and Natsume Yujin-Cho Nyanko fan so I definitely didn't go home empty handed.
I hope these guys join more of the bazaars here in Iloilo City. I'd love to get my hands on more of their cute products. Like the saying goes, buy it if it makes you happy.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Fast becoming an art hub in the country, Iloilo City added another art space to its growing roster of museums and galleries. Thrive Art Gallery recently opened at The Shops at Atria and is described as an experimental art space dedicated to organizing exhibitions, workshops and community engagements. As an art space for Ilonggo artists and creatives, expect exciting exhibitions and activities that will further nurture the thriving art scene in the city.
Also check out their gallery shop for collective items like postcards, books, zines and stickers. Glad to know that merch from my fave local illustration brand SCIBS is also available!
For more information about artists and exhibitions visit www.thriveart.org.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
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“What greater gift than the love of a cat.”
-Charles Dickens
After Macky passed away at the vet clinic, I had him cremated immediately. The next day I collected his ashes and in memory of his cute, sweet face I had his ashes kept in a white cat shaped urn. I will always be reminded of how lucky I am to have Macky in my life even for such a short time.
Losing a pet is a devastating experience and it is quite difficult to move on from such loss. If you are grieving for a beloved pet, this article provides words of comfort.
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