Made a Dainty Kitchen Curtain!

Mom left a huge stash of fabric and retaso (scrap fabric). It took me months to go through it and I'm honestly not done yet washing it. I found one really cute embroidered fabric, I believe normally used for dainty dresses. It was white, but was in a bad brownish state from being kept for many years. It took me a week to restore it to almost white. 

I set aside any delulu plans of sewing a dress or skirt. I'd probably fail since I don't really know how to sew clothes! After months of pondering I decided to make a curtain. The fabric was long enough to make one for our kitchen window. 

But alas! It wasn't long enough. I decided to be creative and thought about adding fabric to make it longer. I was inspired from browsing a book on curtains at Booksale (I regret not buying it!). Anyway, I decided to use denim-like fabric to keep it neutral. 

Mom also left some lace. It also took me awhile to restore their color to white. I think she got most of them when she was teaching me how to quilt when I was a child, so you can just imagine how long they've been in storage. Anyway, I added some lace as an accent.

Here's how I made it:

And my new summer curtains!

Now I have dainty kitchen curtains. The denim add-on matches my cat kitchen covers. :)

For measurements, https://www.needleadventures.com/2025/04/diy-dainty-summer-kitchen-rod-pocket.html

#BeKind #StaySafe

Jaybucks Homemade Pizza

While I was watering the plants, the boys were busy making Jaybucks pizza! It's a simple pizza made with Del Monte pizza sauce, cheese, Purefoods ham and ready made crust. Easy peasy to make.

It's always a treat to have homemade pizza. It's filling and not too heavy for the tummy. One of these days we'll try to make it from scratch (when it's not too hot!).

#BeKind #StaySafe

Tealive Now Open in Dona Soledad

Sometimes I feel the universe is conspiring to bring all my favorites near me! Tealive is one of my favorite milk tea places which I frequented whenever I visited Kuala Lumpur. 

I discovered it at KL Sentral. I usually got a room there because it's close to the office and after work I'd walk around to get some takeaway. Tealive had a stall near the escalator, so it's easy to spot. I'd always buy some and match it with whatever dinner I'd get for takeaway. 

They opened also in Singapore during the pandemic, but wasn't too accessible for me. I was so happy when a friend told me they also opened a branch in the Philippines. There was one in my city, but bit far. We would order once a quarter via Grab (delivery fees are expensive).

Anyway, I'm so stoked! Tealive now has a branch near us. If our village wasn't enclosed it would be walking distance from our home! Ah well, always good to have an excuse to go out. They opened last April 2 (quite obvious we rarely go out!). Ahhh, time for me to finish my drink and sandwich!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Watched "The Two Popes" Again

I remember watching "The Two Popes" when it first came out a few years ago. I watched it again today with Sweetie since I wanted to remember Pope Francis' journey.

I've been sad all week, but I have a feeling that Pope Francis would want us to rejoice. He has gone back home and the AI-made posts of the Pope together with Jesus is a reminder that Pope Francis is happily with Jesus now. 

I have avoided watching any news/videos on speculations on who will be the new pope. The new Pope will be rightfully chosen at the Conclave. I just hope and pray it will be someone like Pope Francis. Someone who will also have a big heart to love and accept all. 

Go watch "The Two Popes" to appreciate better the work done by Pope Francis in the past 12 years. He was so different from Pope Benedict, but their differences just showed why they were both very important for all of us. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Propagating Bougainvillea and Rescuing Plants

I took cuttings of Mom's huge bougainvillea tree. She has various colours which I hope to propagate. I made several pots out of the cuttings. Mom told me before you just need to stick it in soil and it will grow. I hope it will be successful.

We got another set of Mom's plants. The summer heat has been making them crispy and I can't rely on the caretaker to water them properly. I've been learning a lot about plants since I have to research before I re-pot and organize them.

I saw a pot of snow white aglaonema and I was ecstatic. I told Sweetie the other night I didn't have other varieties of aglaonema and wanted the white one. I didn't actually notice that Mom had a white one, so I was really happy when I found one in her collection. It looked so sad though, so I dunked it in water for 30 minutes. It's recovering well now.

Other plants I got: yucca (I think) -

A bromeliad

And orchids -

I'm still working on re-potting them. I hope I'll be able to save them :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Booksale!

When we went out the other day, we dropped by Booksale. It's good exercise to walk from building C to building A to visit our favorite bookstore.

They didn't have any quilt books, but I managed to get a couple of books which I need for future planning. The staff said the books that arrived for the week were cookbooks. Oh! But Sweetie found a rare Whitney Houston piano book! It was only PhP20!

Miggy didn't find anything he wanted so I followed him after paying for the books I got. Sweetie usually takes longer since he also looks for books for Dad to read. 

Will go back soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe

One Second Everyday: March 2025

It's almost the end of April and I forgot (again) to post my one second everyday video. We spent most of the month at home. We worked on sorting Mom's stuff. We just went out to get supplies.

A second a day isn't that much, but it gives a good glimpse of what happens everyday. Completed a full quarter, so I hope to complete the whole year again!

https://youtu.be/_-pi6DOd8E8?si=7HbrVb99jL8iIi_2

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Mary Grace Now Open at SM Bicutan

One of our favorite places to eat is Mary Grace. It's where we eat whenever I have a check-up and we've dined at their other branches as well. So, we were happy to see it finally open a branch nearby.

We were on the fence where to eat brunch, but when we saw Mary Grace open we immediately decided to eat there. The branch looked very inviting. It felt like we were dining at someones home.

The staff were very kind and efficient similar to their other branches. I got the tapa, Miggy got tocino and Sweetie got a special plate. I especially liked the mango pickle this time (it came with the tapa). It wasn't as sour compared to other branches. Ah, a perfect meal.

We were so full so we skipped dessert. We just got a mini cake for takeaway before we went home. Tried the black velvet cake. It's so good! I had a reaction though. It probably has an ingredient that doesn't go well with my meds. Next time we'll ask if they add any alcohol to their cakes.

Mary Grace at SM Bicutan is open during mall hours (10am to9pm).

#BeKind #StaySafe

Potholder Made from Scrap Jeans

It's been over a year since I started sorting my Mom's things. I was so surprised to find a boat-load of craft materials. I thought I was done with it, but I'm still finding beads and scrap fabrics in other boxes. I haven't even started sorting her kitchen items. 

I recently found a bunch of coasters made from scrap Jeans (maong). I remember she started this project back in the 90s. It was her assistant, Grace, who worked on the project with her. She gave us one potholder over a decade ago and we're still using it. It's actually beside our stove right now. We put it in a net and just toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. 

Anyway, of course, the bunch I found smelled like it's been hiding since the 90s. I washed it a couple of times and let it dry under the sun for a few days. Gathered it up and thought I'd make a new potholder. It would be nice to use whenever we line up dishes buffet style when we have guests. 

It looks easy to hand-sew together, but it isn't. It took me two days to finish one and I re-developed calluses on my fingers, haha. I made sure to double the stitches to make it sturdy. It was a good project to re-start my sewing hobby. I had been using my sewing time to sort through my Mom's stuff. I had to start sewing again to keep sane. 

I like how it turned out. Maybe I'll make a few more since we need a number of potholders for dishes whenever we have guests. I might prioritize making a new curtain though for the kitchen. I need something that will let more air in since it's been very hot! 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Rest in Peace Pope Francis

I was just scrolling through socmed when I saw a post that Pope Francis just passed away. I wanted to make sure it was true, so I sought out news sites to confirm. We watched the urbi et orbi and his ride around the Vatican last night and I even told Sweetie, he looks like he recovered already. So, seeing the news was a huge shock for me.

In 2018, we had the opportunity to be at Pope Francis' daily blessing at the Vatican. I felt so much love at that time and called up my Mom because I wanted to share the moment with her. I told her then that I wanted to bring her next time we went to Rome. 

I'm so sad, but happy for Pope Francis that he's been called back home. He really showed that we must live life with love and deep faith. Rest in peace Papa Pope. Please send my love to my family and friends up there, especially to your katukayo my Papa Lolo Francisco. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Not Every Voice Deserve Your Attention

It was wrestler Michelle McCool who said, "Not every voice deserves your attention". Sweetie was watching the WWE Hall of Fame 2025 while I was working on a project, so I was listening while the hall of famers gave their speeches.

I was originally going to write about Fr. Jerry Orbos' feature on Bernadette Sembrano's channel. I picked up a couple of reminders as well from the interview, particularly to "live your mission".

Combining lessons from a wrestler and a priest seems so far-fetched, but the life of Michelle and Fr. Orbos' were both riddled with challenges. They both pushed and come out victorious in their own paths.

The past few years have honestly been very challenging for me especially health-wise. I have not functioned normally since I retired and had a couple of heart episodes. COVID-19 and other issues made things worse and my mitral valve needs a replacement.

I put my head down the past few months to prepare for the challenge. I've also been praying for strength and healing. My doctors wanted me to do surgery last February, but I wasn't ready. I hibernated to stabilize my mind, my heart, my soul and my faith. I purposely reduced the noise around me. As Michelle McCool said, "Not every voice deserves your attention" (especially those who are up to no good).

And I realized, it's time. I'm ready to push forward to live my mission and as Fr. Jerry Orbos said, "Promise sealed with a heart". Just trust in God.

Happy Easter everyone 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Black Saturday 2025

Still observing quiet time for reflection this Holy Week.

Have a blessed day everyone.

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Good Friday 2025

A blessed Good Friday 🙏

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Maundy Thursday

A blessed Maundy Thursday everyone 🙏

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Holy Wednesday 2025

A stillness has started to settle in our neighborhood. A lot of people have probably left for their Holy Week vacation. It's been relatively quiet (thank God the noisy construction people aren't around). I took the opportunity to deal with re-potting some plants. I have a gazillion plants lined up to be re-potted. Majority are my Mom's plants that badly need rescuing. 

Gardening is a lot of work. It calms my mind. It's the best time for me to reflect and think about life. I thought about forgiveness and how things are really a lot better when you're not carrying so much baggage. With forgiveness comes healing. That one I think takes a bit of time. 

I'm also thinking a lot about my health and the next steps I need to take. I've been delaying what I need to do because I need to strengthen my mind and my soul to face it. I'm also hoping I'm just experiencing long COVID. It's been almost a year since I first had it and there are days when I'm just not stable. I just get going because of faith. 

A lot to be thankful for and with the crazy world, you just really need to have faith that everything will be okay. 

Have a blessed Holy Wednesday everyone.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Sunburnt

I stepped out around five in the afternoon to water the plants. It took me longer since I had to water down the rice water Miggy prepared for me. I slathered on Off lotion, but forgot to put sunscreen on. Whoops!

By the time I went back inside, I realized my face and neck were smarting. Sunburn. Ugh. I quickly drank a lot of water and showered. My cheeks are a bit red. Not the kind of Rosy cheeks I want to have.

The cats are also feeling the hot weather. They've been lethargic and prefer to drink a lot than eat. Poor kitties. I've been moving plants so they have more areas to hide from the sun. Some of my plants are getting burnt too, so I'm moving most of them. I'm thinking whether I should install a net to provide more shade. 

Hope and pray the weather doesn't get worse. It was reported today that Los Baños reached 50'C heat index. Yikes!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Tried Niseko Coffee

For today's caffeine fix, we decided to try Niseko Coffee at Alabang Town Center. It was a long walk from where we ate lunch. It's nestled in a nook near the cinema, beside the entrance at the side of the church.

Anyway, we finally tried it today. I know Japanese coffee is good because whenever I'm in Tokyo I couldn't resist drinking more than my usual one cup. I wanted to see whether it would be the same.

It did not disappoint. We loved it. I had a latte, Miggy had flat white, and Sweetie got the signature coffee. Maybe next time I'll try the flat white and hopefully they'll have beans available.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Palm Sunday

Observing Palm Sunday today. 

Let's all spend time this week to reflect and remember the Passion of Christ.

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Unbearable

It was extra hot today, like, unbelievably hot. It was like we were being cooked alive. I just stayed indoors and just ventures out around 5:30 pm to water the plants.

The smaller desert rose plant is thriving though. I water it only once a week. I had to move some plants so they don't get burnt. The Buddha belly plant had some spots on it so I moved it back away from the sun.

Sigh, summer is going to be rough.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Favorite Childhood Snacks

I'm follow a group that gives recommendations for good buys, reliable suppliers and product reviews. I always keep an eye out for good food and saw a reco for some of my favorite snacks.

I ordered Cloud9 a few weeks ago, so I was stoked to find Choco Mallows, Curly Tops and Jolly. I don't get to go to the grocery often, so I was happy to find out I can find some of my favorites online.

I'm not sure if the biscuit "Jolly" is the same as "Happy". My Mom used to buy it for me and it was usually part of my baon. It tastes almost the same, so I guess maybe it's the same thing?

When I lived in Singapore, I'd always bring back Choco Mallows, Crunch, Chocnut, and Flat Tops. They were expensive to buy at Lucky Plaza, so I always kept a stash. There are just some things you never outgrow :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Throwback Thursday: More Treasures!

I have been sorting stuff again the past few days and I was thrilled to find more things from my childhood and school days. Long forgotten items, but precious nonetheless.

I found a few of my "artworks" from sixth grade. It's pretty ugly since I don't read know how to draw. I did find a "Little Women" project I did in 6th grade. It's a comic strip of a chapter. I got an Outstanding grade for it and probably why I kept it (haha). 

I also found precious letters my classmates sent me. Back then we would communicate via snail mail during summer. I was curious and read one. It was a letter from my grade school best friend. She was updating me about their family's plans to migrate to the US and how annoyed she was with her sister because she refused to play "pretend bus" with her. Ahh, how simple life was back then!

I didn't find any stuff from high school in this haul, but found copies of my college and masteral thesis, haha. 

I can't imagine how I wrote those back then (they're both very thick!). I burned a lot of eyebrows writing those papers. That's also probably why I've degerated now to writing daily vlogs about mundane stuff, haha. I'll probably have a kick out of reading old posts in the future.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Sweltering

The heat has been sweltering the past few days and I know it will get worse. We all stay indoors most of the day and the cats usually sleep after eating breakfast.

At least it gets a bit windy before sunset and that's the time I do outdoor activities. The cats usually only wake up when I go out to water the plants. 

I was unstable yesterday, so I made up by being productive today. I finished sorting the boxes Sweetie lined up for me, watered the plants and organized the plant rack I transferred to the garden. 

A naughty caterpillar ate all the leaves of my calamansi plant, so I had to spray Neem oil across all the plants they love to eat. The calamansi plant should recover in a month or two. Sigh. After gardening I laundered some of Mom's estado. I hope to finish all of it in two weeks (a little a day).

Whew! Did a lot, so it's time for me to rest :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Harvest!

The mango tree at the back of my childhood home has produced a lot of mangoes again!

We got a bag and gave some away to neighbors and the neighborhood guards. I'm just happy we're able to share our yummy mangoes :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Peanut Cactus

It's the time of the year to re-organize our garden and where I do my gardening. The cats are also unhappy about the mess, haha. The opportunity allowed me to see my cacti and succulents up close.

I was surprised to see my peanut cactus riddled with pups! It's so cute! I re-potted it a few months ago and it happily grew on it's own. I have idea what encouraged it to produce pups. I probably need to research on whether I need to do something with it. Maybe transfer it to a bigger pot?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Lunar Event Last Night

It was almost midnight when Sweetie told me there was an ongoing lunar event last night. 

I read up about it and the moon was supposedly in it's "waxing gibbous" phase, meaning it's 60% illuminated. Mars was close to the moon. They were in the constellation Gemini.

To appreciate it better, I used the app "SkyView Free". My surgeon taught me this app and I installed it so I could pinpoint the constellations. 

Too bad I brought the wrong phone, so my photo of the moon is fuzzy. I put it side by side to appreciate it better. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Why It's Very Hard to Trust Contractors

We've been working on lowering the temperature in our home and making sure we don't get my water dripping indoors. To lower the temp we had vents and whirlwinds installed. It helped a bit, but a curtain of heat would always greet me whenever I stepped out of the bedroom.

We asked advise from several architects and their solution was always quite obtrusive. Eventually, we decided to try a non-obtrsuive solution by a roofing company. 

When they inspected our roof they reported to us that the flashing that was supposed to be installed by a company we previously worked with was only held by wood and a tile. The area was also missing a roof panel.

They had also removed the downspout in the area which caused the front of our roof to be damaged. We did notice that the corner of our front roof would drip a lot. We didn't know that the previous company removed a key downspout that's supposed to distribute rainwater so it doesn't overload parts of the roof.

We had the roof fixed back in late 2022. It snowballed to having other things fixed. We were reassured that the area was fixed and we won't experience any dripping anymore. And that's what we thought.

We immediately reached out to the architect that did the renovations. We sent him the video and all he said was, "Oh, it must have been overlooked". He offered to have it fixed, but his timeline did not work for us since we were having our roof fixed. We told him he could just reimburse us the amount we were going to pay. It was actually the same amount for the work they did not do. 

Roof has been fixed, but the architect has just totally ignored us. Ugh! I'm seriously thinking whether I should write the association he is part of... I'm seriously scared they mucked up other things they fixed.

BTW, the repair of the roof was needed because the original builder of the house did not install flashing and that caused the waterfall in our kitchen and a whole lot of other things were missing in the roof. Good luck to whoever purchases the house beside us. The builder dropped us like a hot potato when all the issues came out.

#BeKind #StaySafe