Buddy's in Paranaque in Back!

I'm so happy Buddy's Pancit Lucban and Longganisa is back in Paranaque! It probably opened the restaurant (not just kitchen!) in the past 5 to 6 weeks since we were in the area (near Paranaque City Hall).

They were available on Grab a couple of months ago (maybe last year?) and then suddenly closed. I felt so orphaned because Buddy's is comfort food for me. It reminds me of my Dad's cooking (plus he's from Lucban). I messaged them on FB to find out how I can order from other branches. It didn't work out.

I was hopeful they'll be back and told them to please come back 😅 The long hopeful wait is over and we promptly had some of our favorites delivered when we got home (had a gazillion adulting errands today). 

I got my usual, longganisa and hardinero. Yummy as always! Sweetie tried the burger and he said it's as homey as Dayrit's! Last I tried it was in Lucban, so I'll order it next time.

Buddy's Lucban, May 2009

The good news of having Buddy's back is they have a fuller menu compared to before. I have to try their pizza again (last time was in Lucban way back!). And I'm happy to see their fiesta meals. That's what I miss getting when I have guests from abroad visiting. 

Switching Back to Analog Watches

After 4 and a half years, my Fitbit died. It just conked out without any symptoms. We tried solutions suggested online and it just wouldn't charge anymore. I honestly have no idea where to bring it for repair. Most of the shops selling it previously are not carrying it anymore (even their Lazada shop points you to a third party store).

I got a Fitbit back in February 2021 aftery second PE*. I needed to monitor my vitals and sleep and it was a useful solution. I even go to present my sleep data to my doctor. I also enrolled in Fitbit Premium for the added stats I could get. My membership ends next year.

So naturally, I should probably get another Fitbit. I was thinking of getting the Charge since I don't really use the smartphone capabilities. Sweetie helped call different stores to check if they sell Fitbit and surprisingly a lot don't carry it anymore. Their Lazada store was still available last week, but when I checked last night they're pointing to buy through Digital Walker. We called DW, they don't have stocks.

I honestly don't like wearing a watch when sleeping. It makes me feel like a patient being monitored especially since I use a CPAP machine too. It's been two weeks since I haven't tracked anything and I felt free! I can tackle gardening and washing dishes without worrying whether I'll get my watch wet.

I had my 19-year old watch checked today. It just needed a new battery (it costs PhP370 nowadays!). Anyway, it's still much cheaper than getting a smart watch. Sweetie's still convincing me to get a Fitbit or any other watch that can monitor my vitals.

Knowing how I dilly dally on purchasing gadgets, it will probably take at least 2 years for me to get one again. Hahaha.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Look Who's Just Like Grey

We got to spend more time with the cats the past two days since it's not raining as much. We noticed Eevee has been spending more time in the garage too. Sometimes Mando shows up to explore too (she's the most introverted among our pawmily).

Sweetie noticed Eevee sitting like a loaf. His father, Grey, used to sit like that a lot too whenever he hung out in the garage. I took a photo to compare the two and couldn't help but realize how Eevee is just like his Papa Grey.

No pets. No scratches. Stay at least a foot away. They both would give slow blinks, but that's the most affection they'll give. Before Grey went on his adventure he gave a lot of slow blinks. I even thought he'd allow me to pet him. 

It's been 9 months since Grey left. We'd like to think he's just on an adventure and will show up one day. He left his family with us and Eevee is just like him. I'm still hoping he'd give in like his twin, Pikachu. She's been allowing us to pet her and she rubs on my leg to greet me. So sweet.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Post Typhoon Gardening, Got a Prize

It's been over a week since I've been able to tend to my garden. Watering plants is my daily cardio exercise, but with the heavy rain I haven't had to do it. I knew that my plants probably felt waterlogged and needed TLC.

I looked out the window yesterday afternoon and saw one of my gumamela plants had fallen. I grabbed the chance to go out when I saw it wasn't raining. Checked if there were other plants that fell and if any needed to be moved.

My gumamela plants needed to be sprayed with Neem oil. Some had holes in it and the others were being plagued by aphids and fungus. The calamansi plants also need spraying, the caterpillars had a buffet!

Biggest work we did was to move plants around. Sweetie helped cut dead bamboo and to move the plants. I had to move the plants that prefer drier areas. It was a lot of work and I had to uproot some plants so they can dry for a few days. 

I got a special prize though for all the hardwork. A new plant sprouted and when I took a photo to identify it I was so surprised. It's an alocasia/elephant ear. I don't have this yet and it grew in one of Mom's old pots. Yay! I'll work on re-potting it soon.

I know a lot of farms and gardens were devastated the past few days. Let's all pray for those affected and help where we can 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Shorts Rescue

The rain sapped all my energy. I'd always wake up whenever heavy rain would pour whenever I'm asleep. The fear never left me since typhoon Ondoy. I finally had restful sleep last night since the rain wasn't as bad. It also helped that we were not being jolted by the NDRRMC alerts.

I knew I had to do something to keep me from falling into a rut. I decided to tackle something that's been on my to-do bin for months now -- changing the garter of several pairs of shorts.

I know it sounds mundane, but keeping my hands busy helps reset my system. Focusing on being productive helps me from worrying. 

I managed to repair two of Sweetie's shorts  and 4 of mine. With the rainy season this would help since it's hard to get clothes to dry! Ahh, now I have more pairs to wear for sleeping! Yay!

I feel a bit refreshed and can put my mind to check where I can be of help. I've been praying a lot for everyone's safety and protection. Now it's time to also pray for strength. 

Stay dry and keep safe everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Waterlogged

Too. Much. Rain.

The forecast today says there's going to be more rain. It's been a stressful week since the mishap with the duhat tree and electrical post in our neighborhood. I got rained on a bit yesterday and haven't been feeling well. I had to postpone pulmo rehab to next week so I could rest.

Our cats are not so happy either. We put out new boxes with fluffy rugs to keep the warm. They are also sad they can't run around too much. I'll probably spray their toys with catnip to boost their energy.

I hope it's one of those forecasts that would miraculously go the other way. Stay dry and keep safe everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

When to Step Away

In this day and age we all get to witness people having meltdowns online. I've seen a fair share of this since I'm online often. I've had brushes of getting attacked even though I'm just innocently minding my own business.

Way back I encountered a strange person attacking me online. He was attacking me because of the company that hired me. My instinct was to ignore and just report it internally. I was advised not to engage. The person was so mad he even emailed someone high up in the organization (that person probably didn't even know me, haha). The issue eventually died down and he tried a few more times.

Through the years I experienced bashing (mild compared to others). Friends would usually give me a heads up about it and as advised I never engaged. Life has been quieter since I retired and I usually just encounter meltdowns either in socmed or private groups. 

Sometimes though when issues get to close, be sure to assess whether it's really something that involves you or they're just looking for someone to blow off steam. If the person is in fight mode and you have nothing to do with the issue. STEP AWAY. Don't get yourself embroiled in something you're not really involved in. If you must then just say you'd rather not be involved. 

Someone also taught me one important lesson. He said when the conversation is veering off track and not within the topic at hand, end the meeting immediately. I had a lot of crazy meetings before where I'd receive threats. I also had a neighbor scream at me on my birthday when my FIL accidentally parked on the wrong spot. It was upsetting, but I kept in mind to stay calm and leave the conversation/situation appropriately. Those were the type of people not suitable for further engagement and we'll the neighbor was having a meltdown because his father just died. I didn't know it at that time, but I'm glad I just walked away (and the parking was fixed btw).

Choose peace. In the first place, how would their rants/threats help their issue?

#BeKind #StaySafe

14 Hour Brownout

At 3:57 am (+/- 2 minutes) I was jolted awake by a loud crack and something falling to the ground. I thought it was a tree since our neighbor's 12-foot tree fell due to the heavy rains. Sweetie and I both got up to investigate.

Photo from a neighbor 

I looked out the window and saw our neighbor outside with a flashlight. Whatever fell wasn't across or beside our house. Sweetie went outside too and saw a huge tree had fallen. We later found out it was an old duhat tree.

A few minutes later a kind neighbor went to the area. The tree brought down a Meralco post. Some neighbors said they heard a loud bang. It was probably the transformer. The affected neighbor asked for assistance so I called the barangay's rescue and fire department. They came to check on them and called me after and said the tree and post blocked their way, but they could walk out if really needed. 

I tried to sleep again. I kept waking up because bursts of rain started falling. It was disconcerting since there's an electricity post across our house too. I just prayed for protection. We were told to stay indoors since some wires were dangling.

By early morning, we heard the Meralco vehicles and crew arrive. We were told the repair would likely last until the afternoon or early evening. I prayed for the protection of the crew since the rain would come in strong bursts.

Part or the gallant Meralco team

After 14 and a half hours, electricity finally came back. Thank you Lord no one was hurt and we are all safe in our neighborhood. Please send extra blessings for the crew that toiled hard to install a new post and repair the cables. And big thanks to our HOA, Meralco and our neighbor who made sure to restore things back to normal. (Luckily our phone line wasn't affected).

More rains is expected this week and possibly another typhoon. Good thing we have rechargeable lights, fans and a radio. We also have a covered pail with water in our bathrooms for emergencies. They were very useful to provide some comfort. The cool weather helped keep my lungs from flaring up, whew.

Stay safe everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Cat Stuff at Anko

I used to skip sections for pets at stores, but now that we have for babies I always end up buying something for them. We recently checked out Anko at Alabang Town Center since it's fairly new. It's now on the spot where National Bookstore used to be.

Anko at ATC is noticeably smaller than the Glorietta branch. The sections were evenly distributed, unlike in Glorietta which had a bigger section for houseware. Anko ATC just needs to dust their items. I had to wash my hands after visiting the shop 

Anyway, back to pet items... They had a good selection and the quality and price is pretty good. I was so tempted to buy toys and new dishes for our cats. I just held back because I recently bought a bunch of dishes! Haha. Maybe I'll go back and get the automatic water dispenser.

For crafters, Anko has affordable craft materials. Miggy got a paintbrush set and I got some paint for a project. I think their stuff is good for beginners trying out new things. They don't have that many sewing materials though. 

I'm happy there's an accessible Anko for us. The items they sell are very different from Daiso, Japan Home and other similar shops. Just hope they'll dust their items, haha 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Full Time Pawrents: Mando Laura and Grogu's 2nd Birthday

Two years ago today, Brimsley made us full time Parents. Grey brought her to our home a few weeks before we went on a trip to celebrate the birthdays of Sweetie and Miggy.

We named her Brimsley based on a character from Bridgerton because she was quite irritable. Well, we thought she was male! So it was a huge surprise when she went missing and we found her with a newborn kitten. The day after she had another one.

We named the kittens Mando and Grogu because we were watching Mandalorian when they were born. As usual, we made a mistake with Mando's gender, so we added Laura to her name. 

Here's Mando Laura and Grogu's first month:

We haven't been able to go on vacation since Mando Laura and Grogu were born and since then Eevee, Pikachu, Meredith, Bailey and Anakin came. We became full time Parents. We love them dearly and can't leave them alone and it would be too expensive to book them at a hotel. I guess it's God's way of telling us to just stay home for now.

They are now 2 years old

After we missed the opportunity to get Brimsley spayed, we made sure to get her spayed after she gave birth to Eevee and Pikachu. Everyone else have been spayed and neutered too to keep them healthy and avoid adding more to the brood.

It hasn't been easy and we've just been closing our eyes whenever we bring them to the vet, but they bring us so much love and they are our little angels. We pray everyday to be blessed so we can continue to take care of them.

Happy birthday Mando Laura and Grogu. Thank you Brimsley for making us into parents.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Papaya is Forming!

Yassss! I'm so happy! The papaya seeds I propagated a year ago is starting to produce fruit! It started as an experiment and it took so much time before the seeds grew. Among the many seeds I tried to propagate about 10 are still alive and growing. 

There are two that are now trees. They're stuck in our pocket garden because I wasn't able to re-pot them before the roots grew deeper. My friend said don't move them because it will stress the tree. Oh well, we're the only one who sees the tree anyway. My Mom though is probably frowning about it from heaven (she says they're best placed in the backyard). 

Here's how it's progressing the past few weeks:

Now I need to figure out if I need to continuously provide nutrients monthly. Hope we can harvest something in the next few months. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Tried Making Pasta ala Yellow Cab's Charlie Chan

We like Yellow Cab's Charlie Chan pasta/noodles. Lately it became too spicy for us, so I did some research to see if I could make it at home. I found a recipe by Lee Kum Kee and adjusted it to fit 3 people (their recipe required 500gms of spaghetti noodles, but very little sauce!). I also wanted more chicken since we were going to consume it at home. 

Here's how I made it:

The boys liked it and said I should do a repeat performance. I'll probably do some more adjustments to the recipe next time and make it a bit more spicy (na-over mild naman). Miggy helped me halfway while cooking since I ran out of energy slicing stuff (haha). Happy to have an assistant cook at home :)

Try it? Recipe is at https://recipesformyson.blogspot.com/2025/07/recipes-for-my-son-cabin-pasta.html

#BeKind #StaySafe

Throwback Thursday: What Karma Songs?

We found several stacks of CDs while sorting the stuff from my childhood home. The CDs were a mix of data (like my thesis), photos, videos and music. Sweetie has been checking the contents of everything we come across (CDs/floppy disks/diskettes) to make sure we can back up retrievable data and not accidentally throw out stuff with PII. 

One of the CDs was marked "Karma Songs". Obviously mine because I wrote the title. I couldn't remember what kind of songs I burned on the CD. I suspect it's from a folder from my iPod which I backed up from my PC. 

Sweetie tried to retrieve the contents of the CD. Unfortunately, it's dead and now I have no way to find out what are "Karma Songs". Knowing me it's probably a series of angry at the ex songs, hahaha. I barely remember stuff from that period, so this shall remain a mystery for now. 

What kind of songs did you use to burn on CDs? Or if you are a GenXer, what kind of songs did you put on a mix tape?

P.S. It just occurred to me, maybe it's songs previously discussed on Plurk? If you're a Plurker, you'd know.

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Wellness Wednesdays: Small Steps Matter

I had fallen into a rut the past couple of months. I know now what triggers it. I functioned based on need which also meant a lot of stuff I was doing fell behind. I'm lucky Sweetie and Miguel are very patient and understand when there are days I can't do anything. 

I learned sometime ago that improving at least 1% from yesterday is better than nothing. I was reminded of this yesterday when I chanced upon a post that said, "Small steps matter". One thing I learned about falling in a rut is not to fight it. The more you fight it, the deeper you sink in the rut. 

The best thing about it is I was prepared to go through the process of pulling myself out of the rut. A few weeks ago I knew I was ready to pull myself out of the rut and started thinking about small steps I could take. 

I started with making sure I could attend my pulmo rehab sessions. I only got to attend one or two sessions during the summer months. I'd end up unstable on the day of my session and would cancel my appointment. My therapists understood. Apparently my classmates were the same! Humidity is truly bad for us. 

Anyway, I started by avoiding doing anything heavy the day before my sessions. When that didn't work too well, I asked to re-schedule my session to a time which I felt I could commit better. That worked for me and attending the sessions give me better sleep and more energy. 

I also changed how I pray. I've been very specific with what I need help on and God does answer prayers. I feel I'm slowly leaving the rut I fell in. Always remember, God only gives you challenges that you can bear. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Scrap Fabric Project: Case for Eyeglasses

I finally got a new pair of eyeglasses. It came with a hard case which I find too bulky and heavy for my bag. I rarely remove my eyeglasses, but sometimes it's needed and I would just stuff it in my bag. I don't want my new pair of eyeglasses to get scratches so I thought I'd make a fabric case for it. 

I just used scrap fabric and just cut it into small squares. I like sewing quick and easy projects since I'm busy with other stuff for our home. I made this project in two evenings. Here's how I made it -

Easy peasy and I got to use it immediately the next day. 

I think I'll work on one of Mom's unfinished project. Maybe a new bag?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Makati Supermart Coffee Shop is Back!

I was so sad the last time we went to Alabang Town Center last April. We discovered that the Coffee Shop of Makati Supermart was closed for renovations. No one from the staff knew when it would open again.

Found out last weekend that it opened again on July 4. We immediately made plans to visit and get my favorite spaghetti! 

After doing groceries we headed to the Coffee Shop. They were still on soft opening (as of July 8) and just had a handwritten menu of what was available. I didn't mind since what was important for me was their spaghetti. It's been my favorite since I was a child.

The shop just got a facelift with new tables and chairs. The ice cream fridge though was removed, replaced with a long bench probably for those getting takeaway. 

I'm so happy they're back! I can't live without their spaghetti! It would be more perfect if Orange Julius had a stall too!

*Sorry I gobbles up the spaghetti before I remembered to take a photo! 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Tried Sweet Ecstasy Burger

I saw a friend's post about a delicious looking burger. I immediately asked him where it came from. He said it was from Sweet Ecstasy, the yummiest burger in town.

Since he mentioned I could get some via delivery, I planned to try it. The plan got delayed, but we finally got some today. Delivery was prompt and complete.

Sweetie and I both ordered a cheeseburger since it's our first time. He got it with grilled onions, while I chose caramelized onions. The burger was thick and oozing with sauce. Miggy got the steamed burger and requested to separate the onions.

I also got buffalo wings and fries. I've been trying out buffalo wings from different places to find which one I like best (I still miss Don Henrico's!). 

Sweetie and I liked our cheeseburger. It was pretty tasty. It runs along the line of Shake Shack's burger, thick and oozing with sauce. I added a bit of ketchup since I like my burgers with ketchup. With the added sauce it was a bit messy to eat the burger the way I do (around). 

The wings and fries were okay. It wasn't too spicy and the fries seemed interesting to eat with onions and the ecstacy sauce. I expected it to be a bit bigger though. 

I was really full by the time I finished the burger and 2 pieces of wings. I just took a few pieces of the fries since I didn't want to be too full. I burned off the calories by puttering around the garden. Conked out after, haha.

Will I have it again? Probably. My burger loyalty though still goes to Dayrit's.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Zz Plant Rescued

The past year has been a crash course for plants for me. Mom left a lot of plants and I've been working on rescuing them. I've been re-potting the plants to give them proper nutrition since it's been two years since they had proper care.

I re-potted this zz plant about a month ago. Moved it indoors and it looks very happy! The leaves are very shiny. I'm being careful not to over water it.

There's a smaller one I put on top of my piano. I used an old utensil canister which I remember used to be in our kitchen. The plant is not as happy as the big one, so I might move it.

Having a Zz plant is a huge upgrade for me. Thanks Mom!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Tried the Starbucks Ube Frappuccinno

I've been curious to try the Starbucks Ube Frappuccinno drink. I read from a review group (TBF) that it's good.

Skipped the coffee today and got the Ube drink instead. The frap came with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cute mermaid's fin. I bit the fin before I tasted the drink. It was chocolate and was the right level of sweetness for me.

I mixed the drink before I took a sip. The Ube flavor was mild. I was expecting it to be like ice cream. Others would probably be disappointed, but I'm at the point where I don't like to be overwhelmed. The mild Ube taste was perfectly fine with me. 

I enjoyed the drink and I'm glad I tried it. Will you try it?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Throwback Thursday: How June Went

Another quiet month passed last month. Sweetie and Miggy's birthdays were celebrated at home. We just ordered their favorite food and we overdosed on cake! Haha.

In preparation for their birthdays, we all had a haircut. The hairdresser cut about 2 feet of Miggy's hair! Twas crazy long and he said he felt lighter after the haircut. Good thing the cats still recognized us after our haircuts.

One major issue we had was Grogu. We brought him back to the vet because of the wound on his leg. He spent a total of six weeks at the vet! I'm just glad he's fine now and he healed faster the past few days at home.

Here's my one second a day video for the month of June!

https://youtu.be/HOYy5TlkI_4?si=zpPoyjLHDRnQXAED

#BeKind #StaySafe

Grogu is Home!

After six long weeks at the vet, Grogu is home! His wound was deep and long, so it took a long time to heal.

He meowed like crazy from the vet and during the drive home. He quieted down once we released him in the backyard. He took tentative steps first and smelled everything. His twin, Mando Laura, watched him from behind the palm tree. 

Miggy followed Grogu around to make sure he'd adjust properly. Luckily, the whole pawmily welcomed him back with open arms. He slept in his usual space. We were afraid he might run away since he's still an outdoor cat, but after a short trip outside he soon came back.

We noticed that Grogu is more affectionate now. He was exposed to more people while at the vet, so we're getting extra leg rubs from him and Anakin all day. 

I'm really happy he's home now! There's still a small part of his wound that's still healing, but it's more manageable now. We'll bust out the cat condo soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Favorite Fabric Pencil!

I have tried a lot of fabric pencils. I used to travel a lot and I'd usually visit a craft store. I was always on the lookout for better fabric pencils. That quest kinda ended when I found this pencil in a store in Ginza, Japan (Yuzawaya). 

I was curious because the fabric pencil was a mechanical pencil (called Sewline). It was quite expensive, so I removed some fabric from my cart so I could try it. It's the best fabric pencil ever!!! I immediately fell in love with it when I tried it as soon as I got home. Lines were always straight and the pencil would glide smoothly on the fabric (especially when you have sandpaper to stabilize the fabric). 

Here's a demo:

The pencil came with refills, but I was eventually shocked when I needed to buy new ones. The refills are expensive too! I have other white fabric pencils, but they usually break easily and I'm not really happy with big fat lines. I just buy white refills to save.

I ran out of refills recently, so I checked where I could buy. I was surprised to see a new variant of the pencil. It's a trio pencil which includes white, black and pink. I've had my Sewline pencil for 8 years now and thought I'd indulge and try this new one. I also misplaced my original white pencil, so this would be a replacement. 

And just like before, I immediately fell in love with it. The pink pen is quite interesting and I might buy a refill when I run out. 

Finding joy in little things :)

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Cat Themed Stuff at Papemelroti!

I've been due to visit Papemelroti for a few months now. I missed visiting it the last time we went to Glorietta last January (mall visit limited to sections). Finally, got to visit the other day and was happily surprised to find cat themed stuff!

I honestly didn't need anything, but I always end up buying something at Papemelroti. My haul included a cute Rizal postage stamp clock, a cat theme coaster, a couple of postcards and a memo pad. I controlled myself because I recently found a bunch of Papemelroti pads and notebooks I bought through the years. They were in my old room in my childhood home. They all look like I just bought them since I had kept them in boxes. I'll use them for my endless lists!

Anyway, I was happy to see a lot of cat-themed stuff. They probably have had it, I just didn't have cats before. My cat themed stuff has been limited to Hello Kitty, so I'm now on the lookout for useful cat items. Here's a few I saw:

When I woke up from my nap, I saw the Papemelroti post on Threads mention that they have a branch at Alabang Town Center. I was actually checking the day before we went to Glorietta where their branches in the south are. There's one in SM Sucat, but we rarely go there. Ahh, I'm so happy they have a branch at ATC. We just need to figure out where the actual location is (supposed to be 2nd floor of the activity center). Since we missed doing groceries, we'll probably go sometime this week! 

#BeKind #StaySafe