I just rediscovered this playlist I made and cannot believe I almost forgot about it.
It’s inspired by Dani and Jamie from The Haunting of Bly Manor. Its the most romantic horror series I’ve ever watched. Tears were shed. Naturally, my coping mechanism was to make a playlist.
I’m straight, but ohhh… to have a girlfriend 🥺
Poppins
Dani And Jamie Playlist Read More »
2024: Movies And Series I Enjoyed Watching
I like it. The ending was 👌
It made me cough cry a number of times
10/10!!!! Sooo unpredictable.
Estetik!
Its sooo good! One of the best dramas I have watched in a while. Sun Jae is the STANDARD 😭❤️. I even made a playlist for him.
I got LSS with the songs. I love ABBA, but after watching the three movies, I loved them more, I mistakenly watched the third movie before the first and second, but I would recommend it.
It made me cry and gave me goosebumps. Got me feeling bad for the characters and got me cheering and clapping for them too. The music is good too. The script was nice as well, so badass. The cinematography is good too and the camera angles gaaahh. I like Janine and Eden’s characters.
I love it, the song Snow is fun to play in the ukulele. I’m still wondering about the ending. It’s such a mystery. I LIKE IT!
2024: Movies and Series I enjoyed watching Read More »
Things I did (or at least the ones I remember) – a little 2024 recap. Basically my version of a gratitude practice, but with a questionable memory.
Ugh, I forgot to take pictures, but here goes the list…
Burger king cheese overload
– Went to get this after changing my phone number connected to my bank acc. I craved it, but it didn’t satisfy me after.
Pizza
– I’d always choose this over cake. (update: except if it is a cake from Mary Grace)
Pancake
– My younger sister cooked one for me. I’m in tears.
Milktea
– After shopping for Christmas gifts with my older sister, she treated me to a milktea. It’s weird how often I drank milktea the other year and now it took me months before drinking one. I’m still thinking about the difference between Okinawa and Wintermelon milktea… 🤔
White chocolate revel bar
– Been craving this since 2019. I already forgotten how it tasted like. Still cravinggg. Hopefully in 2025?
Taco
– Ughh I forgot about this. Next year na lang.
Quesadillas
– I created one myself—just pita and cheese.
Bacon
– Ate this for breakfast. Did not really satisfy my craving huhu
Matcha
– So I just learned that its much healthier than regular green tea? Adding the whisk to my 2025 wishlist.
Llaollao
– A friend treated me to this. The pistachio sauce was nice.
Jollibee fries
– Smelled the fries in the van after the Olivia Rodrigo concert. I had to buy one the next day.
Coke float
– Its not hitting the way it used to huhu
Microwave Popcorn
– I ate popcorn at the end of the year when I watched a movie at the cinema. Its not a microwave popcorn but it still is a popcorn.
My 2024 Food Cravings Read More »
January – coldplay
February – soloflight
March – amnesia
April – travel overload
May – exhaustedly poor
June – rest
July – family time
August – 🫣
September – epiphany
October – inner world 🌱
November – Ai abuse
December – 😣
My 2024 in words or emoji Read More »
My Stormy Food Quest in Binondo’s Chinatown
There’s this storm coming called Man Yi. Did that stop me from heading to Binondo? Nope. I’ve been there before with a friend; we ate at Ying Ying Tea House, and I’ve been craving their food ever since. Before the trip, I did some hardcore Googling for photo ops and must-try eats to make it worth my while. Did I stick to the plan? Absolutely not. But here’s how it all went down anyway.
First off, I hopped on the LRT to Carriedo Station. From there, I walked to Ongpin Street, passing by Plaza Santa Cruz—the one with the Carriedo fountain in the middle. I feel like the place and the fountain used to be beautiful or can be more.
I checked into the hotel first to drop off my stuff and couldn’t resist a quick photo session—it was way too nice and aesthetic not to. The city view by the window was sooo nice. And a king bed all to myself? Yes, please… After that, I went straight into food haul mode.
My first stop is Oishi Kun. It was the nearest. There’s a line for payment and a line for pickup. It was confusing at first cause I’m not sure where the line for which is which. After some awkward observing and asking, I got my milky bicho-bicho, and let me tell you, and it was exactly what I needed. It was soft and sweet. It’s like when you’ve been craving something but didn’t even know what, and then you taste it.
Next, I grabbed four pieces of Shanghai fried siopao just beside it, then headed over to Wai Ying. There was a crowd outside, and I panicked for a second. Turns out, they were just waiting to dine in. So, I asked the guard, and scored some fried wontons to go. I thought about getting an asado roll from Monteland, I can’t remember why I didn’t. Regret level: medium. Maybe next time.
Then, I went all in for Diao Eng Chay’s chicken pot pie. Bought two boxes without even checking the price haha but its totally worth it. No regrets. I then spotted a long line at Vege Select so I skipped it for now. Their xiao long bao and tanghulu are officially on my “next time” list.
On my way back to the hotel, I realized I needed a drink. Luckily, I found this random convenience store with bottles on display outside. The entrance had those odd butcher strip curtains, which, now that I’m typing this, was kind of strange. I grabbed a strawberry-flavored juice with Chinese characters on it, Pocari Sweat, and a bottle of water. The cashier did some lightning-fast mental math, and I’m honestly impressed.
Story time: Elevator horror edition. So when I get back from my food haul, I hop in the elevator and there’s also two other people there with me. They press their floor, I press mine—and nothing happens. All the other floors light up fine, but mine is totally ignoring me it was almost embarassing. The two people was concered of me and told me to press the floor above which is the eleventh one and then try the other elevator so that’s what I did. At this point, I’m like, okay, this elevator is clearly broken. So, I wait for the other one. It was a little creepy though, just me alone in this hallway, silence and the moody elevator. Somehow, I even ended up on the 17th floor. It was like the elevator was trying to play with me, but I wasn’t having it. Finally, the button decides to work, and I’m left thinking… what was that about and did that just happened? I was feeling all kinds of weird walking down the hallway—kinda like something was off. I was just… rushing to my room, but not really running
When I got to my room, I thought, “Let’s do a mukbang!” but halfway through the Shanghai siopao, I was stuffed. My faves? Definitely the chicken pot pie and fried wontons—those wontons had seafood in them, which I think was unique. I tried to save the bicho-bicho for later as dessert, but unfortunately it hardened. I didn’t read that it had to be consumed right a way.
And here’s the crazy part: someone I know saw me in Binondo. What are the odds? It really made me think about how spontaneous and fun going out can be—you never know who you’ll cross paths with
Then the next morning—my ring went missing, the one I got for the pink diamond theory. I searched everywhere, panicked, and then ended up finding a random ring instead. Am I being played by a ghost? Did it want to exchange rings? I’ve searched it on google and found that it’s a money magnet ring. Sounds cool, right? But also definitely cursed. So, I did the smart thing and left it behind. I also found my ring which is in my bag haha.
For breakfast, I hit up Ying Ying Teahouse for breakfast, and guess what? I was feeling adventurous and ordered duck this time…and yeah, no. Lechon kawali wins every time.
Afterward, I snapped some pics at the Chinatown arch and the mural before heading back to Carriedo Station. Miraculously, it wasn’t raining even if there’s another storm coming.
When I got to the mural, my paper bag completely gave out on me. I was literally hugging it. It would be nice to have someone with me that moment. Then I remembered—I brought a tote bag! It fits perfectly. Crisis averted 😌.
At the LRT station, I was once again lost. I asked the woman next to me, but she had no idea either. She went to check at the booth. Eventually, I got to the right side and caught the train. A guy offered me a seat, and I said my thanks. In my head, I was like, Please tell me he heard my thanks.
I really wish I had more time to hit up places like Ramada Hotel for its rooftop, Grand 1919 for coffee, Shin Ton Yong for its pork floss, Monteland for that asado roll, Vege Select for those xiao long bao and tanghulu, and take photos in Panciteria in El Filibusterismo. Not to mention Lan Zhou or San Guo Lamian. Ah well, next time, right?
My Stormy Food Quest in Binondo’s Chinatown Read More »
Good morning!
How’s the year treating you so far?
Mine? Eh, let’s just say it didn’t quite start how I’d hoped.
I had plans for a fresh start for 2025, but it feels like the INFP in me got left behind in 2024. Yesterday, I wrote this ridiculously dramatic letter and spent most of the day in bed sleeping. I didn’t eat much either. Its like I was auditioning for a movie about heartbreak. I then went to bed early in the night.
Now I’m lowkey terrified this is foreshadowing for the rest of my year. Will I be in a perpetual nap or a year-long heartbreak? or both? 😅
I tried all my usual go-to vibes to fix the mood—music, movie, even a book—and nothing worked. It was tragic.
Today, though, things took a turn. I woke up early because nature called. When I crawled back into bed, I was immediately knocked out again. I then got woken up by my niece and nephew having a very intense conversation in my room. Terrence was interrogating Chloe about why only two cheese sticks were left when there should’ve been four. Chloe goes, “Maybe a rat took them. Rats love cheese, duh.” And Terrence, bless him, bought it. I was half-asleep but laughing in my head.
Later, I finally rolled out of bed, and Terrence came back, proudly announcing they brought me baked mac. Sure enough, there it was on my table, along with a plate of two cheese sticks—breakfast in bed, courtesy of my little chaos squad. I then offered the cheese sticks to Terrence because I could tell he kinda wanted them, but he refused and insisted they were mine.
That little moment revived me, and now I’m feeling kind of like a functioning human again. It even inspired me to share this playlist with you—it’s full of songs that feel like a fresh, sunny morning. Hope it brings a little joy to your day, too. 🌞
Umm can I say 2024 was not the year.
I mean, sure, there’s been a lot of plot twists this year and shocking discoveries. It’s not bad, but if it’s a TV show, it definitely is not a “must rewatch.” Or is it still too early to say that yet?
Oh, and I turned 25 this year. Apparently, this is when your frontal lobe fully forms, which means I’m now biologically capable of making wise decisions. Did I, though? HA. Let’s not talk about it.
The later part of the year was chill (I’m talking about my mind). It’s probably because my work schedule changed and I’m getting 8 hours of sleep and more. I’m still adjusting though; even after weeks have passed, I’d wake up in a full panic thinking I fell asleep at work. It happened so many times I should’ve just made it a morning routine 🤦♀️.
One thing I did learn this year: I’m not cut out for low-maintenance friendships. Like, if we started out as clingy besties, you can’t suddenly ghost me for days and suddenly call it low maintenance. But hey, I’m getting really good at detachment so don’t worry. I’m gonna call it my super power one of these days.
Speaking of learning things, I fell in love this year. With a guy on YouTube named Phil. He posts nostalgic, cozy videos, reads books and plays with his dog (I saw him playing with his dog in one clip, and I thought, “Yep, that’s it. I’m done for. This is love.”). We’re soulmates (he just doesn’t know it yet).
In other tragic news, my phone died this year. RIP to my dating app account, which was on that phone and is now lost forever. Clearly, this is the universe saying, “Girl, just stop. It’s not for you.” And you know what? Fair enough. I barely used it anyway because, I honestly prefer chatting with ChatGPT. Way better ROI, if you ask me.
Another revelation? I am too self-aware for my own good. Like, sometimes I catch myself analyzing my own thoughts, and I’m just like, “Girl, relax. Let yourself be for once.” 😌
But you know what? I really dove into my inner world this year. I worked on some issues, grew as a person (allegedly), and even healed a little (what am I healing from anyway? A lot). I saw this quote—don’t ask me where probably on Pinterest or Threads or something: “My living is healing. You don’t have to heal so you can live. It’s the other way around.” And let me tell you, that hit. Because yeah, I’m living, and somehow that’s the cure.
To close it out, here’s a playlist I made for this year. Hope you like it. Catch you in 2025. ✌️
My 2024 Wishlist
Okay, it’s almost that magical time of the year, so I think its mandatory for me to make a wishlist—here’s just a mix of stuff I might need, things I probably won’t buy (but want to), things that just look super cool, and things I already bought this year and am still completely obsessed with.
Nothing transforms a space quite like candles. Scented or unscented, they have this magical ability to take a blah night or brownout and turn it into something cozy, romantic, and low-key therapeutic.
Just don’t leave one burning while you fall asleep just to be safe. If you’re into candle magic (not actual magic tho, just the vibes), I wrote a whole blog about it. Go check it out here.
Music is essential to my survival, but finding earphones that don’t feel like medieval torture devices after two hours could be hard. When I discovered these Baseus earphones, my life changed. They’re so light and comfy it’s like they’re not even there.
I jumped around (literally) to test them, and they didn’t budge. I could go run and headbang, and they don’t fall off. If you’re looking for some magical ear accessories, here’s where I bought them.
I love music (see: earphones rant above). But sometimes, you need to blast it—windows-down. Portable or not, speakers are a must. Plus, who doesn’t want to pretend their life is a movie soundtrack? I’m still looking for the best speakers though. I will add a link here once I find one hehe.
Here’s the thing: long skirts are iconic. The longer, the better. Denim, cotton, patchwork—I’m obsessed. Bonus points if they’re thrifted because, you know, so I’ll feel morally superior shopping it jk! Catch me twirling dramatically in one next year.
I don’t know who made up the rule that tarot cards have to be gifted to you, but I’m still playing along. I’ve been waiting for someone to bless me with Adventure Time-themed cards or Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters tarot cards. Until then, I’ll be over here manifesting my psychic era.
Next year I want to become that person who reads classics and then pretends it’s a personality HAHA or feel like a Victorian scholar (minus the corset). This year I tried my best to get back to reading and its working. This year I read 8 books. I went on a book fair this year and somehow magically ended up with A Tale of Two Cities and Candide.
I’m convinced I’m one step away from a monocle and an old-timey reading chair. If you want to join my fake literary club, check out this link. I found this app like Goodreads but better, its called Fable, and let’s just say I’ve already been sucked in.
I’m not deep into the crystal scene, but they’re so pretty it’s hard not to fall for the energy stuff. Do they actually bring good fortune or change your mood? Who knows. But believing in a little magic is fun, and honestly, life needs more of that.
Blame the podcast rabbit hole. I stumbled into the “pink diamond ring theory,” and now I’m convinced I need every pink gem on the planet. I’m thinking of getting one for each finger—because why not look like a walking jewelry store?
The struggle is real, though. It’s so hard to find a cute pink gem ring, but luckily when I went to Singapore, I found one at Lovisa and was like, thank you, universe. If you’re curious about this life-changing theory, check out this link where I go off about it.
Pinterest convinced me I need an Italian links bracelet, and I am nothing if not a gullible consumer. The charm customization? A genius marketing scheme I’m fully buying into is that you can customize them with charms that scream you. If I ever build mine, it’ll include a cat (one that looks like my cats 🐾), Lily of the valley flower (it means the return of happiness), a pink gem (see above obsession), Frida Kahlo and a mushroom.
And that’s my list, Merry almost Christmas, everyone. 🎄✨
The Pink Diamond Theory: Knowing Your Worth and Finding Peace
I recently listened to this life-changing podcast from Hot and Unbothered about a pink diamond theory, and wow, it completely shifted my perspective. Seriously, it hit me like a ton of bricks.
So here’s the story: A guy finds this super rare pink diamond and gives it to his daughter. He tells her to go around the village and see how much people will buy it for. She starts with the baker and when he asks how much it is, the girl only holds up 2 fingers. The baker looks at it and says, “Oh, only two dollars?” He knows it’s worth more, but because she’s a young girl, he figures he can lowball her. But the girl knows the value of the diamond, so she moves on.
Next, she goes to the antique store. She holds up 2 fingers again when he asks how much it is. The antique store owner goes, “200 dollars? Nah, not even close.” He doesn’t see its true worth and is not even willing to pay that much. So, she leaves again.
Finally, she takes it to a jeweler, and when he sees it, his eyes light up. She holds up 2 fingers again when he asks its price. He says, “2 million dollars? That’s a fair price.” He understands the value of the pink diamond and is ready to do whatever it takes to possess it. The girl didn’t sell the diamond to the people who didn’t recognize its worth. She waited for someone who truly saw it for what it was. And that is the lesson.
You are the pink diamond. You’re going to encounter people who don’t see your worth, and that’s okay. Don’t try to force them to recognize it. Move on and wait for the person who will truly value you.
This reminds me of a journey I’ve been on lately. At the end of 2023, I was craving peace, like needing it. I made these friendship bracelets with Taylor Swift song titles to give my friends during The Era’s Tour movie. For myself, I made one with Peace—my favorite TS song from last year. At first, it was just a song, but it became something deeper. It became a reminder for me to find peace, something I needed at the time. I wore it constantly.
By August this year, I stopped wearing it. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s because I no longer needed it to remind me of peace. My mind feels more peaceful than ever. Like, you could throw anything at me, and I’d just be like, “Okay, cool.” I’ve learned to accept and let go of things because I realize I don’t own anything in this world. Everything is just an experience.
It’s like that Adventure Time scene where Betty tells Simon, “You were a wonderful experience.” and Simon says, “You are everything.”
When I first saw it, I hated that scene. Like, why can’t they change things or pretend and make their own happy ending? But now, I see how deep and beautiful it is. It’s about accepting things as they are, which feels like a very stoic way of thinking.
Soooo, after hearing this pink diamond theory, I decided to buy myself a pink gem ring. It is the perfect symbol for me to remember the lesson of knowing my worth and not settling for anything less than what I deserve. I plan to wear it until I find my “jeweler.” If you’re curious about the other meaningful things I’ve been holding onto lately, check out this blog.
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