Due to excitement with my new-found pastime here in Cavite, I only slept for one hour today. I got up early to get ready for another adventure. I had decided to go to Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite because for me, that is the most famous tourist spot in Cavite. I remembered that when I was at around Grade 1, we went there for field trip in school.
I walked from Brisas to the waiting area for mini-bus riders along the highway. It is around 1km of walking. I made sure that I have ridden a mini-bus going to SM Bacoor because along the way, it will pass by Kawit going to Aguinaldo Shrine. It was easy for me at first because I saw a map going there, however, I still asked for directions when I was near to alight from the mini-bus.
From where I alighted, I walked about 1km also going to the gate where the vicinity is. General Emilio Aguinaldo’s place has such a huge land area. I was recording and taking pictures of the place and the way going there. You will see the video that I will be posting on YouTube here: youtube.com/@lesterscope. Please subscribe to my channel too. Thanks!
During my tour, I was enthralled by how beautiful the General’s mansion is. Like the tour guide said, he has a very rich family. I like how I was able to easily absorb the things I had read and heard from the tour. The mansion is very comfortable and I was in good condition, plus I was not in a hurry. Aside from his life, some history of Cavite was tackled.
What I was amazed to see in the tour is the beautiful architecture of the house of Gen. Aguinaldo. The lady said that there are a lot of door pockets in the house for safety purposes, which kept me interested with more stories of the house. Also, the thought of what the lady is talking about is like centuries old back made me think a little more and ask more questions. Aside from these, I like the idea that I might be talking with a spirit that knows a lot about Gen. Aguinaldo through the lady because she knows very well what she’s talking about plus her formality made me jump into her ways.
After the tour, I went to SM Bacoor because I have more time to spend. It’s too early to go home and I might consider sleeping later at night than take a sleep right away. I am here at Kurimi. I’ve just ordered Melon Cream Cheese with Pearl for 130 pesos. I like how it tastes. It’s like the melon-flavored candy by Storck plus the cream cheese and milk. I will definitely repeat this purchase. By the way, I also received a stamp card from them so that when I come back after several times, I will receive something.
It’s my second day of stay at Ate’s house in Tanza, Cavite. On my first day, I moved around as if I am living an independent life because my sister usually commands me to do things like cooking and washing the dishes. At first it is just okay until my condition wears me out again. Usually, this happens whenever I drink my meds. I feel the grogginess which sucks out the life in me like a Dementor in the Harry Potter series. Anyway, I’ve become used to it that’s why I just do what makes me happy.
Today, I decided to go to SM Tanza after watching movies from Netflix namely Don’t Look Up which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeniffer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett, and A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks. I walked from Brisas to the roadside and gotten on a mini-bus to SM Tanza.
Here at SM, I roamed around while looking for something that I need. Recently, I have decided that I will be creating YouTube videos with Math topics as content, so I went to National Bookstore and looked for books that might help me. I also looked for the phone stand that I will use to capture the videos. I looked around Cyberzone, and it is at the SM Department Store where I found one.
After being happy for acquiring such accesory without hassle, I decided to buy milk tea, and I chose Tealive (long i pronunciation) because I want to have a lot of brands to patronize. That is if I like what I get which most of the time, the answer is yes. Here, I chose the Signature Milk Tea so that I’ll know what they offer. I approve of its taste. It’s not too sweet and the taste is close to chocolate flavor though the tea flavor is still there. What I thought of when I tasted it is the Milo brand of chocolate. The pearls are somewhat hard but it’s not a problem. I got used to Kurimi’s supersoft pearls which for me just suits the creamy flavor that Kurimi advertise.
Tealive is one which I will come back for. They have affordable prices for their teas that do not compromise the taste of their product. I want to try the other flavors next time I visit Tealive.
This morning I went to Arvo to use my time for pleasure while waiting for my sister who came from the office. We are going to Tanza, Cavite today because I am going to stay there for some time. While waiting at Foodtrip Puregold Arvo, I used my cellphone to keep me busy. However, I felt hungry that’s why I looked around for food.
I saw one food stall that is new to my sight, and I got interested in what they offer. It is Popper’s Pop! I asked the lady if it was chicken pop, and she said yes. I was wondering if it would satisfy my hunger, but I was thinking twice because there was food at home. I looked for other foods that I think are lighter like siomai, but I still settled for Popper’s Pop!
For the regular size, it is worth 99 pesos and the amount based on my question to the lady is 100 grams. It’s like 8 pieces of chicken pops. There are several flavors to choose from like garlic parmesan, barbecue, and salted egg. The flavors come in powder form so the pops are to be shaken inside a container to incorporate the flavor into them. You can also add melted cheese if you want for 20 pesos.
I chose the regular size and the flavor is garlic parmesan without melted cheese. It was served hot. I like the volume of the pops because you can say that food is worth it when it satisfies your hunger. The taste is okay. The flavor of the chicken is there and the amount of the batter is just right. The garlic parmesan flavor is just slight and not overpowering the chicken so it’s okay though at some point, I was looking for some dip, so I think I would try it with melted cheese next time.
I would recommend this for all. It is a great snack that is right for the budget. You can try it at places near you.
It has been a long while since I last wrote a poem. It’s like back in 2015 when I was writing drafts of poems in my notebook. Now, I think I can incorporate this new activity into my blog. I believe that I can better express myself at times through writing poems.
I woke up in the middle of the night and I was unable to sleep afterward because of the sweet thoughts that came into my mind. I felt the love from up above which I need every day to keep up with my life. Now, since it has started, I know that all I have to do is think of all the good things that I learned. As the song goes, by Jose Mari Chan originally by Bing Crosby, a Christmas song that has the line with the same title and the song that I heard on the e-jeepney last night, “Count your blessings (Instead of sheep),” with the focus on counting your blessings, you will know that you have a beautiful life. You just have to know where to look. Merry Christmas!
How Great Thou Art
Oh, you surround me with your beings; You keep them alive around me. I am surprised to see them come alive; But, in the right time, you tell me about them.
I am glad that I am in this situation; Though I am most of the time suffering, I am healing inside with every touch of your hand — The hand that works great with your art.
In you there is life; I find joy in every thing that I do because of you. I know that your mighty hands molded these arts For me to have something to work with using my own hands.
The people you brought into my life are truly blessings; Sometimes due to frailty, I tend to think the other way. However, with your loving embrace, You turn them into puzzle pieces that create a worthwhile time spending with.
With the visions that you instilled in my mind Of the vacays and all the good stuff like activities in my notes, I know that I’ll have a long way to go In this roller coaster ride that is worth jumping into.
As I begin another day, Let it be you to be my inspiration To fill my day with perspiration — A mark that I still live my life with lots of action.
I’ve gone far from home just to spend the day without my room as it is currently under renovation.
The remaining old tiles of the “Carnival Days” back in the 80’s or 90’s when my sister and I were brought here by our parents.
The answer is, “I’m here in Cubao, Quezon City.” It is just one ride away from home. It used to be near from home, but now, sometimes it feels just farther from home. Maybe because of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ayala Malls Marikina (Arvo) dressed itself for the season once again. With its timely bright lights, springing decorative leaves, and shiny Christmas balls, the community once again feels the spirit of love around every corner of the mall.
From the entrance, the hanging vines of flowers are decorated with bright lights and shiny balls. Everyone will definitely find it entertaining to have a pose with the decorations as a backdrop.
Along the stairs are also decorations of plastic leaves with balls and bright lights too. Whether you go up or go down the stairs, you will surely feel the spirit that happens once in a year, a feeling that is special and unique for all of us.
Hanging on the walls of the second floor are Christmas lights that give a merry vibe to whoever passes by the lobby. They are filled with vertical lights that you will surely find amazing.
Also, at every entrance of the mall is a Christmas tree that makes the occasion extra special in the vicinity of the mall. Around the Christmas tree are bright lights and shiny balls too that make spirits bright.
When you happen to pass by Arvo, go ahead and capture yourself with its amazing decors. You wouldn’t want to miss a year with its stylish Christmas decors that give a high-spirited feel.
I’ve just been from Cubao. My situation now that our house is being renovated makes me leave the house every once in a while. It’s kind of messy now in the living room, and my bedroom is being renovated today that’s why I’ve got no place to stay but leave the house. In Cubao, I roamed around Gateway, Gateway 2, Farmer’s Plaza, and SM Cubao. It is at SM Cubao where I bought maong short pants by Bossini that is on sale for 400 pesos.
Now, I’m back home, but the day isn’t over yet for the renovation team so I had decided to go to Arvo first and drink milk tea from anywhere here. I had decided to buy drinks from Kurimi since I haven’t tried it yet here.
Kurimi
Classic Milk Tea with Pearl
According to the receptionist of Kurimi, it came from the English word, “cream.” Since in Japan, they emphasize the word that way, that’s why the name “Kurimi” was formed. It is Filipino-owned and the concept is from Japan. There are already 17 branches here in the Philippines.
I asked the lady what I should buy as a first-timer, and she pointed me to the Kurimi Milk Tea with Pearl which is worth 110 pesos. When I tasted it, it’s a little creamier than other milk teas out there. I like it. I approve of its taste.
It says here that Kurimi is 2D, and that is the design of the shop. It has 2D-designs. It is situated here, straight from the main entrance of Arvo. It is where Dakasi is before. I miss Dakasi too. Anyway, Kurimi is a good replacement, and I like how the designs are made, very instagrammable.
Today is the end of the Christian Life Program of Singles for Christ for Cluster East B Chapters 4b and 4c. Our chapter, which is the Marikina Heights chapter, is 4b.
Every year there is CLP or the Christian Life Program. And, at the end of the program, there is a celebration known as the Lord’s Day. During that day, there is a fellowship where singles gather and celebrate the end of the program.
Tonight, the theme of the Lord’s Day is Barbie & Ken, which was held at the Knights of Columbus at Carmine St. SSS Village, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City. I sported my outfit with the closest that I can get from my closet.
Unlike before, I just attended the fellowship. They had already started eating when I came, so I served myself with the delicious foods on the table like caldereta, chicken barbecue, lumpiang shanghai, and others. After which, we took pictures on the backdrop.
My best “Ken” look ☺
There were games, graduation ceremony, awarding ceremonies, and performances in the night. Our DG, or discussion group performed a skit and sang the song “Harana” by Parokya ni Edgar, and this led us to win in the brothers division.
“Harana”
Later in the evening, the Barbie & Ken of the night were called. It was a fun, fun night for all of us.
Happy Kopi
After the celebration, Gian, Stephen, and I went out to have some coffee at Gian’s shop at Happy Kopi. I ordered myself a Green Apple Tea with Nata de Coco, sized venti. For a cheap price, you will be able to buy yourself an iced tea, and the taste is good too.
Later on, we went to Marikina Heights park, and we spent the night catching up. It is nice to have a support group that you can count on whenever time needs it, so I am happy that I have a community with SFC.
Our house has been under renovation for three days now, and I want to avoid the living room as much as possible because it is a total mess now. I go out of the house. Sometimes I go to the park, and there are times that I go to Arvo. I also stay inside my room at one point, but I can’t stand the heat at noon when the sun is up even though there is an electric fan.
Today, after I finished eating my lunch, I decided to go out of the house with someone, and I had thought that Dindy’s off is today and yesterday, so I called her on Messenger. Luckily, she is available and I asked her if we could meet. She said, “Yes.” I shared to her the story of the meet-up and that the renovation is causing me to go out most of the times. I told her that we can meet at 3PM because when I prepare right away after our conversation, we can meet at Megamall at 3PM. We chose Mega because it is near her place in Pasig. I am always like that. I let others benefit from my kindness.
Before I left the house, I had thought that it’s another blogging day for me, which for me is good, because I will be able to put an input to my website again. I’ve done some changes on my website and I really want to monetize it though I still have no budget yet. I prepared affiliate marketing on my site, and I put Mailchimp at the menu area so if you want to receive updates, marketing, and others from me, please do subscribe to my mailing list.
I took the cheapest ride going to Mega though I think if I take the EDSA Carousel Bus, it is cheaper than the MRT, however it will be a longer walk going to the station unlike for MRT, I’ll just pass by Gateway, Gateway 2, and Farmers Plaza. MRT is nearer and the route is more convenient because the path going there is air conditioned. I took jeepney from OLOPSC and then, MRT Cubao going to Ortigas.
Bench
After alighting the MRT, I went directly to SM Megamall. I first went to Bench where I looked at the merchandises. I really prefer to buy from Bench because I trust Bench when it comes to the quality of the cloth. I have bought a number of Bench clothes already aside from its other products like perfumes, bags, wallets, socks, belts, pants, and others. I remember that this branch of Bench was the place I was at when our D’barkads are meeting at Mega way back during college years. Today, it is still the same big and has-a-lot-of-merchandises branch of Bench. I will definitely be back here to buy clothes because there are a lot to choose from here. I’d love to spend effort going to a far place and choose from a lot of products than nearby with only just a few. I am talking about the Bench at Arvo. Of course, there will be times when I will just buy nearby especially when time calls it.
Dindy arrives at our meeting place at Bench. When I first saw her, she gained mass on her torso and I told her that. She said, “Oh, I thought you were going to say that I lost weight.” We walked first while we continued on with our conversation, however, I said, “We might stumble into someone when we continue walking while we are talking.” She said, “Yeah, you are right. So, let’s just go to the foodcourt?” I said, “Alright.”
Fruitas Juice
At the foodcourt, we ordered refreshments first. She ordered Dairy Queen while I ordered Fruitas Juice. The one I ordered is the Fruitas Apple Juice. There are two Fruitas in the foodcourt so when I didn’t find what I like in the first stall, I went to the next one. I asked the lady what is the flavor of the one I was pointing at. She said, “Apple.” The color looks a bit odd unlike the other flavors like Ube, Mango, Buko, Buko Pandan, Watermelon, and others, or it is just that the color of apple juice is the same for all. It is a bit murky in color. When I tasted it, the first one I recall is the taste of the mango flavor. I said to myself, “This couldn’t be.” I sipped once more, and it is still the same. I thought to myself that maybe I have the problem. I then took another sip and realized the apple taste with the rough consistency that it has, which is given in an apple fruit, right? I said to myself that maybe the reason why the taste of the mango and the apple is the same is because of the similarity of some fruits and vegetables like the taste of cucumber that sometimes can be likened to a melon. I even checked the markings on the bottle if it is really apple flavored or some flavor like apple mango, which is not. By the way, I chose apple flavor because I want to try something new.
I’ve been liking Fruitas lately. It is one of my favorite stores for drinks.
Dindy and I shared about what’s happening and what had happened in our lives. We last met in December of 2021 so it’s really a long time already. We tried to keep everything simple and the way how we remembered things. It was heartfelt for Dindy at one point and she just let it out, while as for me, I have always shared the same story to a lot of people already, and they have known how I have handled things for me. You will even know what I am going through based on the ones I posted before. To keep it short, we tried to comfort each other with our stories.
Master Siomai
It has been quite a while since I last ate Master siomai due to the fact that what I always order in Arvo is the fish balls at Krispyfry Qween. It’s a nice feeling to have tasted the saltiness of the soy sauce with chili garlic again. You will never really regret eating siomai because of its appetizing flavor. For us now, Dindy and I did something new. We sipped the sauce from the carton plate. It’s the first time that I did that. I do not regret it because I was satisfied with the taste.
We moved on to the next phase of our strolling day. I told Dindy that I want to see something new in Mega like merchandises, foods, and other stuff, so we went on gallivanting at the mall. We started at the lower ground. We took pictures of ourselves and other things, which you will see here in this area.
Brownies Unlimited
Lemon blondies has eight bite-sized pieces in a cup for 99 pesos.
I had a thought of looking at what’s something new with Brownies Unlimited since my sister used to buy here. Dindy said, “Their brownies are cheap! It’s amazing!” I then saw the lemon blondies which I know I also saw somewhere else on the Internet, so I thought of buying it to try something new, however, we had decided to buy it next time we are back.
Tickles and Blue Magic
She said, “Take a picture of me here in Tickles.”The last picture we captured at Tickles because the saleslady said that it is prohibited to take pictures.Nice shot!“What are you doing to teddy?”Hugs!Evil smile
After that, we passed by Booksale. In my mind, I wanted to take a lot of pictures from then on, so that I’ll put them here. Here are some:
I said to her, “Dindy, take a photo of me here as if I am a tourist.” Then, here it goes.Just a random bookI was still more concentrated on taking photos than looking at the piles of books.
Then, we passed by Timezone because there is more interaction here than the other shops in the mall. Dindy saw Snapshot and immediately wanted to have us taken a photo there. We asked for the price of the shot from the customers inside the booth, and when I find out that it is 85 pesos, I said that I’ll just pay for it.
I bought this last 2018 at Trinoma and kept it. Still, it is working. Amazing!
SnapshotTimezoneMegamall
Dindy asked, “Who’s going to keep the copy?” I told her, “Keep it.” In my mind, I said that it’s nice that your friend has a memory of your good times.
Later on, we continued gallivanting around the mall, entering the boutiques that we find interesting. Here are some of what we did:
She said, “Red Girl is my favorite as of the moment.” It is found inside the department store of SM.Then, we passed by Charles & Keith. It is where she bought her wallet for 1900 pesos. Expensive!I told Dindy, “Gap is one of my favorites of all tine.” I said, “When I have money, I’ll buy this.”On the other hand, she’s going to buy this.At MinisoPretty much acceptable as endorser
We then, moved to Dindy’s suggestion, which is to take photos of us outside the mall and with the lights of the mall. It’s Christmas time again, so we are blessed with lots of beautiful decorations.
I love Megamall!
KFC Famous Bowl
Then, we had our final meal at KFC. I ordered the Famous Bowl at their digital ordering machine in front of the store. For only 85 pesos less the discount, I was able to eat a hefty meal. Famous Bowl is composed of mashed potato, gravy, chicken pops, and corn inside a regular bowl. You will find all the ingredients at KFC. And, because of the gravy, I was able to really enjoy my meal. You may say that it is a diet meal, and I say, yes it can be because of the size of the serving that is inside one packaging. I’ll definitely order this again with its budget price and size.
We did another funny thing. We made the gravy a soup, because I got a serving on a plate and just ate it.
Then, we walked for a little while inside the mall until it’s time for us to say goodbye to each other. Before we bade goodbye. I have myself picture-taken at another decoration outside.
I really like SM Megamall among all the SM’s out there because I have a lot of history here. Second will be SM Cubao because our family used to go here. And, maybe third is SM Daet, because that is where our province is.
Dunkin’ Donuts K-Bun
After that, I went home and when I passed by Dunkin’ Donuts at Farmer’s Plaza, I asked if there is K-Bun at their branch. When I found out that there is, I bought one. I’ve been looking for it at every branch of Dunkin’ and when I find it here, I had decided to take a shot. The ingredients of the K-Bun are garlic, cream cheese, and garlic margarine. Inside is the cream cheese while on top are margarine and garlic bits. It was very hot when it was served. When I had my first bite, the taste was heaven because of the cream cheese mixed with the garlic flavor. The cream cheese is like the bavarian filling. It is oozing with flavor too. I definitely had a good time. I was given the Cha Eun Woo standee as a freebie. And, the K-Bun is worth 75 pesos.
Like the Bunwich, the K-Bun is a Dunkin’ Creation.This is very hot when they served it and the cream cheese is oozing.
Our meet-up is so sudden, but it got pushed through. Luckily, Dindy was available that’s why we had time to spend together. Let’s hope for more of this.
After a long time, we, SFC brothers finally met again. Noel and I are the ones who scheduled the day and the venue of the meet up. It was actually just a quick conversation over Messenger between us, Noel and I, that led to a reunion among brothers.
On the day of the meet up, Jim went to our house to accompany me to the park, where we supposedly are going to meet. I have just finished taking a bath then when he arrived. After a while, we went to the Marikina Hardin ng Bayan. There were a lot of people in the park because it is a weekend. We chose a table and we got to an area which is a little bit hot because it is only 3PM then. We waited for a while until Gian came.
Gian looks good in his black shirt and it goes to show that he is doing well, however, when he opened up, he said that things are not that fine at work, so he is giving extra effort to make things right. We talked about his work and I shared also a bit of mine since we have the same field of work, in real estate. I told him why I chose SMDC rather than going back to his management. Also, we talked about us, taking medications. He said that he too believes that the medication is for lifetime. We also shared to him about the ongoing Christian Life Program or CLP at SSS Elementary School. We said that we are on our way to the Lord’s Day next Saturday. In just a bit later on, Gian bade goodbye since he is going to meet a client.
Jim and I waited for Noel and Marvin to arrive and as we waited, we continued on talking. Later on, Noel arrived. As we talked to each other, we came across some topics like how I was in the center. I shared to them some of the highlights that made my stay there extra memorable. They gave their point of views and told me that I am capable of going out of the bad situation because I am strong. I said that I manage to do it on my own because I know in myself that I have the will to carry on. Noel, shared to us how everything is going on his side. He said that he is very much particular of his health since his blood pressure is causing him troubles. He looks over his health and that he cuts down on foods that need to be lessened. Aside from that, we talked about his house being renovated. Later on, we moved to a different place to wait for Marvin. We went to Angel’s Pizza.
Noel ordered two boxes of pizza. One is like the garden fresh pizza of Greenwich though it is a little different because of the cumin flavor that I’ve tasted which I think is the one in the meat. The other one is spinach with cream cheese. We continued our conversation and shared good times. We opened up about going to mass later on. And, we talked among ourselves which church we are going to. Since Noel is going to SM San Mateo, we said that we just take the Concepcion Church.
We took a tricycle going to Concepcion church, and there, we heard mass. The homily is about being true to the promises and changing for the better. When you say that you are going to work for something, accomplish it. We must learn in everything that we do so that we will change into someone better.
After the mass, I joined Noel at SM San Mateo. We continued spending the day together and sharing stories. Noel bought what he came for there, and I happened to also buy what I needed, which is an easy access bag. I was able to buy from Wharton. I have a Wharton suit that was given by Philip.
Then, we drank refreshments at Macao Imperial. I ordered Lemon Yakult Tea. We spent the rest of the night there while continuing our conversations about our lives.
We left SM at around 8:30PM. We boarded an e-bus to Concepcion but we alighted at H.Bautista. It was already raining then, so it was a little difficult to go home. When I arrived home, I changed my shirt because it got wet.
The bag that I bought will be used whenever I need to go far away from home because whenever I need to access my ID, card, cellphone, and money, and I have a big bag, it gets difficult for me. This easy access bag will do its job in helping me avoid hassles.
The Yearner's Park 