A Productive January

I stayed in QC for 7 days, for a 5-day training. Since traffic in the Metro is really bad, I decided to book a place near PTSI. For trainings and seminars that would last 2-5 days, I always choose to book fully furnished condominiums nearby. Because I want to feel at home, to be able to cook, clean and do the laundry. I also need a reliable internet connection because although I was on an official business, I still needed to do paper works and communicate with my bosses, staff and workmates from different departments. I stayed in Sun Residences for it was near to "everything", hospitals, restaurants, malls, etc. Strategic Location! I was one jeepney ride away from PTSI, but as a person who isn't a fan of crowded spaces, I'd ride the tricycle instead.

In each batch of the training, participants are limited to ten. One slot per institution, to give chance to others. We were from different parts of Luzon. Regions I, II, III, IV and NCR. And even though we were 4-5 years apart in age, and with lots of people in the medtech community, it's cool that we have mutual friends and eventually became friends before we parted ways.

I moved back to Bataan in 2015 after graduating college and have been living with my parents since then. And wow, I never thought I'd feel homesick in Manila last week. Whenever I were in the unit, I'd video call my mom to check in on her and dad and keep the VC on while we do chores. Kaya siguro hindi ako natuloy mag abroad is because I was afraid to be away from them.

To avoid home-sickness, I tried to go out on my own and explore new shops and restaurants nearby. Thanks to Grab, I got to those places safely.

As a person who really has no control of her time because of work and other responsibilities that I have, I don't get to set up meetings in advance anymore, because I end up cancelling them. And because I didn't know whether I'd have time to meet up with my college besties, I didn't get to schedule a "catch-up" date with them. But I am happy that my cousins who lived nearby invited me to dinner after knowing I was within their area.

My cousin Maikee and her husband Xavi took me to a famous unlimited grill and hotpot place, Jiang Nan, Located in Banawe.

Glad we went before the "peak hours". We didn't have to wait in line. While we were having our dinner, dumami na yung tao at mahaba na ang pila.

Food was good but I think tumatanda na kami at hindi na kayang kumain nang marami. LOL.

We had fun catching up and talking about our childhood.

We then went to Icebergs for dessert.

Sundae was good and wasn't too sweet!

For my last night in Manila, another cousin took me out to dinner. An hour before we went out, Jozelle sent me links to cafes. I thought it was for us to choose HAHAHA but we ended up Food Hopping and it was fun and worth it!

We first went to Aichi Cafe

Aichi Cafe is known for its Mochi. Grabe yung texture and taste nung Mochi. I totally get why they get sold out. The best time to visit their cafe is during the day, para hindi ka sawi, o masayang ang punta.

I eat matcha but I am not really a fan of its aftertaste. But I loved their Matcha Mochi Ice Cream. ANG SARAP. Pwede ba mag open kayo ng branch sa Bataan? HAHAHUHU!

They also serve coffee. Since their shop is really small, you could smell the strong aroma of the coffee beans. Jozelle isn't a fan of coffee so we decided to eat outside. While we were chatting outside, the sushi shop next door caught our attention, Aiko Sushi. We had the Spicy Salmon Roll. Ang fresh ng ingredients, and the rolls were made to order. Ang bilis rin ng service. Staff were also nice and allowed us to bring in outside food, yung mochi from next door. When we were almost done, we booked a grab to out next location... Cafe Guilt!

As a fan of Guacamole, we ordered chips that had a Guacamole dipping sauce. It was an "okay lang" appetizer. There's something lacking in the sauce.

                                                 

Guacamole and Chips - 5/10

We had the Angus Ribeye with Sweet Potato Fries (Well Done) - I'd give this a 9.5/10

Ahhhh, drinks!!! Haha! Sobrang pasok sa panlasa ko.

1. Hibiscus Iced Tea 10/10 - unlike SB's Iced Shaken hibiscus na bland, ito mejo sour. Mahilig kami sa sour so, it's a YESSSS AND A 10!

2. Charcoal Lemonade 10/10 - Just the right amount of sourness!

3. Amaretto Sour 10/10 - Smells like candy. It doesn't have a strong alcohol aftertaste and it has a balanced sourness and sweetness!

The lobster soup was okay 8/10

Very pang tamad itong entry ko na ito because I just wanted to post it na kaagad before I forget. Because tomorrow, we'll start accepting patients na and I'll be busy with work, chores, PAMET, trainings, etc. I once was asked by a friend, " Bakit ka ba nagmamadali?". Hindi naman ako nagmamadali. Nag eenjoy naman ako and I am doing this out of passion and love for these things that I do. But thank you for reminding me to slow down. I do not over-work anymore. :)

I am glad that this friend is doing okay and gets to do the things he loves doing.