A Toast to Friendship: The Exploderz Brunch Diary

"Gawin na kaya natin 'tong monthly? This getting strong tradition of our friendship started with that one statement."

Ang sarap sa feeling na kahit na super busy kami sa kanya-kanya naming mga buhay, we still find time to catch-up over food, coffee, and sometimes cocktails. So here's a post dedicated to my best buddies as we explore gastronomical places in and out of the metro. We usually have two places in one brunch but let's focus on the main venue. Why? There will be another time for the second restaurant to be the main venue. What to expect? Little side stories before, during, and after our brunch, my impression of the place, their service, and their food.

Side Note: The Exploderz ang pangalan ng college barkadahan namin nina Migs and Vic. Kaya any lakad that involves at least one of them, I consider The Exploderz lakad.

JAN: Cafe Breton | Ground Floor Greenbelt 3, Ayala Avenue, Makati City

Our original plan was Greenbelt, nothing specific, hanap na lang kapag andoon na. Art and I already had something in mind, mostly si Art, and ito ang Cafe Breton. For a few minutes, naghanap-hanap pa kaming dalawa habang naghihintay kina Jhinie and Migs. Ultimately, sa Cafe Breton pa rin kami napunta.

Although Alou didn't make it, it was still a great time. Ang daming kwento since lahat kami eh kakagaling lang din ng travel. Kami ni Art eh from our Christmas vacation in Sagada while Jhinie and Migs spent their New Year with Migs' fam in Japan. We love their pasalubongs and their ganap chikas. I hope nagustuhan din nila ang #SlowDayBag that we made at home.

So this cafe... ganda ng ambiance, very brunch vibes talaga, perfect talaga for tito-tita bonding time. Hindi kami sa table na 'yan originaly nakaupo, sa isang small round table lang kami pero napansin ata ng waiter na medyo cramped na ang situation namin when Jhinie and Migs arrived. Kaya ayun, inilipat n'ya kami. Kahit na medyo mataas mas comfortable ang upo namin compared sa original table namin na medyo malamig din to our liking dahil super tapat sa air con.

For me, the highlight of their menu was the mozzarella burger, at least from what we ordered. Sarap din ng sausages nila. Kung presyo naman, I think it's reasonable considering the taste and servings.

On an ordinary day, I'll definitely go back here lalo na on my #MeTime. Sobrang nakaka-relax talaga, tipong hindi ko na rin iisipin kung mag-isa lang ako since ang dami din namang kumakaing mag-isa sa cafe na 'to. That's beside the fact na dati ko pa namang ginagawa ang kumain mag-isa sa restaurants.

After our meal, we decided to grab coffee and cake somewhere in Glorietta naman. As far as I remember, we had crepe cakes of different flavors. Ang sarap din sa place na 'yon.

FEB: Spotted Pig | 109 Esteban Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City

I was totally unaware of this restaurant until I searched for weekend brunch places in Makati. As I browsed through their Instagram account, na-excite na kaagad ako. Very aesthetic ang place and by the looks of it, mukhang masarap din ang food.

I think this was the first time na on time kami. Although hindi naman issue sa amin ang ma-late ng ilang minutes kasi it's a Saturday and we're supposed to be sleeping pa given the exhaustion from a week's work. Also, chill day din namin 'to kaya hindi naman kailangang ma-stress pa just because we're running late for a few minutes.

Anyway, Art and I were there first and pumila na rin kami while waiting for Jhinie and Migs. After a few minutes, dumating na rin naman sila. We were then seated at our table for a little over five minutes. Ang bilis ng service nila, after 20 minutes, na-serve na lahat ng order namin including our coffee.

From what I ordered, I loved their cortado. Although not shown in any of the pictures I uploaded on the gram, bet na bet ko ang aesthetic cup it was served in, syempre eh masarap din. Now for the salmon teriyaki bowl that I ordered... Medyo malansa pa ang salmon nila. I was not sure if that's because hindi pa gaanong luto or sadyang ganon ang pagkakaluto no'n. Anyway, hindi ko na rin inalam, medyo nahiya na akong magtanong kasi ang dami na ring customers na dumating. It's a little my fault kasi sana eh itinanong ko na lang rin, kinda regretting it now.

For our after-meal coffee, we went to this cafe bakery a few minutes away from this restaurant. We had apple pie and red velvet cheesecake together with smoothies. Okay din ang idea na mag-dessert sa another place na walking distance lang from the restaurant, I want to believe na nakakatulong to sa digestion. Very rural folk, 'no? I know!

After our dessert, syempre uwian na. Art decided to get a haircut before going home kaya naglakad pa kami ng ilang minuto after Jhinie and Migs left. Once we got home, ano pa nga ba, eh di catch up naman ulit sa tulog.

MAR: Antipodean Coffee Roasters | 111 Paseo de Roxas, Legazpi Village, Makati City

I found this place on Google too. When I saw their Instagram account, I knew it was our next brunch venue. For this month, medyo late kami. Around 11:30 AM na kaming nakarating and was able to order our food almost 12:00 PM na kasi ang tagal naming nag-decide ng oorderin.

So the place... Cozy and chill vibe. Medyo mainit lang sa loob despite the ACs and fans sa loob, medyo sablay lang siguro ang ventilation ng kitchen. But I think ang ganda sa al fresco tables nila.

As for the menu, it's written on the wall behind us. You can also scan the QR codes taped on the table. It's a bit overwhelming sa sobrang daming options. I was torn between big breakfast and all-day breakfast, turned out both were somehow wrong options for me.

Since I was not satisfied with my all-day breakfast, I ordered their Wagyu burger. Yummy! I was super satisfied, 'yong busog ko, grabe. I also got a taste of boyf's order, chicken satay. It's very flavorful. Although may mas masarap pa akong chicken satay na nakain before.

Maybe sobrang busy lang talaga ng place na 'to on weekends from breakfast to lunch kasi nga it's a perfect place talaga to catch up with family and friends. I'm not recommending this place kung more than four ang group n'yo lalo na kung gutom na kayo, titirik talaga ang mata n'yo sa gutom. Hahaha. But it's perfect kung #MeTime mo or maybe early weekend date with your jowa or a brunch catch-up with your three other friends.

After paying our tab, we decided to have dessert in another cafe within the same neighborhood. We had turon a la mode, chocolate cake, and a somewhat deconstructed bilo-bilo. We also ordered their specialty drinks.

Around 02:30, we decided to go home. A funny highlight of this brunch was the anxious feeling for Jhinie and Miguel na baka na-clamp rin ang car nila kasi ang daming na-clamp sa mga street na nadaanan namin. Thankfully, hindi naman.

APR: Rustic Mornings | 11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina City

Way back 2021, we went sa Marikina to visit Pinto Art Museum. Bago pumunta, nasa plan namin na mag-breakfast muna sa Rustic Mornings. But that time, need pa nila ng reservations for dine-in kaya sa iba na lang kami kumain. Kaya this year, we're giving ourselves the second chance to enjoy their food.

Unfortunately, hindi kami ulit tuloy due to busy and conflicting schedules. We're supposed to go there a day before birthday ni Art, kaso naging very long weekend na kaya we took

advantage of it and left the city a day before ng planned visit namin sa Rustic Mornings.

Kaya for this month, we just decided to have an afternoon coffee sesh sa Ito Kish Design Food. Very last minute, tipong Jhinie and I decided lang on it Thursday before the Saturday meet-up. Ang sarap ng mojicap nila with shakshuka. Then to cap the night off, we had coffee sa Tyler's Cafe na naloka ako kasi super hindi na naman ako pinatulog the following night.

MAY: Rustic Mornings | 11 Isabelo Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina City

Random Thoughts While Having Coffee

"I love thinking things through while having a cup of coffee. Here are some random thoughts I have while having my cup for the day."

Entries are raw and unedited ideas and thoughts as I have my morning coffee, from newest to oldest. But this is on hold for now since it's my 2025 Holiday Writing Tradition. You may view my logs here.

***

It's the 7th already of Feb. I'm excited for my first time off from work since my long vacation last holiday. Well, this coming Friday is a special non-working holiday as declared by the president kasi Chinese New Year daw the following day, Saturday.

I'm not sure yet if I'm also going to take tomorrow or Monday next week as an off or not at all. Anyway, I'm excited sa plan namin this coming Friday kasi pupunta daw kaming Binondo for a Chinese food crawl. Hahaha. Papakabusog pero sana eh hindi gumapang pauwi dahil sa kabusugan.

As for work, nakaka-stress. I feel like it's starting to cripple me kaya I'm taking the holiday na rin para makapagpahinga rin ang katawan at brain ko.

***

Last day na ng January. And it has to end na may away kami ng partner ko. Last night, I found out a thing na sobrang nagpasama ng loob ko to the point that I didn't even know how to process it right there and then. Hindi ko alam kung magagalit ba ako, maiinis, kung sisigaw ba ako dahil sa sobrang biglang buhos ng frustrations ko.

All I could do was walk away from the scene, be far from him. And once I was already far from him, a tear just fell from my right eye. Parang pelikula lang di ba? Pero totoo 'yan. Sa sobrang bigat ng loob ko, hindi na kayang i-process ng isip ko ang nangyari. I couldn't even focus anymore sa trabaho ko kaya I logged out on the dot. It's the worst feeling I've ever had since 2016 when I had a horrible break-up with my now ex.

I was super thankful that #TheBeekeeper was already available online. It helped me keep my anger and frustration at bay. Every time Jason Statham punched and kicked a person, I felt like I was releasing my emotions through him. Anyway, I feel okay now. Wala na yung negative emotions ko, and I'm hopeful that we'll be able to come up with a solution sa problema naming 'to.

***

It's Tuesday of the last full week of January 2024. As cliché as this sounds, what the heck?! January is almost over. Time seemed to fly so fast compared to last year.

I thought I would be able to accomplish something more than what I've done already this month, but I just can't seem to focus and push myself to do them. I don't know, maybe it's because of my hair. Maybe I need to get a haircut already. It's weird? Maybe. But I can't seem to move around freely because my head feels heavier than usual due to my hair. Before, when I used to have very short hair, I had the energy to finish things and just fully focus on my goals.

Let's see what I will get tomorrow. This is going to be my first agenda after I wake up tomorrow morning.

***

First entry on this post for the new year, all I can say is it's a rough start to the year. But maybe a little better compared to some years in the past.

I'm trying my very best to find another source of income because living, just merely living, in this society is getting harder and harder if you don't have enough money. I can't say I'm frustrated with our current situation because other people are experiencing it worse than us. Recently, I looked at my payslip. I discovered that almost an equal amount to our bi-weekly grocery budget is being deducted from my salary just for PhilHealth contribution. I felt so enraged and sad and tired. I'm working so hard, yet I'm not seeing any improvement in the health services of the government.

My mother wants one of her teeth extracted, but can't immediately do it because they don't have enough money to cover the expenses. Since the health center near their home requires patients to pay for the service. A health center run by the government is asking for money from the people whom they are supposed to serve with no fee.

***

Writing here again after a few days of staying in bed later than usual. Lately, I've been having difficulty sleeping. Maybe it's just the domino effect of waking up outside of my schedule. So much with that. Right now, I'm thinking about our current economic situation. Based on our experience, it looks like living in the city has been a bit more expensive than usual. Yes, almost nothing in our household budget has changed, but it feels like money just passes through our wallets and then goes in a matter of seconds. Our usual grocery list almost never changed compared to the previous month, but our expenses for these household items almost doubled.

I mean, yes, I still feel that we're lucky to even be able to buy our groceries and still not remove anything from the list. But if this goes on for a few more months, I'm not so sure anymore. Anyway, I've been thinking about getting a second project since I noticed that my hours after my current project are just wasted on watching a lot of movies and other content on social media. I still haven't decided on it yet, but it looks like the time to have a second project is getting sooner rather than later, so why not now?

***

Taking in more of what happened last week, nakaka-gag* iyong mga taong ang galing magmalinis at may lakas ng loob na mag-maganda eh sila 'tong mas bulok ang pagkatao.

I know at some point, I'll be able to get over the things that they did and said to me. But definitely not today, not in the very near future. And as I said before, no change in actions and attitude means no remorse for what they did.

***

The past few days have been very eye-opening for me. My major takeaway is to not let other people know of our plans unless we are sure that they are the people who always have our backs, no matter what.

A deep conversation with my partner got us to a decision to ignore the noises in our surroundings and just focus our attention and energy on our goals.

***

It's Sunday, a slow one that is- got up from bed around 01:45 PM. This day doesn't require much action and urgency since tomorrow is a national holiday. Ang sarap sa feeling na ngayon ay optional na lang sa akin ang maging busy.

We have great plans for the coming days, and I'm very excited about them. I'm having a new project, and my certification as a training facilitator is coming unexpectedly fast. This coming week excites me in ways I hadn't been before.

***

Planning and budgeting for two people is a very challenging task. Let alone that we just started this journey of being financially responsible as a couple.

But you know what, this is such a great thing. I mean, it's good that we're already doing this, thus making our future lives together more comfortable. Though I'm very sure that this will require more discipline from both of us. And I think we're both ready for it. I'm very, very excited!

***

Due to some events recently, I realized that it's always best to keep away from your toxic and Marites friends and relatives on social media. In the first place, hindi mo kaibigan ang isang tao at never kang itinuring na kapamilya ng isang tao kung kapag nakatalikod ka ay ikaw ang laman ng kanilang mga kwento.

Tatahimik ang buhay mo if you only keep people in your circle who always have your back. Proven and tested ko na 'to. I recently had another run of this idea to test my first impression of my SO's relative. And it gave me the same conclusion. So yeah, another lesson learned for me, just because they showed you their best attitude when they first met you, doesn't mean that you can already trust them.

***

Downtime before working is so refreshing 'no? Sarap sa feeling na mag-start ng day sa trabaho knowing na masaya ang time mo outside of work. Regardless kung stressful ang trabaho or hindi, excited akong mag-logout from work and do the things that I love doing.

Sa ganda ng set-up at schedule ko sa work, I still get to do things on weekdays, hindi tulad dati na kapag weekdays eh work at tulog lang talaga ang 95% ng araw ko. I'm very grateful na sobrang supportive ng manager namin pagdating sa work-life balance.

***

When you talk about other people behind their backs, do you still expect that they will let you eat their food? 'Di ba obvious naman na hindi na? But let's make it more obvious, HINDI NA!

As a person who values peace and quiet at home, the moment you create noise, regardless of how loud it is and who you are, as long as it disrupts that calm, you are no longer welcome inside. You have to go! So don't expect, just please, don't expect that I will just sit in a corner and let you do your shit. Sabi nga nila, my house, my rules.

This is an ongoing, almost daily project that I have now. Expect that this will be updated from time to time.