Balancing Work and Wanderlust: My 2024 Travel Calendar As I Strive To Get 5/5 APR At Work

"One a year, go somewhere you have never been before."

I have this line from Dalai Lama pasted on a page of one of my diaries. As far as I'm concerned, I'm following this for the rest of my life.

Side Note: My monthly brunch with my best friends is not on this post. You may reach them here: https://bit.ly/2024_The_Exploderz_Brunch_Diary.

JAN (Weekend Travel): My year started with a trip to Zambales with my work circle. It's a weekend trip lang since lahat kami eh sadyang busy the following week. We just

needed a breather from everything we did during the holidays. And I'd say, goal achieved!

Sobrang chill lang ng experience namin sa Limliwa Beach Resort: watching the sunset while having random conversations with cocktails in our hands, swimming even before the sun rose the next day, and also, having that seafood lunch right before we went home!

Then, came the last weekend of the month. This was my second year attending the Lupi Festival in Lumban, Laguna through the invite of my partner's friend.

Aside from the festival experience of suddenly getting wet because the people had a free pass na mangbasa on that day, I super enjoyed our side trip to Liliw where we got to see artisans-made shoes and slippers plus got to have coffee and kesong puti cheesecake at Arabela.

FEB (Art Appreciation): Nothing much happened this month except randomly discovering the yummy food of Bistro Ravioli. This month was supposed to be the Art Appreciation Month of 2024 pero wala kaming naging ganap kahit isa sa museum.

But to still enjoy the public holidays sa buwan na 'to, we went to Binondo the day before Chinese New Year for that Chinese food goodness. We also had coffee sa isang rooftop cafe, sarap ng flat white nila.

Mabuti na lang talaga eh hindi kami sa actual na Chinese New Year pumunta, napakaraming tao, hirap na hirap kaming maglakad, parang pila papasok sa concert venue ni Taylor Swift if ever man na magkaroon dito sa Pilipinas.

We are yet to have a proper Binondo Food Crawl but I'm hoping that we'll have one before this year ends. Probably dalawa lang kami ni Art para hindi mahirap magdecide kung saan kakain at ano lang ang kakainin.

Last entry for this month ay ang first time coffee experience namin sa The Usual Coffee. It's a nearby coffee shop, siguro mga 15 minutes from our house. Your usual coffee orders lang ang nasa menu nila, talk about being true to their name, right? The good thing about it eh talagang perfect ang pagkagawa nila sa bawat order. I had Sea Salt Latte but it's the best I ever had.

MAR (Food Appreciation): Pagpasok pa lang ng buwan, may entry na kaagad ako. My constants sa work and I spent three nights sa Dasol, Pangasinan. Dagat pero super calm, hindi mo talaga ramdam ang alon.

Chill lang talaga: kain, tulog, Netflix, inom, repeat. Ganda sanang mag-island hopping pero sobrang init kaya hindi na namin pinush. Tampisaw na lang sa mababaw ding beach nila kaya sobrang enjoy din kami kahit na wala kaming activities.

Kahit na medyo disappointing ang accommodation na nakuha namin, we found new friends sa restaurant kung saan kami kumain ng pitong beses dahil sa sarap ng mga luto nila. It's just called La Manila, managed by two friends na chefs ng Philippine Airlines bago mag-pandemic. Sa trip na 'to first time kong natikman ang Tequila Rose at Baileys.

It's our second time attending the Manila Coffee Festival, una noong introductory year nila. Ang daming bago this year. Pero ang pinakatumatak sa akin eh ang chocolate coated coffee beans. Sarap! We bought a jar and three tin cans, inuunti-unti namin ng kain. Though grabe ang tapang, kapag antok na antok ako, I ate five pieces at naitatawid na ako until end of my shift.

This month, we also tried a new restaurant sa Glorietta, new to us, at least. It's called Mamak Kopitiam. I super enjoyed their strawberry syrup coolers and roti. Sarap ng dips ng roti nila, my fave dip was the one that kinda smelled like bagoong pero may hindi ako ma-figure out na ingredients that probably made it the Malaysian version.

Since mawawala na rin sa Ayala Museum ang Hymen, oh Hymenee ni Juan Luna, we decided to see it for the second time since libre din naman ang entrance. All I can say is nagkaroon ako ng deeper understanding of the painting when I saw it for the second time. That feeling na nagkaroon ako ng rush of ideas dahil sa nakita kong painting, I couldn't explain the feeling pero para siyang pinagsama-samang rage and love. Maybe intense passion is a better to describe it?

On another subject, it's my first time meeting my online Filipino teammate since malipat ako ng department last July 2023. It was just a very short meet-up, we just had coffee but what I liked about it was we were able to set up a then monthly teambuilding kahit na dadalawa lang naman kami.

Dapat luluwas kami ng Metro Manila for the Holy Week and enjoy the beach kaso ang sobrang traffic paalis at pauwi ang naisip namin. So we just stayed in a nearby hotel on Maundy Thursday, visited seven churches for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, and went to Taal, Batangas on Black Saturday. We were supposed to attend an Easter Mass pero nagkasakit ako kaya we just stayed at home.

APR (Birthday Travel): This is my partner's birthday month so we went to San Juan, La Union to celebrate. We spent four days and three nights in San Juan savoring the food, coffee, and some alcohol of the nearby restaurants, cafes, and bars in between enjoying sunrises and sunsets on the beach.

I finally had a photo beside a surfboard on the beach! And of course, my morning taho ritual on the beach sa unang umaga ng travel.

For the places that we went to, I enjoyed Karruba Cafe and Bakery for its creative pastries, Sabong Fried Chicken for its honey-bagoong fried chicken, Shogun Cafe & Bar for its cocktails and coffee, Putik Friends Pottery Studio and Cafe for its coffee and mugs, and Kabsat for its delicious dishes.

Disappointment for me ang Coco Mama saka El Union. Coco Mama kasi ordinary dessert lang siya, nothing new. I thought it's something na hindi ko makakain anywhere else. El Union, dito ako sobrang na-disappoint. Akala ko napakasarap ng dirty horchata nila, without the cinnamon, ordinary coffee lang na nilagyan ng gatas.

We also had a side-trip to Luna, La Union to see Bahay na Bato and Baluarte after naming mag-check-out sa hotel. Iniwan na lang muna namin ang mga gamit namin sa hotel since pwede naman daw, para wala kaming gaanong dala. Nag-enjoy ako sa Bahay na Bato. Well, it's a museum kaya given na enjoy talaga ako doon. Although the second part of this side-trip which was the Baluarte, one of the old lighthouses of La Union eh medyo na-disappoint ako. Ang ganda ng view, yes! But since hindi naman managed ang lugar, ang daming tambay sa mismong lighthouse, hirap makakuha nang maayos na photo, kailangan mo pang magpapicture sa mga nag-o-offer doon na mag-picture sa'yo bago umalis sa background ang mga nakatambay na locals.

All-in-all, sobrang nagustuhan ko ang trip na 'to. I'll probably go back to learn how to surf. Maybe on my birthday next year?

Chill at Papakape's Pop-Up Cafe in Luneta Park.

Dulaang UP's Kung Paano Nanalo Sa Karera Si Rosang Taba and roamed around UP Diliman's acad oval after a very long time.

MAY (Anniv Staycation): No idea yet.

JUN (Class Break): Weeklong Vacation (Ilo-Ilo, Bacolod, Guimaras)

JUL (Travel Break):

AUG (Travel Break):

SEP (Birthday Travel):

OCT (Travel Break):

NOV (Travel Break):

DEC (Winter Holidays):

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