October 2014 Part 1: The Sweet Spots

(Photo by: Marites Boudreau)

( Matcha Green tea Mint Smoothie)

If you are someone who knows me... You definitely know about my love for TEA and STRAWBERRY. Even before the "Milk Tea" craze began here... I've been trying out different kinds of tea and eating strawberry... OF COURSE.

But I think I am not the only who loves strawberry... Just look at my Aunt. Isn't she cute?

And one of my favorite couples ever! My cousins. :) Remember the "Maid of Honor" speech? It was for their wedding last January.

My aunt had a two weeks vacation here in Manila and she really took advantage of her free time. We'd been going out during her stay here and one of the places we'd been was "The Sweet Spot" located in Maginhawa Street.

The first time I visited this cafe was March of this year with my MBA buddies. I ordered a hot tea that time, that's why I tried their smoothie for a change.

This is too funny! I didn't know that I wore the same denim cover up during my first and second time here!!!! What?!!!! I just noticed. But... yeah.

And if you are one of my former students... then maybe you know how crazy I am when it comes to Matcha. The taste... honestly reminds me of Japan and all of my friends there. It's nice. Very nice and of course refreshing. But the whip cream... I felt a little bit guilty after. My aunt told me that I shouldn't be too strict with myself. My real concern was actually the effects of whip cream to my body, but that day I was like "What the heck?! I don't care!" LOL.

And this is me with my cousins. <3 Did you notice Doraemon on the wall? I think the owner of this cafe is a Japanese Culture enthusiast like me because I noticed a lot of Japanese novel by Natsuo Kirino and Haruki Murakami inside. And see the anime?

My camera was not adjusted to automatic and that explains the blurred effect of this picture. Well... Japan again.

I was worrying that maybe my cousins and my aunt would not like the place because I was the one who suggested to go here. Fortunately, I got a positive feedback from them and my aunt liked the place. It's warm and very welcoming.

And this is the other view of the cafe. I terribly like the lighting inside. It makes me want to stay there and read until my eyes get hurt. Do you know what I mean?

And this is us desperately trying to take our "Group-ie"...

You know, if only I live near Maginhawa Street... I wouldn't mind going out everyday. Sigh... but No....

My rating: 5 STARS

I can't wait to come back here and chill. With my friends or by myself. Because sometimes, I have the tendency to go out somewhere alone.

Wanna come here? With me? Haha! This place is cool! I hope you'll try to check out this place.

Have a great day Everyone!

And this is me with my strange dimple. Haha! Take care everyone!

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. Talking with my Aunt and Uncle in Skype. I feel blessed. I feel like I am not worthless whenever I talk with them... it always makes me want to strive harder to become a better person.
2. Playing the guitar in front of my mirror. I'm a concert queen! hahaha! Thank you!
3. Eating Mandarin oranges from my father. :)
4. Writing this blog.
5. Crossing out things on my "To do" list

PS: I will do my best... 4 months to go.

Insults and Dirty Looks

(Photo by: Maritess Boudreau)

I've been lying low for quite some time now. I'd been through a period wherein I got really tired of EVERYTHING. I am an Introvert and I needed some time to recharge myself. Socializing has been a difficult task for me ever since. I love talking with other people... it's true, but sometimes I get tired and I want to spend time just staring blankly. I desire peace and quite surroundings. I desire fresh air and strong wind that will make me feel that I am the only person in this world... that I could fly. 

Because of my way of thinking, people call me INSANE, STRANGE... I am TOO lazy to explain myself why I do things which are different from others. In the first place, why do I need to explain myself? I always believe that being mysterious in the eyes of others will definitely sparks "Interest" and "Curiosity". In my case... I don't give explanation because I don't want to waste my time. TIME IS MONEY... 

I have been receiving DIRTY LOOKS, INSULTING COMMENTS from others. They would look at me and talk about me. The funny thing is I don't know them but they know me. I know that I shouldn't mind them, but sometimes these circumstances make me ask myself:

"Did I do something wrong to deserve such things?"

"Have I offended them in some ways that I didn't know?"

"Why is it that they can only see me?"

"Why me?"

My friends and family insisted that it is because I look different... that I am different. What can I do? Should I undergo plastic surgery? Should I cut my hair or maybe make it straight? Should I wear skirt and shorts? Should I flaunt my legs and cleavage? Should I wear super high heels and torture myself? Should I wear dark eyeshadow and ruby red lipstick? Should I be like them?

Yes... sometimes I think about these questions and wonder... but my answers are NO. Why would I do something I am not comfortable with? Why would I wear something which is not my style? Why would I put cosmetics I am allergic with? Eyeshadow, eyeliner... my eyes hate them. Why would I let myself be someone who I am not?

As I have said before... Everyone is distinct from one another. They can never force me or tempt me to be like them even if they pay me millions of money. I love being me and because of letting myself to be who I really am... I feel free. I can distinguish myself from the others. I know myself better than anyone else.

With all honesty, my energy was drained from thinking and being bothered about them. It's my mistake for minding them. I need to remind myself that I was not born to please unnecessary people in my life... and these women are definitely UNNECESSARY. Unnecessary things must be discarded... so I must erase them on my mind for the sake of having a peace of mind.

I promise I will never be like them. I started by giving them smile from all the nasty look and sneer they gave me. Let's fight the bad people by giving them kindness and sincerity... because they need them the most.

Have a good day everyone!

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. Playing my guitar. Blank Space by Taylor Swift is so catchy.
2. Sketching. I miss using soft pastel. Another Black and White Art.
3. Eating Cinnamon sticks. 
4. Talking with my 8 years old cousin. She's just so cute and talkative.
5. That I am still alive.
6. That my parents are healthy.
7. That my friends are in good condition.
8. Cold weather. (I wish there's winter here.... sigh. I miss the smell of winter.)