Because...

Barcelona, Spain - Circa 2014

Because sometimes, all you need is a photo, to remind you that you had been happy most of your life. Memory of happiness may fade away but having something to remind you of your happiness will sometimes help you go through whatever loneliness, unhappiness, soul searching-need-feeling you're into. 

That you had been happy and you can again be happy. That you have a purpose in life and you need to continually push yourself to achieve that purpose. That God has been and still is good to you. His grace is sufficient and His love everlasting.
It's hard to appreciate life when you're at the bottom, when you just want to give up just to get it over with. Then you become happy again, love your life again... and would want to stay that way for as long as you can.
So, pray.. that God would remind you of those happy memories and for His comfort, love and grace to keep you in such times when you feel that everything is about to burst. Walk down the memory lane with God and know that everything's gonna be alright.
Remember, this too shall pass
 

GastroAdvent#8: Food Court in Harrison

I don’t know how popular this old mall is, but despite the history this longstanding mall might have, and even if it’s still trying hard to compete with the mall tycoons that continually emerges non-stop everywhere, old shopping malls tries to invite people in, in hopes to bring nostalgia to shoppers who had seen them in their former glory.

Latest addition to their community, a small “international” food corner. Nothing fancy, just food goodness.

Thai Beef Noodlesssss

One stall in particular recently became our favorite “automatic” food whenever we crave for hot soup. Sen Lek Thai Noodles serves close to authentic (I think and I hope) thai noodles and milk tea. I have yet to try their Phad Thai (which always reminds me of the Big Bang Theory episode where Sheldon can’t get enough Phad Thai, ate too much then split into 2 Sheldons… and its way off topic…)

Happy tummy? :)

Back to the food court, if you’re not into Phad Thai, you can choose to have the good ol’ Rice in a Box, Lugaw (porridge), siopao, some Japanese takoyaki, Vietnamese noodles and some shawarma.. if that’s not enough to get your mouth water, feel free to explore Harrison plaza, where I’m sure you’ll find something which will get your attention and fill your hungry tummy.

So… Where in the world is this Harrison Plaza? (aka how to get to Harrison Plaza)

If you’re coming from Manila, along Quezon Blvd (simbahan ng Quiapo.. familiar now? No? google it..) take a jeep with route going to Baclaran, Mabini, Vito Cruz, Harrison, tell the driver to let you off in Harrison, your landmark would be Shopwise grocery. You can also ride the LRT, alight at Vito Cruz station, ride an orange jeep and ask the driver to let you off.. guess where.. Harrison Plaza :)

Davao City Tour

 So what to do in Davao.. Day 1 was supposed to be travelling to Ma-a to visit Eden Nature Park. Woke up a bit early and decided to eat at Taps for our first breakfast in downtown Davao. Found one branch of Taps in Bolton Street. Good thing this branch is near our hotel (located along C.M. Recto). After our breakfast, my navigator decided to walk around. This “walk around” turned into our actual day 1 activity.

Osmena?? not..

Thanks to technology and my techie navigator, he was able to navigate his way “accidentally” to sort of a plaza which I initially thought to be Osmeña Park (but it’s not). We did find San Pedro Cathedral. I found the shape of this cathedral rather odd at first. After all it’s not your usual Roman Catholic architecture. But that made sense after our visit to Museo Dabawenyo.

Davao Museum

On the way to the museum, we got to visit (or see from the outside) the Sangguniang Lungsod ng Davao and the Peace Monument (the monument which symbolizes peace between Christians, Muslims and Lumad), cause they were both in front of the Cathedral. Had a taste of fruit shake davao style while waiting for the museum to open.



The visit to Museo Dabawenyo gave us an overview of Davao plus made sense as to why and what San Pedro Cathedral’s architecture is along with the history of Davao, its people. I especially liked the background about the Lumads. Our jolly museum guide gave us a colorful and entertaining educational experience which more overly elevated my respect for Dabawenyos.
After our Museum tour, my navi brought us both to see Davao City Hall and of course Rizal Park. It was still early but we opted to have an early lunch at Kuya Ed’s. Walked some more until we got back to our hotel to rest. After all, it was a long breakfast (and I haven’t taken a shower yet). As we were walking back, we stumbled upon a vendor selling durian and langka flavored bibingka…. and, you just have to give it a try.

unusually flavored bibingka

First half of day1 turned up ok. It was time to rest as all the walking around did burn up considerable amount of calories (which I love!!!!) plus.. I gotta take a bath~~~~