quirksandoddities

[quirksandoddities]

I am beyond proud to finish my 2nd full marathon!!!

Even though I had a significant mileage drop 3 weeks prior to the race as I had to deal with the death of 2 people close to my heart, and go back home to the province, and then had to deal with continuous rain, I am still happy that I got to beat my old PR by an hour.

I finished sub-5! My second target time when I realized my body was not in its peak form after the mental gymnastics I had to go through. Still happy and proud of myself for pushing my limits! And honestly quite excited to do even better in my next races!

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Ran 21km under the rain and traversing 3 major bridges in Cebu (hello uphill and downhill pains! haha) and still managed to set my PR!! Sub 2:09!

Really ecstatic to be running seriously again after a long hiatus during my grad studies abroad, startup lifestyle (haha), and the pandemic.

Cheers to more runs!!

[quirksandoddities]

Some snippets of my trip to Sydney!

It was so nice to be there during winter - just the perfect way to escape from the heat in PH. <3

I'm not sure if I will be writing about my trips soon, I haven't even written for ones for London and Tokyo (huhu), but when I do find time, I will!

[quirksandoddities]

Of Eerie Places and Kindhearted Strangers

It has been a long time since I've volunteered. Not counting my previous job where I had to work with underprivileged youth, I think my 2018 construction stint in Nepal was the most recent. More than 6 years ago if you think about it. Since I moved to a new city and sort of rebooted my life from scratch, (sort of being the operative word here), I've been immersing myself in activities that I've either always wanted to do, or have done before but for some reason, stopped.

I finally found a weekend volunteer activity that fit my schedule! It happens every Saturday at about 8am and takes half a day, and in a cemetery, a place I've always found fascinating but weirded other people out.

Say hello to ATD 4th World's Ang Galing Literacy Program!

Here, we tutor children who live in the Manila North Cemetery and guide them as they read and write. The lessons are mostly in Tagalog as the kids are in elementary. Our tutorial area is a family mausoleum, with coffins and a pet cemetery within the enclosure.

I did not know that there was a community within the cemetery. Families, proper water source, and transportation inside. Like a mini subdivision of sorts. But most live in poverty as they are often families of those hired by the mausoleum / lot owners as caretakers.

It has been an interesting few months, having met new faces in the oddest of places, and getting to help out and develop a camaraderie with the children I've taught. When I got to attend their Graduation and Moving Up Ceremony, I was so proud of the kids! I look forward to next school year when we resume tutorial classes and I get to contribute to my community again.

Sorry for the short post, I just decided to write this down lest I forget again. Haha. `Til the next writing muse visit! :)

[quirksandoddities]

My trip to London is definitely one of my best memories of 2023! More photos soon about all the spots I went to. For now, hello! :)

[quirksandoddities]

I was in Japan for my birthday, and I had the best time. Like a proper tourist, I had matcha ice cream, Ichiran ramen, and Asahi beer!

Always, always grateful that I get to see new places. Will make time before the end of the year so I get to write about both my London, and my Tokyo trip! :)

[quirksandoddities]

Of ballets, plane rides, and overlooking views.

Half of the year has passed and I am grateful that I've found pockets of happiness in most of it. Life isn't always peachy but I have found the inner strength that comes with age to accept the things I can change, and the things that I cannot.

I hope you've had a good year so far too!

[quirksandoddities]

Hello, after almost 8 years since my last marathon (2013), I'm back at it. Not a full one yet but hopefully, someday soon. :D

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Moving my travel photos to the cloud and found myself feeling nostalgic.

Oh, the places I could have gone to if this pandemic never happened.

[quirksandoddities]

Discover Local: La Bella Pizza Bistro

Welcome to my Discover Local Cebu Series: Vol. 3!

Took me awhile to actually get this written down but as we are under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) Restrictions and have limited mobility, I decided that I will make time to write this and keep this going.

For my third restaurant feature, and definitely in my top 3 of my favorite restaurants here in Cebu, say hello to: La Bella Pizza Bistro!

I have been going to this place since maybe 2016 as I used to work in the building right beside it. What made me love them is that they were the first place I've been at that served oven-brick pizza. (Legit like what I had in Italy!) And of course their imported salami with baguette!

C'est moi. :P But other than the pizza, the Insalata Mista is to die for and the French Fries are crazy good. The service and food are consistent and pretty close to what you'd get in Italy. (At least in my opinion.) It is also owned by an Italian guy so that's probably why they have the flavors right!

Photos of the yum food and more after the jump!

But of course, being an Italian place, pasta and wine are a staple! They have a variety of options to choose from, both in sauces and type of pasta - and it always is an adventure when I choose to try out new combinations. Including which type of wine I want to pair with my food. Hihi. &lt;3

The place offers al fresco dining only so it's perfect for this ECQ - as the government has mandated that no dine-in with AC is allowed. Don't worry, it isn't hot as there is proper ventilation. And for now, we have to hold off on ordering alcohol since as per usual, liquor ban is in place in Cebu.

To know more about La Bella Pizza Bistro, you can check out their Facebook page. The menu can be found there too!

Go and give them a visit at The Gallery, Pope John Paul II Avenue, Kasambagan, Cebu City.

Disclaimer: This isn’t a sponsored post. Siyempre I do not have enough internet clout/presence for that. Hahaha. It's a way of helping out local businesses rebuild during the pandemic, even though I'm not sure if any one actually reads this. Anu raw. Drama. Also, all photos are mine - so please credit me if you share them.

[quirksandoddities]

Discover Local: Barikata Ramen Bar

Welcome to my Discover Local Cebu Series: Vol. 2!

It's funny how I forgot about this place until we went there last month for a much needed ramen fix. To be honest, I only started eating Japanese food after my partner introduced me to it during our first date a few years ago, at this exact place. (Hihi. <3)

For my second restaurant for this series, I'd like to feature, Barikata Ramen Bar!

This is my favorite of all their offerings: Mazesoba Black (Spicy) まぜそば! I know this isn’t what you would expect a ramen to be because it’s dry - and ramen technically is made out of pork broth - but I’m me and I like this more than their regular ramen offerings. This bowl costs about P320-350. And it is worth it! (The egg is on the side because I’m quite allergic. Hehe.)

We often order their gyoza and karaage as a complement to the ramen - and both are perfect for it! You get full easily because of the additional food. (Haha. Lamon life.)

A few more photos after the jump! :)

The interiors are simple and mostly in red and black - uniquely Japanese and quite minimalist (the previous owner was a Japanese guy but I think it was recently bought by a Filipino couple, post pandemic). Nothing much too fancy but aesthetically pleasing still. They’ve rearranged the chairs to accommodate IATF guidelines and have more chairs al fresco.

I usually take a lot of photos when we go there but most have me in it so it isn’t here. Haha. We usually have beer to drink as ramen goes best with beer but it is still not allowed to serve alcohol in Cebu so we make do with Coke. Hehe. A few more photos of their food.

To know more about Barikata Ramen Bar, you can check out their Facebook page or this Primer blog.

Go and give them a visit at Ground Floor Calyx Center, IT Park (beside EastWest Bank & Serenitea).

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Disclaimer: This isn’t a sponsored post. Siyempre I do not have enough internet clout/presence for that. Hahaha. I really just want to help our local establishments rebuild post pandemic. :) Also, all photos are mine - so please credit me if you share them.

[quirksandoddities]

Find beauty in the most ordinary of things.

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We may not have spring with sakura blossoms, but we do have the kalachuchi that blooms all year round.

[quirksandoddities]

Discover Local: Turning Wheels Brewery

Welcome to my Discover Local: Cebu Series, Vol.1!

This series of blog posts, (I know, so old school right? Haha! But not into vlogging so this medium will have to do. :D) will feature places I've discovered since restrictions were implemented in the Philippines last March of 2020. I couldn't leave Cebu, so to make up for the thrill of going to new countries, I decided to go to new restaurants in the city whenever I could.

First off, my favorite brewery in Cebu City, Turning Wheels Craft Brewery!

I've been a fan of craft beer for awhile now because of the different flavors you get to taste in one pint. Although do not get me wrong, I love Red Horse and San Miguel as much as any other Filipino, but craft beer has so many complex undertones and so far, I have to say TWCB is the best there is. (Know more about craft beer here!)

They have a lot of beer flavors on tap (there is usually more but this was taken some time in October 2020 so options were limited) with specifications about the bitterness level (IBU) and alcohol per volume (ABV). If you're unsure what to order because it's your first time, you can always ask the bartender for a sip. (Glasses are per person so no need to be scared of sharing a sampling glass.)

Some more photos and details about TWCB and a doggo (!) after the jump!

What I love about the place is that it's unpretentious - no fancy shmancy stuff or anything that tries to say "We're super cool - hang out here!" It's casual and laid back and you don't have to feel like you have to dress up and throw your weight around - compared to other pubs or bars within the same price range. (Daming angst no? Haha.)

Singlespeed, Backbone, and Mountain King are among my favorites. And it may look like it's just a small amount - but trust me, it's enough to feel a slight happy buzz. :D The price ranges from P90 - P280, depending on the size you get and which beer you take a liking to. They also have bottled version of the beers for take out (I think at P200-250 each) if you can't dine in or if there's a ban on serving liquor UFN as it is now in Cebu City. (Huhu. Unsa na oi? Huhu.)

Right beside TWCB is Sal's Kitchen - basically where you can buy all the grub that you want to go with your pint! :) The food is just the right complement to the beer, although it can of course stand on its own, it's always best to enjoy it together. You can see Sal's full menu here.

And honestly, this doggo is probably 20% of the reason why I go here. Haha. Isn't he just adorable? He approaches everyone and asks for food and never barks. Cuuute!

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To know more about Turning Wheels, you can check out their website or follow them on their FB page. And Sal's FB page too!

TWCB and Sal's Kitchen are both located at #24 P. Almendras St, Cebu City.

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Disclaimer: This isn't a sponsored post. Siyempre I do not have enough internet clout/presence for that. Hahaha. I really just want to help our local establishments rebuild post pandemic. :) Also, all photos are mine - so please credit me if you share them.

[quirksandoddities]

When life was uncomplicated, and getting a shot (or shots in this case) at pubs with friends was a lot simpler.

[quirksandoddities]

Don't you see? Life passes us by so quickly.

Photo taken in Gangnam, Seoul in September 2019.

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How have you been Tumblr world? Didn't 2020 seem to go by so fast and yet so slow?

[quirksandoddities]

The world is moving, but at the same time, remains still.

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Pause

Had I known that I might not be able to travel abroad for the foreseeable future (within year 2020), I probably would have gone to a lot more countries than I did. Seriously. 

Incheon Airport, October 2019

Even if I know that moving around would be difficult, my feet still itch to go somewhere new. If not for the virus that has everyone stuck at home. And to a certain extent, fearing for our lives. I haven’t really given much thought about going anywhere, because common sense tells me not to. But when I do get to think about it, I sometimes wish I’d stayed in Korea longer, or flew to Nepal again, or went to India or something.

But here we are. Waiting for this virus to disappear - or for the scientific community to find a vaccine. Until then, we pause.