Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Letters from Mari: The clock moves again.

Realizations in different situations. 



Hello!

The last 2 years passed in a blur. To the point that I still feel like it's 2020. Seemed that every time that I try moving on to other aspects in my life, I will encounter resistance in variable degrees that left me powerless to do more. 

A bit sad knowing that you were stucked and no opportunities for improvement came by. 

I feel that I was not productive for the past 2 years but perhaps my lack of passion also contributed to my demerits. Coupled with my dissatisfaction to other issues that I have no control with. 

As it will take a lot of words to explain further, let's keep it light for now. 

Fast forward to today, I just know that what I've been through made me enlightened. 

To put it simply, after the rainy days, here comes the sun.




There is a desire to find a new purpose, to start again and to build again. 

Indeed, the clock moves again.

For time never waits.


♡,
Mari


Sunday, March 20, 2022

Oh how time flies...

Hola!

Almost done compiling my Japan videos and photos. Hopefully I will be able to share it with you soon! 

Lately, I've been busy with work and personal errands. 

My mind is in a mess as I try to think everything in one go and I am telling you now, don't be like me  🀣 

Anyway, will update soon! 

Thanks!

♡,
Mari


Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Ikea | Swedish Restaurant and Swedish Cafe

Our 1st Ikea visit was spent on eating πŸ˜… 

Swedish Restaurant 

Better visit during non-peak hours if you do not want to waste time waiting for your turn. 

The resto also offer salad, salmon and other desserts or breads. 

The operation of the restaurant felt like a canteen set-up and their food was comparable to home-cooked meals. 

We wanted to try their 'famous' Swedish meatballs so we ordered 12 pieces 😁 

I was also curious what do they meant with 'Nordic' drink which turned out to be sparkling flavored water. I recommend raspberry to be safe although I like them all! 

What surprised me was their chocolate cake! Deliciously sweet and melts in your mouth! If I can only order for take away (sigh)... perfect with coffee ☕ 

We also ordered chicken wings which tasted so-so. Got mushroom soup as well and I like their fries too! 

For pomodoro pasta, they offer it with or without vegan meatballs. We had it plain (no meatballs) since we already ordered 12 pieces of meatballs. 

Prices are not cheap but not too expensive. 

We skipped ordering coffee since we wanted to try it at the Ikea's Swedish Cafe. 

However, I recommend their drinks since they offer it in unlimited serving. Imagine sitting in a corner of their dining area, carefully drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying a slice of chocolate cake! (I will do this next time!) 

We finished our lunch with bulging bellies and smiles. 


Swedish CafΓ© 

After lunch, we went directly to Ikea's Swedish Cafe for a cup of coffee. 

It took awhile before we found our way to the cafe because there was no other exit or shortcut. 

So what's special here? 

Of course, coffee! 

We wanted to have a taste of PATAR beans (arabica). 

We skipped dessert because we already had it at the restaurant. 

They offer breads and other cakes too. 

So for coffee, we ordered Americano and Cappuccino. My sister wanted to try their tea, unfortunately, it was not available at that time so she got water instead πŸ˜… 

Their coffee did not disappoint! Plus points for the soft couches and nice ambiance despite seeing a lot of people passing by going upstairs (seats were near the escalator). 

I already imagined myself sitting with friends and catching-up over a cup of coffee and dessert or breadπŸ™ƒ 

Would be nice if they will expand their cafe! 

The price range is reasonable too! You can get a good and quality cup of coffee for below 120php. 

The coffee serving was not bottomless or unlimited but it does not mean that we will not go back! 


Can't wait to bring my friends here! 


♡,

Mari

 

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Who would have known, its 2022!

Thankful to begin the year with family and relatives.

May this year be more fulfilling and meaningful πŸ™

♡,
Mari

Friday, December 31, 2021

How my 2021 ended.

Less than 4 hours to welcome 2022, and I can hear the sound of fireworks from a far while I work silently in my room. 

I tried to think of anything special that happened to me this year and I cannot think of any. Most of my happenings involved work and ... a lot more of work. 

I felt the days were fast and that time was limited to finish my tasks or to do lists. 

I cannot say I am πŸ’―% happy but all I can say is that I am grateful and still thankful. 

Almost 2 years of working from home and I must say that work wise, this has been a challenging year for me. 

Overall, a tough year to the point that I do not even know how I was able to go through every issues thrown at me. 

I sincerely hope and pray that 2022 will be a lot more better and promising in terms of personal growth and career. 

Ciao 2021,

Mari

Monday, November 1, 2021

Bohol 2018 | Beach and Island Tour

Bohol ✈ getaway with officemates turned friends! 

Here's what we did in Bohol!

Our first day was spent getting ready for the island tour and walking by the beach. 

We stayed at Island World Panglao, about 15mins away from the sea.

Surprisingly, Panglao seemed crowded and very much different compared to my first visit way back 6 yrs. ago (estimate). High-end hotels and new restaurants left an impression that Bohol looked similar to Boracay. The beach was crowded too!

Still, we had a pleasant time. 

We went to Bohol to relax and we were able to do that! 

♡,

Mari

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Souffle pancakes and Coffee at am.pm Philippines

By far the 'best' souffle pancakes I had in Manila 😁

am.pm is a Hong Kong brand and this is their first branch in the Philippines. 

Nice place to hang out with family or friends. 

The cafe's interior looks lively and fun.

Pancakes: Apart from the usual jiggly description, am.pm's souffle pancakes melts in your mouth. No kidding! Though I like both flavors, creme brulee and chocolate, I still prefer the latter. Maybe because creme brulee and egg almost tastes the same? πŸ˜…

Nothing special with the coffee americano ☕ and my sister likes her milktea drink. 


TAPped!


Taste 4/5

I like both dark chocolate and creme brulee souffle pancakes 😁

Black coffee tastes okay.

Ambiance 3/5

Space is small, only few seats for dine-in.

Price 3/5 

For me, it is pricey.


Souffle pancakes, anyone? πŸ˜‰


♡,

Mari