Simple joys

My life somehow revolves on small things - things that never fail to put a smile on my face.

My book collection and book sales

I've been a bookworm since I was in grade school. But I've only began collecting when I was in college for the very reason that back then, I had extra money to spare. That from my modest allowance, I am able to save a few bucks to buy myself a good book. I started by collecting the Classics. I remember buying my very first one, Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain. Since then I now have almost 30, from Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jane Austen, and others. I also have a few bestsellers (my favorite is Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Sun). I also collect novels from Isabel Allende. I am in awe of her writing style, definitely hands down. Moreover, I have a thing for those titles from the Oprah Book Club. I think I have close to 20 now, my recent purchases being Stones from the River and Gap Creek. I am also fond of chicklits. I'm particularly fond of those by Sophie Kinsella (it's a shame I only have her ebooks). But I have tons from Jennifer Weiner (she writes such funny novels) and a few from Cecelia Ahern. And my latest obsession are those from Adriana Trigiani. I am close to completing her novels! And the best thing is that I bought everything on sale (or discounted) from different bookstores here in Metro Manila.

Foreign language film festivals

I've been going to the Shangri-La for their film festivals for four years now. I started with EIGA SAI, the Japanese Embassy's gift to the Filipino moviegoers. I've also been to the French Film Festival, Korean Film Festival, and Cine Europa. The best thing about these festivals is that they're absolutely free. You just have to be patient in securing your ticket for they give it out an hour before screening. And the queue is so long that sometimes you'd just give up your spot and just decide to go malling.

Chocolate cakes

I have a sweet tooth and I'm not gonna deny it ever. Albeit I take everything in moderation. But chocolate cakes I find hard to resist. My most favorite are those from Miss Polly's and Chocolat.

A long walk..at the mall!

Funny, right? Because unlike in other countries, I couldn't say a long walk at the park. Not unless I live in New York and I have a time to spare roaming around the Central Park or something. But a walk at the mall can sometimes be tad depressing. Especially when I see something I really like but I don't have the funds (which is actually often haha!). But I'm not complaining. I love paying bills that matter the most. And my fondest memory of this long walk at the mall was two years ago, when I was so pissed at the office and I decided to go to the mall and ended up buying a nice dress from Folded and Hung and a nice wedge sandals from VNC. Both for only P650. They're such a good steal that I forgot about everything that happened that day. See, therapeutic! :)

Occasional facial/spa/massage

Don't blame me for being a girl. I'm not the vain type. I don't spend too much on cosmetics, skin products, and even nail polish. I just go for the basics. But I do know when to reward myself with much-needed rest and relaxation.


These are the things that brighten up my life. Sure there will be more in the future. Might even be a special someone! I've never given up on that hope. :)