Places I'd Go After the ECQ

Few weeks ago, I have been reading on FB about a question on what would be the first 3 places that I’d go to. Here are my takes on this question:

1.       Quiapo Church

·         Quiapo Church is a place that is not too accessible for me as I am from the South. I also don’t go to often due to lack of parking spaces, plus it’s overcrowded. Going here is always an overwhelming experience.

2.       Racks

·         I was supposed to celebrate my 40^th birthday here, as well as a milestone announcement. This time it will just be for a small family thanksgiving gathering.

3.       Glorietta

·         It’s my most favorite mall as they have a lot of toy shops. I’d have a good meal (either at Kenny Rogers or Katherine’s) then visit the toy shops that I’ve frequented: Toy Kingdom, Toys R Us, Toy Town, Kids Depot and Rustan’s.

My 3^rd list might still change (can be Market! Market! as well), but these are so far the ones that came into my mind.

PASTEL TOYBOX

I have been thinking of setting up an online shop in addition to the Shopee store that I currently have (although I shut it down temporarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic).

Having to stay longer at home, I had the time to look into the idea. I am already done with my logo, thanks to my graphic designer sister. I am just thinking of a good strategy to launch it.

The shop shall be carrying pre-loved items that I own and toys that are in my collection.

I think I have mentioned in previous blogs that I love shopping for toys and dolls. On top of that, I also have tendencies to over-shop for clothes, shoes, bags and whatever items that catch my fancy. Out of these stuff, I have my favorites so a lot of the things I get end up in storage. Now it’s time to let them go!

Here are some reasons that are making me a bit wary if I’d be able to carry out an online shop:

·         I am an introvert, and I am not the type of person who’d get pushy in terms of selling my goods. If you don’t like it, I won’t insist. (I know that one of the rules in selling is not to give up).

·         I am not the type of person who’d “like” other people’s posts in order to be “liked” in return. I only like and love the posts that really get my attention. I don’t often make comments to posts just to get attention.

·         I have no patience with bogus buyers. I have tendencies to be a snob for these types of people, which might give wrong impressions.

·         I also have no patience with people who love freebies. I’ve had previous instances where a buyer complained about an NRFB doll having a wobbly leg. I, of course had no idea about it since I never removed it from the box. He was asking for a replacement, even after taking it our from the box and played with it a bit. I ended up telling him to just keep the doll and sent him a refund.

·         I definitely am not the type who’d follow up payments. That might mean having items be stocked for a while instead of turning them into sales.

·         The items that I’m selling are part of my collection, which might have an emotional impact when I let go.

·         I have a full-time job.

In any way, I am going for it and I can only hope that it will fly.

Covid-19 Thoughts

Covid-19 Thoughts (I will continue to update when ideas hit me):

·    * Happiness is now defined by the first breath I take after taking off my facemask.

·    * I have more than 10 pairs of shoes, but I only use 2 – one rubber shoes for the office, and 1 pair of sandals for times that I just have to go out of the unit. The others are now gathering dusts.

·    * I have more than 10 watches, but I only use 1 so that there will be lesser items to clean and disinfect. They are just continuously using batteries that I may have to replace once the lockdown is over.

·    * I have more than 10 bags, but I only use 2 – one for the office and 1 for just going out the unit. There is actually a recommendation to use brown bag to store my stuff in so that I can throw it away when I get home.

·    * I have make-ups, but can’t use right now. No point as I will have to cover almost my entire face of a face mask.

·    * My hands are dry due to the constant washing and alcohol. So dry that my lotions are no longer working.

·    * I still can drive in Manila even after stopping for almost 10 years. Manila traffic has become horrible that I swore never to drive again. But now I have no choice but to drive myself to work. With lesser cars on the street, driving has become pleasurable again.

·    * I haven’t stepped on a grocery since the start of the lockdown. I have no patience in waiting for 3 hours in queuing just to be able to enter and another 3 hours to shop and pay for my items. Convenience (Alfa Mary and All Day) stores has become my go-to place for groceries (prices are doubled and sometimes tripled, though).

Celebrated My 40th Birthday

Last Monday, April 13, 2020, I blew my 40^th birthday cake. It was a "lockdown birthday".

I am not a party-goer, I actually hate parties so I really don’t celebrate my birthdays. The last party I’ve had was when I turned 18 years old – the typical debut party.

Every year, I’d just go out with closest friends to treat them for lunch or dinner either before or after the day of my birthday. Oh, I remember setting up one party (but I can’t remember anymore what year) where I invited few friends at our house. Still, it was just simple – no programs, just prepared food for my guests and few chitchats.

During my birthday days, I’d wake up, do normal stuff and probably just go out for lunch or dinner with family. There’s always a cake and noodles.

Since I’d be 40 this year, I planned to have a party. I have actually made reservations at a restaurant last February and it was supposed to be a “Tropical Fun” party. I had several programs and games in mind. I’ve initially shopped for decorations and prizes, but I am glad that I didn’t shop big time. I even have my dress to wear already.

Then Covid-19 came. My 40^th birthday party celebration has been CANCELLED. My sister asked me if I’m sad that my party got cancelled. In all honesty, I am not.

Life may have been halted by the pandemic, but my 40^th birthday pushed through. However, I celebrated it in almost the usual way. I ordered my food through Grab and made a drive through at Jollibee before going to my parents’ house. I had no interest to cook anymore.

I celebrated a milestone with the people most precious to me – Doc M, Mom, Sister G, Niece G and my Cousin D (my Dad is spending the lockdown in the province while my Sister A is in another house).

So here are my birthday menu:

·         24K Bear Cake by Boulangerie 22 (Grab)

·         Lechon Manok and Pork BBQ by Andok’s (Grab)

·         Spaghetti Pan and Peach Mango Pie by Jollibee (Drive Thru)

·         Coke from the Sari-Sari Store near our house

Life may not be the same anymore once this pandemic is over, but life still goes on. I am certain that whatever the situation would be, we will be able to adjust. I have so much to thank God for, and these are reasons to go on.

As for my party, it's something that I can plan for again. I don't stop at 40. I feel like it's actually a start of something more exciting!

I hope everyone remain safe and healthy.