Kayo, the kids and I did a number of things the last weekend that weren’t originally part of our plans. We had to skip or cancel some events we had scheduled due to the unpredictable weather and some family members getting sick. But aside from the unfortunate turn of events, we still had a pretty good weekend. We got to spend time together as a family, as well as meet people and make new friends.
The Neighborhood: A Pop-Up Flea Market
Power Plant Mall and Manila Pop Up put together a one-day only, fashion, food, music and art market at the Rockwell Tent. We only really found out about it the day before but it sounded interesting so we decided to go. It was also a good place to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Kayo’s brother, his wife and kids were also there so the kids got to play together and run around while we, the parents, shopped and ate (when we weren’t busy keeping them from breaking things!).
Kayo checked out these handcrafted rings by 13 Lucky Monkey
There was a rotating screen printing machine producing posters on site!
These unusual round wooden creatures are art pieces called Garapata. Some of them are not only decorative, they also serve as stools and little tables.
There were a number of different clothing and lifestyle brands selling merch at the market. There were also art for sale and artists doing live paintings. One of them was Anjo Bolarda, who was painting portraits throughout the day for P500 each. He also painted a mural of portraits. It looked really good considering he only spent an hour working on it. Anjo is fast becoming one of our favorite local artists!
There were several liquor and handcrafted coffee vendors, one of which was The Curator, where I got myself a superb cup of espresso. It was just a pop-up but I appreciated that aside from the coffee being great, the staff was really cool too, so it was a solid experience from them. I didn’t get to take any pictures but there were also food trucks parked outside the tent and that’s where we bought ourselves lunch. Kayo got us some crispy sisig wraps from the Truck Bun and it was AH-mazing! I think I’m gonna hunt that truck down from now on.
I’m not entirely sure why they called The Neighborhood a “flea” market since the products for sale were not exactly cheap. I also thought the tickets were quite expensive at P250, which I think was the main reason why the place wasn’t getting packed. Nevertheless, we had a good time and Kayo was happy to make some new friends. Oh and yes, I finally got to try Bronuts!
Emma chillin’ at the Titan Pop-up Barber Shop
10a-Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair + Craft Mla Print Lab
On Saturday, I stole a little “me time” and went to the 10a Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair, which is technically just around the neighborhood, coming from Kayo’s parents’ place where we usually are during weekends. It’s my third time to visit the fair but on this one, I was able to sign up for a one-hour screenprint, stamp, carve and press all-you-can session. It was not a formal workshop but people from Craft Mla were there to instruct and guide you through the different craft activities. I’ll be writing a more thorough post about my experience but as always, I had lots of fun at 10a Alabama, around that creative community of people.
Garden Stories with Summer
Sunday was a slow day, but the kind of slow that we like. Kayo and Emma spent most of it sleeping, while Summer and I did what we usually do. She played and played and ate and ate, while I leisurely read, lounged and surfed the net. We also played in Lola Nelia’s (Kayo’s Mom) garden, picked flowers, tracked butterflies and took selfies.
The weather was actually really beautiful that day. So beautiful it made me feel sorry that not everyone is able to enjoy it, specially in some parts of our country where many lives have perished the last few days due to the super typhoon, Yolanda. In the middle of playing with Summer and discussing insects with her, I looked up at the clear blue skies and breathed a prayer for all the victims of this disaster. I also thanked God that me and my family are safe and that I have all of them physically close to me.
Yes, we had a good weekend and yes, we are grateful, but my unsettled heart has just constantly been praying to God for hope and strength upon the victims of Yolanda, because to them, the last couple of days were their worst. Hopefully, the worst is over, but let us continue praying and keep doing what we can to be of help. May the rest of this week hold better and brighter days for everyone.
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