Before I get to have my cup to enjoy, this machine must be calibrated according to the kind and condition of the beans used - a process to follow.

So next time you feel like complaining about the price of your coffee, smile at your barista instead and show him how to spell your name.

Trust the process. Appreciate.

Elements of Joy

Light drizzle brings in the cold winds from the outside. Nostalgic 70s music plays over my airwaves. The rest of my senses are picking up the aroma of freshly-ground beans that fills the same space. My body relaxes, the tension melts from my back and shoulders, and forehead wrinkles behaving.

Shouldn’t there be a law that requires people to experience at least one day a week of this bliss? Then maybe we’ll have world peace. And fighting be no more.

Let’s call our congressmen. Better yet, let’s pray. 

Cheers!

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I woke up early this morning to find my son already tinkering with his machine.

"Coffee, dad?" came the invite that I was hoping for.

How can I refuse? Unwisely and foolishly, I guess. But refuse I didn’t cos am no fool. Not for a hot cup like this at six in the morning. And savoring this + a hot pan-de-sal sandwich, I am a happy dad.

May an opportunity present itself to you today. And grab it, too!

Under the surface of this lovely latte art is coffee. Some folks may find it bitter, others flowery or nutty. I don’t judge a cup by its latte cover. After appreciating the outer layer, I check the aroma. Then its temp. Then...

oh what the...

Sip already! Now!

Enjoy yours today -with or without rituals.

Oh My Eggs!

My clumsiness this morning cost the family all our breakfast eggs.

I was setting the table for breakfast where four sunny-side-ups on a single serving plate were beautifully set. Five stars for presentation, really.

Among the clutter I was clearing was a small transparent re-purposed packaging made of plastic. It appeared empty. With aimless determination, I took in everything my hands could hold that was getting in the way of a clean breakfast table. Then, it happened.

The clear packaging contained a clear thick liquid which emptied into the plate of eggs. The liquid was Ant-Rid -poison for ants that my son Andre placed the night before.

Those were the last four eggs we have. I thank God for a compassionate and understanding wife that saved mine from being scrambled. And I have this cup to celebrate my new life.

Peanut butter sandwich never tasted better.

Today, may you find in your inner heart to let go of resentments and be forgiving. Just like my lovely bride.

Cheers!

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Coffee time came not before a couple of early business calls to start this day. Stress building up already? No worries, this cup, together with some sweet filling in my pan de sal, will do the trick.

Take it easy, folks! Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.

As early as breakfast time, life gives you choices. Some are as easy as solving the hypotenuse in pytagorean theorem, others as tough as choosing between sinigang and bulalo. This choice was an easy one for me.

May your life's choices today turn out to be the best.

My personal barista says this pull is a fail. But when I look at it, it ain’t so. I see a beauty cos it took some good production time and effort to bring out this fine cup of caffeine goodness. And I am grateful.

May you see the best in everything you see today especially when you look in the mirror. Smile and appreciate.

Nov 22

#MyCoffeeCupReflections.

Feeling a bit under waking up, I asked for an extra hot americano while the rest of us had theirs iced. Different strokes for different folks. But we all agree - coffee is always good, I am handsome and this is going to be a fantastic day!

Be blessed.

Nov 21

#MyCoffeeCupReflections.

The entire household stayed longer than usual in bed this morning. Just like this cotyledon that I see in my cup that takes its own sweet time to sprout from its soil, we took ours.

Actually, we're just a bunch lazy Saturday peeps.

Today, cut yourself some slack and be productively lazy. Just don't ask me how

Nov 20

#MyCoffeeCupReflections.

Busy day for the barista today pulling shots after shots after more shots. This day is different because each cup is sold at a generous price - over-priced actually. All proceeds+ go to victims of recent calamities.

Today and always, may you find ways to be of service to those in need.

Nov 19

#MyCoffeeCupReflections.

Andre took three pulls before getting the right latte art for me today. The mom and the sister took the first two since they don't do insane reflections in the morning like what an insane person does. But try harder Andre did to finally make it right.

May you be patient and persevering in all your efforts today.

Nov 18

#MyCoffeeCupReflections.

This morning’s brekky consists of cups of coffee like this one you see, pan de sal and cheese, boiled plantains and, more importantly, fam laughter while discussing an episode of a Korean variety we all watched last night -all while Google plays ITZY music. ITZY who?

Today, may you find joy in being with the people who matter most to you.

My amateur-barista-slash-business-assistant-slash-driver-slash-IT-manager son just pulled the best soy latte art of his young career. Love it. Tastes just as good, too. He deserves this accolade. Appreciate someone today.

Lots of things in my plate today but first things first: this cup and another for sharing with my best. The journey to a thousand tasks begins with one sip. And followed by another. I think am ready now. Laundry is calling already. Start this day right and end it right.

A pre-breakfast convo with my son:

Andre: “Dad, what will it be for coffee today?”

Me: “Surprise me!”

Five minutes later...

Andre: “Here you go. That’ll be 96 pesos. “

Be careful what you ask for. You might just get it. Have fun today.

My thoughts go out to all troubled by the super typhoon. I raise this cup as I raise my prayers to the One who rebukes the winds and the water. "…under His wings you may take refuge; His faithfulness is a protecting shield." Keep safe, coffeecup mates!

This good old-fashioned coffee cup and good ol’ pan de sal and aged cheese - boy, me feels old. For me, feeling old is feeling thankful for all these years of losing hair and gaining wrinkles. Life’s been good -I dare say. Have a good one today.

...

...

...

Sometimes, being silent is best. Less words, les mstakes. May silence work for you today.

Monday. Already? Do I have to?

If I focus on the daunting tasks ahead, I will not be able to enjoy this cup. So I won’t cos I know this week, like any other will be a mix of different sort of challenges. First things first -this coffee and some delicious super thin crispy 'otap’ biscuits. Come closer and hear the crunch. Enjoy your day.

I start this day reminiscing good memories. This mug is packed with all that stuff -one of the best holidays we had. It’s going to be one lazy day onwards. But lazy doesn’t always mean unproductive. My mind still works. May you, too, enjoy looking back to good ol’ days.

This beauty took a little more effort than usual to compose. My barista son had to calibrate & clean his machine + milk the cows (and almonds for me) first prior to pulling shots. But I was patient cos I acknowledge that beautiful things don’t happen hastily. And it was all worth it. May the best fill your day.