Routine Mall Date with Some Orient Pearl

Whenever she and my dad are not in good terms, my mom asks me to drive for her regularly at the mall on Thursdays for her spa treatments. This time, she also had a haircut.

While waiting, I made my usual rounds at my favorite food and toy stores.

First, I had a breakfast of spaghetti and iced coffee at Popeyes. My mom also opted to eat lunch here.

My usual round of toy store visits include these:

For the first time, I entered Hobby Kaikan. I was surprised at its offerings of all day drink, device charging, and study/work promos; lots of tables for card games; and all around good ambiance. I might just visit this again sometime soon. There were also lots of glass cabinets for sellers, many of which are still empty most probably because the store is still new.

Below are two stores whose wares I am usually not interested in, as they are not within the toy lines I collect.

At the activity area, there was a provincial trade fair. Featured were handicrafts and food delicacies from Isabela, a province in the north.

I have wanted to buy this quail egg atchara since last week, a unique appetizer I haven't seen anywhere else. We finally procured a bottle today.

For the home, we also bought hopia and chicken from the Classic Savory restaurant.

On the way home, my mom didn't fail to voice her negative opinion on a certain work of art. She's funny that way. 😅

Meanwhile, the drive back was horrendous, an unusual occurrence at this time of day and day of the week.

The highlight of today? A pearl necklace I bought mom for Christmas. During her spa session, I asked her favorite seller what she wanted, and then clandestinely got the item while she was having her haircut. If you know me or my mom, please keep it a secret 😅

And finally, upon checking my steps, I seem to have achieved my daily goal of 5k steps.

So grateful to be healthy and alive!