Embracing Solo Living

Living alone in a condo unit was not my plan, but a twist of fate. I was single and had always lived with my parents until they both passed away — my Dad in 2016, and my Mom in 2021 during the pandemic. We used to live in a family-owned house, but after my Mom’s death, I was left alone with a maid and a driver. The house was too expensive to maintain, and my brother, who is now the head of the family business and properties, asked me to move out within a year so we could rent it out to cover expenses. I didn’t want to wait that long, so I moved out in a few months. I have a 1 bedroom unit in Alabang that I was renting out to a Japanese expat, but I decided not to renew his lease in 2022.  

And that’s where I’ve been living for a year and a half now.  

I reside in a 40-square-meter condominium unit that is near Alabang Town Center and Molito, two prominent commercial areas in Alabang, Muntinlupa. Transitioning from a large room in a spacious house to a smaller unit was not a significant challenge. I am fine with it, really.   The location of the condominium provides convenience and accessibility. It is located along Alabang-Zapote Road, which is a major thoroughfare that connects to the South Luzon Expressway. It is also close to several malls, restaurants, hospitals, and banks that I can reach by foot.   Konting kembot lang, nandiyan na sa paroroonan.    I like walking, so I appreciate this arrangement.

How do I feel about living alone? Well, it has its advantages and disadvantages, like anything else. On the positive side, I enjoy the freedom and privacy that living alone offers me.     I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, without worrying about anyone else’s needs or preferences.  Let’s just say it was a slutty first few months for me.

Living alone has its drawbacks, such as the potential for loneliness and boredom. I bear full responsibility for everything that occurs on my property. I appreciate the availability of economical food choices near my condominium, as I lack culinary skills.   I used to cook with my airfryer and instant pot but cleaning up after is a chore.   I also manage all the domestic tasks and bills on my own, which does not bother me. However, I need to establish a system to maintain order. As a person with a poor memory, I find using a diary or an organizer very helpful. 

 

I have been single for a long time and I would appreciate the companionship of a partner.    Nakakalungkot din kung minsan lang naman.  However, I am not dissatisfied with my single status. I have friends who care for me and I am content with that. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#condoliving #alabanglife #sololifestyle #condotips #alabangcondo #livingalone 

#condochallenges #alabangadventures #solobenefits #condorewards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Different Kind of Pinoy Series: Replacing Chef Chico

 

Replacing Chef Chico is the first Filipino-produced Netflix original series. It was created by Antoinette Jadaone and directed by Dan Villegas, who are famous for their movies like That Thing Called Tadhana and Alone/Together. The series tells the story of Ella, who works as a sous-chef in a high-end Filipino restaurant. When the head chef, Chico, goes into a coma, she has to take his place and team up with a new consultant. Together, they have to keep the restaurant from going bankrupt. The series has eight episodes that feature  Filipino dishes.

The series explores the connection between food and the stories of the guests in each episode. A notable feature of the series is the presence of a female narrative in every story. The series deviates from the typical Filipino drama series in several aspects. One of them is the straightforwardness of the plot. Each episode delivers the story in less than 30 minutes, without unnecessary complications or distractions. The pacing of the series is comparable to that of other foreign drama series. The series sets a high standard for Filipino producers who aspire to create similar series.  

Replacing Chef Chico features Alessandra de Rossi, Piolo Pascual, and Sam Milby as the main cast. The series is commendable for its quality, production, simplicity, trivia, and messages.

#ReplacingChefChico #PinoyPride #FoodPorn #RomCom #NetflixPH