arlene manocot

Jeremiah 29:11

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Birthday Trip in Fredericksburg

Friday, April 11, 2025


Willkomen to my blog!

Willkomen is a german word for welcome and it fascinates to learn the word when we visited Fredericksburg. So once again, willkomen guys!


Our trip to Fredericksburg is one of the best American downtown experience. They got an amazing layout and preserved structures and downtown spirit. 

It was a birthday trip for me. It was one of unmarked item in our checklist, and finally my boyfriend and I got to cross it out of our list. He asked me what I want for my birthday, at first, I playfully said "him" but it was going to Fredericksburg that got stuck on my mind. So we ended gracing the city with our presence. 

The way to our destination was long and awesome, since it was never boring. We got to see a lot of interesting places on the way: winery, orchards, burger stores, donut shops, Texan BBQ restaurants, fancy houses, ranches, and the green scenery of the country side. It was an amazing ride. Dripping Springs are Johnson City were the town and city we got to passed through to reach Fredericksburg, and yes, just like what I told you those placing are also interesting, worthy places to visit and explore.

We had to take an hour and half travel time to get to the city. It was a long, long ride. But it was definitely worth it. 
Food and places we tried and visited:
Information Visitor Center. From this place, we got a map of the whole downtown. The guy in the office gave us significant information on how to make the most out of our one-day trip. He gave us a map with some notes that might come in handy throughout our exploration. For my journal, I decided to get a copy of my own map and trail passport, cute. 


Old German Bakery & Restaurant. We didn't have breakfast, so our next  stop was this famous bakery and restaurant. When we got to the place, I could not believe that there was actually a line of people waiting to be called because all of the seats were occupied. Oh boy, my boyfriend was right, it is actually pretty famous. I discovered the reason once I got to taste one of their breakfast meal and baked goodies. Oooh...! They were really good. We ordered Holstein Schnitzel with toast and  scrambled eggs on the side, and hot coffee and tea as our drinks.


Fredericksburg Winery. From the name itself, it had everything related to wine. We didn't get a free taste, but the old man in the store was generous enough to have conversation with my boyfriend about wine and other stuff, and I just listened, hehe, I am a good listener. There was an old lady in the store, but I guess she was busy with the other customers that was why she didn't say anything to us, however she was kind and friendly to greet us on the sidewalk when my boyfriend and I was crossing the pedestrian lane. 
Chocolat. Oooh...! I so like this. We only got to have one flavored wine or liquor chocolate each. The guy who assisted didn't seem to be happy that we were only getting free stuff that was why I decided to buy a piece of Milk Cashew and it was so good and we shared it together. It cost me $2.71, a little pricey for a small piece of chocolate, but it was really worth it. 


Hill Country Amish. This place got an amazing selection of furnitures and they were made of authentic wood, leather, and metal. They also had organic food like jam, jelly, marmalade, seasonings, snacks, and more. The guy at the store gave us a trivia about yeast, like once you made that kind of yeast you have to take care of it because it is a living microorganism. I thought he was joking about it, but turned out he was dead serious about it, and we really appreciate the new information we learned from him. 

Pioneer Museum. If you want to explore all the parts of the museum, there was an entrance fee of 12 per adult. We were pretty satistified in the museum shop and reception area that we decided not to exlpore that whole area. They got an interesting collection of old photos and quilted products, all from the time of German settlement in the city. 




Pioneer Memorial Library. We like going to the libraries, so we didn't miss this chance to check out the library at the downtown. They also had a store of used books. I got a copy of a book Murakami just by donating a dollar. That's such a steal! I am glad to finally try a book of his. But unfortunately, I forgot the map with all the notes on the table of the room with all the books for sale. My bad. We tried getting it back but it was already closed when we remember about the map.


St. Mary’s Catholic Church. After checking if we could get the maps with notes, which was a failed attempt, we came across a magnificent structure, it was an old church. My boyfriend was fascinated and we were able to see outside only although we tried or I tried opening the doors, unfortunately they were all closed. According to my research, it was one of the oldest churches in Fredericksburg. 


Marktplatz von Fredericksburg. This was a park where we sat down and ate the baked goodies I got from the Old German Bakery & Restaurant. The German Sausage Jalapeno bread had this German sausage and it was thick and hard but in a good way, and we really liked it. The Blueberry Cheese Danish was not too sweet which was a good thing and the blueberry jam and cheesee went perfectly tasty.  There was also an Art Sale at the park and I assumed they were all independent artist. 




Rustlin' Rob's Texas Gourmet Food. Oooh...! This food shop was just amazing. They were so generous with the free tasting of their products. They had jam, jelly, marmalade, butte, pickled fruits and veggies, meat, sauces, and seasonings. The experience was the best. We were already full that we didn’t have to eat lunch. Good marketing strategy Rustlin' Rob!
National Museum of the Pacific War. This building got my attention because it had words like Philippine Sea, Luzon, and Mindanao on its walls. It was not a surprise since my home country became part of the Pacific War, which was a sad part of our history. For us to fully explore all the parts of the museum, a 20 fee was required. We needed to decide whether if it was worth to pay that amount given that we only had thirty (30) minutes left. We got there late and we decided to forego the idea and maybe try it another time. According to the staff, it would require at least two (2) hours to enjoy and explore the place. The shop an reception area were the only part we got to explore and it was still fun. We discovered books at the shop about accounts of how the Philippines became part of the Pacific War. It was mind blowing that there were writers who dedicated their time to tell stories about the Philippines, and I am glad. There was also a coin machine at the museum and I didn’t want to miss this chance to get a engraved coin souvenir. It was always fun to get to try one of those in every place that I visit.


It was a fun and purposeful experience. Thank you for planning this for my birthday! There are still a lot to explore, a second trip to Fredericksburg may not be a bad idea. 
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. 
~Psalm 121:8 


Notes: Some photos are by my boyfriend. 

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New Book Reveal: The Restless Mind

Wednesday, April 2, 2025


Are you ready for my new book baby? 📚 I have prepared something for y’all. I am glad to announce that I am going to be releasing a new book baby on my birthday month. I hope you are excited because I am. 

My mind gave birth to a collection of poems for the past few year. The poetry book is entitled “The Restless Mind”. It is a collection of my sentiments in life, somewhere in my early thirties.

I dwell inside my mind, more than in the outside world. It might leave positive or negative impression how my mind works. I am an introvert and I am comfortable being with myself. But I always want to be with the my most favorite person in the world right now. I always want and need to be with him. Proximity might not permit that all the time and I try to cope with it and pray for it. 

In the book “The Restless Mind,” I shared my thoughts and emotions in situations that I struggled with in my early thirties. I need to let them out. I need to write them, so they will not accumulate in my mind and soul. Some thoughts and emotions can be disgusting, but I would like to believe that there are some good things dwells in my mind. 
Book Blurb
Am I just grumbling?
Endlessly complaining?

I confess.
I repent.
But is it enough
I would like to share this book to all of you. For you to know that you are not alone, that there are people who struggle with these thoughts and emotions like you, and that they can be overcome and they will pass. They will not stay on you, with prayers and cry to God, everything shall pass. You will receive peace from God as He declutter all the unnecessary baggage you have in your life that will not serve a purpose in fulfilling your God-given purpose. 

I hope and pray you find inspiration as you read my new book which is scheduled to be released on April 13, 2025. I hope you look forward to it and find a glimpse of hope in it. 
Book Covers of The Restless Mind

Please look forward to my new book. I will be posting on how and where you can a get a free e-book copy of The Restless Mind. I hope and pray you are having a blessed week. Until next time! 🤗🙏🙌
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Zoom-zoom, broom-broom in NASCAR-COTA Experience

Tuesday, March 4, 2025


Car racing has not always been a thing for me. It left an impression of danger and recklessness. Though I am not fond of it, I did not want to miss having a live experience with all the zoom-zoom and broom-broom spectacles in the event.


Thanks to the two complimentary tickets I got from the previous institution I used to work at, my boyfriend and I got to see a car race event for the first time and what more, it was one of the most popular car race event in the world which is NASCAR.


What is NASCAR?

NASCAR, an acronym for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. NASCAR has three national series that it sanctions for racing.

In a historic shift for the sport, beginning in 2020 NASCAR’s premier series became known as the NASCAR Cup Series and featured cornerstone brands as Premier Partners: Busch Beer, Coca-Cola® and Xfinity. The partners are prominently featured in multiple platforms across the sport, including integrations in broadcast, NASCAR digital and social channels, event entitlements, in-market promotions and at-track activations.

There were a lot of people walking towards the main event place from the parking lot and it was a bit of a walk. All the parking lots were full packed and I was just relieved when we got to have a parking space because I thought we might run out of parking spot. They did a pretty good job in organizing and arranging all the cars. Kudos to all the staff at the parking lots! 


I am not knowledgeable about car racing or more so NASCAR. I had to research for what the acronym stands for. Google search engine comes in handy always and revealed "National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing" as the meaning of the acronym. 

The NASCAR experience was fun and awesome. The revving cars impressed us with their deafening noise we had wear to headphones. 


We sat in two of the chairs at grand stand near Turn 15. It was loud and crazy everytime the cars were racing right in front of our eyes. 

What is COTA?

The Premier Sports and Entertainment Destination

Circuit of The Americas is the premier destination for world-class motorsports and entertainment in the United States. Set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside Downtown Austin, Circuit of The Americas has hosted the biggest names in racing, action sports and music since 2012. At its heart is a 3.41-mile racetrack that was designed to challenge the world’s most exacting competitors while providing a thrilling spectacle for audiences

The Circuit

Circuit of The Americas is more than a race track – it’s the only purpose-built facility in the United States designed to host the premier motorsports championships in the world, including Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR and more. With a blend of sweeping, fast sections and tight, technical corners, Circuit of The Americas has challenged the world’s greatest drivers and riders.

The food at event were extra-extra pricey. I think triple or quadruple of the regular price. Good thing, we brought our own food and drinks. We got to save some money. 

NASCAR is an event that I would like to experience but not something that I badly want to do again. I am glad I got to experience the event. We had to leave early to make sure we would not be trapped in the traffic. 


Being able to attend NASCAR event for free is a good experience for me and my boyfriend. Zoom-zoom, broom-broom, racing cars! 

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭~Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬
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World's Largest Buc-ee's in Luling, Texas

Friday, February 21, 2025


Buc-ee's in Luling, Texas is considered the largest of the franchised store and I was so excited to find out when my boyfriend mentioned that we would be going there during the weekend. 


After church, we head straight to Luling, Texas. From Austin, it was fifty minutes drive. The travel was smooth and the traffic was light. Google Maps took us to the toll road even though my boyfriend preferred the non-toll road, even though we proceeded to the route. 

The biggest Buc-ee's was the goal of this trip. I was looking forward for a huge or humongos infrastructure when I heard about the largest and biggest Buc-ee's. I have SM Mall of Asia in the Philippines as my reference. 

It turned out Luling's Buc-ee's was not as big as I imagined it. I thought a day would not be enough to explore the place. I guess I exaggerated my expectations and it was alright that my expecation was not met. I enjoyed the place and there were a lot of interesting products to check out from Buc-ee's merchandise to variety of foods. They got clothes, books, kitchen utensils, stationery, pastries, snacks, drinks, sandwiches, jerky, and a lot more. 





Who is Buc-ee's?

Ever since our inception in 1982, we have been committed to providing a clean, friendly, and in stock experience for our customers. Regardless of where you may find us, if the store is big or small, near or far, the mission remains the same.

Cleanest RestRooms in America!

If you’ve been to Buc-ee’s, you may already know that this friendly neighbor along the highways has the cleanest restrooms in America. In 2012, Cintas ran a nationwide restroom contest and made it official!



Food we got:
Dried Products
Banana Chips. He got this for a healthy snacks. I have not tried it yet.
Sweetened Mango Slices. My favorite fruit! I like mangoes. Dried mango from Cebu is really good. This one that I got from Buc-ee's is dried apple mango. 


Pastries
Lemon bar. Tasted sweet and tangy, it was not really my favorite but he liked it.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Love the nuts and peanut chocolate chip style.

Sandwiches
Sliced Brisket Sandwich. The beef brisket was what he got and it was really good as it was and also with the bun and barbecue sauce. 
Pulled Pork Sandwich. I got the this since he already had the brisket and in that way we could share our sandwiches with each other. It also tasted so good. I ate the Pulled Pork Sandwich with pickled cucumber, onion, and barbecue sauce.


You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
~Isaiah 26:3

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