As August winds down, I’m looking back at the little joys that brightened up the month’s rainy, stormy days. From a sweet new breakfast obsession to a sunscreen that actually works, plus a film, soundtrack, and a quick getaway—you could say August had plenty to offer.
As we head into those cold “ber” months, here are five favorites that stood out for me this August:
1. A Tasty Breakfast Treat: Breakfast at Antonio’s Lemon Ricotta Sourdough Pancakes
Breakfast at Antonio’s Manila locations recently added a new menu item to their already-packed offerings, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I kept going back to the Opus Mall branch just to have their new Lemon Ricotta Sourdough Pancakes. Tangy and sweet in all the right ways, I couldn’t get enough of this delicious breakfast treat.
2. Your New Sun Protection Obsession: Attitude Sunly Mineral Sunscreen Stick
On a trip this month to New Jersey and New York City, I brought along a new sunscreen stick I wanted to try. I loved the ease of swiping it across my face and body without the stickiness that usually comes with creams. The Attitude Sunly Mineral Stick really impressed me—I didn’t burn at all, which is unusual for me since my skin is highly sensitive. American summers are brutal, so coming out unscathed felt like a little miracle.
3. A Book and a Movie Recommendation: The Life of Chuck
In theaters now is a film based on a Stephen King short story, The Life of Chuck. Having read the novella and seen the film, I fell in love with its mysterious but heartfelt premise: the world seems to be ending, and in the middle of the chaos, strange billboards begin appearing that celebrate the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. The adaptation by director Mike Flanagan stays true to King’s vision. Known more for their darker work, both King and Flanagan tap into their softer side, giving the movie a surprisingly heartfelt and hopeful touch.
4. Golden Soundtrack: The KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
If you haven’t heard of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters yet… seriously, what rock have you been living under? Since its June debut, this animated musical has only gotten bigger, and by this month it officially became the most popular Netflix movie of all time. As much as I enjoyed the film, it’s the soundtrack that really steals the show. It’s been blasting in my car on repeat, not just the songs from the movie itself, but also bonus tracks from TWICE and other top Korean artists.
5. A Reliable Mountain Resort Getaway: Baguio Country Club
This month, I was lucky enough to win an overnight stay at the Executive Suite of the Baguio Country Club during an office raffle. I brought a couple of friends to the “first and only 5-star mountain resort in the Philippines,” and it lived up to its reputation. Despite being over a hundred years old, it felt fresh and modern—the rooms were well-furnished, the breakfast buffet was excellent, and the hospitality was top-notch. I even misplaced an item, and the staff shipped it back to Manila within days. That level of service deserves a big shout-out.
These are the things I've been enjoying this August! I hope that you’ve managed to stay safe and dry during these stormy weeks, and that we have clearer days ahead as we head into the last few months of the year.
Stay tuned for the next edition of PULSE Picks!