No Juan Is An Island

Life has a funny way of piling everything on at once. For the past few weeks, I’ve felt like a “professional worrywart,” carrying a heavy backpack filled with overthought scenarios about health, family, finances, and the relentless grind of business. When you’re caught in that cycle of uncertainty, it feels like you’re constantly holding your breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop.

But yesterday, a small miracle arrived in the form of a surprise gift from my friend’s mom. It’s funny how these gestures—especially the monetary ones—seem to arrive exactly when the universe knows you’re at your wit’s end. That unexpected kindness was the nudge I needed to finally exhale.
So, early this morning, I decided to invest that gift back into my own sanity. I went in search of peace, quiet, and a breakfast that would nourish more than just my appetite.

A Sanctuary Among the Pines: Buddy One Cafe
I found myself at Buddy One Cafe, tucked away within The Brent Guesthouse on Brent Road. If you know Baguio, you know that the right atmosphere is half the cure for a stressed mind. My first impression was immediate relief. The cafe is a beautiful blend of wood and glass aesthetics—warm, transparent, and grounded.

While the indoor seating looked cozy, I couldn’t resist the al fresco dining area. There is something uniquely healing about Baguio’s crisp morning air and the silent company of pine trees. I sat there, letting the early sunlight hit my face, feeling the weight of the past few weeks start to thin out.

A Taste of Memory and Reflection
I came prepared with my “arsenal of healing”: my gratitude journal and my Daily Questions journal. But first, the food.
The Shakshuka: This was the star of my breakfastmeal. The moment I saw it on the menu, I was transported back to my travels in Egypt and Israel. There’s a specific comfort in a well-made shakshuka, and paired with their homemade bread, it was a savory embrace. It wasn’t just breakfast; it was a reminder of a time when my world felt much larger than my current worries.

The Vanilla Latte: A hot, solid cup that served as the perfect companion for the chilly morning air.
The Apple Pie: To be honest, this was a bit of a letdown. At a higher price point, I expected something that could rival the Uber deliciously satisfying (and more affordable) slices at Vizco’s. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t quite hit the “outstanding” mark I was hoping for.

Releasing the Weight
As I ate, I opened my journals. I started answering prompts, forcing myself to look at the unexpressed emotions I’d been bottling up. There is a profound power in moving a feeling from your chest to a piece of paper. As the ink flowed, the “pent-up” feeling began to dissipate.
For a few hours, the “uncertainties” didn’t feel so loud. I wasn’t a chandler, a worried family member, or a stressed human being. I was just a person sitting under a pine tree, eating eggs, and breathing.
Final Thoughts

We often wait for “the right time” to take a break, but the truth is, the right time is usually when you feel you have the least amount of time to spare. This morning at Buddy One Cafe gave me a sense of peace I haven’t felt in weeks.
If you’re feeling weighed down, I highly recommend finding your own “wood and glass” sanctuary. Whether it’s journaling or just staring at the trees, give yourself permission to release the pressure. I certainly hope to make this a more frequent ritual.
Location: Buddy One Cafe, The Brent Guesthouse, Brent Road, Baguio City.