UP Diliman

Since Jerome and I had to do an errand that took us to Commonwealth Avenue, we decided to stop by at UP Diliman for some relaxing time and lunch at Mang Jimmy's. Honestly, I have only been to UP Diliman maybe 6-7 times in my entire life, counting the one time that I took the UPCAT. So I have never gotten used to this place' lush greens and huge trees. I so love it! Makes you forget that you're actually in the city.

Posing for the camera ala-turistas.

Obviously, Jerome loves this place too.

More turista pictures.
Oooh!

Even dirty ice cream tastes better in UP Diliman. =)

Chocolat

We discovered a really nice cafe at the Mall of Asia called Chocolat. From their glass window, you can see on display samples of their delicious-looking cakes. It was more than enough to entice us to walk in and try them out! We ordered their Deep Dark Chocolate and Choco Hazelnut Cake. The cakes' sweetness were just right, not the kind that makes you dizzy after just one bite (that sounded like a rhyme...hehe). Plus the chocolate glazing on top is to die for! We also ordered coffee to go with it. I had the hot mocha which I think they used tablea for the choco flavor. Since I was a big fan of cocoa, I loved the rich chocolatey taste of my cofee. Ahh, heaven! The perfect dessert to cap off the perfect evening with good friends. *smiles*

Noemi, Tricia and I with our yummy cakes!

Still at Chocolat with Miel and Tricia
Extremely high levels of sugar = Laugh trip for the duration of the night (hehe)

Missing Mom

It has been three weeks since my mom left the country to work abroad and now, the house feels a lot emptier without her.

If I had my way, I would have preferred that my mom stayed here in the Philippines. I know that inspite of our financial struggles, she was happy here. She loved her job and her colleagues, she enjoys after-office drinks with her friends and more importantly, her family is here and this is her home.

And aside from missing her presence around the house, it doesn't help that the country she's working in right now is not the safest place in the world. Hay!

But I have faith that God is looking out for her. His presence have always been felt by our family and I have no doubt that He will continue to be there for us.

I terribly, terribly miss my mom. I miss riding to work with her and her endless stories in the morning. Kahit na antok na antok pa ko and all I can do is nod and grunt. Haha. I miss hanging out with her on Sundays, eating Eaji and drinking Coke after hearing mass. I miss watching The Buzz with her as we listen to the latest showbiz stories or just simply marvel at Kris' clothes and pa-sosyal antics (but we love Kris anyway). I miss the gourmet sandwiches that she makes for my baon. I think even Baron, our Japanese spitz, misses his morning walks with my mom during weekends. I just miss every little thing about her.

But I know she went through with this for me, Arvin and Lola. Being a single parent isn't easy and she had to make sacrifices. And with that, I am very proud of her.

Friday Triple Celebration

Two Fridays ago, we celebrated three wonderful occasions - Jerome's passing the boards, Tricia's birthday and Dada's birthday. We had dinner at Aling Tonya's at Dampa, Macapagal and feasted on Chili Garlic Shrimp, Baked Tahong, Ginataang Hipon, Crabs, Lato (seaweeds), and steamed oysters. Yum, yum! After that, off we went to Music Match for 3 hours of glorious KTV bonding!

I love this picture! I look genuinely happy. :)

Binondo, Here We Come!

I learned about the Big Binondo Food Wok as I was browsing through hopeful realist’s blog. As she recounted the places they went to and the food that they ate, I knew that I just had to go there and try it out for myself!

Sparked by curiosity, I googled about it and found out that the Big Binondo Food Wok is a tour conducted by a group known as Old Manila Walks. In their website, they describe themselves as a bunch of “passionate, obsessive and saucy ‘street walkers’(!) determined to walk and talk about one thing: the history, the culture and the heritage plus everything over, under, outside, inside this city of our affections - Manila.”

Aside from going around Chinatown, they also do tours of Intramuros, San Miguel(where the Malacanang is), Chinese Cemetery and the Far Eastern University.

Since I was so excited to go on this walk, my office mates and I contacted Old Manila Walks right away and booked our reservations for Sept. 8. In the meantime, I would just have to satisfy myself with these pictures courtesy of Market Manila.

I can't wait to nibble my way around Chinatown . . .

and try this delicious-looking fried-rice...

and have a bite of this amazing lumpia stuffed to gills with vegetables, seaweed, noodles, etc.

and sample this famed Binondo dumplings...


visit a tablea factory...

and lastly, taste this Taiwanese cold noodles with vegetables and peanut/sesame sauce.

Ahhh, heaven! Will post as soon as I try this sumptuous food for myself!

Of Pseudo-Relationships, Flings and Mutual Understandings

My friend, who is going through a pseudo-relationship at the moment, gave this very interesting article to me. I have been through these kind of relationships during a few points in my life. The uncertainty of things is fun and exciting. But at the end of the day, you begin to wonder - how long is this going to last? May gusto ba talaga siya sakin or is he just being nice? Am I investing too much on this? Am I assuming and reading too much between the lines? And the endless barrage of questions and stream of thoughts come pouring in, leaving you depressed and longing for that flicker of hope that things are going to happen the way you want them to be.

So for those who are going through this "parang kayo, pero hindi" stage, may find this article very fitting. And for those who are fortunate enough to have not gone through this, read on and you might learn a thing or two. :)

P.S. I still believe there are pseudo-relationships that can evolve into more serious and committed ones. Just the idealist in me talking. Hehe.

*********************

She is a 24-year old copywriter. He is an architect. They met and
became lovers in college. They broke up last year but remained to be
"friends."

They send sweet text messages and he calls her often to make sure she's okay. They still date. They still have sex. They don't see anyone else. It is obvious that they still love each other but when asked about their situation, she doesn't know the real score. Even her friends are in the dark. "Parang sila, pero hindi."

She works in a telecom. He is reviewing for the board. They are in the same barkada. They talk on the phone till 4 am. He gives her chocolates, flowers and CDs even when there is no occasion. Their friends are suspecting something. Bakit sila nagsosolo kapag may overnight inuman? Why does he hold her close on the dance floor? Bakit sila magkaholding hands lagi? Sila kaya? "He hasn't admitted anything," she rants. "But I let him hug and kiss me.Parang kami, pero hindi."

They work together in an ad agency. After office, they would watch movie, have dinner and stroll at Glorietta. She gave him Harry Potter books for his birthday in exchange for posing as her boyfriend to make an ex jealous. They made out during the company outing in Subic and never talked about it. He said "I love you" once but she wasn't sure if she heard him correctly because they were both drunk then. But one thing she is sure of is her feelings for him. She likes him. And she's assuming that with what he's doing to her and with her, he likes her, too. There's just one hitch:
he has a girlfriend!

She is a 28-year-old virgin. He's a 35-year-old bachelor. Both mountaineers, they became close during their climbs. After a few dates in posh restaurants, he brings her to his condo where they would make out. They have been doing this for months. She wants to believe that "sila na" but then she's not really sure about it. "We don't talk about it but it doesn't really matter," she'd tell her friends. "What's important is I am enjoying this -- whatever it is."

The "parang kayo, pero hindi" stage. Others call it MU or mutual understanding. Pseudo-relationships. Pseudo-boyfriends. Flings. Almost like a relationship, but not quite. It is a phase where the persons involved are more than friends, but not quite lovers. Puwedeng may verbal agreement, puwedeng wala. One or both of you may have admitted your feelings, possible ding hindi. You just let your gestures do the talking for you. Walang pormal na ligawan na nangyari. Hindi kayo mag-dyowa. Pero sa
kilos niyo, sa mga sinasabi niyo, parang kayo, pero hindi.

This kind of "relationship" can happen at different stages for different reasons. It can happen after a break-up. You still love each other, and you want to be with each other but you broke up for a reason. And for reasons that you alone know, ayaw niyo na muna magkabalikan. It can also happen before a relationship, iyong pareho kayong nakikiramdam. Possible din na ayaw niyo munang mag-seryoso kaya kunwa-kunwarian lang
muna. Testing lang.

Puwede ring hindi puwedeng maging kayo kasi isa sa inyo --usually the guy --may ka-relasyon na. Kaya habang hindi pa siya nakikipag-break doon sa girl (sabi niya makikipag-break siya soon pero di naman niya ginagawa), wala muna kayong relasyon para nga naman hindi siya nangagaliwa kasi "hindi naman kayo."

This pseudo-relationship stage, for a time, can be fun. Lalo na kung naghahanap ka lang naman ng "kalaro."

Pero huwag ka lang mag-e-expect na may patutunguhan kayo kasi wala talagang kasiguraduhan.

So bakit ang daming nagse-settle sa ganitong set up ganoong hindi naman sigurado kung may patutunguhan?

Iba't ibang dahilan. Puwedeng for fun lang. Puwedeng "buti na iyan kesa wala" or puwede na iyang "pantawid-gutom." Meaning, habang wala pa iyong the real thing, doon muna sa kunwa-kunwarian.

For those who are not in a serious relationship, they would think that pseudo-relationship is better than no relationship at all. It would be fun, if all you are after for is that "kilig" feeling.

Aminado naman ako na once upon a time, may mga pseudo-relationships din ako. No commitments involved. For the simplest reason that they couldn't commit, because they were either committed to someone else, or that they weren't ready to commit.

My rationalization, "okay na iyun, kesa wala."

Ang habol ko lang naman, iyong kilig feeling. Iyong merong nagtatanong kung kumusta araw ko. Iyong merong ka-cuddle sa beach outing. Iyong kapag tumunog ang cellphone, mapapangiti na ako dahil alam kong galing sa kanya ang message. Iyong merong laging kasama. Habang wala pa ang the real thing, puwede na itong pagtiyagaan.

But then I learned that although it was only a pseudo-relationship, the emotions were real. And usually, in this kind of set up, ang babae lagi ang lugi.

Una, you can't ask him to commit. Since it's not really a relationship, you can't demand commitment from your partner. Ano ba kayo? May K ka nga ba magpasundo ng hatinggabi? You will always be uncertain about your role in his life. You can't expect him to be always there with you. And if you feel jealous of the other girls, you just have to keep it to yourself. Ano ka ba niya para magselos?

Pangalawa, what if you fall deeply in love with him? You can't be sure if he feels the same way. Baka nag-a-assume ka lang na mahal ka rin niya. Even if you are dying to tell him you love him, you can't. Because you're not sure if he'll like it. Baka mapahiya ka lang. This stage will always make you wonder where you are in the relationship. Or if there is a relationship at all.

Pangatlo, what if you become attached too much? What if you have invested all your emotions and this man hasn't? What if you remain faithful to him, not entertaining other guys, only to find out that he is seeing other girls?

Isa pang downside ng pseudo-relationships, it is fleeting. When a disagreement sets in, or when one of you gets cold, then that would be the end of it. Unlike in a serious relationship, hindi mo alam kung saan ka lulugar sa isang pseudo-relationship. Wala kang pinanghahawakan. Kasi sa pseudo-relationship, there is no "us." Meron lang "you and me," hindi "us."

Buti sana kung pseudo-pain din lang ang mararanasan mo. Kaso, hindi eh. Real pain. And usually, kahit tapos na ang pseudo-relationship, hindi mo maiwasan umasang one day, may karugtong pa rin iyun. And you will be miserable, hoping to bring back what you used to have, only to find out eventually that the guy is in another pseudo-relationship with somebody else.

Ang hirap, ano? You agreed to this kind of set up for fun and then you'd end up hurting yourself in the process.

Pero puwede naman maiwasan ang pain eh. Puwede naman na hindi mo muna isipin ang future and just enjoy the feeling, without thinking of the consequences.

But if you are certain that you are going to hurt yourself in the process,kailangan mo mamili. You can be happy and live the moment without worrying what would happen next. Or you can stop settling with pseudo-relationshipsand wait for the real thing.

When I was younger and in a pseudo-relationship with an unavailable guy, afriend told me, "Sige, kung ayaw mong magpapigil, bahala ka.Magpakasaya ka.Pero huwag kang iiyak-iyak pagkatapos, dahil tatadyakan kita."

Ang bottom line lang naman, kung magpapasaya sa iyo, gawin mo. Ihanda mo lang ang sarili mo sa consequence. Dahil ang "parang kayo pero hindi" stage ay bihirang nagiging totoo. Usually, hanggang doon lang siya… almost, but not quite.

Stress Level

Got this from Chiqui. With all the physical and emotional stress wearing me down these days, I wanted to know how I'm holding up so far.

Your Stress Level is: 57%

You are somewhat prone to stress, especially when life gets hard.When things are good, you resist stressing over little problems.But when things are difficult, you tend to freak out and find it hard to calm down.

Hmm, not bad but not too good either. . . which again leaves me longing for a real vacation. Hay...

Life and Its Ups and Downs

My good friend Dada was able to put in one sentence how our lives are right now. As she posted in Friendster, "Could it get any crazier than this?!". *sigh*

A lot has been going on in my life and with the lives of the people around me. I wish I could say that it's all good, but sadly it's not. Although when I look at how things are, I feel that this is the way it should be. And I'm glad that we realized this before it was too late.

Along the course of our life, we meet new people. It can be in school, at work, in a coffee shop or in bars. Some become our friends, some we hit off with instantly, while some become merely acquaintances. But when do we decide to be friends with these people? What do we see in them that want us to get to know them better? And how certain are we that these friends are true?

Furthermore, what do you do when you get betrayed by a friend? Would you forgive her or would you turn your back and walk away?

In an ideal world, forgiving would be the first thing to come to mind. But there are times that walking away is the best thing to do. To prevent further pain, this is what I did. I turned my back and walked away. WE walked away. Not everyone would understand our decision, and some may even think of us as villains in this situation. But frankly, I don't care. They don't know what happened and what we went through.

We're better off without her. Right, Dada?

**************************

For happier news, Jerome and Chichi passed the Pharmacy Licensure Exam!!! Congratulations to the both of you! After all the hardships of college and the sleepless nights studying for the boards, you guys made it! I'm so proud of you!

**************************

And lastly, I badly need to get out of Manila and have a real vacation. I'm too stressed out. Physically and emotionally. I just want to escape all the craziness for a while. Hint, hint Jerome. *winks*

On Wendy and PBB

I just realized that it's been more than a month since I wrote an entry here. I have been super duper busy the past few weeks! Between work and studying, I cannot find the time (and the energy) to connect to the net when I get home or even during weekends. Parang feeling ko waste of time to surf the net pag may free time ako. I'd rather catch up on sleep or on episodes of PBB. Hahaha.

Speaking of PBB, what's up with Wendy? She keeps on saying na nagpapakatotoo lang siya kasi pinapakita niya kung anong nafi-feel niya. While Gee-ann and Bea are "plastik" because they can't seem to fight back. According to Wendy, these two are playing it safe for the viewers to like them and eventually vote for them. But is "pagiging totoo" synonymous to not respecting others? Or paninira for that matter? I recall one conversation of Wendy with Mickey, when she said that Gee-ann is just using him and Bodie to get the public's interest. Because Gee-ann's doll, Pamela, wasn't a hit with the viewers. Tama ba yun?

And now Wendy is part of the BIG FOUR. And ABS-CBN's integrity and credibility is being questioned because of her. And I don't believe that she received enough votes for her to be part of the winning group. But what I do believe is that in one way or another, the results were rigged. Its just frustrating that after spending a lot on voting for your favorite housemate, you'll realize that in the end, it doesn't really matter. Because the stone has already been cast for the winner. And we all know who SHE is.

Best Wishes Jen!

We attended Jen and Jayson's wedding last Saturday at the historic Barasoain Church. Since Jen was the first to wed in our barkada, you can just imagine how happy and excited we were for her big day.

Two weeks before the wedding, we threw a bridal shower for her with an intimate dinner at Super Bowl with her sisters and close friends. Our theme for the gifts was "Pamper the Bride". So, we gave her all sorts of stuff that would make her feel comfortable before, during and after the wedding. I gave her cocoa butter lotion to prevent or at least minimize the stretch marks that may arise after giving birth and some spa goodies that she can use at home. Siyempre, dapat fabulous wife and mom ito! Haha. She also received a beautiful nightie from Rach, a Body Shop loot bag from Tet, a relaxing eye mask from Kat, and make-up from her sister, Cel.

On her wedding day, Jen was the perfect epitome of happiness and contentment. As she was walking down the aisle, I couldn't help but be emotional. I was soooooo happy for them both because I know that it is with each other that they found love, peace, happiness, and contentment.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Jayson and Jen! Here's to many many years of love, good health, success, and beautiful children! Cheers!

For more pictures, click here.

Simple Joys

After a long day at work and running errands after it, Jerome and I treated ourselves to a nice dinner at Burgoo. While waiting for our meal to arrive, we decided to unwind and have some fun by drawing on the white paper that served as our place mat, using the crayons provided by our waitress. Who would have thought that I snagged an artist for a boyfriend? *tee hee*

my name with my butterfly trademark

Jerome's very own version of Guyito (Inquirer's mascot)

Jerome's funky carabao

And of course, my favorite artwork of all. Aww.

In and Out of My Monday Blues

I started writing this yesterday and only had time to finish it today and post it here. Here's how my Monday went...

I woke up today with a bad case of the Monday Blues. For some unknown reason, waking up and dragging myself to the shower was especially difficult today. After 45 minutes of continually snoozing my alarm clock, I finally got up from bed, took a bath, got dressed, fan-dried my hair (wasn't in the mood to use the blow dryer), grabbed my baon and left the house. Finished everything in record time - 35 minutes! I had no choice if I wanted to make it to the last shuttle service to Makati. That's what I get for waking up late. *sigh*

Fortunately, I was able to make it to the last shuttle bound for Makati. I was one of the last passengers to ride the van. And seconds after getting inside, I was fighting the urge to ask the driver to stop so I could get out . . . kasi SOBRANG INIT! To make matters worse, I was squeezed between big men, all sweaty, while the passengers in front had the aircon vent all to themselves! Talk about consideration! Argh!

The good thing is, the ride to Makati only took 45 minutes. So I had the time to stop for coffee at McDonald's and allowed the caffeine to shake me out of my woes. After finishing my caffeine fix, I took a deep breath and felt that somehow I was ready to take on the day. Blues or no blues.

The day flew by quickly at work and I found myself slowly enjoying the day. I guess I do like my job and most especially, my officemates, who have become my friends in my almost two years of stay in our company. In between workloads, Miel and I exhanged stories about how our weekend went - me, attending Jen's wedding and her, attending the Food Expo and her family's Mall of Asia adventure. And as usual, being in the company of good friends made me feel a whole lot better. *smiles*

After work, I stopped by at Coffee Bean to do a little studying. I was sitted by the window and had the view of Ayala Avenue at night. Watching the cars go by and gazing at the tall buildings of Makati had a calming effect on me. I guess I also do enjoy working in Makati.

I went home at 8:30 pm. Had dinner, took a bath and prepared myself to go to bed. Ready to take on another day ahead.

Pursuing My Happiness

I have always been a people pleaser. I find it hard to say no to people, acquaintances and friends alike.

I have always been sensitive about other people’s feelings. I have been blessed with this gift of sensing discomfort, hurt or pain, in spite of a smile plastered on one’s face.

I have always been considerate of others. I would willingly set aside my comfort for another person’s solace.

I have always been unselfish. I would readily lend my ear to someone who needs to be listened to, extend a helping hand even without being asked, and allow others to feel that they can come to me for encouragement, support or consolation.

I have been like this ever since I can remember. Always considering others’ needs before my own.

But for once in my life, I allowed myself to think about “me” first. I allowed my emotions to sit in front row, and others’ feelings behind it. I let my happiness run wild and free.

And I am at my happiest right now. Because I know I did the right thing. Finally, I found the man I am going to marry. I found the man I am going to spend the rest of my life with.

But I know by doing this, I have hurt people along the way. . . people significant in my life. And with this, I am truly sorry. I never intended for this to transpire. It wasn’t planned or arranged. It just happened.

And my one and only wish is for people to be happy for me. Really, truly and sincerely happy.

For my friends who have stood by me through those trying times, thank you so much. I will forever be grateful for your unconditional love and support. Thank you for accepting and allowing me to run after my happiness.

For our families who have been witness to how our love story unfolded, thank you. Thank you for your words of advice and comfort. It is with you that we got our strength to continue with the rough roads ahead.

And to the man I love, thank you for coming into my life. You are the one God intended for me all along.

Advertising my Photo Blog

Hi, I uploaded more pictures in my photo blog showing my adventures with my cousins and Xerdan's balikbayan party. Kindly click here to view them.

Enjoy!

Money in Blogging

As I was browsing through Bananaspin's blog site, I came across the following thought-pondering statements:

"If you're addicted to blogging (as I am), read on"

Since I was beginning to get addicted to blogging, I read on.

"If you're in dire need of extra income (as I am), read on.

Who doesn't need extra income? Especially since I am saving up for my allowance for my US trip on December, I thought, hmm, this is interesting. So, I read some more.

"If you'd love to know how your addiction can turn into profit (as I am learning right now), read on."

You got me. I am hooked. Haha.

I learned that she came across this site called http://www.blogvertise.com/ where one can turn blogging into extra money. So, I decided to browse the site myself. I read that their blogvertise service work by assigning writing tasks to their registered bloggers, and upon approval, these online journal writers get paid for it!

Did I get you thinking too? For more info, you can visit them at http://www.blogvertise.com/

Xerdan's Balikbayan Party/College Barkada Reunion

My college days are so far, the best years of my life. Thanks to twelve great friends who made those years memorable and special. If not for my college barkada, I wouldn't have been able to go through the hardships a U.P. education entails - the endless sleepless nights cramming for exams, doing tons of lab reports, rushing from Pedro Gil to Padre Faura to attend classes, recitations in Juris, problem sets in Phy Chem, defense in Pharm Chem 27, product presentation in IP (best in product presentation, ahem ahem), extended hours in the lab, removals, finishing our thesis . . . and the list goes on.

And worth mentioning of course is the fun that comes with all of it - coffee at Starbucks and San Francisco Coffee, malling at Robinson's Manila, drinking sprees at New York Shop and Surf's Up (kahit may klase a few hours after), more drinking at our condo (na ang pulutan ay Argentina corned beef hot and spicy at R.Lapid's chicharon), late-night kwentuhan at the balcony of our condo while gazing at the numerous buildings of Manila and eating pancit canton, tambay sa secret society (don't ask where and why it is called as such, mahabang storya) at marami pang iba.

As we graduated from College and entered the world of office attires, neck ties and high heels, we saw less and less of each other. Meeting up became difficult, as some had 8-5 jobs, while others worked the graveyard shifts. Some migrated to different provinces and countries for greener pasture, while the rest stayed here in Manila.

So when I learned that Xerdan, our friend who migrated to the U.S., will be coming home for a visit, I was super excited for two reasons: 1) will be seeing Xerdan again after 5 long years and 2) it was the perfect opportunity for the whole barkada to meet up again. :-)

And I wasn't disappointed. The night that we all met up again was filled with fun, booze and laughter. Just like the good ol' days. *smiles*

We all met up at Coffee Bean in Greenbelt 3. Xerdan was 1 hour and 45 minutes late! Hindi na yata sanay sa traffic sa Pinas. Halos himatayin na kami sa gutom. Pero siyempre smile pa rin sa picture. Hehe.

Xerdan being a Kapampangan, we thought Ebun would be a nice choice for dinner. We ordered plates of crispy pata, ox tail kare-kare, sizzling tofu, lechon manok and pinakbet kapampangan. Yum, yum!


After dinner, we headed to Absinth for some more bonding (and pictures!) amidst rounds of lanffreys, San Mig Lights and hookah.


Thanks Xerdan, Rach, Ja, Miel, Chit, Gail, Tet, Hubert, Oliver and Susan for a super fun-filled night that we had! Hope we can do this again soon! Muah!

For more pictures, click here.

How Happy Are You, Really?

I took this quiz at www.blogthings.com and I couldn't be happier with the results. Hehe.

You Are Very Happy

Your life is totally together, and you enjoy every day. And you don't need a quiz to tell you that! You know how to find pleasure in the little things... And even when life isn't so great, you have a good sense of perspective.

Crazy Jumping Pictures

Our family, aside from being food lovers, also love taking pictures. Family gatherings and vacations are never the same without the traditional "picture picture" or "kodakan", as my lola would say.

So as expected, during my cousins' stay here in Manila, we took over a hundred crazy photos. And of all the photo shoots that we did, we had a lot of fun doing the "jumping series". It basically consisted of us jumping and trying to be air-borne as the camera clicked. Every shot was always followed with shrieks of laughter, teasing and shouts of "isa pa!". Never mind if we were in the middle of Enchanted Kingdom or at the viewing deck of Leslie's. Kiber. We were having the time of our lives as we jumped and jumped to our heart's content. *smiles*

Jumping at Enchanted Kingdom...

Jumping at Leslie's, Tagaytay...

Adventures with my Cousins - Part I

My cousins from Cebu, Fritz and Nicole, and her boyfriend Eric are in Manila right now for a two-week vacation. And this means only one thing: non-stop gimiks and fun! When I first learned that they were coming for a visit, I was uber excited. I haven't seen Nicole for two years, while my last encounter with Fritz was eight years ago! He was barely in his teens then, and now he's 20! How time flies. . . tumatanda na ako. Haha.

So now that the cousins are reunited (and finally met Eric, who is a nice guy and perfect for my cousin), we made a mad dash to the "tourist spots" of Manila, Cavite and Laguna for that perfect cousin bonding.

First stop: Rizal Park, Rajah Sulayman Park and Baywalk. What better way to start our sight-seeing by paying a visit to our national hero, Jose Rizal? I know, you may think na ang corny ko naman para dalhinsila sa Luneta. But since they haven't been to Luneta and it was Eric's first time to visit Manila, I couldn't pass up the chance to let them experience the real feel of the city. Jologs na kung jologs. Hehe. So, there we had our first photo op with Rizal at the background.

Before going to Baywalk, we made a detour to Rajah Sulayman Park in Remedios St. Took more photos there with Rajah Sulayman's monument in the background.

Finally, we went to Baywalk for some rounds of beer, pulutan and kwentuhan. We stayed at the Anthology Bar area. They had cool native beds, instead of tables and chairs. Very similar to Fuzion in Greenbelt. While drinking beer and eating cheese sticks and nachos, we were able to catch up on each others' lives and reminisce about the times when we would all spend summer together in Cebu or here in Manila. Sigh, it was just great to spend time with them again.






Second stop: Enchanted Kingdom. The next day, we went to Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna (see, we didn't waste any time. ) After weeks of pressure and tons of workload in the office, I was just too happy to kick back, relax and have some kiddie fun for a change. =)

Third stop: Tagaytay. The whole family went to Tagaytay to treat our cousins and Eric to some more sight-seeing (and more photo shoots). It was the perfect afternoon to go to Tagaytay as it was sunny but not too hot at the same time. During the trip, we were all in high spirits. Maybe because it was nice to spend some quality time with the family. Even the grueling Tagaytay traffic could not dampen our mood. Finally arriving in Tagaytay, we decided to go to Leslie's for good food and a good view of the Taal. And us being an "eating family", we ordered their lunch feast for ten persons. . . never mind that it was 4:00 in the afternoon or that we just had lunch before leaving the house. Lafang kung lafang. Haha. So for me, goodbye to my no-rice diet, as we ate crispy pata, calamares, pinakbet, chicken barbecue and of course, Leslie's specialty, bulalo. Take note, I couldn't resist the bone marrow, and had to even ask Jerome for more!Argh!

Fourth stop: Glorietta, Landmark, Greenbelt and Greenhills. Yan ang tinatawag na mall tour. Hehe. Since my tito and tita needed to look at some paintings in Makati for their new home, we decided to go with them. We just walked through the malls of Makati, then after that, headed to Greenhills for some real shopping. We poured over rows and rows of bags, shoes, t-shirts, blouses, jeans, skirts, accessories and other kikay stuff. After hours of walking through the stalls of Greenhills, I only went home with one kikay necklace. Ang hirap talaga ng walang pera. Haha.

To be continued...