What Mama Has to Say...
I wouldn't pass this opportunity to blog about our family vacation at Baguio City, while my memory still serves me right. These 4 days with hubby and the Princess were truly wonderful. Read on...Day 1
We left Manila at a quarter before 7 in the morning. Driving on the new North Luzon Tollway was a breeze. The increase in the toll fare was definitely worth it. We enjoyed the drive mostly due to the Princess's endless chatter. Slightly delayed by a minor incident (read: the Princess threw up due to motion sickness), we finally made it to the City of Pines at past 12 noon. Before checking in at our rented apartelle, we had lunch first at the Session Road at some forgettable Chinese restaurant.
After lunch, we met up with a relative who accompanied us to Brentwood Apartelle, our home for the next 4 days. We got a one-bedroom unit with a complete kitchen and hot and cold bath for a very affordable price of 1,300 pesos per day. Not bad eh? After unpacking our stuff from the car, we rested for a while then headed to the Baguio City Market to shop for our dinner and visited the Pink Sisters Convent. And soon enough, picture-taking started!
Dinner was made by hubby--he accidentally burnt the rice but he compensated for it with his really yummy sauteed vegetables (brocolli, chicharo, mushroom, young corn, tomatoes and onion). Hubby isn't a veggie-eater by nature, but being in Baguio made him one. Boy am I so proud of him! All three of us slept promptly right after dinner, to reserve our energies for the next day's activities.
Day 2
I woke up to the noise coming from the kitchen, as hubby was busily preparing breakfast of Vigan longganisa and fried rice. I, on the other hand, was the resident yaya and had to prepare the Princess's things for the day. As expected, the little princess was having a splendid time sleeping in the very cool weather, that we had to forcefully wake her up (on her first trip to Baguio 2 years ago, she slept for more than 12 hours straight!)
Our first stop for the day was The Mansion. We took pictures at the usual spots, and while doing that, we saw the Presidential convoy preparing to drive out of the compound. I even saw the presidential car (plate number 1) and thought it was the President and got my camera ready, but we found out a bit later that the President wasn't due till after lunch and the convoy was to pick her up from the airport. We took our time walking and taking pictures around the park outside the Mansion. It wasn't too crowded and we were able to enjoy the sights. We then proceeded next to the Mines View Park where we snacked on banana cue and grilled corn, and bought some pasalubong for our yayas left back home. We also made a stop over, supposedly, at the Good Shepherd Convent, but ended up staying a bit longer for more photo opportunitites.
Next stop was at the Camp John Hay, which happens to be my favorite "pasyalan" spot in Baguio City. The camp has improved a lot since the last time I went there 2 years ago. It's cleaner now, with newer tourist facilities and it's much like the CJH of the old days (when the Americans still managed it). We first stopped for snack # 2 at the Choco-l'ate de Batirol, where hubby and I had a cup each of our much-anticipated native chocolate (their specialty) and a stick of barbecue (sarap din ito!) for the princess. Then we roamed around the Historical Cove. The tour includes the Ampitheater (one of my favorite places in the camp) and a tour of the General's Quarters (this area was just recently opened to the public). The General's Quarters is old but very well maintained, and contained well chosen furniture. The house was just huge, it was like a living maze. The balcony surrounds the whole house, that you can actually access the balcony from each room of the house. One could really surmise that the Generals who used to be stationed here lived a really good and comfortable life. Hubby says the rooms are a bit eerie though, but personally, if I'd be given a chance to stay in this house for free, I won't really mind. We took more pictures around the ampitheater, with its beautiful garden then had late lunch at Dencio's at the Mile Hi Center.
Our next and last stop for the day was at the Philippine Military Academy. This place wasn't crowded too. We took our time taking pictures and viewing the majestic landscapes. The Princess enjoyed her time climbing stairs and running around the gardens. It was almost nightfall when we headed back home, where, again we had home-cooked dinner of vegetables and longganisa.
Day 3
We decided to spend our last full day (and Good Friday) in the city by visiting churches and other religious sites. However, we first drove up farther north to the Green Valley area and to the Radar area. Hubby wanted to reach the radar itself (the highest point in the city) but chickened out because the road condition wasn't too good, and besides, he wasn't sure if Vito can drive through that. Afterwards, we made a quick visit to the Burnham park, just to see if there was anything new, and had lunch (for free) at a relative's place.
We spent the afternoon visiting the Lourdes Grotto, the Baguio Cathedral and St. Joseph's Church. They were all full of people doing the vigil for the Stations of the Cross. Despite the supposedly solemn and quiet observance of Good Friday, the city looked very busy that day. Hubby wouldn't let the trip end without taking the Princess for horse-back riding. It took him weeks to convince her actually. The Princess kept saying that she doesn't want to ride a horse. So hubby was left with no option but, "Idaan na lang sa bilis". And true enough, she didn't have the chance to complain anymore. And what do you know, she actually enjoyed the ride (unmindful of the poo-smell), nagpakipot lang pala. Hubby craved for Bibingka late in the afternoon, so we went back to CJH at the Choco-l'ate de Batirol. He was really intent on having his Bibingka even if we had to wait for almost an hour for our order. Meanwhile, we enjoyed sipping our freshly made native chocolate drinks and just enjoyed the cool breeze blowing on our faces.
So as not to disappoint the Princess, who looked forward to the Baguio trip because we promised her we'd go to SM, we spent our last evening of our vacation at SM City Baguio. Praises to Henry Sy!!! The mall is just amazing! One won't even notice that it's standing on a hill, with its seemingly solid structure. Its open-air design provides the mall with natural airconditioning. It was particulary cold that evening, that we finally were able to put on our jackets. We bought some silver jewelry at Ibay's and then had our dinner at Sizzling Plate. By this time, I was already feeling sad that our vacation was almost ending.
Day 4
As we were already leaving for Manila, we just spent the whole morning packing our stuff. We were stunned at how our bags have multiplied in just a few days, for we were bringing home loads of vegetables, strawberries and other native Baguio goodies, and of course, dirty and even wet laundry.
We chose to have our last meal at Choco-l'ate de Batirol. We initially ordered just the barbecue and a plate of sisig. However, one of the servers there convinced hubby to buy a bottle of "taba ng talangka". Bad decision--I ended up eating more than 1 cup of rice. I know I should still be doing sacrifice as it's not yet Easter, but I'm just human, what can I do. Hiks hiks hiks....
The drive back to Manila was just as smooth. We made a quick stop over to my family's house in QC to hand them our pasalubongs, then we finally reached home late in the evening.
I tremendously enjoyed every minute of our simple yet fun vacation. Having spent 4 quality days with my hubby and the Princess was worth all the trouble and all the exhaustion. Actually, I didn't mind it, not at all. This is one vacation that will forever remain in my fondest memories. I am smiling now, just thinking about it.
For more pictures, proceed here (albums G, H, I, J and K). Notice that hubby and I don't have a lot of shots together. Hindi pa kasi marunong mag-camera si Princess, and we also forgot to bring our tripod ;)
that's what Mama said at 10:06 PM
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Yes, I'm back from my long holiday leave. It was tiring, and yet, so much fun. I will write more about this later as work beckons. But let me tell you now that my Princess has started with play school yesterday! And she's having a terrific time. She doesn't even want to come home after school. Heehee. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday break! Happy Easter!
that's what Mama said at 1:14 PM
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We're all packed and raring to go up north to one of my favorite vacation places. Hmmmm....I can almost smell the pine scent!
Baguio City here we come!!!
Will catch up with you soon, people. I'm outta here...
that's what Mama said at 3:35 PM
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SATURDAY
I haven't been to a graduation ceremony in a very long time. After the traffic and the difficulty to find a parking slot, I made it just in time for my brother's turn to be called on stage to receive his diploma. And I must say it's so touching to be right there, to witness my "first" baby's rite of passage into the "real world".
Pictures here taken after the rites and during dinner at Blue Bay.
SUNDAY
While the rest of the country is glued on their TV sets watching Pacquiao's fight (won't bother with the sad details), I, together with hubby, the Princess, the hubby's cousin and his wife, and our couple-friend from Belgium were on a road trip east of Manila.
Marikina City
First stop was the Marikina Riverbanks Mall to see the World's Largest Pair of Shoes. It was big alright...And made of real leather! We excitedly took turns having our pictures taken with a Guinness record holder. Then we realised our tourist-friends from Belgium didn't bother at all. It became so obvious right away how Pinoy we are--how we'd pose for pictures at every opportunity--hahaha, you'll find out more later. I was disappointed though not to see too many choices in the shoe stores. I think we had to go to the town proper for that. But nobody among us knew how to, so we just decided to roam around for a while around the mall. Then after buying a couple of stuff at Mossimo (on sale!) we decided to head up to Antipolo.
Vieux Chalet
We took the road that goes to Hinulugang Taktak, and in some obscure little village there, we found this old and charming Swiss restaurant. It's actually a residence of a Swiss and his Filipina wife, the living and balcony areas of which were converted into a dining area for guests. The food is pricey (for example, almost 400 pesos for a bowl of soup for 3 persons), but very deliciously cooked--Smoked Salmon with bread, Vegetable Soup, Fresh Salad with vinaigrette (excellent), Fettuccine Padilla, Fish Fillet with white wine sauce (recommended!), and Smoked Pork Chop with cream sauce. Our Belgian guests commented that it came very close to how Swiss food really tastes like. As an added treat, the house had some interesting and quaint ornaments for one's viewing pleasure, as well as a lovely top-view of the city. It was a truly beautiful way of spending Sunday lunch--warm conversations, good food and a serene ambiance.
Pinto Art Gallery
We spent the rest of the afternoon discovering this beautiful place. Aside from the gallery itself, the place had other surprises in store. For 20 pesos per person, we were allowed to roam around the private property behind the gallery. There we found an antique house, a little chapel and endless sprawling gardens with a pool, lots of trees, ponds and a cozy little hut. This is where Julius Babao and Christine Bersola had their wedding reception (although we were told that it's not really a venue for rent, but Julius is a friend of the owner of the property). We were totally astounded with the beauty of the place. And of course, that meant more photo opportunities for us!!!
Before heading home, we made a side-trip to the famous Antipolo Church and bought pasalubong for people back home.
Sundays would normally mean rest days for our family, but we didn't regret having spent this particular Sunday on this road trip. Though tiring, we enjoyed every bit of it. And it feels good to know that there are still a lot of beautiful places to be discovered in our country, and that we don't even have to go very far.
that's what Mama said at 1:27 PM
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With all the bad news that's plaguing our country in the past days--the jailbreak in Camp Bagong Diwa, the food poisoning in Bohol and Tarlac, and the typhoon in the South (among others)--I think we need a respite...Go Manny Pacquiao! The whole country is rooting and praying for you!!!
that's what Mama said at 2:28 PM
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that's what Mama said at 10:59 AM
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I just received an advanced Birthday and Wedding Anniversary gift from hubby. Check IT out!
There's a brief of history behind this gift...
As some of you may know, I'm one blogger who doesn't own a digital camera. That's why a lot of the pictures you see here are old. Or else, I just get the pictures from other people.
Both hubby and I used to be convinced that analog cameras are better over digital cameras--for reasons such as picture quality and the element of suspense that comes with waiting for the film to be developed. We didn't see the need for purchasing a digital camera...But as for me, I started to feel it's necessity when I started blogging. As for hubby, he started to feel embarassed bringing out our Nikon analog camera during parties when everybody else have digital cameras. Talk about peer pressure.
Last Saturday, we happened to look around the BPI Appliance Installment Madness at Glorietta, and there we found the right one for us. But we didn't want to be the impulsive buyers that we sometimes are, so we decided to wait and weigh it out. We have other obligations (car amortization, insurance premiums) to think about and there's always the fear of "not having enough left for the future". And as much as I really want to have one, I don't want to put the pressure on hubby. After all, I have lived and can definitely live without owning one and again, as I've mentioned before, I'm not a high-maintenance kind of girl.
Days passed and we never really talked about it. We'd just kid each other about it from time to time (O may digicam na ba tayo pagpunta sa Baguio next week?!?!).
I was holed up in training for the past 2 days and seldom heard from him during the day. He mentioned going to Glorietta again yesterday to "look" at the camera--but he said it was out of stock already and would only be available on friday. Ok, I thought to myself, maybe he's still thinking about it. On our way home, he was smiling a lot and acting weird and saying funny stuff like, "Ang swerte swerte mo talaga sakin (kapal noh!)". Actually, to miss badminton on a Tuesday night was strange already--but he said he had a headache. Although I had a hunch already that something was up, I don't want to preempt him and I don't want to assume anything. Besides, I love surprises. heehee.
And so finally, when we reached home, he made me close my eyes (uto-uto) and handed me a Sony sports bag, with my gift inside, my new Sony Cybershot Digicam!!! Yahoo!
And the proud papa had to play with it first...So sorry, no sample pictures yet. We'll break it in on Sunday on a trip to Antipolo and will definitely use it to the max on our trip to Baguio during the Holy Week.
Happy Birthday to me!
that's what Mama said at 9:52 AM
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I'm back from a 3-day "forced" medical leave. The clinic that performed our annual P.E. had a finding and recommended that I go on leave until further examined by the specialist who deals with the disease that they suspect I have. Ok, as a background, I did have that disease and was treated 8 YEARS AGO. But that disease, despite being treated, leaves a permanent mark (kinda like a scar from a bruise). So I figured, that is actually what they saw. But as company policy goes--no clearance, no work. I spent the last couple of days trying to do "mama and wifey" stuff at home. I cooked some meals. I played a lot with my daughter and took walks with her. It was fun while it lasted. At the same time, I was worried as well about the possibility of being sick again. Though I don't feel sick, there's a possiblity that I have it, but it wasn't just symptomatic. So to put a conclusion to this story, this morning, the specialist gave me a medical clearance and found me to be FIT TO WORK. I can't be any happier (had I been positively sick, I would have gone a month-long leave--where the heck would I get those leave days?!?!). And hubby was as happy with the news that he had to give me a peck in the middle of the waiting area of the clinic. Heehee.Thank God! And thanks to my prayer brigade--my hubby, my family (especially my mom who, despite our usual differences, has always prayed for my health and safety) and my friends. Have a good weekend everyone!
that's what Mama said at 2:00 PM
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March 8 is a special day for me. This particular day of the year always gets me all hyped up and excited, and at the same time, it also makes me relive memories of the past year. WHY?!?!A month from now, I'll be celebrating my 31st birthday!!! Okay, now that gives you guys a month to prepare your greetings and gifts :D Yahoo!
that's what Mama said at 9:19 AM
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Read THIS first.Friday night in 19 East, after Pido with Take One managed to put me into an incurable drowsiness, hubby and I decided to take a stroll and view that oh-so-good-looking Porsche in the parking area. But before we managed to do that, my eyes were diverted to another oh-so-good-looking sight. Let's call him Crush #2.
Let me describe him to you. He was wearing a cute cap, a cute football shirt, cute pair of short pants...well, I actually didn't bother checking the rest of him because his face was THAT handsome, it just captivated me. Kikay Jojo immediately put on a sweet smile (and twinkling eyes to match). My right hand automatically made its way to meet his when we were introduced. My smile didn't fade for even a second. And gad, that smile of his, it's so infectious. It makes him much more adorable and charming--I wish I could just squeeze him tightly right there and then.
You might be wondering by now where hubby was all this time....He was just right there beside me when all these was happening. Crush #2 is another one of hubby's highschool friends, who we incidentally bumped into that night. And girls, this one is SINGLE and very much AVAILABLE. And on our way back to our friends after our quick chat with him, I couldn't help but scream silently in delight, "Bebeh ang gwapo naman nun!!!". I couldn't stop raving about him for the rest of the night. As for hubby, he acknowledged and accepted defeat that night. Heehee.
It was Crush #2, not the Porsche, and definitely not Pido who made my night that night. Oh such a sweet memory!Tama na ang kahibangan, baka tadyakan na ako ni Hubby! Heeheehee.
that's what Mama said at 9:18 AM
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It's a Friday, and people usually get crazy here in the office. Here are a few photos we took just a few minutes ago:
Julie's and Hevn's Pretty Mommas
Hot Mommas in Action (naghaharutan, as useless!)
With me is my dear friend Larah, who also happens to be an officemate and one of the Princess's ninangs. And we just thought it would be nice to have pictures in our colorful (and yummy) outfits today.
that's what Mama said at 4:42 PM
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It's only now when I have "matured" that I get to appreciate the beauty of the words written into songs. When I was younger, I only liked songs for their melodies, that's why I didn't fancy rock music due to the lack of it--but later on realized that there's so much poetry in rock songs.
A few days ago, I heard "Paglisan" by Color It Red over the radio (after a long time). I was so taken and amazed at the same time with the exquisite words in this song--words that have formed this beautiful poetry, which I will share here:
Kung ang buhay ay isang umagang nakangiti
At ikaw ay ang lupang sinusuyo ng bituin
Di mo man silip ang langit
Di mo man silip ito'y nandirito pa rin
Kung ang lahat ay may katapusan
Itong paglalakbay ay makakarating din sa paroroonan
At sa `yong paglisan Ang tanging pabaon ko
Ay pag-ibig
Hmmm
Sa pagbuhos ng ulan Sa haplos ng hangin
Alaala mo ay nakaukit sa pisngi ng langit
Di man umihip ang hangin ahhh
Di man umihip ika'y nandirito pa rin
Kung ang lahat ay may katapusan
Itong paglalakbay ay makakarating din sa paroroonan
At sa `yong paglisan Ang tanging pabaon ko
Ay pag-ibig
Ay pag-ibig
Ay pag-ibig
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
To complement the beautiful words, this song also has a sweet enchanting melody.
P.S. U2 and Sting are two more artists whose poetry I truly admire.
P.S. Ayuz! Naka-lusot ako ng 1 post na may lyrics :P
that's what Mama said at 1:10 PM
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Yes, you haven't been mistaken. You're looking at my blog, with its new, soft yet mature look.I wish to give credit to my dear friend Tin for making this happen (for all the late night and for putting up with my whims). Dear, I am truly very happy (redundant na yung adjectives ko ha!) with how it turned out. Thanks a bunch!If you would notice, the posts on the main page is limited to two. So if you want to view my older posts, please just go to the Archives link. I also would probably need to fill up the bottom parts with more information links. Welcome and enjoy your stay!
that's what Mama said at 9:54 AM
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