Memories are forever

So many things happened in the last quarter of my 2013 and I regret not writing them soon. :( In a snap or two, here and there, a lot of things had happened but either I was too busy or just lazy thats why I never got the chance to share them all here.

In this case, Id like to just share some of the most exciting events I have had from August to December of last year. So please bear with me. :)

We planned this trip way before for a long weekend in August. We went to the queen city of the South (Cebu City), one of my favorite cities down south for a mini vacation with some of my good friends. Thank heavens to the Solera family who welcomed us in their home, we saved our pennies allotted for accommodation. hihi We went to Bantayan Island where we originally planned of going to. The weather may not have cooperated that well with us during our stay but we surely had a blast on the island. What I loved most about Bantayan was its laid back atmosphere. We rented Japanese bicycles and toured around the island on our own. We visited the 'School of the Sea' where I learned a lot of ideas on recycling and information, education campaign. I got to meet THE Atty. Oposa and did some volunteer works. In a span of 2 hours, a lot has had changed in my view of advocacy. Truly one for the books. When we went back to the mainland, I met with my brother who is based in Cebu and also with my high school bff, Tin, whom I havent seen in years. We were screaming while hugging each other like crazy. haha We visited the southern part of Cebu and stopped over Carcar, a place known for its lechon (absolutely perfect lechon). Of course our trip wouldn't be complete without Cebu's staple food. We had lunch (picnic style) at a nearby park and went to a ranch afterwards. We had horse back riding, got connected with mother nature again. I'd say fun is an understatement. The whole trip was awesome! Can't wait for my next Cebu adventure. 

Kring's baby shower. Man, time flies real fast! I couldn't even fathom the idea that all my childhood bffs now have kids and soon enough, our topic of discussion would not be all about 'guys' anymore but more on babies/kids and family. haha This has got to be one of the happiest and most fulfilling times Ive had with them. They are a part of me. They are already a family to me. I love you friends and Im absolutely happy to be part of your journey. Cheers! 

To those who dont know yet, our barkada consists of 4 members and we've been friends since our elementary days. Three of us (Me, Kring and Maiko) are based in Manila while Leizel is left in our hometown, Cagayan de Oro. We've always wished for her to come visit us but it was difficult because of work and schedule. But truly, God works in mysterious ways. Her sister needed to go to Manila for the US VISA processing and Leizel was asked by their dad to accompany her sister. And so our mini reunion happened! :)

This was also a memorable one because I got to spend a day with Paul's nanay as we attended a wedding at Shang-rila Makati. And another day spent with his parents. I got so kilig! Im so happy to have spent quality time with them. It was priceless. Oh and the food were great too!

And then this. The moment I saw these photos from Leo's facebook, I couldnt keep myself from tearing up. Leo and Kring's little bundle of joy. I was very very happy Kring delivered baby Rocco safely, that both of them are safe and healthy. 

So there, the most unforgettable moments of (my 4th quarter) 2013. I feel like I owe myself a lot of stories so here they are. This year, I wish to create more memorable, happy moments with my loved ones and try to write them all here. In the years to come, I may read them again and be reminded of how lucky I am to have experienced such wonderful times with the people I cherish and love most.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Be happy always! :)

xo

P.S. Hello Monday, Im ready for you. haha

What holidays are made of

Ola! Wow! Sorry for my absence of late. I almost, almost give up on blogging again. Ive been mia for a few months and now I'm back, inspired on writing about whats going on with my life. Ive been wanting to write sooner but capital sin sloth hit me again. I had to strike back at it. Ive had to.

Im back! Im alive! :)) I feel like I owe my page a lot of posts. Now lets start with the highlights of my December. Of course its my favorite month because I get to home to my family for the long holiday vacation, reunite with old friends, get acquainted with new ones, and spend quality time with my family (extended family included).  Amidst all the crazy here and there Christmas rush, I say I had a blast.

Here with my mama, siblings and my lolo (grandpa).

With my 3 year old niece, Isabelle. Too cute not to mention heavy. haha

 Treated my cousins to one of my favorite restos in town. I heart Mexican food :)

To those who know me by heart, I am not a kitchen person. But Christmas is the best time for me to take charge of the kitchen. To learn what Im weak at. Chicken rosemary is one of my favorite dishes and I really did give my 105% for this recipe. Thanks to my friends and youtube, I made my mama proud! Haha! Look ma! :p Giving myself a lil pat on the back for this one.

Kids, kids. I miss them everyday. Spending more time with these kiddos back at home. Coz man, they grow up so fast.

Of course an annual gathering with my special friends back home. The marines. :)

Seafood is happiness! And I mean 'cheap' seafood at its best.

Someone misses driving! Spending time with this man back in our hometown. He was so happy to be home again after a year, even just for a short period. Reunited with his family and bella (this car).

In awe at all the fireworks on NYE. Goosebumps.

Spending quality time with this man, back at our hometown, with his family and mine. :)

Kulitan with these boys. The two little ones were so happy to see their kuya/uncle once again, which only happens every December. Imagine the lambingan. haha

Priceless. :)

Jollibee and kids. I cant explain the madness children could turn into when they see this giant bee. LOL

The magical place that is Divine Mercy hills. Grateful. Always.

Ladies and gentlemen, my family. The reason of my happiness and my existence. Ultimately, ma famille est ma vie. 


So there goes the summary of how half of my December went. Well more of how my holidays went. I hope you all enjoyed your vacation and your time with your loved ones.

P.S. All photos were taken using my phone.

Father's day in heaven

Fiona Apple's 'Never is a Promise' is currently playing but this is not just about the song's sad lines. Its tune and rhythm pinched me, scraping my other side.  Warning: this post post is a little sentimental. Well anyway, Paul's father was in town last Wednesday and arranged a dinner for the 3 of us. It's also a sort of advanced celebration for father's day. It was a fine, lovely dinner at one of our favorite restaurants nearby, which is another story to blog. We went home with laughter  and tummies full, but the thoughts we discussed over dinner simply seeped in. The feeling of having a father. The chance of conversing with someone, a father figure, discussing real stuff. That's where it all started.

It's one of those days when I badly miss my father. But no wishing or dreaming could bring him back to life now. And I know he's happier where he is now. He is now in a real peaceful world watching over me and my family. Although I always miss him everyday in every corner of my life. He used to tell us lovely stories, jokes, lessons and anything under the sun. He was my confidante, my music teacher, my rock, my best friend, my inspiration, my loving father. I miss him now. I'll still miss him tomorrow. Everyday.

It was and still not easy. Seven years without him is painful yet to completely move on. I have fond memories of my father that until now, I cry buckets whenever I remember them. He was a cool and very generous and kind man, my family couldn't ask for more. He may not be perfect but he was a genuine man to everybody. He showed the world to us (his children), taught us to never give up on our dreams and to be humble in whatever circumstance. I am who I am now because of him. He taught me life's big lessons. The words "dont look at today as today lang, decide and plan ahead for your future," will forever be stuck in my head. He let me discover things on my own, to be responsible of my own actions. And most of all he taught me to love unconditionally.

One time, he told told us that when something good or bad happens, it happens for a reason. And yes, Now I have slowly realized the reasons why you needed to go so soon. Thank you for everything, Pa. I hope you know how grateful I am to be your daughter. I love you very very much and I hope you could read this.

Happy father's day! Sending you lotsa love kisses and hugs! Rock on!

My late father in his teens. He's rockin' the heavens now for sure. =)