Priceless!

"Hindi ko akalain makakapunta ako dito."


A seemingly simple remark from my dad as we were walking on our way to Macau immigration.

My dad traveled before to local trips and Asian trips for work, but I guess none for pleasure yet.


The statement struck me.


I have been a wanderer ever since I could afford it. Researching places to see, planning where to go next, waiting for a sale ticket thrill me!

I usually travel with long time friends but not often with my family. I believe the farthest we've been is somewhere in Pangasinan and the other one is our trip to our parents' hometown in Mindoro.


Well, a few years ago, we started to plan on having a family out-of-town/country trip, but we only got as far as Nasugbu. hihi.


Last year was different though, by some excited spirit, we booked a trip to HK. :) However, since there are financial constraints, only my parents and I were able to book.


Both of my parents do not have a valid passport yet. Daddy's passport was expired, Mommy doesn't own one yet.


By God's grace, we got the passport 5 days before the trip!


Three first-timers went off to HK, hopped to Macau and back to HK.


Usually, in my travels, I am in awe with building structures, with the people and their way of life, the technology.


This time was different though.

I was in awe by the happiness that my parents felt.


I was in awe by their strength - my feet almost gave up on me, they continue to walk amidst the cold weather.


I was in awe by my dad's skill in direction - we "argued" on which way to go, me -carrying a map, my dad - basing on previously traveled path. He was right most of the time!


I was in awe by my mom's posing skill - she was our model. Pose...shoot...here.... pose...shoot...there.


The famous city light of Hongkong at night was great, but the sparkle in my parents eyes as they travel together was even greater.

Hongkong's Symphony of Lights

Daddy and Mommy at Stanley, Hongkong

The Ruins still standing after how many years was a big statement, however, seeing my parents happily live their lives together even after 31 years is a bigger statement.

Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, Macau

happy parents in Macau :D

The richness of Macau was spelled all over Venetian Hotel, my parents holding hands, hugging each other, being each other's "warmer" is even richer (in terms of love, thoughtfulness, etc).

Venetian Hotel

Mommy and Daddy at Venetian Hotel

The Ocean Park is definitely an amazing theme park, yet my parents, seemingly having the time of their lives as seen on their faces, is even more AMAZING!

Ocean Park Entrance

Daddy and Mommy enjoying The Rapids

I love this trip! It reminded me how blessed I am to have great parents. And it reminded me more that these great people deserve great vacations!



Thank you Lord for this!

This will be the first of many more trips...


And for sure, every trip will be...


...PRICELESS.

Up Above

Lately, I get to travel around the Philippines for a day to conduct trainings with our clients. It is exhausting but it makes me happy as well as I get to see the beauty that our provinces has to offer. I get to experience living their world even just for a few hours- commuting to from hotel to a mall/restaurant, trying their native dishes. I get to mingle with people from the region. Generally, I find that people from the provinces are happy people. They excude an aura of vibrant energy.

The last trip I had was last Monday bound for CDO. God is sooo good, I got the following surprises:
a.) VP Binay in the same plane as I was and was just seating in a row in front of me (I was too late to realize this though, after people went gaga over him (shaking hands with him, taking pictures of him)
b.) in both flights I was booked for an aisle seat, but fortunately the seats in the row that I was in were not occupied, I got to transfer to my favorite - a window seat!

And lastly, I've been able to do my ritual every time I ride a plane - taking photos of clouds. :) To top it off, I got pictures of sunset, miles above sea level! How cool and refreshing is that! :)

They say it's lonely at the top, well I guess I won't ever experience that...

this and the sunset pics below are more splendid behind the lens :)

...  if I get to see the beauty the above world could offer... hehe :)

Ahh, Sugbo!

It was a last minute decision.

I drove from work, get my things (already packed in case I decided to go) and headed to the airport.

At last! This is my first local vacation trip ALONE.

...But my first ever trip without itinerary and only a few bucks to spare. What I am sure of is that I already have a place to stay.

This has been the most laid back vacation ever - sleeping early, waking up late, not knowing where to go, having few minutes to check work and say hello to friends back in manila. However, I've got loads of lessons and childhood stories to keep.

I may not be able to put them in detail, but here are a few pictures to describe my trip. :)

DAY 1:

Magellan's Cross, UP Cebu, Marco Polo, Taoist Temple, Sto Nino Church, Colon Market

 DAY 2:

Sutukil, Lapu-lapu Shrine, TOP

DAY 3:

Kawasan Falls, Sinulog, Sto Tomas de Villanueva Church

I came like a thief in the night and left like someone who is leaving a lover. (singing "...I’ll say good bye for the two of us, tonight while you sleep...")


I hope to be back, the next one - more time and more places to visit. 


But for now, DAGHANG SALAMAT CEBU! :)

 

taal in its usual greatness

I've been wanting to visit Tagaytay for the longest time just to see the beauty God has created - Taal!
I know that if I get to be here, I'll instantly feel relaxed and be able to throw away all the stress and worries felt for the past few months!

Finally, I'm here!

Bonus part is that my friend and I got to stay at Bo's coffee (found by accident) with a perfect view of Taal. Quiet, relaxing, breathtaking view. :) The picturesque Taal enclosed in the seemingly calm body of water is perfect to make me shift to a lighter mood.

I am again reminded of God's love - majestic, steady, deep and perfect!

Thank you Lord!