an early summer in bohol

Had an early summer in the lovely, laid-back province of Bohol.

We first of all visited family. 

We stuffed ourselves with food.

What was special about the food during our trip was that it was mostly fresh seafood.  Freshly-caught fish, prawns and squid taste so much better than the store-bought frozen variety.


We also went beach-hopping.

When we think of nice, white sand beaches in the Philippines, we often think of Boracay.  But I was delightfully surprised to learn that there are so many white sand beaches in the island of Panglao.

The sand is pale and fine, like polvoron.

We went to see the historical sites ...

Above: The Sandugo Monument. It commemorates the blood compact made between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi on March 16, 1565, to signify good relations.

Baclayon Church, one of the oldest churches in Asia.  Built in 1727 by the Jesuits, it is quite well-preserved.

... and natural treasures Bohol is known for:

Loboc River.  Enjoyed via a leisurely cruise and lunch on a floating restaurant.

Hinagdanan Cave.

 Tarsiers, one of the world's smallest primates.

And of course, a tour of Bohol wouldn't be complete without seeing the Chocolate Hills.

One of my favorite parts of the trip: Dolphin-watching.

  We were lucky to sight a lot of dolphins skipping.  We were close enough to tell they were huge - they might have been about human size or bigger.

 

That was fun.  ^_^  Next trip planned for summer 2012:  Laiya, Batangas, next month.

the drive to southern cal

June third, Friday prevening. The Hubby and I rode with some family-friends to Southern California. We thought it would be good to come over and say hello to some relatives over there since California is just a few hours' drive from where we were in Nevada.

We were told it was going to be a five hour drive through the desert. No biggie, I thought; it would be the same length of time driving from Manila to Baguio through very light traffic. Nonetheless I prepared myself for a possibly boring few hours, keeping my inflatable pillow handy in case I decided to sleep the ennui away.

But I hardly slept a wink -- the scenery outside was extremely photo-worthy.


We made the trip in the late afternoon through the early evening, so there was a warm, golden glow about.


Since we were just hitching a ride, I thought it best to just considerately and discreetly snap shots from where I sat. I did my best in a moving vehicle, through tinted windows, no tripod, fully manual.


I found fascinating the way the cirrus clouds marbled over the mountains.


We also stopped by the world's tallest thermometer at Baker.


I kept taking pictures until it was too dark to shoot with high shutter speeds. Which was fine by me, since we were almost at out destination by then anyway.

vacation mode

I haven't been blogging the past few because I've too gladly put myself on Vacation Mode. Two weeks ago, the Hubby and I flew over to see my Mom, her husband and my little sister in Nevada. We're still here by the way. So far, we've had somewhere to go and something to do every day.



I'm quite enjoying the "new environment" - the cool, non-humid climate, the alien scenery, the differing culture.



I love most of all how I've finally gotten to spend time with this slice of family.



We've had so much fun snapping and sharing photos too.


The Hubby and I have around two and a half weeks before we head back to Manila, and we hope to make the most of those days.

one day to go! =D

This day in the world of emoticons, I am equal sign capital D. I'm pumped (albeit a little stressed) and enthused (although a little tired) because tomorrow I shall be making that several-hour flight to see my mom and my littlest sister for the first time in years. The Hubby and I will be traveling together, bearing gifts and good tidings.

We didn't think we could make this trip, but thanks to a few wonderful family members and family-friends, we shall be on our way. Our Mama - who just went through a major surgery - would be very happy to see us too; our presence there will be an awesome (late) Mothers' Day gift for her.

I shall continue packing and preparing now. ^_^

i just had a beautiful december ^_^

I disappeared from the blogosphere for a couple of weeks to make room for the loveliest holiday season I've had in years.

What made this December extra special are the relatives (on my mother's side) most of whom I haven't seen in a decade or so. They flew in from different places on the globe and we had that rare family reunion. We spent a big, loud Noche Buena together at my aunt's house, and lunch after Christmas at another aunt's house.


It definitely was nice to see my cousins again (most of whom are now a lot ... er, bigger than I remember them to be).

I guess my favorite part was the trip to Vigan. I've always wanted to go since a lot of people have told me it's a picturesque must-see.


But more significantly, Vigan is the hometown of my maternal grandparents. I went with my Hubby, my sister and twenty or so other relatives; my aunt, who is now sort of the clan matriarch, played Group Leader / Tour Guide. This was an informative sort of vacation, the main agenda of which was to get to know more about our ancestry. I loved every bit of it.

The trip also included a stopover at the Capas National Shrine at Tarlac en route. My grandfather was a Death March survivor and a prisoner of war at Camp O'Donnel back in 1942. This stop was for us to remember and appreciate him.

The Monument at Capas, Tarlac

My lolo and his brother's name engraved on the walls of the memorial.

We also had a daytrip around Ilocos Norte and a calesa tour of Vigan.

Interior of Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte.

Citrus-colored Parakeets at Baluarte.

And oh - we capped our nights with riotous Videoke sessions.

The frosting on the whole cake is my new camera. I'm really loving it. It's a lot more capable than the other camera I've been using, and the important part is that it's my own, not something I have to borrow. I took a lot of nice photomementoes and artistic printables.

There have been some ideas tossed regarding another possible reunion for 2011, to be held in Cebu this time. I'm hoping, and looking forward to another colorful December.

summer in october

Last Monday I went to a beach resort with my mother-law and sisters-in-law. I had fun having even just a day out of town, especially since I hadn't been able to visit the beach last summer. It was a Summer in October of sorts - we were blessed to have a good amount of sun and wind that day, and I acquired the tan lines to prove it.

That place we went to is an exclusive resort called Pico de Loro. It's is one of thirteen natural coves in Hamilo Coast, an area currently being developed in Batangas.

Typically I dislike beaches - I mean the generic kind of beaches where there is a lot of clutter, hardly any decent bathrooms, a strong salty-fishy smell and roaming vendors trying to push you stuff. I hate how strong chlorine solutions give me rashes, how sharp sand-crystals crawl into my bathing suit, and the absolute inconvenience in using the shower.

But places like these, I absolutely adore.

It's got a litter-free shore of powder-soft light sand cluttered with intact shells (i.e., not shell fragments). Really lovely.


And cheers! No annoying vendors or uncomfortable "comfort rooms". Everything's nice!

I was also happy to see that there are a lot of fish and trees in that area.

There is an unsullied view of the coast, wide-open spaces and well-planned architecture that works with the natural layout. Very easy on the eyes and more conducive to relaxation than the usual random beach-hut theme.


I had fun splashing around (both in the swimming pool and in the saltwater), even if I hardly remember anything I learned from childhood swimming lessons.

It was too delightful to feel warm sand under my feet again, bathing in the warm glow of "summer" while lazing off to delightful Beach Boys music.