Looking back at the full 365 days that has just passed, I can think of a lot of words that would describe how the year has been for me. As I type away these words, I will try to look back and be grateful for each event and circumstance that the Almighty has allowed to happen in my life. All of them shaping me to be the person I am now - better or worse (but I hope I that it is "better").
I welcomed year 2010 at Hunny's home. Twas unplanned actually. The original set up was for me to stop by and greet his family and go back home before the clock strikes midnight. But what happened was I ended up staying because there are lots of fireworks in the streets that it is just dangerous to go out even if their house is five minutes away from ours. That was how the year started for me. Different and refreshing. As I sat there on the porch, I thought of how the rest of the year will be. My goals, plans and dreams. It was a bit melancholy since twas the first time I spent New Year without my family. I guess I was coddled that much or I was raised in a very traditional, Filipino way.
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| Rica, Chi & KC, me and Hunny |
Travel
Since Massoud (Hunny's cousin) was visiting from Virginia, we decided to bring him to different places where he might enjoy and can explore why he was here. Last year, when Ate Mina visited, we spent a night in Tali, Batangas. We rented the Aranaz Private Beach House and it was an all-exclusive cousins trip. This year, we brought Massoud (with all the cousins) to Tagaytay. Morning breakfast at Bag of Beans. The we tried the zipline (first in my bucket list) in Picnic Grove. Afternoon was spent visiting Caleruega Church and dinner at Leslie's.
In as much as everybody would wanna join the next trip off North, only me, Hunny, Massoud and Chi were able to go. And twas one nice road trip to Subic. We stayed at Camayan Resort and visited Ocean Adventure next day. Chi was sad because Raymund was unable to go. But we had a nice time so far. Beach is one of the best! Would like to go back this year. Maybe Hunny and Me and Raymund or the whole family when Alec goes back for vacay on February.
Summer 2010 was supposed to be spent at the beach. But we spent it at Canyon Woods Batangas. Another first for me and Raymund with Hun's family. We don't usually go with them on their annual family outing. We are not official family members yet. Grateful for their generosity for allowing us to go. The place was smaller that what we expected but the environment was serene. Swimming though, happened on an inside pool.
Alec's birthday was celebrated with another swimming trip in Taytay, Rizal at Club Manila East. Last year, we went without mom. This year, she was able to go with us. Twas also a pre-send off bonding prior to my baby brother leaving for Japan to study Nihonggo. Twas crazy and fun to be with family. We had to bring food and eat in the car since food is not allowed inside. And the prize at their resto is super expensive.
When Hunny and I started to date, he promised me two things. To bring me to Enchanted Kingdom since I have never ever been there all my life and to visit Singapore. A place where he found peace and technology (since he is a gadget-freak) amazing. EK promise was done 2008. It was March when I booked for our SG trip last July. And I must admit, I fell in love and in place in Singapore. I could say a thousand words but it would never suffice. Spent a week there with Ate Tina (Hunny's cousin) and her husband. Our hosts were nothing but hospitable and gracious. It was just supposed to be a 5-day trip. But we extended it for two more days. We met up with friends (Hunny's classmate in college and my NCO colleagues).
We went to Universal Studios SG with Ate Tina and Marco (Decee's HS classmate). Checked out Marina Bay Sands 52nd floor. Explored Sentosa - Merlion, Butterfly and Insect Garden where the person at the ticket booth was a Filipino, scared to walk around Fort Siloso since the camp grounds gave me the chills, seen marine life at the Underwater World. Took pictures at Siloso Beach and walked for long inside the Images of Singapore (Museum).
Almost got lost looking for Arab Street. Checked stores in Bugis. Watched Despicable Me in 3D at Plaza Singapura. Ate the one dollar ice cream in Orchard for three times. Rested while watching the Fountain of Wealth in Suntec City. Had dinners at Hawkers. Ate chili crab at the No Signboard Seafood Resto at Esplanade. Tried riding the bus instead of MRT from there. Prayed we are using the map correctly! Seen bears at the SG zoo and white tigers too! Lunch at a real Chinese restaurant with the Ate Tina and Kuya Raymond (still did not learn on how to use chopsticks). Shopped for Hunny's Playstation 3. Went around Funan IT Mall to check for gadgets. Went to Forever21 and Victoria's Secret. Had breakfast at McDonalds Chinatown. Rode an indoor roller-coaster called "The Mummy".. and the list goes on..
Hello again to Tagaytay when we celebrated our sixth year anniversary. Dual purpose when we had to test the car after a sort-of overhaul for a month or so. This is just the place to be when we want a short getaway from the metro. Nice view from our room is the Taal Lake and volcano that people thought was going to erupt three months earlier. Soothing and serene, it just nice to relax at Lake View Hotel. Tried eating at Mile Hi Diner. Never going to do that again since the price is expensive and the serving is little. Of course, blueberry cheesecake at Bag of Beans and lunch before going home at Conti's in Nuvali.
A week after, we went to Tagaytay (again!) with my family. Twas my brother in law's birthday so we decided to treat the kids out and have a little fun. First family outing. Sad without Lecky.
This is the summary of my 2010 travels. A few, restricted because I can't be away from work too long. And expensive but definitely worth it. Especially the out of the country trip. Definitely not the last one with Hunny. Looking forward to many more discoveries and experiences that would be my firsts. Excited? Of course I am! And I would definitely save up for more..
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