Philippines Vacay

Warning:Pic heavy and a lengthy read. So grab a cup of coffee.

3 weeks in the Motherland was not enough to make up for the past 10 years I haven't been home. However, I tried to make the most of it and I did to the best I could in such little time.

We spent majority of our time in Paniqui which is my mom's hometown. There, I did just what I have been aching to do, with zero guilt or worry: relax, rejuvenate, and laze around.

My parents, my Dad especially, were so good about looking after Kaleo. He'd literally hold off on eating so that he can watch Kaleo which Shon and I ate. Kaleo was definitely spoiled with attention from my parents.


Dad and Kaleo

Life in the province is very, very laid back. Totally different from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was nice to do nothing and just go with the flow.

March 20th marked the town fiesta at Paniqui and so my Dad headed the cooking team of other fambam and prepared a feast. Of course, what Filipino gathering is without a karaoke machine? And when I say machine, I mean the actual machine and not just the microphone that has all the songs in it.


Kaleo and his Aunty Ninang Shawie and the karaoke

We celebrated Kaleo's birthday during the fiesta on the 20th with our family and few close friends. It was also a mini reunion long overdue.

My parents have planned to visit Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan on Kaleo's actual birthday on March 22. The church is beautiful and it's just very spiritual.


The Grandparent-al Units

That same day, we traveled to Muñoz, Nueva Ecija which is my Dad's province. There, I saw my parents' house that was built a few years ago. Nothing grand, just a modest, simple house. Kaleo also met his 82 year old great grandmother.









Mom and Dad's house


We were able to get some pool time. I mean after all, what vacay to a hot climate doesn't warrant some swim time? The first outing was in Paniqui at a tiny resort. I forgot the name of it but it was nice and relaxing. The second resort was actually a private resort that our family rented for the day. It was gorgeous. Unfortunately my camera died so I wasn't able to take many pictures.

















The highlights of our trip was being with my Mom and Dad and being with family. We reconnected and reminisced. Lots of laughter and good times. I plan to visit the Motherland again in a couple of years. I missed out on so much letting 10 years go by without visiting. I can never make up for lost time but I can make the most out of my visit.




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