February 27 - 28

Though Chris and I arrived in Toronto on February 28th, we would still like to recap our adventures in the Philippines. Photos will be up soon! Stay tuned!

Sunday, February 27th. Our last full day in the Philippines. SIGH!!

We were intent on making the most of our day. We woke up early and laid in bed for a bit, sad that we had to leave. A few schemes were tossed back and forth in attempt to convince the other that it was, in fact, possible to live in the Philippines!


We eventually sucked it up and faced reality. We got ready for the day and fully enjoyed every last drop of calamansi juice Celia made for us. I wore my favourite dress (featured in 85% of our photos, you'll see!) and the two of us went and explored the neighbourhood. 


I took photos of the plants and trees that are native to the Philippines. I have no idea what they are called but tropical plants and flowers are so beautiful! We peeked at all the houses and I stopped and said hello to all the stray cats. We wondered what life would be like if this was OUR neighbourhood and it was just a regular Sunday morning. 


Most importantly, we walked ourselves into hunger for the wonderful lunch despidida Tita Helen was planning for us! ;) 


Back at the house, we freshened up and started getting some of our belongings together. Not much later, Mia, Bob and the kids came over. 


Oh, the kids bring so much energy wherever they go! Rocco is a non-stop busy machine! We're always asking him, "Why are you so busy, Rocco?" because he always looks like he's got something to do and places to be. Adorable! 


So then it was lunchtime. Oh my, friends.... it was AMAZING. DELICIOUS! SCRUMPTIOUS!


On the menu:
- beef caldereta (Filipino version of a beef stew)
- pancit (noodles)
- shrimps (HUUUUUUGE platter!!!)
- crab (I ate two!!!)
- lechon (also made by Tita Helen)
- clam soup (i always forget the name but it starts with an "h"!)


OMG. So good. We thanked them again for everything and we ate and ate and ate! Tita Helen kept piling our plates up to which we did not resist ;) 


By the end of the meal, it was only us "kids" left at the table, finishing off the rest of the food: Chris, me, Carla, Mia and Bob. SO. GOOD!!! (drooling now just thinking about it again!)


After lunch, we sat outside while the kids played around. See, their energy! They were running around and playing catch and being adorable! The rest of us wanted to nap. haha But we still ate some pastillas de leche for dessert - yummmmm! 


It was fun to have more "cousin time". More family stories were shared along with lots of laughs. I realized how much I was going to miss my family and I am so glad Chris was able to meet them and vice versa. 


After Tita Helen got up from her nap (she hadn't been feeling well), us ladies hit the mall for some last minute shopping! Chris declined our offer and decided to stay home and nap. I still just wanted to absorb more of the Philippines and off we went!


First stop was the grocery store to get the rest of goodies list! Chichacorn - check! Calamansi juice - CHECK!!! Sinigang mix - check!! 


Off to more stores to get more pasalubong! I eventually met up with Mia, Bob and the boys who had stopped for a snack after purchasing gifts. I was exhausted! But there was still more shopping!!! Not only did we stay at that mall for 2 hours, we even went to another plaza to find more things!


It's true... you think you might have enough pasalubong, but then you don't feel satisfied. And then when you get home, you keep half of the pasalubong. hahaha 


It was late when we got back home and Chris had just woken up from his nap. I don't think he realized we'd be back with so much STUFF because you should have seen his eyes bug out when he saw all the extra bags. haha


We spent the rest of the evening packing, weighing and re-packing our luggage and the TWO balikbayan boxes we were bringing home (we left Toronto with ONE). It was tough making sure everything was under the luggage weight limit so it didn't help I had a headache and was getting frustrated with Chris going, "get rid of 2 more pounds in this" etc etc. 


But with Tito Pong's expert Balikbabayan box packing, we managed to get both boxes half a kilo under the max weight!!! And seriously - Tito Pong is a pro! Everything was perfectly packed, better than tetris!!! Amazing!!! Even though when we got to Toronto one of the boxes was totally smushed, all the items he packed were in perfect condition! 


During the whole packing adventure, Mia and the kids had come over with their final pasalubongs. Santi was incredibly cute - he chose six specific Hot Wheels for our little cousin Zachary in Canada. The boys were in their jammies and were starting to get the late-night crazies because we had never heard/seen Santi so loud! This whole trip he was pretty quiet around us and then suddenly he's jumping up and down and running around and SCREAMING! 


So it was pretty quiet when we finished packing and the kids left. It was super sad, too. Nothing left to do but wait. :( 


Tito Pong and Tita Helen said goodbye to us because we were leaving for the airport on Monday morning at 3am. We really couldn't thank them enough for everything!!! I missed them as soon as they went upstairs. 


Carla, Chris and I hung out for a while, just chatting about everything. It was just so nice to hang out with her and chill. She's really awesome and she gets my humour, haha! 


We eventually made our way upstairs so we could give our families a call just to let them know we were on track for flying out (sadly!!!) Then it was bedtime, after giving Carla the hugest hug (and it felt like I was going to squish her because she is so tiny and cute!!). 


Last Filipino sleep was a good one. 


Woke up early and the maids even checked in to make sure we were up and ready to go. We left them little notes to thank them for everything and for making our stay so wonderful and comfortable! They were the sweetest :) 


We packed the car the night before so all we did was hop in. It was really weird to see the empty streets and whatever 3am night-life was going on (a little scary; I'm pretty sure I saw a wake happening on the street...) It was nice talking to Alex, the driver, too. He's a sweet guy and funny, even though sometimes I don't think he means to be!


On the way out of my uncle's gated village, I just started crying. I was starting to feel homesick for the Philippines - even though I hadn't left yet! It didn't help that one of my dad's fave songs came on the radio (Hotel California - Eagles). 


Chris and I truly fell in love with the Philippines. We are so blessed to have been able to visit such a beautiful country and to be so well taken care of the entire time. And after being engaged there, the Island of Boracay holds a special place in our hearts forever. 


All the way home, Chris tried to cheer me up by reminding me I'd get my cat back and all our stuff and our family... but it was totally depressing leaving. Not only were we leaving the warmth but it was just PARADISE! We learned so much and I got to know my family a bit better. And Chris got to know them too! 


There was so much we didn't get to do and see. We are still scheming ways to work out retiring in the Philippines; what a better place to spend the Canadian winters!!!! 


Our next trip is already being planned... stay tuned... ;) 

February 23 - 26: Family Visits

Though Chris and I arrived in Toronto on February 28th, we would still like to recap our adventures in the Philippines. Photos will be up soon! Stay tuned!

The next few days after getting back from Boracay was a whirlwind of family visits. There are still quite of my parents' siblings who still live in the Philippines and I think everyone we visited in our last few days I hadn't seen since I left the Philippines 23 years ago. wowza. 

Wednesday - we had dinner with my mom's brother, his wife and their grandchild (my cousin's kid). The restaurant was on top of a swanky hotel that overlooked the city. Great view! Too bad we forgot our camera. :(  We were going to eat outside on the patio but the winds were super strong and it was actually pretty chilly!! 

Thursday - Chris and I headed to another few malls (again!!!! Poor Chris!!). We went back to Greenhills so I could buy more pearls (went to the same lady and she remembered us! and gave us great deals! haha) and then hit the Megamall. My god. Again with these huge malls!!! It's totally insane, I still can't get over it. We walked around for a bit and then met up with my cousin Richie. 

Richie is totally awesome and the adventurous and wild one. He was bummed that we didn't get in touch with him earlier in our trip because he wanted to take us out and see some exotic places. We (especially Chris) totally wish we had a chance to go out with him!!! 

Richie and his girlfriend and their friends love to hike and mountain bike so they knew a lot of off-the-map places that would have been perfect to check out. He told us stories of these awesome islands and mountains that made us wish we could turn back time and have him plan our trip! lol 

We had some great grub at a chicken joint and then met some friends at a local bar. It was a pretty cool place - a strip of bars along each side of this long road. I was feeling kind of icky with my head cold so I just let them buy me a few mojitos ;) 

Their group of friends is hilarious and around our age so we got along really well. So well, in fact, that they not only invited us out to party (at a two-day party up in the mountains!!!) that weekend but also kept us out until 2am!

The only downside to that is that we were locked out of my uncle's house and Chris went to wake up the maids... which, in hindsight, I should have done because they could have attacked this strange white man at their bedroom door. Haha


Friday - my mom's other brother and his driver picked us up after breakfast (of course, after I had slept in... again) and we drove out to Quezon City to visit my aunt, Sr. Fe at the St. Paul convent. We hit tons of traffic because it was also the 25th anniversary of the People's Power Revolution (wiki is here!). Tito Senic is absolutely hilarious. I've hung out with him and his family before (they lived in the US for a while) and they're all pretty easy-going. We had a great time, even while in traffic ;)


When we got to the convent, it was a strange experience. First, when I got ready that morning, I had to be sure I wasn't wearing anything revealing (but instead chose something that showcased my gut. SIGH). I'd never been to a convent before! Neither had Chris! Actually, Chris isn't even Catholic! I believe he is Christian (someone correct me if I'm wrong about the religion of my future husband, haha). 


St. Paul's is also where my aunts and some uncles went to school back in the day. It was run by nuns then and now! My aunt is like one of the head nuns. She took us around the whole school and showed us their new sections - like a hotel!! It's crazy! The nuns told us we should stay there next time we visit. I would... except I just found out when we got back to Canada that the school is haunted. SO. THANKS FOR THE OFFER.... (Chris: but the ghost is just the spirit of Jesus!)


Sr Fe was so sweet and we met a lot of the other Sisters. She also showered us with lots of treats - and where I discovered my favourite brand of banana chips - Baby Juan Monkey Banana Chips! People, I can't enjoy any other brand. These nuns know where it's at! :)  Sr Fe and I hadn't seen each other in probably over ten years so it was just great to finally see her in her element. 


Then we had lunch at Max's Chicken!! SO GOOD! We stuffed ourselves silly with friend chicken and more crispy pata (Chris' new fave!) We decided we'd definitely have to check out the location in Canada to compare. 


After lunch, we headed to the gas station my uncle owns. He had to check up on it and we also wanted to see it! Took pictures for the family, because I think we're the first ones to 
have been there. And this is where we scored Calamani flavoured Ice Tea!!!! AMAZING!!! 


We then proceeded to Manila Memorial, where both sets of my grandparents are buried and where my great-grandparents on my father's side are buried. It was a really emotional time for me. I'll take that tangent to another post...


It was time to introduce Chris to more family and see Tito Senic's home. My aunt and cousin were there so we had some snacks before heading out to see some sites. We went to a crazy looking banquet hall/dome thingy wherein my uncle convinced us to pretend we were scouting wedding locations so we could get in. Even though there was a wedding going on. haha So funny! Looked really cool and we actually met with one of the wedding planners and everything! hilarious! 


Tito Sen took us to the Country club he's a member of where we pretty much ate a pre-dinner. Chris had mentioned my love of pizza so Tito Senic made sure to order pizza for me, lol. And then shrimp. So we were stuffed!!! 


Then we headed to dinner!! lol Really delicious Japanese food with great company. My other cousin was able to join us so it was a nice reunion since we hadn't seen each other in maybe six years? We all get along really well - same sense of humour! ;) 


Saturday - The day started off a little slow because my relatives that were to pick us up had to detour to a quick visit to the ER. My cousin (the aforementioned Richie's sister) is pregnant and has been having a rough time with her second child. :( It was a bummer, but she was okay and still managed to beat us to the restaurant where we were having lunch!


My aunt that picked us up is actually my godmother also, and - here's a fantastic bit of family  trivia- she is my dad's cousin and my mom's best friend from school. Tita Chit is the one who introduced my parents to each other!! :) 


Richie was apparently insistent we eat at a local Filipino restaurant called Kanin Club. They have a lot of the traditional dishes and make some with a twist! Richie even got Chris to try some foods Chris swore to me he'd never eat! lol Delicious food and it was really nice getting to know the family more. I haven't seen any of them since we left and don't often have contact with each other. My cousin Honey's kid is so cute, too! Caleb wasn't really shy and was super energetic. His poor nanny had to chase him around everywhere!! He keeps her busy ;)


After lunch we went to have dessert around Bonifacio High Street and Serendra, which are kind of like outdoor mall-resto areas. Really awesome. Chris and I popped our heads into various dessert places and finally chose gelato (probably because they were the only ones who offered samples). Chris was also smitten with the idea they would put warm Nutella on your gelato!!! Amazing! I had a warm brownie topped with white chocolate gelato. Heaven!!


We walked around a bit and shopped some more (Chris: Are we really shopping again?!?!)  before they dropped us off back home. 




It was a whirlwind of family!!! But very fun and I really wish we had more time to spend with them. It's really true - even three weeks isn't enough time to visit the Philippines when you want to see the sites and family as well! (at least if you have a family as big as mine). 


We really hope they can all come to the wedding (TBD, haha) because I think it would be awesome to have a family reunion! We have heard from each family member mentioned above in this post that they'd us to get married in the Philippines. I told them I'd keep them updated on my Lotto winnings ;) 

February 22

Though Chris and I arrived in Toronto on February 28th, we would still like to recap our adventures in the Philippines. Photos will be up soon! Stay tuned!


We sadly checked out of the gorgeous hotel on Tuesday after having a relaxing breakfast at Flapjack's (chocolate waffles!!!) before getting picked up by Alex at noon. 


Alex dropped us off at Rizal Park, formerly known as Luneta Park. The park is a very historical location for the Philippines - It was the execution site of the Philippines National Hero, Jose Rizal (whom the park was later named after), the spot at which Philippines Independence from American rule was declared, and is considered to be Kilometre Zero to all other cities in the Philippines. 


Rizal park and the monument itself is very memorable for me because that is where my parents got engaged years ago. :) So cute!!! So that's why I was really intent on making sure we visited the landmark (sidenote: also had some super girly ideas in my head that Chris might actually propose there, too... haha). 


The park is beautiful and has many different gardens and was a great place for photos! There arre Chinese Gardens, Japanese Gardens and an Orchidarium, which was sadly closed for renovations. That would have been beautiful!! 


We walked around for a few hours admiring the scenery and checkin' out the locals. I am still in awe at the very conservative dress code - school kilts down to your ankles!! There were a lot of teenagers around the time we got there and they were all rehearsing dance moves. Chris said it was probably for a school performance but I am convinced they were all trying out for those variety shows that Filipinos are so fond of. ;) 


Alex picked us up later that afternoon and Chris and I both crashed out for a while. I had taken off my engagement ring so we could "announce" the news to my family later that evening. My cousin Carla asked to see some pictures of Boracay and we were like in a panic because the engagement pics were included... so we were like, "yeah there's a lot and they look the same, so.... here's some..." hahahaha 


That night we took my family out to dinner to thank them all for being such wonderful and generous hosts. We really were so thankful for everything they had done and organized for us! We had dinner at a local Italian restaurant which was soooo delicious and apparently one of their fave places to eat. The kiddos were there too and just too adorable!! Everyone was asking questions about our trip to Boracay and I was nervous as heck to tell everyone the news! I have no idea why I was nervous but seriously I was shaking! haha


After we ordered some drinks and apps for the table, Chris handed me the ring under the table. I put it on and thanked everyone again for everything... and that I wanted to mention the BEST part of our trip to Boracay.... We got engaged!!!!!!


A moment of shock and then everyone cheered and congratulated us. (Four-year old Santi: What are you talking about??? haha) Lestor made sure Chris knew what he was doing... hahaha  Carla suddenly said, "So THAT'S why you didn't want to show me any Boracay pictures!!!" and I apologized for us being jerks, HAHAHA. 


It was so nice to celebrate and tell people in person. I am glad it was Tito Pong and family, too. They seriously are totally awesome and we really can't thank them enough for everything they did for us!!! 


We stuffed our selves silly with food and chatted about the big news. The boys went outside to chase a cat and we threated Mia that we'd get the kids a pet. haha Later we hit a coffee shop to chat some more and this is where Santi got a little friendlier with me. Finally some Santi-initiated conversation!! lol 


I ordered some iced drink and when the waiter handed it to me, the two little boys had their eyes glued to my cup. 


"It looks like ice cream," they said. 


"It's not. It's an iced drink."


"But it looks like ice cream!!"


They seriously just stared at me and my drink. hahahha It was hilarious!!! 


When we got home, we were able to share the news with my Tita Helen (she was ill and couldn't join us at dinner). She was thrilled for us and has already told me if I need anything just to let them know! See? What did I say about them being awesome?!?! :) 


We were sad to be back from our "trip within a trip" but it was good to be home. :) 
Especially when you've got family like we do. ♥ 

February 20 - 21

Though Chris and I arrived in Toronto on February 28th, we would still like to recap our adventures in the Philippines. Photos will be up soon! Stay tuned!


We left Boracay the evening of the 20th. Getting to the airport was an adventure as we had to take the shuttle to a boat, take the boat across to the other island and then drive 2 hours to get to our departure airport. It was a long drive but amazing to see a whole new side of the island. We got to see some rice terraces and the little houses along the way. More gorgeous beaches and tropical eye candy. 


Halfway to the airport, the shuttle bus driver got out and checked the front of the bus. We were sitting right behind him and when he got back in, I heard him mumbling about a flat tire in tagalog. I whisper-translated the problem to Chris who offered the driver some help. 


So there we were, in the middle of another Filipino island, with a flat tire. The driver was a skinny dude who was using all he had to get the flat off while, unbeknown to me at the time, Chris was lying under the bus getting the spare tire out. I was inside, eating chicacorn (my ride snack) and wearing the pretty white flower Chris picked for me when he first stepped off the bus. 


Pretty soon we were back on track and I think both the driver and I considered Chris was our hero ;) 


The airport we were leaving from was small!!!! Super small!!! And we were starving so we ate at a roadside hot dog shack!!! (That took a lot of convincing for me... ) 


We finally got to Manila at 8pm and made our way to the New World Hotel. Guys, it's beautiful!!! It's in the centre of the business district and right across the street from the Greenbelt 5 I mentioned previously. Great location... and our driver told us that Manny Pacquiao stays there sometimes. 


We were still exhilarated from our gorgeous time in Boracay but I think we crashed out in the bed by 11pm. Comfiest beds ever. For reals!!! I'm definitely staying there again! (Traveller Tip: We booked the room with Agoda and got a great deal!) We decided to spend another night in the fab place so we could have more time to explore the city. 


The next day we laid in bed for a while because I still wasn't feeling 100%. Ugh. It's the absolute worst to be sick on vacation, especially when you are in the tropics and it's winter where you're from. 


Anyway, we wandered around the Greenbelt and the surrounding area. It was just so nice not to have an agenda and do whatever we pleased. The weather was absolutely perfect at night and it was fun to walk around and check out all the restaurants. All the restos have al fresco dining area so we perused menus and ate at places with lively patios. 


Oh! Another crazy thing... we had dinner one night at California Pizza Kitchen and they gave me my raspberry mojito to go since they were closing! Amazing! 


Oh, Philippines... how I miss thee!!!

February 17 - 20: Boracay Island

We arrived at the island airport Thursday at 9am and took the resort's shuttle and private boat to the beautiful beach of Boracay. Within five minutes of checking in at reception, we were in our swim wear and slathered with sunblock, headed to the beach. It was imperative that we protect our pale, winterized skin!!!!

Guys, I cannot even describe how beautiful Boracay is. The powdery white sand and clear water was just breathtaking. The peacefulness of being there with no agenda. HEAVEN! The cheap drinks and food are a bonus, too. (The price of a San Miguel beer was the same as bottled water. CHEAP!)

We lounged and "tanned" and stuffed ourselves with some yummy goods. We played in the water and were just amazed at the beauty around us. We picked seashells by the seashore. We acted like goofy kids in love. :) 

And then I got hit with a travel bug and spent a few hours here and there in our air-conditioned room, being mopey and watching the Discovery channel. BOO!!! LAME!!!! ROMANCE KILLER!!! :( 

So on our first night in Boracay, Chris took this time to explore the island on his own and then returned with some delicious fruit shakes from the famous Jonah's Shakes, as per Carla's instruction. Melon Mango for me and Banana Chocolate Peanut shake for Chris :)

I was feeling much better when he returned and the yummy shakes gave me a boost of energy so we walked along the shore and played in the water for a while. Then Chris wanted to show me the secluded area in the Northern part of the beach he discovered.

When we got there, Chris handed me the camera and I busied myself by taking pictures of the landscape while waiting for the sun to set. We just kept talking about how beautiful the place was and how amazing it was to be there. 


While I snapped about a million photos, Chris had wandered off. I took some great shots of the sun setting framed by silhouettes of fishing boats along the horizon. (Don't worry,  I'll get those beautes up when we finally get around to uploading photos!)

As the sun set, Chris called out for me to head over to where he was. 

I walked over to find him down on one knee, beside these words he had written in the sand:

MICHELLE FARGAS

WILL YOU

MARRY ME?

DUDES!!!!!! @#U%)OY!@P!!!!!

I think I just stood there with a stunned look on my face as he told me how much he loved me and that I was the one for him, and asked will I marry him?? 

"YES!! OF COURSE!!!!" 

A million kisses and one confirmation that I indeed said Yes followed. So happy!!!! I was just smiling and giggling and just couldn't stop staring at Chris. And I was stunned to see such a beautiful ring on my finger from the man I love. A few people who were around also taking pictures of the sunset congratulated us but we were just lost in our own world. 

We had dinner and champagne at our resort before I started to feel icky again and ruined the romance, hahaha. We still had a fantastic evening and there was a lot of "OMG we're engaged!!!" being said. Wonderfully surreal. :) 

We called our parents and shared the news. My dad already knew because Chris asked for his blessing before we left for our trip. It was lots of fun to call our immediate family and hear their reactions. Wish we could have shared the excitement with them in person but the Boracay sunset engagement was too beautiful and perfect! (Very well planned! Kudos to Chris!) 

That was the best part of the trip by far!!!! Hands down!!! Amazing. :D

The rest of the trip was just as wonderful... despite me being knocked down on our last full day and keeping us inside (again... boooo!!!) We still managed to do the essential NOTHING BUT ENJOY OURSELVES and were just happy to be together in such a beautiful place. 

Seriously dudes, the island is amazing!!! 

Our resort was in Station 1 (of 3). It was the quieter, resort-ish area compared to Station 2/3 which had a ton of restaurants, markets and bars.

As for the markets.... what an experience! Really cool pasalubong places and of course the best part was the Wet Market. The Web Market is basically an open seafood market with the goods hauled in that day by the fishermen. HUGE lobsters, prawns, shrimps, crabs and local fish galore! We bought some tiger lobsters, crab and HUGE prawns for only $30 and then walked across the road to a restaurant that cooked it for us for less than $10. DELICIOUS! We have decided when we go back to Boracay we will forgo resort food and eat our weight at the wet market. Just amazing. I'm starving all over again! haha 

Two nights in a row there were weddings on the beach. Really beautiful weddings (we peeked, haha) One of them had fire dancers, a huge sand castle and fireworks (yay!) and another released paper lanterns over the ocean. Really cute and romantic to watch as we walked along the edge of the water. It was such a nice way to end the nights. :) 

On our last day Chris managed to convince me to go jet-skiing. I was terrified but agreed since I had kind of held up other activities by feeling blah the previous days. Please note I take this jet skiing situation in high regard as I cannot swim and am still convinced I will die drowning despite wearing a life jacket. But the ride was fun and I alternated between screaming with joy and fear. 

Chris drove full throttle and I learned to trust my fiancé haha. 

Boracay was a BLAST!! 

For us it was a totally amazing experience and I am still in shock that Chris proposed in what was already paradise. Those fairytales might not be so far off sometimes ;) 


We know Boracay was just a taste of the beauty that is the islands of the Philippines and we cannot wait to go back and see the rest of them! And now Boracay island will always be a special place for us and be more magical than I thought was possible. 


So hopefully that fulfills the cheeseball moments of this blog... ;)  just really happy!! mabuhay!!!!

Wednesday Feb 16

Day started out as a huge bummer. Took until late afternoon to shake off the bad mood and to take a deep breath. Started the day off fresh once I reminded myself I am in a tropical paradise! (Chris: RING OF FIIIIIIRE!!!!!!!) And I'm here with awesome family and the bestest guy a girl could ever ask for. :)

We had a late lunch at the Town Centre by my uncle's place. Another really cool outdoor-style mall. Did more shopping. Poor Chris. The guy is so shopped out... haha or rather, Malled out, since we don't always buy things anyway.

Got a few things ready for our trip to another paradise: Boracay Island, with it's clear water and white, powdery sand. A trip within a trip... a vacation within our vacation. :)

It was a lazy day, of course filled with more delicious food. Why is everything so delicious here?!?! And why do we feel the need to take a nap after every meal?!?! Why do we ever have to go back?!?! I like paradise. :)

Prepped all night for Boracay with our flight leaving at 7am Thursday morning.

Details of our Boracay trip to follow... :)

Tuesday, Feb 15: Greenhills

My cousins took a day off work to take Chris and I to Greenhills, which is like a flea market of sorts with all new goods.

It was CRAZY.

In a good way! :)

The first rule before going to Greenhills to make sure you know how to haggle.
The second rule is not to be too interested in the item you actually are interested in.
The third rule is not to let me try to do either of those above rules because I FAILED!!

Okay, okay. Things got better but Chris was definitely the better haggler between the two of us. I walked over with a huge smile on my face when I saw something I wanted. I also can never remember the conversion rate from PHP to CAD so it takes me forever to figure out if I am getting a good deal. And when I want something.... I usually don't care how much it costs, which defeats the purpose of going to a place like Greenhills.

And the place is HUGE! And PACKED! And has EVERYTHING! There are quite a few sections that have knock-off items that we stayed away from... mostly because we didn't really know what the real ones looked like and I would probably walk off with a Parda purse ;b

By the end of our afternoon I was tired from all the walking and no-smiling haggling. I could also tell Chris had enough of like our fifth day of "shopping". Nonetheless, we had a fantastic time with my cousins and I swear I got better at not getting ripped off! haha!

That evening they had arranged a at-home masseuse to give us massages. HEAVEN. And it's cheaper to have them come to the house rather than go to a spa! The masseuse was AMAZING and I absolutely floated down the stairs and could not put together a coherent sentence for about twenty minutes afterwards. Chris had his first professional massage and I think he's hooked. SO GOOD.

That night Carla started going through some old photo albums of their trips to Canada... oh boy, was that a night!! We got the giggles and laughed so hard we weren't even making noise and had tears streaming down our faces. Couldn't breathe!!! I've got to thank my parents for purchasing me that bright pink Barbie track suit and the rest of the family for not telling me how absolutely blinding and embarasssing it would be in fifteen years.... HAHAHAHAHA GOD, I am dying thinking about it right now!!!! LOL And there are SO MANY MORE... we need to get the cousins together and go through it... just too funny... and why were my awkward years so long?? haha

Love my family!!! They are hilarious and the best! Also even if they didn't teach me about eyebrow plucking until it was way too late. :P

Monday Feb 14: "If These Walls Could Talk" Tour by Carlos Celdran

Valentine's Day in the Philippines is apparently A Big Deal. In the world of Chris and Michelle, it is So NOT a big deal! But my Tito and Tita wanted to treat us out for VDay and sent us off on a walking tour my cousin had been on: "If These Walls Could Talk" featuring tour guide Carlos Celdran.

We'd heard the guy was hilarious but nothing prepared us for this tour. We LOVED it!!!

The tour was about the history of the Philippines back in the day when it was just us Filipino folks ;) and went through the history and influence of other cultures like Spain, Japan and America (oh, and their various invasions and ruling of our country...) We walked through the original Walled City of Manila (Intramuros) and various historical places around the city. They even managed to get me on a trike!!! (terrifying "bike sidecars" - I could not see a thing and just had Chris peering on the side and scaring the bejesus out of me with screams of "OHMYGOD there is a HUGE TRUCK COMING!!!")

We learned so much about the Filipino culture and what the Filipino people have gone through. We had not realized what a golden and flourishing city Manila used to be - a leader in arts, culture and technology. All that changed after the war... and city seems to still be rebuilding itself. Carlos' intent with his tour is to show people how rich we are in culture and how we should work on bringing it back proudly. He is such an inspiration aside from his comedic side, and we reco the tour to anyone going to Manila, Filipino native or tourist! (Chris: People should visit Manila just for the tour!)

Since it was Valentine's Day (insert barfy noises here), a local travel agency sponsered a special treat for the tour. We had a delicious Filipino treat called "halo-halo" (translated: "mix-mix", as it is a sweet combo of milk, crushed ice, candied fruits and beans and of course SUGAR!). The halo-halo was also significant of the tour as Carlos described Filipinos as "halo-halo" since we are such a blend of cultures and beliefs. :)

We then were invited to merienda (light meal usually between lunch and dinner) featuring Filipino dishes. We sat with a few of the other tourists and made some friends :)

And there was a raffle! I totally won dinner at a local Italian restaurant! Score! We actually just treated the family for dinner there tonight to thank them for their hospitality and generosity (they have not let us pay for a thing!!!) So delicious!!!

ALSO!!!! Celia was reading the free local paper and told us today that CHRIS AND I ARE IN IT!!! There was a huge feature on Carlos Celdran and his tour of Intramuros, and on the day we went there were some people from the media (Chris: I just thought they were tourists with really awesome cameras). We are in the photo printed in the paper!!! I'd like to now say we are local celebrities!! Awesome souvenir! :) Even if the article wasn't edited properly and it's not like we were mentioned in it... but our pictures are in the paper! Booyah!

So when you visit Manila, be sure to take "If These Walls Could Talk", the walking tour by Carlos Celdran. You won't regret it!

Sunday, Feb 13: Greenbelt and Mall of Asia

Where to begin...

No trip to the Philippines is complete without shopping adventures. Ours began on Greenbelt 5. This mall is half-indoors, half-outdoors and totally gorgeous. I shopped at Topshop for the first time!!! There are tons of stores, some basic ones and others like Gucci and Rolex. And TONS of jewellery stores... lots of gorgeous pearls to die for! There are restaurants along the outer edge of the mall so almost every place has al fresco dining.

We ate at Mia Vare (sp?), which served up some amazing Filipino food. Apparently every time my dad goes to that restaurant he always eats the same thing - arrozcaldo (it's like a filipino style congee and it is delicious)! I also tried a new flavour of San Miguel beer - green apple. I wish we were able to get the full line of San Miguel beers in Canada!

We walked around the mall for a bit before moving on to the epic Mall of Asia. Friends, one cannot prepare for a trip to the Mall of Asia. There are a gazillion stores (seriously) and lots of great deals. My uncle, aunt and cousin graciously followed us around as we wandered through the mall. I cannot even explain how ginormous this place is... there are even carts that drive you from area to area. And there's an indoor skating rink. And a giant bouncy castle-land that is the size of a high school gymnasium. And every kind of food you could eat. And a fantastic view of the Manila Bay with ziplining across the fountain. And there is a movie theatre with IMAX. AND, people, there is just no justice in this post to the Mall of Asia. It's like the third largest mall in the world! 'nuff said. (source: chris rawlings. but who knows how current that is, haha)

It was a bit overwhelming but we got some great pasalubong and prep for more days of shopping ahead (poor Chris, haha).

Tagaytay

On Saturday the family took us to visit Tagaytay Highlands. From the Taygaytay Ridge, you can see the Taal Volcano, which is a volcano within a lake within a volcano. Pretty darn crazy! 

We drove up the ridge, and boy was that a ride! The streets going up are a lot narrower and on the weekends there is so much traffic (from tourists like us, haha!) 

One thing we're starting to get accustomed to is the driving standards in the Philippines. They are crazy compared to North Americans because it seems that lanes and right of way are just suggestions, but since everyone drives that way things still move pretty smoothly and there doesn't seem to be any road rage, haha. 

There is A LOT of honking, but it's mostly to say "Hey! Watch out!" instead of "%$*()#@@!!!!!!"

The view from the Tagaytay highlands is amazing. Lush green trees (palm trees!!!!) and lots of pineapple fields. (side note: the two of us learned that day that pineapples grow in the ground... not on trees... WHAT! lol) Gorgeous view of the Taal lake against the blue sky and green rolling hills... just breathtaking!

We drove up and checked out one of the restaurants along the ridge. The steakhouse is a log cabin built out of Canadian cedar. The smell of the cedar and the delicious steaks grilling was just amazing. By the back of the log cabin (or rather, log-mansion) there is fantastic view of the Taal lake and volcano. You could also see the beautiful golf course that winds up and down the ridge.

We then drove to one of the country clubs and along the way my Tito pointed out various condos and hotels that were built along the ridge. There is one hotel where the elevator does not go up and down but SIDEWAYS because the hotel is built on the slope! Crazy!

We got more fantastic photos (upload soon!) of the scenery. It was incredibly windy and a chilly 25 degrees (hahaha) but the sun was shining and our surroundings just kept us in awe.

We finally drove up to our destination: lunch at another club! More amazing food while being entertained by kiddos Rocco and Santi. What a pair! Tito says Rocco is Santi's guinea pig: he lets Rocco try things first to see how they go.

While Chris and I lounged in the pool, the kids visited the animal farm. Rocco was thrilled to ride a horse while Santi said it was stinky....

"What's stinky? The horse?" they asked.
"No! The guy is stinky!!" Santi answered.

Hilarious!! love those kids!!! :)

That night we were pretty pooped from the jetlag and all the fresh air and "swimming". My cousin ordered Yellow Cab pizza which was a whole new pizza eating experience for me, haha. They have this "Dear Darla" pizza, which is a thin crust pizza cut into rectangles. You take a rectangle, put arugula and alfalfa sprouts and chili on it, then roll up the rectangle and enjoy! I am so making this at home.

Anyway, I gotta go.... the maid just called us down for breakfast and we can hear her stirring up our favourite: freshly squeezed calamansi juice. OMG, guys.... I think we're in heaven....

quote

"I have never been a material girl. My father always told me to never love anything that cannot love you back."
- Imelda Marcos

We learned about that quote after some discussion regarding our meeting with Imelda the other day. My opinion stands, and take from that what you will!

Guess who we met today?!?!

Friends, I am exhausted. Just a quick one for now, although I'm itching to write more so each experience is intact. Today the family took us to visit Tagaytay (more on that later) but the highlight of our day was meeting Imelda Marcos!!!

For those not in the know, she is the wife of the 10th president of the Philippines. Ya'll probably know her by her obsession and her massive shoe collection. :P

But I'll take a photo-op when I can get it! Crazy, eh???

And now time for bed.... going cross-eyed and we still have more adventures awaiting!

xoxo

Mabuhay!

Hello friends!

We are in the Philippines! Can you believe it?! It's a bit surreal at times, especially when we take into consideration that we've got three weeks of the heat and sun on our calendars. :)

It's been quite the homecoming for me so far. It's my first time back to "The Motherland" since my family immigrated in 1988. I was only three years old when we left and unfortunately never had the opportunity to visit with various family members over the years. There was always school exams or work or something else that prevented my trip.

When I met Chris, he truly was captured by the Filipino culture. For years now he has been researching the country and we decided a couple of years ago that we would make our way there together. He's been really excited for me to visit my roots and I'm glad I am able to share my family and the awesomeness that is the Philippines with him!

After months of planning and saving, we finally left for Manila on Wednesday, February 9th. It was a frigid day in Toronto and were glad (and nervous!) to be leaving for an 18-hour flight to Hong Kong, and then to Manila.

The plane ride was..... LONG. That really is the only way to describe it. Just LONG. Or, Incredibly Long. Let's just say I'm glad we still have a ways to go before we have to go through that again! (ps. airplane food SUCKS and I am bringing my own food on the return flight!!!)

We did manage to watch a few new movie releases that we never saw (mostly because the other person didn't want to see it, haha). I watched the Social Network (hate you, Shawn Parker!! Jerkatron!!) and Chris watched The Expendables. Then we bugged each other. Then we stared out the window (the route took us over the arctic and it was SO COOL to see the ice floes! insane!!!) and tried to nap. Luckily the third seat on our row was empty so we were able to stretch out our legs and attempt to sleep.

The airport in Hong Kong was pretty cool. It was huge and clean and had high-end boutiques like Hermes and Tiffany & Co (did not manage to convince Chris he should buy me diamonds. Oh well...) And of course I was most amused by the McDonald's regional menu that included fried chicken and an ebi (shrimp) burger!

My uncle and his driver picked us up at the Manila airport at midnight (Thursday, Feb 10th). It was so crazy to be there! Since we arrived Chris and I have just been exclaiming, "We're IN THE PHILIPPINES!!!" So fun!! :) 

Our first day was relaxing, trying to adjust to the time and heat. Chris and I wandered around my uncle's gorgeous home... open windows, wood furnishings, marble floors... just beautiful. I've taken lots of pictures of the local flora as well. 

We checked out my uncle's country club and had a fantastic lunch overlooking the grounds, featuring a delicious coconut drink - right out of a fresh coconut! I don't know how many times we've said it already, but we just can't believe we're here! In the Philippines! Breathing the Filipino air! And seeing the Filipino birds! And walking on the soil of my motherland!!! hahaha

Yesterday evening we visited my cousin Mia, her husband Bob and their two adorable little ones, Santi and Rocco. Another beautiful home and more delicious food! It was the first time I had met my cousin's husband and the kiddos. They were a bit shy but I know we'll be buddies soon! We have three weeks for me to work on that, hahaha!

So right now it's 8:41am on Saturday morning Manila time, which means it's 7:41pm Friday evening Toronto time. Chris and I are still adjusting but determined to win over the jetlag. Of course it's made us a both bit loopy (or, loopier) so that can explain the disjointed post here.

This morning we were both up ridiculously early and finally ventured down and had breakfast.

Breakfast. Ok, kids, this is amazing. So almost everyone in the Philippines has hired help. In my uncle's case, that's a driver and two maids. They are all the sweetest and although it's a bit weird for Chris and I to have them around, we understand it's part of the culture here. Anyway, for the second day in a row they've prepared breakfast for us while we sit outside in the warm Manila air and cool breeze.

And guys, you'd better believe every morning is heaven when you're being served warm pandesal (sweet bread) and fresh calamani juice (it's a Filipino citrus, like a lime). HEAVEN! I have only had bottled or powdered calamansi in Canada so to have someone juice it and make it fresh every morning.... they're going to have to drag me to the airport!

And that's just one of the things here that you should be jealous of (haha). The weather is amazing! Of course I am sweating like crazy as we're in the plus-30s again with the sun beating down. We've been lucky to have a breeze flowing through the open windows and the A/C helps us sleep at night.

Today the agenda is to visit Tagaytay. This area has the Taal volanco - which is a volacano in a lake in a volcano. Or something (maybe Chris can enlighten us; he's been researching forever!). Then there's shopping. And more eating - all the food here is delicious!!! I would be more worried except I'm probably just sweating everything out (how attractive, haha).

Anyway, gotta get ready for the day... the sunny and gorgeous day that awaits :)

We do miss our family and friends back in Canada and wish you were all here to enjoy this beautiful country with us!

Mabuhay!!