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!!