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. ♥