the hanoi hangover: day 1

My apologies for starting this entry on a rant, but I just need to let this out first, and then we can proceed to the happy notes.

Months of planning for and excitement about our Hanoi trip, which was our 6oth birthday gift to our Mom, got dampened by a distressing incident upon landing at the Noi Bai airport in Hanoi. We took a red-eye flight, and we--my sister, her husband, my mom, Francis, and I-- touched down in Hanoi at about 12:45am (15 minutes delayed, but not really bad) only to line up at the conveyor belt and discover that our (mine and Francis') luggage was nowhere in sight. After filling out forms and being assured by the local airport personnel that they'll inform us as soon as our luggage turns up, we all shuffled to the hotel shuttle service so we can finally check in to our hotel. Poor driver, he had to wait for us for a couple of extra minutes because of that conundrum.

Long story short, Cebu Pacific responded to our complaint 24 hours after we sent our email. They confirmed that our luggage got left behind at NAIA. How and why, I have no idea, considering we checked in on time and our luggage had its proper label. So Francis and I had to endure about two and a half days without our essentials: clothes (I planned my OOTDs for each day only to have no clothes at all!), underwear, toiletries. Despite the distress (I cried myself to sleep that first night at our hotel), we still managed to make the most of our trip. Yes, we did have to buy new clothes and underwear, and I had to borrow a few pieces from my sister. 

Putting all that (and a few more glitches that I just want to forget so that I'd have good memories of that four-day trip), our Hanoi experience has been generally fun and wonderful. In fact, I enjoyed the city more than I did Ho Chi Minh. Hanoi has more flavors and colors, and there's always something that will catch your eye in every corner. Here are the daily highlights of our Hanoi experience in photos, starting with our first day in the city--left luggage not included. 

The very charming details in our hotel--Golden Sun Palace. This is the view from our T&B! I'd like to note that all the hotel staff had been very friendly and accommodating. They helped us follow up our missing luggage, and all were very patient with our requests.

First stop was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which accepts visitors from 7am to 11am. There was nothing much to see except for the impressively well-preserved body of Vietnam's iconic hero. Cameras are not allowed inside, so we were only able to take photos once we were outside the building.

Every street is filled with souvenir shops that it's easy to be overwhelmed! These colorful, plush key chains are on display at Swan Embroidery. The place, in my opinion, carries merchandise of better quality compared with the others in Old Quarter. Of course, I didn't leave the store empty-handed. I bought a sling bag with pretty Hmong embroidery.

The amazing neo-gothic architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral. The church sits gallantly amid the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter district.

We explored the grounds of the church, and found equally interesting French-inspired architecture, showcasing the strong influence of the French colonization of Vietnam.

My family and I took a breather from all the walking here at the Hoan Kiem Lake, a famous historical landmark of Hanoi. That's my sis and her hubby (seated) and my svelte mom. I hope to be as fit as her when I turn 60!

The Turtle Tower on Hoan Kiem Lake

We all went back to our hotel to rest before heading out to dinner. Since there were a few more hours to spare before regrouping, Francis and I decided to check out Old Quarter some more. We also took this opportunity to buy new clothes while we still didn't have our luggage with us. Before heading back to our hotel, we made an impromptu stopover at Cong Caphe near St. Joseph's Cathedral. Here, we got our fill of delicious innovative coffee--one with yogurt and another with coconut milk. Later in the evening, we came back with the rest of our family in tow to cap off the night with more cups of coffee. It could have been a bad idea, downing caffeine before bedtime, but our tired bodies won, and we all slept like babies!

Our last agenda for the night: watch the Water Puppet. Though the play was in the vernacular language, we didn't have a hard time understanding the context of each act since it was written in the program handed out to us. Basically, each act features the traditions, customs, and legends of Vietnam, particularly Hanoi.

Of course, our first Hanoi experience (second for Francis) would not be complete without these motorbikes and scooters--the main mode of transportation in the country. The trick to not getting run over is to hold your breath and cross without hesitation. The motorists are used to crossing pedestrians that they'll be the ones to avoid running you over. Bravery is key!

Day 2 will soon be up!

it was another roller coaster ride

January just breezed by! I'm not complaining, though, because the first month of this year proved to be a roller-coaster ride.

First, there was this confirmed trip to Hanoi. My sister and I will be treating Mom to her first out-of-the-country trip for her 60th birthday this April, but it's going to be a belated celebration. So when the tickets were finally booked, I felt so excited, of course! 

But the excitement gave way to worry when we learned that Mom had to undergo an angiogram to rule out any suspicion of serious heart problems. I was on edge, but something told me that I shouldn't worry. I couldn't help it, of course, and  I was somehow preparing to cancel that Hanoi trip in case the findings are not favorable. 

I was still at a shoot that day when Mom underwent the invasive procedure, which was two hours delayed. But when my sister texted to tell me Mom's clear, I was greatly relieved! Who wouldn't be? And because of that good news, I had reasons to believe that that "something" that told me not to worry too much was God--He was assuring me that everything will be fine, and that I only had to be still, as Psalm 46:10 says. 

So yes, Hanoi preparations will restart! Mom will finally be able to wear an ao dai, haha!

shuffling here and there

The past months in photos (or, My Excuse for Not Posting Anything Decent Here Lately).

I'm not allowed to post photos until after the groom and bride have posted the pics themselves. Heh.

My li'l sis' pre-nup photo shoot, which was shot in the outskirts of the metro, kept me busy looking for pegs and doing a bit of post-edits. First stop was Thunderbird Resort in Bingonan, Rizal; then it was at Jardin de Miramar in Antipolo, where the couple will be holding their wedding reception.

The weather was considerate enough to let us have enough natural light. Sadly, no blue skies were in sight that day. 

***

At work, every single one of us at Real Living was running around like headless chickens because of our first ever major event, the Real Living Space. 

It was a one-week event last September that showcased the model units and function areas of the Trion Towers in BGC. These units/spaces were patiently and meticulously designed by seven designers who were very nice enough to work with us despite the short lead time. The result? Real Living Space was a resounding success! All the hard work really paid off, thanks to our partner stores, sponsors, the designers, the Events team, and our publisher Tom. The event may have been very challenging to put together (birth pains!), but the feedback we got told us that it was all worth it! Thank God!

***

This setup was on the second floor of our church, and was supposedly for the "buffet" table, but we all ended up transferring downstairs for a bigger space.

  As my sister's matron of honor, of course I took the initiative to throw a shower party for her, with a big help from our EBC churchmates. And being the managing editor of a magazine that promotes creativity in the form of interior designing and styling, I was inspired to come up with a tablescape that features photos of my sis and her fiance, tucked inside DIY cloches made of reused empty bottles (thanks to Tala for lending me a few pieces). These cloches surround a bigger bottle that holds a twig, where paper flower balls in yellow and red hung (thanks to Dagny for giving me those pretty balls!). Tea lights completed the Shabby-chic setup, and it was such a pleasure to actually see how my sister liked what I did. Hee! (And with that first tablescape "stint", I am motivated to do more at home for special occasions and gatherings!)

This month is looking extra busy for me; aside from matron-of-honor duties, our (seasonal) band, Ice Cream Assassins, snagged two gigs to prepare for (after a year of inactivity, haha! Well, we're not really that active in the music scene given our day jobs, but we try to grab hold of gigs that come our way). And of course, the Christmas is just a couple of weeks away, and Francis and I have yet to prepare the house for that. And the thing I dread most? Christmas shopping, because I'm pretty sure we'll cram again this year. In fact, we haven't even polished our Christmas list yet. Argh! But yes, I promise to not make these as another set of excuses to lag behind blogging.

Wish me all the best!

i'm 33 and happy!

It feels so good to turn a year older and see how everything is falling into place. It feels like I'm in this stage where I have already learned some important things in life, the most significant of which is to forgive myself for that one thing that I totally had no control of, and to finally forget the pain. I cannot thank the Lord enough for the emotional healing; it took a while, but I finally got to this point where I am able to ignore that Ugly Feeling and not let it affect me the way it did a few years ago. Perhaps, I am wiser now. 

On a lighter note, here's a chronicle of the wonderful things that happened leading to the day I turned over a new leaf.

Another answered prayer! We brought home our own car, Midori, last month!

We celebrated Mom's birthday a few weeks before mine at Sonya's Garden

My Mom doesn't look 59, right? Heehee!

My job entails field trips and shoots at stores that always have wares I cannot resist. This was at A11 Gallery in FB Harrison; I did bring home a paper bag-full of ceramic items. Haha!

The TOE (a Japanese post-rock band) concert last April 19 was nothing short of AMAZING!

Francis surprised me with a romantic birthday dinner at Ninyo Resto, located along Esteban Abada St. in Q.C. I have the sweetest hubby!

I decided to go back to a pixie to mark my 33rd year. Looking forward to what this year has in store for me. Thank you, Lord! You are, indeed, gracious!

last weekend’s engagement

This is a delayed post, but I still need to post this nevertheless.

My little sister got engaged last Sunday. I can go on and write about the details here, but I think I’d rather let her or her fiance dish out what really transpired. Suffice it to say that my sister was so stunned that she was left paralyzed, with only her eyes moving and asking “What in the world is happening???”. Mom and I were in on it, of course. What I didn’t expect was me crying like I was her mother. Hahaha!

Congratulations, Erma and Peewee! I’m excited for you two!

the halloween that was

As has become the tradition every Halloween ever since my dear mom-in-law passed away three years ago, Francis and I went to visit her grave in Holy Cross Memorial Cemetery, just a stone's throw away from where my in laws reside. And as is usual, we visited late in the afternoon together with my sister in law, Tita Neneng and Tita Pearl, who was accompanied by Francis' cute little cousin, Cid (how he's grown from that chubby tot who was our ring bearer!). 

Since some relatives are also in the area, they dropped by and a mini-reunion took place. I especially found the kids crazily fun to hang out with. They were teasing each other like there's no tomorrow, and us adults had no part but just to supply the laughter to their hilarious antics.  

Francis bullying his sister to giving him a back massage

Caught on camera: in between snacking on cheese-filled sandwich

The riot that was brought to us by these funny kiddos

Even us adults had fun with these colorfully lit toys!

Going to the cemetery has always been what Halloween meant to me. I'm never one to attend Halloween parties. I find dressing up in costumes too frivolous for me. I'd rather visit loved ones who have found rest, as morbid as that may sound. Plus, cemeteries during that time of the year isn't really boring, what with all the food stands scattered about, light-up toys that the kids go gaga for, and people of all ages milling and mingling about, saying hello to their departed loved ones and having a reunion with those still living. It's not so bad, really.  

 

In other news, it looks like the new year has something new and exciting in store for me. I just hope and pray that things go according to plan, and that I finally snag this deal. Heck, I have waited for this for, like, years!

holiday ho-hos

Happy holidays from me and Francis!!!

As expected, my favorite season has been busy with Christmas dinners and get-togethers.

Before I took a two-week holiday, my friends and colleagues from work had a simple Christmas dinner at Amici in Megamall. But before I was able to sit down and savor my spinach cannelloni, I had to first do a quick shopping for a few more gifts and, um, a pair of shoes that haunted me until I bought it (more on my recent shoes streak in another entry).


Francis and I spent last year's holiday season all by ourselves holed up in our pad (because it was our first Christmas together), so this year, we spent the Christmas Eve at Francis' place in Novaliches. Despite my bad colds, which almost escalated to fever had I not drank medicine on time, the simple celebration had been nothing but fun!

For a change, we had Buddy's pancit lucban instead of the usual pancit palabok (haha!). My sister-in-law whipped up a delicious carbonara (which Francis, the ever bully big brother that he is, incessantly teased her about). I, on the other hand, made some blueberry cheesecake, which my sis-in-law absolutely loved (thanks, sis-in-law!). Come 12MN, we all gathered 'round the Christmas tree for gift-giving/receiving. Francis and I got personalized mugs with Flat Tops as bonus, a cute yellow alarm clock (I already have a spot for it in mind in our new home!), and a nice cotton tee for him and a shower/body lotion set for me from my sister-in-law. As for hubby's gift, I opened it the night of the 22nd because I'm that excited (I have low EQ, I know)-- it's Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume. I absolutely fell in love with the scent! It's citrusy with hints of light floral--no overpowering sweetness that makes me choke--just sweet enough for my taste. Methinks I'll buy another one when my first bottle runs out. Yay!


I also gave hubby his gift in advance, because he already needed it--a nifty pair of Sanuk Pick Pocket (already his second pair from me!). I like this new pair better, though, because it looks more street-smart than the rugged Kingston.

Kingston vs. Pick Pocket

Anyway, before we left Novaliches on Christmas day itself, we visited my mom-in-law's grave to pay our respects. I bet everyone missed her this holiday season, because she's usually the punong abala whenever there's a special occasion. I missed my grandparents, too, because they used to add cheer to an already cheerful celebration. Oh well, I guess the holidays make us more sentimental this way.

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas celebration, and didn't lose focus on the real meaning of the season--when Jesus came to us to be our Saviour.

Now let's look forward to the coming New Year!

busy saturdays

Mi mama strangling me, hahaha!

Since our unit in Sofia Belleve was turned over to us last week, our weekends (and sometimes even our non-working holidays) are now pretty packed with plans and arrangements for our unit improvement. Our architect friend, Renan, has also been busy coming up with layout permutations that can best maximize our small space. Just yesterday, we met again with him so we can submit the (almost) final layout of our unit--floor, electrical and plumbing plans. We're giving it a week for approval and then construction of all the necessary partitions and everything else shall commence. Francis and I are really excited because if everything proceeds as planned, we'll be able to move in to our new nest come the New Year.

We invited my mom to tag along with us yesterday because we know she's kind of excited, too. We showed her our bare unit and the model unit as well so she can better appreciate the new home of her panganay. Teehee! We also showed her the lounge fronting the swimming pool, and I think she seemed happy with what she saw.

Because we finished late with our errand in Sofia, my original plan to cook lunch at home got scrapped. We ended up dining at Chocolate Kiss, which I can't really complain about because it was hubby's treat. Haha!

Hainanese chicken for me and mom

Come the time to settle the bill, we were quite annoyed when the attendant told us their credit card is offline. Before ordering, we actually asked them if they're online and we were told they were. So because our cash wasn't enough, Francis had to find an ATM asap, which left me and mom bawling over because we found the situation really funny. We were already imagining washing all the dishes as punishment for not being able to pay. Yes, it's so shallow but that's how we are, haha!

Mom in between guffaws

While we were waiting for the rain to stop,
mommy got busy checking out the ongoing art class

We weren't able to go home right away because of the downpour, so we waited it out for a while before hailing a cab back to our place. Mom was excited because we told her that we already have a Christmas gift for her, and that we'd be giving it to her that afternoon. We're glad she loves the dress we got for her. We had to give it to her in advance because we know she needs a new one for a wedding. We spared her the trouble of buying it herself.

I'm really happy to see that my mom is proud of us and our new place, even if she doesn't say it. And Francis and I are very much thankful to the Lord for giving us a very wonderful blessing in the form of our own home, considering what we've gone through early this year.

on a day-off

For two consecutive long weekends, I was out on a shoot. It sucks. I feel like such a loser. Haha! So now I took a day off to make up for loss time at home. Ahh, home.

I never thought I'd be this attached to our (relatively) new place. I always look forward to going home, never mind if the main chore waiting for me every day is cooking (which I enjoy, anyway; we eat out every once in a while--hurrah to that!). There's something about starting a new life and living in a new place that make going home exciting and special. Of course, I still have some adjustments to make; but all in all, I'm loving this place--how it's relatively near to everything (malls, hospitals, my workplace, my hubby's workplace, UP, etc); how a small community on our street exists sans the horrid busyness of the metropolis. Sure, it gets busy every weekend, but it's nothing we can't stand. How can we complain if there's Starbucks, South Star Drugstore, Eunilane, Nuat Thai Massage and more than a handful of restaurants just a stone's throw away from our building?!?

But of course, I still miss my home in Taytay--everything and everyone in it. I miss hearing the soles of my shoes softly pound the pavement whenever I go home late and there's practically no one on the street. I miss seeing and hearing rowdy kids playing on a Saturday, as they agitate our dogs who would, of course, bark at them, waking me up. I miss my mom's cooking; she even texted me yesterday saying that she feels for me for no longer being able to bring baon to work. She usually prepares my baon. I had to assure her that it's alright because I still bring baon sometimes, whenever there's some extra food left. (Awww, my mom went all senti yesterday, I bet.) I miss small talks with my sister. I even miss our fights. I miss playing with my dogs (and so it really broke my heart when mom told me one of our dogs passed away. It broke my heart so much that I cried to sleep that night). I miss sitting by the table at our indoor garden/lanai. I miss the smell of rain in that house. I miss my mega messy room. I miss it all so much. That's why I'm excited every time my mom and sis announce their unplanned visits to our new place. I enjoy the company a lot. I visit them, too, of course. And it's at these frequent visits when I realize I miss them. Indeed, it's true that proximity can make a big difference--you come to appreciate the ones you love better when you don't see them often. You bond more when you see each other.
And so as I spend the rest of this day alone in our own place, I think of my home in Taytay--but it's a thought that's not sad at all. It's a thought that makes me feel more loved and missed. And that thought is more than enough to make me feel all fuzzy inside in this gloomy, rainy weather.

going back to that happy place where we grieved

It was Sunday, 4 o’clock in the morning, and my husband and I were already awake. We had barely two hours of sleep after an evening—make that a day—of celebrating perhaps the most momentous day of our lives: our wedding.

Our flight to Bohol, where we were bound for our 4-day, 3-night honeymoon, would leave at 8am. Not wanting to be late or start our honeymoon with frazzled nerves from rushing to the airport, we arrived at the NAIA Terminal 2 at 6:15.

Because we availed of seats promo (ours was PAL’s Econolight), we didn’t have the luxury to choose our seats; consequently, we risked being seated apart. But perhaps it was because we were on our honeymoon, and we were probably that obvious that we were honeymooning (no, there was no smooching or any grave PDA), the check-in counter personnel had a big heart to fix our seats.

Hubby enjoying a cup of hot choco

With more than an hour to spare, we slumped onto Delifrance’s wicker chairs and took our time enjoying our breakfast. About 20 minutes before our scheduled flight, an announcement said that ours would be a little delayed. However, to our delight, barely 10 minutes passed when passengers bound to Tagbilaran were instructed to form one line in front of the loading entrance.

The white watch on my left arm said 8:10am. We were off to lovely Bohol, expecting to land on its humble airport before half-past 9.

***

A yummy concoction of orange juice

At two in the afternoon, we were still in bed trying to catch as much needed sleep as we can. Yes, we were aware that we just wasted half of the first day of our honeymoon not honeymooning but snoozing. We didn’t mind, really. Six months of happy stress finally took its toll on our bodies that we had to find a way to at least recharge for a few hours.

Still groggy and squinting from the early afternoon sun’s glare, we made our way to Amorita Resort’s restaurant pride, Saffron. Their website did not lie. The restaurant is indeed a perfect place to fulfill one’s gastronomic cravings while giving one’s senses the treat they deserve.

Fronting the open resto is the idyllic infinity pool. A dip or some laps really does rejuvenate the body, what with a breath-taking view of the Panglao beach just in front of your eyes—pristine, clear blue-green waters very slowly rushing to meet the powdery shore. The high tide in the morning makes for a refreshing, cool dip; while the afternoon’s low tide calls for guests to wade in the semi-exposed shoreline. And that was just what we did after our late lunch.

Taking in the late afternoon heat, my husband and I strolled along the beach, unmindful of the many Europeans who were basking on their mats, hoping to get the tan they so covet. Surprisingly, that time of the year, there wasn’t much Asian guests in Panglao, mostly Caucasians, a handful of Koreans and few of our kababayans. When I was last in Bohol, Koreans were everywhere.

***

Dinner was served a bit late than we expected. We didn’t really mind. Amorita’s staff have been very polite and accommodating from the first hour we arrived, so it was somehow snobbish to complain. Edward, one of Saffron’s attendants, was kind enough to talk us up while we were waiting for our free dinner (the package we availed includes one). Unfortunately for Francis, he was served the same food he ordered for lunch—mahi-mahi fillet with almond. His consolation? Turones de Bohol for dessert. I had to agree with him—it was de-li-cious!

***

At about 11:30 in the evening, my phone registered a missed call from my sister-in-law, Sugar. I didn’t have time to call her back when my phone rang again. On the other line was Sugar, her words I could barely make out. All I understood was that she wanted to speak to her kuya. Right then and there, I understood what was happening, what had happened.

Mommy Susie had passed away. After almost two years of battling with breast cancer, which eventually metastasized to her bones and brain, her body became too weak to fight some more. For us, the timing of her demise was touching. It was as if she just waited for her beloved son and I to get married. In fact, after the previous day’s reception, we headed straight to Novaliches to visit her and say hello, and of course, to show her that we have finally tied the knot. It was sad enough not to see her with us on our precious day, but we’d rather that she stay in bed to rest. That night was my first time to see her so weak. A week ago, she was still able to utter comprehensible words. That night, she can barely whisper. But we were all happy, including Daddy Edwin who begged off from attending our wedding so he can be by his wife’s side in case of emergency. We didn’t really realize that it was already her last day. But yes, if we were to believe (and we did) that she just waited for us to get married and be done with that day’s festivities, then we are definitely grateful to her. We know Mommy Susie tried so hard to fend off that dark cloud, perhaps pleading to give her a few more hours until after her son and her daughter-in-law walked down the aisle, before she succumbed.

Francis and I thought of cutting our honeymoon short. We even thought of canceling the next day’s dolphin watching trip to give us more time to grieve, but we were told that that would incur us a 50 to 100 percent cancellation fee. So we just decided to go through with it.

***

Kuya Gilbert says "hello"

Kuya Cris on the lookout for dolphins

Kuya Cris and Kuya Gilbert made sure we had our electronic gadgets locked safely in a small, yellow Pelican brief case provided by Bohol Aquatic Adventures, Amorita’s own dive shop. The sun had barely said good morning to that side of the planet as we waded our way to the small rigger boat that would then bring us to a bigger banca. It was a glorious morning, yet we let last night’s news dampen our spirits. We felt it wasn’t right to feel so giddy and absolutely happy when back in Manila, the funeral for Mommy Susie was being arranged. Still, it was a glorious morning; and despite not spotting any dolphins (all bancas who set sail to dolphin watch were unfortunate not to see any), the two hours at sea had been a refreshing break for us newly married.

Filipino food + cereals = perfect morning

We got back to the resort in time for our buffet breakfast. Aside from the dolphin watching included in the honeymoon package we availed of, as well as the sunset cruise scheduled late in the afternoon of the same day, we were also happy to have a daily buffet breakfast. In between mouthfuls of rice, Francis got busy with calls to and from Sugar, fixing whatever needs to be fixed for the funeral.

***

The sunset cruise boys

At 5:30 pm, just before the sun set low in the horizon, we were off to the same rigger boat that took us dolphin watching that morning. It was still Kuya Cris who accompanied us, together with Alfred, our “personal butler” who brought along a free bottle of white wine, two flute glasses and a bucket of ice, and the boats “driver” (unfortunately, we failed to commit his name to memory). About 150 feet or so from the shoreline, our kuya boatman killed the boat’s engine as Alfred politely poured some sparkling wine into our glasses. I’m not really a fan of alcoholic drinks, nor is Francis, but a refreshing glass of wine was a warm welcome to us. We silently watched the sky break into many different colors that kept on changing every few minutes. That was also the moment we let each other know how we’ll miss Mommy Susie. We know she’s already in a safer and painless place, yet I can’t help but feel cheated—I was so looking forward to having her as my mother-in-law, now made official. My mom, whom she considers her best friend ever since we formally introduced the two of them, felt the same. My mother had been so excited when Mommy Susie finally retired from working, because they had an agreement that they’d travel together. I bet my mom felt the same way we did when I broke the sad news to her. And it was in those times when I heard my own mom utter words of shock that I wish it were all a bad dream.

***

A few weeks back, I told a colleague friend how I felt about all that was happening just before Francis and I got married. I was surprised at my own honesty, but I was confident that since the person I was talking to is also about to get married, I instinctively knew she’d understand how I was feeling at that time. I remember telling her over late lunch how I was so afraid—afraid of what might happen to my mom-in-law. It was just a matter of time before Mommy Susie’s body gives up. The doctors already stated that fact—that we be prepared for the worst. Radiotherapy’s goal is to just extend a cancer patient’s life, not save her. I was so afraid, I told my colleague, that I’d have to see my husband be torn with happiness and grief—regardless of whether that would happen before or after we got married. It was somehow selfish of me to be afraid, to not want to see him suffer. Moreso, I felt guilty for feeling so weak during the time when Francis needed me to be strong for him. All that was left was to pray and hope for a miracle.

Yet even if that miracle didn’t happen, Mommy Susie’s demise gave us something we never expected. The bond between me and Francis got stronger, and so has the bond between him and his sister.

***

The whole of Tuesday was spent traveling around Bohol, uncovering its many historical and natural wonders. Since we didn’t avail of the package that includes such trip, we just rented an Altis to get us around the province. Good thing it was the same car and driver that had fetched us from the airport when we arrived two days ago. Though our driver, Sherwin, is not the type who’s generous with words, he had been kind enough to let us into a handful of tidbits about the places we visited.

At the Chocolate Hills viewing deck. Not so sunny that day

Which is the tarsier? Be my guest to guess. Haha!

The Blood Compact site was the first stop; next was the Baclayon museum and church, the second oldest church in the country. Then it was off to the magnificent Chocolate Hills. The dull weather didn’t allow for postcard-perfect pictures with the well-formed hills as background, but seeing that natural wonder (first time for Francis and second for me) still never failed to make the 30-minute stopover unforgettable.

Our cruise faring Loboc River

Lunch at the Loboc River aboard a cruise was next on the itinerary. For only 300 pesos per head, we got to have a buffet Pinoy lunch and a one-hour ride on Loboc River. Our cruise was composed of a fair mixture of Pinoy and Korean tourists, with two or three Caucasians who also shared in the fun.

Entertainment care of the locals

The more entertaining part was the 15-minute stopover on the way back to the dock, when us tourists got to mingle with the locals to enjoy their music and dance. With a rondalla ensemble, the locals entertained us with their rendition of OPM songs as well as tunes in the vernacular. There was also a tinikling showdown, where tourists tried their luck in the folkdance while hopping in between two hitting bamboo poles. We then had a short side trip to one of two certified tarsier "houses". Those small primates never fail to let the giggle out of me.

After the cruise, Sherwin proudly drove us to where Prony is housed. Prony is arguably the largest python in captivity. Just how big is it? Together with some fast facts tacked on a bulletin board greeting visitors is a picture of the huge python taken a few years back, happily feeding on a whole piglet. Yes, a whole piglet!

Of course, an out-of-town trip is never complete without a jaunt to the nearest pasalubong haven, so it was off to pasalubong hoarding after we said goodbye to Prony.

After about two hours of spending money, it was back to the resort.

We capped off the night with what's left of the white wine from the sunset cruise. We decided to linger a little while near the infinity pool, beside a tree well-lit by yellow lights. It was a relatively quiet evening spent with us being silent, with just the canopy of tiny lights above our heads.

***

Our last day at Amorita started with another heartwarming eat-all-you-can breakfast. We then rested for a while before heading off to the beach to take a swim (or a dip, if it’s more fitting). The water was cool, and the sand so divinely fine it can give Boracay a run for its revenue. No kidding.

The spectacular sea view from Amorita

Once we got tired of the beach, it was time to take a dip into the infinity pool. We first had our romance with Amorita’s popular pool on our first day, and that was late in the afternoon. The view was spectacular. But this time around, with the sun almost at its zenith, the view changed—it was more spectacular, as if we were seeing the beach for the first time or from different pairs of eyes. The sunny sky, with a scattering of fluffy cotton clouds, provided a perfect backdrop for the two-toned sea. It’s as if we were in a little pocket of the Caribbean. Glorious. Magnificent. Perfect.

***

The good thing about Panglao beach is that guests are not tied down to eating meals exclusively at the resort they’re booked in. Wanting to taste a variety of foods, not to mention being practical (some dishes at the Saffron Resto are pricey for their taste), we again scouted the many other resorts lined up at the beach front for a good last lunch.

After a serving of sizzling squid, a platter of sweet and sour prawns, and two glasses of chocolate shake, Francis and I headed back to our resort. Realizing I had no souvenir buy for myself, I immediately grabbed a pretty woven bag big enough to carry the rest of our pasalubongs. It’s also a nice native bag for overnight trips.

***

For the past three days of our stay, the sea was calm; but during our last day, Nature decided to change her mind and made the sea throw waves at the shoreline. On our way back to Amorita, we heard the locals remark on how turbulent the waters were that day. We can only assume that it was something unusual for the usually calm sea. Somehow, it was a relief that the sea decided to become unfriendly during our last day.

On the ride to Tagbilaran airport, I silently reflected on how refreshing and blessed our honeymoon was, despite knowing a loved one just passed away. At the same time, I realized that maybe, just maybe, the whole trip had been a happy one because Mommy Susie wanted us to be just that—happy.

And we know that she is, too.