I wrote this as soon as I returned to New York on September 7th.
The jetlag is real. My brain is a little addled with lack of sleep; no thanks for my body’s inability to discern the difference between two times zones. My circadian rhythm is messed up, still synced to Manila time. I need to go back to work tomorrow so I have to come out of my zombie-like trance and get back to New York time.
The vacation is over. But even with all the jarring reality of the return to the challenges of work, I am energized with the memories of my two weeks (and two days) of vacation. Even with the 15-hour flight. Thank God I have my son assisting me with my luggage and encouraging me to walk beyond what I’m used to in New York.
It's more fun in the Philippines. The memories are PRICELESS.
Here are the highlights of my August trip.
1. NANAY- My beloved 88 y/o mother cried when my son Jordan and I finally arrived, apparently overwhelmed with emotions, after two years of communicating via Facetime. Thanks to my sister Bheng (who arrived two weeks earlier) for capturing this moment.
I hugged my mother close to make up for those times when I had to content with blowing kisses on video. I hugged her often, just trying to memorize her sweet scent. I love her quick smile and her sharp wit. My mother will always be the most important reason why I endure the long plane ride. I cherish the times I spent with her. Priceless moments.
2. FAMILY REUNION- August 25, 2019, Las Pinas, Manila, Philippines.
The Cerrudo-Segovia reunion with all the branches from the tree joining together- Calvo, Gallardo, DelaSerna, Tano-an, Momoy, and Enalpe. Attendance was 80+ strong. It was great to reconnect, to forge new bonds, to celebrate family. It was also a reminder that time passes so quickly and life is uncertain so it is most important to tell our loved ones that we love them.
Talent runs in the family with great singers and dancers, notwithstanding the amateur dancing (trying hard) from the 50 y/o + ladies fumbling to the steps of “Dahil Sa Iyo” and to the inimitable duo of Charlie and Edwin with their wild gyrations, all in good fun.
3. HIGH SCHOOL REUNION OF CLASS 1975-
There were twelve of us who were classmates at the Generosa De Leon Memorial College (Centro Escolar University) who met at Dr. Cheryl's beautiful residence. Cheryl, Leny, Asuncion, Monica, Bessie, Eileen, Nancy, Helen, Minda, Irene, and Ana. My classmates from 44 years ago. This is my first time since our graduation to see them again. I was pleasantly surprised with the easy camaraderie between all of us. We shared high school life remembrances and we all joined in singing the school songs, "Sampaguita Interlude" as well as the music we grew up on.
Thank you for the combined August and September birthday celebration for the four of us. Sooo much fun. I never thought I will see them after all these years or that they will even recognize me. Thank God I am no longer that gangly, skinny, and awkward teen with skin darkened by my ROTC years. My classmates have turned out to be good-looking ladies who are successful in their own right.
4. BORACAY-
Boracay is just one small island (3.98 sq. miles) out of the 7,640 other islands that comprise the Philippine Archipelago but it has clearly been the country’s top tourist destination. After a 6-month rehabilitation, Boracay is now open to the public. We spent our second day island-hopping and my son enjoyed his snorkeling and helmet-diving. I enjoyed having to navigate the floating empty gallons of water that we stepped on as we swayed on our way to the boats.
My most favorite moment was just sitting in the sun on White Beach early in the morning before the tourists woke up and littered the beach to do their selfies. At about 6am, Boracay was at its most peaceful. White sand, blue waters, cool breeze, invigorating air, and flip flops. No calls from work, no emails to sift through. God is good!
Time stood still in this beautiful and tranquil paradise. It was time for reflections on what a beautiful world it is, that it energizes the soul when you just let go of the stresses of your non-vacation world. It was like a yoga moment. Breathe in, breathe out and forget that vacation will soon end.
5. BATAAN- LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR
Our day trip to this resort in Bataan is a cultural enrichment. The collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses is a testament to the richness of the Filipino heritage and the ingenuity of Filipino craftsmen. The spectacular Hotel Oriente brings you back to the world of Filipino elite during the Spanish colonial area. The carvings on the walls and on the staircase and on the massive doors were impressive.
We enjoyed the tour around the property through cobblestone roads and the fluvial balsa ride along the Umangol river with the marvelous houses and arched bridges, even through the downpour.
It was also an incredible experience to watch a short historical play about the national hero “Jose Rizal” as he bravely marched to his execution place. When he turned his body as he was “shot”, it was his one last stance of defiance against the Spanish guards. It was an emotional moment.
Then came “Andres Bonifacio” as he called for the revolution and asked his supporters to tear their “cedulas” (registration cards). "Andres" was so intense as he exhorted the audience to join the revolution. Earlier, the production staff gave our group replicas of the cedulas. Andres Bonifacio, "atapang na tao", I remembered an old joke. But it was surreal when Andres stood before us as if we were in a secret cabal trying to save our nation against the Spaniards. I felt a shiver run down my body as I raised my hand in support of the Filipino heroes. I was also pulled out to join the cast at the finale. I learned that I still know the lyrics to the Philippine National Anthem.
6. RAK OF AEGIS
This original Pinoy musical was in my to-do list. So, it was well worth the long ride to Quezon City to see a fabulous group of talented singers belt out the powerful hits of the OPM icon musical band Aegis. The production was well-staged with actual flood waters right in the middle of rickety-looking wooden walkways and stairs.
“Rak of Aegis” is a musical about big-voiced Aileen who dreams of viral fame on Youtube in the hopes of securing a spot on the Ellen DeGeneres show as well as to provide help to their flood-submerged barangay. The stars were impressive as they sang “Halik,” “Sinta,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan,” and many more.
The musical is about hope and resilience but also showcases the Filipinos’ sense of humor against adversity and their love of music. Kudos to the stars Shaira Opsimar, Bayang Barrios, Renz Verano, and the hunky gondola driver Tolits (Joshua Bulot), and the rest of the ensemble cast.
7. FOOD TRIP
As the new Jollibee commercial claims, "EATS more fun in the Philippines. There are more flavors than islands in the Philippines". We brought our family along as we explored the different restaurants in Las Pinas. More than the food trip, it was our chance as a family to bond over food with my brothers Allan and Edwin and their families, and my cousins Tess, Baby, and Cladys. It was also so much fun to watch my mom and my aunts enjoying the food and each others' company while we feasted on Chicharong Bulaklak after they took their anti-hypertensive meds. I purposefully chose the exotic-sounding names that could not be seen in New York Filipino restos. Ngohiong, Daku pochero, Sisig in a pouch, tinapa rice, pasta adobo, lechon belly roll, sizzling kangkong ala pobre, pinaputok na tiyan ng bangus, even "dirty ice cream".
My son voted the Chowking halo-halo as the best of them all. The neighborhood taho was just what I needed. And my Nanay’s cooking is the best not only because she really is a good cook but because it was served with love. I just love the grin on my mother’s face as I closed my eyes and proclaimed all that she cooked as heavenly.
8. COFFEE PROJECT
Filipinos love selfies and they love posting their Coffee Project selfies on Instagram. To be honest, I just wanted to see why the Coffee Project also has been hailed as the most “Instagram-able” coffee shop.
Look for yourself. I hardly noticed the coffee and the cake but I was bemused with the brilliant interiors with flowers, greens, comfy sofas, and unique knick-knacks that gave this garden cafe a homey and so-relaxed-you-can-spend-hours-in-it vibe.
Now, it's back to the grind of daily work. I can't complain because I do need to save for another vacation.
