Coron ♥

My favorite place on Earth so far is Palawan. And I'm back with my girlies.
 Our flight to Busuanga was early in the morning and I was then coming from work. Thanks to the parents who loves me they fetch me at work with my suitcase with them and along with Ralei we headed to the airport with takeouts. Ate Heidz followed through coming from home, we just met up somewhere near the check in counter.

While waiting to board we did all the catching up with work-related stress and everything that we won't need to be talking about when having fun. In short, we are relieving all stress-related things now for more fun later.

We arrive early with no delays on our flight. Now long drive to Birang Guesthouse booked by Ate Heidz. I love the feel of the countryside. It is really unfortunate that our family don't have an originating province.

Arriving in Birang Guesthouse, we were welcomed with a pitcher of iced tea and friendly smiles. Ate Heidi was familiar with the keeper since she once stayed there before. The guesthouse is located near the port and has a relatively lovely view at the back with areas to lounge and a hammock. I am starting to love this house. A peek at it and we're all excited to dip, I forgot I was sleepy and tired. And coming straight from work with no shower and change of clothes, I am itching to get some water on me.

We didn't book any tours yet though they want some island hopping I am glad they were with me when what I only wanted was to get some tan, laze by the shore and chill. And since it is already late in the morning, booking a tour was not an option so we opted to rent a private boat to bring to some island for some dipping and fun just like what I am thinking! Ate from the guesthouse was really nice and helped us finding and negotiating with the boatman. I think we struck up a good deal for the whole afternoon wherever island we would like to hop in. We then prepared for it, had lunch near the guesthouse and bought some ice and beers!

All set and ready we set in for the boat ride.

We don't know where to go so we asked the boatmen to bring us anywhere free of entrance fees. =P and they brought us here at CYC island.

Few shades around and not so packed at the moment we settled on a nearby tree with the perfect view of the shore and a spot with the sun.

And of course... bringing out our drinking paraphernalia! No other choice then but this will do. Drinking mid-day with girlfriends by the shore, another cross on my list. =D

we're desperate and out of ideas!
hanging the camera by the tree to have a decent photo together! lol

We spent the whole afternoon doing actually nothing, just pure fun. And we're gone crazy with photos again. (not posting everything here though. lol)

remake of El Nido photo '10 (see blog image above)

We left the guesthouse mid-day...

and now, we're back baked from sun just in time for the sun setting.♥

Will be out for supper and finally sleep.. tata!

~ with lalalalaloooove! ♥A

Aya & bubu

Never a dull moment whenever Aya is mixed with Bubu's antics! *amusing myself* Aya will kill me when she see this. XP

counting the days of Summer

Not a clear sky but rather a hot day!

date and concert

From a long weekend in Tagaytay, I pleaded the parents to drop me off near the concert venue. I have set a mini date with Pagz with Ate Heidz and Ralei that afternoon before the concert given that Pagz will be leaving soon to work overseas for a year or two. *sad* Anyway, he's been waiting for it for quite some time now so I think he deserves the opportunity.

We met up in the mall and opted to eat and talk some place with less people. Well, there's no "some place with less people" this time maybe because of tonight's concert so instead we settled in Cibo.

couple snaps.. ahem.. i mean friends. lol

and it was just US FOUR again. ^_^

After a bit of catching up and bantering like the old times, Ralei and I needed to go already. Concert starts in a while, people were pooling outside the entrance of the venue and we were literally confused with the lines towards the entrance. We were like walking back and forth and back when I bumped in to an old acquaintance. Well, he was a college block mate which makes him more than a mere acquaintance. He greeted me instantly with a hug that surprises me that didn't mean anything but with the looks Ralei was giving me I know I needed to clear it up right then. And I think I messed up a bit. It was not long after the embrace when I burst out with "Hindi kami close ah!" while laughing at Ralei's look. Then I realized, he might have heard. {To you, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean anything offensive when I said it. Just stating a known fact.}

Back to the concert scene.... okay.. we're on the line.. I see familiar faces and because I'm an awkward one I put on my poker face and act like I didn't see anybody. I know! Really this bad at socializing, especially if they were not my crowd. What can I do? I don't have the time to do the fake-smile-and-wave routine plus small talks! Gah! I really hate those sorts of things and the awkward pause that comes after when you don't know what else to say next to each other. Difficult!

We got in after a long while, found our seats and settled in. I am with Ralei and her two other friends. I was separated from them actually, just in front of them. But it's fine, I get to scream all I want and sing all I want without a care in the world because I am in between strangers and in some way it comforts me because we'll never see each other again for sure. =P

Yes! The Script rocks! I love them since when? hmm.. since I heard the Man Who Can't Be Move back in college. And because I'm not good with artists, nor song titles nor any celebrities, before I even learned the title of this song I've already graduated. That long, eh? I am that one who watches a movie or TV show or anything showbiz for that matter and might not even know who those people were except for their character role. I am that bad! *cringe*

Anyway, we really enjoyed the show! Tired and happy, we are indeed. I may have damaged my vocal chords from all the relentless screams and "toneless" singing as well and last night I was in love with Danny O'Donoghue! And checking my twitter my 동생 is going gaga over there. Well, can't blame her cause we're on the same boat swooning! We loooove it!

Resting the night.. hmm.. early morning now~ with lalalalooove! Ciao ♥

Holy week...end

It's this time of the year again. Sort of a tradition between Daddy's and his friends' families. We do spent a few times together whenever possible. This year we're off to PiñaColina again for the weekend until Easter Sunday.

I started my day straight from work, video calling my dear sister. haha Caught her forehead! and she hated me for that! hahaha My only excuse for doing that is because I'm trying to amuse myself being I'm still working and not so looking forward a long drive because of the traffic and all.

For three days..

at Noon

at Dawn

at Dusk

Family and these were all I need and I'm sold!

We spent the two days talking, sleeping and eating together and just that! It was a certified Bum's days indeed! Too bad it was short lived.

Because Sunday, Easter Sunday to be exact, we hurried home, (1) because of the traffic and (2) because each of the families have separate commitments. Well, even I myself, have my separate commitment! The Script Concert!!! weeee! *swoon*

cheesy-cake

Old sister brought home some cheesecake.. wiii! cheesylove!♥

Why... I love cheesecake...

Spa day

Aya and I were curious with the Korean Spa / Jimjjilbang and I've been wanting to try it from my trips ago in Seoul but haven't got the chance to. So when she saw this certain spa resting in the vicinity of Makati we did went for it as soon as we can. We made reservations in Lasema Spa for after my work on a week end.

It has the air of the traditional Korean spa as seen in the dramas. They have a variety of jacuzzi pools and sauna rooms at your disposal. I like the igloo with beds and food! I was worn out and starved when we arrive, so yes I like the bed spread and food the most in this experience. The massage was okay, not too rough for me. I like it more because I was not sore afterwards. ^_^

While I slept most of the hours we were there after the shower and massage, Aya went exploring. she tried all the sauna rooms and guessing with the looks of it, she enjoyed it. I still believe she forgot all about me sleeping and all in one of the igloo made for sleeping. I woke up and she's no where to be found only to know she's in one of the sauna rooms enjoying the steam.

We left after a while to have lunch. And since we're into trying something new today, we took the chance and tried some Indian cuisine in New Bombay. 

What can I say? We stayed on the safe, ordered chicken tikka, naan bread and rice. I'm sorry but I'm not one to like too many spices in a food. Yes, I have a bland taste buds. The food is too tasty for me, I can't.. I did try though but I ended up eating less and offering Aya my share. 

We then stroll around after lunch. Walking for a bit in search for a dessert to wash off the too much remains left in our buds of the lunch we had. We ended up in one of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf chains located in Ayala Triangle. We had coffee and cheesecake. Now, I'm happy with my food again. =D 

We ended our date running under the rain to catch a ride home! It was fun, relaxing and tiring as well. Lasema was nice and will definitely come back for sure! =)

Later then.. with lalalalaloooove! ♥

can't move on

Just after the weekend from returning home, my girls and I met up for supper. We're to attached not to see each other. kidding! In reality, we met up to share copies of photos we have, talk some more about our previous trip, laugh more, complain a bit about work and try Omakase's food.

I had my usual, maki rolls, Ralei her rice and tofu steak and Ate Heidz with her ramen. It was a busy hour in the area I think. Most of the restaurants around we're full and we just got lucky to have a table freed just in time when we walked in. There was nothing special with the food and with it's price.. I think it's a bit pricey but considering the place and service, not bad I guess. I think even if my money isn't worth the food, the service and ambiance indeed compensates the lack in it. Or maybe it is because we ordered just the usual? should've checked their specialty too. Anyway, we had a happy girls' talk then.

Too bad I still have to work right after and Ralei needs to be back in her office while Ate Heidz will be going home soon after we're done with supper. Working girls! woot woot!

with lalalalalooooove~ ciao!♥

aftermath...

Hello back at work.. and I have thousands of emails to sort after my short trip.

Now I'm sure! I missed my desk and the people more than my work! 'cause I got my sleepyhead hanging while I'm doing my job and my brain is no where to be found near where I am now. I'm guessing I might have left it somewhere in Bangkok or Siem Reap!

And it's always like this after a vacation some place wonderful....

I'm still enchanted with Siem Reap's majestic sites and I love that they serve french bread anywhere! How awesome?! And Thailand is indeed an interesting specimen! Can't wait to have another trip back there and will make sure the next will be the real "Hangover" inspired one! *cheeky*

Ayutthaya~ Cruising back to Bangkok

Finally some food!

We are having buffet lunch while cruising back to Bangkok. Wit was a fun experience.  We hopped in a bit late because Ralei accidentally left her sunnies back in the tour bus. Ate Heidi went with her back to find her sunnies while I wait for them in the boarding area to be the look out.

We don't want to be left there since we still need to catch our flight going home.

Donna (tour guide) almost forgot us. :-( We were separated from the group who were seated closer to the deck.

 Anyhow, our table wasn't so bad. We shared it with a middle-aged Vietnamese businessman. And I am so not comfortable with small talks and we tried being polite and ended up trying to escape the scene. We ate lunch almost quietly then we ran off to the deck, explore a bit and caught up some sun.

The interior was really nice. It looks pretty sophisticated but you can still eat comfortably and the attendants were nice and friendly looking.

It was a really sunny day, warmer than the weather back home. We loitered around the front and back deck. It so happened that Ralei's fancy was seated in one of the benches located in the back deck. We did try to get some paparazzi shots but failed miserably so we just did our own photos.

On our second hour in the cruise we're back in the dining area for some coffee / tea time. It was really nice. See? I'm so easy to please. Then again, we stayed for a bit in the front deck. Sight-seeing and people watching as well. *time to relax a bit*

We arrived in Bangkok at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. We caught up the Canadian tourist seated beside Ate Heidz and took a souvenir snapshot. Then time to help Ralei dear on her 'fancy'! *thrilled*

What happened next was so funny it is on our top most unforgettable memories during our trips together. Even now while I'm writing this I can't help but laugh by myself, so here it goes....

We disembarked and walked straight in to this sorta mall. While waiting and looking out for our service tour guide to drop us back in our hotel, we saw Ralei's fancy and his friend. And while we are joking around I am also half serious when I said I can approach him and introduce my dear friend! Alas! we dared to do it just then of course with them along with me. Well.. that's what I thought! I thought they were just on my foot waiting for my approach!! but know when I started talking to the guy making my spiel to introduce this dear friend of mine and just in time when I turn my head while I refer to "my "friend" I saw them running away on the opposite side! So you've guessed, I was left alone to fend myself and make something less embarrassing~ HAHAHAHA it was ridiculously funny just then and looking back now, it was even funnier!! Of course I made some fruits with my effort. Again, we had a new acquaintance and again another contact was added through Facebook! Aren't I awesome! Well, NO.. not really... I just love my friends is all.

moments before the "RUN-OFF" - spot the guy in maroon ^_^

It was just a small talk since I don't have any business talking with him. And while I was talking to him I can see my friends in the corner of my eyes watching and I can feel their giggles infecting me. So I kept it short and walking back to my friends with a straight face on. But really I can't help but smile. Goodness! and I need to suppress my laugh still. XD

While we amused ourselves, we didn't notice that we're the last ones in our tour group being waited by our designated tour guide. So we did all the talking and laughing back in the van where, yes we know and we are assuming, we are labeled as the noisy tourists! We kept talking about it even until we were already back at the hotel while we wait our arranged airport pick up. We did check out another street food we saw the hotel receptionists were buying. It was good, I hate that I can't access much of my photos at the moment.. uggghh! Anyway, arriving at the airport after an hour or so and a lot of minutes in line to check in, we still have an hour or so before boarding. We then looked around, few shops, duty free and of course, food!

I bought some packed spices for Mom and Aya's cooking back home then with Ate Heidi's sharp eyes!!! Mashimaro!!! *squeal* even if I didn't have the money left. God! I did buy it still. I'm really bad at this for the love of @$!&^@#$#&^ I can't let this go! XD

Then we ended up buying sandwiches for supper while we wait to board and yes, we are still talking about Aki and the incident earlier. And it is as funny still as ever. Seems like we all have the "panic-streak" in common. (and I won't elaborate on that!)

We landed back home in the wee hours and more of lines. C'mon immigration! *sigh*

Anyhow, we did arrive home safe after all the lines and long drive back to the city.

In all, we did made friends, we did experience the exceptional culture and lovely food offerings of Thailand and we had a great time exploring it with or without a tour guide. It was all in all another trip to remember! ♥

Now signing off to do some family duties.. catch up later~ with lalalalaloooove! xxoo