all about my journeys in life

20-22 April
Colombo
SRI LANKA

Amira asked me when I'd be traveling back to Bangkok. She wanted some pots, flower pots. I told her I don't plan to go back there in the near future as I was just in Bangkok a few months back. After a while, she asked, "Ok, do you want to go to Colombo?" I checked the flight schedule. Looked good. So I said YES.

The day after we decided to go, we had everything ready--tickets and exit permits. Though the return flight was full, we still went ahead with our plan because history says that a lot of passengers don't show up at the gate. We had a chance. Not that good, but still, a chance.

Our journey started with Amira forgetting her QR id at home and not exchanging her riyals for dollars. In-flight, I had a terrible experience with a drunk passenger and a not-so-good sample of Sri Lankad food. At the Bandaranaike International Airport, we were met by the QR airport manager who also assisted us with the hotel arrangement. We checked-in at the Cinnamon Hotel, one of the few 5-star hotels in the city. Unfortunately, we weren't able to take advantage of the hotel's facilities as we had to spend most of our time outside. We went to Victoria Park (where Amira shopped crazily for plants), batik shop, Buddhist temples, shopping malls (Odel, Majestic City, House of Fashion), gem mine (where I bought white sapphire and amethyst stones), and ceramic shops (Noritake, etc.) We had a late-night dinner at the beachside of Mt. Lavinia.

Though the country is poor, I was amazed at how honest its people are. Courteous, too. The place actually reminded me of Iloilo and Davao with all the greens, old buildings and the simplicity of the way people live. The weather was like ours (Philippines) and currency exchange rate is almost LKR2=PHP1. Transpo system, however, is not that developed. There were a few taxi's, tuktuk's and buses. No MRT rides this time. But there was a train, I remember, that passed by the beach when we were having dinner.

The place looks safe with the police seeming to be everywhere, that is, in about 50 meters away from each other. I was told that they were very strict about the security so that photos could not be taken in places that were actually ideal for picture-taking. Ay buhay!

Going back, we encountered several problems. One, we had no ride back to the airport so we asked for assistance from our tuktuk driver. He was kind enough to arrange one for us. At the airport, we were held by the Customs officers because we were carrying lots (and I mean lots) of plants. We thought we could get the plant quarantine permit from the airport as we usually do in Manila, but no! The Plant Quarantine office was located 18 miles from the airport. Amira was already crying at the thought of not being able to get her plants home. Fortunately, the officers helped her contact the quarantine office and we were allowed to carry the plants even without the written permits. Then there were more than 10 staff waiting for their chance at the check-in counter. I had high hopes that I'd get on the flight because of the captain's promise that I will be given a jumpseat, if the need arises.

The flight back was delayed due to no-shows (as expected) and 2 passengers were also offloaded. 2 hours inflight, an announcement was made asking for any doctor on-board. I didn't know what happened but I was actually afraid that we could be forced to have an emergency landing because of that. We were blessed that we went straight to Doha and arrived at 30 minutes past 10 in the evening.

I should remember these things when traveling. I should. I should. I should!

1. Check the schedules and based on the schedules, prepare a flight itinerary (an alternative flight itinerary for chance passengers is a must!).
2. Browse the internet for the weather, airport information, tourist sights, food, transpo, currency exchange rates, etc.
3. Make sure that the visa requirements of the country to be visited are met and that passport is valid for the period of intended stay.
4. Reserve a hotel and tour guide if necessary.
5. Follow the proper dress code.
6. Bring only the basic things like clothes (just enough of them, ok!), shoes, toiletries and first aid kit. Money is important so bring lots of it!
7. Take note of the time difference.
8. Forget about work and enjoy.

11 April
DISNEYLAND
Hong Kong

I originally planned to go to Disneyland last February with a friend. When the plan did not push through due to circumstances I'd rather not detail here, I started planning another trip with my mother. But as fate would have it, Nanay had to undergo surgery so naturally, we had to postpone the trip once again.

Haaay. Isip ko lang, "If I don't go to Disneyland this time, I don't think I'd have another chance to go there in the near future." So instead of sulking at the thought of a cancelled plan, I decided to go there on my own.

While waiting for my flight at the airport, I became a little bit hesitant about going. I was thinking I'd rather go directly to Doha instead of having to stop over at Hong Kong just to see the magical world of Disney. Hehe. Pero syempre, go na rin since andyan na rin lang naman yung chance.

I've been to Hong Kong thrice already prior to this trip. And ever since that first visit, HK has always been my favorite city. One will never get lost in Hong Kong because there are directions everywhere and the people are very kind and nice and helpful to get you going wherever you want to go.

On arrival at the HKIA, I went straight to the information counter to inquire about my Disney adventure. The lady advised me to take a cab straight to Disney since it would be the easiest and fastest way to go there. But for that, I'd have to spend about HK$120 for the fare. The deal would have been attractive to me when I was younger since it was hassle-free but realizing that I haven't been to any adventure all my life because I depended on my companions in all of the trips I've taken before, I took the chance to be the person I have never been---adventurous.

I left my luggage at the airport's storage facility that charges HK$50 per piece left for more than 3 hours. With my bags safely stored, I went out of the airport to the bus terminal and took the S1 bus that goes to Tung Chung Station (HK$3.5). Then from Tung Chung Station, I went to Sunny Bay and changed platform to go to Disneyland Resort (HK$14). I was at the Entrance to Disneyland (HK$295) in just about 30 minutes.

The sight of the "Welcome..." sign put a smile on my face. I've never, in my wildest dreams, imagined I'd be able to go there. I wanted to shout for joy but decided not to because I was alone. Ayoko magmukhang tanga. Bwehehe.

I took pictures with Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pooh, visited Tarzan's Tree House and wished I could have one like that, watched my favorite Disney characters as they parade on the street, took the Jungle River Cruise where the animals looked almost real, and rode the train to see the whole of Disneyland. Five hours of continuous walking and picture-taking starved me so I ate like a queen at the Royal Banquet Hall where they served the blandest chicken a la king I've ever tasted. Hehe. My magical day ended with a fireworks display they called Disney in the Sky and a trip back to realityland.

10 April
RCBC / BAYWALK
Philippines

With just a few hours left in Manila, I decided to drop by RCBC to see Iva and my sassy friends Mafe and Capella. We just chatted for a while kasi they all had to go back to work pa. At 630pm, I was on my way home to meet Nessa and Dino when I saw Windel and Iva (again!) at the lobby. I asked them to drop by the condo if they had nothing to do so Windel could also see it.

While waiting for the tall couple (Nessa and Dino), Iva raided Vidson's ref (hehe!) and we watched Ako Legal Wife. At 730pm, Nessy arrived with Dino and we continued to chat a little more while waiting for Vidson. Finally at around 8pm, Vidson arrived and we all went out to dine. Sadly, Nessa and Dino could not join because they had to go home and pack pa because Nessy was going home to Bicol for the Holy Week.

I have never been to Baywalk to eat. Medyo matagal na yung place but everytime we planned to go there, walang nangyayari. This time, it was an unplanned "double date" for us. It should have been my date with Vidson but we were lucky to have Iva and Windel come along since these two are so much fun to be with. Vidson and Windel talked animatedly about animes such that Iva and I felt like the girls men have at their table while drinking kasi they didn't include us in their conversation. Men!

The evening was nice even though the band playing didn't know the lyrics of the songs they sang. We had quite a delicious dinner while listening to rock music since the band said duduguin daw sila pag kumanta ng R&B.

It felt good to be there. Sana maulit muli. Nyehehe!

9 April
JAEN / SAN ISIDRO / GAPAN
Philippines

At 0830H, my mother and I were already at the place where my father, Ate and Don and I grew up. We were waiting for Nanay Guding, Tatay's mother, to arrive because I wanted to visit her before I leave for Manila/Doha for fear that Tatay would hate me if I didn't. Haha. Joke lang. Unfortunately, when we came, Nanay Guding was still in church attending the Palm Sunday mass.

While waiting, I reminisced about the good old days spent at our old home---climbing guava trees, picking mangoes and aratiles straight from the tree itself, throwing tomatoes at my cousins, running after our pet ducks and turkeys, playing at tita Loi's garden which then seemed like the whole world to us, and a lot more. Time went by so fast that we didn't notice we were already there for more than an hour and Nanay Guding hasn't come yet. Apparently, the mass has just started so we decided to go home without seeing her.

Uncle invited us to have lunch with them, like we used to when I was a child. We feasted with kare-kare, pork sinigang, meatballs with miswa, and beef stew with corn and carrot sidings. After lunch, we had a trip back to Jaen so that the oldies--Mommy Alelie, Mommy Lynn and Nanay--could have a haircut. We went to Pating's House of Beauty which reminded me of a very unforgettable moment in my life: In grade 3, Tita Pating curled my hair and gave me bangs.I looked so pathetic with that hairdo such that in 17 years, I have never ever attempted having my hair styled any other way than how it looks now.

While the oldies were having their hair done, Uncle and I went back to Nanay Guding. I thought the visit would be short as I only planned to ask her how she's been these past few months, but our chat turned out to be serious and interestingthat it became difficult to leave. We talked about her memories of Tatay, how she felt upon his death and how as time passes by, the pain of missing him becomes deeper and deeper. I pity Nanay Guding when she cried but much as I also wanted to cry with her, I didn't. I had to be strong for her. She's old. When our conversation ended, she gave me a picture of Tatay taken last September 2. It was one of the last pictures he had because he left us on September 8.

We went back to Tita Pating's place pero di pa tapos gawin ang hair nila so I also had a haircut. A free haircut. Pagkatapos ng pagpapaganda sa parlor, we went to have merienda at Luz Kitchenette, Mommy Alelie's treat. I remember when I was in high school, titipirin ko yung baon ko from Monday to Thursday so that I can afford to go to Gapan on Friday with my barkada and eat halo-halo. Another house specialty is pancit. Luz din ang sikat noon na dating place. After our merienda, we dropped by Ponciana's (another sikat na dating place) to buy chicharon. Sabik ako sa pork eh! Hehe. Tapos, uwian na.

I just think it's funny how the day was spent with a lot of childhood memories being brought back to mind. During the mass that morning, dun sa part na sinasabi ng priest na "pray for your personal intentions," naisip ko na ipag-pray na sana God can let me forget the hurts of the past. But God works in mysterious ways. Instead of making me forget the pain I've felt, He made me remember the joys and happiness of my childhood.

5-8 April
NKTI QUEZON CITY
Philippines

In my entire 20+ years of existence, I've only been hospitalized once and I've only had three experiences of going to the hospital because a relative was confined. In all those hospital visits, I was in charge of nothing.

This time however, I had to take full responsibility of everything. It's Nanay who was going to be confined and I had to know everything that has to be done--from checking in to checking out. I took it as a challenge instead of just being the dumbass that I am most often.

I filled up all the required forms, not letting Nanay be stressed out about those little hospital tricks. Most of the pre-surgery responsibilities were trivial compared to the checking-out procedures.

[On the side: Despite my bias against hospital food, I was actually thrilled to be eating at the hospital cafeteria for 4 days. Ang saya kasi ng food sa NKTI dahil dami ng choices. Meron pang desserts and fruit shakes, dimsum (na ang store ay untouchaBALLS), sari-sari store na ang name ay Zetzirya, shawarma, donuts, sandwiches, etc.]

During check-out, I had to go to the nurses' station to know which doctors participated in the surgery then settle these doctors' PFs (which I learned meant Professional Fee, hehe!). Once the main doctor's discharge order was given, I went to the Billing Section and submitted Nanay's Philhealth claims form (so me silbi rin ang pagbabayad ng Philhealth!). After billing, I went to the cashier to settle all the bills where they gave the clearance for security check then proceeded to check-out. Simple lang pala.

4 April
PANGASINAN
Philippines

Every year, Nanay joins the high school teachers' trip. When we were younger, she would also take us with her. During those days, the trip usually was to Baguio. Later on, they chose different places like Legazpi City, Tagaytay, Pagudpud, Villa Escudero, etc. This year, it's Pangasinan.

Nanay once again brought me with her. She even threatened the organizers that she won't be joining if I couldn't come along.


We left San Isidro at 6am and arrived in Pangasinan at about 9am. The resort is owned by our neighbor whom they call Mamang. We only stayed there for a while, took some pictures then proceeded to go home to Nueva Ecija again. On the way back home, we dropped by the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. We had to leave early because Nanay is scheduled to have a surgery the following day. Too bad.

2 April
PAMPANGA
Philippines

Still tired from my trip because I have not yet adjusted to the time difference and I haven't slept well for a few days, I went to Pampanga with my aunts and uncle and my one and only nephew, Dino, my brother Don's son. We had lunch at Fortune Restaurant that serves Chinese cuisines. Since we're from Nueva Ecija, the places we could go out for gimmicks are limited. Pampanga is one of our favorite, though.

Just a little backgrounder about my family (mother's side) muna. I think that I have inherited from them my habit of eating just one thing again and again until I get tired of it. Yung tipong nasusuka ka na bago mo tigilan ang pagkain. Hehe. So when we were younger, nung uso pa ang Duty Free sa Clark, we would always eat at KFC kasi yun ang favorite ni Mommy Alelie. Then nung nagsawa na sila sa KFC, lagi naman sizzling steak. After sizzling steak, napunta naman sa eat-all-you-can buffet. Di rin nagtagal, nahilig naman sila sa Chinese foods. So yan ang latest craze ng pamilya ko.

Lunch was simple yet fun. Don's son (just a year old) was obviously excited about dining out. He opens his mouth whenever he sees a spoon! Tapos turo ng turo ng gusto nyang kainin or inumin which led us to conclude that he really likes eating outside.

After lunch, we went to SM where I played mommy. Ang hirap pala talagang mag-alaga ng bata! Dino has just started walking and ayaw na nyang magpabuhat. He runs as if there's no tomorrow tapos ang mas nakakatakot pa is that you know he isn't aware na pwede syang masaktan pag nadapa. Since di ko rin naman kinakaya ang pagkamalikot nya, I just let him do whatever he wants---maglaro ng bola, magpalo ng hanger, manggulo ng mga damit, etc. It was then that I realized na masarap magkaanak kung hindi ikaw ang mag-aalaga. Haha!