Family Affair

November 26, 2008

It’s been almost two weeks now since my parents paid me a visit, but I haven’t written anything about it. Well, excuse the poor me because I’ve been so extremely busy lately. With the holidays just around the corner, I have to make sure I finish my job on time so I could enjoy my vacation. So much for the natter,eh. Let’s talk about my parent’s visit. ๐Ÿ˜›

On their first day, paying homage to the Nino was a must. And if you’re in Cebu also, you shouldn’t miss heading to the Basilica de Sto. Nino. It’s one of the most visited places in town. Tourist flock by a dozen at the church. And it’s shocking to note that while the mass was going on tourists never seem to care. ๐Ÿ˜• Oh, who would expect them to! They’re non-Catholics, right?

inside the Magellan's Cross

inside the Magellan's Cross

After the visit to the Nino, we head straight to SM for lunch. Although my father never liked going to the mall, I guess he didn’t have a choice because it’s part of the itinerary.

Their first day was concluded with a sumptuous sea food meal at STK which is located near the Capitol. This place is one of the best local restaurants in town and they serve also the most delectable baked scallops, which by the way is an all-time favorite of mine.

Their second day was I think more engaging and exciting than the first. Early morning, I took my parents to Tabuan. It’s the place where you could see mountainous displays of dried fish which come in different varieties. My brother didn’t tag along for he’d rather play computer games than to be with us.

pa and ma @ Tabuan

pa and ma @ Tabuan

In the afternoon, I took them to Taoist Temple, where my father had a good view of the entire city. Taoist is located at the suburb of Beverly Hills and is also a famous tourist spot in the city.

a different look of the city

a different look of the city

the turistas

the turistas

aren't we close? ๐Ÿ˜†

Having enough snapshots, we went to Ayala to buy some goodies for my nieces and nephews.

Khem @ Ayala

Khem @ Ayala

And come late afternoon, we proceeded to Lapu-lapu and dropped by at my cousin’s place for dinner. It was only then that I learned that I have a lot of cousins in my father’s side who are also in Cebu. Such a shame on my part, eh. ๐Ÿ™„

Khem, ma, pa, and cuz Jun2x

Khem, ma, pa, and cuz Jun2x

The reunion was short but sweet because we had to head back to the city before it got too dark. But I pledged that I’ll come and visit my cousin sometime next year to claim my free Timex watch. Well, it’s not actually for free but maybe if I’ll play my cards right he’ll be generous enough to give me one. What’s the use of being a production manager if he’ll not give his poor cousin a single watch, right? ๐Ÿ˜‰

Come Sunday, it was a day-out for me and my mom. My father and brother were such a bore that we decided to leave them at the pad. First, we went to Guadalupe to pick up something for my sister and also had a looked at their church. And I must say I was simply amazed by what we saw. The church was absolutely stunning.

church in Guadalupe

church in Guadalupe

And because there’s a big sale in Ayala that day, so there we went. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to grab anything worth buying except for a set of bed covers. And it was such a great steal because its prices had been marked down at a Php150.00 per set. Sweet, eh? ๐Ÿ˜Ž

ma posing in front of Ayala's giant Christmas tree

posing in front of Ayala's Christmas tree

It was almost four when we got home. And because it’s Sunday, we went to Mass at the Capitol Church. We then ate dinner at AA’s BBQ in Salinas Drive. It was at this restaurant that my father had a second helping of rice. Hmmmm…he must have enjoyed the dishes quite well. ๐Ÿ˜€

satisfied diners

satisfied diners

A short walk around Asiatown IT Park helped our tummies to digest the food we had devoured that night. Having enough fun, we then call it a night.

pa looking tried

pa looking tired

us and the Waterfront at the back

moi familia @ IT

I guess it’s safe to say that my father, mom, and younger brother, Khem, enjoyed their stay here in Cebu (well, they should because I almost got broke by the time they left…kidding! ๐Ÿ˜† ).


Heading South

November 5, 2008

November 1 and 2 are high times for us, Filipinos, to visit our loved ones who already passed away. It is when we bring fresh flowers, light candles, and say our prayers for the eternal repose of their souls. But since I’m not a native of Cebu, I am exempted from such tradition ๐Ÿ˜† .

So instead of visiting the cemetery, me and my brother, along with my officemates, K and P, went to the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Simala, Sibonga which is situated in the Southern part of Cebu. For those of you who are not from Cebu, the monastery is a sanctuary to the religious and many devotees of Mama Mary, and is believed to be miraculous.

Although the ride to Simala took way longer than usual (because of the congested roads – Filipinos have this tendency of traveling by a dozen during holidays), it was all worth the sacrifice of having to ride in a crowded, smelly, and humid bus. In other words, it was a migraine/vomit-inducing ride but we didn’t care as long as we can reach the place safely.

The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

Upon setting our foot on the monastery, we were enthralled at its magnificence. It was truly an awesome sight. But, of course, we didn’t dare forget that we were there to reflect and not merely for sightseeing (although it’s part of the plan). While inside the monastery, we kinda had this enigmatic feeling or was it just me ๐Ÿ˜† . But I’m not kidding! The place has some unseen force which calls/leads one to pray and meditate.

the church's interior

the church's interior

After having said our prayers and took enough shots, we headed back to the town’s center where our lunch was waiting at R’s, our officemate, residence.

Around 4 o’clock, we were ready for our journey not to the city, yet, but to Carcar, the shoe capital of Cebu. I was dizzily ecstatic upon seeing all the shoes on display. And they come really really cheap too. As a result, I bought three pairs of shoes. You can’t blame me! It’s not everyday that I go to Carcar ๐Ÿ˜† . And so with less than a 100 bucks in hand, we departed Carcar with a promise to return there soon. ๐Ÿ˜› ๐Ÿ˜‰

a shoeaholic's paradise

a shoe-aholic's paradise

more pix during our trip:

a sea of travellers

a sea of travellers

the monastery from afar

the monastery from afar

wishing well

wishing well

massive figure of Mama Mary

massive figure of Mama Mary

the monastery's entrance

the monastery's entrance

a look at inside the church

a look at inside the church

eye-catching Biggy-biggy shoes

humongous Biggy-Biggy shoes

satisfied travellers

satisfied travellers

xoxo


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