Dear Luna...

I’m feeling guilty from writing about you in this space only now that you’re gone. I could’ve written a more cheerful post similar to what I wrote about Titan. But I guess everything happen for a reason and here I am now writing this tribute to a beautiful fur ball of sunshine named Luna.

I still remember when we first got you. We were hesitant at first considering that we already have Titan and he was quite a handful to us. But the first time I saw you, I fell in love with your charm, with your cuteness. The girls were very giddy having you around.

You made us happy all the time. Whenever we drive up the parking, you and Titan always meet us with excited barks like you haven’t seen us for a long time. You never fail to meet us graciously wagging that furry tail every time we arrive home. You were always the sweetest showing that unconditional love to us by jumping towards us and trying to lick our toes, our hands and everywhere your tiny body could reach. I love how you would always listen whenever we ask you to step out of the bedroom and how you would knock using your tail on our bedroom wall every morning. You were always the KSP and always try to get our attention by lying down and asking us to tickle your tummy. Whenever I feel sad and stressed-out, I just hug you and everything would seem okay. You were famous in facebook/instagram and everyone adores you.

But now that you’re gone to dog heaven, there’s just Titan meeting us by the window. There’s no more effortlessly cute Luna who would just stand by the window and the darling of every passersby. There’s no more Luna who would drink the cold water at the fridge drain. There’s no more Luna who steals uncooked ngohiong by the table whenever we don’t look. There’s no more Luna who would always smile with tongue sticking out everytime we take a snap or photo. There’s no more Luna who would always listen, who is always attentive to our calls. No more Luna to put a smile on our face even in the saddest, bleakest moments.

Your death was so sudden I couldn’t even imagine the suffering you’ve been through. You were only 10 months, still a baby. I’ve witnessed your suffering and it was too much for me to bear. I feel that I am to be blamed for allowing you to mate at first heat that got yourself pregnant. I feel sick in my guts by not bringing you immediately to the vet while you were in labor. It was heartbreaking not being able to say goodbye during your final moments here on earth. I thought those who grieve for their pets are just over-reacting. But now that that I am in the same situation, the pain is so real.

I miss you so much baby girl. I’m so sorry for my shortcomings as your human friend. I may have failed you big time. But then God has other plans for you in dog heaven. You will now be reunited with your 7 litters and I’m sure they will be happy to finally see their Mommy Luna.

Rest well Luna girl. You will always be in our hearts. I love you so much and I will never forget you.

Hugs and kisses!

LUNA

"The sweetest, most adorable fur ball of sunshine!"

February 29, 2016 - January 11, 2017

First Airplane Ride

We've been travelling as a family but mostly road and boat trips within Cebu and Visayas/Mindanao. 

Last September, the whole family flew out of Cebu to Manila for my sister's church wedding in Batangas. It was the first time for us to be on the same flight with my family, siblings and the kids. 

It was also Zabbie's first airplane ride. She was very excited to the point of being scared and threw tantrums before leaving home. She said she just wants to stay home with her yaya. Eventually, we were able to pacify her telling her stories about seeing cotton candy clouds up in the air. 

She was smiling the whole duration of the flight while checking out the magazines and reading airline reminders. She was also brave enough to go to the restroom while up in the air. 

At the tube and being an independent girl

Checking out the In-Flight Magazine

See? Cotton Candy Clouds

Playing Hide and Seek with the magazine

She gets the window seat, of course!

View from the Top

 I wish for more airplane rides and travels such as these. If time and money permits, I am wishing for more local and international travels with the kids especially now that they're grown-up and may already appreciate travelling, visiting new places and experiencing fun-filled adventures with the whole family. 

Summer Sunshine 2016: Back in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island

My Summer 2016 is off to a good start as we kick it off at no less than the most beautiful island in Cebu - Bantayan Island. It's the home of the best white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and "danggit". I've blogged about Bantayan Island some 10 years ago and a lot has changed. We were also here last year for my husband's triathlon race but I didn't wrote about it. Booo!!!

So here I am trying to re-live that weekend through this post. The travel has long been planned by me and my sisters - my new adventure buddies. It's an advance birthday celebration for my sister, Anne. She promised to take care of our accommodation and the food. 

A few days before the scheduled travel, my daughters suddenly got sick with fever. I had second thoughts of going coz what if, they'll get sick even more. I had them go through lab tests to ensure that it's not dengue. The doctor gave us an approval to go since it was just viral fever. 

We woke up as early as 4am to make last minute preparations. By 6am, we were already on board the bus. After 3 hours or so of bus ride, we were finally at the Port of Hagnaya. We were just in the nick of time as the ferry to Sta. Fe is about to leave in less than 30 minutes. By 11:30am, we were already in Sta. Fe. 

We took a motorcyle that will lead us to our resort, Budyong Beach Resort. We rested a bit at the restaurant and grabbed our lunch since our room was still being prepped. We wasted no time and immediately changed into our swimming attire, put on some sunscreen and took a plunged in the crystal clear and cold water. The weather was so hot as it was high noon but that didn't stop everyone to take a dip. 

Sharing to you some photos below:

At the port of Sta. Fe - it's tempting to jump 

Look at those crystal clear water

Low tide so you have to walk further

my new adventure buddies - my sisters

These two had a blast!

the cam-whoring was non-stop

Did I just say nonstop? (it's all over my facebook) hehe

Our beachfront villa

Rented two vintage bikes for Php300 for 24 hours

Sunset was breathtaking...

...and so is Sunrise

Big shout out to my sister for such a wonderful weekend. I needed this respite after a very stressful week with the kids getting sick and all. I also need this to face yet another challenging week. 

Thank you Birthday Girl

For those interested, here's a run down of expenses for this trip:

Bus Fare to Hagnaya Port (per way): Php132 (non-aircon) Php160 (aircon)

Ferry to Sta. Fe (per way): Php 170

Terminal Fee (per terminal): Php5

Meals: Php50 (Breakfast) Php 100 (Lunch) Php 150 (Dinner)

Meals is really dependent on your appetite. There are pricier restaurants in Sta. Fe but you could also buy fresh seafood in the market and have your resort cook it for you. Budyong charges Php150 cooking fee for every kilo of seafood. 

If given the chance, I will go back again to Bantayan and hopefully stay there for two nights. Ours was just an overnight stay as we have to go back to the city for work or school for the kids. 

This is just a kick-off to our Summer 2016. There's more to come for sure!!!

TITAN

More than three months ago, we added a new member to our small family. At first, there were some hesitations especially coming from the husband. My daughters have been begging to have a pet dog since time immemorial. After nonstop prodding from Alex and Zabbie, husband finally gave up and we welcome the first family pet named Titan.

Titan is mix breed of Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier according to her previous owner Tina. He came to us when he was still a month old and our life totally turned upside down from then on. At first, we thought that it was a bad idea having a dog. Aside from the additional expenses for vaccination, dog food, dog shampoo, accessories etc., Titan is quite a handful. He nibbles almost anything from slippers to furniture and even the grocery bag lying on the floor. My favorite pair of shoes was one of the casualties.

But despite that, we learn to love him and considered him part of our family. In fact, we sometimes spoil him like a baby and bring him along to family bonding at Parkmall or to Granny’s house.

Here are 5 of the best things that Titan has brought to our home:

1. He has brought so much happiness at home. His antics are so entertaining we always ended laughing our hearts out. Playing with him is even better compared to watching a movie. 

2. I totally forgot about stress at work. I would usually come home before midnight and he’s always there to welcome me furiously wagging his small tail while the rest of the household are already in dreamland.

3. He guards our house when we’re away. He has this habit of barking at any person or vehicle that passes through our house.

4. Since Titan came to our lives, my daughters have become responsible. They always find time to walk him after school and during weekends. They also take turns cleaning his poop and pee.

5. Since some of our friends know that we have a dog, it has become an instant topic during conversations. It’s always good to share experiences and tips on caring for a dog and eventually developing better friendships.

Titan has grown really big and our love for him also grows every single day. There may be times that we want to wring his neck or kick his ass but most often, we just want to embrace him with so much love. We couldn’t even imagine what life would be without our Titan.

Happy Birthday My Loves

Today, my two daughters turned a year older. We didn't have any grand party despite the fact that it's supposed to be a double celebration. They just blow their candles on their beautiful rainbow cake and feasted over pizza, spaghetti from New Year (still tastes good huh) and siomai sa Tisa. Yeah, we're not really big on celebrations and we don't have the funds to splurge so to speak. Husband's annual convention usually falls the week of their birthday so he's been really missing their birthdays the past years. The doting mom that I am also took a leave from work just to share some precious time with them on their birthday. Time, they say is the best gift you can give your loved one.

Anyway, since it's their birthday it's also the time when I prepare birthday lovenotes that they can keep and treasure as they grow older. It has become an annual tradition already and I hope I can sustain this tradition until I grow old as well. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVES!!!

Boracay Series: Nightlife

One thing that we also look forward to in this trip to Boracay aside from the beach is the nightlife. After the sun sets, party lights starts to glitter like fireflies along the shores of Boracay. My husband and I are not to be left out...where the party is, we go! As what I've said, we already made some research on the best party places in Boracay.

On our first night, we walked a mile by the beach to look for Cocomangas Shooter Bar. We thought that this famous bar is located at the beach front only to find out that it has been transferred along the highway. Cocomangas is famous for their "Still Standing After 15 Shots..." drinking challenge. When we arrived, the place is already jam-packed with both tourists and locals. The dance floor was already in full swing. I tried one of their famous drinks, the Jam Jars, which according to their website are "oversized cocktail jars containing potent mixes of alcohol". Husband settled for his usual beer. 

On the succeeding nights, we were already hopping from one bar to another. Since the drinks are quite expensive, hubby already have a can of beer or two in his hand while we walk by the beach to search for a place to chill. 

We've tried Tito's although I think their music/entertainers really sucks. I will give them credit though for a very nice ambiance which is by the beach and they have affordable beers and accommodating staff. 

Our favorite party place in Boracay would definitely be Epic located just a stone's throw away from D'Mall and our hotel. We were there for two straight nights. They have a DJ mixing some famous tunes. They're are bit pricey though compared to other bars but it's the best place to chill. What I enjoyed most is watching  people party like there's no tomorrow without a care in the world. We even spotted a local celebrity party the night away. We also had an epic conversation with one of the tourists at the bar and it was one swell of a night. We always hit the sack at almost 3am. We've never partied like this before but hey we're in Boracay, might as well enjoy it to the brim.

We've passed through several bars but didn't get the chance to really try them. Perhaps in our next trip to Boracay, we'll make it a point to try them all.