The boy Who Lived..

I wouldn’t call myself a diehard Harry Potter fan but ever since I started reading about the series four or five years ago (before the fourth book and the first movie came out), I, like thousands or millions of other people in the world have been hooked up in this world of enchantment, mystery, friendship and love,a mong others. I was not a “die-hard” since I hardly read trivia’s, memorize little details like spells, minor characters or get too hooked up with the actors/actresses starring in the movie. BUT, I could say that my following of the series has been faithful enough for me to feel the excitement of each book or movie showing.

Order of the Phoenix
Ok first off, before raving about the book, I should discuss the movie, Order of the Phoenix first. July is what would I call the HP month since it is when the movie every year show followed shortly afterwards (if there is) by the release of the next book. Sadly, this year would be the last of this since, as all of you may now, this is the year Book 7, the last book, was released.

I never expect the movies to fully capture the books they were based on. They are for me, there to show the readers that this is how you should have imagined these scenes. When I watch an HP movie, I usually just go “Oh so that’s how that looks like”. I never expect to find everything that is in the book translated to a movie, after all, we are often times talking about 700 pages or more shrinked down to a less than two-hour-or-so-movie. Thus, I could imagine those who could only watch the movies and did not read the book be puzzled and clueless as the movies could not fully reiterate the whole Harry Potter experience. Nevertheless, I was slightly surprised on how good Order of the Phoenix was, (though it really has the weakest story line of the all the books) For me it was by far the most a movie has stayed in line with the story, as it only involved a few twitches which were understandable because again, movies have time and other constraints compared to reading a book where you can set your imagination run wild with no time limits.

Now for the Last Book
I have finished the book in a matter of two days and after I was done, I lay awake the rest of the night with my thoughts swirling on things that happened in the book. The first thing I did though, after reaching the office is write this, before I hear any of the others’ opinion, I would want to give out mine first unaffected and unchanged by any news or other things I could read in the net.

This for me is the BEST BOOK of the series hands down. The pacing was fast, sometimes too many things happening that you would have to pause and feel like catching your breath first for a minute. This kind of feeling usually happens as you approach the end of a Harry Potter book, when revelations and confrontations usually take place but, this book has been like that from beginning to end. As early as Chapter Four, an encounter with the Order and Death Eaters has taken place and more action happens all through out the book. But nothing can beat this book’s end!!! To borrow from Ron: “[The end] really gives the feeling for the scope and tragedy of the whole thing”. I can’t decide if I want to cry or to shout at the same time.

As I could be giving a lot without warning to those who have not read the book yet, I know I now should use Spoiler Tags:

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The scene was the Great Hall was the BEST!! I have never been that elated in a duel scene with the series. I wish I could hug Harry by the end of it for doing so great! I feel like he had grown up to the best of what was expected of him and even surpassed them. As J.K. has said in the dedication, the readers are those who stood by Harry til the end and I feel like I am truly routing for him at this duel.

The ending was great but I feel like the Epilogue was hurried and insufficient. We only knew what happened to Harry, Draco, Hermione, Neville and Ron but what about the other characters? Somehow, I feel like I needed the proper good bye’s for the characters I have read for years, see what happened to them.

A few questions that I also want to ask: Was Remus’ son a wolf? Did Harry became an Auror? And for a book that was so keen in reminding how important family is, I feel Hermione’s parents were thoroughly left behind, not even having the chance to part take properly in what happening in their daughter’s life.

And was it really necessary to kill so much characters? I feel like each killed was a blow and JK could not have expressed any less that this was not anymore the children's series you had once began to read.

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Never mind. As I said before and would repeat again, the book is A-W-E-S-O-M-E. I hope they would give the movie justice, as it would be the last thing to look forward into in this saga. I think they would have two parts (Matrix style) as putting everything in the book in one movie would just, just strip of its feels, as the book is the most condensed of the series. Sad, as I am though that it is over, I feel thankful that I came across Harry (well it’s hard not to) and joined what I feel like was then a bandwagon, only realizing later it truly is a magical world..

bora.. bora bora

It has been years (maybe 5 or more) since my family has taken a vacation. We decided that this year, we'd try to break the hiatus (of not taking a hiatus) and go to Boracay for 4 days from May 22 to 25. This has been my first time and everyone else's in my family to the island and we finally got the chance to experience firsthand what the fuzz is all about.

And Boracay delivered. I have been to a few beaches (all near Manila, only Pagudpud being the farthest), and I could say that Boracay indeed impressed me the most. What's great about it is, as everybody would've known by now, the fine fine sand. No worries on getting your feet abrased while walking along the shore at all! There’s nothing quite like the white sands and azure waters of Boracay indeed.







What got me the most is how friendly the locals are! Believe me, my parents are the two most impatient people you could ever meet, always unforgiving to every waiter, cashier, saleslady mistake (I just duck my head whenever they throw their tantrums and pretend to be some place else). But they bot were easily charmed off by the friendly Boracay locales. We never met anyone who seemed "Mapagsamantala" (just greedy). Like for example, a boatman approached us if we want to go island hopping and we replied "Me kausap na po kami" (We already have arranged with someone else). He smiled and said "Ok, salamat Ma'am enjoy kayo mamaya!" (Thanks Ma'am, Enjoy the ride later!). It's like they are trained to be friendly so the tourists of would feel relaxed and welcomed.

We stayed at La Reserve Beach Hotel thru our Vacation Club, so we never really knew how much the rates were (transaction was conducted using points we paid years ago). It was pretty good, with separate house villas for privacy and comfort. Its location was also ideal, just right there at Station 2, two blocks away from D'Mall.

Our hotel, also being a French Restaurant served us croissants anf baguettes every morning for breakfast. It's a cozy little place to stay in to.

Speaking of D'Mall, I have heard of the "D'Mall" a lot before and I kinda expected it to be a mall smacked in the middle of the island but it turned out to be tiangge's, restaurants and other shops huddled together. We spent a lot of time there our whole stay, eating, buying pasalubongs, shoppping around, and again eating. My favorite of all resto's, I could say is the Lemon Cafe, where my sister and I ate the flourless Chocolate Cake and the Lemon Chessecake. Yummmm.



I was prepared to forgo the nightlife scene at Boracay, being as I am with my two very younger sisters and parents, but on our second night, I, my Mom and my sisters escaped my sleeping father and went to a bar for a little drinking. (bad bad)! At Rumba's cocktails are at buy one take one, within happy hour which starts at 4pm and ends at when they'd think they'd end it. As my three companions sipped their fruity shakes with the disguise that they do have alcohol in them, I finally found the drink to whack me on the head in just one tiny little glass. Never being a fan of fruity mixes, I always opt for the Kahlua or Bailey's variety. I got "Wet Dreams" which on the menu is a mix of Kahlua, Vodka and Amaretto. By the end of my "Buy One" I don't know if I could still get thru my "Take One" without hurling my dinner out. But I did. Though my sisters said I just got a lil biiiit too noisy by the end of the evening.



Being on a lil tight budget, we ignored most hotel restaurants with buffets at 400 each, and the lobsters being offered to us everytime we choose where we would eat. For me, the best meal I had in Boracay was in D'Talipapa (What's up with the D'), situated a lil over Station 3, it's just like Dampa where you get to buy fresh seafoods first and have it cooked by the carinderias nearby for P100/kilo. At a lil over P900 we had a delicious meal of Buttered Sugpo and Alimango. (My mouth is watering now).

We all got henna tatoos and my sister Kris even got her hair braided (which she later took out after we called her Stevie, as in Stevie Wonder).



We went island hopping on our second day, but only managed to go to the Crystal Cove and Cocrodile Island (for snorkling) because our time is up. At first I was worried that my Mom would not be able to go around Crystal Cove seeing all the steep rocks we have to step into, but she managed just fine and we enjoyed swimming around the water on the caves.





Snorkling was sooo much fun I don't know why I haven't tried it before. There's nothing like the feeling of lots of fishes trying to get to the bread in your hand and biting you in the process (hehe I exaggerated it a bit but it's definitely not scary at all).





On our third day we went Paraw Sailing which is just relaxing. Nothing but the waves licking your feet as you lay into the sides of the paraw boat.


In the afternoon, my sisters and I went at the other side of the island to hop to the banana boat. This is my third time wo try the ride, the first two were at Puerto Galera (which left me bad memories.. Yes being hurled alone, blind sans my contacts, and left forgotten by your so called friends who you are with at the ride, then being rescued only by a lifeguard a good 10 minutes later could be called a bad memory.) I was a little nervous considering my previous incident with the banana boat, but I just kept in mind that this is my sisters' first times and I should just let myself loose so that they could enjoy the ride. Luckily the ride went on smoothly. Ok I promise to try to let go of that banana boat incident already.

Hoping the third time is a charm

The fall was not as bad.

Obviously my sister is exaggerating.

When we were shopping for pasalubongs on our last day, we came across this stall at DMall which sells hand-painted tshirts by the singer from Asin (I forgot his name, I'm sorry). My dad went and bought a couple of shirts. The meaning of one shirt got me the most. The gecko (locally called tuko), were abundant in Boracay before but since the modernization of the island has become less and less. The question mark forms a gecko crying of what is happening of the island, as the sun is not as white and fine as they were before, buildings and pollution are arising and Boracay is now getting to commercialized. If this continues, we might all lose of the beauty of the island that caused it to be so popular in the first place. Point is, tourism is good and everybody is most welcome to stay but we have to take care of the place if we still want to enjoy it years from today.




All in all, our trip was a blast. Nothing beats getting to travel and discover a new place with the people you love the most in your life. We are only halfway thru the year and already I have been to three woderful places already. I'm excited on where I could go for the remainder of the year (thou I can't say the same for my savings). Hopefully I could return to Boracay soon and discover what the island has more to offer.

manic may.

The last couple of weeks had been (somehow) busy for me. To try to reiterate:

My little drummer boy.

After more than three years of my relationship with Ian, I finally got him to try a shorter haircut. I got really tired of his old do and how people keep saying he has better hair than me. "Gayahin mo si Ian nagsusuklay!" hmp. So after a few arguments, walk-outs, and two haircuts in a day, I finally got what I wanted. (enter evil laugh here)hahahaha. I like his hair sooo much better now, though after the parlor cape was removed his first words were: "Ano, masaya ka na?". Indeed, happy I am. He looks so young now, thus my new nick's for him, Little Drummer Boy or Tenten (from Tanging Ina).

Which do you like better?

May 12 was my sister's birthday. The four of us (my dad was in Cagayan for work) celebrated the day with dinner at TGIF. My sister is so lucky her classmates are generous, she received quite a bundle for her birthday. (Tamang parinig na ba?) Happy Birthday Memem, and to Ying (May 8), Steph (May 12) Sephen (May 16) and Ujin (May 21)!



May 13 of course was Mother's Day. Did you know that it is the most "eating-out" celebrated holiday, Valentine's only coming in second? True enough, every place in Promenade was packed even with lines waiting outside. I gave my Mom a pair of Crocs, knowing how picky she is with footwear (already three sandals from me are not anymore used), because of medical reasons. I loved the idea of how comfy Crocs are, but they really are ugly.. Lucky enough just this month, I saw Cleo in the stores and immediately thought it would be perfect for Mom. Happy Mother's day to all Mom's!!

Next day, May 14 is elections day in the whole country. I'm happy that most who got my votes are now constantly in the final 12. Yey. It's a different story for my hometown though. tsk tsk.

FInally got to try out the new restaurant (if you could still call one month old new) IL PIRATA here in Eastwood on our monthsary. We knew the exteriors were great but when we walked inside the interiors are just amazing! Everything was so detailed, there were even carvings on the ceiling! The few officemates that I have who have tried it did not recommend the place though, being it was expensive and the menu is limited, but we enjoyed IL PIRATA just fine. Meals are at 300 up, but given that it has huge servings and prices are already tax inclusive, I'd say our bill is just all right. And Italian, being my favorite food, I'd say the limited menu is not a problem for me.

still can't get over tenten's haircut!

My phone finally gave up on me. After more than a year of unbelievable drops (a drop from the 2nd floor terrace to the ground, thanks to tuni, a slip in my short's ripped back pocket directly to the floor, a stumble to 4 steps in the stairs and countless drops from my bed to the cement floor), my phone finally said "Enough is enough!". Here's how it happened, I was in bed when an evil roach flew directly at me. Naturally I jumped around like crazy, shrieking and screaming, kicking my sister in the eye on the process. It was later on that I found out that my phone was also a victim of my hysteria as I found the now all-white screen (at first I thought one of my sisters had changed the wallpaper). Maybe I knelt down on it while it was flipped open or something. Hay. But heck it could still receive calls and texts (I just can't see the message or who's calling, and I could still call, by guessing where am I already at the menu after pressing the keys haphazardly). If this does not show how amazingly sturdy the Motorola Razr is, I don't know what the hell can.

badang. my alter-ego.

I had been messing around Pepper one day and found this new cool trick from its webcam. Funny how just one distortion on your face can totally change your look. It's scary, some of my office mates were afraid to try it, but not me (what's wrong with me). I enjoyed Badang immensely, thus these photos.

I chickened out on posting these in Friendster (people might think I got into an accident or something) so I posted them here instead. Figured, nobody really reads this. It was scary, I was getting used to how I look in the screen (changing poses for about 30 minutes), and I might end up looking at the same face when in front of the mirror. So when I finally did see normal self I'm just so happy, I'm still pretty! (compared to Badang of course). What a neat trick to make you love yourself a lil bit more eh.

BTW, this is me just in case you need comparisons.

SMACKERS!!

I had been a fan of ice cream sandwiches. Personally, I prefer cakes or chocolate bars over ice cream but the ice cream sandwhich is a different story. It's like you're getting the best of both worlds. I am still quite upset by the demise of Tivoli's Funwich. It has been my favorite after school snack when I was in elementary, being available for 10 pesos at the store across the street from our school. Recently I have discovered reincarnations of the old funwich. Brother's Burger has one, Cool Bites, and so does Dairy Queen though I forgot what it's called, but they're both expensive (around P40, I think, a piece). Luckily a store near our house has made a funwich rip-off. The store is called the ice cream store and a piece of the ice cream sandwich costs P10! I love them. It's like childhood all over again!

I had been very happy with the funwich nostalgia I've been having but never had I been happier of ice cream sandwiches than upon discovery of Penny Brown. One day, when I was from my gym, the mini-stall right outside my gym's door caught my attention. (WHY DID YOU HAVE TO PUT IT IN THERE!?!). If there would be any food from now on that could make me cheat on my diet, this is it. The cookies themselves come in ten flavors ranging from the classic chocolate chip to dark chocolate, old-fashioned oatmeal, and a (Thank God!) sugar-free variant. Any two cookies with your choice of ice cream (nonetheless two scoops of FIC Ice Cream) is called a Smacker! (P65, which I think is a steal considering how heavenly they taste). The cookies are said to be made “… to be soft, moist and chewy (as opposed to hard), so that it’ll stick to the ice cream.” Just thinking of them makes my mouth water. I can't wait to try all their variants. My new favorite is the strawberry ice cream with two browny fudge cookie. Penny Brown perfect cookies are also available at P20 a piece (Perfect for pasalubongs since bringing home a Smacker won't make any sense).

I'm a Penny Brown convert. Forget Funwich. I found my new comfort food.

Sugar free choco marble in between two sugar free cookies.

Penny Brown

Glorietta 2, Level 2 (across Sbarro’s)

Robinsons Galleria, East Wing, Level 2

lust items

Ok, i have to apologize early because this entry may seem like a. too shallow, b. bragging or c. unnecessary but nevertheless I'll just go ahead in sharing my top list of items I dream of getting a.k.a. items I most likely will never get in the near future. -end of disclaimer-

ZOOM ZOOM. These cars that I like are all just based from my liking of its exteriors as I am no good in the technical side of knowing a car. The New Beetle has always been my dream car. I first saw it when I was in my first year of college in a news clip, and I still have that piece of paper in my wallet until now. I think it costs roughly around 2 million pesos or more and I know I wouldn't be able to buy anything resembling that in 5 years or so. I don't think this would look good with me owning it in my thirties or as a family car, so I may just write this off from my-dream-car-I-would-definitely-get category. Anyhow, it never fails to get my "WOOOOW" whenever I see one in the streets.(I think there are only less than a hundred I've seen so far.)

The Mazda 3 has been my and Ian's favorite car. For me, among the recent car models in its group nothing could beat the Mazda 3's exterior form factors (Well a BMW can but yeah that's another story). Zoom Zoom baby!

I was able to see the Toyota Yaris model when the sales people had it in Eastwood and I fell in love with it. I was never a fan of small compact cars but for me the Yaris breaks away from it. This is actually the new Toyota ECHO and boy was it really reinvented. Too bad it is still quite pricey (at P750,000++) in spite of it being a compact car. I could definitely see myself driving this as one "young ultra-hip ultra-cosmo chic". haha.

IPHONE

An Ipod-2MP camera-phone in one?? This was introduced in the Apple website early this year, but it is officially coming in the Philippines next year (It would be available in the States this June). People said that the early introduction of the IPhone would cause a. People expecting too much of it only finding out later that it may fail from them, and b. competitors could get a head start in designing phones that would match its specs. Nevertheless, I think the IPhone is a marvel. I could never get enough of watching its promo clips. (With the zooming thing where you would just have to draw two apart fingers together, and being able to switch from portrait to landscape just by turning the phone 90 degrees, I mean, what the f***) Its touch screen has said to be the most revolutionized input device yet since the mouse! Can't wait to see one this.

Meet Pepper.

I am such an Apple fan. For me there's nothing that can quite compare on how apple could design their products. I already had the chance to buy a few IPOD's (fan talaga), the first was Ben, an Ipod Mini both owned by me and Ian, a nano for me (I call him BenJi for Ben Junior), the first gen shuffle for my sis, Em, Second gen shuffle for Kris, and a Video for Ian (actually just half of it). So it's not really a surprise that the MacBook is my choice for a laptop. I've been debating for a while whether I really want to get one or not since I hardly see me using it, having a computer at home and at work. When I got to accompany my good friend Inggo yesterday to buy his MacBook, Pepper, I swear it's almost like the same thing. I got to feel the thrill of buying something so big and special (without me paying hehe), and see the laptop in action (I never knew anybody close who owns a Mac). Congrats Inggo!!!

Jaded..

There was a time when I wanted to collect watches. I'm never the girl to pile up on accessories, I could go out without anything just give me a watch. Sadly, I have lost three watches already since I started working. The first one was a Fossil metal watch, a gift from my Lola. The second watch was a Nike from my Dad, which design I really love. Tet, Thea even have the same ones though in different colors, but Tuni bought the same one as mine, which just makes me miss my watch everytime I see them wearing theirs. And the last was a recent purchase. (waaaaah), a fossil charmbracelet with the timeface as one of its charm. I dont where the hell they go. I mean I never leave them anywhere except my room. Unfortunately, we used to live with people that can not be trusted and my last watch was probably stolen by some neighbor who cleaned for us. F**k. I haven't bought a watch since then, coz I'm still to scared to buy one. Good thing, I still got a few good ones left. Still, I haven't been fazed into looking at every watch shop whenever I pass them at the mall. One of my favorites is the O.D.M. TIm Yap Limited Edition, though this one is not available anymore.

The list could go on and on with clothes, shades, shoes, and other gizmos. Hey, I can keep on dreaming, can't I?

pagudpud / vigan trip

After much planning, my best friends from college (Ian, Inggo, Thea, Tuni, Anne, Chel and Jayson) and I finally headed to ilocos last March 28. What originally was supposed to be 10 or more people was now only 8, but nevertheless we managed to have a fantabulous time. I'd share to you our itenerary, just in case anyone would need help in going to Ilocos (or I have trouble remembering).

1st day, March 28

- We met at the Domestic Airport around 10:45 (actually, they met at 10am, I only managed to get there at 10:45), my phone fell off the Xray machine. Luckily I needed to call Ian so I looked for it in my bag. Had I not decided to call him, we wouldve left the phone there without knowing it was missing. Our flight was delayed from 12:05 to 12:50 pm. Buti na lang, my Mom prepared sandwhiches for us, so we had something to munch on while waiting for our plane. Boarded around 1pm.

See you later Manila!

- We arrived at Laoag International Airport around 2:00 pm. They personally hand out our checked in bags instead of the usual rotating thingy, and the arrival section of the airport has no aircon. Grabe! Nevertheless, still managed to pose for some pics.

- I felt a little panic upong going out the airport as I saw no establishments/buses around. Fortunately a manong asked us where are we off to. The jeepney ride costed 30 pesos easch person, and took us to the bus station going to Claveria, our stop going to Pagudpud as the resort owner I had talked to the previous night has instructed.

- We walked a little bit as we had not have our lunch yet, plus to look for an ATM (Today is payday, and the money only arrives at noon). I felt a little sorry for Thea, lugging her stroller around but all of us had big bags. But Jayson was willing to help her out naman (Yiheeeeee). We had our late lunch at Macy's diner.

- After lunch, a stranger approached us and asked if we're heading to Pagudpud. Recognizing the conio accent, I realized it was Mike, the resort owner I have talked to the night before. How weird is that? We bumped into him in Laoag, without contact whatsoever because his cel is empty, and he just guessed that we may be the 8 people that has reserved for a room the night before (he said it was because we looked lost, but I bet it was probably because we catch attention easily because we're attractive people HEE HEE). Anyway, he offered to get our luggages so we would not have a hard time carrying them around (of course we're not that trusting!), as the luggages would only fit in the van, and not us since it was already so full of groceries. After some thinking (and common sense), and him giving his ID's and the resort's brochure to prove that he really is Mike, we gave them our bags nad carried off to exploring Laoag a little.

- We passed the Sinking Bell Tower (For reasons unknown, the bell tower sinks a few centimeters every year) and St. William's Cathedral.

- After that, we took the Claveria Bus around 5pm. The trip was already FULL, and the next bus is due for another hour. Because we do not want to waste anymore time, we just toughed it out and sat in center aisle baby seats. Take note that the bus is without aircon and the day was definitely NOT breezy!

- 2 hours later, we stopped at Gaoa, bought some snacks and rode tricycles (20/person) to KAPULUAN VISTA RESORT.

- Finally reached the resort around 8pm. I have seen the pictures from the website but men, upon seeing the place we finally felt that our vacation has started! The place was just so gorgeous it was worth all the pain of long travel.

W-O-W

- The room we are staying in costs 5,500 pesos for 6 people. We had to beg Mike and Alma to let 8 of us stay in the same room, since the room is really roomy already (believe me, we have stayed at MUCH MUCH MUCH crampy places before). The couple even offerd us to give another room for FREE. They said they were really just thinking of our comfort. But we insisted on satying together in a room, and they finally agreed. Oh, here's our room:

- After dinner (food was expensive, from 250-300 but when they arrived we knew that they were good enough to share and the presentation was hotel-style, so far from the carinderia's we eat at Puert Galera!), we swam in the pool and had Margaritas (sarrrap tlaga, kakaiba) =D. Went to bed around 2 or 3 am.

2nd day, March 29

- Woke up around 9am, had breakfast (Mike and Alma included 8 instead of just 4 free breakfasts to our room rates), then head off to the beach which was a 10 minute walk away.

- The beach was great. Sand was very very fine, and the water was really clear. It was as if we bought a beach four ourselves coz we were alone in the shoreline for the whole time. I have never been to Boracay but my friend who has been to both said she preferred Pagudpud over Bora for its laid back and relaxing atmosphere as compared to the crowdy Bora. I would've to see that for myself.

- Returned to the resort by lunch time to eat and hang out a bit in the kubo's. :P

- Around 2pm, we asked Mike what we could do for the rest of our day. He suggested hiking a falls nearby and surfing but unfortunately, we do not have time to do both anymore. We chose hiking. After boarding a tricycle (200 pesos each tricycle which would wait for us and bring us back to the resort) for 30 minutes, and acquiring a "guide" (a local who knew the place and when asked how much would it costs replies "bahala na po kayo"), off we went to a 40 minute hike. The path was not easy, often with slopes and waters with slippery rocks to cross, but the sight of the falls was worth it.

- We swam a little in the falls, the water was FRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZING cold.

- We were back at the resort by 5:30pm. It was too late for surfing lessons sayang it shouldve been great as Pagudpud boasts waves such as this:

- Dinner at the resort. Tried to watch a movie but we were all just tired. Had to hit the sheets earlier this time with a promise to wake up earlier tomorrow for the plans we have ahead.

3rd Day, March 30

- woke up around 6am. So much for watching the sunrise. We have to leave Pagudpud this morning but not without more pictures of the place. All of us has just fell in love with the resort.

This is with Mike and Alma, the couple who owns the resort. They were really nice people, and they made our trip really much enjoyable.

- After settling the bill, 19,600++ (13,000 for the room, around 5,000 for the meals and drinks, and 1,500 for the van use going back to Laoag, with tour), Mike personally drove us to some more of Pagudpud's spots. First off are the gigantic windmills (W-O-W).

- Next, we were dropped off at Cape Bodeador Light House. The light house is erected during colonial times, and is still preserved to its original structure. We climbed a hundred or so circular steps (ala SUKOB) to get to the top. Whew!

- We reached Laoag by 12pm, and took a Patras Bus to get to Vigan. The trip costs 110 pesos and took around 2 hours long. When we reached Vigan, we searched for the place we had reservations on in Plaza Burgos. Grandpa's Inn has reasonable accommodations, nothing fancy just enough to fit all 8 of us comfortably. At 3,400 a night, inclusive of breakfast, we found a good place to stay in with its location almost just a turn away from Crisologo street and Plaza Burgos, probably the city's center.

-After settling in the hotel, we headed out again. We had our lunch in Plaza Burgos, spotting the famous Vigan Empanadas. These Empanada has nothing in common with the usual Empanada except the shape. It is more of a Fried lumpia with addition of an egg inside. It may just be me but I liked the Okoy better.

Local Empanada Girls :P

- We walked a little and went inside the Vigan Church. After that we asked the kalesa how much is a tour around the city. Rate is P180 an hour, we reasoned it would probably just take us 2 hours stop to go around the city but boy, were we wrong.

- Our first stop was the Burgos House. Now converted into a museum, the house is the birthplace of Fr. Jose Burgos, one of the priests executed in Cavite during the revolution. The museum houses what were left of the Burgos family belongings which include antique furnitures, clothing and other artifacts donated by some prominent families in Vigan.

- Then, we headed off to another museum whose name I really can not remember. Anyway, it had the "karwahe" used in the film Rizal. :D

- 2 places down, many more to go, we already had consumed an hour of the kalesa fare. So we asked the manong's to skip some places and head off to the pottery place first. Turned out the St. Augustine Church in Bantay is one of he places we skipped and it was one of the best spots in Vigan. Sayang. So we spent another hour in the pottery without even looking at pots. We just went crazy buying pasalubongs: shirts, magnets, kumots, etc. Another mistake because these are all available in our street WITHOUT the kalesas fare meters. Guess we just got excited. Anyway here's a pic of Inggo acting like he has actually shown interest in the pots:

- Our next stop was the Hidden Garden. I dont know but it seems that it was just a bunch of plants for sale.

- Then we headed off to Baluarte, Chavit Singson's "zoo". We did not get to ride the small horses because it was already late but we did get to see all the animals. It's cool because it was free. Anyway we finally came to our sense and told the kalesas not to wait for us anymore and we'd just take the tricycle going home. Turns out fare is only 10/ea!! Our kalesa fare was almost 400 each kalesa.

May ganung acting diba

Dont know why they keep insisting taking pics of Chavit.

- After that we headed off home with a dinner stop first at Chowking.

These are my original boylets. Look how much we have grown..

- We took pictures in Crisologo for the rest of the night. We had amazing shots thanks to the place ambience, our acting and the camera's sepia settings. You wouldnt believe how much of a cam addict we all are, with my camera's 512MB and 64MB thea's camera's memory and Tuni's phone's memory consumed. Oh well. Here are some of the most wonderful shots:

parang mghoholding hands si son at inggo o.

- We managed to squeeze in some coffee at Cafe Uno after that.

4th day, March 31

-Woke up around 8am. Had breakfast in Grandpa's Inn, and looked for a van to drop us off to Laoag for our 1:30 flight. We could not risk taking a bus, with all of us carrying at least 3 bags. After much persuasion, the driver finally concede to lowering our fare from 3,000 to 2,500. It's funny we realized that it was just 60 pesos each we were desparately trying to slash off, willing to commute with all our luggages in tow if that 60 pesos is not granted. That would give you an idea how much money we now all have left. Nevertheless, we still managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping. :D

- By 11:00 we were aboard the van and driving off to Laoag. Manong even drove us off to Paoay Church because it’s along the way. Yey for our last stop!

-Flight was AGAIN delayed (tsk tsk tsk) from 1:35 to 2:30, we reached Manila around 4pm.

So it was the end of our trip. I could say we definitely maximized our four day-journey, being able to experience a little bit of everything: relax a bit, chill in the beach, hike up a hidden falls, experience a bit of history, and of course shopping. Great Memories indeed. I’d say this wouldn’t even be half as enjoyable without the company of great, great friends. Good Times!

A blessed Holy Week to you all!