Posts from — December 2007

Exactly 9 years now when I first visited Cebu. The first time was just with my husband… this time, we have the kids with us.

We tried to reminisce and compare with the Cebu we once knew of. Really, there’s not much to compare. Cebu is still beautiful. The City is clean. People there were so friendly and hospitable. Foods are superb. And they’ve got lovely places that young and old will surely enjoy.

We stayed in Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Mactan Island. What can I say? They have it all. Every guest would definitely have a great time staying there just like we have. Surely we would want to go back there someday.

We were having so much fun in the resort but decided to see the rest of Cebu. We visited the Magellan’s Cross and Lapu-Lapu Shrine for the kids to get a bit of our country’s history. Not to be missed is a quick trip to Starbucks Ayala Mall to buy my starbucks city mug collection. And how can the trip end without a hitting the Island Souvenir Shop for souvenirs and pasalubong (gifts for friends/family that are expected when you’ve gone out on a trip or holiday).

By the way, beside Lapu-lapu Shrine is the Sutukil Restaurant that cook fresh seafood. ‘Sutukil’ refers to the three ways they cook their fish entrées: Su is for sugba or grilled, tu is for tula or prepared into a soup and kil is for kilaw or turned into a raw fish salad. According to our friendly local tour guide and driver, tourists loved the place. It is a pity that our schedule didn’t allow us to get a chance to have a taste of Sutukil.

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu

Magellan’s cross is located in a small chapel in Magallanes Street (street named after Magellan)

The real Magellan’s cross is capsuled inside the displayed replica.

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is a tribute to this great warrior who defeated Magellan in battle.

Whenever we go for a vacation in Manila, we are always glad to be re-united with family… friends… and… the church Music Ministry! We’ve been a part of this ministry for a number of years before we moved to Sydney.

The choir had its Christmas Cantata presentation ‘Everlasting Light’ today. C was invited to participate by playing the keyboard for one song ‘Little Yeshua’, doing the accompaniment duet with a flutist. I’m sure he had a great time doing what he loves… making music for the Lord.

The kids definitely had a great time too seeing their dad on stage. You may ask what my part was… of course, I was stage wife! (joke)

Since RD’s first birthday, we would always celebrate it with a party. We would pick a venue then invite families and friends to join. It was almost always like that.

December 5, 2007, RD’s 8th birthday. My family was busy packing, preparing for a trip. We were bound to Hong Kong that night. Everyone’s so excited together with the birthday celebrant. At the airport checking counter, as the lady in-charge was checking our passports, she suddenly asked who is celebrating her birthday in the plane. That question made us all smile, especially RD. Then again the lady in-charge looked at RD and said “I’m sure the flight attendants will find time to prepare a special something for you.” Onboard the plane, my children got hooked with their Kids Activity Pack provided by the Airline. Because it was a tiring day for all of us, after eating our dinner the children went straight to sleep. It was during that time when a flight attendant came. She was holding a cake. She saw RD was sleeping, so she decided to come back later on. Before the landing, the flight attendants came to give their gift, a square shaped box wrapped in a silver Cathay Pacific gift wrap, attached to it was a card signed by the pilot and all the flight crew. I guess somehow that made RD’s day. It’s time to disembark, the crew positioned themselves as usual to say thank you to all passengers, but its all different for RD, the crews smiled and greeted her Happy Birthday as she passed through them.

I know it was simple, but not everyone has experienced a birthday on a plane. Anyways, we are now in Hong Kong, a big venue to continue the celebration.

Welcome to the Capturing Genesis1 post series. Genesis 1 in the Bible is a true display of how great God is through his creation. Its story continues to amaze my children and even me! This series will take quick snaps of the wonders of His works…

Pundaquit Beach in San Antonio, Zambales, Phillippines

My family’s favorite place to spend the holidays. There are mountains to treck, fields of mangoes, guavas and cashew trees to enjoy, other islands to visit, and of course the beautiful sea to swim on, have a day out fishing or boating.