January 9-10, 2016

It was our first time to take Caleb with us on a long drive spent with friends. We got so busy with our lives that having a vacation wasn't really an option. Now that our kids are a bit older, we are slowly putting our traveler shoes on. We stayed in a beautiful rest house that is beside the village's park. It has a playground suited for kids and adults. 

Caleb definitely had a great time playing on the slide. It was so nice to see his genuine smile and his carefree self roaming around the grounds and just enjoying every minute of it. 

It's good that Vincent got to celebrate his birthday with his friends as well. And it was just so relaxing to be with friends in cold weather in a beautiful place. 

January 16-17, 2016

This time around I was the only one who went to this trip because we couldn't find someone to look after Yuri. So, Vincent gladly took charge and allowed me to have some 'mommy time' with my barkada. 

I'd say I have been longing for this mommy break for a long time and it was awesome to have spent it with the girls. It was so refreshing to be out and to be with myself without having to worry about the comfort of my children. It was just all about me, and it was like remembering the days when I was not yet preoccupied with all the mommy duties on the task list. 

I feel really blessed to have had this  trip because I know for a fact that it helped me feel renewed as an individual, as a wife, and as a mom. Now that I have regained myself, I am now energized to even give the best that I can in raising our little household.

Thank you, Lord for the days that you allow us the time to have fun with our friends. :)

We were lucky to be given tickets to Manila Ocean Park as a Christmas present from Caleb's Ninang, Kaye. I've been there before when I was still single, and Vincent and Caleb have also explored the place last year but Caleb was still too young then. So, I got really excited to use this pass as a mini family getaway. :)

Caleb wasn't really interested in any of the sea creatures that we saw. Not even the professional sea lion didn't catch his attention. I'd say he had more fun exploring Yexel's Toy Museum because it has Minions and Lightning McQueen in it. He was actually asking me for trucks, which is his current obsession.

I admit, it was me who had fun the most. Haha. Not because I admire the sharks and the penguins, but because I was just so happy to spend an entire day with my family. Not to mention the fact that I was out and about - away from my usual mommy-routine. It's nice to have some fresh activities from time to time.

Thank you, Lord for such a happy day! :)

I'm so glad I got to see Macau even for just half a day. It would be so much better though if my friends and I were able to explore more of this beautiful place. Here are some photos of our quick trip.

Last March, my friends and I went to a quick Hong Kong - Macau getaway. It was the first out-of-the-country trip my barkada had, and we didn't even expect that it would really happen since majority of our plans were just plans. Haha. It was nice that we had our trip days before my birthday so it was like a grand birthday celebration for me. 

After a long day of having fun, my friends gathered all our strengths and dressed up to party at Lan Kwai Fong. It's a place for drinking, partying and dancing. We hopped from one club to the other, and we met nice Filipino workers as well. 

Of course, we didn't miss the chance of going to the happiest place on Earth, Disneyland. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the parade since we came a bit late. 

During our last day, Anna and I met up with an old friend whom we met back in Australia. She was an exchange student in the same university I go to. Now that she's back in Hong Kong and us the same, we grabbed the chance to catch up with her. She took us to a tea place where we had iced fresh teas and toast. She also bought us the most delicious egg sandwich I've ever had from an authentic restaurant famous for making egg recipes. Lastly, she took us to a grocery store where we shopped for pasalubongs. 

There's not much to see in Malaysia. Anna and I opted to stay in Kuala Lumpur and just strolled around the city to save time and money. Too bad there's not a lot to explore in the area other than the many shopping centers and of course, the Petronas Twin Towers.

The weather was very much alike with the Philippines - warm and humid. From a chilly city in Australia to a sweat-all-you-can Malaysia. Haha. In all honesty, I have been in search for that yucky and dugyot feeling because I just can't stand the cold. 

This is their public railway transport. Very similar to Manila's own version of MRT. I love how their train passes look like plastic coins from a board game. :)

Big photos: At the Pavilion on our first day. Small photos: On our way to Petronas Towers. Always good to experience other country's public transport. :)

We were once giants on our past lives. :)



We had to wait for the sun to set for us to see the fully lit Petronas Towers. I say, IT'S AMAZING! :))) It would be a good idea to bring your sarong, lay on the floor and to just stare. A form of stress reliever.

Left: Breakfast served on the plane. Right: Very cute serving of Milk Tea.

I'm very happy to visit Malaysia even if there's not much to see. They say:

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."

Love,
B.