garin farm @ san joaquin, iloilo

We headed to San Joaquin on a Wednesday morning. And coming from Passi City, the distance was no joke. We left before 7am and arrived at past 10am. I've been to Miag-ao and we even just rode his motorcycle though we just came from Iloilo City at that time.And it wasn't that far. Our road trip seems endless on our way to San Joaquin. The good thing though, we were in awe with the many beautiful and big houses we passed by. I've only seen one or two like that when travelling from Iloilo City to Passi. The sizes were comparable with the houses in Puerto Real.

Anyway, after almost three hours, we arrived at our destination.

this kamonsil tree would greet you at the parking lot

the entrance gate, but i prefer their gate in the old farm with a sculpture of a farmer 

the three hundred meter walk from the gate to their hilltop restaurant if you chose not to avail of their golf cart ride. but it's better to be walking so you could familiarize yourself with their homegrown vegetables. it's so tempting to pick one

 there were squash, potatoes on vine, tomataoes, eggplant, cucumber to name a few. hindi rin ako familiar sa iba

ngayon ko lang din nakita 'yong ibat-ibang klase ng manok. They also have horses, sheeps,goats,ducks,cows. Hindi na namin nasilip lahat at mainit na gumala.

their man made lake

the view from the restaurant facing the sea

seats inside their restaurant, we preferred eating on the tables outside and enjoy the fresh air.
they don't allow bringing of  foods so you could enjoy their fresh offerings

the dining hall outside

what a sight! there are hundreds of it flying 

they allowed those who want to feed the doves

their Garden of Eden, seems really close to paradise

the entrance if you want to climb their pilgrimage site and and take the 480 steps leading to the cross

would you dare to climb?
i said no, upon arrival. i can't even finish the one in kawa-kawa to think that  it;s just hilly and not stairs.

we decided to took the golf cart ride since it would be physically draining to climb  under the heat of the sun.

the swimming pool, looks inviting. there is an additional charge if you're going to use it

their rooms,the other side are all glass offering a fantastic view of the farm

the quarantine at the gate

i wish coconuts in Bicol are like these

see more at http://www.garinfarm.com/

Iloilo, my second home

Iloilo will always be my second home. Beside the fact, that it's my husband's hometown, it is also where we had our many first as husband and wife. In fact, we even thought of living here for good. Anyway, we are still open with the possibility. And who knows in time we will be again watching movies every weekend  @ SM City Iloilo.

and it's nikki's first time...so excited!!!

our breakfast, tinu-om na manok
weeh, para lang binutong ang peg

the Molo Church
more than hundred of times na ako nadaan dito dati at ngayon ko lang  kinunan ng picture
and it's so wow!

sabi ko kahit wala ka na lang sa picture na 'yan nikki at parang mas maganda pa.
puwede na pang-europe ang dating

the fountain at Plazuela Iloilo

Sm City Mandurriao
I love more SM Delgado and i rather go there on weekends,maybe because of the chapel and its proximity to the old CBD where i would roam around too.

 the Jaro Church
just took the picture from a speeding van

lovely Pototan, Iloilo plaza with the church on the background

my former boss with his wife and daughter
i didn't got the chance to took a picture with them

They are one of those I long to see in Iloilo. And I am really happy seeing them again after almost five years. Elder, as what my boss is called, can no longer use his hands and feet. I can imagine how difficult it is for him because he was such a busy man then. He would even play golf twice a week and he never mind walking, he used to walk faster than me at his age then. He is 77 now. But his faith is something I do admire. He is optimistic that he could walk next year so he can begin, yet another building construction which we used to do. He is even starting again his private tutor class in Ilonggo so he could refresh his memory with the language after staying in Korea for three years when he got ill. And now, even he is bounded by his wheelchair, he looks really better and smiling.

I also admire Moksanem, his wife, for her love and care to her husband. I see how they love each other. And she saw Elder's condition on a lighter side. She said maybe it's His way to allow Elder to rest and relax. 

I really adore them. They are like parents to me.

i'm 34 and so is my waistline,hahaha

picture taking na lang ang dalawa on nic's birthday

my all time favorite mumurahin pizza, though this one is chicken barbecue flavor.
i'll still go for their beef mushroom, nic's birthday treat

We decided to spend my birthday at Star City. Siyempre no less than, bodang ang mag-ienjoy at si tita nic. They got themselves a ride all you can ticket while we opted for just the admission. I have motion sickness and I can't handle the rides.

mag-pose din daw ako... 

takot din pumasok si bodang

favorite ni dang, naka-apat 'ata siya na balik dito

i'm inside that balloon for five minutes
finally, na-experience ko din 'to...
di nga lang ako makagalaw masyado at parang masyado akong mabigat

ayaw ako pagbigyan ni dang ng solo pose kaya sama na lang siya

Mas ma-appreciate mo pala siya kapag di matao masyado. It's a Monday when we went there. On the two instances I've been there, it was Christmas time already. where just lining up for rides would take a while.I only tried their Gabi ng Lagim booth in 2003 with my officemates and the Snow World in 2008 with Cris and his friend. Di pa din natupad 'yong snow world ni nic at may additional entrance. Ako, I wanted to try the wall climbing. Next time, I would.

Well, I'm 34 and I can't do anything about it. It already shows. But don't worry  Crissy, malapit pa lang naman sa range na 'yan ang waistline ko.

a day with my mom

How time flies, this is the second year now that we are visiting mommy. And still, it seems like yesterday. The pain may not be that intense anymore but it remains there. There are still moments when you wished it didn't happen. Even if I am doing laundry, I would think about that day she passed away, and imagine that what if they were just mistaken and she was really alive? I guess, the whole acceptance will have a long way to go, and even the concept of death, for now I can't fathom yet.

The one person who loves me the most will no longer be there on the many chapters of life I am going to have. I know she will be the happiest when I am happy.

ang dalawang pinaka-excited pumunta

ang dalawang pa-cute-ton uli

di ko naman masyado feel ang violet

si papay

dinner is ready...thanks to chef lolo