Our first day in Manila, Philippines…

There are so many differences I’ve noticed about the Philippines and the U.S.
Traffic is extra craaazy…drivers create their own lanes, seat belts are not required, people ride on top of roofs of trucks, kids hang out of Jeepney’s like a fun rollercoaster ride, pedestrians do NOT have the right of way, and streets are just hectic…filled with cars, buses, trucks, Jeepney’s, motorcycles, 3 wheeled carriers, bikes, people on foot selling goods, and others running & praying for their lives just to cross the street, trying not to get hit by moving vehicles! Lmao! Not to mention all the different sounds of motor vehicles putt-putting, brakes screeching, whistle blowing, horns honking, and loud voices of people in the air. So much to take in…it’s Awesome!!!
Although this is a 3rd world country, everyone lives at their own pace…sort of slow & relaxing. People seem happier and are grateful for the little things in life. Something we don’t see much of in the states! It feels so good to be out of my element to see all that goes around outside of my normal environment to truly enjoy & appreciate all that I have. Life’s good!

Back at the hotel (Microtel), it’s another story! There’s so many Americans and foreigners staying there that I don’t even feel like I’ve left the states. I was always surprised and intrigued to hear about people outside of the the Filipino background who visit the Philippines for pleasure, and always assumed it was a rare sight to see. I’ve crossed paths with so many diverse people…and some of them actually LIVE in the PI! It’s so amazing to me! It makes me happy to know that others can appreciate the Filipino culture as much as I do…and more! It all makes sense …the Philippines is filled with so many beautiful & genuine people, and the islands are breathtaking! How can you not want to visit?!

I’m absorbing and taking in every minute I am here and loving it!!!

Yesterday…February 15th,
we arrived in Manila at 7am. Auntie Baby’s friends Che & Romel pick us up from the airport and bring us to Aristocrat Restaurant for some breakfast along with some family. Afterwards, we head to our hotel where we are met with my cousins from my dads side…Maricel & Von. It was so nice to finally meet them in person. We settle down a bit and then head to Mall of Asia (MOA) right across the street where we are met up with another cousin, Marcia. Walk around a bit and then take my cousins along with us to get a massage. It was soooo needed after our 14.5 hour flight! Felt so relaxing!!! Aaahh! 80 minutes of head to toe massage all under $15!!! I know right?! When that’s done, shop again!!! Haha! After saying our goodbyes to my cousins, Romel & Che take us around Manila and to Chinatown where we do some more shopping and have lunch in a delicious Chinese restaurant. We get back to our hotel room at around 5pm and rest a bit. At around 8pm, my mom and I get ready for a night out with Tita Tintin and her friend Cathy, who take us down to this pier type area walking distance from our hotel where the lights are bright, live bands are playing, people are eating. singing. & dancing, seafood markets are busy, and everyone is happy! We go to the seafood market and purchase live crabs, shrimp, fresh calamari & oysters…oh yessss! Then we take our seafood to the restaurant next door where they cook our seafood to perfection! That’s what I call…Fresh! While we wait at our table outside on the deck, a live band serenades us while we enjoy our San Miguel beers. As soon as our food comes out, we dig in and get messy! The BEST!
Throughout the night, the singer in the band (which, I must say has a great voice…*swoon* & nice on the eyes) continues to point & smile at me while he’s singing…I was suuuper flattered!!! (it’s not hard to make me blush! Lol!) Especially with a couple beers in me…I was in LOVE! Hahaha! My mom and aunts kept teasing me! After the band finished their set and had to leave, the singer said Goodbye to me in a sort of shy sheepish way! Awwww…so cute! Haha! We all stayed a little bit longer and enjoyed the scenery before heading back to our hotel room at around 12:30am.

This was all in the FIRST day we arrive! Lmao! Goodtimes!

Today we went to Tagaytay to do some sight seeing.
Tomorrow, we fly to Cebu & stay there for 3 days!!! Excited!

I may blog about Tagaytay…but right now I’m suuuper exhausted!

Alright…signing out for today!

Peace & Love,
Stacy

“Thrilla in Manila”…WoOhoo! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on Tumblr. With so many social media and apps you join by word of mouth, there’s always those sites you leave behind, and Tumblr has been one I’ve neglected. Thankfully I haven’t completely forgotten about Tumblr so that I can blog/document my trip in the Philippines. I know this is one I will not want to forget! I was 4 years old the last time I was here so I don’t remember as much as I’d like. But due to some pictures, I was able to keep some memories of my dads family and boat riding experiences with me. I’m so ecstatic to be visiting my homeland of the Philippines again, and actually get to experience the culture and acknowledge everything that happens around me. The flight from San Francisco to Manila, Philippines was such a loooong flight (14.5 hrs). Our flight was scheduled for 9:15 pm, but we ended up leaving the states at 11:30 pm…flight delayed…or “Filipino Time,” as I’d like to say! haha! We reached the PI at around 6:45 am on February 15 (Philippine Time). Flew over Valentine’s Day completely…literally. Which is all good cuz I have my mama! hehe! I also have my Auntie Baby & Tita Letti with me on this vacation. I wish my dad and sister could’ve gone!!! I miss them already! I’ll try and blog throughout my trip, but I don’t know how often I’ll be able to since we’ll be island hopping and moving from place to place.
Well, that’s about it for now. Hope you all are having a wonderful “Valentine’s Day” and don’t forget about the single people…they need love too! Send them some chocolates and flowers won’t cha?! ;)

Signing out…peace & love,
Stacy