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Flower girls in a wedding in Hinatuan

I’m currently home for a short vacation and it’s amazing how much we did the past few days. That goes to say how much we were going around. From Laguna to Davao (it’s good to be back after my 2003-2004 visits) to Surigao to Butuan to Manila-Laguna. We attended a wedding of a very good friend held in South of the Philippines and it follows that we did a little sidetrip to nearby places. All in all it was a mixture of urban and rural experiences. That made me realize how important it is to be genuinely flexible. We had a lot of fun, especially that we had new discoveries about the hidden beauty of the Philippines… our country is full of surprises.

While I’m still sorting photos, I’m afraid that I won’t have enough time to blog (soon) once I’m back to Abu Dhabi. Hence, here’s a peek to the fun-filled past days that zoomed like a blast:

Pearl Farm Resort

Pearl Farm Resort

We stayed in one of the stilt houses in Pearl Farm Resort. It was very nurturing to wake up (in each glance, in fact) with an environment like this.

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Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Did you see the plane?
(One stretch of Abu Dhabi’s enchanting desert, on our way to Yas Island. Did you see the plane?)

We decided to have a quick getaway last weekend to get a much deserved breather. We thought that Yas Rotana would be so quiet since the grand prix (Formula 1) is still months away. But it was reasonably jovial, just the way we needed.

Yas Rotana lobby

Yas Rotana

Yas Rotana's ipil ipil :)

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my first diaper cake

I hosted a baby shower recently and attempted my first diaper cake. If you’re a regular to this blog, you probably know how much I value presents with personal touch, the priceless gift of time that comes with that. “Cooking” a diaper cake seemed intimidating at the beginning. But I thought that this must be fun and it really was. Thanks to the free tutorial videos (don’t fall for those who ask you to pay for it) that psyched me that it’s doable in less than an hour. While I am not an expert in preparing diaper cakes, I’d like to share my first “baking” experience of this kind that it may encourage you to whip one in the future.

diaper cake materials

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Dauis Church in Bohol
(Dauis Church)

While the province of Bohol houses one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, I didn’t expect that there will be too many churches (and even chapels) that are worth the visit. I recall one of my random conversations with a local who lives in Balicasag Island that Boholanos, regardless of their status quo, feel that they are very blessed because of their flourishing faith. Hence, they are protected from typhoons (although I think that it’s a combination of faith + mountains that shield them) and other untoward events. And it follows that there are Bible verses marked on all the tricycles in Bohol. However, we have managed to squeeze in to our schedule a visit only to a couple of immaculate and classic churches.

    DAUIS CHURCH (Church of Our Lady of the Assumption)

My visit to Dauis Church was memorable because it was the first church in Bohol I’ve stepped in. Since my good friend’s wedding was solemnized there, all the more that it will be painted in my memory.

Dauis Church in Bohol

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Housewarming
(This portion of the living room debuted here.)

I have moved in to a new flat which is nearer to my work place and covers a more economical lease agreement. Hence, one of the things that kept me busy as I returned from my vacation was the packing (and unpacking, ugh) of my stuff. I could have done it before I went on holidays to the Philippines, but I just did not want to stress myself that time. Anyway, moving out and in was a breeze. Thanks to my employer who recommended the movers who were very reliable when it comes to shifting stuff. If you are based in Abu Dhabi and need the same service, let me know.

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