Hi all. Here's what I did for the month of November:
Nov 4 (Toronto) - I'm at Terminal 3 from Pearson Int'l Airport waiting for my flight. I'm on Korean Air this time. My flight takes off after midnight.
Nov 5 (in the plane to Incheon Int'l Airport) - I'm in the plane for 13-14 hours. I was able to watch movies like Harry Potter 6, Up!, The Taking of Pelham 123, and Angels & Demons. Not only that, I was able to listen to music as well. That 'Nobody' song by Wonder Girls is really getting to me. I listened to that one 5 times. Best part of all, it was on-demand. As for the food, it tasted good. Those flight attendants look nice. I feel they all look alike, since they're Korean.
Nov 6 (stopover at Incheon, connecting flight to Manila, en route to Pagbilao, Quezon) - Near the end of the long flight, my in-flight TV froze. This was the second time that happened to me since the Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong 10 years ago. Once we (my family is travelling too) landed in Seoul, it was still dark and it was foggy. It was 12 degrees there. I was impressed by the look of the Incheon airport. In my opinion, it's better than Hong Kong's or Tokyo Narita's Airport. Despite the 5 hour stopover, I was able to go to the internet lounge, read a book, walked to the center of the terminal, and browse the duty free shops and restaurants. I only bought myself hot chocolate for 4,500 Won. The cashier lady knew I wasn't Korean and told me to pay 5 bucks US. I got Korean change as a souvenir (500 won). It was near 8:00 and time to board the plane. There were no TVs in the seats, since this flight is short, around 4 hours. I arrive in Manila just after 11:30 in the morning. It was so hot and humid when I arrived. It felt like 30+ degrees outside. By 12:30, my grandpa picked us up from the airport. It was traffic (bumper to bumper) getting to the province from Manila. Not much difference from the last visit 5 years ago although they put food stations in the highway, similar to the ones in the states and there was construction to extend the Skyway Expressway to Alabang. We ate lunch at Rose & Grace before we got to grandpa's house, just when school ended for the day. The house is still the same, with Christmas decorations. Fiesta time in Pagbilao is underway with vendors setting up shop in front of my grandpa's house. After dinner, I visited my grandma's house (mom's side). My aunties and cousins were so surprised that I came.
Nov 7 (Pagbilao/Lucena City) - We went to SM Lucena and got a makeover at Ricky Reyes Salon. I felt I was treated like first-class. I had my nails done as well and also a foot massage. After eating at Jolibee for lunch, I bought some new clothes and shoes from SM.
Nov 8 (Pagbilao) - I went to mass wearing one of my new clothes and shoes. After mass, I began to watch 'Boys Over Flowers' in my aunt's room. I was wondering why it was popular in the Philippines over the summertime. I watched the first episode and seemed to enjoy it till lunchtime. I then spent the afternoon at grandma's house with my grandma and some relatives.
Nov 9 (Pagbilao) - I continued to watch 'Boys Over Flowers' all day and celebrated dad's b-day with family and friends. The birthday cake was from Goldilocks...yummy.
Nov 10 (Manila/Makati) - We went to Manila for a shopping spree. First to the SM Mall of Asia and ate Greenwich Pizza for lunch. The mall looks so nice and huge. It was also decorated with Christmas decorations. Afterwards, we dropped off one of my auntie's at the actual hospital where former president Cory Aquino died last August. I saw the Ninoy Aquino statue before shopping at SM Makati/Glorietta/The Landmark. In my opinion, the mall looks different now thanks to that disaster back in October 2007. Not impressed at all despite adding Glorietta 5. I managed to buy my dress to wear for grandpa's birthday from The Landmark. In the evening, we went to my Uncle Mon's place to stay for the night. Along the way, I saw the Goldilocks factory where its products are manufactured. The view from the 34th floor of his apartment building was very nice. The skyline reminded me as if you're in New York or even Chicago. My cousin/goddaughter was excited to see me. We went to the Robinson's Galleria (which was nearby) and ate Chinese food at Mr. Choi's kitchen for dinner. Afterwards, I went with my cousin to play at the arcade from a game of air hockey to getting points for prizes by playing Deal or No Deal. It was at this point that I had the chance to bond with her more and her family than my previous visit.
Nov 11 (Manila/Makati) - The day started when my cousin had to get ready for school. Her school bag is really heavy. It feels like it's meant for a third grader than a first grader. I then visited the rooftop of the building, where there was a swimming pool and an exercise room. It also had a nice view of the other cities in Metro Manila. Around 10am, we went to SM Megamall. Not as crowded when I went the first time 10 years ago. I saw some cute stuff such as a plush toy to hang on my tna bag. There was so many to choose from. I don't know where to start or to begin. I also got a new wallet, an id wallet that holds cards, and 2 CDs. For lunch, I tried Maxi's Chicken for the first time. After lunch, we went to Greenhills and got another pair of shoes from Suki and a Louie Vuitton handbag to use next summer. Afterwards, we returned back to my grandpa's house along with my auntie's.
Nov 12 (Pagbilao) - I stayed at grandpa's house for the day. I was watching 'Boys Over Flowers' again. One of my aunties got me some DVDs. She bought them in Lucena. I wanted to choose the DVDs myself; however, it's too risky, since i'm from abroad. She did the shopping for me. I got the DVDs 'Boys Over Flowers,' 'My Girl,' and 'Cardcaptor Sakura.' Not just that, I finally got the Wonder Girls CD with the song 'Nobody,' 2ne1's debut CD featuring hits like 'Fire' and 'I don't care,' and the soundtrack from 'Boys Over Flowers.' I played the song 'Nobody' 7 or 8 times in the night. I'm starting to get the dance moves to this song lol.
Nov 13 (Pagbilao) - It was the same as yesterday. Two of my aunties are arriving from the states and so is my Uncle Albert and his family. I was able to meet my new cousin Levi. She looks like Thea for some reason. She likes playing peek-a-boo. It makes her smile. She's also learning new things.
Nov 14 (Pagbilao) - I was at my grandma's house for the day and I get to mingle with more of my relatives. I treated them with lunch (its take out from the local market) consisting of rice, spring rolls, chicken, puncit, apritada, and ice cream for dessert. I kind of compare my older male cousins as the F4 from 'Boys Over Flowers' cuz they look so handsome and cute looking. One of them has the exact cell phone as mine except its orange and mines is aqua blue. In the evening, I was back at grandpa's house and watched the first 2 Digimon movies with my cousins before going to bed. Make it dubbed in English, but retained the original Japanese names.
Nov 15 (Pagbilao) - Today is the Pacquiao/Cotto fight. The fight is actually Saturday night from Las Vegas, but we're watching it Sunday afternoon. First, went to mass, and then waited a few hours for the fight to begin. I got another anime DVD, this time 'Lucky Star.' I showed it to my cousins and they said the characters look cute. It was past one in the afternoon and the fight was underway. I heard the screaming from the neighbours and also from the gymnasium near the church. It lasted 12 rounds and Pacquiao won the fight by TKO. After the fight was done, few of my relatives had to return to Manila since they have school the next day. Don't worry; I will see them again on Wednesday the 18th for grandpa's 75th birthday.
Nov 16 (Pagbilao) - At my grandpa's house, watching DVDs again.
Nov 17 (Pagbilao) - The same as yesterday.
Nov 18 (Manila/Makati) - Its grandpa's 75th birthday. We get to Manila just as daylight began to rise. It was kind of crazy when we sang 'Happy Birthday' in the car on the way to Manila. We were supposed to be at the Dusit Hotel; instead, we went to the B Mansion because the Dusit was fully booked. It used to be a house now converted into a hotel. It's close to SM MegaMall and where my uncle lives. On the way to the hotel, I saw a lot of condos. The street kind of reminded me of Rodeo Drive or Beverly Hills. This area was known as Rockwell. I also saw some houses along the Pasig River. After eating breakfast at the hotel, we went to Greenhills. I got myself 3 new handbags to a total of 4. I also saw this Japanese store which sells everyday stuff at home. We ate lunch at Maxi's Chicken. After Greenhills, we had to pick up my Uncle Mon and his family to meet at the hotel. The trunk in the car was packed with shopping bags we bought for the day. Back at the hotel and we had snack including a chocolate birthday cake to celebrate. After 7pm, we took grandpa out for dinner at the Gorilla Bar & Grill. I met up with the rest of my cousins/relatives. Two of them brang their bf/gf's with them. It was kind of like a family reunion. Actually, this was family only. This Saturday will be the main party, with more guests/visitors.
Nov 19 (Manila/Makati) - Still here in Manila. We went to visit my Auntie Aida's place and my older cousin's workplace before we went for another day of shopping at the SM Mall of Asia. On the way, I saw the museum, city hall, the Manila Hotel, the Rizal Monument, and Manila Bay. I bought myself a new pair of earrings. It's another butterfly pair that dangles. My old pair already faded. I might wear this at the party this Saturday. Afterwards, I went to this anime store that one of my cousins mentioned. I was looking for a Christmas gift for my close friend. The store was kind of small and had action figure's, posters, keychains, etc. No manga books there =(. Past 4 in the afternoon and I hear the band playing and entertaining the customers. Around the same time, my older cousin and her bf met us at the mall. She was still looking for a blue dress to wear at the party. It was already getting dark and we checked out of the hotel to travel back to the province. Again, the trunk was full of shopping bags. It was a packed car with 9 people inside including me. We get to the province before midnight and I finally get the see the night sky with a lot of stars. Notice that this is the last trip to Manila for shopping. The next visit to Manila will be on the 28th from NAIA airport.
Nov 20 (Pagbilao/Lucena City) - We went to my grandma's house again and saw one of my cousins. I had my nails done again. It was raining very hard as we were going to Lucena later in the day for a little bit of shopping. At grandpa's house, almost all my relatives are spending the weekend because of the party. The house was packed and I had to sleep in my aunt's room for the time being.
Nov 21 (Pagbilao/Lucena City) - Today is the day of the party. We all had to get ready for tonight from getting the hair and nails done as well as putting on the blue dress with silver shoes. The party was held at the Grand Riviera Resort, which is located near the bus terminal and my aunt's workplace. After breakfast, I had to practice a special dance number using the songs 'Fire' by Korean pop group 2NE1 and 'Calle Ocho (I know you want me)' by Pitbull with my cousins/bf's/gf's. It took me a few hours to learn it on the actual day of the party. One of my younger cousins JB is the one who choreographed this number. I'm also doing 'Nobody' by Wonder Girls. My cousin Sam is the choreographer for this routine. Before the start of the party, we had some cheeseburger and fries from Jolibee as a snack. Around 6:30 in the evening, the party was underway. It started with the introduction of grandpa's children and their families followed by the celebrant himself (grandpa). Next was a speech by Auntie Benny followed by a mini video from one of my cousins who couldn't make the party because he's in school in LA and cannot be absent. Next it was time for me and my cousins/bf's/gf's to take centre stage to perform in front of grandpa and the guests. I think we did very well. After showing a family montage and giving free giveaways (chocolates) to the guests, it was time to eat dinner. Luckily, we (the family members of the celebrant) do not need to line up to get the food since it's served right in front of us. That explained why there was a lazy susan on the table. The party went so fast. It only lasted 3 hours or so. Past 10, and we headed back to grandpa's house. We're all still awake. It's a mini after party.
Nov 22 (Pagbilao/Lucena City) - Today I went to the Pueblo de la Playa (a beach) with some of my cousins/relatives. Not all of my relatives didn't come along because they had to return back to Manila or remain at grandpa's house. It was kind of a mini resort with several houses. The view was so nice. My cousins wanted me to take pics of them jumping over the sand and also getting wet in the pool. I did some videoke too after eating lunch. The weather was crazy that day. One time it was sunny and hot, the next it rained hard.
Nov 23 (Pagbilao/Lucena City) - It's my final week here. I visited my Auntie Olet in the hospital followed by shopping at SM. I didn't know that one of my cousin's gf is a nurse intern at this hospital. At the mall, we first ate a light lunch at Pizza Hut followed by getting bubble tea at Zagu and eating again at Buddy's. I bought some more clothes to wear and another pair of shoes to wear in the summer.
Nov 24 (Pagbilao/Lucena City) - Not much happened that day, it's almost like yesterday. All I bought was new earphones for my ipod and 3 pairs of earrings. I actually bumped into one of my older cousins (my mom's side) while I was there. He was hanging out with some friends. Before we left the mall, we went to the photo store to develop the photos. Back at grandpa's house, and it's the eve of the Pagbilao Fiesta. I saw some fireworks booming by looking out the window. At first I thought someone is shooting people with guns. It was so loud.
Nov 25 (Pagbilao) - Its fiesta time! Two of my aunties invited their friends/co-workers to my grandpa's house for the day. We all had lunch and then do some videoke afterwards. Meanwhile, outside had a lot of people walking by the vendor shops due to the fiesta. At the same time, it was so hot. Too bad I didn't get a chance to see the band play.
Nov 26 (Pagbilao/Lucena City) - It was one in the morning and three of my relatives are returning back to the states. They were headed to the airport for an early return flight. Luckily, I'm still here for another 2 days. Now the house is quiet without them. Later in the morning, I had to say bye to my grandma. Would have been tomorrow if the Sabio family (they're relamies as in enemies) weren't there. Since our main ride is not available, we had to commute to SM Lucena by jeepney. I haven't rode one in awhile. The ride took 30 minutes. My older cousin and his girlfriend were with us for the ride. Both of them were headed to school later in the day. By the time we were at the mall, it just opened. There was a one day sale (make that a Thanksgiving Day sale to coincide with the states) in the entire store, which is why a lot of people showed up. Just had my hair done again and bought some last minute items, mostly hankies and a Magic Sing karaoke set.
Nov 27 (Pagbilao) - Last full day here...Wahhh. Just had to pack our stuff at the same time do some videoke. Few of my relatives on my mom's side came to visit (at grandpa's house) to say bye and all. The day went by like another ordinary day. Back to the cold weather tomorrow.
Nov 28 (Ninoy Aquino Int'l Airport in Manila, Philippines/Incheon Int'l Airport in Incheon, South Korea/arrived in Toronto) - on the way to the airport with grandpa. Goodbye Pagbilao, see you in a few years again. We were stuck in traffic, near the Rose & Grace Restaurant past 6 in the morning. The traffic was caused by a tanker truck that was flipped over. Luckily, our driver knew of an alternative route to get us on the SLEX Expressway to the airport. I saw a lot of coconut trees on that detour route. We get to the airport before 9 and said our byes to grandpa. Checking in was no problem. On the way to the boarding gate and I noticed few changes such as the relocation of the security checkpoint after the terminal fee/immigration/customs section as opposed to the walkway bridges to the gates. They also installed new carpets because the old floor tiles were outdated. Our plane bound for Seoul arrived late and as a result, we left Manila around 1:15pm instead of 12:40pm. The return flight had less Pinoys and more Korean's (mostly tourists) returning on board. We get to Incheon Airport around 5:30 Seoul time. There were a lot of sales at the Duty Free because Christmas is less than a month away. I just bought myself some McDonald's as an early dinner. As I was walking by to get food, I saw a Korean Art Expo area with the ladies wearing hanboks. By 8:25 in the evening, it was time to board the return flight to Toronto. As the plane was doing its pushback from the gate, all the Korean Air fleet at the gates disappeared. It's like we were the last flight to leave Seoul for the day. Probably the planes were parked somewhere else for the night. Twelve hours later and we finally arrived back in Toronto (still Saturday). Burrr....it's cold. Went from 24 degrees in Manila to 2 degrees in Toronto. We got home before 9. It feels kind of different, remembering the inside of the house after being at grandpa's place for 3 weeks.
Nov 29 (at home in Scarborough) - I'm back at home and woke up so early due to jetlag. All I had to do was unpack our belongings and adjust.
That's basically it. The month went by pretty quickly. I heard there was no snow while I was away. Time to resume the job hunt once again. Anyways, see ya later!
