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After hearing about Lolo, I texted all my cousins and friends who knew him. I wondered if I will be able to go home. I've talked to my mom and of course, they will be going home, but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to. I just bought my ticket for PI for January a couple of weeks before, and my mom also didn't know if she'd be able to get me a ticket. When I got to work, I informed my manager that I will have to take a quick LOA. She said, "Hold on, my brain just ceased." hehehe sorry, not like this was planned. So my mom called me to ask when I wanted to leave. Apparently, they weren't leaving until the week after, which surprised me because I thought they'd be on the first plane out that day. So anyway, I told her I should go ASAP, and she also wanted me to go first so I can take care of business over there, and of course, be there for my Lola. Her main concern was my Lola, and I also really wanted to be there. They got me the ticket, and I was on the plane the next night, and 16 hours later, I was in the very hot and humid Philippines.

I thought my next trip back home would've been a joyous one. You know, see old friends, meet with my cousins and the rest of the family, and of course, GALA to the max! First time ko pa naman makita yung house sa Cavite, tapos burol naman dinatnan ko. I was very excited to see my Lola after almost 3 years of not seeing her, pero si Lolo naman, inunahan yung uwi ko next month. I asked him kung bakit di nya ko hinintay, 1 month na nga lang eh. I didn't even really say hello to the people there, I went straight to my Lolo. Then afterwards, I went to go meet the people who were there. So during my 5 days there....

Day 1: (Sunday)

Got there around 6am; Said hello to everyone there; heard everyone say, "ang taba taba moooo!" with a matching pinch; chit chatted with my Lola for a while
Nanay and Me;
went to the nearby church; went to Sacred Heart Memorial so I could see Lolo's potential final resting place; went to the store to buy some stuff needed for the lamay; hung out at the kubo behind the house with the old folks
Our Kubo in the back;
around 4pm, I was getting really REALLY sleepy, and by 5pm, I couldn't take it anymore and said I was going to take a quick nap. They urged me to go since I haven't slept nor rested since I got there.

Went to sleep, only to be woken up by a gentle tap on my leg by my twin aunts (my Ate Kambal's) and their other sister, Ate Lulu. They knew I was asleep, but went to wake me up anyway to say hello since they won't be coming back until the next weekend, by which I'd be gone. It was a very quick kamustahan because I was UBER groggy, and they let me go back to sleep. I didn't wake up until 1am! hahaha what a long ass nap!

I stayed up with Kuya Jom (mom's brother), who I found chatting with one of the security guards there.
(Kuya Jom and Judith)
Poor Kuya Jom, he was the designated bantay since everyone was asleep. He said he was glad the guard stopped by, and he offered him coffee and sandwich so he'd have someone to talk to. So when I got there, the guard left, and Kuya Jom and I just chatted the whole night on just about everything. Then at around 5am, he went to sleep since my nanay and some other people were starting to wake up.

I don't remember if I went back to sleep, but I remember people started coming by. People I haven't seen in a long time, people I never met, people who knew me but I didn't know them or ones I know but don't remember me... It was very exciting, considering the circumstances.

Then we were off to La Salle Dasma to get Lolo's death certificate, then we went to the Funeraria, and on to the Memorial to inquire. We looked at the place, and decided on a spot. Filled out the paperworks and advised them that my mom will be coming to finalize everything.

Then, we went to SM and I finally got my money changed, and Judith and I went to grocery again to buy more stuff. When we got back to the house, there were more people, and I think I went to sleep around 1130pm that night, when I really couldn't take it anymore.

I think I woke up around 7am this day, then just chilled after breakfast, then I think I fell asleep again around 10am, only to be awaken by my Ninang's voice, "Aaaay! Ikaw na ba yan?? Ang laki laki mo na, para ka nang si mama mo!" LoL.. Nagulantang talaga ko! I was so excited to see her since I haven't seen her in 7 years, and of course, since that's my mom's best friend, she was one of the people I was very eager to see. I had called her when I first got there to tell her I was there na nga, but she didn't show until this day. She brought me the food that I asked her to bring (pancit bihon), and we went outside to chat for a bit about stuff that's been going on. My Ninang Rhelly and I were catching up, and after a while, I told her I had to go take a shower since we were going to Manila that day.

We left, and we stopped by my other Ninang's work at Makati to get some more documents needed. She bought me sooooooo much stuff to bring back here. Mga yema, macapuno, and all sorts of candies and goodies and stuff. Then we went to Judith's house, which is very close to where I grew up. I had reminisced about many things while taking in all the sights. I sorta amazed myself at how well I remember where we lived, which block we were at, etc. etc. I was thinking of going there sometime next month, and just walk around the old neighborhood. I want to take pictures of the houses where we lived, since we did move a lot back then. Brings back soooo many childhood memories for me.

Anyway, we got a text that my Papa was at the house! I spoke to him the day before to tell him I was there. He was surprised, but said he was in Cebu and can't just leave. He gave his condolences, and I told him I'll be back next month anyway, so we can see each other there. He said he had planned to surprise me and just go to the house, but HE was the one surprised to find out I wasn't even home.

So before heading back and facing the bad traffic, we decided to have dinner first. I called Papa to ask how long he will stay there because we were having dinner first, and he said he would wait for me. Ok, so we went to go eat at Gerry's Grill, which is in front of the Mall of Asia, which is this GINORMOUS mall out there! I haven't been there yet, but I swear I'll visit that place next month. Anyway, we ordered an appetizer, 5 kinds of ulam, rice, and drinks, and mind you this is a nice restaurant, our bill came out to P1,694.00. Which is roughly what, like $35?? I was like, wow... There were 5 of us, so it was like $7 per person. I gave an even P2,000, and they said the tip was too much. I asked them how much was a "proper" tip, and they said waiters are usually happy with a P100 tip. I'm like, what? But I usually do the whole 16% thing, but whatever, I gave P306 tip. I mean, it's the holidays anyway, and besides, come on, P2,000 is like $40, which is so very low considering I just bought food for 5 people. Sometimes I spend that much money on food and drinks on just myself!!

When we got to the house around 930pm, my Papa was there, and to my surprise, he was waiting outside with this little girl. He then introduced me to Christine, my little sister! I had been waiting to meet her since she was born, and there she was, 5 years old now but I was still very excited to see her.

Apparently, she has been waiting for me too. She was getting all impatient, and kept saying, "kadugay man ni ate lai ko" (my Ate Lai is taking too long). Papa also brought his wife, whom I've already met when I was like 9 years old. So yeah, we just talked and stuff the rest of the night, and I couldn't take my eyes off my little sister. She was so cute! Anyway, they left around midnight, and we stayed up for a little bit, but I finally went to sleep around 1am.

I woke up at like 3am coz my mom called me, and I told her I just went to sleep and to call me back in like 4 hours. Well I woke up around 6am waiting for mom's call, so I called here and I found out she was out getting her passport. Cutting it a bit close, I thought, since they were leaving in a couple of days. I think I went back to sleep, and I think I got up around 9. Had breakfast, found out Judith left to go to work (US Embassy) to get some final documents, and she texted later to ask if we can pick them up at Robinson's (which is very close to the house).

I asked Kuya Joel (also mom's brother) to go with me since I didn't want to drive by myself. Yes, I drove there. I've been driving but only as far as the gate. I didn't dare venture out for fear of DYING. So for the first time, I passed the gate and got on the highway, but thankfully Robinson's was less than a quarter of a mile away.

When we got there, I decided to buy the stuff I wanted. Boy, did I buy so much stuff! I bought stuff that were either not available here, or VERY expensive here. I basically went grocery shopping there! LoL! We also bought some "drinks" since it was my last night there, and we wanted to drink. Kuya Jom used to be a bartender, so I asked him to make me my Long Island. We didn't start drinking until later on in the night. My cousin Enteng was there with his wife and 1 year old daughter. OMG! I so wanted to put her in my bag and take her home! She was so freakin adorable!

Anyway, we played Pusoy Dos while drinking, and around midnight we were all hungry.
Enteng and Me
Judith and Me
So Kuya Jom, Enteng, and I decided to go out and get some Lechon Manok or something. So there I was, driving a little further out this time. Good thing it was past midnight, there weren't that much cars on the street. We found this place that was open and bought their last Lechon Manok and Liempo. Good pulutan, huh? I didn't go to sleep until 4am. Enteng's wife and daughter slept with me in the room.

I woke up at 7am because the baby woke up at 7am. I found out that they were going to commute back home, and since they had the baby, I told them I'd take them home. They live in Trece Martires, which is about half an hour away with traffic. Apat na sakay yun from our house! I didn't want them going with the baby, so I woke Kuya Jom to go with me, and there I was, venturing out to the busy street, praying for my life! hahahaha... It was cool though, I think my reflexes were put to the test. It was frightening, but at the same time, interesting experience. So I got to see their place, and their other daughter. His wife, Mia, showed me their wedding album, and I saw my other cousins as part of the wedding party, and I was so jealous because I should've been there. *sigh* Almost all my cousins who I grew up with are now married with kids. I'm the last one...

When we got back, that was when I started packing. My flight wasn't until 1030pm, but we were gonna leave around 6pm since it will be traffic by then. Afterwards, I fell asleep again since I only had 3 hours of sleep, and woke up to find my Lola sleeping with me in the room. I guess it was because I had the fan on and all the windows open, and the room was cool and quiet. Our place is actually pretty cool and breezy, and I only used the AC about 3 times the whole time I was there, and very briefly each time. I only turned it on when it got extremely hot and I couldn't take it anymore. So I got up, got ready, went to SM real quick, and went back home to finish packing.

Before I walked out the door, I said my final goodbye to Lolo. That was the first time I cried since I got there. I guess it was because that would be the last time I was to see my Lolo. I was standing there for a long time, gave him a kiss, hugged my Lola again, and everyone else, and on we went.

We did get stuck in traffic, but we were at the airport by 830pm. Plenty of time to check in and stuff. I paid P200 for the travel tax, another P550 for some other fee, got 2 of my mascaras confiscated, had one of the security checkpoint guys ask me for my email address and number (peelin' pinoy style! lol) before asking me to take off my shoes and put it in a bin. hahahaha...

It was a direct flight, so 12 hours later I was back home in cold ass SFO. To my surprise, the immigration line was quick, and as I stood by the carousel waiting for my luggage, I notice this one girl next to me. She wa just so pretty, and looked a lot like... hhmm... Jessa Zaragosa. Noticed the guy she was with to, I guess it was her husband. They asked one of the airport guys to help them with the luggage, and as they picked up one of the boxes, it said: "(some initial) Avanzado". I was like, OH... MY... GOD! I'm standing next to Dingdong and Jessa!! *squeeeeeeeeeeeee* But of course, all the squealing was all in my mind. I slowly reached inside my purse for my camera, but I didn't have the guts to ask them if I can take a pic with them. I thought it was a bit tacky if I asked, so I decided not to. I think the ogling was a bit tacky too, but whatever, I did it anyway. Anyway, I didn't even go through customs, so I was out rather quickly. The waiting for my luggage was the longest part of my arrival.

I called my mom to see where they were at, and apparently they were right upstairs getting ready to board. I met them there, and the insurance guy was there too. So I gave them all the paperwork, updated mom on stuff, and we were together for about half an hour before they left.

LAST THING I ATE WAS:
spam and rice, and beef nilaga... mmmm...

LAST PERSON I TALKED TO ON THE PHONE WAS:
Lee

wow. a whole 9 days passed without me updating my blog. i guess i've been very preoccupied lately. lots of things happening at work, lots of things happening after work. i've been a busy bee!

last week was my birthday week, and it sure was! i pretty much celebrated my birthday the whole week! first, on sunday the 20th, my cousins and i went on a Hornblower Brunch Cruise. they even bought me a birthday cake and everything! though there was no candle, so my cousins decided to get "creative". let's just say it involved half a sausage and a couple of grapes. damn heffas!

you know what sucked about this day? I was actually working. i just took a couple of hours lunch so i can go with them. then i went back to work right after... =(

then at night, we all hooked up again and went to BJ's for dinner and drinks. i had to leave early though because... well, boy3 kept calling me. he wanted me to hook up with him that night with some friends. so, no matter how much guilt trip my cousins imposed on me, i decided to go see him. 

then the next night was softball again. We lost, but whatever, it's all good fun. Apparently, that team has been playing for a VERY LONG TIME. it was pretty obvious, with all them seniors in their team.. hahahaha im so evil! 

well, that same night, boy3 and i were talking, and he was saying he was worried he wasn't gonna wake up early enough for our meeting the next day. so i offered for him to sleep over my place, and he agreed. yeah yeah, let the assumptions begin, but i swear to goodness, NOTHING HAPPENED! we went to work together the next day, and really, nothing happened. as much as i wanted something to happen, it didn't. i was a bit disappointed, but hey, we're "friends" right? playa won't put out!! hahahaha *sigh*

anyways, tuesday, my actual birthday, my friends all came over my house. there was like 12 people in my small ass apartment! they brought food, my mom brought cake, i bought some beer, someone brought wine, we ordered pizza, 
played Pusoy Dos, watched the Giants game, and they took lots and lots of pics. it was fun! i was left with all the mess, but it was all good.

thursday, the managers all went on a dinner cruise. we ordered wines and cocktails and man was i full that night. not really buzzed though. i was already buzzed when we got on the boat because we had drinks at Houston's, a bar in front of Pier 33. Didn't spend any money at all that night because everything was to go into an expense report. God, gotta love being in management!

friday, my coworkers and i had dinner at Mi Lindo Peru. When I got there, there were balloons, a dozen purple roses (my fave color and flower!) and of course all my girls! it turned into a girls night out, because none of our male co-workers decided to go. they even had a cake for me... aaww... we ordered liters and liters of sangria! i had 3 glasses before our meal even came, so i was buzzin hard before we ate. at one point, christine and i went outside because i had to smoke. Carlos (hot restaurant owner) was also outside. the three of us were just chatting. Carlos knew us already, so we were there talking, laughing... then Carlos had asked me for smokes, and i was like, "oohh, uh-uh! you smoke too?" so we were laughing, and he said/did something... uumm... nasty/perverted/sexy... that got me and christine hella rollin'!!! we could not stop laughin! he fuken made my night! and i was already crushin on this man really bad, and he goes and does something like that! damn! if only he wasn't married and expecting his first born.... hahahaha i am SUCH a skank!! by the way, Carlos is half Peruvian-half Japanese. and he is just... mmmm....!

anyway, after dinner, some peeps and i stayed at a hotel to continue the drinking. we didnt really do much though because we were all knocked out. i was hella tired too since i worked that day. and at that, i had work the next day. 

so yeah, that was my week of birthday fun. didn't go clubbin or anything. not really big on those anyway. as long as im surrounded by my friends and family, then im all good...

boy3 and i had an issue last week, but we're good now. He's making me confused. He always says it won't go beyond being friends, but sometimes he does and says things that makes me think otherwise, ya know? I think all I can really do is wait. I know i've been saying it and saying it and saying it.. but again, im impatient! i know we've only had this "thing" between us for the past couple of months, but i've always gotten my men way earlier than that!

we were talking last night, and he made me realize that my so-called "past" was back when i was teenager. i was like, shiet, he's right! what am i basing this on? high school shiet? i mean, i got with joy when i was only 17! all these "men" i refer to were mere boys.  they happened when i was 16 and below. he was right. i have so much more to learn. i think that's what he's waiting for. im only 25. i spent almost a third of my life with one man, and is that even enough to know what i want or dont want in a relationship? i act like i know everything there is to know to be in a relationship, but compared to him, im an amateur! i've been in one serious relationship. he wants me to learn, he said. to explore. to find myself and what i really want. maybe i just got used to having someone, that all i want right now is to have someone. not necessarily him, but someone. maybe i need to learn what i really want in a relationship to find out if it's really HIM i want to be with...

anyway, this is why i love talking to him. it's not just shallow shiet that we talk about. and he's not jumping at the opportunity to score. i could've been his rebound girl, but he didn't. wow... i think he really does care about me.... so for now, i'll just enjoy what we have, and just wait for him.... i've known him for 5 years. a couple of more months shouldn't be too hard...

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