mountains of Southern Leyte - Hinunangan

These photos were taken on March 28, 2013.

I was tagged along by my sister and her friends to climb the mountains of Hinunangan. Since it was Holy Week, we expected  a lot of religious people to go up the mountains and reach the top to lit a candle for what the locals believed as a miraculous image of a saint also known locally as San Francisco de Javier.

The trail is wide and not too steep which makes the climb easier than expected.

We've been here a couple of times already, but the view continues to amaze us. 

 Came across some dogs during our climb.

and when you start walking on a cemented path, you'll know you're halfway from reaching the top :)

at the top we climb 

The chapel hasn't changed at all. This is how it looked like when I first came here several years ago.

an area beside the chapel where people lit their candles.

almost halfway down the trail. I swear my knees were shaking during the descent. 

 

Yay! After almost 3 hours of pure sweat, we made it through! Now we're ready for the next destination! :)

A short visit at the Basilica

A tour in Cebu is never complete without visiting Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. Even if I have been living in Cebu City for almost eight years now, I have never taken a single photo of the well known church. So last Monday, I decided to drop by to light a candle and take some shots.

the church's facade and the main altar retablo of the basilica

Beside the church's patio is an area where you can lit a candle while praying.

the burning wax candles

Magellan's Cross.

Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to come to the Philippines in 1521. The original large wooden cross was believed to be his gift to Juana , the wife of Rajah Humaton, and to the followers who were baptised. Thus, the fist Catholic mass was held.

Cebu's most important historical landmark

the tiled pavilion which shelters the cross.

Last Friday Night

The original plan was to go to Lantaw Floating Restaurant in Cordova. Luckily, I came across a blog article featuring their branch in Busay. Just right on time because my friend from Japan is here for a short vacation.

a breath of fresh air

restaurant's parking area

spending time with my new friends

piggin' out. eating Filipno foods.

Since my friend wanted to have a drink, we stopped by at a resto near Rockpool.

light lang :)

Time to say buhbye. I spent time with Rie for a short time, but it was great! Thanks for the short visit, Rie! Til' next time. :)

Kwatro Kanto

Note: This post is long overdue. Photos were taken on October 1, 2012 :)

Birthday Presents,

There is no better way to celebrate birthdays than being with someone who matters most to you. We may not have celebrated it the way I imagined it to be, but it was still great.

I got a perfume and he's got hankies and socks

Just because every time he returns home, he keeps on losing his socks and hankies.I know, right?

Gifts don't need to be pricey as long as they're given from the heart.♥♥♥

SM Bibo.

We just love playing arcades everytime we go to a shopping mall. One or both people in a couple may play video games on their own but it's a lot more enjoyable if you play them together. Plus, I think it brings us closer together.

power up!

Prudential Life.

freebies! Yay!

To be honest with, I never imagined celebrating birthdays here, but this is were fate led us. We had to stay and listen to them. I was hesitant at first but later on I realized that sometimes things don't happen the way I want them to be. I have to learn how to listen and be flexible whenever the situation calls it. In the end, all is well. Bhie signed up and I learned a valuable lesson from them: SAVINGS! :)

Rai-raiken.

Came back to this Japanese restaurant and this time we ordered Bento box. We were both hungry. Good thing we didn't have to wait for so long. Namnam!

burp! Happy 4th! 

Let's Paint.

We agreed a year before that we will try to showcase our artistic side through painting. I just realized I don't have the skill. Haha. I better try playing with colors next time.

because I love dogs.

I still think his Taz is better than my  Labrador.

Thai Boran.

After a long day, we dropped by at our fave spa in Jones Ave. We just wanted our feet to relax a bit and rejuvenate.

tired feet

Went straight to our room. As much as I wanted to talk about random things, I couldn't because he was already asleep flat on bed. Hahaha. Anyhow, I'm still thankful how we spent the day and how it ended. Afterall, it was our first time to celebrate our birthday together. 

Happy Birthday, bhie! May we be blessed with love, joy, and companionship forever. Love love love. ♥♥♥

Johann's 1st Birthday

It's Johann's first birthday. Jen and I helped out decorating the area and in distributing the packed lunch for the visitors. I think everybody had so much fun (or so I think) :). After the party which was held in the gym, we went straight to Odong's house. Food overload. Videoke. Chika. Stayed up until 10 pm. 

I'm so full na. Better start detoxifying soon.

happy birthday!

P.S: Oh! I led the prayer today. Naks. ;) Thumbs up for the party. Happy Birthday, Johann!

Love Across the Miles

Woke up happy knowing that there are a lot of reasons to celebrate Hearts day. I'm continually praying for us to share more heart days together. I am a firm believer that distance is  never a hindrance to show how much you value the people you love the most. Happy Hearts day! ♥♥♥

Thinking of you across the miles ♥

021413

Sweet Treats

Woke up early to set up my small birthday surprise for ate. I had to tiptoe to make sure she won't wake up while I'm setting  her balloons. :)

 happy 29th

Ate said we'll have lunch at Miki's house. There I met Blue and Sharon with her kids (Miki's older sister ). Blue has grown a lot. :)

 hungry now, blue? 

the giant mugs 

Ate wanted a bag as a birthday present so we went to Ayala. Just when we got home, Miki informed us that she has been admitted because she's already 7cm dilated. Wow! So soon! So we went back to their house and picked up the kids. We'll be taking care of them for awhile since kids below 12 years old are not allowed inside the hospital premises.

it ain't easy to be a mom

Life is full of surprises. You'll never know the turn of events in just a single day. :)

Happy Unforgettable Birthday , Watitiw!