I started the year off traveling and reuniting with long lost relatives in Ilocos Norte. I remember years before this when my dad went to Ilocos Norte to find his father’s family. It was really not hard for him because the de la Cruz clan was so big they named the whole street from our family name. Anyway, I got to visit the farmville of Tita Shirley and tasted authentic bagnet that goes well with pinakbet.
I was thrilled to see the windmills of Bangui for the first time,
the giant waves of Pagudpud beach,
the grandeur of Fort Ilocandia,
the majestic Paoay Church,
the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos,
Chavit’s private zoo called “Baluarte”,
the UNESCO Heritage Site of Vigan,
a dinner feast in Gerona, Tarlac on the way back.
I also got to meet Boy Abunda through Ladlad,
watched the Hot Air Balloon Festival in February at Clark,
Stole away for an early summer vacation in Bolinao, Pangasinan
with someone close to my heart.
This is the mini Boracay in Patar, where they also have many coral caves.
We made a sidetrip to Alaminos to visit the Hundred Islands.
Then I got my 3rd tattoo
celebrated birthdays with Dahlia
and Ivy..when we got so drunk (both times!)
I went to Baguio with the family and stayed at the company cottage,
and we drank (again)
and gambled all night by the fireplace.
Celebrated My Birthday,
and Mio’s birthday, too.
Took a weekend getaway with friends to Taal beach in Batangas,
with a sidetrip to Tagaytay and Sonya’s Garden,
and shopped at a local tiangge.
Saw the “Fantasy World” along the way, enroute to Manila.
Got another tattoo (my 4th!)
The last trip I have for 2011 is my CDO-Camiguin trip;
Finally did White River Rafting where I almost drowned,
soaked up the sun at the White Sandbar in Camiguin,
even tasted edible sea urchin,
and this…
Also, the best christmas gift ever! Thank you froglet!
And these things sucked for 2011….
- got a marriage proposal, which I turned down
- two steps forward, one step back..career-wise
- called in sick too many times
- finally found out who my real friends are
Dear God, thanks for this beautiful life and forgive me if at times I don’t love it enough.
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Pleasures of Eve 