Pure Michigan

     Ranie and I agreed that we needed a short break from the usual humdrum of our daily life. We wanted to go to Orlando so badly but considering that he only has a few days off to enjoy, we opted to explore somewhere closer. But where to go was the big question? I was thinking Lake Geneva, considered the Newport of the West and is only 2 hours away but he said: "let's go somewhere where we've never been to yet!"

     So the browsing of places near enough to explore ensued. Then one day, he opened his computer and saw some pictures of Mackinac Island which I've viewed earlier and he said: "that's it! Book that hotel and we're going there!" I informed him that staying in the Grand Hotel will cost him $300+/night but I'll keep looking. He's like: "Bakit ang mahal?" So I told him that it has always been a retreat of the rich and famous in the olden days (circa 1800's) but that I can find a cheaper place. We settled on staying in Mackinaw City and do a day trip to Mackinac Island! The next question was, courtside or lakeside? Of course he wanted the lakeside! Kinda hesitant but I agreed! Yay, all set now, aren't we?

     I had to take the first shift driving as Ranie worked the night before. Of course the last minute unforeseen things happened once least expected! For one, my phone didn't alarm as it went dead the night before. Thank God, I'm going on a vacay, otherwise...

     I was in downtown Chicago by 5am, and in 30 minutes or so, he came out and asked me if the drinks are cold enough! When I opened the trunk of my car, he has a cooler full of water bottles, Cokes, Gatorades and Starbucks! He also has a big bag full of Baked Lays, Hawaiian bread, Nagaraya nuts, Boy Bawang...This guy's fully prepared for this road trip! After I got my fruit and walnut oatmeal at McDonald's by the Indiana Skyway, the adventure began!

     It has been a while since I last drove for more than 2 hours! I was thinking, maybe, I'll do the first 3 1/2 or 4 hours then he can finish the rest of the way off. Since we had everything we wanted in the car, we only had to make bathroom stops. I've been telling him to go to sleep early as I really didn't have any plans of driving all the way but it took him a good hour or so before he finally slept.

     When he finally woke up, I already have driven about 300 miles or so (or about 5 hours). It was when we noticed that the temperature was continually falling into the low 40's, even high 30's! As prepared as we were, we didn't bring thick jackets as the temperature forecast was supposed to be in the 60's. Just as a precaution though, we quickly passed by a strip mall and got ourselves some thicker jackets.

     Asked for directions, the local said: "oh, you're not that far. Maybe a little over an hour and you're already there. Just make sure you don't cross the bridge anymore!"

     Ranie asked if I needed to be relieved from driving but I told him that I'll try to finish the whole way, if I could. And so further north we went! When we got to the place, we were so dumbfounded as to how beautiful it was! The 7hour drive was well worth it, and yes, the $10 difference in choosing the lakeview room was well worth it, as well.

     Since we were really so exhausted, we just had a dinner and called it an early night! No My Binondo Girl to watch, that's why :)

     We woke up early that day, said my rosary to this view

     Wow! That set the mood for a very exciting day! We went to breakfast early and boarded our ferry for a 16minute boat ride to the island! So excited were we that we didn't mind the cold and windy air blowing on our faces!

     Of course, first things first, we went on to downtown and located our starting point for the Carriage Tour! Meanwhile, Ranie got himself a venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks (the only chain store found in the island) which proved to be a lifesaver during that cold early morning! I loved the beautiful place but I hated the stink of the horses!

     I was fascinated by the tour but moreso by the absence of any motor vehicle (except for snowmobiles in winter) on the island! I just can't imagine living here! But did I mention that it was oh so pretty a place?
And then we passed by the infamous Grand Hotel! Too bad we were not stopping there for now but it was highly recommended to have lunch there. At $40/pp? Glad I still had time to think things over. As usual, it was a no for me but Ranie said: "we're going! Isn't it that we're going for the experience of how it is to live in the high life...even just for lunch?" I guess, we're going then! But for now...butterflies, and a lot of them, too!

     Then we went through the Michigan State Park, making a stop at the Arch Rock, a natural phenomenon Science is unable to explain. Of course since it was conducive for napping, my seatmate just dozed off. The only thing I was thankful for was that he didn't snore, although the rest of the tour group noticed it. I guess, even Oreo (our three horses pulling the carriage, so named because 2 black horses sandwich the big white one in the middle) did too! He woke up however, when we were at our last stop - Fort Mackinac - the old fort used to defend the island from the British forces during the 19th century! That was where we enjoyed the best view of the island and the Mackinac Strait (where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron)! Of course, it was capped by a cannon firing demo by a couple of soldiers dressed in the military uniform circa 1880's!

     Since the carriage tour ended at Fort Mackinac, we opted to go back to the Grand Hotel on foot, instead of waiting for another carriage that may take us there. That 1/2 mile walk seemed longer with the unpredictable terrain and confusing map we had. Nevertheless, we made it there! Hungry as we were, we went straight to the buffet. Surprise! surprise! The lady at the door was a Filipina so we talked for a while, since there was no queue anyway. When Ranie asked her from where she was, she said Davao and upon knowing that he is a Bisaya, too, she said: "hidlaw na gud ko mag bisaya oi!" And just like that, she added: "sige, bigyan ko na lang kayo ng discount $10." Yay, instead of $40, we're just paying $30/pp. Good deal! "Hindi, $10/pp na lang inyong bayran!" Best deal! What can I say? Ranie's charm never fails when it's needed!
Wasn't too impressed with the food but for $10 who am I to complain?

     At that very moment though, I was silently hoping that I was sitting at the chair used by Jane Seymour during the filming of Somewhere in Time! Then after lunch, we sat at the famous rocking chairs by the longest covered porch in the whole world and watched the time go by, Ranie sipping his drink that cost him more that lunch did!

     He wanted to complete the experience by biking around the perimeter of the island (8miles) but I said that I don't know how to bike. I added that I think I can handle walking the distance but he said that we'll just have a leisurely stroll towards downtown for some fudge shopping, of which the island is famous for. Good thing though that prior to buying we had a taste test for we almost vomited it in front of the saleslady as it was way over sweet to our liking. So we just admired the Victorian houses that abound the area then, did a little souvenir shopping then waited for our ferry for the mainland by the dock.

     Tired from the whole day's activities, we again called it an early night! Hoping for an easier paced day in the morrow - NOT! Actually, the plan was to just explore the sites in Mackinaw City but Ranie had other things in mind and since he's the driver, he took us crossing to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We drove up to Sault Ste. Marie to see the Soo Locks (like Panama and Suez Canals) facilitating the passage of vessels to and from the Atlantic into the Great Lakes via Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Little did we know that it was also there where the International Bridge is located. Had we brought our passports with us, I'm pretty sure, we would have ended up in Ontario, Canada, as well. So after seeing a freighter pass through the locks (pretty rare, by the way), we opted to eat at the Antlers, where I enjoyed my newest favorite seafood - white fish! We liked the ambience but loved the food!

     And as if it was not enough driving for the day, he still inquired as to what other things to see in the area. The verdict: Tahquamenon Falls - in some secluded place, only accessible by rough roads, with minimal traffic. I was getting impatient but glad that his 4G wasn't working in the wilderness so we had some serious bonding moment, just talking like normal adults do. After the seemingly endless drive, we were directed to the Lower Falls. Pretty! It has its own charm, as long as I don't compare it to the Great Falls in Virginia or the epitome Niagara Falls in Ontario. And then 4 long miles further is the Upper Falls! Also picturesque in its own right!

     He still wanted to see some grizzly bear cubs but it would be so far out of the way that we opted to go home instead. So we drove back to Mackinaw City and took a million photographs, laughing, climbing trees and just having fun! We then set for dinner, of course consuming my fave again and called it a night! Was kinda sad that the adventure was ending but then again, there are still others to look forward too, for with Ranie everyday is always an adventure!

Across the Atlantic

     The year 2007 started with us celebrating the new year apart - I was busy at work in a hospital in Chicago while Ranie was admiring the majestic flowing of the lava from Mount Kilauea, while also working aboard the Pride of Hawaii of the Norwegian Cruise Line. When his contract was over, I wanted to badly pick him up and maybe soak up some sun in Waikiki Beach but he had other plans. Cruising? Yes! Hawaii? No! Where to, then?

      He wanted to fulfill his promise of taking me to Europe! At first, I was kinda hesitant because spending one day in cities like Rome wouldn't afford me enough time to visit all the Renaissance arts I so wanted to behold. But then again, it came with another promise: this is just a preview! There will be another chance in the future to come back and just immerse myself in all the arts I could take until I say enough! Sounded like a fair promise, if I may say so!

     And so the planning began! Our cruise tag at $500.00 per person was a bargain, thanks to Ranie's employee discount. Our plane fare wasn't as cheap though, $1100.00 but it was all worth it!

     Our sojourn to the Old World started with a whirlwind layover in the City of Lights! Paris! So beautiful. Our flight was delayed so instead of having a five-hour chance to see Ile de France, we only had about an hour and a half. I was getting hopeless in exploring at least a part of the city but my well-determined husband really pushed for it. We don't understand the Parisians talking to us in Francais but that didn't deter us from at least admiring the infamous Eiffel Tower. It was so surreal seeing the landmark up close and personal and as an added bonus, Ranie had his taste of the best hotdog ever by the carousel in front of the tower, by the smelly Seine River.

      That opportunity almost cost us our flight to Barcelona but thank God we still made it with 2 minutes to spare. Spanish people were hands down cooler and friendlier than the French. We were able to locate our hotel with whatever was left of my college freshman Spanish lessons and the locals' enthusiastic help in giving us directions. We just strolled along Las Ramblas and had tapas at Txirimiri then called it a night.

      The next day was spent exploring the best of Barcelona aboard Barcelona Bus Turistic. From Placa Catalunya to MNAC to Montjuic, Placa Espanya, then along Passeig de Gracia where Casa Mila and Casa Battlo interspersed with high end shopping stores. We also stopped by the Barcelona Cathedral and had lunch at a Spanish restraurant owned by Filipinos in Barri Gothic. Then we continued our tour to the north side of the city, with Sagrada Familia as the highlight, along with Tibidabo and the front of Parc Guell, among others. Prior to dinner, we obtained our cruise necessities at El Corte Ingles then shawarma dinner while enjoying the eve of the feast of St. John (called Nit de Sant Joan) with gypsies dancing along Las Ramblas. Ranie also got his henna tattoo that night.

     Sunday started right with hearing a Tagalog mass in Barri Gothic, then we were pleasantly surprised when they started singing in Catalan, so we understood just half of the mass. After lunch, we boarded Norwegian Jewel for the journey of a lifetime.

     We partied the night away to 80's music, with the bigwigs of the ship. I instantly loved the smooth sailing cruising of our ship. First day was spent at sea so we just explored everything to do inside the ship. They have a gym, specialty restaurants (Italian, Spanish, Asian), mini casino, theater, the buffet, cigar club, bars, club and spa. They also have a business center and an art gallery. A feast for all the senses!

     Our first stop was the port in Messina, Sicily, Italy. I didn't really plan on doing anything there, just to enjoy by the port but Ranie had other options so we took the cab and went to Taormina, the vacation place of the rich Sicilian people in the olden days. It is where the Roman-Greek Theater where plays were and still are being held. It is situated atop a hill, with the blue Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop. It was then when I understood where Bella Italia came from!

      Back in Messina, we observed the largest astronomical clock in the cathedral came to life at noon depicting the spiritual life and history of the city. We went to lunch at a local trattoria where I had the best pasta dish, with quattro formaggi ever.

     The next day was spent looking back at the place immortalized in time, AD 79, to be exact. It only meant one thing - Pompei! We took the train to Sorrento and got off on Scavi Pompei. The citrus produced in Sorrento were amazing - lemons, oranges, huge ones! Of course, we couldn't leave without taking home with us some authentic Limoncello.

      Pompei was beyond words. We could not fathom how advanced these people were at that time, in terms of engineering, infrastructure and their overall way of life. But alas, it was not meant to last for it bore the wrath of Mount Vesuvius that one faithful afternoon. Homes, temples, bathing squares, ampitheaters - all destroyed by the overflowing lapilli from the volcano. Ranie was fascinated by the plaster molded from the spaces left of the departed ones - men, women, children, even pets. I found them haunting! So eerie!

      After such an exhausting but informative walk under the 100degree F summer day in Southern Italy, we felt we deserved a nice lunch and what better lunch could there be than pizza in its birthplace - Napoli! So Margherite pizza it was!

      After a couple of bites, I asked myself: "so if this is the real pizza, what have we been eating for the last 35 years?" Of course, that's the same question I asked myself when I compared ice cream and gelato. Gelato, hands down!

     Our third stop was undeniably the most anticipated one - Roma! My mind was spinning on what to do and where to go first. We took the train from Civitavechia for an hour get to the heart of Rome. Our chosen stop was of course Citta Vaticani! Seeing Piazza San Pietro for the first time was so overwhelming! My joy was so immense that I was unable to speak. "Finally," I thought to myself! Getting inside the basilica was a surreal experience, beholding a Michelangelo original - La Pieta - at the first chapel. The art works were Renaissance at its finest! The baldachinno was indescribable! The Swiss Army were strict. The two most memorable things we did there though were normal things a true Catholic does - hear confession and pray inside the Blessed Sacrament chapel. Going down to the Vatican grottoes, we were teary eyed upon praying in front of the tomb of the now Blessed Pope John Paul 2, which was en route to the tomb of St. Peter himself.

     After realizing that the queue to Musei Vaticani was too long, we decided to explore the secular Rome, instead! We visited the Pantheon (the only remaining intact structure of ancient Rome), Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Spagna, Foro Romano and the Coloseo. Needless to say, we were eating gelato after gelato since it was really hot that day. Then off again to Citta Vaticani to meet up with one of our priest-friends who showed us the inner workings of the city/state.

      Livorno was our stop the next day, which was the gateway to Pisa and Firenze (Florence). We again took Tren Italia and immersed ourselves in the birthplace of Renaissance! The duomo of Sta. Maria del Fiori was first and foremost in our agenda. There I had the chance to light a candle for our petitions. Then we admired the baptistery door adjacent to the church. They were done by Ghiberti and believed to have ushered in the Renaissance period.

     We walked towards the Piazza della Signoria where a replica of Michelangelo's David stands proud! A few steps towards the Arno river, we passed by Galleria degli Uffizi. Ah, time,why can't you be my friend?
We just had enough time to grab a quick bite of pizza by the kilo before we crossed Ponte Vecchio, the most beautiful and only bridge left standing during World War 2. Our destination? Piazzale Michelangelo - one of the most amazing vistas I've ever set eyes on.

     On our way to the train station, Ranie enganged a lady in a haggling exercise which resulted to his purchase of a large back pack costing him $18 (they agreed to $20 since she's Chinese and he's Filipino, with their countries right next to each other but he finally pleaded that he only has $18 in his pocket). Then on to Pisa to check out Campo Miracoli where the Leaning Tower was situated. We took tons of pictures there enough to make us almost miss our ship. I was so dead worried since we didn't have our passports with us and the ship's next stop is in Villefranche Sur Mer, France. Long story short, we made it to the port with barely a minute to spare. They were pulling up the anchor when we got to Livorno.

      I was still shaking when we got to the boat that it was an early night for me - so determined not to have a repeat of that day since after France, the next stop was back in Barcelona. Still that didn't dampen our happy spirit, eagerly anticipating our visit to Monaco!

     Monaco was all I imagined it to be and more - in a word, grand! Rodeo Drive style shopping, Casino Monte Carlo, Palais du Prince and above all the most delectable gelato ever - Creme Brulee gelato, my new favorite! We also visited San Nicolas de Tolentino Church, the final resting place of the Prince and Princess Grace! I love Monaco!

     Alas, some good things never last, as our cruise ended the next day but there's still more Spanish adventures to tend to. Coming back to Barcelona, we again boarded the train and went to the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat atop the mountains of Catalunya, Spain. It was a heart stopping 5 minute cable car ride, by the side of the mountain ranges. We missed the choir but not the opportunity of praying to the virgin and also visiting the homes of the hermits on the mountain tops.

     Our last day was just spent enjoying the best Barcelona has to offer. We visited the Museu Picasso but since it was a Monday so it was close! We walked our way thru the Las Ramblas, had lunch at Mercat de Sant Josep, where Ranie had the opportunity to eat all the Jamon Iberico he wanted. And it was not cheap at all at 65 euros per pound at that time.

     Upon reaching Port Vell, we took the bus and visited the imposing Sagrada Familia. Gaudi was a genius far advanced during his time.

     Then it was time to go back to reality of life - back to the other side of the pond but we'll always have the memories to treasure that trip by!

The Adventurous Me

     In high school, I remember reading a fiction about this lady who traveled all over the world and I would often daydream about that experience. What if I'm given the same opportunity? I really don't plan on visiting every country in all the continents but traveling to a few would be great! But at 14, I thought: "hmm, why not start locally?"

     The Philippines is not call the Pearl of the Orient for nothing. Ours is a country blessed with beautiful locales, rich heritage and hospitable people. And don't even let me get started on food...Yum! I come from the heart of the nation, from an island called Panay, believed to be the landing place of the 10 Bornean datus, along with their balangay, looking for a better place to settle in. They made a trade with Datu Marikudo, the head honcho of the Aetas, or the aborigine people. Eventually, the island was divided into 4 provinces and that's where my journey began.

     I love the fact that I was born and raised in Iloilo. It is a proud province comprised of poor farmers and rich scions of the Spanish families in Jaro alike. It boasts of beautiful beaches, historic churches and abundant natural resources. Farming is the primary trade, while those by the coastline make a living by fishing. I live in a town endowed with many waterfalls, exotic animals (think white spotted deers, hornbills, cloud rats and wild boars -hi Pumba)! Our food varies just as the produce varies. I always delight whenever I go visit Museo Iloilo for it feels like going back in time and looking forward to the future - in equal measures!

      Antique and Capiz are very much like Iloilo - friendly people, awesome vistas and delectable cuisine. Roxas City is not seafood capital for nothing, you know! Crossing the Iloilo Strait to go to Bacolod was exciting for the first time. While part of the region, Bacolod breathes money, maybe the residual from the lucrative sugar industry that made the city and the province rich. Aside from making lifelong friends there, I could never forget their chicken inasal, dunked in a combination of soy sauce, calamansi and sinamak (cane vinegar with very small hot peppers) or the piyaya!

      My first time going to Manila was in 1988, en route to Cavite. It was an interesting 16hour boat ride. Then experiencing the fast-paced, busy life in the nation's capital, I was suddenly lost. No longer was I in my sleepy, lazy locale anymore. I graduated to the big leagues - woohoo! My most favorite memory of that experience was putting ketchup in my hard boiled egg for breakfast, paired with horse ham - yes, you read it right - horse ham! Going back to Iloilo marked my first trip by plane.

     Then it was time to visit the south - Mindanao! We also took the boat, for about the same time it took us to get to Manila  but it was all non-stop fun, especially hanging out with my intelligent friends on our way to competing against each other in the national secondary schools press conference! I loved Cagayan de Oro - it was something unexplainable but alas we were not staying there! We went on to visit Malaybalay, Bukidnon and negotiating the narrow roads alongside the steep cliffs was not an easy feat for such a big bus! I was so fascinated how those roads were made like hairpins on the side of the mountains. And then there was the Del Monte factory! Actually, it was the whole town, Camp Philips, composed of workers of the company and their families! It was pineapples after pineapples, for as far as your eyes can see.

     When I graduated in high school, I spent my summer vacation in Cebu! I also love Cebu - it is a big metropolis but unlike Manila, it has retained it's small town feel! And the intermarriage amongst the Cebuanos and Spaniards was very evident in their good-looking people. It was in Cebu where I experience history in its profoundest - visited the Magellan's cross, beside the Sto. Nino Basilica (an undying testament of the Catholicism the Spaniards brought to the Philippines) and the Lapu-lapu monument (he who was believed to have killed Ferdinand Magellan, therefore hailed as the very first Filipino hero!) It was also in Cebu where I experienced eating Su-Tu-Kil (su for sugba or grill; tu for tula or soup; kil for kilaw or ceviche).

     My college years were dedicated to studying and making it to the honor list - my mission in life, it seemed like so not so much traveling happened then. It was just restricted to a 15 minute boat ride to reach Guimaras, particularly Balaan Bukid and the Trappist Monastery to lift up our petitions for our studies and the future. When it was time for me to take the CGFNS (an exam necessary for nurses to pass in order to work in the US, aside from the boards), though, I chose CDO. We didn't have so much time spent to enjoy the city because our main focus was to take the exams and do good since it will determine a part of our future, but we still had a great time.

     My brother's entry to the Philippine Military Academy opened new doors for me, as well - Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. After the stomach turning experience going through the zigzag road, we reached the land of strawberries! Needless to say, I was excited. We stayed there for 3 days and we had the exclusive access to even the restricted areas in the PMA. We were living with a Colonel, that's why! I only wanted to see the Kissing Rock, among all things! And of course, the fancy drills, just like the one I saw in A Few Good Men! And yes, we hung out at Burham Park, too!

     When I passed the CGFNS, it only meant one thing - I'm bound for the United States! Yay! I first set foot in San Francisco. Half expecting to see the Golden Gate Bridge while airborne, I was kinda disappointed. Oh well, I appeased myself with the thought that I was going to Chicago and will be seeing the Sears Tower, the tallest structure in the world since I drew it in my Architectural drafting class in high school until my entry to the US. I was at a loss for words the very first time I set eyes on the Sears Tower. It was so unexplainable! I remembered straining my neck looking back at it even though we were already so far away!

     After a few months in the states, we had the opportunity to visit the nation's capital, Washington DC! Of course, it meant knowing more about the United States through the National Mall but it moreso meant hanging out with my cousins who live in the area. I was at awe when I saw the capitol and the White House, as well as all the monuments. So, this is what DC looks like!

     The following year, we visited LA. Actually, it started in San Francisco, for an SFC conference in Berkeley. Then down to LA where there was glitz and glamor but above all, it meant Universal Studios and Disneyland - the happiest place on earth! One unexpected twist was the visit to JPL, my uncle's workplace. It's only there where they make the jets for the spaceships that the astronauts use, for JPL means Jet Propulsion Lab.

     The following year, we ventured to the East Coast - NYC, to be exact! We visited Broadway, saw the Twin Towers and paid homage to Lady Liberty. I wasn't too crazy driving through the Holland Tunnel, though, which we had to do since we were staying in Jersey City with cousins! From there, we drove down again to Maryland and had our fill of blue crabs, yum, amidst the recollection of our memories especially when we were still younger! And thus started my almost yearly sojourn to the DC area for my cousins' weddings. We also went to Baltimore's Inner Harbor but missed visiting Johns Hopkins!

      The next year marked the journey back to California again, this time a little north of LA. We went there for a conference and then drove down to Orange County as home base. We went again to the requisites: Hollywood sign, Universal Studios, and another day spent in the Happiest Place on Earth. And this was when my love for El Pollo Loco started :) Of course, not to be outdone was our drive to find Filipino fast food restos which we all craved for.

     The millenium marked my coming back to DC for yet another wedding and the great thing about always coming back is that we were not in a hurry to see everything all at once. We hit DC on foot and feasted on yet another bushel of blue crabs!

     When Ranie and I went on our first out of town vacation, the verdict was California. So to Sta. Ana, we flew. Home base was still Laguna Niguel and explored the neighboring areas - Laguna Beach, San Diego and almost to the border of Mexico. As if they haven't had their fill of Filipino food, we frequented Max's Restaurant and Jollibee - and they were far apart! This was when we were en route to the nth time in visiting Disneyland!

     So aside from enjoying all the rides in Disneyland and Universal Studios, it was also enjoying it with comfort food from the Mother Land!

     Later in the year, we went on a mission trip to Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. It was a surprisingly non-rainy day when we visited. I rate it as nature as its best kind of vacation. The highlight of it? Getting up the Seattle Space Needle, of course!

     2002 was our wedding year and while I really wanted to go on a Disney cruise, I had to content myself with another visit to the Happiest Place on Earth - this time, in Disney World. There was so much to do in Orlando. Aside from hitting the theme parks, we went around International Drive to food trip. We found this teppanyaki restaurant, Kobe, we so love, with a cocktail enough to fill a small pail. And we even afforded to have a whirlwind trip to Miami, just so we can have a late lunch in South Beach!

      Later in the year, we went back to DC for another wedding but what was different this time was that since we had a few extra days of vacation time, we planned for exploring the highlights of East Coast. Our first order of business was seeing his friend in Long Island, NY, then drove to Newport, Rhode Island. We had our fill of affluence by seeing the mansions of the gilded ages in Newport. It was the place to be back in the days. 

And of course, we hit the nearby Boston for a hop on - hop off tour of the city with so much Americana written all over it.

      As for our first anniversary, we went back to the West Coast - Orange County once again. Little did we know that we will embark on a trip of a lifetime, as far as driving was concerned. We started in LA, drove up to San Francisco where we visited all the touristy places: Fisherman's Wharf (clam chowder in a Boudin sourdough bread bowl), Pier 39, Alcatraz, Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the world), and of course, finally, I saw the Golden Gate Bridge, up close and personal.

      Then we started driving south along Highway 1. The most romantic drive we've ever been to, so far, that is! We stopped by Monterey and then continued on to Big Sur, en route to San Simeon to see yet another grand mansion - Hearst Castle!

     Continuing south, we passed by Solvang to see how the Dutch people lived and while I saw windmills there, I still secretly hoped to see the big ones, alongside rows and rows of tulips in Holland. A girl can dream, can't she?

     Anyway, the next day, we drove to Sin City - Las Vegas! We were so awed by all that we saw - lights, shows...the dancing fountains of Bellagio! Wow! But since we were always on the go, we still opted to drive south to the Grand Canyon in Arizona to see how amazing this God's creation is! Words were not enough to describe what we saw! It was truly worth the drive!

     Then back to Las Vegas to enjoy the rest of the night!

     The following year, we went back to visit Mickey and Minnie in Orlando. Aside from hitting the parks, we also went to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and even met a real life astronaut. Just how cool is that?

     Another year, another trip to San Francisco, this time to attend a wedding in Napa Valley - the wine region of California. Even if we didn't have enough time to do some wine tasting, we were able to visit more of San Francisco. 

     Life is a continuous journey and so there are still places to visit and things to learn! Til next post!

I Prayed in front of the Sto. Nino

     I always pass by the Sto. Nino in our church, every Sunday or any other day that I hear mass. I find Him so compassionate and kind looking. He has that magnetic pull upon me. Somehow, I find it hard to resist passing by Him. He is among the cutest looking Sto. Nino I've ever laid eyes on, and I've seen mostly the traditionally dressed Sto. Ninos or in the Philippines, different sizes of Palaboys, as they call Him there.

     I had 3 Sto. Ninos when I was in college. They were my alaga. I would always bring them to San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in January to have them blessed. I would always light 2 candles in St. Clement's Church, every Wednesday for Our Mother of Perpetual Help novena - one for the Sacred Heart, and the other for, you guessed it, Sto. Nino. I first saw the famed Sto. Nino de Cebu in the summer of 1989 - when I was there for my vacation before going to college. Little did I know that He would pave the way to what my life is now.

     Ranie went to college in Cebu, even if he is from Negros Oriental. He may not have been the ace student that I was but one thing amiable about him is his devotion to the Sto. Nino. He would always say a quick prayer there in the Basilica, no matter how busy he is. He may not be as spiritually rigid as I am, but his devotion to the Child Jesus is one thing that I will always be thankful for.

     It was Easter Sunday of 2001 when we went to the 7pm Yuppies mass at St. Michael's in Old Town Chicago. We loved hearing mass there since they have an awesome music ministry, always resulting to an inspiring liturgy. I was in a hurry since we still have to attend a late dinner party, and then drive back to work at 11pm. Usually, he would be the first to get to the car so we can leave early. Not this time, though. He asked me to walk with him to the front of the church, because he wanted to pray to the Sto. Nino. Knowing his devotion, I went, albeit begrudgingly. So, he knelt and prayed, while I was sitting and restlessly looking at my wristwatch. "Ay, ma late don ako kadya karon kun makaon pa kami tuya," I thought to myself. A few minutes later, I spoke up: "let's go!" "Lumuhod at magdasal ka kaya," was the reply. Just so we can go, I did as told, then he turned to me and said: "nagpaalam muna ako sa Boss. Now, will you marry me?"

     Wow! I wan't expecting to be proposed to in front of the Sto. Nino. I was half expecting maybe amidst a fancy dinner at the 95th Floor of the John Hancock or by the Museum Campus, with the Chicago skyline as the backdrop. Yet mine was in the company of the holy men and women of God, just after hearing an awe-inspiring liturgy, at Easter :)

     We gave our godparents Sto. Nino de Cebu statuettes as a token of them watching over us. Little did we know that we'll also get a cute Infant Jesus (the same image when he visited St. Gertrude's heart) as a present for our shower. We got married at St. Hyacinth Basilica, with the Sto. Nino present at the side altar, in His usual red attire. Maybe it was me, but I thought I saw Him smiling that Divine Mercy Sunday when we sang "Oh, for better, for worse, for rich or for poor, each day that passes, I'll love you more..."

     But this Sto. Nino at St. Vincent's Church is different. For one, He is clothed in pink and mint green (anything pastel, I'm sold)! And His blue eyes look to me with compassion when I am sad or dances when I am happy. They speak of unutterable love and promise that all is well and that the will of God in our life will be fulfilled in His most perfect way and time! I love to look at Him whenever Ranie touches His hand, while praying for His grace. I could tell a special bond exists between them. I could look and stare at Him forever, without getting tired. It seems like the more I look at Him, the more beautiful and radiant His face becomes. I am melting even just by the mere thought of it.

 
    My heart aches for a child, which for long we so patiently waited for because we are not willing to compromise our wants with what our conscience dictate us. I have been in this emotional roller-coaster ride for what seems like the longest time and I could not even begin to think of what Ranie thinks and feels while I cry uncontrollably. But through this all, the Sto. Nino has helped us weather through every moment of joy and tears! I completely believe that no matter what the struggle is, the Holy Infant walks alongside us so we can follow the path He Himself has paved for us!