Flying back to Manila for the Christmas holiday was full of wonderful memories. There really is no place like home.
It was great to get away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore life. For almost two weeks, I was free from the stress of work; no calls from clients and suppliers! It was nice to rest my head and creative juices from designing and drafting detailed drawings of kitchen cabinets and tv stands/consoles.
Here are a few photos to narrate the lovely time I had:
JR and I booked Business Class seats, and we definitely enjoyed the special treatment. Free food at the lounge, and special meals on the plane. The bigger seats were more comfortable too.
On our first night back, we had dinner with Ben and Picci. Ben also treated us to a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts! =D Right after, we had drinks with JR’s barkada. Sadly, I forgot to take photos with them.
The following day was spent with JR and his family. We ran some errands with his two brothers, did some last minute shopping and visited Tito Pat’s crypt too.
Christmas eve was spent with my family. We went to mass, then had an early dinner before opening our presents and taking our yearly family picture. <3
Christmas day was spent lounging around at home, but in the evening, JR and Kuya Vic, picked me up to have a quick dinner at Sinangag Express (tapsilog!!!). We weren’t contented with that, so we made a spur of the moment road trip to Tagaytay. We were craving for some Dencio’s sisig. We could have easily gone to a nearby branch, but we wanted to take the long drive. =P We bonded over Starbucks coffee after too. <3
The next three days after Christmas was spent visiting relatives and spending time with my family. My dog, Gucci, also got lots of attention. I even treated her to new toys, shampoo, t-shirt, and treats. She’s s spoilt little baby! =D
I started my second week back to a trip to the salon, where I pampered myself. =P I met up with a close friend for dinner right after, forgetting to take photos again, then spent the night drinking with my siblings, Marion, and Ralph, my sister’s new boyfriend. Yihee! =)
Mom’s birthday on the 30th was spent over late lunch at Cibo, followed by some last minute grocery shopping. For New Year’s eve, we went to mass, then had a feast at home with JR and Marion, Carla’s friend. Our table was overflowing with food and wine (red, white and even sangria).
We don’t buy fireworks/firecrackers, so we always greet the new year outside our house, watching our neighbours’ pretty fireworks. It’s also an excuse for us siblings to hang out togehter. <3
Greeting the New Year is also an excuse to bond with my mom, who I really missed. <3
Spending the New Year with Jr again was also a special treat. <3
Then after some last minute shopping, and extra bonding sessions with my family, JR and I had to fly back to Singapore on the third day of 2009. It was a short, but well-spent holiday. <3
More photos in my multiply. =)
How about you guys? How did you spend the holidays? =)
Woah! Business class doesn’t look like it’s in a plane! :) What fun ;)
We spent Christmas in Berlin, but New Year’s was spent at home lang – but it was great naman! Went on a FRIENDS marathon with the whole family (minus the brother, who’s in the Phils :( ) …
PS. Your Christmas family pictures look better than ours! Haha! X) Is that an external flash you used?
anna Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 1:08 am
@ Rachel: Oh, that photo wasn’t taken on the plane. It was taken in the airport lounge. =P Haha! Oooh, Berlin, how lovely! My parents don’t like to travel during occasions like Christmas/New Year. No matter how many times we try to convince them! o_O;; Haha!
Awww :) sounds like the trip was so much fun. I’m glad you and kuya jr enjoyed it!
P.S
He lost so much weight! hehe
anna Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 1:10 am
@ Toni: Yes, it was loads of fun nga. Reading/looking at this post always makes me miss Manila. =( And yeaah, JR lost a lot of weight talaga… and sadly, I gained all his weight!!! x_X;; Mwahaha! =P
wow. that’s a plane? i wouldn’t have guessed. i would’ve thought it’s a really nice restaurant. haha… the seats look nice and comfy too.
i’m glad you had a nice holiday back at home with your family. looks like you guys had a very happy celebration. :D plus, it’s always nice to get away from the usual city hustle and bustle once in a while.
your doggie is such a cutie, btw. :)
anna Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 1:12 am
@ Ate Janz: Sorry, I wasn’t too clear in my post, the photo was taken at the airport lounge, not the plane. Hehe! And yeah, I love going back to Manila. There really is no place like home. <3 Gucci was JR’s Christmas gift to me back in 2007. =)
i think that was the lounge, not the plane. right?
anyway, glad you had a nice vacation back home.
anna Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 1:13 am
@ Jewel: Oh yes, you’re the only one who got it correct! The photo was taken at the airport lounge, not the plane. =) LOL!
youre doggie is so cute!!! =) Christmas and New Year with the fam is always gooood! i’m glad you had fun! cheers!
anna Reply:
March 9th, 2009 at 1:13 am
@ Venice: Yeah, Gucci’s a sweet little muffin! Hehe! Nothing beats spending Christmas/New Year with the family. <3
[…] evening: JR and Kuya Vic picked me up for dinner and coffee up in Tagaytay, just like last year. Maybe will make it a tradition from now on. […]