Philippines: A homecoming

Dad was about to turn a very young 80 years old, so what better way to celebrate than for his 4 grown kids to come back home? Of course, Mom and Tito Gus would never pass a chance to party... And so it was -- one big family reunion in the Philippines!

We arrived on different days, but we all converged in the island paradise of Boracay! It's sorta bad way to start our vacay, because really, how can you top it off?!! Powder-fine white sand, massages on the beach (for less than 2 Starbucks coffees!), water sports for a quarter of what you'd pay in the U.S., mango shakes to cool you off after a day under the sun -- need I go on? It almost makes me forget about my "Bora 911" episode (Note: stay away from oysters!)

We celebrated Dad's 80th birthday in full Limjoco tradition -- a big fiesta at Mama Quit's ancestral home in Novaliches. It was sweltering hot that day, but the kids were okay since they were treated to the traditional "pila", where the titos and titas handed out moolah to the huge line of kids waiting eagerly. There were no fireworks, but Dad made up for it with his mini-concert a la Frank Sinatra!

I also got the chance to see some good old friends from high school, buddies from our old neighborhood and our relatives on both sides. We may be a few pounds heavier (okay, a lot more than that!) and with our growing brood, but we still share the same laughter and memories.

Then it was off to Bicol! We were welcomed by the majestic Mayon Volcano before heading to Sorsogon to see our relatives. Some of us (no names!) experienced a bit of a culture shock, in what I'd like to call "Survivor: Bicol", but it all worked out in the end, especially when everyone realized how refreshing it is to take a dip at Vera Maris beach and how beautiful it is to zipline with the Mayon as your backdrop.

We were having such a good time that we decided to extend a few days more (thanks to Ninang Kat for scoring a hard-to-get flight change!) We spent a couple of days with the Chua Family in Batangas, where the kids had the Pico de Loro resort all to themselves! It was so unusually deserted we had to drive way back to the main city to get dinner, but it's all part of the adventure!

With all the amenities, perks and services (thank you, Yaya, for helping us with the kids -- we really wish we could bring you back to SF with us!), it was tough to get back on the plane home. Alas, money doesn't fall from the sky, and it was time to get back to work and earn our way to our next vacation. We miss you already, Philippines!

Click on the image below to view our full Philippines album on Facebook: