It's Definitely Hard To Say Goodbye

It's definitely hard to say goodbye to someone close to you, especially who is a part of the family. It's even harder when the form of death is a voluntary one. Questions were lingering in our minds. "Why? Why decide to end your life? Why not sought our help? Why absorbed all the pressures in your life within you."

It's hard to accept as it is still hard to believe. Nevertheless, we don't own her life. We had no control of it. We had no clues of why she had done it. She has her reasons. We didn't know how unbearable it was for her. All we wished is that she should have not dwell much on her problem and thought about her family and the people who loved her before doing it. Perhaps our coping mechanism is different from hers. Who are we to judge then?

Now, all we want is for her to receive eternal peace and to be forgiven for what she has done.

Our First Girl's Outing...

It was one hot summer day last May 29 and my cousin Pao suggested we go to the beach and invite our other cousins, Han and Colleen. Off we went to Costa Marina Resort at Samal Island.

The wind was soothing to our skin. We enjoyed taking pics with our nice bikini tops that we bought at Xquichic online.



We were almost stranded in the island. It was around 3pm that the rain started to poured heavily with strong winds that canceled the boat trips to and from the island temporarily. We worried we might not be able to leave the island and so we started planning for an overnight stay. But luckily, the rain had stopped in time for the their last trip and we arrived home safely.

Bonding With Cousins

Last March 19, my cousins and I with some nieces and nephews gathered together in my cousin's house to celebrate the feast of their village. It was a nice gathering since we really stayed there until morning, drinking, eating and singing videoke. And since I was in my depressing times from the bad break up, they were consoling me. And part of that was teaching me how to drink beer. Nyahaha. Bad influence, huh? Nah, they think I need to enjoy life more and to not wallow always. And they often ask me why I'm so different from them.

On Christmas Day...

It was JC's birthday yesterday and we had a small celebration at his grandma's house. Invited the kids along the neighborhood and they had a small feast.

At night, we went to Mana Davao to take some pictures with their attractive Christmas decors. Even met my former classmate, Nikki, there.

GS Lying In and OB-Gyne Clinic

Our whole family together with our other relatives all flocked at Suaybaguio's Residence in Tagum City to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King and at the same time, witnessed the opening of my Auntie's Maternity Clinic.

Have stayed in my Auntie's house for 3 months and witnessed the construction of the said clinic. And I was surprised to see the beautiful outcome of it. Congratulations!!!

Food Galore

Last Saturday, we had a gathering at my cousin's place. It was the feast day of their patron saint and together with that is my cousin's wedding. It was a double celebration and a reunion with our distant relatives as well. What a nice time to bond! It was also a great time to eat and exempt myself from dieting as for that moment. Phew! Don't tell me that I'll be depending on diet supplements to help me maintain my ideal body weight. Yikes!

Missing...

It felt lonely back at home. I got accustomed being greeted by my nephew's hugs and kisses whenever I arrived. But awhile ago, it was lonesome to come home without no one welcoming you. The house was empty, they were all at my cousin's place. While waiting, I was scanning the house for new improvements. Unfortunately, I only found slight changes and dust all over the house. Nyay!

When the rest of the household arrived, I was surprised not to hear JC's voice so I assumed he fell asleep, in which I was totally wrong! It has been 2 days that JC didn't come home. He's staying at his lola's house with his cousins. My parents left him there every morning since there is no one whose going to attend to him in our house, (it's a long story). And because his cousins were there, he already have playmates and perhaps enjoyed his stay there and didn't want to come back. Huhu. Missed him and I felt like crying. It'a a lonely home once again.

Harvey and JC Bonding

JC is really amusing. Haha. Really a fun kid to watch. Earlier, my dog Harvey has been barking outside. Since it's not his meal time yet, we assumed that he wants to pee. And so we jokingly told our baby JC to assist Harvey outside. Surprisingly, he did what he was told to do. What an obedient kid he was! LOL. We just watched and observed him. He untied Harvey, and Harvey seemed to understand what JC was doing and he was just patiently waiting for JC to be done. I guess Harvey already likes JC, huh? And JC as a 2 year old kid, is not even afraid of Harvey. He even gave Harvey his water when he sees his bowl empty. How shweet! Anyways, here's the picture I took of both of them as well as the video with his bloopers in it. Haha.

The stress of moving out...

*Photo by ~NeoPai

Last night, we helped out our relatives in transferring their things to their new apartment. Yes they're moving out from their old apartment, they've stayed there for 5 years and annually their rent fee is increasing. But the downside of staying in that apartment was the termites. Termites ruined their things especially the books that my little cousin likes. And he definitely hated that apartment. Lol. We finished around 1 am and even though I was not helping out carry the stuffs, I got tired. I didn't know how stressful it is, moving from one place to another. Yay!

78 Years

Last July 22, we celebrated the birthday of my grandmother who is now 78 years old. Unfortunately, we were not complete at that moment and I felt a slight sadness within me.

Anyways, we had dinner at Kuya Eds with their eat-all-you can buffet and bought a cake for her. She's really proud of her age though she's old already, you couldn't find her staying in the house all day. I mean, she gets bored staying in the house thus moves a lot, strolls a lot in the city...walking and walking by herself. We are even betting how long she'll stay since her mother died peacefully at the age of 99 due to an old age. Perhaps she'll beat that record. Haha.

The Unexpected Call

It was morning of yesterday when the phone rang. JC, being a curious kid, answered the phone as he always does. I let him do the talking for awhile then answered the phone myself. Surprisingly, JC's biological father called, and I was like "Ha?...Uhmm..". He was looking for his son, of course, so I handed the receiver to JC. It was just a short call and he hung up. Putting down the receiver JC got mad at me for doing so, I think he recognized his father's voice, he was just plainly mad and was about to hit me with the phone. Haha. And my mom and I think that his father only wanted to hear his voice.

Honestly I have mixed feelings about it. For one I am happy JC finally have a communication with his dad, but on the other hand, I don't know if that was sincere or was it just an agenda. I haven't met his father ever since nor knew what he looks like. But based on what my cousin had shared with us with regards with her experiences while living with that guy's family, I cannot help but feel bitter towards him. He started to have a contact with his son when he knew my cousin's working abroad (can't help but be suspicious). Haayy. Actually, I don't know how to react but I guess it's good that they both have communication but at the same time, we, as JC's relatives will be very cautious.

Meeting My New Cousin

Actually she's not a new cousin, it just happen we just met and I mean it's the first time we met and it was through the yahoo messenger. Haven't remember meeting her before and so does she. Anyways, we had a nice long chat awhile ago.

I'm still not retiring to bed but I will after I had completed all my tasks. *Phew

Rain Makes Me Gloomy

Wordless Friday, this is. Was happy I was able to finished my essay needed for my application abroad. It took me over a month to write it since I was pretty lazy doing it, well okay not pretty lazy, just too lazy that is. I hope tomorrow I could send it back to them for evaluation.

It's rainy season and it's been raining hard almost every afternoon. Makes me more gloomy. Now I'm craving for another book to read. I am hoping again that my mom will stay at home tomorrow to take care of Jaycee and the house as well so I could go to the mall.

Speaking of Jaycee, just this morning his mom texted from Dubai and was asking me to sent some photos of him. She barely knew Jaycee from those pics. Hehe. Jaycee had grown up to be a cute and smart little boy and she thanked me for taking care of him. By the way, she only knew Jaycee was with us days after she arrived in Dubai. Haha.

Anyways, before I end my post, I am sharing with you this photo of Jaycee and I just chilling inside the house while it was raining. He always like to see the result of him in the photo. Duh!

My Bad

I was bad, and I agree I was. *Sob.

Yesterday afternoon, me and Jaycee were in my parent's room lying in bed. I was scaring him with monster and he really is afraid of it. Until then I heard the news from the living room's TV featuring about the abduction of Ces Drilon and the other one. I suddenly stood up and peeked from the room's door to watch the TV leaving Jaycee on the bed. I know he could managed to get out of the bed but I was very careless, I forgot he's scared being left there. *Sob. He was trying to get out of the bed as quickly as he can and accidentally he fell from the bed and got his nose and mouth bleeding. Although I haven't heard a thud from that fall, and I think he landed on his tummy first then hit his face.

So I immediately carried him to the kitchen and let him gargle some water and he forcefully vomited what he ate this afternoon. I was trying to keep myself from panicking and try to maintain my composure. Just minutes after, my parents arrived and I told them what happened. My mom carried Jaycee while I applied ice compress to his forehead to stop the bleeding from his nose. He's scared of ice too. Lol. Fortunately we had ice cream available and let him eat it to stop the bleeding from his gums and he also stopped crying.

Darn! I was irresponsible! I was really scared he'll be having increased ICP (intracranial pressure) or hemorrhage. But I can assure he didn't hit his head so I'm trying to stop myself from worrying too much. He was okay after and now (I hope), still very active. I'm still observing him for any unusualities so we could bring him to a pediatrician. So far none noted. I hope he'd be really okay.

Right now, he's playing with his toys and watching Barney. *Sweat. I swear I would never scare him again nor leave him alone.

Forgive me for being so irresponsible. *Sob

Mother and Son

Aaarrghh, I'm not feeling well. My body aches from taking care of Jaycee. It was kinda hard to divert his attention coz he often cries and look for his mom. Every time he cries, I also get teary eyed because there's no way I could help him ease his longing for his mom. And because I couldn't bear him crying, I let him look at the picture of both of him and his mom in my picasa. It can stop him from crying for awhile.

It really hurts to see this kid crying inconsolably from missing his mom so much. They were very close and unseparable. It must be really hurtful for him too.

Is it a good idea that I let him look at the picture of his mom? Or will it just remind him of her and cry again? Kids does really look for their mom a lot. Now I realized, how hard it is for those OFW moms and their kids to be separated for work. *Sigh.

I'm A Yaya!

I was quite surprised last night to see my 2-year old nephew, Jaycee, being brought here by my parents. This nephew of mine is my cousin's son, and since she's off to Dubai for work, my father voluntarily wants to keep the child for the moment.

My dad already mentioned this beforehand. He wants to keep and rear the child when my cousin will leave. I really didn't thought he was serious. Perhaps he already wants a grandson, eh? Naahhh...

Now, I suddenly became the official "Yaya" of this cute boy. I don't know if we could be a good guardian for him, but we'll do our very best. It's been a long time we haven't had a kid in our home, except for some cousins and nieces and nephews who visit us here occasionally.

He often looks for his mom and cries. Oh and I pity him for being away with his mom. I hope he could easily adapt with the environment. Our home is totally different from where he used to live. No kids around that he can play with. *Sigh.

And now, I feel I slight pressure within me on how to take care of him. *Sigh.

Hot..Hot...Hot!

A 2 1/2 hour drive from Davao City, we arrived at Masara, Compostela Valley. We were invited over by our cousin, Kuya Tata, who was working near there. We went there for their hot spring.

This is the view outside the resort. As you can see, we were surrounded by mountains. The entrance fees were P5.00 for adults and P3.00 for kids. Hehe. The resort needs to be improve more. But if you are the cowgirl type, I think this is fine.

Inside the resort is the hot spring, they also have small cottages, a mini store and a videoke. We brought our own food and drinks there and rented some small cottages.


I was kinda disappointed because upon hearing the word "hot spring", I imagined the one I saw on asian novelas where the characters used to dip, so I was very excited. But it turned out to be a disappointment because there's nowhere I could go for a dip.


You can just stand like taking a shower just like what my Kuya Vannie did in that pic. Hehe. The water is really hot! We can't even stand there for long since we'll end up having 2nd degree burns. Haha. Too exaggerated!

Anyways, to compensate for the disappointment, we did have fun taking pictures.

Musings...

How is everyone? I hope you all have a nice day!

Our house is under going renovation. First, they're going to extend our kitchen and utilize the space in our backyard for that. I heard they'll be making another bedroom somewhere there. I really have no idea of what it looks like as my father haven't showed us any designs for that. Hope it will have good results despite of that.

On another note, I've been worrying about my pets. They acquired fleas, ticks and lice and they're itching so hard. Tried to remedy it by using an anti-flea shampoo to no avail. Though it did minimize a bit but it didn't really kill all those pests. Worst case, Lexie has dandruff! *Sob.

My Lexie didn't ate her meal yesterday morning, fortunately she managed to eat again after I patted her and assisted her to eat. This morning, it was Harvey's turn to not eat his meal. I think they don't find their dog food yummy. *Sob. Have to change their dog food again. *Sweat.

Speaking of yesterday, a college friend IMed me and invited me over for a beach reunion today in Samal. It was inviting since the venue would be in Blue Waters, but I didn't have the urge to go with them. Not that I am kill joy but I just don't feel like going to the beach with them as I promised my boyfriend we will be going to the beach after his summer classes, and that will be sometime next week. I hope we'll push through with our plan.

It was also yesterday that my cousin and her family left for Netherlands. Don't know when they'll be coming back for another vacation. They'd stayed here for almost a month and it's time for them to go back since it's my nieces' school time again. I'll be missing those nieces of mine. We barely understand each other since they spoke their language, Dutch, and it was only Glenda (the eldest) who knows to speak and understand a little english.

Right now, I'm craving for another Sophie Kinsella's novel. *Sweat.

Nature Tripping

If you'd like to commune with nature, Eden Nature Park is the place to be! An hour drive from the city proper, Eden Park is situated along Toril district. Better bring with you a sweater since it's kinda cold there especially in the afternoon. A private vehicle is needed since no public vehicles are available in going to Eden.

The rates are shown above. I took a pic of their package rates for you guys to be aware of. We had a lunch package and that is inclusive of lunch buffet and paid another P55/pax for the tour.

We arrived at around 1:00pm. They only had a number of dishes served, perhaps we're already late for lunch?

That is what we use for our tour around the park. The trip is approximately 45 mins. with 2-3 times stop overs for picture takings and a tour guide along with you. I love the flower gardens!

During our stop over at the flower garden, I took pic of this bee. Luckily I got the shot hurriedly. LOL. Various flowers can be found here.

Sometime in 2005 or 2006, Game Ka Na Ba? (Are You Game?), a game show, was shot in this place. Nice view I tell you!

They plant their own crops and veggies, and use this to serve in their kiosk. This is their nursery overlooking Davao City.

Taking a pic inside this half nipa hut. LOL. Feels like living in the province. LOL.

A unique well with floating gumamelas on it. Nice spot to take pics again.

Don't forget to ride the Indiana Jones, okay?! Well, if you don't find it thrilling, take the Skyrider instead. It's located on the other side of the park

This is the aviary, a number of different kinds of birds can be found here. A lot of big mosquitoes as well, so better wear some Off-Lotion when going here. LOL.

That's it for Eden! A lot of things can be done here. You can visit their site before going there.

Samal Island Hopping

I've been busy these past few days. My godmother together with her niece and nephew went for a visit here in Davao City and of course, a lot of strolling was done. Forgive me for not being able to visit your blogs, though I've tried my best to do so. C",)

For those of you who will be visiting Davao, one thing tourists and locals do here is the island hopping. We rented a boat at around P 4,500, excluding of food. The boat's capacity is 25 persons, we were almost 25 so, I guess it's a good catch than paying it per head.

It was quite late when we left the pier in Waterfront Hotel since some of my cousins were very late in coming. And I mean an hour LATE! *Phew. Anways, we left around 10:30am. It was like joy riding using a boat. Hehe.

Me, with my cousins and guests

You can view the whole Samal Island and it's neighboring islands as well. Although most of us, find it boring since we (my cousins and I), were eager to swim.

Pearl Farm Resort

Somewhere in Talikod Island, we docked there for our lunch. There was a resort there but we opted to have our lunch inside the boat, still we paid P 200 for the entrance fee of the resort. After which, we asked the boat's driver to move the boat somewhere deep where we could have our swimming. And since most of don't know how to swim, we borrowed life vests and wore it including the kids and had fun swimming.

My bro for a dive

It was nearly 4:00 pm, we haven't toured some islands yet, but since it was late already, we didn't have much time to explore the other islands, so we headed home. Waves are stronger in late afternoon. We arrived in the pier at around 5:00 pm.

Having fun taking pics at Waterfront Hotel's Parking Area