Let me explain the hiatus last month. It was my birth month and I gave myself a break so I would stop ranting in my blog site, and finally figure out what I want to focus on. Naturally, I didn't figure it out.
So now, we are back to old habits. And to stay true to the tradition, I will be featuring a number of things (that I feel is very personal for me) as a birthday post, even if I am a month behind.
This year will be about places (in the Philippines) that are a big part of me. Thirty-one places to be exact. Thirty-one because I am obviously 31 (choke) this year. And in no particular order of importance, here goes.
Ramos Street, Cebu City
My first memories of my childhood were all in the streets of Ramos. I could still remember buying snacks like People Power (during the time of the Edsa Revolution) with Ninoy's face on the packaging, Bobot (with the free ring), and Bazooka (with the comics) in Ramos Street. I got my first accident in Ramos and I was immediately rushed to the hospital right across our house, which was and still is known as Velez Hospital. I used to stare at the night sky from our roof, and hide under our stairs if I my mom would scold me. I was lulled to sleep by cars passing by and street vendors crying out "baluuuuuuut!"
Oh the joys of childhood! I wish I can be a kid forever, still living in Ramos Street. Worrying only about what tricks I can pull and what snacks I wanted to eat at 3pm.
Eastwood City, Libis QC
I sort of lived in Eastwood for a year, last year. I didn't have too many friends, and I amused myself during my short stay in Eastwood by memorizing all the boutiques and stalls in Eastwood City Mall. I found solace in Eastwood despite being in the middle of a big city. Manila became more tolerable, and surprisingly, I found myself again in this place.
Enchanted Kingdom
This is the place where I have seen my kids to be happiest. It makes me want to buy Enchanted Kingdom and keep my kids happy there forever!
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal
Panagsama Beach is my mom's hometown. And I do consider it mine too. Being sent off by my parents here every summer made me the tough person I am now. With no parents for 2 months, it was like Survivor for kids. I had a blast. And I continue to enjoy every single time I go home to this place. The probinsyana in me will always reserve a space in her heart for Panagsama.
Costabella Beach Resort
Aside from our family operating a scuba diving shop in this resort, my parents used to bring us here once or twice a month on weekends as a break from all the school work we did and did not do. It was fun growing up in this place. This is where I had my formal training for scuba diving, and where I spent some weekends helping the crew carry tanks and scuba gear.
Fuente Circle, Cebu City
Roller skating. People who were born during my time will relate to this. Enough said.
Tops, Cebu
Aside from the best city view, this place is home to lovers (legal and illegal - hahaha). This is where the romantics bring their dates, and where men attempt to get to second base! But despite the many stories we hear about Tops, we still love the place. It is very Cebuano, and it is close to my heart.
Davao City
The only place that I have ever traveled to where I only got to spend 5 pesos. For stork candy. That trip was sponsored by my friends and I had a great time touring the sites of Davao City. I will never get tired going back to this place!
Tagbilaran Bohol
The city fiesta (May 1st) is LEGEND-wait for it-AWESOME! It's lengendawesome. Yes, legendary and awesome! People just invite you to their houses and you get to eat all you want. Better than any eat-all-you-can buffet because you get to jump from one house to another.
Mt. Hibok Hibok, Camiguin
Best 10 day vacation of my life. We went there with little cash and a lot of canned goods and rice in our backpacks. Walked the whole island, and camped everywhere. The best was in Hibok Hibok. There's a thrill in camping on top of a volcano. Also, we almost died of dehydration... Nah. I'm exaggerating, but it sure felt like it when we were there.
Chateau Hestia, Tagaytay
Valentines this year was spent in Chateau Hestia with King. Best valentines of my life. They serve great Austrian food with ingredients freshly picked from their garden. Best of all, it is quiet and you can really have great get-away for two in this place. Look it up!
Pescador Island
A great place for scuba diving and snorkeling where you find the friendliest treasure sharks! If it's not that you can try to hop on the island for a little tour to the light house. You might find my name there. We vandalized it before but hey! I was young then! Maybe they repainted it now? Sorry! Hehe
Sugar Beach, Bantayan Island
Every Cebuano knows where Bantayan is. Every Cebuano knows where Sugar Beach is. Cheap place where you can enjoy sugary white sand which is best described as a quieter version of Boracay. I have been to Boracay and I can honestly say nothing beats the charm of Bantayan Island. It's a lot cheaper too!
Family Park, Nasipit Talamban
I first discovered I kinda have giddy feeling for King in Family Park. We were planning a anniversay dinner for two for our "couple" friends then, and I cooked and planned everything. He was there to help despite his sometimes lazy self. He was all sweet and thoughtful. Gosh, I miss being young and stupid! Hahaha
Feland Boarding House, Talamban
Let me see, where shall I start. First kiss with King. First Fight. First major fight. Late night movies, sleepovers, and just me staring at King playing games all night. We hung out and we loved hanging out at his room even if we don't talk. We just sit together, listen to music, burn some CDs (wow, so old school), and talk about other people! Oh the joys of young love!
Sergio St. Canduman, Mandaue City
Twenty glorious years of my life was spent in this place. Until the government decided to screw up our drainage system which gave us a little version of ondoy in our own home every time it rained. We had to move out, but that's where I grew up. Nobody forgets the place they will grew up, even if after 20 years, you hardly knew any of your neighbors. Yes, my dad was strict like that.
Consolacion Public Market
When I was in grade 2, I volunteered to go to the market and buy our food (fish, vegetables, etc). I was eight years old and mom actually allowed me. It was my first shopping experience alone, sort of. I will never forget it. It was glorious!
Mountain View, Bukid I or Bukid II
Beer. Videoke. A lot of puking. Need I say more?
Campus Ministry, USC TC
Why won't anyone ever believe me when I say I used to be a member of Catholic Charismatic Carolinians? In fact, that is where I met King! Seriously! I need to get pictures for proof!
Jolly Barbers, Basement 1 Ayala Center Cebu
A girl has to have her place of solitude. Jolly Barbers is that place for me.They also have the most comfortable chairs and the best staff! My mani-pedi experience in this place is always excellent!
Kahayag Cafe, Mabolo
Anyone remember Kahayag in Mabolo and Gina? This placed housed the best music, great food, a lot of Cebuano talent, and books books books! It was a charming little place which eventually closed. And even with all the new bars (similar to Kahayag) open now, I still love that adorable little place where I first read my then, super badly-written poetry.
The Outpost
This would be the place I go to if I want to be surrounded by talented and intelligent people. Great music, great food, a little bit expensive beers, but I always have fun when I am at The Outpost. Plus the old house has it's charm. I like how it makes me feel like I am at home with family that I don't know. Hahaha
Joker's Arms
Tuesday Trivia Nights! I really don't go there every Tuesday but everytime I do, I always have a blast. Like last night! Read the previous blog post. I recommend their cider beer (Strong Bow) with a plate of chicken strips. Actually, I recommend everything in the menu. And if you get bored with the drinks (which I assure you, you won't considering the choices you have), you can play poker at the poker place right beside the pub. So, I'll see you on Tuesday, yeah?
Xing Cafe
The staff are the best. The owner Josie, is the greatest. They have the best Lomi in town. And the Architect who designed this place is my friend, Arch Michael Roger Sanchez. That should be enough reasons for you to check this place out. It's a bar, karaoke, car wash, meeting place, all in one!
Hadsan/Porto Fino, Mactan
If you run out of money and cannot afford Shangrila just yet but in need of some sun and sand, Porto Fino and Hadsan are great alternatives. Be prepared to rough it out though. Students who don't have enough money and who are cutting classes to just go to the beach frequent here. Yes, I am speaking from experience!
Maternity Hospital/Perpertual Soccour Hospital
I had my kids in these hospitals. Of course, these places will always be special to me!
Maya Mexican Restaurant
The best margaritas in town, the biggest burritos ever invented, great tomato and guacamole salsa, matched with great music. I am not sure if their mexican food is authentic, but it is definitely to die for! Best of all, it is very accessible. Oh, and I heard they deliver too!
Arena, Reclamation Area
No, I didn't used to work here. But I my bosses used to frequent here a lot. I was usually tricked to attend "meetings" and ended up starting at almost-naked dancing girls doing acrobatic moves on stage. It was weird and interesting. And believe it or not, this is the place where I have learned to not judge the book by it's cover.
Seven Stones, Boracay
I still prefer Bantayan, but this is where I found the best wall sculpture in my life!
KFC Ayala (the old one right beside Mc Donalds before)
My usual dating place with King back when we were students and poor! Hahaha! His order would be large hotshots, rice, and mashed potatoes. Mine would be 2-pc chicken (orginal), rice, and macaroni salad. Sigh. I wish things were as simple as before.
Whew! I didn't think I would survive that. But that's my 31 for 31! And I am definitely not looking forward to the next birthday. Hahahaha
Peace, Love, and Happy Birthdays!
StringedMusic™
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