Vacation is undeniably an opportune bonding time with family and we enjoyed all the places we’ve been to.  It  brought us to lots of  interesting places and  had us experienced activities we have not dare tried when we were young.  Part of our itinerary is to experience river water rafting in Davao City, island of Mindanao but before the real thrill, we consulted Wikipedia and accordingly ”Rafting or white water rafting is a challenging recreational activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water.  While in the office, we were assured that experienced guides and professional life guards will join the group and I asked few questions before I finally let go of the payment for a group of 6.   The package is quite expensive but never mind.. it will only be once in a lifetime experience.

Our children were very much excited with the thought that they are going to do it  finally.   I was included while we were planning our itinerary to river rafting adventure, however, I backed out after seeing the video clip.  I don’t think I can actually survive that adventure fearing I might drown for I don’t really how to swim.  A life vest might not save me enough because I might panic so I better not take the risk.  Understandably it was the young blood who are risk takers!

So a group of 6 was formed, my 3 children, a nephew and a friend and my husband who was concerned of just letting the youths on their own joined too.  I know that he is also apprehensive but his concern for the group outweighed his fears.  Good for hubby for he knows how to swim so it would not really be that hard for him to adjust in the water.

signing waiver

As advised, they should be in the office before 7am for rafting orientation.   They were asked to sign a waiver since it is considered as an extreme sports and their helmets and life vests were distributed.   Initial rafting orientations ensued and they were then transported by jeepney to the starting point  for the 13 km of adrenaline rush with more than 15 rapids.   Upon reaching there, they were given another basic rafting orientation and were taught on how to put on their life vests, the basic rafting techniques and different rafting lingos they will hear as instructions.

rafting orientation.. teaching them how to paddle

the 15 km. water rafting thrill

high five  after challenging rapids

break

It was more than 3 hours of water rafting and braving the wind and heat.   They were really exhausted and famished and when they reached the end of the line, lunch was served. It was an experience to cherish!

thumbs up!

Helmets off and thumbs up to their guide Mr. Onin for one great rafting assistance!

Mom warned us not to swim last night…. And why?  It was raining hard and she said we might get wet in the rain if we go ahead with our planned swimming.   But of course, it is  one of those running joke and so still our hard headedness prevailed and we swam anyway only to find out that we were only the lone souls braved enough to swim that night amidst the heavy downpour. But who cares?   We were prepared for that.. so we thought but admittedly it was really cold though we submerged ourselves in the pool up to our neck line and only our heads showing so as we won’t be able to feel the extremely cold weather .. harsh wind blowing and intermittent rainfall…

enjoying the rainy swimming night?

took us about 45 minutes stay in the pool because it was getting really chilly and we’ve noticed that one by one, our companion headed to the shower room to rinse.   Alright.. since we had satisfied our swimming mode, we had to follow others who were dashing out of the changing room to the condo unit.

got you guys on cam.. those who dashed out of the pool

The swimming mode turned into eating mood because we felt we were very hungry after getting out of the pool.  At least we had experienced how it was to be getting wet in the rain while swimming.. (*wink)

It was one rainy swimming night to remember… Promise..

The much awaited Royal wedding of  William and Kate happened last Friday, April 29  and I was one of those who stayed glued on TV  watching as the whole event unfold.  It was a celebration of love… Kate was enigmatic and very charming and William looked every inch a prince.  Romantic!

The event also became an avenue for flamboyant display of hats of styles and sizes.  They say that special occasion in British society is not complete without hat .  They ladies looked stunning in their hats and there were some who stunned us!  But who am I to question their fashion sense?  I believed that they really prepared for that grand Royal Wedding and had chosen the best hat for the occasion.  For sure, they made  trial fitting  to check if it will look good on them and they have consulted the best hat designer in town.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie wore eye catching hats

hat (or boat) that complete the outfit!

hats in different color, shapes and sizes

Overall, it was the best hat show that day!  And to us who are not used to wear hat … let us die in envy….lol!

The handsome compensations and benefits we are receiving as overseas workers are undoubtedly good enough to tide us with our family expenditures and to top it all, we have the luxury to go for well planned vacation trips to our hearts desire.  We’ve been on our company’s payroll for more than 2 decades and we believe that we deserved to be rewarded for all our efforts and sacrifices. And the latest family bonding time that we had was an exciting and unforgettable Walt Disney tours!. We make it a point that whatever blessings that we are enjoying are to be shared to our extended families as well, so everytime we planned for private tours almost everybody are considered while we our doing our budget  for the trip. Last year, the “chosen ones” received free tickets and hotel accommodation sponsorship from us but with stern instructions that they need to provide their own pocket and shopping monies.

part of the group…. family bonding time

It was the biggest family group trip we had so far… 15 in all  (Mom, 2 sisters, 1 brod, 1 brother in law, 3 nieces, 2 nephews and my family of 5).  You could just imagine how hard to assemble them in one place and head counting should be done first so nobody will be “home alone”.  Our  main itinerary last Christmas holidays was the Disneyland park adventure and the children adored the place, untiringly going from one ride to another while we adults patiently kept guard.   We practically became their “baggers and hangers because everytime they sighted an interesting ride, they excitedly tossed their bags and hanged their heavy coats on us. Oh well, we don’t mind really as long as they are enjoying, besides I had to accompany my 76 years old mom on the bench too tired to walk any further but we too enjoyed seeing them from afar really having a real good time!

leap of joy

not to be outdone… jump shot adult style

The grand parade of Disney characters was a sight and the experience is to treasure forever!    Towards the end of the day, though Mom was kinda tired , it was surprising that she somewhat got energized when Goofy, Mickey and Minnie plus Winnie the Pooh emerged and we adults were among those who excitedly lined up for photo opportunity with them.  You bet.. Mom was obviously happy! (see her pic with Goofy below!)

feeling young again!

The grand fireworks displayed which we waited patiently wrapped up our Disney adventure.  Everything about Disney is magical! And we don’t have any second thoughts whatsoever of  coming back for another awesome  Walt Disney World Resort tour (with another set of family members, I guess).   It is really true that the moment may be temporary but the memories are forever!

awesome… magnificent.. magical fireworks display!

It inspires us more to work and earn and share our blessings.  This early, another Disney tour is on the planning board…

Exciting!!!

Yummy!  Yummy!  We are on food tripping again!   It is for the sake of new dining experience that every month (or after payday) we indulged in food treats.  And we chanced upon Buffalo’s Southwest Cafe and Restaurant.  I’ve been hearing about this place from a friend so when hubby and I got a chance, I readily set a date with other friends to meet up for a steak dinner.   I found it more like TGIF or Outback where we used to dine.  Pretty much the same ambiance with other steak houses we’ve been too.

The welcoming committee are waiters too accommodating to open the door and you will find this large buffalo head hanging on the wall.  Mr. Buffalo for sure has become a back ground for all photo opportunities of their customers.  Just like us, we hesitated for a while (they might call us photo addict and cheap)  but my children were not able to resist the urge to have their pictures taken with Mr. Buffalo behind.  After few shots, we took the easy way up – rode the narrow elevator to the second floor but for those who want to exercise a bit, they took the the stairs that led them to the dining area.  As usual, the over all interior of the restaurant connotes the Western type- cowboy.

Hello!  Mr. Buffalo!

Our overall impression?  We had our tummy filled with delectable menus.  We had finally experienced Buffalo and we all agreed it is one good reason to come back, say a breakfast or brunch because we were told that it opens at 9am and would cater for early risers.
So, are you with me in this food tripping?  Well, post more in my next entry….

dimmed lights on

we will be back for more…

Receiving party invitations  most often than not  makes me worrisome.  So seldom that upon receiving an invitation I would not be bothered.  Why is it so?    Bothered because I have to start rummaging again my closet on what proper attire to wear.   One thing that I first check on the card is the attire required.  If it’s strictly formal,that’s the time that I will begin to panic (exaggerated word huh),  because I have only a handful of  gowns and with the same circle of friends, I don’t want to use the same gown to another friend’s party.

Well, if that is my line of thinking… surely, my worrying will be endless considering almost every month we have party invitations.  Sometimes, due to lack of proper attire I have to turn down some.  Buying gowns is somehow a dilemma for me because my body type sometimes don’t conform to the standard US and EU sizes.  So, if I buy one, it will need repair and adjustment especially  the bust and length size.   I  have also considered having a gown customized but to my dismay, sometimes the couturier can’t get the exact style and design of gown I prefer.   Or even how professional or how good the seamstress is, the fabric really is very important in having a customized dress.  If you will just go for cheap fabrics, sometimes, the outcome is “run of the mill” dress.

Not everyone can afford a personal designer but it really depends on your budget.   Personal dress designer will see to it that the cut, pattern and color of the dress is to one’s satisfaction and it carries a label that command a high social status value.  Usually, it is mostly for the large segment of the rich because, you can be assured of dresses produced in fewer numbers (not mass produced) so there is slim chance of bumping into someone in the party with exactly the same dress you are wearing.   If it is  personal styled dress, you can expect an original and unique one but be ready to spend so much more.  I must say that only those that belong to the high profile names in the society can really afford to have a personal dress designer.   Yes.. true.. count me out….

Since, I can not spend afford to have someone design a dress for me for a particular event only, I would rather patronize our local seamstress.   Her long years of experience in customizing dresses commendable.   Just need to make sure to that the fabric I will give her will be A1 quality and not cheap if you really want something grand looking and will make you stand out from the crowd…. for your gorgeous and elegant gown not because people will talk about how cheap your gown is…  I hate the thought of it…

But be reminded that even how expensive and gorgeous your gown is, it is your posture and how you carry your outfit with confidence matters.   For sure, if I will have the proper party attire, it will give me a five star presence in the party…

Grand entrance huh! (just dreaming!)

taken in a JS prom but I am showing only the style of gown…ladies are too shy to reveal themselves in this pic.

can you spot the  RTW (Ready to Wear) from the Customized one?

My achy, achy feet!

We emceed a Farewell party of a couple friend who will be going home for good.  We have to be attentive with the runnings script and flow of the program….that hubby and I were so engrossed with the whole proceedings that we were on our toes the whole night.  Indeed, the affair was a success!  Everybody enjoyed but with mixed emotions… happy seeing old time friends and sad bidding someone goodbye.  Theres seemed to be no dry eye that night especially when Jun and Aida said their farewell message.  We’ve known the couple for several years now and we treasure their friendship so the program was a fitting tribute to them.

wearing a 3 inches heeled shoes

The program was well attended and went on smoothly.  We had a night of dancing, singing, video clips presentation, hosting and roasting the couple.   I enjoyed hosting along with my hubby but after the lights had been turn off and the guests had gone home, there was someone (something)  still crying… it’s was my tired and achy feet….

I gave my feet some sort of punishment… I wore 3 inches heeled shoes and the weight of my body rested on my feet the whole evening.  My toes (the little one) was the most battered.   This morning, I saw that a small “corn” had resulted from that battery…. lol. Anyway, I promise that I will give my feet much needed pampering tomorrow…. we will go to the beauty salon for foot scrub, pedicure and massage.

My feet deserved all of those services!

Office  is not all paperwork, we also have occasional  ”table topics” that is … food … food.. food galore.   Pictures posted here are  our favorite food that we commonly serve in office get together.  Last time, to honor a colleague who will be leaving us for good, we prepared wide choices of food for lunch.   You bet, we all enjoyed it!

Our office “party” (done during 1 hour break time) is a welcome respite from the monotonous work of typing, file, request memos, regular meetings, conferences and dealing most of all with toxic staff and colleagues.  Such a stressful  office life!.

I think food really comforts us,  so our running joke in the office holds true… we are all on SEE FOOD DIET… because whenever we SEE FOOD , WE EAT!

Biryani

Homous

Beef

chicken

Chinese rice noodles

spring rolls

siomai

These are some of our favorite dishes… Yummy!