A week, an escape

An in-betweener while actually making my paper in one of my classes and keeping an eye on my sick dog. Usually happens, if you know me well. Mother says I’m too good at procrastinating, no argument on that issue. Guilty indeed.

Witnessing (not literally) my best friend flying to Manila and back more frequently than I can count, watching band gigs at venues I’ve only seen in photos and read about in band schedules having no idea when I’ll ever set foot on, going to art fairs I can only wish I could, eating out past midnight in food markets I just can’t help but drool, are only a few of the many stories I’ve enjoyed listening to with all the exhilaration I can feel in her voice. It has been almost a year since I went to the metro and spent a little less than three days, lesser than enough to explore its grandeur, both positive and the other.

Two weeks ago was yet another chance to visit the city (or cities, technically), a three-day visit turned to a week, just as unplanned as my presence. If not for my grades, I wouldn’t have bothered.

The first few days were intended for our educational tour/seminar in my Financial Management subject, started on a Sunday and ended on Tuesday, and brought me to Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Star City, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Ayala Land, Inc., and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

My best friend, Krissie, and I flying.

 

At Fort Santiago

At Star City. Paid for unlimited rides but only got to enter the 'haunted house' which had the shortest line. All the other good rides had lines I couldn't bear.

 

Realized what a waste it was to stay at Star City so we decided to head to Robinson's Magnolia and had some desserts from their ice cream house. Passed by Conti's and had a little cake.

At Ayala Land Inc. after a talk with Sir Leo, our resource person

Money Museum, BSP

 

Hi, Ejay! Nice meeting you for the first time!

 

Dinner mother, best friend, and  a few relatives at Kaya, a Korean restaurant in Glorrieta

On the last night of the supposed trip, mother called and made sudden changes. My stay had to be extended. I was a bit hesitant at first knowing that I had a requirement to finish for another class which was due on Saturday of the same week. But I also could not decline my uncle’s request to stay longer to maybe help a bit in babysitting my 3-year old FilAm cousin(whom I’ve just met) whose mother (my Aunt Cath, mother’s sister) is pregnant and is due this month. And so I did. I did it with clothes good for 3 days of use only (two sets of corporate/office attire and some extras I thought were of no use). I had to use all the available resources (borrowed a few from Aunt Cath’s and Krissie’s) to maximize everything. It wasn’t easy, but I managed.

 

Had to reward ourselves a little

Half day spent at Intramuros (again) to accompany my uncle for his visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration. Walked around and walked more, all the way to Rizal Park because we just felt like walking under the scorching heat.

Cousin Ejay who wanted to take a photo of his red nose. Such a photogenic kid.

 

Finally met my former colleagues in Phoenix Petroleum, The Fort office.

Getting lost in The Fort,BGC after some food tripping at Mercato Centrale night market

Slice!

Went to Omni Aviation at Clark, Pampanga for the Hot Air Balloon Festival

 

Bumped into our good friend, The Migel!

Getting a tan on our camp!

(obligatory MRT photo whilst applying lipstick on dahil walang tren o mrt sa Davao!)

 Headed back to Manila to watch the Pyromusical Competition in SM MOA (Taiwan VS Spain)

Laguna Fart

(the boarding house where my best friend is currently staying. Just left her baggage and went back to mnl)

Here's Tarsy, the Wow Magic Sing mascot who was actually walking around MOA while we (Ate Kai and Krissie) were looking for prospect pasalubong. Because of my weird love for mascots, I felt the impulse to hold his hand, I really did. I even told him to walk me around because I'll be heading back to Davao that afternoon which made him ignore the kids we passed by who wanted to hold him as well. Hahahaha sorry kids, I'm such a bully. He gave me a Tarsy pin and told me to like his page on facebook then bade goodbye.

With limited time and finances on hand, I hadn’t really had the chance to do all of the things I was always looking forward to do, nonetheless, I did have fun. But I’m more than thankful for the unexpected turn of events which gave me a chance to take a glimpse (literally) of Pampanga and Laguna like I just left my fart there. No regrets. I got to spend quality time with my relatives, friends, and my best friend (who by the way didn’t come home to Davao with me for this obvious reason: work), and of course, myself.

As for my next out of town trip? I really can’t tell. All I can do is wait, get a job, have some money, and of course, book a flight.