Finding Peace in Cebu

This is probably one of the my best and most memorable vacations ever and it happened right here in our country. This is definitely a memorable first for us since this is the only time that we boarded a plane AS A FAMILY!  It was almost New Year back then, and my family just waited for me to come after work in the morning and we boarded the plane ASAP. No time to rest, no time to shower, or even eat a meal... We were all so excited to be headed to Cebu.

"Peace I give unto you" -- Taoist Temple, Cebu City
Finding Inner Peace in Cebu, 2009
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Well, this is us, visiting the beautiful Taoist Temple near downtown Cebu City. 'Beautiful' is such an understatement, actually. The temple was so breathtaking in the beauty of its structures, flowers, gardens, and fountains. I also loved the huge gong which reminded me of the big temples I only see in movies in distant China. I felt like a foreigner in my own country. The Philippines is known for it's beautiful natural tourist destinations but this one is man-made which really amazed me. I never would've believed that such a building that can be visited without a fee existed . I'm really just proud of it. I hope this picture gives it justice. I think everyone must have time to visit this temple even if you're a from a different religion or sect. My siblings and I sat there and felt contemplative and peaceful once we were inside. Here's a place where you can do some serious soul-searching. We've visited almost all the tourist spots in Cebu --  the Mactan shrine, Mountainview Top, Magellan's Cross, to name a few, but this wonderful building really has a place in my heart and will always be a place where I found a little bit more of serenity and happiness amidst the bustling city of Cebu.

Sincerely,
Flor

"Walang Day Off !" -- Mama

It's Mother's day again and unlike last year, ginawa kong memorable para kay mama kahit papano ang mother's day.

1. Binigyan ko sya ng Day Spa gift certificates. Maraming nagsasabi na ang gift certificates ay binibigay lang ng walang maisip na iregalo. Unimaginative daw kasi walang preparation na involved.. Pwes, ang mahal kaya no! It's the thought that counts naman. Natuwa sya sa mga massage, facial, etc na nakalagay sa mga certificate. At nakahinga ako ng malalim dahil natuwa rin sya dun sa "Diamond peel" service dun. Akala ko mao-offend sya.

2. Bumili rin kami ng cake [at ice cream] para sa tatlong espesyal na nanay sa family namin. Yan ay sa kadahilanang alam naman namin na hindi nila ito masyadong kakainin dahil sa hindi na pwede (diabetic, cholesterol, high blood). Ergo, sa amin mapupunta ang malaking bahagi ng cake at ice cream. (evil laugh)

Nababasa mo ba ang nakasulat sa cake? (base ito sa aktuwal na reaksyon ng mga kumain ng cake)

a. I O U (i owe you)
b. mukhang stick man
c. hindi kayang mabasa

3. Alam ko na iisipin nyo na ako ang pinakamasamang anak.. pero .. Sya pa rin ang nagligpit ng pinggan! wah sorry. Nagrereklamo pa naman sya na mabuti pa ang katulong, may day off.

***
Anyway, share ko din yung gift ng kaibigan ko sa mom nya.

Talong talo ang gift certs ko dito, bigtime!