Adventures in the Philippines Part II
My first trip to the Philippines in September of 2006 will go down as a life altering experience. It holds a very special place in my heart. I got to see first hand where I was born and where my parents grew up and lived for the majority of their life. I met family members I never knew, I learned a lot about my family's history and I got a first hand look at what my life would be like if it weren't for the blood sweat and tears my parents went through to get to the United States. My mind was so blown away by the experience that my entire thought process changed.
Fast forward two years and some change. I never dreamed I would make a return so soon. I bypassed going to Europe to make a return trip to the motherland. Last time I went, I was just with a couple friends. This time around, I went with my friend Mike's family - His parents, sister, 3 of his aunts and uncles along with 9 of his cousins. Quite the family affair indeed. I've known Mike since I was 12 and used to always hang out at his place. His parents in a way raised me almost as much as my parents did. I'm also a staple at his family parties so I knew all his aunts, uncles and cousins beforehand. It's not that my own family doesn't party, it's just that we don't party as much as his. Us Miranda's are quite the introverts.
Going with such a large family was quite unique. So many personalities to deal with and so many different opinions all around on the itinerary. I made a pledge to keep my lips sealed as I often have a way of voicing my displeasure (aka bitching) when things are not to my liking. I figured just rolling with the punches as they come along would be the best way to enjoy my trip. I'm glad I took this approach because I could tell Mikey's dad and uncle Phillip seemed a bit stressed when things were not going according to plan. Overall, things worked out for the best.
I found myself a bit more "Manila Savvy" but not savvy enough to take tricycles or jeepneys anywhere. I didn't have a personal driver this time around but getting around via Taxi was interesting. I found the newer model taxis were the ones that tried to rip me off the most. Luckily I kind of knew my way around Manila so when a wrong turn was being made or we were going the wrong direction, I'd let the driver know.
Hanging with Mikey, his sister Sheela and his cousins Mike and Matt was also a blast. I served as their official tour guide by default since I could
speak the language. I do feel bad for waking them up at "ungodly" hours during a vacation. I can't help it though - I'm a morning person. They were also the peeps I ate with the most at places like Dencio's, Max's, McDo, Barrio Fiesta, Seaside Grill, Tapaking, etc. We always seemed to eat breakfast at the same restaurant by the hotel - Pancake House. That place was pretty alright but I think we only ate there out of convenience. That is one thing I will never get tired of about the Philippines - the delicious food!
Most of the crazyness that went on during our trip also involved these 4. Mike Beltrano being hit on by Chicksilogs along with getting confused for a movie star. Matt and I going to some afterhours spot with these ladies we had just met and getting stuck in the middle of Makati with no taxi's in site at 6 in the morning. Sheela tripping on a tire by SaGuijo Bar when we were all piss drunk talking about nonsense. Mikey starting chants about my intentions with a certain someone at 3am in the hotel elevator when there were no other guests around. Good times I will relive again and again in my memories.
One of the most enjoyable parts of this trip was finally seeing Boracay. I had planned on it the first go around but those plans fizzled. The white sand was like walking on bisquick pancake mix. The papaya melon shakes were out of this world. The waves were calm and for someone that doesn't know how to swim, I enjoyed the ability to wade into the ocean farther than I can at any beach in Cali. ATVing up to mount Luho. The big ol koolaid smiles all of us had while singing the power wheels song in our heads. The only downside to this island paradise is the overdevelopment that seems to be going on. Besides that, I look forward to returning.
I don't think my 2nd trip to the Philippines would have been as enjoyable had I not gone with the Laxa's who treated me like one of their own. Mikey said it best - "With traveling, sometimes the perspective you gain AFTER the trip, is the true trip."
