MY FIRST TRIP after 3 months operation

My first local trip after my 3 months post kidney transplant was last November 30, 2007. This was a previously arranged schedule with my family and with my physician consent. This place is dubbed as the Pilgrimage of the Northern Capital of the Philipines, a religious shrine with countless miracles, tales and healing powers. Our Lady of Shrine of Manaoag, located at Pangasinan

I have been here in many occasions like my birthdays, after my graduation, board exam etc......Today I'm here together with some members of the family for a thanksgiving mass. We attended mass at 10am in the morning. After the mass, we buy candles and offer prayers. I went to the cashier office for a special mass intention for myself and friend (a brother to me) who is also undergoing health ordeals. The mass will be celebrated the following day, Saturday coinciding with his complete physical and laboratory check up.

By 11:30am we already left the shrine and take our lunch. Our second destination is an overdue promise for my niece and nephews, a trip to City of Pines "The Summer Capital of the Philippines", Baguio . I called up my friend to arrange the place where we will stay. And since my "pamangkins" are first timers including mom and my sister in law (hehehe) I really felt their excitement on their faces. I just watched them and smile and try to relax for I have been here for so many times. We reached Baguio at around 2pm, and my friend came to fetch us and accomodate us in the condotel to rest and arangge our things for 20 minutes.

First place we visited is the Mines View Park: Instead of overlooking and site seeing (mom and sister in law) they enjoy shopping and looking for different kinds of souvenir items , pasalubongs and a like ....girl thing hehehe. My friend and I just keep on the following the kids and the oldies (hahaha!) as if were body guards.

Next stop: Wright Park horse back riding. In here my pamangkins together with their mom really enjoy it. I'm happy seeing them how I wish my older brother (their dad) is with them. My friend and I would like to try also riding but I cant bear the smell, and afraid it my affect my health condition, in my next visit probably.

Horse back riding activity finished almost 6pm and its really cold already but before we return to the condotel we dropped by at SM to have short window shopping. My friend and I separated and went to grocery to buy some foods. Line to the cashier grocery is very long, so I ask him to fall in line while i'm doing the shopping to save time hehehe! Then we buy also foods at Chowking for our dinner.

Its already a great day and time to rest, so will have more energy for the next day activity. My mom slept already, my friend and have some talks and watch the tv. Paul told my pamangkins that there's a lot tianggian at night near Burnham Park, and since our condotel is infront of the place, they went to an extended shopping to buy stuffs for their classmates, silvers , purses etc... They are really enjoying, very enthusiastic and energetic.... seems they dont feel the cold breeze outside.

Second Day: Burnham Park more of picture taking and boating experience.

(My nephew and niece)

(Mom and youngest nephew)

(Chit2 and my friend Paul)

(Paul - aka boatman)

(With my mom and pamankins)

(With mom, pamangkins and their mom)

(Mang Boy, Paul, my mom and pamankins)

Next stop Strawberry Farm at La trinidad Benquet, traffic is quite heavy and when we get there around 1030am, there's no much available strawberry for picking. I remember when I experienced picking strawbery, it was really exciting and fun. My niece got few shots instead to show her classmates. I would want them to experience what I had, anyway there will always be a next time.

We leave the place almost 11am, we let the kids and Mang Boy to go ahead at the hotel, while we headed to market to get some fresh veggies and buy foods for our lunch. We leave the condotel at 2pm and headed back to Manila.

It was indeed a tiring trip but I great experience for my family. My mind and heart seems so relax and at peace. Two things that I accomplished in this travel, Have shared thoughts and special prayer for a friend for his immediate recovery. Being with my pamankins and fullfilling my promise for them. The bonding experience with the family, seeing their faces full of joy with an extraordinary feeling and happiness.