Trip Report 1: Philippines

I am so hopeful that the girls will remember this trip and all the beautiful details.  I certainly walked away with a huge amount of pride for the culture I married into.  We were surrounded with the laughter, open heartedness and generosity that defines Jerry's family for the last two weeks and it was wonderful.  The girls were able to meet aunts and uncles for the first time.  I could see the instantaneous bonds, the common threads of being a Villalobos/Biag.  Whether it was Jay (Lolo's niece) and her kind, quiet, artful eye or Tita Mila (Lola's sister) with her show-stopping antics, both girls could feel the connection.  We were certainly lucky to have Lolo and Lola host this entire trip.  I finally understood that mangoes from the Philippines are truly superior.  It was also such a treat getting to see my in-laws in their "home".  The trip started off with a 12 hour flight to Tokyo followed by a 4 hour flight to Manila, followed by a 45 minute trip to our hotel.  I'm fairly certain we went to sleep by 2 a.m. Manila time.  Up at 6 a.m. the next morning, quite proud that no one had succumbed to delirium.  After a quick introduction to breakfast Filipino style (longanisa, rice, fruit, assortment of dried fish...I may have opted out of the latter), we got in the bus below and drove ten hours to Lola's childhood home, Candon.  

Bus full of Candon reunion participants 

We were greeted by Tita Charing in Lola's childhood home. Roasted pig was the honored guest.

The degrees of Lola and her eight siblings hanging proudly on the wall.
Seeing the home, it's now easier to picture the mischief Lola got into as a child.

Dealing with 5 a.m. jet lag.  A quiet pool by moonlight.

Day 2 - We visit Vegan, a town just north of Candon.  A strong Spanish influence dominates the architecture.  We stop for an empanada lunch with a hot pepper infused vinegar sauce that won me over.

Her face may not read this...but Viv was a happy camper.

Tita Chering, Lynette, Ella, Jerry, Michael and Ian also approve.