Today, September 26, 2011, we celebrate our 2 years of our relationship. Today is a happy day for me. It’s a day of reminiscing good memories we had as a couple. I celebrate this day because this is my longest relationship. Finally, someone in this world was brave enough to fight for this love. And I am grateful for him, for coming in to my life. And today, I’d like to go back and reminisce all of our adventures which helped strengthen our relationship for the last two years.
Badian, Cebu. This is where we witnessed the beautiful Kawasan Falls (see this entry) and enjoyed the wonderful trek to the falls. And most especially the waterfall massage. Hubbee is a good swimmer so he enjoyed jumping and diving to the cold water. We were accompanied by our good friend Wee Dimalanta on this trip. This was also memorable for hubbee because he was struggling with his tooth ache, which brought us to the Town Health center to have his tooth extracted for P100.00. Haha!
Baguio, Benguet. This is where we celebrated our 1st year anniversary (see this entry). This is where we bought our anniversary ring. It was hubbee’s first time in Baguio too that’s why it’s another unforgettable adventure for him. With no itinerary, we just spent our vacation there by non stop walking and strolling and seeing the tourists spots. But the most relaxing part of that journey was the Coffee Time at Starbucks Camp John Hay, and the scary search of our way out from the camp during the night. It was memorable!!!
Bantayan Island, Cebu. Our memorable commute and journey to the northern part of Cebu. I think we took all types of transportation. We took a taxi, bus, ferry, multi cab and motorcycle to get there. That was an adventure! But the beach in Bantayan Island was just spectacular. And the privacy and intimacy of the island was really captivating. The owner of the resort helped us to experience the beauty of this island, and the restaurant staff who enjoyed my voice when I tried singing on their videoke machine. Haha!
Bolinao, Pangasinan. One of the best road trips we had last year. We were joined by our friends Chi Santos and Joy Tingson on this adventure in the province of Pangasinan. What’s memorable on this journey? It was the search for food while we were on the road as we were really hungry already and we can’t find a food to feed our hungry stomach (see this entry). That was classic. And of course, the wonderful Puerto Del Sol Resort and the White Beach of Bolinao. What’s memorable for hubbee too was the Mall Tour that Chi did for him on our way home. Haha!
Boracay, Aklan. We’ve been to this island twice already. The first trip was with our good friends Hazel Pobrero, Drey Lallo and Aldrin Isidro. It was a blast. We did so many activities and maximized the days we were there. The second trip was with my sister (see this entry), and where I celebrated my 30th birthday (see this entry). Friends flew in (Laarni Zamora, Ella Salvador and Al) to have a quick vacation and celebrate my birthday with me as well. We had a blast at Epic bar that night of celebration, and a sumptuous seafood meal at dampa.
Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental. This is where hubbee grew up. Though born in Cebu, this became his second home where he spent most of his life. When I finally went to Cagayan De Oro, our relationship became official. But it did not even become our first agenda. We immediately started our adventure the day I arrived (see this entry). We only became official on my second night in Cagayan De Oro. And this was happening while the thunder storm Ondoy was hitting Manila big time! The only good thing that the storm brought was our relationship was born.
Carmen, Bohol. This is where we visited the famous Chocolate Hills and the big phyton. This is where we discovered the fake chocolate hills background used for photo effects that has deceived me for years. Haha! But seriously, the view of the hills are just beautiful. Very unique. Only found in the Philippines. This tour was joined by our girl friends Michelle Paras, Monica Guce, Grace Consolacion, Bianca Barreto and Sara. It was hubbee’s first time to meet them and he enjoyed their company.
Cebu City, Cebu. We’ve been to Cebu City twice as well. On our first trip, we just checked out Ayala Mall, church visit at Basilica de Sto. Nino, and had buffet dinner at The Port in Waterfront Hotel since we don’t have much time. But on our second trip, we did the Sky Experience Adventure, visited the Taoist Temple, The Capitol and The Strip. Hubbee was more of looking forward to experience the Edge Coaster and finally, he has experienced it (see this entry). And of course, it won’t be complete without a buffet again at The Port.
Coron, Busuanga. Our Palawan adventure together with Drey Lallo and her son Asejia Lallo. This was dubbed as our “welcome summer” get away. And we were just in awe when we experienced the beautiful wonders of Coron. The highlight was our trip to Kayangan Lake. It’s just a beautiful lake and dubbed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. I enjoyed swimming there as it was really clear and clean. Hubbee and I really want to go back again in Coron sometime next year if time permits.
Dahilayan, Bukidnon. This was the official first adventure of macbee (see this entry). Hubbee brought me to this beautiful adventure park in Bukidnon and forced me to try out the zipline. I swear, it almost killed me but the experience was worth it. It was a pure fear factor for me, while he was enjoying all these thrills. But this became a test of a good future for us as we really enjoyed doing stuff like taking pictures and doing adventure rides. I fell in love with him at this point because I know it’s a good sign for a good start for us.
Intramuros, Manila. This is where we had our first couple shirt. And I think it was the first and the last. Haha. This was our first activity on the first day of the year 2010. Hubbee and I met our friends (Jze Guion, Francis Chua, Monica Guce, Michelle Paras, and Grace Consolacion). We had a photo walk and a food trip in Binondo, Manila. I think we have explored well the streets of Intramuros with tons of pictures as our proof. Haha! But the best part of me and hubbee, the delicious chinese delicacy we had for snack.
Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Highlight of this trip was our empanada food trip in Laoag and our movie watching of My Amnesia Girl in Robinsons Mall. Since we had a late flight, we only stayed in Laoag for one night. Then returned to do quick trip to several landmarks and museum. And since we still have a lot of time to kill before our return flight, we decided to watch a movie. And of course, eat to hubbee’s all time favorite fast food restaurant, KFC! We also liked our visit to the museum as it showed the rich culture of the Ilocos Region.
Lemery, Batangas. It was another unplanned road trip we’ve decided to do one saturday and we we’re accompanied by our good friends Hazel Pobrero and Aldrin Isidro, together with their son Uno. It’s not the beach that made this trip unforgettable. It was when Khenzo, my car, stopped in the middle of the road due to over heating. My first over heat experience and had no idea what to do. Haha! Good thing we stopped in front of a local store. It was unforgettable for me, who’s not well-trained with cars and what it can happen some times.
Loboc, Bohol. Aside from the nice experience in Carmen, Bohol, Loboc also gave us wonderful experience by having a close encounter with hubbee’s family members, the tarsiers. Haha! Just kidding. The cute little animals are just charming to watch, so small you can’t resist their cuteness. The Loboc Church was also nice, most especially inside as they have preserved the old beauty of the church. And of course, the highlight, the Loboc River Cruise. Good lunch buffet and good Loboc Kids Choir serenading the tourists.
Los Banos, Laguna. It was my team’s teambuilding held in Splash Mountain in Los Banos, Laguna. It’s a big group so it was a nice bonding time for my team but the additional points for me was, hubbee and my mom was there too. Also, one of my agents who’s from Los Banos (Yron Retuta) invited us to check out the Christmas decorations in U.P. Los Banos. So we went there and saw the giant christmas tree and the beautiful belen. Finally, hubbee saw the big and huge university in Laguna.
Mactan, Cebu. We really wanted to visit Mactan because we want to see the Lapu Lapu shrine. So when we had an opportunity, we booked a nice hotel (see this entry) and visited the famous landmark in Cebu, the shrine of Lapu Lapu. But the best part was the Be Resort. Such a beautiful boutique resort in Mactan where most of the luxurious resorts in Cebu are located. And special mention was our commute journey in finding this resort. But it was all worth of the adventure.
Moalboal, Cebu. It was time for us to check out the southern part of Cebu. On our last trip to Cebu this year, we visited Moalboal known for its diving spots. But our best spotted place was our resort, the Club Serena Resort. We enjoyed our accommodation, our food, and our total stay in that place (see this entry). We did not enjoy the beach that much but the time spent with hubbee in this place was of course the highlight of it. We always do things together and this is just one of the best times of our lives as a couple.
Nagcarlan, Laguna. This is another road trip adventure for macbee. But this time, it was my family who joined us together with a few relatives. In short, this was a family excursion. But it was our first time in Nagcarlan, Laguna, and going to Villa Martha was just another part of the adventure (see this entry). It was a series of discussion for me and hubbee on which resort we’ll go to since we checked out different resorts along the way but we ended at Villa Martha and it was all worth it.
Nasugbu, Batangas. We had several road trips together, usually when we don’t have anything planned for the weekend. And one time, we decided to check out this famous church in Nasugbu, Batangas. Calaruega Church just blew us away by its beauty and wonder (see this entry). That’s why on our second visit to Calaruega Church, we brought along my mom and my sister so they can experience the beauty that this place holds. And no wonder, the place did not fail us. I hope hubbee and I can just get married to this place. Just a wishful thinking. Haha!
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Our farthest northern adventure so far. We continuously seek best beaches in the Philippines and this was one of our agenda last year. And we were so happy to finally visit the famous Blue Lagoon and Saud Beach (see this entry) in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. But aside from the beaches, we also had a chance to visit the Patapat Viaduct and the Bangui Windmills. But the best part for us was the delicious food served in Kapuluan Vista Resort. Their Bagnet was just breath taking. Haha!
Panglao Island, Bohol. This island was not only known for the local filipinos but has been recognized by our tourists as one beautiful place. And when we finally had a chance to see its beauty, it was just simply amazing. We liked the beach, most especially during the morning when it was low tide. We had a great time there, took so many pictures and stayed at Lost Horizon Resort (see this entry). The resort is a perfect place for couples during the night as it serenades you with their fresh atmosphere with music background while having dinner.
Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Our first Valentine’s Day as a couple was spent at Manila Ocean Park (see this entry). Although it was not my first time there, I went back and brought hubbee to experience the giant aquarium housing aquatic life and mostly visited by kids and students from different schools. The best part of that trip was the fish spa where a lot of doctor fish cleaning all the dirt in your feet. It was very ticklish but once you get the hang of it, it will then become a relaxing experience.
San Pablo, Laguna. My aunt who took care of me when I was still a baby is from San Pablo, Laguna, and their house is just in front of Sampaloc Lake. That area is famous for the locals as they do their morning jogging there. So when we arrived, hubbee and I were so overwhelmed by many cute guys running around. Haha! Just kidding. That was not the highlight. So my cousins toured us around, we went to the park, had street food and took some pictures while killing time. We had this trip to San Pablo with my mom, sister and cousin.
Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Few places we’ve been to in Sta. Rosa, Laguna are Enchanted Kingdom, Paseo De Sta. Rosa and Nuvali. The visit to Enchanted Kingdom was with my friends and family. Hubbee’s first to the theme park. Visit to Paseo De Sta. Rosa and Nuvali are usually with family. Our favorite place is the koi area in Nuvali. We always buy food to feed the kois who are just so cute to watch while they fight for their lives in having pieces of fish food. Haha. Hubbee and I always enjoy going to this place.
Tagaytay, Cavite. Because of its close proximity, I can’t count how many times hubbee and I went to Tagaytay to either just hang out at Starbucks, dine in to many restaurants found there, or have picnik at Picnic Grove. Several friends have joined as well on our Tagaytay road trips and the place has always made it special for us. We never miss to stop by at the market to buy meat and fresh vegetables. But the most memorable amongst all our Tagaytay trips was when Khenzo stopped again, but this time, not because of over heating but due to clutch problem. Very memorable!
Tiaong, Quezon. We decided one weekend to visit another famous place found in the border of San Pablo, Laguna and Tiaong, Quezon. We checked out Villa Escudero and experienced the carabao ride going to the resort while being serenaded by their employees, the raft ride, the large collection of the Escuderos on their museum, the lunch at the falls while your feet is stepped on a running water, their sumptuous buffet lunch, and their cultural show during the afternoon.
Tunasan, Muntinlupa. Whenever we visit my mom in Laguna, SM Muntinlupa is our favorite hang out place because this is just close to our house. And a few monthary celebrations were held there, normally having dinner with my family. This is where we have our grocery sometimes, even our hair cut at Fix, or little shopping when there’s an extra money on our pocket. But the best monthsary celebration held there was on our Chapter IV. It was just a happy day for me and hubbee.
Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was a quick day trip for me and hubbee to Ilocos Sur because we want to see the famous Calle Crisologo. That visit became more memorable when Dingdong Dantes entered the store where hubbee and I were in. It was a star struck moment for hubbee (as always). Haha. We also visited the Baluarte where we had close encounter with the animals of Governor Chavit Singson (see this entry). Our first time to see a camel as well. We also visited the Hidden Garden and where we had our first taste of bagnet. Yummy!
To summarize macbee’s travel adventures for 2 years, we rode in a plane 6 times together, saw 6 airports in the Philippines, visited 12 churches and 10 beaches, experienced 4 thrilling adventure rides, did snorkeling 2 times, and been to 28 towns, 14 provinces, and 8 regions. If only our Northern Adventure was not canceled, we have additional places to add on to our list. On this new year that we have, we are excited to experience more places. Different places we’ve never been to.
Current line up are Oriental Mindoro, Cagayan De Oro, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. As they say, traveling is the best form to strengthen your relationship, to get away from the normal routine in your relationship, and get to know more of your partner. I am just blessed to have a partner who shares the same interest in traveling and photography.
On our 2nd year anniversary hubbee, I just want to let you know how much I love you and thank you for the great adventures we had and we will have soon. Thank you for being the best in all forms. For being the best travel buddy, my best friend on the road, my love of my life. I simply cannot ask for more. You are God’s gift to me. And I hope to share another wonderful year with you!
I love you so much hubbee and happy anniversary!!!
vonviajero 