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FOREVER IN ONE NIGHT

Published Wednesday, November 19, 2008 by XY | E-mail this post

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It was more like several nights really... With the 'rents visiting, the last couple of weeks passed by in a blur. Honestly, it did feel like I was babysitting them at the beginning, but just as quickly I realize that there is nothing I wouldn't do for my parents, or for my family for that matter. At then end of the day, I wanted them to have fun and enjoy, no matter that I hardly had any sleep, and I had to drive them around for hours and hours.


Some highlights:

Kanin Club - I brought them to this quaint little resto at Westgate. KC is famous for their crispy dinuguan (which I don't eat, crispy or not), but which my parents absolutely loved! As their name suggests, they also have several rice meals, and I tried the chorizo rice, my personal favorite (which I usually order in Dulcinea). The sinigang was perfect, as was their kare-kare. The binukadkad na tilapia looked very interesting and yummy, and reminded me of the deep-fried fish I used to order back when I was temporarily living in Costa Rica. Of course, we didn't go home without trying their turon, and it's just heavenly. I've taken a liking to turon since I joined the New Blue, and the KC version is absolutely delish, what with their ube and buko filling (and the ube ice cream if you order ala mode, which I suspect was also home-made).

Mojito Bar - I always thought Manila Bay sunsets are a sight never to be missed. But it's even made more perfect by sipping mojitos. That scene is almost as perfect as sitting in a lounge chair watching the sun change colors in Boracay. My parents had the virgin mojitos while I ordered my usual fave - mangojito. The reggae music in the background all but reinforced the beach feel. As the night fell, we just watched the scene at the bay, including the magic fountain which changes color in the night. Even the occasional saltwater smell didn't ruin that moment. Made me even look forward to going to Boracay this December with the family. 

Pampanga express - Well, I haven't driven to Pampanga in such a long time, but a visit there is never complete without visiting Clark, and checking out the duty free shops. I also never go home without bringing a jar of uraro, that powdery cookie which is cut like a flower, and which my nephew aptly calls, flower cookie :) I also discovered a pastry shop called Nathaniel's. We tried several of their products including cassava cake, puto pao, empanada, halaya, pastillas, and all of them were gooooood... Seriously.  I was also almost tempted to buy a parol, but I don't think I can add more clutter for my small space. Having my family over just made it seem even smaller. I lived in a house that fit a little more than a family of 8, and all I can say is, it's a good thing I'm not claustrophobic :)

Enchanted Kingdom - While I absolutely want to avoid going to the South at all costs, my parents had wanted to check out EK (potential "field trip" venue for their school kids). Well, the drive there was not fun. I expected the roads to have been better compared to a year and a half ago when I left the Old Blue. But if possible at all, SLEX has gotten worse. When we finally arrived at EK, the lines were miles long. Ugh. And to top that, I didn't have sleep that day, just coming from my shift, so I was definitely not in the mood to turn around and leave and be intimidated by the line. My nephews and nieces came along, so we rode the kiddie rides first. My parents specially enjoyed the 4D experience, and so did my 5yr old nephew. I don't think there's any other happiness that so mind-blowing to see the happiness of your parents and that of a child. We stayed for the fireworks and capped the night with a ride at the Ferris Wheel. The night view is just so awesome. I planned to take them to the greek taverna in Tagaytay that night, but I was just way too tired, and so were everybody else. I will have to leave that trip for the next time they come :) SLEX was much more peaceful on the way back, and we stopped at Pancake house for dinner. I tried their waffles for the 1st time, and I got a bit disappointed. Like the Starbucks waffles better. Speaking of Starbucks, I don't like their holiday offerings all that much.. Oh well, less calories for me then :)

Hairspray, Madagascar, Rihanna and CB - On Sunday, the 'rents went to watch Hairspray the musical, the kids watched Madagascar 2, while the adults watched Rihanna and CB. Well, the Fort certainly was the place to be that night. Even at 5PM, the traffic was already horrendous. The parking was a chore (I had to park in an unpaved area which nearly killed Sark). Good thing I live nearby so I got in and out of Fort pretty much unscathed. We definitely enjoyed the concert, and so did 70,000 more. If I was not going to Boracay and treating the whole family, I would have bought the platinum tickets, seriously. I settled for the gold tickets, which were not that bad. The concert was definitely more organized than Beyonce's concert, and they put the stage much higher. In terms of effects and production value, the Beyonce Experience was unparalleled, but CB's hotness is just way up there. It helps that I love all his songs - the club favorites, and even if David Archuleta almost ruined the song - With You is still one of the most romantic songs this year. It definitely felt like this I waited my whole life for that one night.. I was definitely bitin when CB ended his gig, even when he lip-synched through some of the songs. He just moves so well on stage and well, to say that everyone lusted over his bod that night could be the understatement of the year :) While I don't not like Rihanna, I just could not help but feel that CB really blew everyone away. Plus, the 40mins or so break in between kind of killed my buzz, even the fireworks did nothing to keep it. Then of course, my feet was just killing me by the time Rihanna took the stage. Still, Rihanna is a good performer, and Umbrella will always be the song that took the world by storm, and we will never understand why :)

Amici/Eng Bee Tin - Amici has become our favorite place to eat as a family. And Eng Bee Tin pastries will be the next pasalubong ng bayan :)

The 'rents have gone home to Cebu, and it's suddenly too quiet here at home. I like being by myself for the most part, but I can't help but miss the laughter and the banter as well...

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