It's a Family Affair

Tam:

I couldn't wait to travel back to my mother's province in Batangas to see her, celebrate her birthday and see my aunts, uncle and cousins again. The last time I was here was at least 10 years ago.

My cuz Darwin and Bryan picked us up from the hotel and it took about 3 hours in a van to Nasugbu. We heard it had been raining hard that night, but for the most part it was pleasant and relatively cool as we headed south. We passed beautiful views of the sea and mountains and volcano, through farmland and many many little sari sari shops and restaurants. Just as we approached the village we stopped off at a garden shop ( there were heaps of them on the side of the road) full of gorgeous tropical plants; there were orchids, roses, poinsettias, bamboo and many many others. We decided to buy some flowers for my mum and chose a rose bush and beautiful purple orchid. Thinking it would cost quite a bit, we got ready to pay and were delighted to hear that all up it only cost 250 pesos , we took it up to 300 which is the equivalent of $13! Crazy! Little did we know we were in for more bargain treats ahead....

Nasugbu had changed quite a bit in 10 years and the Macalalad property too was very different - three of the clan live in and around the main house plus tenants. Mum was really happy to see us and show us the house - it's really perfect, still a bit more work but really comfortable, spacious and simply elegant. After a tour of the house and greetings with my aunts, cousins and uncle we were starving so hopped back in the van to Jollibees a local fast food chain - I had fried chicken, gravy and a burger with fries ( another thing about this leg of the trip - we didn't go hungry!). A quick call back home to Dad to check on him and Cuzco - all good, mum was happy to speak to her husband after more than 2 weeks away.

The next day was my mum and her twin sister Jaine's
birthday - 72!! Hot hot hot! You sweat as soon as you finish in the shower! So what better place to be but in a mall ! We drove a couple of hours out to the huge SM mall for some shopping- lots of pressents for my mum and her sister , stuff for the house and some souvenirs for us. Mum did really well and was proudly wearing her new sandals when we left the next day.

We had a banquet meal for lunch at the famous Max 's restaurant and feasted on chicken, pork, curry, fried fish and salad and I even had some delish yam fries! The ube ice-cream was a treat too!

The outing was fun, I got to get to know Bryan's little girl Sam who is fluent in both English and Tagalog at 5 years old - she was really sweet and really well behaved too on the trip - which wAs pretty big for her as she is known for her tanties!

Although we were only about 3 days into the trip a girl needs a bit of pampering - so we ordered in a manicurist to come to the house for a bit of beautification - Man i and Pedi each (me, mum and Coxy - yes Coxy got one too! ) for $300 pesos again we tipped and paid an equivalent of $10 aussie! In total ! Crazy!

The next and final day was spent with mum running errands. So we decided to go "local" style and hailed a tricycle to get to the bank and market. How fun! Coxy on the back and mum and I in the tiny carriage - great way to travel!

We zipped down the road and did some chores. Whilst mum went to check out more furniture, Coxy and I decided to get a haircut. We chose a lovely little salon called Ruel Samonte and I walked away with the second best haircut ever ( the best ever was in India ). Feeling much better and looking the goods I parted with 300 pesos ($7.50) and treated Coxy and myself! I know! Crazy!!

I have to say our time in the Philippines has been really comfortable, thanks to my relatives and of course mum. I really treasured the time spent with her and the family and was happy to get to know some f my cousins who were so little when I was here last. I can't wait to come back again and check out more parts of the Pines and catch up with more family .... And maybe get another haircut!