Last May 18, we were off to our destination but my husband was not yet disclosing where we will go. I was totally clueless but when he drove the way going to UP Campus, I got an idea that we are going to Antipolo, Rizal. Ok, I knew it! (haha) We are staying overnight in one of the resorts in Antipolo. :) What a pleasant surprise! Since he just wanted it to be somewhere near, budget-friendly yet romantic, Overlook Resort is not a bad choice.
On our way to Overlook Resort, we saw directional signages leading to a Swiss Restaurant called Vieux Chalet. Curious about the food they serve, we agreed to visit the place. We were welcomed by the restaurant's homey atmosphere. It also boasts a romantic mood and gives an overlooking sight of the metro. We difinitely enjoyed our food while romantic songs were being played on the background. The cool climate ultimately completed the whole romantic feel.
It was a simple and memorable celebration; a celebration of love and togetherness. To us, being together as husband and wife for a year is already an achievement. But of course, we both knew that we will still battle tons of challenges ahead of us. As long as we will live with our promise ... "till death do us part", and with trust and faith with each other, we believe that we can make our marriage last.
On May 19, it will be our first wedding anniversary. My husband and I both took a day off from work for a simple celebration. Prior to that, we've had several plans but it ended up to going somewhere peaceful and relaxing yet a budget-friendly treat to ourselves. My husband was able to book a place somewhere near but he is not telling me where it is. Some sort of a surprise? Hmmm .... I wonder where he will take me and what surprises he has for me. Oh well, this is what I call spice of life -- colorful, bountiful, fruitful, exciting, adventurous and definitely fun! I can't wait for Monday :)
This year I truly enjoyed summer with my husband. After recovering from miscarriage, we purposely took advantage of the opportunity that we could travel a lot this year, explore the beautiful places of our very own Philippines. We started with Boracay, my husband's first time to set foot on the paradise island. It's my third time to be there but it turned out that he knows very well about the place. We've been to other beaches that boast their own charm. A short trek to Mt. Luho was a bit challenging to me but when we reached the summit, true as they say, it's all worth it!
Next in line was another visit to the beach in Bgy Pundaquit, San Antonio Zambales. I never knew there is such a hideaway somewhere in Zambales. The resort we stayed in was Punta de Uian, and we just loved our room -- a taste of nature in a minimalist orientation. The resort was the temporary home of the local Marimar. It was a serene place perfect for a much deserved relaxation. This trip was another challenge for me because I was obliged to do another trekking from one island to another, I went up a lighthouse via difficult stairways, and I rode on a small banca for 30 minutes from the resort to Capones Island. These experiences are all new to me. I never knew that I can survive all these new life-chaging experiences but I'm just glad I did. I guess that's one beauty that marriage brings to me -- discovering a new person in me because of my husband's influences. He was trying to let me go out of my comfort zone transforming me into the best person I can be.
We also conquered the roads of some towns of Laguna for the holy week Visita Iglesia, inhaled fresh air of Talisay Batangas, and satisfied our taste buds with fresh fruits and mouth-watering delicacies of Tagaytay.
Among all the travels we had, our trip to Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte has been ultimately the most challenging and memorable. Together with nine good friends, we were able to survive the life on a deserted island. It was an experience that really tested me -- physically and emotionally. I also consider it a humbling experience and made me reflect to be ever grateful for whatever I have now, most especially the comfortable life I live as well as the material possessions I have. Back to the basics as I call the life we lived in Calaguas Island. There, there's no electricity, no MWSS water, no comfortable bed so we slept on the sand, no soft comfy pillow, we took a bath from a well, no network coverage to use our cellphones, our night light only comes from the bright stars and lightning, our music comes from the chirping of birds, noise of hermit crabs, and the resounding whistle of cicadas.
Living a life of "back to basics" just for one day is an authentic source of great wisdom that my husband unveiled to me. The memories we had created in such wonderful island were etched in the fine sand of Calaguas beach symbolized by our hands.
Last May 18, we were off to our destination but my husband was not yet disclosing where we will go. I was totally clueless but when he drove the way going to UP Campus, I got an idea that we are going to Antipolo, Rizal. Ok, I knew it! (haha) We are staying overnight in one of the resorts in Antipolo. :) What a pleasant surprise! Since he just wanted it to be somewhere near, budget-friendly yet romantic, Overlook Resort is not a bad choice.
