just after i've received my approved visitor visa, i've planned the rest of my weekends around catching up with family, friends and everybody i'd miss when i leave. i didn't imagine i would be so busy i have to ask friends to make appointments to hang out with me!

familyit wasn't even easy working out when to have a family outing. though it had been a now-or-never plan, it turned out to be a nice way to spend lazy time together.




nanay enjoying a swim







tatay caught munching a yummy watermelon









rica - the official poster gurl








nice big bite for me





office mates

our office also organized a week long manila-tagaytay tour. i was very excited because i'd get to see tagaytay for the first time and before leaving. going to that place have always been a plan that never seems to happen.

tagaytay - finally!

L-R: ria, me, jenny, vhang, ellen

we also visited Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite. we stayed there during the first 2 days and 2 nights.




Cavite State University as seen from the top floor of their library








their farm site







this is their Ladislao N. Diwa Memorial Library and Museum

we also dropped by Senator Manny Villar's house





intramuros

- the old capital of Manila, a city within a city, protected by its walls

this is the rizal shrine... we're not allowed to take pictures but inside are the philippine's national hero's memorabilia, artworks, books, manuscripts. this is where he spent his last night. the famous Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell) is written on the floor of one of the rooms.



the fort santiago, once a spanish fortress, is part of the walled city of intramuros.

















jose rizal was imprisoned at the fort santiago before his execution in 1896.





shoe prints tracing rizal's steps to his execution











friends
lignon hill - where i hiked with my friends juvy and lems. a good way to prepare me for the many strolling (sometimes hopping and running) im going to do in christchurch








last minute preparation

had to prepare a special power of attorney for nanay so that she can sign and collect and do anything stipulated on my behalf.

had to weigh, replace, reweigh, reconsider, repack my bags and suitcase coz it was getting really heavy.

had to organize the things i will leave behind, file my paper stuff, clean my room and instruct nanay about other things.

had to catch up yet again with relatives in manila, do some last minute shopping for pasalubong and dodge an officemate's irritating call.

had to check that i have everything i need to pass through airport security.

had to transfer all my girlie liquid/gel things to the bag i'll check in coz of the new airport rules and regretted including my toothpaste there coz i wasn't able to brush my teeth at changi airport.

and... im on my way... if i've done everything i should have done or not, it's not in my power to worry about it anymore.