After sharing our world travel plans with our kids, we asked them, if they had the choice, where would they wish to celebrate their birthdays? Without hesitation, Cruz said, "the Philippines"!
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Our baby boy is 10!
Cruz's big day began at 5am, with a las mananitas. In the Philippines, loved ones are serenaded at dawn (a tradition from the Spanish) on their birthdays. At 5am my uncle played the guitar while we all sang Filipino and English songs by candlelight and took turns dancing with the birthday boy. After we sang, we had cake and coffee. Parker experienced this on his birthday on our last visit. I love that they will both have wonderful memories of this sweet tradition.
His party was in the evening with family. My mom had ordered Cruz and Kaia's lechon party before we even left the states. We feasted on the crispy pork and all the Filipino sides. Of course, there was karaoke. Cruz is quite the entertainer and got the party going and kept it going. He is a Filipino for sure.
A few hours before the party, Kaia taught herself how to make balloon animals and balloon swords. It was a hit. The kids loved them and it kept them entertained. Cruz was thrilled and said she was the best sister ever.
Cruz is the happiest boy we know. He is loved by everyone who knows him. His smile lights every room he walks into and it is contagious. Everywhere he goes, he makes friends because he is so happy and genuine.
Whatever Cruz does, he tackles with great enthusiasm. He is curious and has an insanely active imagination. He loves superheroes, mystical characters and creatures, and is a natural storyteller. We love his adventurous spirit and his willingness to try new experiences. He is always eager to try new food and does not hesitate to try new activities: surfing, jumping off waterfalls/cliffs, all the things.
Happy birthday to the coolest 10-year-old we know! You are loved Cruzy Bear!
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The Philippines is much more than it's stunning 7,600+ islands: it's about family.
For 3.5 months, we got to be tourist and also got to experience the local life. The best of both worlds.
As tourists, we explored three very different islands: Siargao, Siquijor, and Palawan. We visited these islands for two weeks each. We surfed, snorkeled, swam, jumped off waterfalls, jumped off cliffs, kayaked, island hopped, motor biked around entire islands, and saw epic sunrises/sunsets.
More importantly, we got to spend precious time, two months, with family. It's the most important destination on our trip.
Once again, we stayed with my Aunt Eugene and Uncle Modesto. Like last time, they were amazing hosts and treated us like their own kids (and grandkids). We decided to stay for a while because it was important for us that our truly kids remember our time here. We got to settle into a homeschool routine and spent a lot of time reading, playing the guitar, and hanging out with cousins.
We saw and experience so much during our visit:
Kaia's belated 12th birthday celebration, the October Fiesta, parades, All Saints Day, Christmas caroling, Christmas Eve Mass, Christmas celebrations, las mananitas for Cruz's birthday, Cruz's 10th birthday party, and New Year's Eve/ New Year's Day celebrations and so much more. The immersion of the day-to-day routine with family and neighbors was fun and memorable.
The slower, unhurried pace of island life was easy to fall into. We got used to the chickens crowing at all hours, the karaoke blasting, and the frogs that croak endlessly during a rainstorm. We eventually adjusted to the stifling heat (Cruz didn't wear a shirt for months).
However, the tropics isn't without its challenges for non-natives. We battled skin infections, bug bites, and digestive issues. I contracted chikungunya, a viral disease spread by mosquitos (similar to dengue). We overcame each issue as it came. It's all part of traveling in the tropics and long-term travel.
Not surprisingly, we all gained a few (or more) kilos each during our visit. It was impossible for me to refuse all of the snacks and native dishes. Like true pinoys, my family kept us fed. All in all, between the fiestas and parties, we ate a total of twelve lechons. That's twelve whole roasted pigs! When I say it out loud and put it in writing, I finally realize how much pork we consumed: A LOT!
Parker and I are forever grateful for our time in the Philippines with our kids. Thank you to my mom, Aunt Eugene and Uncle Modesto, cousins, and the rest of my family for always welcoming us with open arms.
Daghang Salamat and Mahal ka namin!
We miss you already! 💜
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