PHolidays I- Back at HOME

Yes, it is true.I was in Philippines recently, from March 24 to April 05. I received quite a few messages asking if I was indeed in the Perlas ng Silangan soil. I think this is what happens when one kinda always posts  PH throwback photos of hers ,add to that the fact that it's only been 11 months since I flew and fulfill my RN contract in California.

Weeks prior to my departure(in CA), my subconscious mind was twirling with excitement already as I would have dreams of my homecoming in vivid scenes.My gastrointestinal system was as giddy as well it sped up my metabolism I lost weight.Ok, working on overtime hours played a part too.:)

This photo was taken by my Koyang Miller.

Me: Koya, bilis picturan mu naku kaibat post ku Instagram munta ku New York." 

Koya: "Michelle!!! Two seconds past-" O gumulut na ka, picturan da na ka!!!":)

On the day of my flight at LAX, local TV station reporters and police were visible in every corner as it was the time of bombings in Brussels,as expected there were stricter security measures in Tom Bradley airport. The 15-hour PAL ride proved to be long but I only had a few, interrupted hours of slumber. The red wine did not help. Luckily, the person next to me moved to a different seat I was able to lie fetal position. Naisip ko sana nasa business class ako  where passengers can sleep lying down. But the seat price- never mind!! :)

I arrived in NAIA Terminal 1 March 24 at 5:00 AM. The airport interiors was comparable to international standards. It was clean, orderly, no foul smell. I did not meet "garapal" personnel and no "bala" was implanted in my luggages. Good things are on its way in our country.

The NLEX turtle pace drive did not dampen my spirit, I was even looking forward to the mala-EDSA traffic in Sta.Ana. After 4 hours of travel, I got to see our humble abode and hug and kiss my beautiful MAMANG!!! Syempre tears of joy ang Mother!!!:)  She was informed days before my arrival that I would be coming home and she won't buy the idea coz each time she'd ask me on FaceTime to come home na, I will gently explain to her I have barely started in my new job.  I am fortunate to have an understanding clinic manager to allow me to celebrate Holy Week and Mom's natal day in PH. I love Holy Week, we were raised since childhood to attend all the church activities in our tiny town. I came to the Holy Thursday mass notwithstanding the jet lag. My body was sleepy as it was 2AM CA time. However, seeing familiar faces,listening to the rites spoken in our vernacular, sitting beside Mamang were more than enough to energise me. Parang surprised in a glad way naman mga tao na akita ako.:)

Maria Magdalena- Good Friday procession. 

My Buenaventura family who always makes me feel special.:) Thanks for the Chippys and Tortillos!!:)

With Ate Ana and Kong Jay.WE miss you Harry!!:) Holy Saturday vigil.

All of them are my inaanaks. Good choice, parents!:)

Sweet Koya Yanyan with Nia.

When we went to SM Sky Ranch, I asked Adrian," Adrian, nukarin ta mangan?" His thoughtful reply," Ikayu pu Ninang, kung nokarin kayu bisa." 

MY MOTHER HEN

How happy I was to see her, snuggle close to her again healthy and ever kikay!

I missed this quiet and quaint chapel of my university where I studied, played and worked. This was a silent witness to all my prayers, heart desires, tears and joys.  To say hello to former colleagues even for a limited time sealed my indebtedness to the place that paved the way to where my nursing profession is leading me now. How glad I was to know that our president is for Roxas and Robredo too. His candid answer to my query was, "Syempre Roxas, misip ka pa wari??"  Correct, Among!!:)

April 01-02 @ Fontana, Clark

Weekend staycation at Fontana,Clark.Cute ni Among Ching sa shades nya!!:)

Our ever cool Ate Lan!!! :)

Parang di naman ako umalis. :) I never felt a tiny bit of strangeness.

I miss these 3 girls. Tammy plays the role of an ATE to Nia and Nean pretty well. Leader of the troop!!:)

And the BEST PORMA award goes to Tita Beck!!

Aysussss! Aldub fanatics talaga!!:)

Bhanie and Amos-my inaanak.

Sana naman eh na-satisfy kayo sa mga lip balm nyo!!:)

"Cheers to Tita Mitzi!!"

With Ate Tonette, Jingle,Sha,Cleng and Mayet.LOL!!!

This is what happens when Tam asks for your phone and leave quietly- to take selfies. 

Innocent, pretty smile of Nean and Louie.

My MARRRssss!!! I appreciated their effort to see me despite their busy roles at home and work and last minute details of my schedule. It was even Mhen's first time to manoeuvre the wheel night time. The magical thing about our friendship is despite the irregularity of seeing one another, once we sit down, the laughter, loud voices (Jhers won't call us Wangling girls for nothing), livid tales flow spontaneously. There's a new ingredient on the platter- WOW- words of wisdom!!! We are aging, Marss!!:)

Osang, kapilan ing kasal???

Boodle fight dinner at Villa.

Arlette's despedida after a 2-day stay in Pampanga. :)

I always look at these photos on my phone and I can't help but giggle.

Kalantonggg!!!:)

Real friends are people you don't need to talk to every single day. I communicate with these sisters of mine only on Messenger on sporadic basis taking into consideration the time zone difference, busyness of work and trying not to miss them much. But when I came home, it was as if we had never stopped talking. From their Aldubs (girls, remember my reminder ha), JL and Bea, proposed "Balinese" trip, their children's achievements and suitors, domestic bliss and business plans.

Thank you for bringing me to new foodie joints in San Fernando.

 I am glad that in my lifetime, I have these people who join me in my weirdness, who choose to stay and let me be the quirky crazy Mitzi.:)

I am at an age where I ceased trying to please people. It is truly fine with me whether you like or hate me. I also realised it is less important to have tons of acquaintance, what matters is to have real friends.

Hello Tonit and Cha. Che misses you!!!

I continue to ask for Sta Ana and San Joaquin's intercession in all my petitions especially for my family's protection and since I migrated here in CA, for steady strength and courage for me to face the changes and challenges my new life serves me.

Old school favourite: soup on a bread bowl at French Baker  with Clara. Thank you Atche for EVERYTHING!:)

YOU are worth every penny, pagod and puyat. Seeing you in person, holding you in flesh, hearing your voice without FaceTime and Viber- priceless. Hearing your okray commentaries is an objective proof of your alertness especially so when you know the sum total of your $$$ birthday presents from our fam members.:)

Stay healthy Ma. I will continue to reward you with make-up kit provided you will exercise your arms 10x each day.

Minutes before I leave home again. I will see you again soon my Mother.

Back to SOCALand.


My 12-day stay in Philippines was short and fast. I was not able to accomplish all that was scribbled on my To Do and To Buy lists. Nathaniel's Buco pandan salad was halted because of severe sore throat that hit me.  Kaka-adjust ko pa lang sa jet lag, ay paalis na naman para ako. Nonetheless, I will not trade it for anything else. Looking back it was exactly all I hoped and wished for. 

• To laugh, eat and chat with my sweet, caring, inspiring genuine sisters/friends. Di man tayo nag-tequila.
• To hear mass at our parish, join the Holy Week activities (Stations of the Cross, visit to Sto. Entierro (and eat pansit with chokolateng batirol), Good Friday procession and chikahan with the most brilliant neurosurgeon.
• Savor Mayet's meals especially her asado. Utusan ng walang hinto si Kakay!!:) Simply just staying at home knowing these 2 and Mamang were only few feet away from me.
• To play and bond with the kids. Nia calling me Ninang, AC's giddiness in our Baguio trip. Tam, Nean, Louie and Paeng have grown taller, prettier and sweeter. The Villa teens remain to be stylish, gorgeous yet humble and respectful.
• See Arlette and Dion in Pampanga even for just 2 days. Yes we are always pressed for time.:)
• See Fr.Josel, Fr.Ramil and our Among Ching.
• TO SEE, HUG,KISS MY CORASING. SHARING MEALS WITH HER, HEARING HER VOICE, LYING BESIDE HER ON HER TINY "PAPAG" , WATCHING HER PRAY THE ROSARY AND RECITING HER SEVERAL NOVENAS- THE STRONGEST YET MOST GENTLE BALM TO SOOTHE AND CALM ALL THE TROUBLES AND UNCERTAINTIES.

Homesickness made its huge presence felt on my few days back in California. A few of our patients remarked that I seemed sad, off and quiet. They were used to their bubbly, cheerful nurse Michelle. As always, my angels and saints listened to my plea and helped me feel better. 

I am really lucky as in both sides of the globe, I have loving, supportive and caring families. My CA family was supportive from the beginning of my desire to come home and check on Mamang. 

I thank God for granting my heart's desire. Really, His Ways are far better than mine. No doubt about that.

Until next time, Pilipinas. Mahal kita.

Friends. Fun.Family.