Up North

March 28-29,2016
Baguio City

We trooped to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, all 9 of us in a van one early Monday morning after Easter Sunday. We first heard mass at Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. Glory and praise to God for all His amazing deeds of selflessness for humankind. Visiting Mama Mary at this place of worship   is an ongoing practice among thousands of devotees, our family included. It is all about faith, hope and gratitude. On this mass, I simply thank God and Mama Mary for my PH holiday to be with my Momma and best friends, for allowing me to breathe non-California air and gingerly feel everything that shouts Pilipinas.I prayed that Mamang may remain to stay healthy, vibrant and kikay. I calmly asked God that He may continue to guide me in my journey of dreams, battles, triumphs and trials.

One of the best lessons Mamang taught me is to pray,pray,pray.

AC, Tita Beck, Mayet, Nia and Daisy.

Matchy matchy Michelle and Madam

Even before I left Philippines, Mamang already has a very structured daily routine. She rarely goes out of house, when prodded to go somewhere like the mall or dine in restaurants, her quick response would be, "Sawa na ku ken." I was glad that when I informed her about the Manaoag and Baguio trip,  she did not give me that line.

Strawberry taho: a must-try in Baguio.

Hay Ma, kawawa naman paa ni Tita Beck.:)

Nia and Ninang.

Living life in between these two flags.

Kay, bagay sa yo.:)

I miss you.

Old school thing to do: Horseback riding

Shy naman si Pony ko.

Salamat sa pag-aalaga ke Mamang.

I truly miss US- Mamang, me, and kayo.

Medyo payat ka dito, Kay!!!

At Manor in Camp John Hay where we stayed overnight.

I LOVE YOU, MA!!!

I know and accept that Mamang is more beautiful than me.:) She has fair smooth skin, clean,clear face with no blemishes. As I was holding her hands, she blurted out, "Ot megaspang ka ata gamat?" I explained to her that in my line of work as dialysis nurse, I wash hands 100x times in a day. She was enlightened but with a remark for me to make sure I try to keep my hands soft.:)

Friends forever!!

We are very grateful to have Mayet who does everything for Mom.

Tita Beck and Mamang.

There are two places I love to see in our country, Boracay and Baguio. I thought of going to the island of white and pristine sand and bring Mamang there but logistics and time were not on my side so I opted for the chilly northern city. Happy to see giddy AC as he told me, " Ninang, nung uni kala ko po dream lang eto, pero pag-open ko ng eyes ko, totoo po palang nasa Baguio na tayo."

There are several reasons why I am always excited to travel to Baguio- the pine trees, strawberries, Good Shepherd ube jam,and this- paying a visit at the most tranquil Pink Sisters convent. It was love at first sight when I heard them sing. Such angelic voice they have. When I come here, my prayers effortlessly come from my soul. Distractions and the loud noise of the outside vanish. 

I leave the chapel with a calm and thankful renewed faith. It is a blessing to have these religious women in pink pray ceaselessly for the nation and the whole world.

The Baguio trip may seem as a treat for Mamang and our company. In reality however, it is a reward for myself- the giddiness of AC, Kaka and Nia and to spend quiet time with these special people is priceless. 

Thankful.Hopeful. Peaceful.