Swimming with Dolphins in Subic

I spent the rest of the week attempting to work out but just being taken out by family to eat. ALL THE TIME. It’s a bit ridiculous how much food and rice they serve us here. But it was nice to spend time with family… & to think, I still haven’t seen all of them yet!!! I am primarily staying and spending a majority of time with my dad's side of the family. 

On Friday the 24^th, my Lawyer cousin, aunt and uncle went to this city called Subic to go do some ocean/tree top adventures. RJ and I swam with the dolphins (one of my bucket lists!). Then we watched this acrobat show where I was forced to mimic some dance moves and do the limbo in front of a bunch of people. Pretty embarrassing making me twerk like Miley. Then, we did some ziplining and did this thing called the tree drop, where they hang us flat 60 feet in the air and just drop us. It was tons of fun and pretty exciting.

BUCKET LIST #91: Swim with DOLPHINS! :)

International Weddings

My first week in the Philippines was full of weddings, like I had previously mentioned. It was really cool to witness a wedding & a 25th wedding anniversary within a week. I was invited to a 50th wedding anniversary last week but I was in Palawan so I wasn't able to attend. Both were so drastically different but pretty awesome nonetheless.

I arrived at the house and had an hour or two to prepare for Mayor Edwin and Janet’s 25^th Wedding Anniversary. My parents had prepped me to believe that this was an extravagant wedding and it sure was. The roads were blocked and school was cancelled for half a day to accommodate for guest parking at the church. I was astounded to see lines of people along the streets just to catch a glimpse of the magnificent event that was about to unfold.

I entered Saint Andrews, a rustic old exterior but a bejeweled altar stood tall inside. The backdrop bordered in gold and the church overflowing with flowers. This was the church where my parents and other family members got married.

As the guests settle into their seats and the entourage of notable congressman/woman and politicians make their way through the aisle, I realized that marriage isn’t just a relationship between two people. If done correctly, it’s a love that expands to everyone they meet - a shared gift for the family and community.  As everyone gathers for this renewal of their vows, it’s proof of celebration and commitment. Love inspires.

 

My cousin’s wedding was also pretty nice. Aside from the glamorous fireworks, lakeside villa, infinity pool and the likes, the best part of the weekend was during the wedding ceremony. As the doors open for the bride, I turn to see my cousin, Kuya Matt, shedding tears as he sees her walking down the aisle. It was a bit crazy to see because my cousin is a classy flirt and has dated some really sweet girls, as well as, socialites. Good for her to be able to get him to settle down. Haha, that isn’t an easy thing to do.