Oct 17 2008
One Day Visit to Cebu City
Day 1 of our trip was the flight to Cebu City. Picture taking started at the Davao International Airport. When we finally boarded, Ace got hold of the Smile Magazine (Cebu Pacific’s official travel magazine). I was so busy taking photos of the clouds outside when he asked “is this Lance?” (referring to the photo in the mag) and I replied without looking at him “basta gwapo, si Lance na yun” (if handsome, that’s Lance). He is asking me because I am familiar with Lance Gokongwei, the CEO of Cebu Pacific and the only son of Mr. John Gokongwei, Jr. since he was URC’s president (my former employer). Ace insisted to take a look on the mag so I turned in his direction only to find out he was posing for a photo. I was using a long lens that time so it’s impossible to take a photo of him with the mag because he was seating next to me. Since he wanted me to take his photo (and no time to change the camera’s lens) he had to move back and I moved down from my seat just to take this photo. It’s not that sharp and I don’t wanna take another snap again so bear with this. That guy in Cebu Pacific Air shirt is Lance. The one I am talking to. I could say he’s really gorgeous as I have seen him in person.
When we landed in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, we hailed in 3 taxis because we have too many baggage. We are bringing with us 7 boxes of giveways in addition to our luggages. Hence, PILs in one taxi; I and Ace in another; Kuya Jun, Te Tere and CT on another. We went straight to South Terminal where they (PILs, BIL, SIL and CT) will take a bus going to Dumaguete City. After the bus left, I and Ace went to his Aunt’s place, had a breakfast while gabbing. Ace’ cousin’s wife gave birth so we decided to visit them at Cebu Doctors Hospital. Just before we left, Aunt Linda (Balong’s mom) called and asked us to drop by their apartment in Banawa to get something for Balong. We’re almost lost going there because the road we used to take in going to their place 7 years ago was closed. Hence, we took the road we are not too familiar with. Gladly, Ace has keen memory. He was able to direct the cab to our destination. We’re happy to see Aunt Linda again after so long. Ace used to stay with them before and we used to spend our vacant days in their apartment before, gabbing and eating. Oppss, we forgot to take Aunt Linda’s photo. After a few minutes, we walked under the rain going out of the subdivision as we are in a hurry. From Banawa, we went to Cebu Doctors Hospital to see Balong’s baby. It’s a cute little girl! She’s only 1-day old but she looks a month old already. Anyway, here’s Ace and the new dad, Balong carrying his sweet angel.
We didn’t stay for long at the hospital as we have another appointment. After Cebu Doctors, we went to Ayala Mall where we’ll meet Ninang Aida. She wasn’t able to attend our wedding last year as she’s having risky pregnancy that time. On the way, the rain poured so hard as if it won’t stop and I was like “d na tayo makapasyal” (we cannot go around the city now).
Inside the mall, Ninang Aida texted we’ll wait for her at Kenny Rogers. We need to take a quick lunch as she only have an hour to spend with us. When she arrived, we were all so ecstatic to see each other after 7 years. After updating themselves on the whereabouts of their friends in Silliman during their university years, picture taking time. Of course, we could not let this time pass without taking our photos.
The should-be quick lunch was extended because we have so many things to talk about….including our careers. Ninang Aida is in Human Resources so we share the same interest. But she wanted to be a fulltime mom to her kids, and wife to her husband and that desire was rekindled after she found out that I quit my job and chose to be at home. Anyway, I hope she will finally settle at home the soonest. She has to go back to work so we separated ways after more than an hour.
It’s still raining outside and our eyes would almost close because we haven’t slept the night before the trip so we went to Gaisano Metro’s supermarket to get some energy drink. After picking up what we needed, we accidentally met Mommy Chisil - a former colleague based in Cebu but she quit from the company a month ahead of me. Twas thrilling! I never thought I could see Mommy Chisil again. What a small world it is! We don’t care if taking pictures inside the supermarket is not allowed. Ace was only quick to take a snap of us.
The rain finally stopped and we hailed in the taxi to Taoist Temple. We’ve never been there before and we don’t know if it’s too far or not. What we just know is it’s somewhere in Lahug. On the way up there is a beautiful scenery. We didnt bring our tripod so all we got are our solo photos.
I am learning portrait photography and Ace loves to pose for me.LOL.
He finally found something to sit on. Actually that’s a kneeler….not a bench.
I love this one. My eyebugs aren’t too obvious.
The walk on the Great Wall of China….errr….a replica, actually.
After almost an hour at Taoist Temple, we went to the famous Magellan’s Shrine (Magellan’s Cross) in downtown area. At first, Ace slept in the cab while I wanted to doze off. But after minutes of fighting that sleepy bug, I gave in. All I could recall is we are passing by Mango Ave. and then the kind driver woke us up when we are already in our destination. We slept! The driver could have taken us around the city while we are asleep but he is so kind to drive us directly to Magellan’s Shrine. Only to find out, the driver is from Davao City.
Anyway, here’s Ace and the Magellan’s Cross in the background.
In the evening, we joined the couple’s devotional in Downtown Church where we used to worship 7 years ago. There we meet Ninong Joel and Ninang Maricor (the sweet couple in the center). Thanks to the steel cabinet, Ace was able to join us in the photo.LOL
That was a very long day for us. Thanks to the energy drink that kept us going though we really wanted to hit the bed. As soon as our backs touched the bed at Ace’ aunt’s place, we doze off and when we woke up, it’s already morning. Hence, we took a quick breakfast and off we went to South Terminal for the bus going to Liloan where we will take a fastcraft to Negros Oriental.
Opps, did I said so much? I hope I didn’t bore you. If not because my head is aching again, I won’t realize this is already long. My temperature is rising again so I need to rest for now. But before I’ll have my afternoon siesta, I will check where we could secure a health insurance quote. I’m sure my sister Carol need that one now.
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2 responses so far
Ang laki naman ng baby an ‘yan! Ilang pounds?
Post ka naman ng mga pics sa kasal…damihan mo ha!
carols last blog post..One wet week
hello cris, you are a good writer. may GOD use your gift/talent for HIS cause. have a blessed weekend. take care
mama Corie