They had their procession with the images of Mama Mary during the Santacruzan and presentation of the candidates as well. Ryan's the oldest among the candidates but not the smallest hehe. Kakaawa lang kasi conscious na conscious sya during the parade.
As if we didn't have too much photos, we still had more at the airport waiting for our flight back to Manila.
Filipinos won't be happy with their tour without shopping. And Filipinos cannot go home from vacation without pasalubongs. We were hoping to bring coconut crab but it's not allowed to be brought out of Batanes. If you're craving for coconut crab, you better go to Batanes. That's how it goes. So we were able to buy native coin purse and key chains of old stone houses and the Ivatan costume.
Thank you Mom and Dad! Looking forward to many more years of happiness together.
Not all fairy tales has happy ending. Ours was about to end. Sadly, we have to bid good bye to the beautiful people of Batanes. Worse, back to work. Have to work hard once again for our next destination... Gota Village of Caramoan? or outside Philippines since it will be Mommy's and Daddy's 40th year? Watch out for it!
We first explored the east side of the island where we passed along a village of old stone houses. We went down at the start of the village and walked our way to the end. A lola even went out of her store just to look at Winter, who thought that he was a girl.
And of course, we would stop by a Church for a prayer of thanks. 90% of the population are Catholics.
We stopped by an ark to enjoy the view and have more photos taken.
Next stop was the old house selling the Ivatan costume used to protect them from the heat of the sun and rain. My mom bought one for girls. The lolas in the house just loves Winter. They all thought I have a baby girl with me.
We then had our lunch. Ang sarappp!!! Even the kids loves the fried kamote so yummy! We then headed to the west side of the island, on our way to the beach. But since we were scared to leave the island late and encounter bigger waves, we decided not to take a dip.
Winter, as usual, loves the water.
And just like our previous trips, we would have our family picture - complete or incomplete!
We encountered bigger waves on our wave back but with the medicine from the tourism, ride wasn't that tough. And the captain of the boat assured us not to be afraid for the boat will not topple down even if it was rocking left and right.
It was a 20-minute walk to the spring, up hill and down hill. Summer had no choice but to walk her way to the spring since I was already carrying Winter and Omar, due to his heart condition, cannot carry Summer to the spring.
We enjoyed the cool dip at the spring. We had it to ourselves. It was my first to swim with Winter. He had his first dip with my in-laws. He just loves the water.
Good thing on our way back, tide was low so we were able to walk along the shore - well, more of over the corals. Summer had her way this time, though. She asked one of the kuyas to carry her on her way back and they were so kind to accommodate her request.
We had sumptuous lunch at Muning's then went back to the hotel to rest. We had our dinner at Batanes Resort - a resort operated by the provincial government.
For our last day tomorrow, by hook or by crook, we have to see the island of Sabtang!
Then, we went to see the oldest house, built on 1887, with the lola inside - the granddaughter of the owner.
We try to visit a Church whenever we see a new place - a nice way of saying Thank you for bringing us there safe.
You'll be amazed with the Honesty Cafe. A teacher used to sell coffee and snacks for the fishermen and travellers from the other islands since her place is just by the pier. And since she's always out farming, she just leave the store open for everyone to get their needs. You just list your bought items in her notebook and drop your payment in the box. Yes, no sales lady. That's how honest they are. That's how good they are.
We stopped along the road to enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean or was it the South China Sea? Can't remember which side we were but both surrounds Batanes.
We passed by the Ruins of Songsong where stone houses were destroyed by a tidal wave. The family moved to Bukidnon after.
We passed by another Church with a little light house.
The Marlboro Country is just amazing!
We had dinner at Therese Coffee shop where we enjoyed Bataan's Coconut Crab. We were served lobster, lapulapu and Ibatan food. I ate all the aligi of one coconut crab. Unforgettable.
Tomorrow will be an early day for Sabtang Island.
It was an hour and a half flight to Batanes. The kids were manageable during the flight, thanks to the family for the help in amusing Winter when he was up. The airport was nice. We were fetched at the airport by Ryan from Fundacion Pacita.
We stayed at one of the best accommodations we've been to here in the Philippines. One thing nice of travelling on weekdays is having the whole place to yourself. We had beautiful rooms.
There were only 8 staff but we were very well served and they were all nice. There was even a time when Omar and I were taking a nap with Winter and Summer was at the kitchen chatting with the staff and they even gave her milk and fed her her Koko Krunch. You can just stay in there and relax and have fun even without a swimming pool or videoke.
Come and join us as I take you with us and tour Batanes.
Still no teeth.
Summer had 2 slices of pizzas with mojos and balat ng chicken. Winter had soup and had fun smiling at the camera while seated on his high chair.
Kuya and I would share and treat the family for breakfast. This year, we had breakfast at Pancake House along Katipunan Ave. 
Omar had the jumbo hamburger, I had the smoked bangus, Summer almost finished her 2pcs classic pancake, and Winter had mashed potatoes. Summer loved her breakfast! Sana araw-araw ganun.
And as promised to Ninang Jenny, here's our photo wearing our Chucks.
Happy anniversary Mommy and Daddy! Looking forward to celebrating next year's anniversary. Woohoo!!!! Excited!
Ang puti ni Winter, lalo akong umiitim sa kanya hahaha. Di kaya kami pagkamalang native sa pupuntahan namin?
Summer was scared at first, must be due to the loud noise. She would even tell me - 'Mama, sakit sa tenga noh?' She would join the 'bring me' games, whenever I could provide some items. She was busy doing her coloring book - a prize from the bring me game, when the game was the longest happy birthday greeting. She played this once before so I asked her if she wanted to play, she ignored me and kept on coloring. The first participant doesn't know how to speak yet so was asked to go down. Summer then left her table and went straight to the chair with the hosts, not minding the other kids lined up for the game, and participated! She did not win, though.
Time came when Jollibee went out to greet the celebrant, had picture taken with the guests, danced to the tune of 'Sabay sabay tayo', witnessed the blowing of the candle - and Summer was so scared. She would run by herself across the other side of the room and grab on somebody to hold on to, not minding if she knew the person or not. Until the end of the party, when she happily went to Jollibee, ang weird! Kaya nakahabol pa kami ng photo with Jollibee.
She was so happy and kept on saying how exciting the party was. Thanks Jane for the invite!
Safe food for Omar.
And we bought Strawberry Raspberry Cheesecake for dessert! Yummy!
Soup so good, desserts the best!
While I'm busy farm town with my facebook. Ay naku, so addicting!
Boys will be boys. They were so funny.
From USA - where my Ate is now staying with her family, a flower arrangement for my mom.
From France - the street name where I live with my family, a balloon bouquet.
From Canada - where Jenny is now staying, a Conti's Mango Bravo cake.
Kuya and I set everything up in the dining room as early as 6am. Mom was surprised daw, but I bet she's expecting gifts from us. Same way I expected the gift from Omar hehehe, mana mana lang yan.
That's globalization - receiving gifts from around the globe on your special day. Happy mother's day to us beautiful moms!
Sarap to wake up in the morning with a bouquet of flowers. Buti na lang I'm a mom hehe. Thank you Omar, Summer and Winter!
And will be staying here.
Sorry, can't find smaller images. I'm excited! And wishing for a nice weather.
Shy look (more of like a pa-cute)
And since he's teething for the longest time, he loves playing with his gum with his tongue.
Hope you enjoyed this season's look of Winter.
The babies watched him install and were so looking forward to riding it.
Winter loved it to bits!
It's good until 4years old so Ate Summer was able to enjoy the ride too.
Thank you Ninang Elvie for the instant playground!
Isn't that a nice way of teaching kids how to share? Fun is sharing.
Ate Nora took care of us when we were small. She is now a teacher in an island at Masbate teaching 3rd graders.
Until we installed the multi-media projector for a bigger view. We did not have the time to install the white screen anymore and made use of the empty wall. We set-up a speaker as well.
When I was confident enough that the live streaming will be successful, we started inviting other people to join us. Tita Eli and Tito Boy, the practicumers, and a couple of guests were able to join us.
Sulit ang $3.50 ko! The fight did not lag for long, just a couple of times but not enough to skip an important part of the game and a lot enjoyed watching the game.
Tita Eli arrived last week to attend his brother's wake at Pangasinan. She went to Malolos to see his brother-in-law, Tito Boy and they met at our place. They arrived just in time for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight so they were able to see it live with us.
