Shangrila Sleepover



Spent Saturday and Sunday at Shangrila with my in-laws. Was hoping the kids and I could hitch a ride going to Mactan but decided to just drive all the way there for a good 45 minutes (including the unusual traffic near Gaisano Mall). While in the car, Jaymie and Kyle hit it off at once and enjoyed each other's company the whole time. Poor Matt who is at an awkward age couldn't seem to fit in with the little ones. As we got to the resort, we tried to catch the 4pm anticipated mass but barely made it to the Gospel (which is the most important part of Sunday Mass and should not be missed!). Then dinner followed courtesy of Tony, at Krua Thai, which by the way, served excellent food. Since we got to the resort late in the afternoon, the kids weren't able to take a swim. After dinner, Mary, Mymy and Lelen dropped by our room (which I shared with Eya and Jaymes) for some wine before calling it a day.



This morning, after a hearty buffet breakfast (and after successfully persuading the waiter that Matt is only 8 years old, thus, still qualified for the free breakfast buffet), we headed for the beach. The little ones and Matt had fun looking at the many schools of fish swimming around as Lelen's friend Bernard acted as their lifeguard cum kidsitter. Ah sweet freedom!...Tee hee! The water was cool and inviting and the weather was warm but I was contented to just wade and take in the fresh sea breeze.



At 1245, while the sun was at its hottest, lunch was a treat from Omid at the Paparazzi. The kids and I had a light meal consisting of fresh fruit juice, authentic Italian pizza, ravioli and some seafood. I would have eaten more but checked myself right away fearing the bulge and reminding myself that I was wearing my wrap-top and board shorts! *ahem-wink-nudge*





Senor Sto. Nino... the Prankster!



Mymy drove my car from the beach. By 530pm, we were racing to make it to the 600pm mass at St. Therese only to find out that we still missed the Gospel. *oh dear*. The next mass was at 715pm at the Redemptorist church, so we decided to drive thru McDonalds Lahug first for some nuggets. With a good 30 minutes before mass, we were well on our way. Jeepers! We almost didn't make it again when all of a sudden the cars in front of us froze in traffic!. Unanimously, we decided to park in the nearest spot we could find (at the same time praying that it wasn't a tow-away zone) and started hiking for about 100 meters. Finally, we were able to hear mass from start to finish.



Taking the wheel, I drove towards Mango avenue enroute to Crest for Erlinda's birthday dinner. Any called at 815pm worried why we haven't arrived. On the way, the streets were littered and traffic was still slow. Sinulog euphoria was still on as we saw band gigs here and there (explains why there was still traffic at 830pm). 5 minutes away from Crest, the light was green but we were again stalled for some reason. The cars were shifting to the right lane so I followed suit. True enough, a big dump truck about 7 cars ahead of us just conked out as if taunting us. As we went past it, it began to move. This time, I took my chances and sped up towards Crest.



What do I know? At Crest, parking was full. We were at the tail-end of the line but we didn't mind. Kids in tow, Mymy, Eya and I walked to the party venue. Ta-da! All eyes were fixed on us as we greeted and smiled apologetically. We hurriedly snuck to the most inconspicuous tables and prepared to get food. Anxious to get our fill, we lined up for another round of........ Krua Thai (same caterer, 2 dinners in a row!).



@--->--- Linnor